This arrangement of Mars and Saturn speaks to how closely linked our experience is to our expectations; if they're unreasonably high we can only be disappointed. For a more beautiful experience, don't expect beauty. Instead, assume the day will be rather ordinary without your keen observation, brilliant interpretation and creative drive.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). People who make you feel small while making themselves feel big are, of course, toxic for you to be around. If you can't stay away altogether, at least minimize your exposure. Firm boundaries will be key.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Not every day, but certainly today, it will be far more important to take care of the practical matters than to concern yourself with the deeper or more mystical layers of existence. You can ponder and intuit after the storm has passed.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Good work is good work, no matter how humble or herculean the task. There's a victory rush that comes from doing a job to the best of your ability and knowing it's not been done better.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Between too much and too little is the wonderfully cozy waystation you'll hang out in today. It's made even more enjoyable by friends who are similarly satisfied.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). If it's fun but doesn't make sense, consider it anyway. Even computers have evolved to incorporate illogical turns to serve the very human need for surprises and fun. A touch of irrationality will bring magic to your world.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Remember when you felt helpless? If you could have only known that help was on its way, how much easier the moment would have passed. Remember the lesson. Trust that there are forces on your side.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You'll be energized by a steady and deliberate learning process. There is nothing more exciting to do with this day than to move from ignorance to knowledge on a subject that interests you.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You're in a mood to bounce around ideas — your favorite way to learn. While bandying about intellectual and philosophical concepts, keep in mind that not everyone likes to debate. Choose your company carefully.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You are who you are because of what you've experienced. It's why you keep putting yourself in the mix, taking risks and making efforts: You're brave. Courage is a lifestyle.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). If you have to turn it into a competition, make yourself the opponent. The only nobility worth striving for is the kind where you top your finest effort thus far.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). With so many people looking for somewhere to pass the blame, it's important to note that blame never solves anything. It gets better once someone starts taking responsibility for it.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Perhaps it seems counterintuitive that you would be in a position to teach what you don't know, yet it happens all of the time. The added pressure of having to present information will make you learn super-quickly.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Aug. 22). Many small matters will be cleared up right at the top of this solar return, and you'll soon realize that you wield a transformational power. You will heal the ailing parts of your life with your heart, not your head. Your compassion and warmth will melt away the obstacles blocking your progress and happiness. Cancer and Libra adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 9, 44, 48, 20 and 18.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTION: "What can I learn from my neurotic dog? I'm a Pisces."

Observant pet owners know that dogs and cats — who, by the way, live lives of relative leisure, with few responsibilities and fewer worries — occasionally will seem to be having active, even stressful, dreams. They'll twitch and breathe heavily, as though they are chasing another animal, or being chased by one. Many a bemused pet owner has thought, "What on earth is this dream about?"

Consider that you may also have a habit of creating a drama in your mind that doesn't necessarily reflect the easy circumstances in which you actually live. Most people would argue that their circumstances are far from easy. And yet clean water comes from the tap; there is food in the refrigerator; and this is the age of the climate-controlled home. When you find yourself thinking small, feeling sorry for yourself and being generally petty, don't worry. This is a human condition. We get used to things and we get spoiled. Deliberately put yourself where you can see far worse circumstances to shake yourself from the dream. Perspective is the saving grace.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: This day in 1893 brought the wisecracking wit of Dorothy Parker into the world. The Algonquin Round Table founder went on to write screenplays in Hollywood. This Jazz Age Leo writer was born when the sun and Mercury were in entertaining Leo, and lucky Jupiter was in verbose Gemini. She famously advised, "Take care of the luxuries, and the necessities will take care of themselves."

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