For the Week of Sunday, August 30, 2009

Enjoy a cosmic intermission from the wild action of last week. It's not exactly a period of rest or downtime, but at least the activities are familiar. The circumstances are perfect for assimilating new information and practicing new habits. On Thursday, the square between Mercury and Mars will be exact, so watch your words -- it's far too easy to say the wrong thing! The full moon in Pisces falls on Friday, signifying spiritual union.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). You appear to be serving those around you. They are grateful, indeed, though they may not understand that your actions are not exclusively to help them. You are really in service of the divine force of love and goodness, and as you tend to that purpose, everyone around you feels the uplift -- you included.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). If you want yourself to move, don't ask questions. Information that causes you to stop and ponder won't lead to action. That's because if you think too much, you won't do it. So don't think. Trust your intuitive sense of direction. Spirit trumps knowledge every time. Command yourself to act and then do it.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You've been studying human nature all of your life. You don't even realize the breadth of your knowledge, as you take most of it for granted. But you'll meet someone who seems to be new to the topic this week, and you'll be compelled to take this innocent being under your wing. This one will learn -- eventually.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). In case you've fallen a bit out of touch, those around you will act as mirrors, reporting on how you've been treating yourself. If you don't like the way they treat you, change your you-to-you relations and all will be improved. It's amazing how quickly the remedy takes hold. By Thursday there's a turnaround.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You'll move quickly. Money gets "wasted" along the way. It's part of the process, and there's no shame in it. You shouldn't expect yourself to make wise financial moves 100 percent of the time. You'll do your best. And besides, you never know what good the money that was once yours will do as it circulates.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You are usually subtle and sensitive in your communication; however, that method may cause your message to get lost in the cacophony of this week. What you have to say is important. Take measures to grab the attention you want. Once you have it, you can return to your gentle manners.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Know where the boundaries are and observe them. Social rules often go unstated. If you were not born into a family that carefully adheres to the rules, it will help you both in business and in your personal life to deepen your knowledge of etiquette. Formal grooming is available and may be as simple as a library visit.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You are well liked. And though you always want to reciprocate, sometimes it feels as though you are too indebted to do so. Luckily, you will have many opportunities throughout your life to return the affection and kindness you have received. Try not to keep score. Enjoy the generosity bestowed upon you.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You are in the driver's seat of your life, though there might be someone in the passenger seat who is advising you on which turn to take. You always have an option. Do not let anyone bully you into decisions. A good GPS system will recalculate the directions to help you get where you're going.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You don't have to know how things work in order to work them. However, you're better off learning how they work anyhow. When there's a problem, it will be easier for you to solve it if you have a basic understanding of how everything comes together. Read, take tutorials and ask questions. Educate yourself.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Where you're traveling, there is no path. It's wild, uncharted territory. You can't sleepwalk there -- you have to have your wits about you. Navigation will take skill, and you'll be solving one problem after another. That's why you need to stay open-minded. Rigid perspectives won't lead you to the Promised Land.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Avoid overanalyzing. Instinct trumps intellect, though you may want to keep that your little secret. There are those around you who need to go through a logical process in order to feel good about a decision. They might be annoyed at how quickly you make powerful and correct choices by just going with your gut.

THIS WEEK'S BIRTHDAYS: You are endowed with a great magnetic attraction and will pull in what you think about most. It's challenging to take charge of your thought processes; however, you will quickly see the benefits of doing so, as well as the dangers of not doing so. Popular and friendly, you may not have time to take advantage of all of the lovely offers made to you through fall. A savvy financial decision brings lifestyle improvements this winter. Spring brings excitement to your love life.