As earthlings, we know where our North Pole is. Hey, we're lucky! Over on Uranus, a wobbly axis and strange rotation makes it hard for Uranians to know for sure which is north and south. It's the nature of Uranus, to defy definition. As the planet of progress turns retrograde today, questions of freedom versus convention are articulated.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Practice can be monotonous, tiring and even painful. And it's what separates the amateur from the master. You want to be masterful, and so you're willing to do what it takes, and with the right attitude.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Have your achievements been nothing but a stroke of luck? That's the kind of doubting notion that stems from an insecure part of you. Defy such thoughts to grow that part of your psyche that feels deserving.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You're inspired to put longstanding grievances aside as you work to strengthen a relationship. You now focus on what went right in the past and what can go right in the future.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Looking around, you notice immediately what needs fixing. You can't do it all, but you are the ideal person to tackle a few of these improvements. And some of them can be handled in a snap.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Wondering and assuming the worst puts unnecessary negativity into relationships. It's better to find out for sure what you're dealing with by asking pointed questions and then being willing to hear the answers.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (JUNE 26). Fate proves to be a thoughtful friend, bringing you surprise gifts throughout the entire year. The ones you receive in July and November are especially nice. There's a romantic theme through the summer, but you're more intoxicated with your work happenings in the fall. Aquarius and Capricorn are lucky partners for both love and business. Your lucky numbers are: 45, 31, 12, 10 and 18.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Arguments abound. There are 10 sides to every story and very little agreement from one version to the next. Only negotiate with those who have something to gain by giving you what you want.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Observant people are attractive people. You are so interested in what others are all about that you may not even notice how interested they are in you. Human connection elevates your mood.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You have the energy and drive needed to recreate yourself. Banish the bad habit that is blocking your potential. Rewards for your self-improvement efforts may include rapturous love.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Maybe the tasks before you are a bit on the repetitive side. However, your work is creative because your approach is creative. In everything you do, you are telling the story of who you are.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Your internal coping mechanism is getting a workout. If you're feeling sore, at least you can take solace in the knowledge that this is good for you. Tomorrow you'll operate better for the training.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You might feel like you need the pat on the back from others, but you really need it from yourself. Private acknowledgements in your journal or mirror will do much more for your spirit than anything other people can tell you.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You see a clear way to take revenge on someone who wronged you. Of course, the best revenge is always to be so fabulously over the whole thing that you couldn't care less.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS: "I've been in a six-month relationship with a Sagittarius born in 1965. Throughout this relationship he's sent mixed messages. One day he wants to look for rings and get married, the next he freaks out and says he wants to be a bachelor forever. I'm tired of all this back and forth."

Buckle up. He's having a midlife crisis. Everyone aged 40-42 experiences this. They're real needs. The themes are: throwing off the restrictions of the past, attempting all those things they've wanted to do all their life but haven't, and reclaiming their individuality. Essentially he is halfway through the human life cycle, and wants to get on with the business of being "me". The Uranus opposition explains why some men get new sports cars, become consumed by a hobby, dramatically switch lifestyles or jobs, begin dating younger women — or all simultaneously! Likewise, this can be very hard on relationships, when one partner's growth rapidly outpaces the other. So yes, he's about as reliable as a cloudy day in winter, but now you know what's going on. I say, if you love him, apply no pressure (he may pop). By next spring he'll know which way is up.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: John Cusack is said to be fiercely protective of his personal life — probably because he wants a personal life. Go figure. He's a Cancer. Many members of this sign will protect and defend their right for privacy, because there's something precious here worth protecting — mainly, their equilibrium and sanity. Down time with friends, families and partners does wonders for recharging Cancerian batteries.

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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