Since giant Jupiter went on a diet in lean Capricorn, he's tightened belts and wallets. We're no longer a super-size-me nation. Edifying for this planet of excess, earthly necessities trump superfluous wishes. However, today's Mercury/Jupiter aspect doesn't keep us from exploring ways to squeeze more out of what we already have.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). If you still haven't found that perfect listener who is riveted by your every word, do not despair. Listeners like that are easier to come by next week. In the meantime, keep working on your presentation.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Though you will have a few unexpected responsibilities, they are small compared to what you've been handling lately. You're entering a cycle in which the world doesn't need you to save it. What a relief!

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Your self-esteem shows in all you do. It behooves you to ask more of people — they'll think better of you when you do. Requests that you think of as out-of-line are not at all.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Why is it that the truth just doesn't feel honest? Perhaps this scene is much larger than can be accurately explained from one point of view. Whatever your quandary is, getting a wider variety of opinions helps.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You're so fortunate. The thing you need is there for you in abundance. Remember to celebrate that before you progress to wondering what else you need. Were you thinking too small?

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (JULY 19). This year highlights your broad appeal and animal magnetism. You're hot! Through the next 10 weeks, trivial matters lead to more substantial and lucrative work, so don't be afraid to amuse yourself with seemingly frivolous distractions. Following your interests will also add new characters to your personal life. Leo and Scorpio adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 20, 52, 4, 30 and 7.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You're showing up for life, and it's not necessary to do much extra. Just being where you're supposed to be is work enough. So settle in, get comfortable and make yourself at home.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). It's like the stars have procured for you a magic cream to take away that persistent irritation. Relationship issues clear — suddenly the other person changes for the better. Your mood brightens.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You make a difference — the kind of difference that lives past this lifetime. You're emanating a love so powerful it can stretch to the far reaches of the universe and into eternity.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Back from one of your grand adventures, real life seems challenging. The routine that used to be fitting now seems terribly out of step with who you've become. Be patient. Don't make changes. Give it a few days.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Whatever it is, you can handle it. You just need the right tools. Prickly emotions require heavier gloves. Delicate feelings need the soft kid mitts. Keep your cool as you choose the appropriate solutions.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Work on your communication skills. Strive to deliver the most precise, specific and toned message you can create. You're defining your own character with your interaction.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Once you see what's needed to make things work, you quickly transform from complainer to doer. You're effective, too. Your shining results will inspire others to close the mouth and get productive.

GETTING TO KNOW THE ASTEROID GODDESSES: Appropriately, the fourth asteroid Goddess to be discovered, Vesta, is linked with light and fire of the sacred flame — she's also the only asteroid that can be seen by the naked eye. This heavenly merit was surely karmically earned. Child of Saturn (who, in a twisted plot, swallowed his children to remain omnipotent), Vesta, imprisoned in his dark belly, was the last of the Olympians to be born. That extra time spent in the belly of Saturn gave her qualities of deep introspection, unshakeable focus and devotion to the spiritual side of life. In ancient Rome, Vesta appeared as the vestal virgin(s): young girls plucked from the best families, sworn to chastity, who presided over contracts and tended altar flames at temple shrines. If her chastity lapsed or the sacred flame burnt out, the virgins were publicly humiliated — similar to the shaming punishment women in some countries still receive today. The pre-Hellenic times, however, proved far happier for Vesta; sexually and spiritually self-possessed, no institution or individual controlled her. Allied with the signs Virgo and Scorpio, her flame burns brightly in individuals with focus, devotion and ability to sacrifice some aspect of her life (family, children, sexuality) for spiritual integration.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: No longer an octogenarian, Nelson Mandela celebrates his 90th birthday. Now he's a nonagenarian! With the sun, Jupiter and Pluto in Cancer, Nelson's life is inextricably intertwined into exposing the shadow side of his culture and country. Now he and a group of world-wise leaders called The Elders continue doing so on a global level.

Holiday Mathis is the author of "Rock Your Stars." If you would like to write to her, please go to www.creators.com and click on "Write the Author" on the Holiday Mathis page, or you may send her a postcard in the mail. To find out more about Holiday Mathis and read her past columns, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.