Expert screenwriters and directors know that no image in the script is accidental. You don't show rainclouds unless a storm is going to happen, and you don't show the ring unless someone is going to propose. Now that Venus is direct, it's easier to notice the symbols and use them to predict what will happen, especially in matters of love.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). The lotus symbol of creation and purity may have special meaning to you now as you come to a new venture with a pure heart and the sole intention of making something beautiful.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Mastering a new skill is nothing but placing your continued attention on it. Therefore, you can relax knowing that it's not about you and whether you're good enough to "get" it. It's simply about the time and effort you put in.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Your exterior casing is not who you really are, but it sure makes a difference as to how you feel about yourself. The outer informs the inner. You'll work on both at the same time today.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). In order to learn courage, there has to be something to fear. And patience can't be learned without a frustrating or annoying element present. Obstacles are a gift, and you wisely are grateful for them.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Love is something you can't hold on to, because it really isn't love until you give it away. You'll be actively showing others and yourself what feelings in motion look like.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). The day brings a dilemma. Is it more important to be true to yourself, or to try to be better than who you are? Whatever you decide, it will be the right decision because you'll make it mindfully.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Albert Einstein suggested that the tragedy of life is what dies inside a man while he lives. To prevent these kinds of soul sacrifices, feed your need for fun. Give yourself the opportunity to play and be carefree.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Whether your task for the day is high or humble, it is important. Doing the job with reverence can be a transcendent experience both for you and for those you help with your work.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). People look up to you. Knowing this, you may feel some pressure to act in a certain way — like yourself, only more formal. Really, it's not necessary. The casual version of you will do just fine.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Potential distractions and obstacles are cleared before you wake. Today, you make up your mind about what you're going to do, and you do it. Nothing could be simpler.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). A ship is safe in port, and it's also quite useless there. The same goes with your talent. You have the potential to go somewhere with it, but you have to risk the open waters to do so.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You wisely realize that what's happening around you isn't the only thing that contributes to your happiness, and yet it's awfully nice when circumstances favor you and even seem to rally to make you smile.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (June 28). Your faith is strong, and when you believe something is possible, you pursue it with great conviction. A brilliant move pumps up your professional life in August. Travel will expand horizons. There's a change in your social lineup as you welcome new friends at the year's end. A May investment will pay handsomely in five years. Aries and Taurus people adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 40, 25, 48, 2 and 17.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTION: "I think he's a genius, which is why I married him. But he's also painfully shy. Sometimes I don't think I can handle being the only person he's close to in the whole world. His birthday: 1/27/48. Mine: 11/12/50."

His shyness comes from having so many opinions and ideas to share that he fears if he opens his mouth at all he won't be able to control the information explosion that follows. Your Scorpio intuition and ability to see people for who they are in their soul keeps the attraction strong. Though without intending to, you may be adding to his burden of self-doubt by misguided efforts to change him or to point out what you see as the problem. One-on-one counseling is wonderful for those with the sun opposite the moon like your husband. An objective party will help him adjust his point of view, as well as taking some of the pressure off of you. Your husband's manner of relating to others will naturally transform as a result. With a little emotional work and some courage, he will succeed in branching out socially. Your best support will be gentle and nonintrusive in tone.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Cancer movie star John Cusack has mastered the art of having a successful career while keeping his personal life out of the limelight. With more than 60 movies on his filmography, he's almost never mentioned in the tabloids, making his work all about, well, the work. Is it any surprise that he was born under a notoriously private Scorpio moon?

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