It's said that in the non-Euclidean universe, parallel lines can sometimes meet or diverge. And in real-life relationships, a straight line isn't always the shortest distance between two people, because people are far too complicated to define with logic. As Mercury squares Pluto, use all of your faculties, including empathy, to make a connection.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Even though you hope for the fortunes to favor you, you realize that the most worthwhile things in your life will not happen by chance. You must decide what to do and take a step.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). It won't go as you imagined. This might be good news, as your imagination has a way of filling out a fearful picture sometimes. Anyway, it sharpens your skills to deal with unexpected realities.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Enjoy the privileges given you, but know that they come with a burden. You have a responsibility to aid the deprived and be an advocate for those who cannot help themselves.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Because there are many factors beyond your control to be considered for any endeavor to work, the most determined efforts will fail. However, intentional efforts made with an open mind will be a success.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Don't be deceived into thinking everyone else in the room knows one another, and that no one else is feeling uncomfortable or scared. You're not the only one acting. Try to make someone else feel at ease, and you'll relax, too.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You will make choices that, strictly speaking, aren't logical. You may be able to rationalize the actions after the fact, but that's beside the point. There's an instinctual reason for why you act.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). If it's love you seek, it's love you find. The same goes for friendship and romance. Love has many forms, after all, so it's important to be specific about the version that would best suit your life now.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You may be skeptical about people's ability to make good on their end of a deal. Tangible material gains are en route; it's true. That's just another way of saying, "The check is in the mail."

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). There's a tremendous difference between how you perform when you're tired and how you perform when you're rested. Try it both ways, and you'll be reminded that relaxation is a vital element to being your best.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). There are conflicting messages in the stars. Some indicate the path of least resistance, while others insist that a problem-free day means you're on the wrong path.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Your sense of humor is enchanting to anyone who wants to make you laugh. But to those who aren't expecting laughter, your sense of humor may be a startling surprise.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). There are no absolutes. Sometimes giving up is the best choice, and other times there's honor in staying the course. Knowing this helps you have compassion instead of judgment for the choices of another.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Sept. 20). An element of glamour makes the next three weeks most enjoyable. October's financial boost is best saved. A challenging partnership invigorates the start of 2013, and you'll be richer for the struggle. You'll create something better together than either of you could do alone. Sensational news comes in March. Taurus and Cancer people adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 4, 1, 24, 39 and 18.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS: "Do you think I'll ever make it back to my home? I can't tell you where it is. I am in exile and have been living under a different identity for the past five years. I miss my friends and family, but I fear what would happen if I were ever to return. What are the prospects for someone born on April 18, 1940?"

Your letter is most mysterious, dear Aries. With your sun, Mercury and Jupiter in the fiery sign of the ram, I believe it would be difficult for you to return to your native land undetected. You have a high energy level that tends to draw attention. Your intensity — and perhaps its accompanying passionate temper — may be what caused your exile in the first place, yes? Venus and Mars in Gemini indicates that your communication skills are strong and you are exceedingly clever. Your best choice would be to come to an agreement with the people responsible for your relocation. If enough time has passed, you may be able to reach a treatise of some kind. It would be better and safer for you if this were a public arrangement. Lawyers will certainly be involved. Diplomatic ventures will be favored when Mars squares your natal Venus from May 27 through June 2, 2013.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Sophia Loren is a poster girl for the timeless beauty of Virgo. Gorgeous at every stage of life, the Academy Award-winning actress continues to model and act, recently voicing the role of Mama Topolino in the non-English version of Disney's "Cars 2." Loren's Mars in Leo intimates that she derives much pleasure from being in the spotlight.

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