Why does it matter so much to have a clean car or a certain pair of shoes? Because the symbols of our lives are important. They say something about who we are and why we do what we do. The aesthetic Taurus moon finds it immensely bothersome if our symbols don't accurately reflect our identities — and mighty satisfying when they do.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Your extra energy will kick in midmorning, and you'll keep moving quickly through the day. There are things you shouldn't do fast, though. Talking is one of them. You'll get more respect using your calm, slow voice.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You'll choose upbeat partners. They may have the wrong answers from time to time, but because they have the right attitude, they will be quick to make corrections.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). The deep part of your brain that contains a storytelling instinct will be activated now. You'll be driven to share, and in this sharing, you'll hone the finer details of your narrative.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Resist checking in with others to see whether you're on the right path. Try instead to think it through and feel it out. When you're sure within yourself, it's the right path. Certainty will open doors.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Someone will try to form an alliance with you. You're not about to join a cause you don't believe in. Also, you just don't like it when people try to pick a fight for you. If you want to fight, you'll pick your own.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Your status is on the line today. How you come across will be more important than what you say. Speak as though you're making complete sense even when you're not sure it's really the case.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Everything aligns to remind you that people are important — more important than things, position, power or money. When you make the choice that supports people, you choose your own soul.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You've done your homework, but you wouldn't mind a second opinion. Be careful to ask for insight in a way that lets the other person know that you don't want to be micromanaged, but you value an objective viewpoint.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You want to give. But if you don't take care of yourself first, you'll get into trouble. You'll be as generous as you can possibly be while still maintaining enough of your own time and resources to get your work done.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You have a way of making people feel safe. New people will be attracted to you as you demonstrate your strength. It comes in many forms: intellectual, physical and emotional.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Enforce clear lines between your work and your personal life. Increased structure will be good for all. By your example, others will understand that the workplace is for work — and not for personal sharing.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). If you want to be a leader, assume leadership. It won't be necessary to ask for it, and doing so will only cause hesitation and doubt. Swoop in and start taking care of business.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Sept. 5). You are more convicted in your beliefs than ever and determined to make a difference. The next seven weeks clear the obstacles to deeper love. You'll pick up a new skill in October. You'll have plenty to show off in November, but you'll refrain from doing so. You'll volunteer for an important mission in December. Leo and Sagittarius people adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 5, 25, 49, 14 and 18.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS: "I helped her get the job, and then she was promoted before me. Months later, she was promoted again, and when there were cutbacks at the company, I was let go. My friend is doing better than ever, and now I'm looking for a job. I think about her every day, how well she's doing, and I seethe. How can a Pisces let go of the damage done by a Scorpio?"

Spiritual Pisces, the best way to let go is to create and execute a private anti-seething ritual. Here's one called Release and Succeed:

On one piece of paper, make a list of words and images associated with your anger at your friend. For instance, the time you heard of her promotion: What picture does it bring up in your mind? How did you feel? On a second page, list the qualities, approaches and methods your friend used to move up. Rip up your angry page into bits and burn them in a fire pit. Place the other list under your pillow to read before you go to sleep and when you wake up in the morning. You will use these same methods to extract the best revenge: your own success.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Gorgeous Raquel Welch is a symbol of the unchanging nature of Virgoan beauty. This sign is known for being driven to improve, perfect and enliven through health and clean living. In her seventh decade, Welch is still an international sex symbol. In recent years, Welch has helped women around the globe improve their appearance with her glamorous designer hairpieces.

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