While the moon is bustling through Virgo's domain, preparation is everything. Tidy up the house. Refine a routine. Grease wheels that will make the rest of your week run more smoothly. Then get out the good clothes (and your iron) so you can present yourself in the best light possible for the moon entering Libra tomorrow.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). There's something you can do to help your community. Whether it's an understaffed soup kitchen, a children's shelter that needs donations or a scarcely visited nursing home, there's a way you can give that will change lives.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Forget about seeking peace and quiet. There's an uproarious mix of personalities around you, causing you to keep composing and re-composing yourself every few minutes.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You're inclined to think things through, but this gets old when you keep coming to the same conclusion. So instead of thinking, gather more information and ask for new opinions to shed a different light on your scene.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You're in a powerful cycle now so it's no surprise when you experience serendipitous events. Tonight favors your getting to deeper levels of communication so that you may understand where loved ones are coming from.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You may realize that you haven't given yourself or your talent enough credence. You've been playing too small. You can apply yourself in ways you haven't even thought of yet. Defy your self-imposed limits.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (AUGUST 31). You have luck playing with the concept of opposites this year. Whatever the problem, you can solve it in September doing the opposite of what you have been doing. In October you trade in a fantasy of love for the real thing. It's wonderful to find out that you are adored for exactly who you are. Libra and Pisces adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 5, 30, 21, 49 and 13.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). As an earth sign, you get great spiritual benefits from connecting with the dirt. Walk in nature. Plant something. William Blake said, "To create a little flower is the labor of ages."

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Find out the nature of the person you adore. Love is a pleasure when you know whom you're dealing with. In contrast, a relationship with someone you don't understand is maddening.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You are sorely needed by your fellow humans. You balance out the dynamics around you. Loved ones count on you to be reasonable when they are too emotional, and emotional when they are too reasonable.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Pick up an unfinished job and take it the distance. You'll continue to prove how capable you are in the week ahead, and all the right eyes are watching you. You'll soon be elected to save the day.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). The fastest way to eliminate your trouble is to see the reasons why it might actually be a huge blessing. Tonight, groups of three are lucky. Share secrets, stories and fun with two others.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Pay attention to social nuances. People choose you when you're not expecting it. And those who reach out to you are lucky to know, too. Receive them graciously.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You're in a competitive mood. People who want the same things as you do are in for a surprise. You'll give them a run for their money. In return, they give you the motivation to succeed.

FORECAST FOR THE WEEK AHEAD: Venus recently joined Mercury and Mars in sociable Libra just yesterday, and combined they bring an air of cooperation and teamwork to the week's otherwise industrious Virgo energies. Our relationships particularly are strengthened by this passage, as fair-minded Libra effortlessly elevates our social sensibilities and good graces. By recognizing and honoring our differences and likenesses, synchronizing the strengths of one with the other, we bring out the best in one another. Libra is the sign of harmony and relationship. Have you ever heard of a one-part harmony? No, it's always two or three. Just as a musical score needs complementary singers with individual talents, working with others is a source of symmetry and sweet harmony — and holds the balance of strength we draw from in coming weeks. Notably, Saturn also joins the sun in Virgo this week, emphasizing the authenticity, integrity and skill we bring the whole of humanity. Everyone's an expert in something. What's your expertise? Saturn can temporarily dampen spirits, but the good news is if you're feeling downtrodden about your abilities, guaranteed someone nearby will see, reinforce and bring out the very best in you.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Virgo people are far more competitive than many realize. They've got something to prove. Tennis player Andy Roddick will continue to demand the best from himself. And when he doesn't meet his own high standards, a clear, honest assessment of where to best focus his efforts pulls him through Virgoan self-doubt. With Mars in Scorpio, Andy has the stamina and perseverance to succeed.

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.

COPYRIGHT 2008 CREATORS SYNDICATE, INC.