by Kim Rogers-Gallagher

Even if you're not a professional astrologer, recognizing a Sun sign can be as simple as reading "Aries" spelled out in bright red letters on a brand new T-shirt. With a few surefire tips, you can become an effective astro-detective, spotting the ones you want to meet (and just as importantly, the ones you want to avoid). Of course, anyone will tell you their Sun sign over the course of a five-minute getting-to-know-you chat (unless they're super-secretive Scorpios), but that's cheating. It's much more fun to guess -- and even more fun to guess right. Here's what to look for from across that crowded room, and what to do once you've found your target.

Aries (March 21 - April 19)
Hunting for an Aries? Start by convincing your friends to go to the bar during a game. Look for red. If they're not wearing it, they'll be exuding the powerful vibe of it. They're perpetually assertive, aggressive and more than happy to treat one and all to a dose of bulletproof confidence. That includes the waiter, should they fail to have your Aries' order delivered within seconds, or you, should you fumble the initial play. Your best bet? March over and ask whether they'd prefer bungee-jumping, skydiving or fire-walking on your first date.

Taurus (April 20 - May 20)
They'll be sitting back, quietly observing everyone with a little smile -- one you'll learn to love and appreciate. It means they're pleased and comfortable. They don't like change unless they initiate it, so it's important to let them make the first move. This may involve staring at them for a very long time, but in the long run (which is what you'd better be after) it will be well worth it. Once they've ambled over, be sure to touch them. That's important -- Tauruses are the uncontested touchmeisters of the zodiac. They live for physical pleasure. Start off on that foot and you'll find a wide open door.

Gemini (May 21 - June 20)
For starters, they'll look interesting & and interested. Everyone in their party will immediately listen when they speak (which will be a great deal). They're curious, restless and always eager for intellectual banter, making it extremely easy to meet them. Just strike up a conversation. That's all. Any subject will do. Feel free to change topics, too, whenever you like. In the mind of a Gemini, tangents are like a dessert tray. The faster they talk, the better your chances of seeing them again. Now remember that you have to keep this up, 24/7, to keep them interested.

Cancer (June 21 - July 22)
They'll likely arrive with a group, obviously composed of family, since everyone will bear a strong resemblance to someone else. There will be children hanging on their arms, showing them what they've drawn courtesy of the crayons your Cancer asked the server to bring over & before anyone had even taken their seat. If you want to get them alone for a moment, your best bet is to catch their eye, smile, and make a very subtle gesture. Don't worry about them not noticing or misunderstanding. They invented subtlety, and they'll appreciate it from you.

Leo (July 23 - August 22)
There may not be a spotlight or microphone for miles, but if there's a Leo in the vicinity, they'll automatically create a stage. They exude star quality from every pore, making them the absolute easiest sign to spot. Want more proof? Look for their mane -- for really striking hair. Another classic giveaway? Gold. Lots of it. Rings on every finger and both thumbs, several bracelets on each wrist and so many necklaces you can't help but wonder if they have hired help to put it all on and take it all off. Want to get to know them? Casually mention how beautifully their sweater sets off their eyes.

Virgo (August 23 - September 22)
They'll be the most proper, polite and accommodating person in the room, the first to arrive and the last to be seated. They won't sit down until everyone in their party has exactly what they need to be comfortable. Your mission -- no simple task -- is to distract your Virgo from their ongoing quest long enough for them to notice that there's not one speck of lint on your person. Catch their eye, smile and tip your glass. Once you're actually in range, comment on how much you admire their ability to organize. Present them with a tasteful business card and suggest lunch, not dinner. Then go home and organize everything in your home, especially your CDs -- alphabetically.

About the Author
Kim Rogers-Gallagher fell in love with Astrology 20 years ago. Ever since, she's written hundreds of columns (magazines and online) and two books, "Astrology for the Light Side of the Brain" and "Astrology for the Light Side of the Future." She also authored "The Cosmic Café" column on StarIQ.com. Kim shares her home with her pets and her computer.