The conventional wisdom is that dieting doesn't work because once one goes back to the old ways, the weight goes back on. Lifestyle changes are different. They're not programs you sign up for but new ways of being. The Scorpio moon of transformation is rooting for the change you'd like to make. It will come in small victories.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Avoid self-promotion. The smart ones will understand right away what's great about you, so you don't have to tell them. The others wouldn't understand any better if you told them, so that's another reason to stay modest.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You're better off not to assume that money means the same thing to you as it does to the people you deal with. When they show you how they value things, pay attention.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). The main problem about human existence is fragility. You make that a little less obvious for someone. You make that person feel protected —maybe even strong.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You're simply too tough on yourself! Why dwell on mistakes when there are so many things you've done right? And you'll do even more good today once you shake off that critical mood.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You'll get an opportunity to do business where there is a strong sense of stability and tradition around matters of finance. Soon after you connect with those who share your values, you'll strike a deal.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). A masterful communicator, today your word choices increase your charisma. It's the little things. Like, instead of saying "no problem," which brings to mind the negative, you'll say "my pleasure," and create only good feelings.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Maybe it's noble to be defiant in the face of life's ridiculousness. Or maybe it's just necessary. Either way, you should feel pretty good about your reaction to today's nuttiness.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You've a comfort level around certain people that allows you to work seamlessly together. It won't matter who did what or where the credit lands. This is a form of love.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Your presentation of an idea can sell it, whether the idea is a good one or not. Does this activate your sense of personal responsibility? Vet the ideas before you make your pitch.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). This thing you're trying to accomplish cannot be accomplished as a linear pursuit. It's a holistic process. So when you feel yourself drawn "off track," maybe you're actually just working things from a different angle.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). A one-sided commitment won't work as well as a reciprocal one. Can you involve another person? There's magic when you join forces with someone just as committed as you are.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). What you've decided to become is far more interesting than any inherent or inherited aspect of you. Share your story. It will help you gain a certain objectivity and self-appreciation.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Nov. 26). Your accepting heart will make life better for people around you. The new year casts you as an inspired teacher. You'll be paid well for your expertise. April and July represent times of building. Your domestic life will get a new shine then. Relationships blossom in May. August begins a fresh financial cycle. Cancer and Aquarius adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 2, 40, 1, 46 and 38.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTION: "My friend is trying to get me to join a new business. It's a multilevel marketing model and the products themselves seem quite excellent. There are people in the company who appear to be making a solid living, and they make a compelling argument for buying into the whole scheme. Whenever I go to one of my friend's events, I get really excited and swept up in the moment, but when it's time to plunk down the cash, my stomach tightens, I start to sweat and swallow a lot; I feel so uncomfortable that I just can't take the risk. My friend is an Aries and she says I'm just being fearful and chicken and that I should live bigger and trust the universe. I'm a Capricorn. What should I do?"

By listening to your body's signs and rhythms, you are living big and trusting the universe. That is one of the ways providence speaks to you — through the tightening of your stomach, the spike of your temperature and the need to swallow. So while this business might be terrific for your friend, the bottom line is that you're just not feeling it. Don't let your friend pressure you out of her own self-interest.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Tough and tender pop icon Tina Turner is an exuberant Sagittarian. In myth, centaurs are creatures prone to temperamental warring, but when they're given the tools to actualize their potentials, they rise to their higher natures. Tina says her spiritual practices, including Buddhism, saved her from a life of physical abuse. Spirituality empowers Sagittarian courage and valor.

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