It takes a lot of energy to overturn the status quo, and right now that would be energy wasted. What's needed is not a revolution but an exploration. In the spirit of yesterday's fortunate solar position to Pluto, the big-picture perspective will connect us with a profound purpose. You'll have to hike the proverbial mountain to see it.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). It's not the situation that's stumping you; it's the way you're looking at it. Which belief is causing you trouble? Root it out. Misconceptions are obstacles greater than any physical barrier to your happiness.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You'll get quite a lot done in short bursts of time. It's a matter of being organized enough to have your task close at hand when things get slow — the equivalent of bringing your book to the waiting room of the doctor's office.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Tourism isn't just for travel. In a way, making a friend is like visiting a place you don't live. And each visit, you get to know your way around that place a little better.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You're deeply in love with the essence of someone, although the rest could be driving you bonkers today. Don't take it too seriously. This is just a natural part of being close to someone.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You won't have as much time to solve a problem as you might like. Given the restraints, you'll have to either opt out or shoot from the hip. If you choose the improvisational option, it will be uncomfortable, but you'll learn more.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Though hard work can accomplish much, so much more will be accomplished as a direct result of your confidence, ease and a laid-back attitude. Start by asking yourself what is really worth doing.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Building relationships effectively will require a certain coolness in your approach. Don't be in a rush to add to other people's lives. Find out what they really need first.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Words can be like keys. Some fit better than others, depending on the lock. You'll learn what to say to express yourself more precisely and be received with more openness.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). People open up for different reasons. Some want attention. Some want sympathy. The best reason to open up is that it's part of the natural, slow progression of a relationship headed for a more meaningful connection.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Instead of just mentally noting the improvements you want to make, also write them down. There's no harm in accounting for the fantasy version, too. It's better to think too big than too small.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). One thing that will stop you from wanting to spend time with people in the future is sharing too much with them in the present. For today, keep your cards close to the vest. There's no good reason to divulge.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). People will want to know your story, so you'll get the chance to talk about yourself. Be sure to give a positive takeaway to the ending of your personal anecdotes — easier to do when you've thought it through and assigned one.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Sept. 10). As for that old tie that was holding you back, you get out of it this year, and it's not even difficult, really; you just shake it off. A health kick in October will increase your vitality. A special relationship inspires you to achieve, but soon it becomes more than just impressing someone. A personal quest has begun. Capricorn and Taurus adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 4, 14, 44, 18 and 20.

FORECAST FOR THE WEEK AHEAD: In life and music, one rhythm is not inherently better than another; rather, there are different moods produced by different beats. The start of the month had a more syncopated rhythm, and then things straightened out with Mercury's U-turn last week. This turn, combined with a preponderance of Virgo planets, draws a more logical correlation between cause and effect, action and reaction, cost and benefit, etc. We ride into this week on the confidence of that logical rhythm. There has never been a better time to become an essentialist in the sense of getting disciplined in your focus on the essentials in the situation. Progress will be swift and tidy indeed when you engage the following line of questions in whatever situation you face:

Am I making it more complicated than it has to be?

How can I edit to simplify?

What's the bottom line?

Where is the point of diminishing returns?

Is there a shorter way to the goal?

What is essential here?

Wishing you the best of luck in your application of the practical earth sign energy. I believe you may find that with the power of less on your side, you'll be ever more effective.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Oscar winner Colin Firth will star opposite his friend Rupert Everett in the upcoming picture "The Happy Prince," which focuses on the tragic last days of the great writer Oscar Wilde. Firth plays Reginald Turner, one of the very small number of Wilde's friends who didn't desert him after his incarceration. Firth is a Virgo with natal Venus in Libra, suggesting that he is, like so many of the characters he plays, as loyal as he is charming.

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