The moon in earthy Capricorn brings a dose of realism to today's efforts. It just feels right to follow our urge toward accomplishing something of tangible importance, even at the cost of more fun, lively sociable summertime events. Going about your business is curiously pleasurable. The day hums along on a delightful tone.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). You have mentally granted someone power over part of your life, and it now feels as though this person is ruling your every move. Though you are performing for this person's approval, you are still free. Remember, this is a game.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Though you consider yourself to be a practical sort, someone brings out your sensual side. Involve yourself with Sagittarius and then stand back and be amazed by the unexpected way Sagittarius energizes your talents.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). There's a sort of magic trick to pull off today, and you do it brilliantly — that is, if you prepare. As in all magic, the preparation and practice time is essential, as is knowing your audience.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). In your attempts to make everyone happy you may lose sight of one extremely important detail — your life is precious, too. Take a wild and memorable action to drive the point home.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Your charm is undeniable and you know just who to direct it toward now. Take advantage of your chance to make an impression — this will never come around again quite the same way.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (AUGUST 12). You're walking your talk this year and that helps you go far. While you're being true to yourself, someone else works hard to earn your heart. In October, your curiosities head you in the direction of culture, high-minded discussion and wondrous exchanges. January bring additions to your circle of loved ones. Cancer and Virgo adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 3, 26, 50, 14 and 17.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Life is your classroom and you are an excellent student now as your powers of observation are magnified by the planets. In fact, even your teachers will learn from the astute questions that you ask.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). In some ways you're still paying your dues. But soon the changing of an old guard will leave you in charge. Tonight, you make wise decisions based on nothing but heart — the result is brilliant.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Financial success and social savvy are intrinsically linked. People won't hand you a sweet opportunity just because they like you. Though, if you are qualified and they like you, the opportunity is yours.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You see a shortcut to getting what you want, but consider deeply whether this route would be as fulfilling. Success is sweetest when it is earned in a way you can be extremely proud of.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). There's nothing that gets your goat more than incompetence. Someone isn't doing a job right and it's affecting you. When you accept this person's inability to perform and lower your expectations, the problem goes away.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Put the most time into the relationship that is most important to you. When your personal life is going strong, your finances and career fall right into place. Family life becomes breezy, too.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You're aching to get training in a certain area, but the price for this has been unaffordable thus far. Finally this changes. Either the cost is lowered, or you find a benefactor to fund your endeavor.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS: "I was born March 13, 1965. I am at my wits' end. Even two psychics have said I've been under a big black cloud for many years. It's true. No matter how hard I try, I can not get a better job in my field, and I'm losing hope of my dream husband and family."

Pisces, I know you've had some victories in your stay on Earth. Yet if you're walking around with the thought that you're under a black cloud, you won't see it. Try focusing less on your self, more on others. Pisces people must sacrifice some part of their spirit for the greater good willingly; if you don't, you suffer. Have you ever counseled your co-worker through a rocky time, or done something similarly selfless and rewarding? Your connection with your human family will serve you, too, filling your empty well. You're in a period of reaping the consequences of your past choices, some of which weren't fruitful — explaining your sense of futility. Yet you're also sowing seeds for the next 14 years, so start looking for the silver lining in this cloud, pronto! Turn your attitude into gratitude. Start by replacing your psychic!

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Halle Berry has found her bliss in family life. While Leo women and men discover meaningful joy in sharing a life with the one they love, the Cancer in Halle (Venus, Mars and Jupiter) wanted an homage to love — in a home. While Halle insists a relationship is complete without marriage, bringing up baby could bring up practical concerns, leading to a formal commitment about a year from now.

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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