As the Cancer moon releases into Leo, she wonders, Why does everyone like the Leo moon so? The Leo moon stimulates our joie de vivre, and that does feel good, doesn't it? Having shored up basic emotional and physical needs in Cancer, Leo gives us the freedom to express our authentic selves — and play.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Yes, it is a fine experience to have your talents touted with no prompting from you. But some days, like today, it seems no one is noticing. What you do to draw attention is fun for everyone.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Travelers and worldly types intrigue you with stories and knowledge. You are reminded that there are many places you have yet to see. But for now, you're still working on extending some roots.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You're creative, ambitious and ready to explore where those qualities will take you. It seems you can do any work as long as it's not the work you're supposed to be doing.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Just because you started something doesn't mean you should finish it. Re-assess this afternoon, and leave pride out of the equation. You're determining your future with these choices.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). When you move yourself forward, it's not only for you. It affects your whole group. Embrace your status as a shining example. Greatness can come of the slightest step up.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Nov. 28). You see the world differently than any other person. This year provides you the room you need to express your individual point of view. December brings new freedom. January is a financial boost — your work is better compensated than it has been. Ambitious career goals are doable in March. You could move in May. Aquarius and Leo adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 8, 18, 22, 37 and 15.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). The afternoon brings a swell of emotion. Someone who reminds you of yourself has the power to move you like no one else could, both in positive and negative ways.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Continue to be patient with an overly critical person. Your compassion heals. And if that critical person is inside you in the form of an unrelenting drive toward beauty and perfection, give it a rest for today.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Some mysteries are best left uninvestigated. When someone tells you, "You don't want to know," believe it. Run the other way, and take your curiosity with you.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You're around agreeable people now. Still, a person who agrees with every single thing you have to say is suspect. Encourage others to be truthful, even if it's not in accordance with your opinion.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Gentle and sweet winds blow through your life. Your warrior spirit is tamed. You want only to love and be loved. The rest suddenly seems as unimportant as it really is.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You take the problem that affects your group quite personally. You're inclined to speak up, ask questions and act. You won't regret what you did — only what you didn't do.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Everyone is trying to contribute to a project that you would rather do — or perhaps must do — alone. Too many opinions will stifle your creativity. Smile and say thanks, and then follow your own inner muse.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS: "I am being drawn to study the mystical arts, deepening my understanding of astrology, tarot and psychic ability, and I can't understand why it's so irresistible! Am I tapping into a higher calling, something else that I need to be doing with my life? Is magic the answer to finding true love? I was born Jan. 22, 1982, in Hayward, Calif."

You've been feeling enchanted, as if under a magical spell, right? That was Neptune in Aquarius passing over your Mercury. It's kind of like fairy dust being sprinkled all over your trip to the bookstore or being blown in the faces of the interesting people you meet. Neptune on Mercury suspends disbelief and replaces your rational mind with absolute fascination for a subject you had no idea you had any capacity for or interest in! Keep developing your psychic gifts and exploring the mystical arts — they're helping you connect with your inner world, offering you guidance in times of need. With your moon and Neptune joined in your birth chart, these spiritual-magical tools open you up to new expressions of yourself and new ways of being. Yet, they're second nature to you, really. Wait until Neptune's done transiting your Mercury to decide whether this is a life calling or if it's just for your personal development. Either way, the magic is real!

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Bette Midler isn't afraid to take up space. In fact, her largesse is a showstopper. Sagittarians ruling planet, Jupiter, is the biggest in the solar system — bigger than the sun! Natural performers, Sagittarians really know how to ham it up with stage presence. Even bigger things are around the corner for Bette in 2008.

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.