The benefit of that particularly awful emotion called "shame" is that it keeps us aware of other people's expectations. Who doesn't feel shame? Psychopaths, that's who. Regardless, between yesterday's new moon and tomorrow's autumnal equinox, this is a good time to let some of the shame go. The emotion doesn't deserve such a large role.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). It's said that words should be weighed, not counted. The tone of your messages today will be clearly felt and with the precise intensity level that you meant.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Can love really make impossible things happen? Extraordinary things, for sure. Love is your super fuel today. You apply yourself differently when you're powered with love's high octane.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Science tells us a lot these days. Just keep in mind that science thought it was telling us a lot 200 years ago, too, and we didn't even know about germs then. Stick with what works for you, whether or not it's scientifically sound.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You've experienced injustice in your life so you know, when you see it happening to others, the gamut of emotions that are involved, especially the fear. This is why you help to right the wrongs.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). When you admire the way a person thinks, you want to be near the person to share your appreciation and to understand better, maybe even adopt, that manner of thinking.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Reasoning is option one; force is option two. Force can be effective, but it also produces an equal and opposite reaction. It will be better to walk away and do what it takes to recharge powers of reason before deciding on option two.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Those close to you really don't care how many of your personal goals you reach. They love you beyond such things. You will be loved dearly whether or not you accomplish anything. But this isn't about them; it's about you.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Even the best conversations will eventually peter out if you don't introduce new topics. Relationships are the same. New focus keeps them from going stale. Today's introduction will keep things fresh.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Problems cause moods and moods cause problems. Regardless of the origin, foul vibes will be fixed. Exercise solves problems unrelated to health and so does inspirational reading, power posing and positive thinking.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Your super talent today is that you're thought provoking. People will ask for your evaluation and you're likely to give a strong and truthful answer, different from the ones already on the table.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You don't have to share a person's belief system to understand, respect and apply it to helping the situation. Sometimes the mere act of accepting another person causes that person to bend a little in your direction.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). In the interest of tracking your learning process, identify milestones and celebrate those milestones. Keep this trend up and you'll soon be a masterful expert.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Sept. 21). You care deeply about others and now self-care — not selfishness! — will be the focus. Self-discovery allows you to give the best you to the world. Faulty learning of the past will be overwritten in October. Freer than ever, you'll begin a new hobby. Your earnings multiply in 2018, a reflection of your confidence. Gemini and Pisces adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 40, 27, 31, 26 and 5.

SCHOOL DAYS! THE LIBRA STUDENT: As the seventh sign, Libra is the first station in the second half of the zodiac wheel, and the first sign that deals externally rather than internally. Thus Libras tend to be social creatures, born with the understanding that what matters in this life is relationships. And though these air sign intellectuals often excel at academics, they are quick to admit that their friendships are the true wealth of their schooling. Libra students are likely to get involved in clubs, student government and various planning comities.

THE SCORPIO STUDENT: Scorpio students can be a driving force at school, as the confidence of this sign often attracts followers. As the sign of transformation, Scorpio will often get heavily into one subject or activity for a time and then later go in a completely different direction with just as much passion and success. Likewise, Scorpio will connect with different sets of friends throughout his or her education and won't be as concerned with labels and roles as other students tend to be. Some Scorpios will be able to move beyond such titles as "athlete" and "musician" and "straight-A student," refusing to be limited to only one specialty.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Bill Murray rejoins Scarlett Johansson and Wes Anderson with a role in the comedy animation "Isle of Dogs." Murray's natal sun, Mercury, Venus and Saturn are all in Virgo, indicating that the comic genius puts serious work into his roles. Simultaneous projects don't scare this former ghostbuster, because he possesses the organization of mind to handle multiple responsibilities at once.

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