With the retrograde of Uranus and Mercury close at hand, it's an excellent time to get your ducks in a row. Note: While getting your ducks in a row, avoid chasing them around and trying to entrap them or control them in any way. Instead, be like the mother duck. Start walking. The baby ducks will fall in line quite naturally behind you.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). One thing you can count on is that however good or bad a situation may be, it will change. You'll likely find that the impermanence of today's situation is what makes it remarkably beautiful.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You'll float in time today. "Nostalgia" describes a feeling for the past, altered from its original form. But what feeling for any time period other than the now moment is not altered in some way?

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). When you're seeking opportunity, you might stop and consider that life itself is an opportunity. So the seeking can end. On with the business of accepting what you see and following it to the next evolution.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You'll be taken to the next level of excitement. The one who is sensitive will notice how you're feeling and try to help you feel better. This is true even when you are already feeling joyful.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You are connected to your family, and they feel your feelings in some small way all the time. With the onus of emotion on you, you feel obligated to be happy.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You'll act on a whim. If it winds up fruitful, it was a good idea; if not, it will lead you back to where you were. Either way, you've progressed. Hard to see, perhaps, but you have.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Your responsibilities are many, and they are also few. It all depends on what you claim. You'll look at your scene with a judicious eye. Which responsibilities are really yours?

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You know what you know. Who else wants to know it? That is the question. You'll answer it. And you'll make money with the answer, too. How cool is that?

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Maybe you've heard that nature is stronger than man. Then again, isn't man a part of nature? You'll prove today that man is a mighty part, indeed, when you assert yourself against the forces of nature and win.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You know what you think is true, but others don't believe the same way. Instead of starting a debate, you will likely agree to disagree, which is the most civil, mature thing to do.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). When things are not going your way, you'll persist. Sitting back and waiting just isn't your style. Light nudges forward are often all it takes to start some momentum.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You've grown some protective boundaries, and it's good that you have them in place. You need a degree of security in order to do your important work. You'll feel safe enough to fully exert yourself.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (July 10). You'll get what you want because you're willing to sacrifice a bit of comfort and security to get it. Love and risk go together now through the end of August, an exciting time indeed. Connections you make in September lead you into a brave new world. The victories of your team are your victories, too, in December. January brings a windfall. Taurus and Virgo people adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 4, 3, 19, 2 and 29.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS: "My mom and I get along half of the time. We are both Geminis, and our birthdays are six days apart. Do you have any advice for how we might be able to get along more of the time? It's exhausting to have this ongoing conflict in my life. When I'm not actually fighting with her, I'm thinking about how mad she makes me!"

It's as though you and your mom are not two people, but four people. Furthermore, your inner twin can be a somewhat mischievous version of yourself, and your mom has the same internal dynamic. The term "evil twin" comes to mind. And while I'm not suggesting that you or your mother are ever actually evil, let's just say that when the "less angelic" twins emerge to greet each other, the conflict begins.

Try this bit of Gemini relationship magic: Before spending time with your mom, consciously invite the highest and best person inside of you to handle the interaction, and do the same for her. Simply say, "I invite my best self to this visit with my mom, and I invite the best in my mom, too." You'll be surprised how quickly your problems clear up.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: New mom Jessica Simpson was born when the sun and Mercury were both in nurturing Cancer, the sign associated with motherhood. Her moon and Venus in bright Gemini suggests a quick wit and intelligence. The people who once made fun of Simpson for not knowing what was in a can of tuna eat their words now that she's the No. 1 celebrity brand, generating a billion dollars in sales!

If you would like to write to Holiday Mathis, 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.