As Mercury meets the sun in exuberant Leo, our excitement for an idea, person or thing is declared flamboyantly — in any venue of self-expression we enjoy. Opinions are in no scarce supply! Admiration and affections are easily shared. Our creative ability is turned on, and this seems to happen without so much as thinking about it.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). You'll be dealing with different energy levels and standards of honesty. Well, it doesn't mean the other people are wrong per say, just wrong for you right now. And you're right to want what you want.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Snap up a golden opportunity — the one in charge sees something in you. Promotions and raises are around the corner if you play your cards right. When you don't know what to say, maintain your superbly optimistic attitude.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You'd like for people to call you "driven." Admittedly, it would help if you knew what you were supposed to be driving toward. The answer is in you. Don't ask anyone else — ask your heart.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Maybe you were cajoled into doing a job, but in any case, you agreed to do it and that's that. There's something terrific that happens when you make good on your promises.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Unsure how to make it clear that you really care about someone? Spill the one thing a loved one most needs to hear: "I'm there for you." Those words have healing power, especially coming from you now.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (JULY 29). Your dreams are prescient. You see yourself in roles you will actually embody before the year is over. Loaf around in foreign territory in September. Your best ideas and most brilliant efforts are realized after valuable down time. To a greater degree than ever, people see and love you for who you are. Cancer and Scorpio sing your praises. Your lucky numbers are: 50, 14, 33, 19 and 30.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Getting unstuck from a rut is easier than you thought it would be. You simply make a choice, then make another. A few quick, bright decisions and suddenly someone is bringing you exactly what you ordered — finally.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Your work picture is changing. Same tasks, different attitude. Others are starting to see you as capable of having and being all you've said you want to be. The laws of attraction are working for you.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Your confidence has its up and down moments, all of which are heartwarming to one who adores you. Move forward, even though you're unsure. Pisces acts as your guidance counselor.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). It's a good thing you're in an accessible mood because others need you — boy, do they need you. Gemini and Virgo are particularly receptive to your help. Tonight, humor puts things into proper perspective.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Your truth-telling tendency keeps your relationships clearly defined. However, do consider the diplomatic option of saying nothing at all, especially around a Taurus.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). There's a prime chance to indulge in your guilty pleasure. By the same token, it's unwise to put yourself in a situation where there's too much of a bad thing available.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You're in the habit of being hard on yourself, which is why you consistently turn in fine work, are a terrific friend and have relationships that do you proud. Tonight, relax. Let up on the rules. Go easy on yourself.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS: "I have three young children and I already see that they're each so totally different. What might astrology have to say about my girls — a 5-year-old Gemini, 2-year-old Capricorn and newborn Taurus?

Toddlers can be silent on what will make them happy, which makes basic astrology invaluable to parents. Sibling rivalry won't be an issue for your Gemini child; this sign absolutely adores siblings! However, she won't suffer boredom kindly, so get her involved. Try making games out of the most mundane chores, changing diapers or feeding baby. I'm noticing Capricorn is in her "terrible twos," so named after the astrological Mars return. Self-assertion, and boundary testing are common here, but Capricorn kids often enjoy straightforward rules, so you'll find her responsive to guidelines and rewards for following those. Taurus babies are physically responsive; hugs, touches and peaceful quiet calm baby's cries. So whether she needs cuddles (Taurus) or to be given a mommy's-little-helper responsibility to make her feel important and loved (Capricorn), sun sign astrology can bridge gaps in maturity and understanding.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Kate Bush is an original rock star. Diverse musical influences and raw lyrics suggest more of an artistic movement (her music is likened to surrealism) than a singular musical category. Born with the sun and Uranus in Leo, Kate was bound to be an unconventional artist, a creative innovator in her chosen field. As for rock 'n' roll, there's always a place reserved for rebel rockers.

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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