Mars, the warrior planet, and Uranus, ruler of powerful surprises, form a stressful aspect today, the effects of which will be felt through the 23rd. This is no time to let your temper get the better of you. Keep your cool. Make sure you have plenty of time to complete each task on your list. Calm yourself before you converse or travel.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Life presents you with tests and exercises to help hone your communication skills. Improving your communication will have a positive impact on every aspect of your life.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You'll be spending more time with the right people — those who ponder the meaning of life, have interesting and exciting objectives and are likely to put an upbeat spin on things.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Avoid the kind of work that makes you responsible for overseeing other people's work and behavior. Today, you'll have better results doing things yourself. The rewards will be greater and the frustrations fewer.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You are crazy about your friends, you believe in their talents and abilities, and you will promote them at every turn. Make sure that you also take advantage of opportunities for your own advancement.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You'll be dealing with those who are not as outgoing as you. Make sure they are not taken advantage of. Be an advocate. Speak up for those who are reluctant to ask for what they deserve.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Recently, you sacrificed your wishes for the good of the team. The move was an appropriate one at the time, but it doesn't have to be an ongoing trend. Choose an avenue that leads to pleasure and success.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Look to the horizon and tell your crew what's coming. People will depend on you for your ability to see the long view. You are the perfect one to coordinate the entire expedition.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You get caught up in the enthusiasm of those around you. So if you're not around people who are passionate and excited, you'll feel dull and muted. Also, positive reading materials will simulate an interpersonal experience.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You'll enjoy lay the groundwork for others. You sort through the details and determine which ones are important. You also discover how to make complexities simple.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You'll be getting ready to give a performance that has the potential to change the game. Size up your competition and then assume that it is 10 percent more substantial. Practice diligently.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You will be mentally "on" when you need to be. When you don't, take advantage of the break and relax. Mindless pursuits serve an important purpose. Include more activities in your life that will loosen you up.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You'll strike upon an idea too exciting not to act on immediately. Don't give yourself too much time to think, plot and plan. Being too careful will cause you to stumble. Act with great gusto and you'll win.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (AUGUST 18). This year has a flair for the unconventional. By the end of September, singles find offbeat romance, and couples make novel choices to spice up the relationship. Your needs change as you evolve through the fall. The changes you make in October help your finances and lifestyle to improve all at once. Taurus and Aquarius adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 30, 35, 1, 52 and 11.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS: "My friend's life is so dramatic and I just don't think I can take it anymore. She always seems to have a trauma going on. I feel guilty even mentioning this, since much of it seems to be out of her control. For instance, her brother died in an accident. Later, her mother flipped out and stole all of my friend's money. I was a good friend to her during these tragedies. But a lot of other things happen that I think she brings on herself, like arguments with her neighbors and craziness with her boyfriend. I'm starting to resent her always being so emotionally needy. Am I a bad person if I just drop her as a friend? We're both Scorpios."

Scorpio is the sign of making clean breaks. If you have drop her, do it with love. But try this first: Cut back the amount of time you'll spend with this friend, while affirming to yourself, "I attract people who are happy, healthy and lucky, just like me." Your friend may show you a different side of herself. See the best in her and she might live up to it.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Sean Penn transitioned from Hollywood bad boy to double Academy Award winner, political activist and hero. This Leo has his sun, Mercury and Uranus all in the sign of fame and charisma. His Cancer moon reveals a sensitive soul with a soft spot for all things maternal. His chart indicates a deep love for his mother and also for the mother of his children, Robin Wright.

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