Mercury goes retrograde in Aries, suggesting that tempers and emotions may play a role in whatever mishaps or misunderstandings occur in the weeks to come. This is a chance to understand your own emotional triggers and explore how and why they became hot buttons. You may come to know and express heretofore hidden passions.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). There are people around you who could make your life easier if only you're willing to ask. Understanding that you cannot do everything on your own is the first step to eliminating the stress that is currently affecting your scene.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Don't zoom in on your weaknesses and try to turn them into strengths; you'll only be let down. You'll be far better off doing what you do best often and with great enthusiasm.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Your influence is strong, but you only use it when you know that what you want is good for others, as well. Your judicious mood will help bring about a peaceful balance in the world.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You may not be able to change others, but you can change what you think of them — or that you think of them at all. It might be time to disengage from a negative influence.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You'll feel an increased sense of focus. Get serious about advancing your interests. Narrow down your task list so that you have the freedom to concentrate on the truly important matters.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You have experience and knowledge beyond what the group can offer you now. So instead of falling into "groupthink," you'll be a thought leader, paving the way for your crew.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). It's a rare day when you choose assertiveness over diplomacy, but that day has arrived. Tired of compromise for the sake of being amenable, you'll make statements flat out and you may even issue an ultimatum.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Knowing is the opposite of creativity, which can only come from not knowing. The day invites you to stretch your sense of wonder, and you'll have the courage to go out on a limb.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Give yourself time. Expecting too much from yourself in too short a period of time is a recipe for stress and strain. Who needs it? Be like the gods, who have all the time in the world.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You want an outcome for another person, and your selflessness is commendable. With any luck, the other person wants the same outcome and will accept your energetic generosity.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Schooling is different from education. You'll find that though you are uneducated on certain matters, you still know how to handle them because of what other life experiences have taught you.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Choose your influences carefully, and limit your exposure to other people's opinions and agendas. The values of the world are not necessarily the values you want adopt.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (March 12). The year brings inexplicable bouts of happiness. Why search for a reason? Just go with the good moods. April's gift of peace and tranquility will help you settle into a nice personal groove. Then May brings excitement and surprises. In June, you'll quest to expand your knowledge and augment your income. Aries and Aquarius people adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 10, 3, 39, 28 and 18.

COSMIC CONFIDENCE: In the age of Facebook and YouTube, there are more opportunities than ever before to project yourself in a public forum. Your astrological sign offers unique insight to help you gain the confident edge that will make others take notice and give you the right kind of attention. So what's your cosmic advantage?

AQUARIUS: Your confidence comes from your strong understanding of and alliance with the human family.

A true egalitarian, you know on a deep level that there is no person on the planet who is more important than any other person. Status is, therefore, both illusory and situational. Being successful in any given circumstance is a matter of being well matched to what the situation calls for. If you're not well matched, it doesn't mean you are less of a person. In fact, it's not personal at all. Just move to where your talents are better suited to what's going on. By the same token, you don't let success go to your head, because you realize it's just a formula you've figured out, not a reflection of you being more deserving than anyone else.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: An electric, versatile and ever-glamorous diva, Liza Minnelli was born when the sun was in vulnerable, theatrical Pisces and the moon was in Cancer, the sign of mothers. Being so intimately acquainted with the perils of show business, it took great courage for Minnelli to follow in her mother's footsteps. Mercury and Venus in explosive, energetic Aries indicates endless wells of bravery.

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