Stars -- Horoscope

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Already more sensitive than the average Joe, today you are particularly affected by sights and sounds of the outside world. All seems louder, brighter, bolder.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). It's easier to change when it is a "must" and not a "should." A situation will require you to make an important change.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Whether it's light housework or wood chopping, the benefits of manual labor are immense. You could use a break from the chatter upstairs.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). People marvel at your seemingly effortless ability to move through conflict without receiving a single scratch.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Ever the self-starter, you tend to arrive before everybody else so you can get a head start on the day. Today, be a bit more collaborative.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Making it up as you go along is your typical response to adversity. Your new situation warrants a little planning.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). A small creative effort will be seen by more people than you thought would care and will make an impact on people you've never met.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Some think you're shy. But you will show that you merely choose to speak only when you have something to say.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You have been turning over a problem in your mind. The answer will come during a completely unrelated activity.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). The benefits of close friends are many, including borrowing. If you did this in the past and forgot to return the item, make good today.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Inspiration rarely comes as a thunderclap. But once in a while, lightning does flash. That's how it happens today.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). If you bite off more than you can chew and want to impress your tablemate, you will probably chew it anyway - any other option is uncouth.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (May 25). Charm and grace are your chief talents, and this year they are augmented by a heightened awareness of your surroundings. Being in tune with others, you will seize opportunities that are ripe for the taking and will create new ones, too. A vacation in July will be romantic. A purchase in November will improve your lifestyle. Aquarius and Aries people adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 9, 50, 16, 30 and 11.

Holiday Mathis is the author of "Rock Your Stars." To write to her, please go to www.creators.com and click on "Write the Author" on the Holiday Mathis page, or 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.