Happy birthday, America! A Cancer sun sign nation, the American national "spirit" is unequivocally sentimental and patriotic. Today's Leo moon ups the celebratory vibe and doesn't fall short on pride and loyalty, either. Folks wear their hearts on their sleeves today as loyalty and love combine to show off our steadfast nation from her best angle.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Sleep, eat and be merry. It's nothing to feel guilty about. It's part of your success formula. Every human endeavor requires adequate recovery time. This is how you'll keep going.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Again you're focused on the flaw, which is not necessarily a negative focus. You're ready to see the magnificence in imperfection and appreciate how it offsets the smooth finish. The flaw becomes your favorite part.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Your support group may or may not be a formally structured meeting of people, but it will provide a definite and systematic uplift of your spirit. Commune with others and let them help you.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You can be emotionally tough or extremely tender. Your frustration is in not knowing how life is going to affect you. Just know that whatever reaction you have, it's not wrong. Accept yourself.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Your thoughtfulness overrides financial considerations. It's the care (not the money) you put into making others happy that keeps everyone smiling. The one with the biggest smile is you.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (JULY 4). Don't be shy — this is your year to shine. You'll be recognized for your good works, your creativity and your humanity. You're accepted into a club or school in August. Passions soar in December. You'll be learning what will launch you into better financial straits by January. Keep working your plan. Virgo and Sagittarius adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 30, 18, 43, 39 and 1.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You're in for a long day and a late night — it's nothing but fun all the way. Your revelry is the perfect punctuation mark to what has been an incredibly productive (in its own way) week.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Your role as a life coach kicks in, and you're fielding questions from several different people. You listen, you advise, you listen some more. But it's your example that teaches the most.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You may be kicking back with family, but your mind is whirling around a fabulous idea. The ones who say it can't be done are at least as right as the ones who say it can. So just choose a side and stick to it.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Following the old "when in Rome…" adage, you wind up in unexpected places. It's creative for you to go with the flow. Everything that comes to you now is a function of the tribe you join.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Though you'd like to think of yourself as an efficient, lean, mean machine, the truth of the matter is that you're an organic being who needs nurturing, just like anything that grows. Go easy.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Is life arbitrary and fate capricious? Or is this a part of a grand design that you're just not seeing? Lead with the wise part of your heart that knows that it's all coming together beautifully.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Someone must always be manning the boat, and you feel that it should be you. Consider delegating a little more today though, trading duties so that everyone can have a good time.

WEEKEND LOVE FORECAST: ARIES: It's hard to keep a developing attraction a secret any longer. TAURUS: Don't allow your loyalty to others obscure your instinct for knowing what's right for you. GEMINI: The winds of change blow unexpected opportunities for socializing and play into your relationship. CANCER: At a moment's notice, you drop everything to go where your heart is called. LEO: A conversation among friends reveals all the shocking details. And they're far juicier and more entertaining than you'd thought possible. VIRGO: A connection nurtures you. The people who matter most remind you what matters most. LIBRA: Eliminate notions over what it is you think you want, and you realize all you really need is in front of you. SCORPIO: The originality and intelligence you admire in another are the qualities they're attracted to in you. SAGITTARIUS: You're awakening to interesting facets of your relationship, opening new paths for intimacy. CAPRICORN: When a loved one knows it will make you happy, good news travels fast. AQUARIUS: It only looks like the ball is in their court. Remain flexible and your options multiply. PISCES: You arrive at the weekend's activities like a party in a box. This ready-for-anything attitude is contagious.

COUPLE OF THE WEEKEND: The thing that Scorpio and Aquarius share in common is what vexes them: they're fixed signs. They admire the command and independence in the other, which forms their initial attraction. In a strange mating ritual, Scorpio might try to get closer, which Aquarius resists. Yet when mental chemistry stirs physical chemistry, this love connection has off-the-charts potential.

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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