What do you think is nearer to the truth: superstition or science? Brilliant minds have fought for both sides and still other brilliant minds have melded the two, with intriguing results — something to investigate in today's problem-solving under the eccentric Aquarius sun and practical Capricorn lunar influence.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Even when the situation is far from ideal, your positive, upbeat and honest attitude will make it better. The "honest" part is key. Temper optimism with realism.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). If you take the exact path you took yesterday, you'll still learn something new. You can't help it: Your curious mind will keep seeing more and more as you relax into a routine.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Should you play dumb to avoid hurting someone's feelings or avoid a confrontation? You're too smart to do this believably, but it still might work to buy you some time in an awkward situation.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). The saying goes, "Enough is enough." While that may be true, getting to "enough" can be tricky. Usually you don't know the right amount until you've gone over it. Well, next time you can use what you know to scale it back.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). If there were some way to be certain of beauty, truth or any answer at all really, no one would still be questing. If it has to be eternally sought, there's nothing to be found.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). It's not true that you live within the confines of your head. Context matters. You're different in different situations. Your head changes with the location and the environmental factors and influences therein.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Because you're paying such a marvelous quality of attention to all that's going on around you, what you'll learn today will make you a more discriminating and reflective person.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Too much activity can be numbing. It's like you can't tell if you're in the swing of things or just watching yourself go through the swinging motions. Either way, it's time to slow down and rest.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You'll do excellent work because of your ability to prioritize, focus and dedicate yourself to the task until it's finished. Your work ethic now compares to that of your heroes.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Our feelings show up with the purpose of helping out, but they are often misguided. When negative feelings impede your progress, keep asking, "What am I telling myself that is making this difficult?"

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Just as the bees and gophers have work to do, your nature comes with a work-drive as well. Loving yourself is loving your nature and pushing yourself to fulfill the job at hand.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). A person who doesn't realize that he or she is wrong will have no desire to do right. Pangs of guilt or shame could be the first sign that a person will soon be blossoming into improvement.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Jan. 25). You'll be part of a tight team this year. Furthermore, you're the reason it's tight: You're the glue. Together you'll earn a top honor in March. April and September are the best times to travel and accomplish a mission. You'll get closure on past pain in May and almost immediately a new source of joy opens. Scorpio and Gemini adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 9, 5, 14, 27 and 37.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS: "I'm a 23-year-old Cancer guy. I want to make a change, but I'm afraid that my family will disapprove. My parents have a definite vision for my future, and if I don't continue to work the job they want me to have and be in the relationship they prefer for me, then I feel like I am letting them down. I don't think I could live without my family's support. And yet, I am not living my own life. If I choose the partner I really want, my family would not agree. Maybe they wouldn't even talk to me again. What should I do?"

Right now you think that your family is your protection, but you would be surprised at how well you can protect yourself on your own. Cancer is a highly sensitive sign, but like the crab you have a tough shell of protection around you. Ask yourself honestly if you are developing this affection just because you know your parents wouldn't like it, or if there's really something of value in this rebellious relationship. Your parents want the best for you, but they cannot live their own lives through you, any more than they can live your life for you.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Alicia Keys is an Aquarian diva born when the sun, Mercury and Mars were all in the sign of philanthropy. Her cosmic alignment suggests that Keys is likely to lead a musical movement that brings awareness to a suffering part of the world. Venus in Capricorn is further indication that this Aquarian pop star has what it takes to be a leader through music.

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