If a mistake of the past is still making you cringe in the present, the opposition between the sun and Neptune could help you see it differently and let it go. Replay the memory machine once more to extract all the learning you can. Then create a ritual to release it. At a loss? Burning the written version of the story is classic standard as far as rituals go.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). When you've a whole crowd of competition, standing out is crucial, and you won't be able to do it with a mild move. Also, when it comes to love, playing it safe is dangerous. You can't light a match without friction.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Affection is the golden ingredient. It's the difference between getting the laugh and not, drawing people closer in camaraderie or repelling them with antagonism.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You know trouble when it walks in. That doesn't mean you'll stay away from it, though. You'll move closer for the same reason people visit active volcanoes or walk to the ledge for the view — thrills.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Success will depend on creating smaller goals. That big aim happens in thousands of little moves. Give yourself an early win. Reward yourself for beginning and then for taking 10 steps and then 10 more...

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Wanting it now is for children who haven't been alive long enough to develop a sense of world time. When you get impatient today, step away and take a breath. Notice the already established rhythms.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Knowing a little about someone builds tension. The more slowly a relationship unfolds the more interesting it will be to you. People who are resistant to reveal themselves will appeal to you more than the fully disclosed.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). It could very well be that the problems of mankind (and, by extension, the problems of the world) will be solved by small diverse groups of smart people. You'll be in such a group today.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Knowledge always builds on itself. One piece that's missing or corrupt affects all that's built on it. You'll solve a problem when you investigate and deconstruct what you know to root out the misunderstanding.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Loving someone means protecting that person's ego. Ego protection involves an entire list of do's and don'ts. Public support and loyalty are on the "do" list, and you'll be participating in much of that today.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Learning happens over time, and that time isn't one night. A little bit every day is the way to mastery. As busy as you are, you have the 20 minutes to begin to master a new skill.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). The moment things start to become hidden, that's where problems arise. You prevent this by sharing your life openly with your close loved ones and staying in touch with the different parts of their lives, too.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Be careful not to lay down rules that make you feel better in the moment but won't be sustainable over the long term. Look ahead. What move can you make now that's going to create a tenable situation for the future?

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Sept. 4). You know people. You'll quickly decide whom you can trust, partner with and create beautiful life events with, too. Fresh personalities come into your life in the next seven weeks. Your time and gifts are precious, and you'll have to guard them to prevent waste and maximize opportunity in November. Cancer and Libra adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 49, 2, 14, 38 and 10.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTION: "I noticed that there are two types of Aries. I am not the typical aggressive/assertive Aries unless I am pushed. I am actually envious of my fellow sun mates who are more 'rambunctious'! I definitely have the fear factor going on (fear of rejection on so many levels). Could you expand on the 'shrinking violet' Aries?"

Violet, it takes a lot of strength to push through the earth's surface for the first time. As the first sign on the zodiacal wheel, the act of "becoming" is risky. All Arians are confronted with that same new flower dilemma: "Should I go for it?" Some of you boldly forge ahead, risking life and limb. As shrinking violets mature, you'll learn to feel the fear and do it anyway. You light up in situations requiring courage — whether that means pursuing a job or joining an outdoor singles adventure group. If your goals are too ominous, start small. One step is all it takes to be your own hero. Here's an encouraging quote by Anais Nin for the violets: "And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom."

CELEBRITY PROFILES: According to one Vogue magazine cover, the world is ruled by Beyonce Knowles. If that sounds like a lot of pressure for one person, don't worry; Knowles may be cut out for the role, with her sun in hardworking Virgo and ambitious Mars in entertaining and royal Leo. But the prevalent energy in her natal chart is Libra, signifying that her greatest strength is in working cooperatively with others.

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