The moon moves from lazy Taurus into chatty Gemini, and we know it by the way we feel. In Taurus we're genuinely happy to sit sipping our coffee or tea, relishing the island of peace we've found. When Gemini kicks in, it's like an itch has been patiently waiting to be scratched. Phones ring, errands arise; as necessity calls, pick up the pace.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). You're articulate. You convey your messages in a clear, concise and somewhat entertaining manner. So don't be surprised if you're asked to lead the group. It all goes well when you do.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Your competitive edge didn't spring from a background of peace and harmony. You survived the turmoil, the controversy and the struggles. Remember this with pride. You're a winner.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). The people around you may seem to have it all together, and yet this is a facade. Go along with it — it helps everyone feel stronger. But recognize the fragile forces at work.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You're not worried about looking foolish or making a social mistake. You're willing to sacrifice your ego to make another person feel important, and in doing so, you steal a heart.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You don't need an opportunity to be thoughtful — you make your own. Disburse congratulations, put a card with the gift or offer to help prepare the meal. Everything you do makes people feel wonderful.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (JULY 27). Your astral superpower is the ability to ignore anything that is not helpful to you. With your "no drama" policy, you conserve your energy so you can turn around and invest it in exactly what brings you the most joy. Loved ones bring their "A" game because they know that you're keeping close tabs. September brings a windfall. Cancer and Virgo love you madly. Your lucky numbers are: 9, 20, 1, 4 and 15.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You're no therapist (unless of course you do happen to be a therapist), but your friends will unload their problems anyhow, most of which having absolutely nothing to do with you. Chalk it up to your natural empathy.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Your heart leaps with the impulses of innocent youth. You feel as though you are a child at the playground — a babe in an adult suit. Aquarius is your perfect “play date.”

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). If you feel apathetic about following someone's advice, don't even bother trying. It's better to conserve your energy than waste it on what you already know won't work. Unconventional solutions are the ones for you.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Someone is planning a surprise for you, and you're in danger of ruining it if you're too nosy. So show a little faith in your loved ones and go along for the ride without asking too many questions.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You're so charismatic now that you could charm someone into doing your bidding — a move that will surely backfire. Resist the impulse to exert your power over someone when you don't really need to.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You're on the run, busily taking care of everyone around you. In a weird way, the one who benefits most from all of your efforts is you. Your dedication and service fulfills needs you didn't even know you had.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You're impressive. Not because you have remarkable stories or unique circumstances to go on about, but because you don't feel the need to compete with others. Humility is a rare and attractive quality.

FORECAST FOR THE WEEK AHEAD: This week brings a new moon solar eclipse in dramatic Leo. Eclipses are some of the most unpredictable forces in the astrological weather, bringing sudden changes rather quickly — though often long in coming, they appear to happen "out of the blue." The sign of Leo, the lusty lion, highlights our desires, love affairs, individuality, talent and creative powers, along with our need for personal recognition. During solar eclipses, the moon obscures the light of the sun from reaching the earth, and as earthlings it can appear as though the light is unplugged or heated up on all things Leo. Don't fear the former, it's temporary; life intently and rapidly moves us forward on our growth path during eclipse season. Eclipse activity can manifest up to a month beforehand, which means life-changing news: like hearing your best friend is finally pregnant, or a world leader or entertainer makes headlines. As monumental life events occur during this time, so do endings and beginnings. Leo charges self-esteem, so on a personal level we may find ourself needing more personal reassurance and attention. If you find yourself uncertain or unsure, that's normal. 'Tis eclipse season, trust there's a reason!

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Personable, friendly and irresistibly warm, even when she's giving advice or telling people what to do (as Leos have been known to do), you can't help but adore Lisa Kudrow. All Leo born have sunny dispositions, making it easy to generously overlook or forgive occasionally cavalier attitudes. If Leo acts like an authority on the matter, it's only because they think they're being helpful.

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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