The moon drifts from Capricorn to Aquarius, turning moods from business to pleasure. Many will find this pleasure in helping others, as the Aquarius moon is a philanthropist. You may be reminded through stories, media or memory that the human chain is only as strong as its weakest link. Compassion and empathy are sorely needed.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). An influx of colorful inspiration will be made available. It's too much to apply all at once, so for now enjoy the rush of newness that will energize your creativity in the weeks to come.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You sometimes feel like you're the only one in your circle who upholds the banner of proper protocol and excellent manners. Once you raise the bar, everyone will try harder in this regard.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). It's strange how you sometimes don't need to have actual experience in a scene in order to know exactly what to do. You're the only one who will have the confidence to point the way in tonight's encounter.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Just when you thought you had mastered the fine art of saying "no" without seeming like a jerk, someone you know counters your skill by mastering the fine art of being crazy-persuasive.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You always find a way to get the attention you want when you want it. Right now, though, it's easy. Venus won't always be giving you the attractive edge she's lending you now, so enjoy it!

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). When you share what you notice, some will be impressed; others, threatened or apprehensive about what they might unconsciously be revealing to you. Report with carefully chosen words.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). The old saying suggests that you can never go back. The old saying knows nothing of your extraordinary powers of imagination and focus. You'll visit your former life in some way.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You have many attitudes to choose from now. Your "unstoppable" attitude is best suited to the job at hand. You'll make mindful choices in instances where you once would have been tempted to act automatically.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). There's something in you that wants to give others what they lack and cannot get on their own. Be careful, as this drive will paint you in an extremely seductive light.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). What's being presented to you is a good-looking front, a positive spin, a distracting dance. It may save you time and money to look for the reality behind appearances. The more you look the more you will see.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). With the lunar change, a Capricorn passes you a torch. Run with it! This is your chance to show off your skills. If you think you're not quite ready, pretend like you are ready and go for it.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You like to keep social interactions light and positive. Irritating people make this more challenging. It will be easier to stay upbeat when you limit your exposure to people who rub you the wrong way.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Sept. 24). This year brings a liberation of sorts. The education you get over the next four weeks will be thoroughly useful, and you'll make money with it by November. You'll have fun in October with youthful and brainy friends. Your ability to speak on weighty subjects will earn you respect and applause in the new year. Aquarius and Aries people adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 10, 3, 32, 6 and 20.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS: "I went to a fortuneteller, and he said that my Mercury was badly aspected. He asked me whether I've ever had a speech impediment or trouble taking tests. Then he told me that sometimes I lie and gossip about people and that I should stop. I was really offended. I can't believe I actually paid someone to insult me. What do you make of this? My Mercury, by the way, is in Aries. Also, I stuttered as a child, but I haven't stuttered in years. As for gossip and lies, I think I do those things the normal amount."

I believe aspects are like luck. Who is to say what is "good" or "bad"? Most people who have overcome challenges credit those hardships as the best events of their lives, as those are the events that gave them superlative character and a skill set they otherwise would not have needed to develop. Some aspects, such as squares, semi-squares and oppositions, indicate a challenge. Trines, sextiles and semi-sextiles indicate ease. As for Mercury in Aries, it's a strong position that indicates originality and a strong "voice" — and not just your actual voice, but your point of view, too.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Pedro Almodovar emerged from an impoverished youth to become one of his generations most successful and internationally known Spanish filmmakers. The Libran auteur is currently filming a comedy with Penelope Cruz and Antonio Banderas. His moon and Venus in Scorpio brings a magnetic pull to the underlying motives of human behavior. Mars and Pluto in Leo suggests a natural entertainer.

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