It seems everyone wants to challenge the authority of Big Daddy Jupiter lately. Yesterday, the sun took issue with his freewheeling ways, and today it's Mercury's turn to accuse the big spender of being ridiculously irresponsible. Jupiter will get the last laugh. "Take care of the luxuries, and the necessities will take care of themselves." — Dorothy Parker

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Repeating what a friend says may seem harmless, but that's not what time will prove. It's tantamount to someone reading aloud from your journal in public. Uncomfortable thought? Mum's the word.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). The more you talk about your personal reasons for wanting to accomplish something the more support you'll get. People feel your heart, and it opens up something inside their own.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Even though you are mostly satisfied with the way things are going, there are still a few behaviors and characteristics you would like to change in yourself. You'll be inspired to take the first step.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Your inklings turn out to be true, though your suspicions will prove unfounded. Knowing the difference between the two is crucial to navigating your next move.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You will hear of the marvels of distant lands, and today brings the beginning of radiant dreams. Someday you will know such places and propagate your own travel tales.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). People don't appreciate learning about the details that you give up voluntarily without an ounce of resistance. They want to work for the information, so make a game of it.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). There's a reason you're drawn to the stranger with head tattoos or the girl whose dog is wearing a tiara. You've met enough serious people to last a lifetime, and you're ready for interesting interactions.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You may have a natural stress reaction to a situation that is indeed stressful by nature. But you'll push through it — and be better because of it, too. The extra energy will quicken your mind.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Avoid magnifying the meaning of an interaction in a negative or positive way. Both distortions can hurt. Keep it as close to reality as you can by maintaining a distant perspective.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Since any number of good things are likely to happen to you today, it is futile to focus too intently on achieving one specific outcome. Let go and trust that the universe is on your side.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You have a way of stirring up curiosity and capturing the imagination of those around you. Be a responsible driver and transport those imaginations somewhere beautiful.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Pacing will be key to making yourself a fixture in a certain situation. If you move too fast, you'll break the spell. If you move too slowly, the rest of the party will move on without you. Match the pace around you, and you're golden.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Sept. 8). You'll connect with people, and because of you, they will feel acknowledged and loved. This gift you have will lead to a new job in the next 10 weeks. October sparks adventure. You'll close a deal in December. The new year focuses you. You and a loved one will champion a cause in February. Aries and Scorpio people adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 3, 21, 24, 18 and 40.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS: "I'm a Virgo co-ed, and I've always been introverted. I want my college experience to be completely different from my high school experience. Yes, I still want to study and be serious, but I'd also like to find myself socially. How can I make friends?"

Now that you've made socializing a conscious priority, you can approach it with the same drive and attention to detail that has made you an excellent student. You'll probably have to force yourself to break the ice with people, but make a habit of it, and it will get easier for you. One of the advantages of a scholastic environment is that you already have so much in common with your fellow students. You're taking the same classes, eating the same food and maybe even living in the same dorms — so you should have plenty of common ground to share once you open up. More than likely, all you have to do is say hi and introduce yourself to get the ball rolling. Just remember that even though you're a serious person, socializing is supposed to be fun. Keep your energy level upbeat and your commentary positive. Best of luck!

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Virgo rock star Pink knows how to "Get the Party Started," though those parties may involve more princesses and ponies than before with daughter Willow in tow. Pink's natal Mars in Cancer, the sign of mothers, suggests that she not only has natural parenting instincts, but also that her artistic life will blossom as her maternal role develops.

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