In social situations it's polite to wait until things are given to you. Professional situations are different. Power isn't handed around in equal parts; in fact, it's barely given at all, because the powerful know to take it on a first-come-first-served basis. This point will be driven home with the alignment of Mercury and Pluto, ruler of the unseen forces.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Don't ask for what you want. Get in there and politely inform the gatekeeper that you already have what you want, and that you're available and ready for more of it.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). There are undeniable benefits to being on-trend, depending on whose trend it happens to be. Something to keep in mind: If you create the culture, you don't have to worry about staying ahead of it.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You've been an idealist; you've been a cynic. And today you'll float around the vast middle ground between the two extremes. That's where you meet friends who think at your level. Such a treasure!

CANCER (June 22-July 22). When you were small you had to be in a familiar place to feel completely safe. Now you've grown into your "crab" essence. You're safe because of who you are, not because of where you are.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). The moon favors your every move; this is your day, your night, your extended-play dance in the spotlight. Savor the creative outlet. When your turn is over, the creativity will still be inside you, waiting for the next showcase.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Unless you're very aware of your surroundings and how others are feeling, you may not realize what's at stake in a situation. Challenge yourself to be more observant. What you'll note is that everyday life takes courage.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Education is expensive, especially the unstructured, informal education you get from hanging out with people in glamorous settings. Be frugal now so that you'll be able to weather the storm that is coming later.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Laughter is one of your favorite love notes. It means that someone is sharing in your joy of life, as well as your intellect, point of view and general experience. You'll connect in giggles and love.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). It's a day to pay the piper, and he's not offering a layaway plan or installment options, either. Regardless of how you choose to handle it, by the end of the day you'll be square.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Of course there are no winners in conversation. However, if there were winners, the prize would go to the one who chooses the best topic. You've a knack for knowing which one will bring the most interest and fun.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You thrill to the unpredictable turns of this rollercoaster day. The anticipation will be sweet — maybe even sweeter than the fast plunge that comes afterward.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Indulge your whims, or they will turn against you, pouting and dragging your mood through the mud. Your instinct to play needs expression. With no specific agenda, activities take you where you need to be.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Jan. 22). February brings a delightful someone to share the minutiae with. Family has a strong bearing on where you'll live and on professional concerns, too. You'll bank money from a savvy sale in March. Networking and travel come in May. The cause that's near to your heart in June will lead you to others as passionate as you. Aries and Virgo adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 9, 40, 2, 11 and 17.

WEEKEND LOVE FORECAST: ARIES: You may forget about the one who made you think, but you'll always remember the one who made you feel. TAURUS: The loved one who is trying to rush you is being selfish. Go with your own timing. GEMINI: Not knowing how the other person feels can be a torture or a delight, depending on your attitude. CANCER: It's not all magic in love, so when the pyrotechnics do happen, you appreciate the effect. LEO: Your timing is exquisite, so you know when to let it go, hold on to it or make a joke about it. VIRGO: Because you're so close to an issue, you may miss the obvious solution. A true love will point it out to you. LIBRA: The person who warms your heart also happens to make your body temperature shoot up. It's why you're sweating. SCORPIO: Whatever your biggest fear is about love, throw your arms around the thing and hug it tight. SAGITTARIUS: The name of the one you love will be on the tip of your tongue and front of your mind. CAPRICORN: You'll get a second chance and you're favored to win it. AQUARIUS: How does it feel to be the "it" person everywhere you go now? PISCES: Let down your guard and your heart magnetizes immediately to the heart of another.

COUPLE OF THE WEEKEND: Aquarius and Leo are zodiac opposites. Just as the full Leo moon reflects the glory of the Aquarius sun, the full Leo heart will take in all that Aquarius has to offer. Aquarius tends to intellectualize love, but Leo won't have any of that. The lion forces the water-bearer to dig deeper and risk more. Aquarius teaches Leo to bring something novel, bright and timely to the creation of a love affair.

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

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