Take a mental health day. With Mercury picking a fight of sorts with Pluto, you're faced with the inevitable. There is something to celebrate here, and also something to dread, if that's your choice. Finish up hanging details and put projects to rest. Pluto lends an air of thoroughness and finality to whatever planet it touches.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). You cherish your friends, giving them attention when they obviously need it. Today's needs are subtle. Be sensitive to the moods of those around you. A little tenderness from you makes a huge difference.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You're not waiting around to see what the rest of the crowd is going to do. You're a leader. Projects take off and personal relationships grow tighter because of the action you take now.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). There's a change at work. Some find it jarring, others annoying. You see the opportunity in this upheaval straight away. Stay alert and keep your observations to yourself for now.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You're finally getting comfortable in a situation. There's still a fine line to walk here, though, and it's important not to relax too much. Remain mindful, structured, disciplined and professional.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You're totally "on." You remember the names of people you meet in passing, help elders and children cross the street and come up with witty jokes. It's the simple, thoughtful acts that tell the world what a classy person you are.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (AUGUST 27). You start your new year off right, receiving a fantastic bonus before the end of September. In an effort to be a good example for someone else, you make stunning personal improvements and breakthroughs in October. You have a benefactor in January and this person is amazingly generous with you. Sagittarius and Capricorn adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 8, 41, 30, 45 and 21.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). It sometimes feels as though the real you is a child who never grew up. In many ways you're still innocent and vulnerable. Go where you feel safe, playful and free to imagine.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Life busts in on your fairy tale. Just remember that everyone has their own version of "happily ever after." Be open-minded. In the right light, the ending of this chapter could be extremely satisfying.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You're ready to start feeling fabulous. Set appointments. Be generous with yourself. You may initially feel funny about being waited on and pampered, but you get used to it quickly.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You're not as eager to offer your help because you realize the weighty responsibility that comes with even the most casual promises. You're right to be cautiously reserved.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Customers, bosses, family members — they all seem to need you now. You're a superhero, too, and your senses are so honed that you respond to many of these needs before you're even asked to.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). There are times to be flexible (yesterday) and times to say, "My way or the highway" (today). Of course, you deliver your message in the sweetest possible way and with a smile in your eyes.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You're not looking for a rescue, and when one comes along uninvited, you may actually be annoyed. This is your chance to tell the world, and reinforce to yourself, "I can handle it!"

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS: "A few months ago, I wrote to you inquiring about a Leo (8/22) I had fallen for and dumped me. You responded by suggesting writing down all of his qualities, of other important people and bury it and in nine months either he'll return, or someone else will appear. Guess I'm a bit impatient. I Recently wrote him a 'closure' letter, detailing all of his promises, visions and 'I love you's.' Currently, there's a Libra who supported me through another situation and now wants to give 'us' a try. HELP."

I want to break this to you gently, but it's more kind to be truthfully blunt. He's just not into you, girl. Save yourself the heartache by giving me one good reason to be with someone who doesn't want to be with you. Stumped? If you don't have that thing he's looking for, he'll lose interest or find someone else. Likewise, if Libra doesn't float your boat, you'll eventually reject him. Astrology reminds us that this business of attraction isn't personal. For instance, your Leo might find that only Venus in Leo babes drive him wild. You can't help that. But you do have a je nais se quois someone is looking for. Trust it.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Jack Black has said he's allergic to any form of exercise that's not Frisbee. And yet he's a Virgo. What gives? Black prefers to apply his Virgo tendencies toward health and perfectionism to the task of making people laugh. He's offering mental health to the world through the release of comedy. And comedy takes a level of perfection and discipline that, when done right, appears effortless.

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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