Some people can become addicted to hearing stories of misfortune and dysfunction. They get a sense of superiority and relief from knowing they are not the ones who are down this time. Uplifting stories can also become addictive, like vitamins that feed deficiencies. The Virgo moon suggests we try to get hooked.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). In the day's competition, the prize won't go to the one who is more naturally skilled. Rather, it will go to the one who chooses to develop her skill to the best of her ability.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). For all the times you've wondered if a relationship has more potential than you've already mined, this is the day to find out. Business relationships will be especially lucky for investigating.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You are one of the most flexible signs of the zodiac, and one of the reasons why is that you regularly stretch yourself into unknown territory. Like a dancer, this keeps you emotionally lithe and limber.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). The next three days are for setting a precedent, so make sure you're doing something you'd like to repeat. If it's not moving the way you want, turn it around now while things are still fresh.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Closure is more important than you think. So is the ritual of de-cluttering, which is not just about possessions; it extends to your emotional world, too. Nothing new can come in until you make more room.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Conversation, investigation, research — it's all part of moving a relationship forward. It's good to know more about a person before you decide what role he or she will play in your life.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Let others handle the technical problems today, because your talent is best applied to helping people feel better on an emotional level. The human-interest angle is wide open and you're the one best suited to take it on.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You want to do your part. Don't do more than that. You could, easily. In fact, you'd prefer to step in and take over, but you know that it won't help things. The team will be stronger when everyone learns to participate.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). There is something you've been a little afraid to talk about even though you know that the conversation needs to happen. It can't be put off any longer. Pass on the message.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Today you'll wear your confidence smooth and tucked away. You don't need to tell people about your accomplishments, because your attitude will say it all.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). It was hard to get up to speed but finally you're no longer a novice. Now that you know what you're doing it will take a lot less effort to get results. This leaves you with extra reserves of energy to apply to something new.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). There's a fine art to ignoring what you can't do anything about. It starts with recognizing the things that fall into that category. You may have made a few errors as you were categorizing. Reassess.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Dec. 2). Your solar return has put your social savvy in overdrive. The next three months will feature exciting, nuanced interactions and quiet attention from one who finds you attractive. January shows you learning about a different culture. Act quickly to make the most of a financial opportunity in February. Virgo and Aries adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 9, 5, 20, 15 and 32.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS: "I've never gone out with a Pisces man before, but I think I'm falling for one. So what can you tell me about him as a romantic prospect?"

The Pisces man has a way of making his lover feel like the most precious and cherished person in the universe. This he accomplishes by applying his amazing powers of empathy. When he is interested in someone he will align himself with that person so that he can experience what she is all about. It's as though he can truly walk in her shoes, even if those shoes happen to be stilettos. He can transform at will into the caring, sensitive creature that women long to be loved by.

However, make no mistake — he is still a man, with the thought processes and priorities that men share. And though he might soften his approach in order to better understand her, he can become strong and virile — even macho — when he decides that will be a more effective approach. His versatility is one of his greatest strengths. If you want to attract a Pisces man, it helps if you are an expert at communicating without words. Cultivate a burning desire to know him. If you have a passionate intention to build a tight bond with him he will feel it. He's quite psychic.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: The fiery solar return happening for Britney Spears will bring luck to the new album she's working on — not that the Sagittarian pop princess needs any! The sun, Mercury, Uranus and Neptune in Sagittarius point to a passionate freethinker. The moon in Aquarius rolls with the times and has an ever-current attitude. Venus in Capricorn promises innate business savvy.

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