If you've felt that something about your life hinges on an important conversation, this is the day to have it. Difficult topics are handled deftly. Speaking from the heart is easier than ever, as is striking the most effective emotional level and tone. The new moon in Gemini today makes this the ultimate moment for communication at its finest.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Success breeds success. So set a small goal or two for yourself, and then celebrate the achievement of it in a big way. You'll do more because you think of yourself as the success you really are.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Keeping the community clean is everyone's responsibility. Today you take that responsibility as seriously as any you're paid to do. Things look better because you care.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Talk about what's bothering you with those who know you best. The insight of a close friend will illuminate the present and help you come to a better understanding about the past.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Everything about writing a letter, from the paper you choose to the wording you include, is a reflection of the person sending the letter. That's what makes well-conceived notes such a treasure to exchange.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Exploring an interest in depth may bring great pleasure to you, though it's not something a witness will enjoy. Pursue your interest solo, as another person will only grow tired of focusing on one topic to the exclusion of all others.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Your job is less about you and more about them today. And though it's difficult to get zero recognition for doing your thing, the good you bring others just may be compensation enough.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). More than any other factor, pacing will determine the success or failure of an action. A controlled speed is optimum. Better to go too slowly than to go so fast that you lose control.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Keep to the topics and activities that contribute to your health. Make a plan, and stick to it as best you can. Knowing what you want to do and staying on purpose will be your success key.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Relieve the pressure! Don't let angry feelings well up in your body. Find a safe environment to blow out your emotions through language, vigorous exercise or artistic expression.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). There's a mountain of work ahead, and you're just the goat to climb to the top of it. There are key players who believe in you, maybe even more than you believe in yourself right now.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You'd rather be loved than feared, and yet there's something thrilling about knowing you have a strong effect on others. Be mindful not to play with your power.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). There's some good that comes from disagreement, so don't let it deter you. Consider that maybe today's disagreement brings a chance to tell people who you are and what you need.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (June 19). Good friendship will arise out of unlikely scenarios and could even start out with some kind of argument. July brings an introduction that will soon have you working harder and earning more. September brings a restructuring of your schedule and personal life. November is your chance for a big prize. Aries and Virgo people adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 4, 13, 33, 20 and 18.

12 ASTRO-REMEDIES FOR SOCIAL AWKWARDNESS: Inside the energy of each sign is a lesson that can be applied to remedy social awkwardness. Sagittarius' lesson could be summed up with one word: tolerance.

Every person is unique. Even twins who share the same DNA are completely different from each other in some aspects of life. Those with traits, cultural backgrounds and training that differ from the majority of a group are often met with a degree of misunderstanding, fear or skepticism. Sagittarius has a talent for not only accepting the differences of others, but also seeking out diversity wherever possible — a talent that's made possible by an overflowing well of that rare and much-needed attitude: tolerance.

Sagittarius realizes that bad manners happen, often because of a lack of training or a difference in background. Tolerance is a remedy that prevents things from going from bad to worse. It allows for a mature, evolved point of view and the kind of creative headspace that makes problem solving easier.

No one is born knowing how to deal with others. Behaviors have to be learned from the start. The Sagittarian way is to have the open mind and forgiving heart that allow us to keep learning until the end.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Paula Abdul is a poster child for Gemini versatility, with talents that cross into many territories. From professional cheerleader to dance choreographer, singer and television personality, Abdul returned to her cheerleading roots as a softhearted and supportive "American Idol" judge. Abdul was born when Venus and Uranus were in Leo, suggesting an abiding love of the spotlight.

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