There's a story connected with the entrance of the sun into Scorpio involving a firebird who periodically ignites, expires and rises from the ashes as a newborn, essentially having given birth to herself. Firebird legends have echoed through many cultures including Chinese, Arabian, Greek and, starting today, the unique culture of you.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). You can't change the past or the inevitable, but you can harmonize with both. Be willing to change your tone until it resonates in a pleasing way with the immovable aspects of life.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). It may feel to you that the voice inside is wearing you down instead of cheering you on. The good news is that you can effectively reset the mood with a you-to-you talk.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). For you, taking a break from learning is like taking a break from eating: It's not the kind of break that can be sustained over time. So allow yourself the time you need to develop your mind.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Sometimes you hear the doorbell and want to rush to see who is there. Right now the ding-dong sound makes you want to hide. There's nothing wrong with wanting to be alone, and you've earned the right not to be bothered.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). It may take several tries to get something right, but if you keep attempting this, you'll eventually have success. Do-overs won't automatically be handed to you, though. You'll only get as many chances as you ask for.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You are blowing something out of proportion. Your recent mistake is not nearly as massive as you've built it up to be. If you still have doubts, ask for an assessment from a levelheaded friend.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). With the scales as your symbol, you can't help but keep score. Unlike most people, though, you know that the nuances count for much, much more than the credit they are usually given.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). The sudden burst of confidence that comes with the sun entering your sign may inspire an impulsive move. With any luck, this move has to do with your personal life and not your job.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Romantic hopefuls will try to get your attention, perhaps in a manner that seems antagonistic. With your sense of humor and quick response, this will all turn out for the best.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Where there is confusion, you step in to clear it up. This is a chance for you to shine. Your leadership will completely change the dynamics of a potentially chaotic scene.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). It's only fair that the one who is most responsible for an outcome is also the one who is most rewarded. Unfortunately, such a state won't naturally occur. You'll have to make it happen.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Your environment can be rearranged to give you better physical and mental flow. Brainstorm possible solutions. This is worth spending time on now because you'll be too busy later.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Oct. 22). Bad art lacks an artistic point of view. This year you recognize your role as the artist of your life and are determined to make great art. Therefore, your job is to see things differently and express what you see as only you can do. Breakthroughs come in November and June. Finances improve in December and May. Leo and Aries people adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 5, 2, 14, 38 and 45.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS: "I just threw a huge 40th birthday bash for my husband, and he received tons of gifts. Now he should do what I always do: break out the thank-you cards and start sending. I even bought him the cards. But it's been a month, and he finally admitted to me that he thinks writing thank-you cards is not a respectable thing for his gender to do. He's a Taurus. How can I make him more polite? I'm a Libra."

Though I have never read an etiquette book that suggested men should be excused from the social nicety of expressing gratitude, the sad truth is that many men don't write thank-you notes. And stubborn Taurus men whose wives uphold the usual traditions of civility are even less likely to break out the stationery. I know this is appalling to you, gentle, mannerly Libra. You are right, he is wrong, and yet that matters little. To try to force him into this task will probably be a fruitless endeavor and a waste of energy. So if you want to make him more polite, do the notes for him.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Born on the cusp of Libra and Scorpio, guru extraordinaire Deepak Chopra has luminaries in both influences. This physician and writer's sun, moon and Neptune in Libra suggests artistry, powers of enchantment and political prowess. Mercury, Mars and Jupiter in Scorpio shows a passion for delving into life's mysteries and uncovering hidden truths.

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