"Never say never" is a saying that speaks to the fickleness of human nature. We often find that the influence of time and environment is stronger than our resolve. Mercury moves into Taurus, the sign of appetite, today, greasing slippery slopes. "Never again" declarations could turn into "just one more time." Anticipate temptation. Plan accordingly.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Creativity is part of who you are. Honor this part of yourself wherever it shows up. It will likely spark while you're driving, showering, walking or doing menial and/or repetitive tasks.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Any negativity you might experience today will melt away just as quickly as it came on with mental channel-changing techniques such as a cup of tea, a hot bath or a brisk walk.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Courage is a thing you can't really plan or speculate about. It comes up in the moment or doesn't. If you want something badly enough, or if you care about or stand for something strongly enough, courage shows up.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You know that thing you wish were in the world? You're the one who could put it there. Why shouldn't it be you? At the very least you can get the thing started by working and playing with your idea.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). What was supposed to be a cut-and-dried equation is turning into a piecemeal puzzle. It turns out the exact measurements won't work. This is a feel-it-out situation, and you've excellent feelers.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You should have many people in your life with whom you feel comfortable telling an unpolished version of a story. The person who lets you talk and listens even when you're not making much sense is a true friend.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Overstatement and drama isn't exactly rude, but it requires more energy of people than it gives back. Today favors equally balanced interactions: temperate, respectful and simple.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). It's a do-it-yourself kind of day on every level. It's more fun this way! So sing the song you want to hear. Write the words you want to read. And make the foods you want to taste.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). People can define you, put you in a role, treat you this way or that, but it only counts if you agree. "It ain't what they call you; it's what you answer to." — W.C. Fields

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Knowing facts and having skills are very important, but they are not the same as being smart. Being smart will help you to seek information and knowledge about the right things — the things that will make you happier.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You're competitive with people doing things that are like what you're doing, as you should be. Your sportsmanship will set the tone for a game that brings out the best in everyone.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Anything that tells you to "act fast" is sketchy. The best things will be there without a time restriction. In general, this is a good day to let things marinate, process and mature.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (May 6). This solar return starts off with a burst of industrious energy. Your boldness makes things happen over the next five weeks. Then it's diplomacy that takes you to the next goal. Don't worry about impressing anyone. As you continue to do what's right for you, you gain powers including the power of attraction. Pisces and Aries adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 2, 28, 10, 48 and 32.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS: "What do you say about the relationship between an Aquarius woman and a Virgo man? We've become very close friends, and he'd like to have a physical relationship with me, 'to make an amazing friendship even better.' When I refuse, he says that he understands, and that he feels blessed to have me in his life in any capacity. He plans to stay with his wife for the sake of raising his kids in a two-parent household, but their relationship is nonsexual. He thinks I should just enjoy what he can be, which is a friend who cares for me very much and wants to make me feel good. I think that he can't be what I really want (a loving, committed, dependable husband), so how satisfying is temporary pleasure?"

Aquarius women tend to be idealistic, and sweetly want to see the best in people. This Virgo is very unlikely to leave his family and your dalliance together is distracting you from finding what you really want. He calls you a friend, and maybe that's apt. It's also possible that your role is more along the lines of entertainment and fantasy fodder. You'll feel much better about yourself if you break it off and move along to a partner who is truly available.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Academy Award-winner George Clooney is an earthy Taurus whose perfect combination of good looks, talent and tenacity have made him one of the most influential stars in Hollywood. Clooney was born under an Aquarius moon, and he displays the philanthropic spirit of that aspect as he uses his celebrity to raise awareness and aid for impoverished and periled people of the world.

Write Holiday Mathis at HolidayMathis@gmail.com.