Under the diligent Virgo moon, should you let them know how hard you've had to work to make something happen, or should you make it look like no sweat at all? It depends on who is on the receiving end. Inexperienced people need to be taught what goes into the process. Seasoned people appreciate a pro job with an attitude to match.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). You won't get any more than you can handle. Still, it would be nicer if the word "pleasantly" were inserted between "can" and "handle," yes? The way to add a little ease in your life is to say "no" a lot more than you currently do.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). These days, people claim to do things "in the interest of transparency" as if it's some kind of brag. But how much do you really want to know? You'll prefer a well-crafted story with a little mystery thrown in.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). The quiet observer may see the most, but there's also something to be said for the outspoken instigator who teases out a side of people that's been dying for the excuse to emerge.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You'll be pressured into liking what's popular. That's OK. Popularity may be as good a reason for liking something as any in that moment. Later tonight, though, have a you-to-you talk to figure out your true preferences.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). There are those who feel bullied by a loud voice, even when that voice isn't using bullying words. You're a socially savvy performer, though, so you'll dial in your volume and tone to match the vibes of your audience.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You're bringing your A-game. Each person you meet today has the potential to be, at the very least, a friendly part of your social landscape. Some could even become special to you.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Today's act of bravery won't take place on a battlefield; rather, it will happen inside your heart when you decide to be compassionate even though you've plenty of reasons not to be.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). When the energy bleeds out of the situation and you realize that the old way cannot go on, let this be your reinvention mantra: The phoenix wasn't born from an egg. Its mother was fire; its father was death himself.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Everything interesting has something slightly controversial tucked in its pocket. When things cease to be somewhat complex or subversive, they cease to get attention.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). From barbershop quartets to habanero peppers, one man's torture is another man's pleasure. You'll do your best work in a diverse group. You won't concern yourself too much with judging other people's proclivities.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Compromise gets a bad rap in the current culture of "dream big" and "don't settle," but think twice today before you pass up a good, solid arrangement in which both parties would be moderately satisfied.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You look forward and wonder whether you'll have a future that looks like today multiplied many times. If this were to be the case, what would you change about today to make it work?

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Sept. 18). From the top of the solar return, you'll do as one Puerto Rican proverb suggests and "break the leg of a bad habit." This will allow you to work faster, more smoothly and with more lucrative results. Your family gets bigger in October. November lights the passion fire. You'll travel for love in November and August. Cancer and Taurus adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 2, 18, 30, 17 and 39.

SCHOOL DAYS! THE ARIES STUDENT: The first sign of the zodiac is a natural-born lifelong learner, and the world is Aries' classroom — so much so that the actual classroom may seem somewhat confining for Aries. That's why when an Aries student is asked to name his or her favorite thing about school, the student will often answer, "Recess." Don't be fooled by this answer, though. Once Aries gets hooked into a subject, he or she will want to know everything about it. Aries does enjoy studying many topics at once, too, and prefers a school day that is filled with variety and movement. Aries is naturally athletic and competitive and will often excel in extracurricular sports.

THE TAURUS STUDENT: Learning is a hands-on experience for Taurus. This tactile student learns most when all senses are engaged. The real-life application of knowledge is extremely important to this earth sign; Taurus needs to see the usefulness in information, or else the bull will lose interest. Taurus has an exceptional talent for setting long-term educational and vocational goals and committing fully to every necessary step along the way to meet that aim.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Actor, comedian, television host and writer Aisha Tyler was born when the sun, Mercury and Mars were in detail-oriented, hardworking Virgo. Her having Venus, Jupiter and Neptune in Scorpio indicates that Tyler is intuitive and easily senses what is going on beneath the surface of things. This quality is as helpful to Tyler as an actress as it is to her as a player on the World Poker Tour.

To write to Holiday Mathis, visit www.creators.com/author/holiday-mathis and click "Contact."