As Mercury enters Libra, the sign of partnership, we are reminded that communication is a two-way street. Feedback is requested and appreciated. Viewpoints are solicited, ideas weighed in on and relationships considered from all angles. Consider and listen to what others have to say today to maximize this balancing energy.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Wherever ideas come from, the gate must have been left open because there's a virtual stampede of them going through your head now. Not all of these ideas are good, but many are. Share!

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Though ideally you would make a purchase when you have the money and can really afford it, today you might be inclined to make a purchase that you cannot afford. And somehow it all works out anyway.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). A pauper can be distinguished from a king by the language and manner he chooses. Listen and watch the refined style of the "kings" in your world to pick up effective tips.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You're not given the best instructions in the world. You'll have to interpret them for your own purposes. Still, stick as closely as you can to the parts that make sense to you. You're being guided.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Every day you get to know yourself a little better. You're able to see your own behavior in an objective light and notice your motivation, too. Keep your sense of humor and you'll really be amused with yourself.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (AUGUST 28). The hard work pays off. It's your year to get the acknowledgement you deserve and have waited to enjoy. This involves a financial perk in September. Someone you meet in October helps you raise your energy level and you apply your vibrancy toward professional and personal goals. May brings an important win. Aquarius and Cancer adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 30, 15, 43, 20 and 17.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Money-saving attempts could turn out to be money wasters. It's well worth the expense to find the absolute best-quality solution for your problem. You're particularly lucky doing business with a Sagittarius.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Your alter ego comes out for some fun. Have you named this dashing part of your personality yet? Play around with a strong-sounding options. You're never too old for a new nickname.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You don't have to work at being thoughtful now. You're genuinely interested in others, which causes you to inquire about and consider their feelings. You get back a heap of gratitude.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). The impulses you follow this afternoon … well, your mother would be shocked! In the past some of your tangents have been expensive. Happily, today's ideas are either cheap or free.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). The water signs you know (that's Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces) have strong opinions about what you should do next. They may even treat you with a psychic premonition.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You've been with someone through a journey and the growth is more noticeable now. Speak up about how impressed you are. And know that your contribution has made a difference, too.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Your taste is right in line with what is pleasing to those around you. Plus, it's one of those rare days when people actually listen to and take advice. Prepare to be popular.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS: "I'm an Aquarius and there is this guy I like — a Taurus — and a couple of times in the past three months he would flirt with me and I would flirt back, but a couple of days later he won't be as "nice." We didn't do anything "naughty" and he won't talk to me so I can know him better, but by his actions I'm starting to see who he is. I'm wondering, should I stick around and see if he has a serious interest in me, or should I just forget about him?"

Taurus men are in touch with their primal instincts, if you haven't noticed. He communicates through body language and direct moves. Maybe he's sidled up to you at the copy machine, or casually grazed your hip with his hand. If you're up for making a serious ploy for his attention, he'll respond to the more obvious of your feminine wiles — the way you dress, the smell of your hair, etc. Scintillate his senses a little; entice him toward what's to come. That said, if after the "me Jane, you Tarzan" thing, he's still not playing nice, the interest isn't there — at least not for now.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Virgo Michael Jackson rose to the cream of the crop with hard work and talent. Through perfecting his craft he became one of the most admired artists in the industry. The King of Pop is now extremely controversial, but his body of work has remained irrefutably consummate. Thus, his artistic dignity is intact, which is important to Virgos. In 2009, he'll discover a new way to bring his art to the world.

Holiday Mathis is the author of "Rock Your Stars." If you would like to write to her, 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.

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