Lovely Venus enters Virgo. We may find ourselves slower to warm up to love interests, while those we're attracted to are conscientious, caring and deliberate of heart. Passions may appear cool as Lady Love grows introspective in the sign of the virgin. Yet the embers of love still smolder strongly underneath — Virgo love is devoted and pure.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). The challenge of a new idea is that very few people want to go first. That's why the entire world seems to be counting on you now, the firstborn sign of the zodiac. Others hesitate; you dive in.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You're not as anchored as you usually are. It's like you know that the ground beneath you, as solid as it appears, is as changeable as water. You're standing on the threshold of what is and what will be.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). There's no reason you shouldn't fall in love. You may try to invent one, though. Recognize when, how and possibly why you might you resist the idea of connecting with others deeply.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You don't want to be in the spotlight just yet. Still, you don't want to sit around in the dark, either. You'll find a comfortable place where you can share what you want to share, and build a grand mystery out of the rest.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). As complex as a work situation may be, the answer is simple. Go exactly by the book and you'll nail it. Others aren't expecting you to take a traditional approach. You'll surprise and "wow" them.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (AUG. 5). What you need, you get. More love? It's given. Money? It's there for you. You realize that everything is an exchange. Your gift from the universe is the obvious price of things. You can determine immediately what you need to get your desire. Often it's a pleasure for you, this uncomplicated arrangement. Taurus and Aquarius are cheerleaders. Your lucky numbers are: 40, 25, 15, 49 and 17.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You're getting a little heavy on the work schedule again. Equally balance your social and solitary activities to stay in a productive frame of mind. Tonight, friends have suggestions that, if followed, have divine results.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Owning your part of a problem puts you in control — you can solve this one and 10 more by sunset. Use an honest friend as your sounding board. A Pisces will listen to anything you want to talk over.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You have wisdom beyond your years, but that doesn't mean you'll choose to act on it. There's something to be said for foolhardy, youthful exuberance, and someone finds you attractive because of it.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Life has been clipping along at such a beautifully brisk pace lately that it's surprising to suddenly find yourself waiting for what you need. Yet wait you will because the person you are waiting for is so worth it.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). People are competitive for your love and will jockey for first position in your heart. It's a major compliment, though it's also a lot of work for you, making sure everyone gets equal attention.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). The characters you come across, though they may irritate some, will be inspirational to you. You do love to be entertained and are tolerant of those who are different than you.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). What makes something sacred? The attention put on it. You invest a highly concentrated amount of attention on the objects, people and ideas you revere, and increase their hallowed power.

ASTROLOGICAL TOPICS: Venus enters Virgo — Venus sends love to Virgo this week. I'm sending a love letter to the good Virgo people of the world, who are there for me when I'm in a pinch. Every time. Dear Virgo, you who back me down from the edge of insanity, so attentive to my happiness, what can I tell you of your own? You notice the details others miss. You notice my hair. You actually inquire about my day. You pay attention. This makes me feel fabulous! When you're folding the laundry while we're watching TV — we appreciate you, which brings me to the following point: While you're the best at being kind and helpful to even the most undeserving ugly creatures, and humbly by doing the work the rest of us reject, you don't have to! Just as help is best given generously, no strings attached, your appraising thoughtfulness is a skill best spent on those who have the ears to hear it. While your humility takes my breath away, you don't wear humble pie so well. Remember: you don't have to do a darn thing to earn anyone's love and affection. You're totally worthy for simply being you!

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Are people swayed by the positive traits of Barack Obama's astrological sign? Absolutely! With the sun, Mercury and Uranus in Leo, Barack projects command and charisma (Sun), talks hopefully (Mercury) and promises change (Uranus). Leos are big thinkers who emanate success, naturally causing others to want to align themselves with them, thus, fulfilling Leo's dream of fame and fans.

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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