It's surprising when something you think will make you happy doesn't, and it's even more surprising when something you don't think will make you happy does. Such expectation busters will be life affirming as the void-of-course Capricorn moon changes gears and slips into Aquarius, the sign of unanticipated glee.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Artists inspire you, but that doesn't mean you want to copy what they do. There's something in the essence that carries over into your work. The result is an homage.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You've had many practice runs at a certain task, and now you're ready to show that you can do it for real. Your courage and confidence rise as your safety net depletes.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You need privacy, silence and long stretches of time to do your work. Stake your claim on a room with a door that closes out the rest of the world, even if that room happens to be a closet.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Ask for a favor and elaborate some as to the reason why you need it. People will love to help you (especially fellow water signs) when they understand why you need the help.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Success depends on self-reliance. Dive in, and along the way, you'll pick up the skills, supplies and knowledge you need. A Capricorn will be instrumental.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). When you do the things that feed your soul, your soul will grow, animating even the smallest parts of your daily life and radiating through your words and actions.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). If you stumble, don't worry. Falling is an opportunity. While you're down there, pick up something off of the ground that might be useful to you when you come back up.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You have an open heart. People watch you interact in the world, and they can feel the warm energy you project. For this reason, you'll attract many different types of people, and you'll have to weed out what you don't want.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Your timing is exquisite. You will be enthusiastic when it counts, confident when it matters most and restful when your body and mind most need restoration.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Today provides you with the opportunity to gratefully acknowledge your competition. After all, they are the reason you'll get so good at what you have set out to do.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You're a productivity ninja. Like the best ninjas, you carefully choose your target, you don't act unless you're sure, and you use the elements in your environment to your best advantage.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Sometimes it's actually better to procrastinate. It saves you from potentially futile efforts. You'd be amazed at how many problems will solve themselves today simply because you neglected them.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Aug. 28). You'll further your aims as you look for opportunities to give your knowledge, energy and other resources to those who could use them. September begins a journey. You'll trade old habits for a new look in October. November settles a debt. January brings fresh relationships and a mentor who helps you earn. Gemini and Scorpio people adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 8, 24, 19, 48 and 1.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS: I just switched jobs, and the new culture at work is very different from what I was used to. Before, I worked with a group of women, and we made decisions more or less assuming that everyone on the team was an equal. Our projects usually turned out great. Now, I work with a group of mostly men who do whatever the boss says, even if it's not fair. I'm regularly given tasks that are not my expertise. I'm afraid that by continuing to accept these assignments, I'll lose position. Should I look for other work? — Scorpio Exec

For independent Scorpio, it's important to recognize that a team effort requires a different mindset from that which you would adopt for solo work. Being part of a team means doing what the leader wants you to do, even if it's not in your job description. It's more important to prove that you can bring value to your team, even if the task at hand seems beneath you. Chances are, no one is trying to insult you. You don't have to like the plan to be loyal to it. Instead of wasting energy second-guessing, try to make it work for at least two more months. Mid-September brings the chance to bond and solidify your role.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Jack Black often plays the slacker/outsider with a cocky attitude, though his stars suggest that the actor, musician, writer and comedy king is as hardworking and fastidious as most Virgos tend to be. Born under a Pisces moon, Black has the chart for serious Academy Award-type acting, as well. His Mercury, Jupiter and Uranus in Libra indicates an incurable romantic.

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