Artists insist that the beauty of life is in the small details and not in the big events. And yet people commonly spend exorbitant amounts of money making big events (weddings, important birthdays, reunions) just perfect. Given the influence of the detail-oriented Virgo sun, consider funneling your budget like an artist.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Human beings are the only animals that publish their words. You have something important to say, and you may take advantage of this uniquely human activity by making a statement that many will read.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Jealousy is a thing of the past for you — at least for now. You are especially happy for your friends when they make money, and this means that you, too, will make money very soon.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). People are always encouraging you to reconnect with the people you love, and yet they don't take into account that the distance between you may be there for a good reason: It's comfortable, and it keeps your love in good stead.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You are in the mood to devour entertainment. You're hungry for new delights, different sights, novel functions and new points of view. Feed this craving. Your growing soul needs nutrition.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). What requires aprons and protective gear will be the best part of your day. You'll revel in the process of work of the nitty-gritty, down-and-dirty variety. Others will come to cherish what you make by hand or build in the garage.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). The songs you love will speak to you when the people you love aren't doing the best job of it. And if you don't find healing in music, you will find music in healing.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Your friends want to see you out of context because the excitement of not knowing what you'll do next really spices things up. That is precisely why tonight you may experience life after midnight.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You'll be in the process of study. If it's a subject in which you're not very interested but you have reasons to continue, a good teacher will pave your way.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Even when you're not trying to reach out and connect with people, you're in the process of doing so. Sublime spurts of imagination ignite your inner world, and you will one day express this private joy.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Of course you prefer to hang out with people who are very much like you, but this is not always the most creative choice. In fact, you'll gain more from and give more to those who are so different from you that they force you to open your mind.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Strive for completion in every task. The happiest moments will be when your most tedious work is finally done and you're on to your next adventure with a clear conscience.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). In quiet moments, you will feel as though there are unseen forces pushing you forward, influences that have something to do with the great thinkers and artists of yesteryear.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Aug. 25). There's an exciting change in you. The next three weeks are about deciding the new trajectory of your life. In September, you'll gather a few friends and take them somewhere magical. October is your chance at a big break. December brings games and risk. A May purchase enhances your lifestyle. Cancer and Aquarius people adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 4, 25, 49, 3 and 16.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS: "My parents prefer my older sister and have for our entire lives. Even though I'm 35 now, this still bothers me. My parents always make more of an effort to spend time with her. They talk about her with pride, and they give her more responsibility than me. She is the executor of their will, and she takes care of their house when they are on vacation and also their dogs. I would gladly help them, but all I seem to do is disappoint them. I'm divorced with two kids, and my sister is a successful lawyer who has never been married. Why can't I let this go? I'm a Libra, and my sister is a Pisces."

Relationship-oriented Libras are sensitive to the subtle and not so subtle attributes of the family dynamic. Each relationship within a family is different and unique. Out of your strong desire for fairness and balance in all things, you assume you and your sister should share the same relationship with your parents even though you're two completely different people. But balance can be achieved in a variety of ways. Think of the scales that are the symbol of your sign. Your sister housesits and gets bragging rights to her career; you give grandchildren and XYZ. In some way, it all balances out.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Actress and cooking enthusiast Blake Lively has stated that her love of cuisine leads her to take a cooking class wherever she travels. The "Gossip Girl" and "Green Lantern" star is about as Virgoan as it comes, with her sun, moon, Mercury, Venus and Mars all in Virgo. These strong influences in her natal chart are a magnet for what's wholesome and real, and suggest a ferocious work ethic and a desire for perfection.

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