The alignment of Mercury and Venus reminds us that social expectations and cultural rules exist for good reason and are rooted in ensuring that everyone gets a fair shot and feels respected. Some will require extra patience. We all learn differently and at various rates. Approach with compassion and you'll be richly, though indirectly, rewarded.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Laughter, like yawning, is contagious. Bonus: You don't even have to know what you're laughing about to get the many benefits of a jolly good time today.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Those with a primitive conscience do not want to do bad things because of what would happen to them. Those with a higher conscience do not want to do bad things because of their effect on others.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Good relationships are not defined by an absence of problems. Good relationships go on regardless of what problems are present, not letting those issues get in the way of the shared goals and purposes.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Life is movement. Engage the movement and you are dancing. Stay rigid or resist in any way and you risk being passed over, hurt or broken by the strong forces that keep the circle whirring.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You're open to seeing things differently. Because of your sophisticated mind, you can understand the story from many sides without losing your own take on it. You will discover that because you see differently, you act differently, as well.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Lately, you've been dealing with a few layers of negativity. Rest assured the condition isn't chronic. You're doing something every day — maybe even every hour — to heal yourself, and it's working.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). The currency of the ego is glamour, money and might. It's the ability to influence and control others. It's getting others to do the unwanted work. This is what goes for power, but it's not real power, as the really powerful know well.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Beware of people who always seem to want more — more of your time, more of your attention, more of your money. They will never be satisfied by what you give them.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). People around you will feel compelled to give their opinion, whether or not they were asked for it. When there are "too many cooks in the kitchen," you can best express your deep caring by simply being quiet.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Anyone with money can show affection through the purchase of gifts or by wining and dining. Be different. You'll stand out when you use your intelligence, sense of play and many talents to create a unique impression.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You've been stable and consistent in an endeavor, and now you'll enjoy the rewards earned by your actions. Others are reassured by your dependability and will give you their trust.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). The small print will now be a large part of the deal. The hidden costs will come out of hiding. Deal with them immediately and you'll avoid paying for what you didn't understand well to begin with.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (March 19). Realizing that it's not enough to push out of your comfort zone just every once in a while, you make a habit of it this year. You'll become more and more courageous, grow your skill set and become more attractive to all sorts of people. You'll get your comeuppance in May. Love will be declared in June. November brings a windfall. Leo and Taurus adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 9, 3, 15, 2 and 38.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTION: "I am an Aquarian (born Jan. 23, 1972) and am dating a Sagittarius (born Dec. 6, 1961). We seem like a match, as we both are very independent and require the same amount of time together — which isn't very much, about once a week. This is a relationship that seems to work for us, but other people don't see it as a relationship. I think we are very close, though, and getting closer. Could you explain why this might work for us?"

Aquarius, you often wonder why everyone is so serious about relationships. After all, it's just another kind of friendship, right? With Mars in Aries, I'll bet you are driven by your work, your interests, your impulses — and not into asking permission to do anything. Your Sagittarius has four luminaries in the Archer, so he's always on the go. The fact that you spend time together once a week is his version of a major commitment. Even when things progress to living together, you two will still be constantly doing your own thing and enjoying each other on your own schedule. As for the ones who don't understand, they probably never will. Luckily, they don't have to for you to have a fabulous time living your life your way.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Bruce Willis got his big break when a casting director who liked his personality cast him in the role of a bartender, a role he was playing in real life, too. Pisces people have soul. It's the quality that most attracts others to them. Willis has Venus square Mars in his natal chart, signifying that he is a diamond in the rough — someone who is charming and effective without seeming too polished.

Write Holiday Mathis at HolidayMathis@gmail.com.