It's said that to love is a stronger feeling than to be loved. Ask any excited new parent (whose heart just doubled in size over someone who won't be able to return the sentiment for years, if ever) how true the statement really is. Mercury and Mars now align powerfully in nurturing Virgo. Love and care will grow things.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Theories need to be tested and proven before they can be properly understood and taught. Action — that's what's needed. Stop thinking about it and try it out.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You're an amazing team player when you're working with people who want to create something extremely interesting, specific, exciting and beautiful. You're not a good fit for people who just want to pass the time.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). We all have stories that we tell ourselves about ourselves. You'll consider whether one of yours needs an upgrade. You've earned your current more positive and mature perspective, so put it to work for you.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You'll have to involve others if you want to achieve your goal today, and you wouldn't have it any other way. You'll be especially compatible with earth signs: Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). "Ask little and give lots" is your motto. When you're the more generous one, you can always be proud of your contribution. Make an exception today. All will benefit from a more equitable arrangement.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). While you're usually up for the risk, there are certain aspects of your life that you shouldn't leave to chance today. Declare what's precious to you, and then treat it as such by protecting it.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). The theme will center on what true security is, where it comes from and what you'll do to have it. If there's an area of your life that could use a more grown-up approach, today brings a chance for serious "adulting."

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). People wait in long lines at amusement parks for the most thrilling and dangerous rides and the chance to feel very afraid and yet safe at the same time. You'll do something similar in today's scenario.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Each person's chemistry is unique and therefore it creates unique reactions when mixed with yours. Today you'll be surprised at just how different you can be around certain people.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). When you're absolutely certain about what your standards and preferences are, you won't even have to make a big deal out of asserting them. People can just tell what you're about today.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Those who doubt the validity of your information will thereby cause you to get more serious in your wording, more particular about your facts and more adamant in your stance.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Refrain from making a decision that will affect others. Put it off until you can get more input. You can't assume that what's good for you is good for another person, even if that person is very much like, or even related to, you.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Sept. 16). You have fans by the dozens, but you have to believe in yourself even more than they do to get your goal by the year's end. Have faith and keep moving! Your emotional bank account fills up over the course of this solar return as someone dear to you keeps making friendly, loving and generous deposits. Capricorn and Aries adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 19, 30, 41, 20 and 15.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTION: "I want to know what qualities I posses as a Capricorn. I am often a loner, and I'd like to know if there's a possibility of love and romance between me and a Gemini. I can't help but feel there are things that hinder me from being my true self."

Your primary strength in love is your ability to understand the bottom line. Sensing what drives people is a talent, and knowing whether or not you can deliver what they need and want is something you do so naturally that you probably don't realize that other people have trouble with it. You are, at your core, a political creature. You can recognize the part of love that is a game and, if you so choose, play it without getting emotionally involved. You're exactly right in thinking something hinders you from being your true self. When you know what a potential love wants and can deliver it, sometimes you forget about what you want. Learn to become vulnerable. It's OK not to always have the power in love. Your lesson is how to surrender and let someone else be strong for you. Gemini can teach you to have fun and loosen up.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Four Virgo luminaries in her natal chart suggest that Amy Poehler is the quintessential Virgo — organized, hardworking, detail-oriented and always striving for improvement, just like many of the characters she plays. Poehler's moon in Leo, the sign of entertainment, is the mark of a person whose first instinct is to delight, fascinate and sometimes offend — as good comedy should!

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