It's the New Scorpio moon, which is Hecate's moon. Hecate was the Greek ghost whisperer of the gods who guarded the crossroads between this world and others. Though she is heavily associated with the dead, she's also a protector of newborns. Choose one quality in yourself you'd like to put to rest and one you'd like to awaken.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). You're in one of your alpha moods. You'll go to great lengths to be the reigning champion. Find out exactly what the top dog is doing so that you know what you have to do to defeat him or her.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). The creative impulse arises, you express it and others see it. What you'll learn is that the thing you've created means something very different to others than it did to you.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Life is about process, not about the attainment of stuff. You feel you must have some irresistible material item, but not because of what it is, but because of what you will be able to do once you have it.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You could mourn over recent losses, but you're starting to realize that there is too much living to do and you simply don't have the time. A Libra is a resource, a confidante and a true friend.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You awaken in a pretty good mood. Do whatever it takes to stay that way and your life goes smoothly. This is no time to delay gratification. Schedule fun as early in the day as you can. Involve a Pisces.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (OCTOBER 28). You burn with desire this year as you set your heart on goals that truly inspire you. Impressive progress is made before 2008 is over. January shows you assembling a winning team. An April excursion leads to deepening a love relationship or starting a new one. Family makes you proud at the end of August. Libra and Sagittarius adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 10, 44, 9, 32 and 1.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). As much as you'd like to be in complete control, it's not only impossible, it's just not fun. Find your comfortable corner and let loose. It's easier to be wild and crazy when you're somewhere safe.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Your stellar reputation makes it easier for you to get to know people. Others are open to your influence and needs. Tonight reinforces what you already thought might be true.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Good news — there is a cure for anything that could possibly bring you down. All you have to do is research a bit to find it. Your friends are terrific sources of information, especially the Virgo you know.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You are as charismatic as you are tolerant. The more accepting you are of the talents and flaws you find in yourself and others, the more people want to be around you. It's good to be you right now.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Even someone who knows you very well wouldn't be able to guess your current involvements. Your curiosity is piqued by unusual people and situations and you can't help but go where your questions lead you.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). There's a block in the road to progress. It's totally out of your control and you just have to wait for things to clear up. Being stuck can be fun. You'll notice things you never would have were you allowed to zip along as usual.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Waste no time in trying to hide your mistake or something you perceive as a shortcoming in yourself. People are mostly thinking so much about themselves that they won't even notice.

LEGEND OF THE HECATE'S MOON: Hecate was one of the most powerful of the goddesses and the only one Zeus allowed to grant (or withhold) the wishes of humans. And so the Greeks both honored and feared her. She was considered the queen of the night as she was known to walk the streets after dark, stopping in cemeteries along her way to converse with the ghosts of the dead. She was often accompanied by her hounds and/or an owl, the symbol of her wisdom. When night fell the Greeks respected Hecate's reign by leaving leftovers from dinner outside (a gift to Hecate's hounds) and staying in doors to let the goddess roam in private. Wherever there were crossroads where three paths converged, Hecate would be honored with three masks hung on a pole to represent the three choices. Under this Hecate's moon, your own life path is open for pondering: Which face will you wear if you choose road A, B or C? And who will you be at the end of it? It's a time to consider the spiritual component in your decision-making. Befriending or at least acknowledging the unseen forces under this moon will be the healing component to bringing your own wishes to fruition.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Joaquin Phoenix has acting in his blood — it's part of his family lineage. He and his brother, the late River Phoenix, have the distinction of being the first brothers ever to be nominated for an Academy Award in acting. With three luminaries in Scorpio, Joaquin is adept at shining bright through his work, and also at staying out of the public eye when he needs to.

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.