Since Mercury, the planet of self-expression, entered animated Leo, a picture's worth a thousand words. It's easy to be warm and demonstrative. What we're saying is punctuated by exclamation marks, dramatic hand gestures, affectionate pats on the back and hearty laughter. Today's moon in Gemini digs these fun, playful exchanges.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). You'll be setting goals again. Be absolutely honest about what you really want. Otherwise, even when you reach the pinnacle of your journey, the accomplishment may ring false.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You attack challenges and dream schemes. You don't get hung up on the details or the fear that you won't actually do all you plan. Your way is made easy — minimal frustration and maximum delight.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You must be doing something right! The things that matter to you are handled. Life falls into its logical order. Feeling more or less in control of things, you're able to relax into the sweetness of the moment.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). No matter what's going on beyond your front door, you have the ability to close it out and forget about it as you busy yourself with the creation of a cozy, happy, calming world of your own.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Not everyone gets why they're supposed to be nice to you, but they treat you well, anyhow. People don't have to know the important things you've done to know that you are important. Your presence commands respect.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (JULY 28). Your contributions are hugely meaningful to others. You put your creativity and effort into doing what people need and want — only they probably don't know they need it until they see what you do. Bigwigs notice and promote you in August. Relationships grow closer because you're willing to be flexible this fall. Cancer and Gemini adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 7, 15, 20, 36 and 25.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). A playful spirit is alight. Why hold on to an uninspired version of reality? Maybe you'll even tell a fib in order to keep a fantasy alive for a child (or person who acts like one).

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). The information out there is so incredibly boring. Thank goodness for someone like you, who puts a fun twist on everything. Your phone will keep ringing because people like your view of the world.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). A little bit of knowledge is dangerous. People around you may make wrong assumptions, and what's worse, they assume they have the right to act on them, too. The one who knows nothing knows the most.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You may have a belief that to follow your offbeat dream or creative goal won't be lucrative. Examine this idea — is it really true? Let desire (not rationale) lead the way to your ultimate career purpose.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You have the perfect opportunity to put your style stamp on relationships and work, too. You're endlessly creative now and there's hardly a raw material around you that you can't use as a resource.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You'll be unlearning what you were taught about communicating with loved ones. Familiarity sometimes generates lazy social habits. You're treating those around you with an increasing amount of care and respect.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). It's exciting to know that you have shining inner potential — someone new sees even more in you than you do! Since the real proof is in the work that you do, you'll be extremely busy over the next three days.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS: "I am an Aquarius, 27, dating another Aquarius, 24. We have faced lots of obstacles: It is a long-distance relationship; both our families are not fond of us being together; he professes his love to me when he is around — which is rarely. We are alike in our passion, but different in our maturity. How can we find a way to calm the waters of our relationship?"

Remember the old song lyric, "Love will keep us together"? I'd change "love" to "passion" for Aquarius. Passion for a shared dream, spirituality, life goals or humane cause sparks a love far greater than two people. That's agape — universal love. And that's your thing. Start by following those passions to create attainable dreams together. Go green together. Make an in-person date to be first in line for the newest iPod release. Shared goals are great because you can strive toward many and achieve some, from afar. This could actually change everything. Your families change their tune (what's not to love about a guy and a girl saving the world?), and goals involve timelines and scheduling, promoting maturity.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Does Hilary Swank shine so brightly that we can't see her? This classy, elegant and uber-talented Leo embodies the glossy magnetism and allure of many Leo-born. But imagine trying to look directly at the sun — it's impossible! Like this, Leo admirers can be blinded to the person underneath; we're so fully taken in by their obvious luster. Hilary works hard to be truly seen for who she is.

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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