Mercury the messenger gets cozy with aggressive Mars. Strong feelings quickly turn into words and are exchanged with vigor and heat. The up side: those who want to influence someone will be able to give just the passionate delivery to stir spirits. Do beware that it's also easy to influence people unfavorably with words that are too harsh.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). You receive profound spiritual guidance and inspiration in simple, small ways. So there's no need to go into a trance, have a wild dream or pray on your knees for hours at a time. All you have to do is pay attention.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Getting your work done might take priority over codling someone's sensitive emotions. That doesn't necessarily mean you're tough. You recognize that everyone will benefit from your efficiency.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You don't miss anything today and that's why you'll score a rare find or appreciate a beautiful detail. Your sharp eye and careful listening skills are an asset to those around you.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You'll be gathering with your friends and neighbors. Whether it's for fun or to accomplish something together, the important part to appreciate is the community spirit you are nurturing.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You're thinking about the future but are not ready to make your plans yet. Let loved ones weigh in with advice. The more information you get, the better. Knowing the range of options makes you feel more certain about your choice.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (NOVEMBER 28). Your self-control and autonomy are remarkable. You don't let your ego control you, and you are slow to react to your feelings until you're sure it's the right move for all. People see you as stable and able to help them and they will pay well for your consultation. You are wrapped in the arms of love in January. Capricorn and Pisces adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 11, 4, 50, 28 and 15.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Public service is a worthy endeavor. The world needs your talents and intelligence. There's something inside you that needs to give back and make things better. Volunteer your help.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You're in a precarious position of power. Action would be effortless for you, but it would also have consequences. Should you push the button and hope for the best? Wait until you're sure.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You'll be invigorated by the new people you meet and maybe even inspired to open your social scene to people you don't normally mix with. There is strength in diversity.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You're in the market and ready to buy. Will this item still be relevant next year? Five years from now? Decide how much use you're likely to get from an item before you pull out your pocketbook.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Others peg you for their leader. It's probably because your sense of justice is strong. You're also an advocate for free speech. You may not agree with what loved ones say, but you defend their right to an opinion.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You have every intention of following the agenda and then something unexpected will fascinate you and lead you away from the plan. You won't feel stressed about this though, and that's what makes you so fun.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). The intensity of a crowd will energize you just as long as it's the right crowd. Go where the shiny, happy people are. The joy is buzzing all around and all you have to do is absorb it.

WEEKEND LOVE FORECAST: ARIES: Your ideal mate supports you in your healthy choices. TAURUS: Avoid the trap of making assumptions about what your partner is thinking or doing. Ask questions. GEMINI: Get lost with someone you love. Finding your way back together is an adventure. CANCER: You gravitate to the people who will bring humor and fun to your life. LEO: You'd like to give a loved one some helpful criticism, but it won't go over well if you do. VIRGO: You are not too busy to devote three solid hours of attention to the one you love. LIBRA: You afford your sweetie the benefit of the doubt and it turns out well. SCORPIO: Listening is crucial. It's part of the way you show your love. SAGITTARIUS: Go over and ask someone to dance — metaphorically or actually. CAPRICORN: If you agree on financial issues, you've got it made. AQUARIUS: Don't wait around for a huge romantic gesture. It's the small ones that matter. PISCES: In every conversation you are building a future together.

COUPLE OF THE WEEKEND: Virgo and Pisces are polar opposites on the zodiac wheel. They are both mutable signs, therefore adaptable to one another's differences. Virgo tends to analyze how the relationship is going day to day and Pisces prefers to feel a way through it. With a little patience they learn from each other's different styles and when they meet in the middle of an issue, each will feel gloriously improved.

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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