Mercury is backing into Aquarius with all the aplomb of a dump truck that loudly beeps while in reverse to avoid running anyone over. This Mercury retrograde through the sign of humanity brings a chance to right any wrong you may have recently committed — even if it was something small, like forgetting to recycle.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). The trap is to make more of things than they are. Why would you do this? To keep yourself in the size of life that you've been comfortable in for years now. Minimize your obstacles, and your life suddenly gets bigger.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You're pleased to make an announcement, although it seems others aren't quite as pleased to hear it. Give them time to adjust. In the end, what is good for you will be good for all.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). What a pleasant and productive day. You get things done in record time because work goes smoothly, as does travel. Important contacts are made. Now all you have to do is follow through.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Regarding the situation with a loved one: You've been hoping for the best for a while now. Try a new tactic. Something magical will happen if you drop expectations altogether and, instead, accept what is.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You're delivering the stark, bare-bones, gleaming truth now. You're not afraid of the reaction to it, either — you just don't want to be there when it happens. ... OK, maybe you are a little bit afraid.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Feb. 26). You're inspired by the accomplishments of those close to you — and they are inspired you. The good feelings going into March make you a magnet for fantastic business deals. Your income is boosted. Family ties help you get into situations that are closed to outsiders. The ties you have with Virgo and Cancer people are loving and supportive. Your lucky numbers are: 1, 30, 39, 22 and 19.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Your biggest challenge is in refraining to take over. There are some things others need to work out on their own. If it's not necessary for you to make a decision, it's necessary that you not make one.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Though you're appreciated for being responsible, you are perhaps even better appreciated for being playful, rebellious and immature. You're the original breath of fresh air.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You now break the code that previously kept certain doors closed to you. And the secret key is simply the truth. Honesty swings open the barriers, and you walk right in.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). It's an inspired day. Work goes easily, fun is funnier, and at the end of the day you have exciting tidbits to impart to loved ones. Go to bed with a smile on your face.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You don't agree with the arguments you hear. And the entertainment you see is also out of alignment with your personal view of the world. However, as long as it's causing you to think, you're happy.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You're in a temperate mood. Your courage comes with meekness. Your confidence teams with modest distrust of what you know. Your willfulness is laced with tenderness.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Though there's a pressure to look busy, there's really nothing to be gained by running around and flailing your arms. That won't stop some — but you have enough sense to be lazy.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTION: "I work in the art department of a theater company painting sets, but what I really want to do is fine art. Do you think I could actually succeed in such a risky business? My birthday is Oct. 29, 1963."

For all signs, it is counterproductive to continue doing what they no longer enjoy. But for Scorpio, staying a minute too long in a job that no longer holds intrigue causes great inner revolt and resentment. It's wise to not only follow your bliss, or your calling, but to follow it immediately and without delay. Develop an image in your mind of an abundant life as an artist. It is this image that will be key to your success. When you're not certain which way to go, concentrating on your own image as a successful artist will help you make the right decision. Your chart reveals you as serious, possessing a powerful vision that puts the depths of inner life onto the canvas. You would do well to get to know your model before you begin painting. Even if your subjects aren't human, developing a unique relationship with your subject is essential before you even put brush to canvas. Your connection with the internal life and meaning of things is what creates your best art.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Carrot Top, the persona created by Scott Thompson, is a cross between Pauly Shore and Bozo the Clown. When a performer creates his own character, the character has his own birthday, independent of the performer's birthday. In my estimation, Carrot Top is an Aquarius, but Scott Thompson is a sensitive and talented Pisces working out his truth and pain through comedy.

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