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When Mercury, the communication planet, is in the sign of the cat, it trends toward things like cuteness, showmanship, swagger and improbable feats of showing off. Mercury slips into a Virgo suit today for a more subdued and industrious presentation. It's a reminder that there are many ways to attract, give and share attention. All that glitters isn't gold.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). The best teachers can simplify the lesson or expand on it according to the needs and levels of the student. If you're confused, it only means there's a mismatch of teaching style to learning style. Don't be afraid to adjust or seek other training.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You may find it difficult to stay present and do what makes you happy right now. You are more aware than ever that you're going to spend the rest of your life in the future. Planning is the order of the day.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). To know someone thinks well of you, interprets your words kindly, sees good in you -- to a social person like you, this is success. You are coming from a kindhearted place, whether they get it or not. This is also success.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Who you surround yourself with matters. You'll make friends with people who are doing interesting work, and you'll find a way to help, too. It could be with your patronage, participation or service.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). If a thing takes too long to understand, maybe it's not for you, at least not today. There are too many meaningful actions to take -- many of them so small they could be managed within the hour. Leave the big issues alone for now.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You've a vague yearning for an understanding you can't quite name. Books will give you the knowledge you didn't know you needed. As Groucho Marx said, "Outside of a dog, books are a man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read."

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Extend compassion inward. Cultivate a patient attitude about your own growth. When something hurts, say so. Encourage others to do the same. Concealing pain only makes it more acute.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). To walk the world with a big, open heart makes you vulnerable to a wide array of tomfoolery, or so it would seem, but it will work in the opposite way now, inspiring others to give you the truth.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You aim to respect and honor all with your interaction style. Everyone has different needs and preferences. Cater to your audience. Professionals, children, strangers and kin... each get a different side of you.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). The most modern invention of the day will be old news soon enough, but if it's really cool and rare, it will join the ranks of "vintage" instead of "trash." This is what drives you to do exceptional work and tend to your highest aesthetic values.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). The very essence of creativity is to expand. To abide by certain rules will give the creative energy form. Too many rules do the opposite, thwarting the flow before it amounts to much. Your ideal partner will limit the limits.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). If you need a reason to slow down, let it be this: Your life is like a full cup that must be carried very carefully and steadily. A fast move in any direction will cause a mess.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (July 25). Like a comic book convention, the year brings unexpected meet ups with outgoing people who connect with you in very specific ways. Some of these characters are heroic, others idolize you as their hero. You'll make legendary alliances. More highlights: a lucky meeting, love sends you on three missions, the good fortune of those close to you lifts you in several ways including financial. Gemini and Scorpio adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 9, 13, 2, 28 and 11.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: As Joey Tribbiani, Matt LeBlanc was the only character in the main cast to have appeared in every single episode of the series "Friends" and even beyond with the spinoff series called "Joey." Leos are famously generous performers always eager to share the spotlight, thus ideal ensemble players, as evidenced in three out of six main "Friends" characters. More recently, LeBlanc brought his charismatic presence to host "Top Gear" where his love of cars endeared him to a new audience.

Holiday Mathis' debut novel, "How To Fail Epically in Hollywood," is out now! This fast-paced romp about achieving Hollywood stardom is available as a paperback and e-book. Visit http://www.creatorspublishing.com for more information. Write Holiday Mathis at HolidayMathis.com.

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