While people commonly disapprove of mixed messages, they'd be mighty bored in a world where everyone means what's said and says what's meant. You may as well enjoy the complex, subtle and nuanced communications of the day, as they will be the rule, not the exception, under this brief, terse arrangement of Venus and Mars.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Becoming you is a never-ending process. There's something you once would have thought of as a creative risk that now seems like a natural part of who you are. Acknowledge your growth.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). The irony is, now that you've stopped working for a favorable response, you've fallen into a state of extreme favor, to the extent that it almost seems you can do no wrong.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Would you believe some people find talking harder than physical work? Though you gravitate toward connection, community and conversation, you'll be dealing with people who don't. They'll be glad you came along.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You are feeling rather sure of yourself, and why shouldn't you be? You've put in the time, the practice and the professional hours, and you're about due for some serious payback.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You probably won't be able to shake the sneaking suspicion that a move in any direction will land you in a place that's better than where you currently stand. You're right. This isn't bad, but better is on the horizon.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). It's not what you know; it's when you say it. And keep in mind that for some bits of knowledge, the best time may very well be never. Anyway, you won't be sorry you used discretion.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). A place for everything and everything in its place may work for home organization or a desk drawer, but it doesn't work for your heart. Emotions are messy and sometimes defy compartmentalization.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You'll be the great mediator today, and your methods are pretty straightforward. You will ask good questions, listen carefully to the answers and get right to the crux of the problem. Then you sort it out.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Maturity, compassion, selflessness — they need no reward. These are transcendent ways of operating in the world, and you don't have to wear the behavior long to figure out that it's just who you are.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Just as core strength is a foundation of overall fitness, character strength is the base from which a good life is built. It's pretty simple to fortify your strength of character. Just do the right thing.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Feeling good will happen one list item at a time. So take out that long page of directives and start working it. You'll be amazed at how ticking off the smallest item can lift your spirit high.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). The recurring question has to do with what you owe your loved ones, your community and the world at large. It's actually the same thing on the small, personal scale as it is on the vast one.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Oct. 10). While a big beautiful life often happens by following through with conscious and deliberate intentions, there have also been times when you've overthought it and missed the mark. You'll be glad to know that an unusual number of happy accidents and boons of dumb luck will augment your fortunes this solar return. Gemini and Virgo adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 50, 30, 33, 7 and 16.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTION: "What do you have to say to a person who wants to get into the healing arts? I'm a Cancer and I would like to be able to help people, especially my parents who are elderly."

Cancer is a highly empathetic water sign, and healing is a natural extension of your gift. You've a rainbow of options, including the traditional directions of pursuing a medical degree, learning physical therapy or dealing in the emotional and mental realms. I'm sure you're aware that there are many types of energy work focused on healing, too. Reiki healing has to do with clearing and balancing the energy centers. Faith healing brings in the energy of a higher power. Acupuncture and herbal medicine are also options. The effectiveness of these less traditional methods may have more to do with the beliefs of the healer and the patient. No one can tell you which way is best for you. It's something you feel in your heart; the method resonates with you. Also, don't discount the power of your love. Sometimes the best healers are the ones who simply bring chicken soup and sit bedside with a comforting smile.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: The director Ed Wood Jr. made an unforgettable mark on the film industry, even though the critics largely regarded his films as models of awful filmmaking. Libra's joyous artistic spirit was alive in his main creative aim — to make people happy, regardless of the resources or talent available to him to do so. So impactful were his efforts, he's revered in a religion, The Church of Ed Wood.

Write Holiday Mathis at [email protected].