If you look very closely at outward appearances, you'll see the start of a crack. It's just something that happens as the sun journeys through the early degrees of Scorpio. Also note that as comfortable as you may be with your view of things, your comfort level doesn't make the view accurate. Outward appearances can lie or tell only part of the story.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Because of your warrior spirit, you're willing to fight when it's right, meaningful and purposeful to do so. Fighting for no reason, however, is a waste. That's why you'll settle a dispute once and for all.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You don't think you need help, but that's because you haven't been down this road, and you don't know entirely what the job entails. If you're offered help, take it.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You will be issued a challenge. The reason this comes to you is because you've already proved yourself. In a sense, this journey began long before you accepted the quest.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You might have to change a plan, postpone the action or break a date. Doing this decisively and as early as possible will keep relationships in good standing.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You will work with a worthy partner and be filled with enthusiasm as you speculate about what you might create together. This kind of excitement makes all self-consciousness disappear.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). As good as you are at scientific guessing, this just isn't a fortuitous time to make assumptions. Gather information and wait as long as possible to make any decisions or declarations.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Can you keep a secret? You'll be asked to do so, and it won't be easy. The temptation to tell will be great, but so will the reward for not telling, namely the personal satisfaction of keeping your word.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). The journey will be strenuous, but this is what's necessary if you're to prove what you're made of. For inspiration, think of your heroes and people who had to create themselves from scratch.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). The potential for thrills is overshadowed by the need for purposeful action. For an endeavor to be worth your while, the answer to the "why" question has to be more than "why not?"

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). The thing you can do to make your life lovelier won't cost a dime because you'll be rearranging your existing resources. You'll need plenty of mental and physical energy to pull it off.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You'll be judged by your ability to show up where and when you said you would. You'll need more time to get around. Don't let traffic and other considerations ruin your record for promptness.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You'll be unofficially assessed by a higher-up or a potential partner. Getting the answers right doesn't matter half as much as approaching problems with a can-do spirit.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Oct. 23). Small wins lead to bigger wins. You'll reach a short-term goal in six weeks; this is part of your grand plan. As you focus on your work (instead of on how much money you want to make), you will become wealthier. A new person in your life has much to teach and show you. You'll travel together in December and February. Virgo and Libra people adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 4, 8, 13, 20 and 39.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS: "I'm a Taurus, and I want to be an entrepreneur. I'm not sure which of my ideas is the best one, though. Also, I only have $300 to invest in this business, so I'll need a loan. Do you have any advice for getting a loan so I can build the right website for my business?"

This is an exciting time for you, Taurus, and may the fortunes be with you in this endeavor. I say don't worry about which idea is right. Focus on solving a problem for a particular customer. Luxury-minded Taurus entrepreneurs can have eyes too big for their budgets. Venus-ruled, you care immensely about the loveliness and quality of everything associated with you. What you need to remember is that those factors don't always have to cost money. Also note that making money doesn't depend on having the coolest web design; it depends on selling products to customers. In keeping with your sign's strengths, your best strategy will be down-to-earth. Start by letting your friends and family know about your business. Advertise in your community. Build your business one sale at a time. Invest in your business from the profits of those sales instead of going into debt before you even have a business.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Ryan Reynolds has appeared in several comic book adaptations as the likeable regular guy who leads a double life as a superhero. The spirit of transformation is very much alive in this Scorpio, who was born when the sun, the moon, Mars and Uranus were all in Scorpio. This preponderance of Scorpio energy also contributes a fair amount of sizzle, mystery and sensuality to Reynolds' natal chart.

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