Many have a sense that they are living out a series of default decisions instead of a deliberate design. Of course it's hard to have a clue about what one really wants until the experience of what is most certainly unwanted. To design a better life, start envisioning it now, while Mercury crosses into Aquarius, the sign of the future.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Work under pressure, handle crises, impress your peers, be independent, stand out in a crowd — yes, that's one way to go. Or you can chill until you're quiet enough on the inside to see what needs to be done and why.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You own a lot of items. Something about that will be today's main problem. You may find yourself in elimination mode. Instead of asking, "Will I use this someday?" ask, "Do I use it now? Does it work well? Do I love it?"

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You're not entirely comfortable making people work for your respect and attention, but it happens that way sometimes. Though you're too compassionate to make them work too hard, some amount of effort is good for all.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You may hear the words of contrition you have been waiting for, but how valuable is an apology really? Ultimately it will be deeds, not words, that bring a situation back into balance.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). The cat doesn't agonize about when, where and how to catch the mouse. It watches, alert, and when it feels an advantage it pounces. You benefit from going deeper into the feline nature of your sun-sign symbol. Be the cat.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). When you take a moment to watch the grace of a bird, the elegant pattern of leaves or the peaceful way the grass recognizes the wind, you are letting the nature spirits energize you.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Resist the temptation to get involved in the struggle. You may want to make things right, but this is not your battle. The combatant's interests are not your interests. You grow stronger with every conflict you avoid.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). The greatest asset you have for making a contribution to the world is yourself. Follow the essential rule every skilled company owner understands: Protect the asset.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Conversations get increasingly interesting — not because of what is said, but because of what's in the pause. Silence will be the connective essence of words.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Maybe not today, but someday you'll regret settling for a poor quality of attention from the people around you. Stand up for yourself. If they don't show signs of respect, go where your input will be better appreciated.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). The day features a rather intricate game. You've a talent for strategy today. Plan several moves in advance. A temporary move backward will lead to a giant move forward.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You'll have success when you employ your instinct about what other people like. You're so adept at placing yourself in the hypothetical, seeing things how others might, empathizing— perhaps because you find the exercise enjoyable.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Feb. 7). You'll hear magic words this month. Your opinion of yourself isn't based on what others think, but it's nice to be awarded, which you will be — twice this year. March and June are your best financial months. The expansion that happens in September will help you make a difference in someone's life. Gemini and Leo adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 4, 12, 18, 33 and 28.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS: "I'm a Libra, and my husband is a Taurus. Is it ethical for me to hide some of our money? I don't want it for myself. It's more because his pattern is to spend everything in his account and go into debt for things he wants but doesn't need. If I'm ever to have any financial peace I'm afraid I'm either going to have to divorce him or do some secret accounting. This would be easy for me, since I do all of the bill paying and bookkeeping anyway."

Your husband was born under the sign of money, luxury and stubbornness. Taurus men are extremely difficult to convince on most matters, but when it comes to money and what he wants to buy, prepare to have no influence whatsoever. As long as he makes money, he feels that it's his right to spend it how he wishes, no matter how many bills, needs or children are involved. Since you are sitting in the financial driver's seat, my advice is to implement the savings plan you believe is a good idea and show him a statement each month to inform him the dollar amount of his debt and checking account. He may be spending simply because he doesn't have a hands-on reality about the budget.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Ashton Kutcher has gone from sweeping floors at a factory job to sweeping scores in the arena of new media, with a lot of television and movie stardom in between. With his sun, moon, Mercury and Venus in Aquarius, this proud daddy is deeply and famously philanthropic, determined to make a difference in the world his children will inhabit.

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