Behind his wild-man exterior, Uranus wants an orderly existence in the universe, the same as anyone else. He just won't get there by playing the straight guy on campus. As he greets the Scorpio sun today, the taboo and dangerous intrigue him. You can push the edges of your definition by originating offbeat and creative approaches to your goals.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). You're in a competitive mood. Enter tough contests — you just might win. Tonight, it's easy to get along when you separate money matters from family matters.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). It's hard to tell when you're giving too much. At work, make doubly sure that you're not being taken for granted. Parents: The line between being a good parent and spoiling 'em silly gets blurry indeed.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You have the courage of your convictions, which is all that you need to make a difference. Just be sure that what you think is true is actually true. Verify sources, and get many sides of the story.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). A captivating person seems able to hold not only your attention but also your very heart and soul. It's fun to loosen the reigns of control, but don't let go entirely.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Instead of trying to be smarter, richer and thinner, it's time to throw your arms around your current, very loveable self and totally accept where you are. Anything you accept fully will give you power.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Nov. 7). Of course you're getting noticed. You're so imaginative this year, and you boldly present your ideas in the most creative way you can. Someone warm and enthusiastic comes into your world next month — this could be true love. Professional interest leads you to new investigate different cultures and possibly travel. Aries and Virgo adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 18, 15, 30, 41 and 7.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). An expressive mood hits, and you may feel moved to talk over every feeling that passes through your heart. Some are more willing to listen than others. Choose a suitable outlet to really be heard.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Style is not merely important — it's crucial to the success of your project. If you're unsure of your choices, assemble your own personal style council and ask advice.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Younger people are attracted to the ecstasy with which you approach things. Incorporate technology into your life, even if this means it's time to read a manual.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Practical matters come into play. If you've been denied credit, this is an excellent day to try again. Ask for records, make valid complaints, and do what you can to set things straight.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Make your space work for you. When you feel less than influential over a situation, get away. The miles you put between you and the whole scene leave room for healing.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Be methodical and careful. Great care is required in regard to expense accounts and other business matters. Nothing is minor. Small print has the most impact.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Impulse control is what this day is about. Long-term success requires constructive measures that are seemingly disconnected but are ultimately inescapably linked with success.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS: "I'm 40 and between careers with toddlers at home. I'm feeling stuck and not sure which direction to go next for career and love. Is this a Sagittarius thing right now, or is it just me? I was born on Dec. 9, 1966. My friend, born the same day, just started a job as a freshman representative in Congress. Why is she on track and I'm off it?"

As Pluto and Jupiter spend the last few months of 2007 barreling through the last degrees of Sagittarius, many of you have already shed old skin. For others, total transformation has grown increasingly inevitable. Shedding old skin isn't easy for you, especially the drastic makeover Pluto asks for — but shed you must. With your Scorpio moon, getting stuck in a too-long rut is toxic to your emotional health and that of those around you. You need to identify your passion and move in that direction. Consider getting help with childcare. Even a few hours a day in which you can take a class or explore a new interest will improve your life and your parenting remarkably. Don't wait. The clock is ticking. You're in a very creative period for endings and beginnings. Take the reigns before the universe creates a situation that literally forces you out of a rut.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Regarding the Kennedy family's lineage of loss, Scorpio Maria Shriver put it in perspective by writing children's books for her own kids. Death is an uncomfortable topic, but Scorpios have a wise and intuitive understanding about life's necessary losses. Maria also has a natural sympathy for children. She has four planets in the sign of the child, Leo, including her mama moon.

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