Optimistic Mercury in Leo aligns with Pluto today, circulating a message of hope, backed up by the courage of conviction. The message is resonant and timely. Perhaps because there's a need to hear, and an even more intrinsic need to be healed by what's being said, today's communications have the power to move us.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). The exchange between you and a kindred soul comforts with commonalities. It feels nice to be understood. You'll find where the differences between you lie, too, and that keeps things interesting.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). It's like you're missing out on something. There's the sensation that you're rushing to catch a departed bus. Stop and catch your breath. You're just where you're supposed to be. Another "bus" will come along shortly.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). In the effort to live a better life, you're working backward. You sense that there are solutions everywhere, and you're right. Completing the puzzle has only to do with pinpointing the problem.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). One of your hobbies is taking up more of your schedule and money than you intended. Let it. You can't put a price tag on the joy and fulfillment you get from doing "your thing."

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You don't need the acceptance of your peers, but it sure is energizing when it comes. Tonight, your appetites are full strength. Indulge yourself to some degree to avoid being distracted and obsessed.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (AUG. 9). You are determined and on purpose this year. Your career takes off when you discover that what you thought was a limitation is clearly an asset. You play hard through September and have a partner in hijinx. Passionate emotions rule the winter holiday season. You'll be appointed to lead and protect in January. Libra and Virgo adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 10, 48, 31, 53 and 6.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Rash decisions won't serve you. Go slow. Buy yourself time. You can then tap into your wells of compassion, forgiveness and creative problem-solving ability to fantastic effect.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You're the resident optimist in your crowd, but even you can run out of hopeful sentiments. It's time for an infusion of wishful thinking. Friends are talking crazy, but it's just the kind of crazy talk you need to be listening to.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You're building the kind of relationships you want. Be proactive, modeling the behavior you'd like from your partner. Think of ways to keep love strong now instead of waiting until it's weak and then trying to fix it.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You go to the limits of what's acceptable, recognizing that "acceptable" isn't something written in stone and passed through the ages. It's an agreement made in the moment by all parties involved.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Some sort of elimination round is featured. Everyone gets nervous, wondering if they made the cut. Be kind to those who didn't as you're being ushered into the next game.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You'll be collaborating, dating or entertaining. And since you delight in surprising others, you're unlikely to repeat the same outfit, idea or food choice. Keeping it fresh takes extra work and is so worth it.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). How many times do I have to mention to you that you are psychic? Well, if you still haven't figured it out, today brings undeniable proof. It's not enough to have a strong intuition. You have to believe in it.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS: "I'm a Sagittarius. You indicated that this was the year for great success for me in every way. I recently had one major success and there are many others I am waiting for. What can I do to make things happen for myself in career, wealth, money, love and creative expression?"

Your sign is in a confidence-building cycle, so have faith, dear Sag, that what you've been working toward will deliver. Don't underestimate the power of taking practical steps either, as they add up to a more secure future. The time is ripe to take some professional risks, and in order to tap the rewards possible in your career you must respond to any call to high adventure. A new job interest? Go for it. Talk up that thing you do best. You'll find aligning with the people who can help you make it happen — your advisors, aides in life — fruitful. This August, international figures take you places. In September, reestablish connections with old friends — they want to help you. Showcase your creative work in October. An income stream appears in November. Love takes the stage in early December.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: With Leo panache, Deion Sanders left an indelible impression on fans and continues to. It may be Leo's not-so-secret desire to become larger than life, but Deion's fame will make a difference. With Venus, Pluto and Uranus in helpful Virgo, he is also a mentor. Deion also takes presents to local hospitals at Christmas, demonstrating the charitable and generous side of both Virgo and Leo.

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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