Does it really matter what other people think of you? Of course! Unless it doesn't. You're the only one who can say, because it matters in direct proportion to the amount that you think it does. The Capricorn moon puts this into perspective. Social standing begins with how you rank yourself. So why not give yourself some extra points?

ARIES (March 21-April 19). You may feel as though someone is stalling, and as frustrating as this may be, it's also liberating if you look at it in the right light. Take back the power, and reclaim your schedule.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You're on your own journey, so there's no point in making marks of comparison in other people's lives. What your friend is doing is especially irrelevant to your path.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You've been working in the dark, metaphorically, and you may be starting to suspect that no one knows where the light switch is. It's up to you now. Go shine your light and get this mission accomplished.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Getting gussied up is a pleasure in itself that happens to make social life more fun today. But underneath the decorations, your beautiful soul is even more radiant.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). In every life, pain and loss are a matter of fact. It just comes with the territory. Your advantage now is that you have a knack for letting go, finding a gift in the experience and moving quickly past it.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You are a special creation of your own making. As it usually goes in the business of making things, the first time doesn't always turn out, so keep trying new techniques.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Make plans, and then expect them to go well. You'll have confidence because you know that you're prepared for the best possible outcome and also for the worst.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Doing nothing is not the same as inaction. Sometimes doing nothing — in an alert, observant way — is the absolute best action. When the time is right to move, you'll be ready.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You'll make friends quickly today. Don't worry. You won't have to keep in touch forever if you don't want to. Sharing in the building of a beautiful moment is enough.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). The shifting scenery around you today is a reminder that whether you hold up your palm against it or turn and swim its current, life goes on. You'll make split-second decisions about how to deal.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Your rapport with a certain someone gets better with every interaction. This person brings out the best in you. Consider spending more time together.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Everyone will not be moving at the same pace. You are polite, and yet unless you are in the armed services, the situation may require you to leave a man behind.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Aug. 26). This year is like changing the channel of your life. You'll shift your thoughts to a new desire in September. October brings a perfect blend of education and entertainment. November is romantic, and you'll get to know someone's family better, too. December is your chance to freshen up your environment. Aries and Sagittarius people adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 30, 12, 24, 18 and 29.

FORECAST FOR THE WEEK AHEAD: In the business of problem solving, observation is usually the first step. No sound conclusion will be drawn without an accurate sense of all that's entailed. The sun in analytical Virgo helps us take the observation phase seriously and spend all the time we need gathering information about our lives. The phrase associated with Virgo is "I analyze." The measurements taken during this investigative phase are highly specific. Determining what is true and separating that from speculation and subjectivity will be critical to the outcome.

It's an excellent week to focus objectively on your life, to detach yourself and think logically about all that's happened. Write down your findings because what seems true will often change when you write it down.

With each passing day, the moon will grow fuller until Friday brings the most intuitive moon of the year. The full Pisces moon is a mind reader, a soul connector and a universal communication device. Type any language in, and it will give the translation. Use it on the people in your life who challenge your understanding. You'll be amazed what you learn as the full Pisces moon pours empathy into the sky.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Mother Teresa of Calcutta founded a religious congregation of sisters whose vows include chastity, poverty, obedience and free, wholehearted service to the poorest of the poor. The organization helps the poverty stricken, sick and hungry in more than 100 countries. Mother Teresa was born when the sun, Mercury and Mars were in Virgo, a sign of hard work and dedication. "If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other." — Mother Teresa

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