Mercury (aka "the minister of communication") slips into worldly, expansive Sagittarius, suggesting that the treasures of the world will go to smooth operators. A silver tongue is the tool to net gold and platinum results. It's a time to stretch the boundaries of your own language and learn how others get their messages across.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). This is a lucky day for selling, earning and investing. Your attention has a way of making things bigger and better. Whatever you focus consistently on will grow right before your eyes.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You're not the center of the solar system, but you may as well be as far as a certain someone is concerned. This person's thoughts will orbit nonstop around you today.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). What you want to do is possible. The only question is, are you willing to do what it takes to get there? Self-discipline is called for. So is an excellent action plan. How serious are you about this?

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Sure, you'd prefer not to fight for what you want. But if everything were just handed to you, you wouldn't be half the person you are today. It's not about the war; it's about the warrior.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Loyalty is a rare trait. It can be hard to find a friend who will behave and say the same things behind your back as he or she would to your face. You'll test your friendships today, and one will pass with flying colors.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You'll be drawn to those with interesting and exciting objectives and who have a tendency to put an upbeat spin on things. You need more friends like these!

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Once you find the answer to a question, two more questions will grow out of that answer. So don't expect resolution. Try to enjoy the mystery. There's something wonderful about it.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). If they're not listening, maybe it's a good thing. It's a chance to work on your presentation and communication skills. Improving these will have a positive impact on every aspect of your life.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Your friends are lucky because you support and promote those you believe in at every opportunity. Make sure that you also take advantage of opportunities for your own advancement.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You'll find a truthful source of information. Work all you can with this because it will give you a skill you didn't have before. Not only that, it will also make you wise.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You tend to want to fix things for the people you love, but this could set a precedent that will be exhausting to keep up in the future. Stand back. Is it really your responsibility? Could they really help themselves?

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). The novel circumstances and people you're around today will bring out a different side of you. Even those who know you well will find that there's much to learn.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Nov. 20). Your emotional intelligence is off the charts and your people skills will earn you fantastic experiences, friendships and romances. Next month feels like coming into your own. You'll take on a big, life-changing responsibility. January starts a physical makeover of either your home or your image. Virgo and Taurus adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 2, 19, 45, 28 and 11.

WEEKEND LOVE FORECAST: ARIES: Just when you think you've adapted to a person, that person changes. Stay flexible. TAURUS: The better you can communicate your desire the more likely it is to be met. GEMINI: You will get caught up in the enthusiasm of another person, so why not make sure you're around someone who is enthusiastic about you? CANCER: You say funny things; they laugh. What could be better? LEO: Size up your competition, and then assume that it is ten percent more substantial. VIRGO: Recently you sacrificed your wishes for the good of the team — appropriate at the time, but it doesn't have to be an ongoing trend. LIBRA: You'll be in a position of choice, so choose an avenue that leads to pleasure and success. SCORPIO: If you never got nervous you wouldn't know what was important to you. Embrace your nerves. SAGITTARIUS: If you're reluctant to ask for what you deserve you won't get it. Don't flinch. Be strong. CAPRICORN: This is not a good time to change your world for another person. Ask that person to join it instead. AQUARIUS: Prepare for encounters with the other person's family. PISCES: Look to the horizon of a relationship and talk about what's coming.

COUPLE OF THE WEEKEND: With the moon entering Aries and the sun entering Sagittarius this weekend, there will be sizzling hot excitement in relationships that involve these two fire signs. A love like this starts quickly and changes everything in its path. As long as there is fuel, it will burn. Common interests and responsibilities are the best fuel. Other kinds of fuel are far less positive: a common enemy, shared fears, need.

To write to Holiday Mathis, visit www.creators.com and click "Write the Author" on her page. You also may email Holiday at [email protected] or visit her website at HolidayMathis.com.