Cantaloupe and pumpkin seeds look an awful lot alike, but come harvest time it's pretty easy to tell the difference. While the Leo moon inspires posturing, posing and showing off, remember that the early stage of an endeavor is no time to psych yourself out by comparing yourself to others. More development is needed to see what you've got.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). You believe something you've been told, and this will tease you into action today, searching for a kind of missing treasure. Maybe you won't find the stuff of legend, but what you will find has value.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You like routine — your sign thrives on it — and yet even methodical Taurus fears falling into a rut. That's why you'll obey your inner rebel, take an unexpected turn and enjoy the surprising results as well as anyone.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). A person's energy can't help but get imprinted on anything and everything that a person touches, and you'll feel this as you pick up a project where the last person left off.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). It's easy to be bold when you're with the majority. You won't be today, so it will take more courage to state your view. By sharing in a calm and thoughtful manner you could sway public opinion.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). If you can stay a bit detached, many things will be easier for you. You'll see that though the situation is imperfect, everyone is trying hard to contribute to the very best of his or her ability.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You'll go fast when you're alone, but do try and slow down when you're in the group because, for starters, many will have a difficult time keeping up with you. Also, you'll enjoy the slower pace.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). It was likely a wise (-cracking) Venus-ruled individual who once said, "Chocolate, men, coffee — some things are better rich." With your opulent appetites lately, you can relate to the sentiment.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). The day's events require you to be more patient, respectful and forgiving toward a loved one than usual, which will come naturally to you. You'll be similarly received should you ever need such mercy.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). The "frenemy" situation you have on your hands will prove to be a healthy and productive force in your life. The tension between you may be occurring because you two are more alike than either of you cares to admit.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). The more you learn the more you realize that your previous way of thinking was too narrowly focused to realize all you could gain from a situation. New insights inspire your move in an unforeseen direction.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Once upon a time you found financial balance by learning how to want less and earn more. You've also found it by wanting more and figuring out a way to make enough to afford it. Right now either way will work.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You enjoy the respect of your peers when you think you've earned it, but you don't require approval to keep going. The plan you're imagining won't make sense to everyone, but if it makes sense to you, that will be enough.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Dec. 1). You'll close out the year feeling rich in love, vitality and possibility. You'll assemble a dream team in January, each member with his or her own individual talents and perspectives. Together you'll win a victory. April and July are the best for making lucky deals and investments. Distant lands offer opportunity in May. Taurus and Capricorn adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 9, 14, 44, 38 and 49.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTION: "I'm an Aries, and my mother is a Taurus. What are our official birthstones?"

The birthstone for Taurus is sapphire. This beautiful blue stone protects Taurus from treachery and deceit. It acts as a safeguard against lies, dirty deals and theft. It is usually worn as jewelry, but can also be very effective when placed under the pillow of Taurus natives before they go to sleep. Turquoise is the alternate birthstone for Taurus.

The stone for Aries is bloodstone. This stone is green, often covered with red specks. Bloodstone received its title because it was frequently worn by great Roman warriors in battle. Its offerings of courage, aggression and loyalty make it a suitable adornment for any person seeking a jolt of confidence, but of all who wear bloodstone, Aries can receive the most benefit. Aries' natural fighter's instincts intensify the effects of the stone. Bloodstone's second use is as a health charm, but only for Aries. If the stone is used to cure an ailment, keep it in a safe place where it cannot be lost. It is believed that if a curing bloodstone is lost then the malady will return. An alternate birthstone for Aries is hematite.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Sarah Silverman stays true to her adventurous Sagittarian nature with her first dramatic role in the film "I Smile Back," about a woman's secret struggle with depression. With Mercury and Neptune also in Sagittarius, Silverman is quick with the incendiary remarks and fearless when it comes to pushing into uncomfortable territory in the name of comedy, liberty and feminism.

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