"Two is not equal to three, not even for large values of two." — Grabel's Law. The full Leo moon has a tendency to exaggerate, but the truth cannot be altered. We can't be other than that which we are; it's nothing to be discouraged about. Regardless of what value you assign yourself or embody, you can believe that you are essential to all that is.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). As for that secret expectation that you'll excel beyond what any human has done up till now, well, it's causing you too much stress. If you can't let it go, at least shelve it for a while.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Instead of waiting for the right one to come along, you'll work with the opportunity in front of you, determined to make the best of it and pull out every bit of goodness you can from it.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You've been known to place people on pedestals, though never unjustifiably. Once you hone in on a worthy subject, the flattery and attention you give will court a sweet proposal, indeed.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You'll let someone off the hook. It's not because this person deserves the save, or because you're an authority on the matter. It's just because you're merciful, which is an admirable thing to be.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). When the routine gets stale, the work gets tedious and even the so-called leisure seems to hit a dull mark, something else, wonderful and inspiring, will show up to pull you through.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You may be willing to lose what you have but you're not willing to gamble what other people have, and for this reason you'll be trusted with a very important responsibility.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). First you didn't believe it; then you suspected it; and now there is irrefutable evidence to confirm your suspicions: You are officially someone's favorite person.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). When you work with others to make something, your feelings about what you're making, your own abilities and the contributions of others get all swirled around into one beautiful amalgamation.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). The input demands response, and respond you must. If you rattle off the first things that come to mind, focusing on your heart and the way you really feel, you'll say just the right thing.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). As Mom used to say, "There is no bored, only boring." Uninteresting things and people suddenly become fascinating indeed when someone as inquisitive as you enters the picture.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You paid a price to develop your gifts. You gave your hours, your money and the very best of your attention to bring them up to the level they are at now. You're right to be judicious in the sharing of these jewels.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Even if you and the other person both want to go to the same place, someone has to go first. The lane is narrow; only one can go at a time. Everything will go smoother when you decide who the leader is.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Jan. 23). The next 10 weeks will bring a hard-won victory involving a personal and private kind of success. In February you will get up to speed in several areas of your life at once, but in March you'll narrow the focus to earning enough to make the investment of your dreams. Love comes at you in new ways in April. Aries and Gemini adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 3, 20, 14, 9 and 43.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS: "Lately I can't talk to my boyfriend of seven years, a Pisces. We fight constantly and not in a good way. We argue and never come to a conclusion. Everything is heated and emotional and I'm about through with it, but I can't seem to make the break. What should an Aquarius do?"

These days, you Aquarius people are fueled by the sun, full of confidence and strength, and much feistier than usual, too. That doesn't mean the problems you have in this relationship aren't real. My advice is just to do it — strong and fast, like ripping off a Band-Aid. Do it before your birthday, the sooner the better. Sometimes things have to be broken down to be built back up. Just make sure the break is a clean one: no waffling or contingencies. Avoid accepting or assigning blame. Avoid using the word "should." Unless you have something you truly need to apologize for, avoid saying "sorry." You can be compassionate and still be direct and decisive. Handle the details and move on. If this relationship is ever going to be, it will be after a nice long break.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Aquarian "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" star Mariska Hargitay exemplifies her sign's philanthropic nature in her work with several charities including the Joyful Heart Foundation, which she co-founded. Born when the sun, Mars and Saturn were all in Aquarius, Hargitay is happiest while helping and has also learned some of her most formative life lessons while pursuing worthy causes.

To write to Holiday Mathis, visit www.creators.com and click "Write the Author" on her page.

Photo credit: Hugo A. Quintero G.