There's something to be gained by losing. What do you need to get rid of? That's the big question in your mind during this square of the sun and Uranus. An alliance of Mercury and Venus offers the perspective to answer the question well. Step back and rise high until what comes into view could also be noted by a bird.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). You're helpful. You realize when a person needs help but isn't saying, or perhaps even knowing, that this is the case. In today's instance it's best to wait for the request, otherwise you'll over-help, which helps no one.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Your group is strong and so is its persuasion, but you are among the strongest minds in it. Instead of falling into the "group think," you'll be a thought leader, showing the way for your crew.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You tell your stories to friends in a lighthearted social manner, but you're also very aware of the light these anecdotes cast on you. You're the consummate politician!

CANCER (June 22-July 22). People are still asking you what's going to happen. They want information that is perhaps best spoken by time itself. You may have a compelling feeling about the future, but you certainly don't want to spoil the ending.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). The ones who seem like they have it all together may not have it all together, not by a longshot. But they have it enough together in a few areas to help you in the way you need right now, so go with that.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Real life is not a drill. There are no dress rehearsals. Each moment is distinct and impossible to do over. But don't let that make you so nervous that you don't participate. Messing up is half the fun.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). To pretend to know is a very common thing for children to do. It's part of the can-do spirit. Without a little arrogance, no one would dare. People around may pretend too much today though, and that makes for problems if you buy in.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Do you care more about who gets the credit, or do you care more about what gets done? Both sides of the equation are important now, but things will turn out best when you decide which matters more to you.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). This project you're involved in is getting hard, weird, awkward, maybe even painful. You've known failure, you've had setbacks, but you're not even close to being finished. In many ways you haven't even started!

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You have the right to be different, and knowing this makes you feel free — even if what you are most compelled to do is make the same choice as the others.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). It's comforting to have a friend on your side; however, what you need more than comfort now is the eye of discernment, the heart of justice and the voice of knowledge — however friendly or unfriendly it may be.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You may feel slightly reckless, and it's time to rein it in. You didn't get where you are without exercising a degree of self-control. If you can control a little, you can control more.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (July 16). In some way you've been mismatched, but that's all about to change. There's a sparkle in your eye, and it draws in the people who can most make you happy. The journey of getting to know yourself helps matters now through September. Experiment, dare and, most of all, break free from a situation that has become something of a trap. Leo and Libra adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 30, 44, 12, 22 and 18.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTION: "I like your insight and how the message is usually connected to universal laws, such as the law of attraction. I've been a student of the law of attraction for about three years, however I've not had much luck attracting or manifesting. My birthday is March 18. I'm married and have twin 30-year-old sons (fraternal), and in July my wife and I will be celebrating our 35th anniversary."

Pisces is the sign of spirit. Many Pisces feel driven to understand the full nature of our existence, including the workings of the subconscious mind and the energetic expression of the soul. Studying is a pleasure for you and you will continue to be enriched by each new discovery and personal breakthrough. Try not to get discouraged when the magic within you doesn't seem to be working to transform your life in the way you desire. Be gentle with the process. The crucial component of the law of attraction is the feeling with which you approach the things you desire. You absolutely must be feeling rich to attract riches. It's wonderful that you have a lasting and fruitful marriage and that you have raised two sons! Think of this and your many other blessings before you focus on what more you'd like to create in this lifetime.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: This comedian often plays characters who get a reality check, which speaks to imaginative powers of Cancer actor Will Ferrell. In "Zeroville," Ferrell will join his friends Megan Fox and James Franco to explore the Hollywood of 1969. Ferrell was born when Mercury was also in Cancer, suggesting extraordinary sensitivity and a stellar intuitive sense. Lucky Jupiter in Leo lends an entertaining edge.

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

Photo credit: Arturo Pardavila III