The square of Uranus and Pluto is a backdrop to the drama on center stage, not the action itself. Like any excellent backdrop, it's lit to give emotional cues to the audience. For instance, red lighting feels hostile, while blue is calming — and this squared aspect is something in between, like a sunset or a layered cocktail. A new feeling is coming.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Maybe you started out doing what you do to impress people, but you no longer care about that. You're much more interested in mastering the skill for your own private reasons, which no one else possibly could understand.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You're not very analytical these days and will instead drift to where your inner compass guides you. By doing the thing that makes you happy, you put a smile on someone else's face, too.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Your faith is strong now, and you can help others by simply believing when they don't. You have hope for those who don't feel hopeful. People you don't even know will feel your optimism now.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You'll care for others all day long. By late afternoon, your energy may be depleted, so don't push it. Resting is not the same as doing nothing. Resting is a productive part of your work cycle.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). People do not set out to disappoint you, but sometimes their self-interest is diametrically opposed to your own. Therefore, it's best to seek help only from those who will be helped by helping you.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Your contribution to a group dynamic will determine the effectiveness of the group. When things aren't going the way you'd like, just offer something different, and the dynamic will change.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Your respectful treatment of others doesn't always come in a quiet, tolerant package. Sometimes you respect others enough to let them see the emotional impact their actions have on you.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). There will be many available options in which you could invest your time. It doesn't matter what you do; what matters is that you enjoy it enough to expend the time and energy it takes to excel at it.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Your project is coming along nicely, but there's still something missing: that personal touch that only you can give. Experiment with the purpose of creating something unique.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You're too busy dreaming up ways to over-deliver on your promises to worry about merely keeping up with them. The sad truth is that no one notices "good." That's why you're going for greatness today.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Some people actually avoid introductions, afraid of the judgment that might come with human contact. With this in mind, you'll be sensitive to the vulnerability of others as you try to meet everyone you can.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Before you speak, there's an inner filter working overtime, asking you whether what you're about to say is necessary, supportive and truthful. It has to pass all three tests before you'll give it up.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (June 24). You learned right from wrong years ago, but your ability to live right has new and exciting repercussions this year. A personal improvement you make in July ripples through your life and out into the world. August sweetens your relationship sector. Family life gets closer, and you'll gladly support someone dear to you. Aries and Scorpio people adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 7, 24, 14, 39 and 18.

FORECAST FOR THE WEEK AHEAD: If this week were a movie, it would be an action-adventure flick that has everyone on the edge of their seats. Even though most of us won't be battling it out in fast cars, spaceships or stunt-double-worthy combat of any sort, there's a sense of pulsing excitement, an urgency to win the battle and complete the mission.

Jupiter and Neptune square off, Saturn goes direct, and Mercury enters Leo, all on the 25th. Then, on the 27th, Venus goes direct followed by three more exciting transits on Friday the 29th under a Scorpio moon. Stay tuned for the play-by-play commentary.

The backdrop to the action is a square between revolutionary Uranus in Aries and powerful Pluto in Capricorn. The aspect reaches a peak today, though it's been lining up since February 28 and will continue to have an effect through November 18, with several repeat performances between now and the year 2018.

The last occurrence of Uranus squaring Pluto was during the Great Depression of the early 1930s, and the next one will be in the early 2070s. The planets suggest that this is a key moment in human history, the events of which will strongly affect life on our planet in the ever-after.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: The sardonic wit of Ambrose Bierce is an excellent example of Cancerian humor. Just as a crab needs a shell, sensitive moonchildren need a way of deflecting the harsh realities of the world. Humor is among the best defenses. "All are lunatics, but he who can analyze his delusions is called a philosopher." — Ambrose Bierce

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