As Mars continues retrograding through Cancer, going after what we want is neither straight nor direct — just like the zigzag sidesteps of the vulnerable crab. What if we're not taken seriously? What if we don't get what we aim for? Saturn offers solid guidance, sharpening our ability to clearly identify self-created obstacles.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Take a strong stance. Subtle moves will only be lost in the shuffle. You will be asked what you think. Seize the opportunity to arrest everyone's attention when it's your turn.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Your sacrifices are worthwhile. But part of the idea of sacrifice is that you do it without really knowing what the result will be. Giving without an expectation of return is divine.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Some groups teach one another to be judgmental, and there's no shortage of scapegoats. Resolve to be different and go against ingrained tendencies. As the Irish say, "He who gossips with you, gossips of you."

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Time to re-think the living situation. Roommate you can't stand? Kick 'em to the curb. House too small? Find something more accommodating. Options are numerous.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). A recent change has people looking at you in a different way. And different is good. Others are generally more receptive to your ideas and are likely to seek your guidance.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Dec. 8). Many people have ideas, but this year, you act on them and turn your flashes of inspiration into gold. An emotional growth spurt changes your lifestyle over the next seven weeks. May features an inheritance. Put it in the bank! A June career change is followed by a romantic change. Libra and Taurus adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 5, 23, 26, 31, 11.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Love releases life, gives it breathing room and a dance floor. Find reasons to love, even though there have been disappointments and downfalls along the way.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You are grateful for the hills and valleys you've had to forge through. After all, a person who hasn't faced calamity has no need to be brave. Your wisdom helps an Aries.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). It's not like you to be passive, and now you may be the only one standing up for what's right. Tonight, a partner is less needy. Paradoxically, you're more willing to give.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Your productivity ebbs and flows. Give that tedious task a more fascinating name, and you'll be able to attack it in the spirit of fun. Aquarius and Leo help you.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). The big lessons of the day are patience and perseverance. Of course you'd rather be learning lessons like how to spend all the money that seems to fall down from the sky wherever you walk.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Your voicemail is littered with messages of support, all of which will be a pleasure to return. It strikes you that kindness is a powerful, beautiful, inspiring force.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Since you are a bit unsure of your rights and the legality of a situation is still a bit foggy, put off signing anything. Tonight, you are as open and receptive as a sponge.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS: "I'm 37. I just moved to a new city and began dating someone. We seem to have so much in common, but after a month and a half of dating, I feel a need for space. Something is missing. I'm not sure why I am feeling this way. My birthday is Nov. 22, 1969, and his is May 28, 1968."

Something is missing — deeper connection. You're mismatched. You're dating Super Gemini (five planets), and while there's nothing inherently wrong Mr. Ton o' Gemini, you're a Scorpio woman. Translation: Having a lot in common is a far cry from the unquenchable yearning to lip-lock with his soul. Don't blame yourself. Gemini has this mercurial knack for changing himself into who you want him to be — because he likes you and because he's malleable. With Neptune on your Scorpio sun and Venus, you're elusive and mysterious, too — in a different way. You're bewitching. You have real glamour and an ability to change and enchant your appearance, making people wonder who you really are. Scorpios are unusually excellent judges of character, so starting over has probably caused you to second-guess yourself. Big changes can make anyone feel vulnerable. Trust your judgment, and pass.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Terri Hatcher shares many of her Sagittarian traits with Susan, her character on "Desperate Housewives." Friendliness and dependability are among Sag's desirable qualities, while her frank outspokenness humors the occasional open-mouth, insert-foot Sag scenario. Terri's Mercury is in Capricorn, so she's far more self-conscious about how she's perceived than Susan is.

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