Mercury, the communication planet, is in opposition to Neptune, the planet of dreams, causing tension between our outer and inner worlds. Mental pictures are either the compass that helps us stay on track, or the distraction that disengages us from reality. Take in beauty so your inner vision can reflect it back to you when you need it most.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). You may feel like a magician who shouldn't reveal secrets because all of the other magicians would be adversely affected. But you're not a magician. And if you don't tell, the only one you'll be hurting is you.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You are never too young, too old or too broke to make a difference in someone's life. Start with you. Whatever your state, you'll be inspired to improve it. All it takes is one move.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Some people in your family have perfected the fine art of asking if you need help when the work is 99 percent finished. You'll forgive this and other rudeness because truly no harm is meant.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). If you are looking for validation from outside sources, you probably will find it, though it will be about as lasting as it is satisfying. The spiritual work you do will have more permanence.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). When people pay attention to you, count it as positive even if they don't give you quite the reaction you were looking for. It is better to be misinterpreted than ignored.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You don't always think of yourself as a creative person, which is strange considering that the way you put your life together is so obviously an artistic effort. Own your status as a destiny designer.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Morality is easily sorted out among people with similar beliefs, but if you introduce the topic in a religiously and socially diverse group, you should brace yourself for a fight.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). The cause that captures your curiosity and heart will soon capture your identity, as well. Your efforts in this regard will bring you so much fulfillment that this cause will change who you are.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You'll meet a situation you weren't expecting and find that nothing about it yields to your influence. The only thing you can change about this is your attitude — but that just may change everything!

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You only get one chance to get this day right, but when you're aware of the precious nature of the moment (not to mention the ambiguity of "right"), one chance is enough.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Since you're so secure, you don't have to tell everyone what you're worth. It's enough for you to quietly acknowledge to yourself that you're worth a lot.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Before you got hooked on a song, it would have been hard to explain how a person could ever get hooked on a song. Love is like that, too, and you're feeling it in a way that's pointless to explain to anyone who hasn't been there.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Sept. 2). There's no end to what you can do when you believe you can. This month brings the chance to compete. October is a team effort; don't forget original intentions or, more importantly, the reasons behind them. You'll sign a contract in November. January brings financial help. Friendly relationships develop into love in March. Pisces and Leo people adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 3, 14, 39, 1 and 28.

FORECAST FOR THE WEEK AHEAD: The early week processes two alignments weighing in on our interactions: the opposition of Mercury and Neptune and a square of Venus and Saturn. Imagination is a powerful party to our relationships. Unfortunately, what we imagine is happening is often different from what's actually occurring. Our mental images are strongly influenced by what we want to happen, what we fear will happen and what we believe about the world. We are constantly making assumptions about what the other person must be thinking and how the other person is likely to react — assumptions that can only be as accurate as the beliefs on which they are based. Getting together happily will require stripping away untrue beliefs. But how do you know which ones are untrue?

The answer is to put your beliefs to the test through inquiry. Let's say you hold the belief that you get tongue-tied around people you perceive as extremely attractive. Ask yourself, "Was there ever a time when I felt comfortable and fluent around a very attractive someone?" If you can answer "yes," then the belief proves false, and you can let it go. The Virgo sun challenges you to release 10 such limiting beliefs by the end of the week.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Salma Hayek, a.k.a. Kitty Softpaws of the movie "Puss in Boots," is a vivacious Virgo with Venus and Mars in the sign of the cat. Though her onscreen persona often utilizes these fiery Leo influences, the rest of Hayek's natal chart reveals a more practical, down-to-earth and hardworking nature. Look for Hayek among an all-star cast in the upcoming comedy "Grown Ups 2."

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.