During this alignment of the sun and Pluto, if you take a risk that doesn't wind up being embarrassing, kudos. Of course, there's good in humiliation, too. Once experienced, the fear of embarrassment loses power, and you're no longer concerned about what people think. A whole array of options opens up to the right and the left of appropriateness.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Once you strip away the chaff of familiarity and look at your daily life the way an outsider might, there's a real potential to do interesting work and maybe even to elevate the ordinary to the level of art.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You know the right thing to say. You could tell people what they wanted to hear, no sweat. But it's too easy, and it creates such a mild, forgettable impression. That's why you'll dare to add a dash more honesty.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). When you know you're being accepted you can let go, have fun and be happy. It's the same with everyone, and it's why your tolerant, accepting attitude is actually helping the world to be a happier place.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). In this boat of humanity on the rough seas of life, everyone must row with the oar he has. Drop your oar? Paddle with your hand. All efforts are needed now, yours especially.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). One thing you don't need to worry about is what to say. Say little and do much and you'll be a wonderful surprise to someone, you'll earn the trust of many, you'll make an excellent impression on all.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). The gamblers know that even when you trust the other players, you cut the cards. You're safe here. The precautions of protection may be merely ritualistic at this point, and that makes them more important, not less.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). It's always prudent to know about procedures, standards and guidelines before going into a situation, but if you don't know them, seek a young teacher to show you the rules, or an old one to show you the exceptions.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You're a person of principle, which is way better than being an impulsive slave to immediate gratification. However, before you go to battle for an idea, make sure you're absolutely clear on what the idea really is.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Jealousy is information your subconscious mind gives to clue you into what you really want. Envy is rocket fuel. Don't waste it by pointing it in any direction away from you. Put it back in your own tank and aim yourself well.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). As for stirring up controversy — anyone can accidentally flub and say something silly or unintentionally offensive. It takes a pro to do this deliberately.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Unfortunately, a lot of people are more concerned with who gets the credit than they are with getting things done. So, let them have the credit. It's worth it if they get out of the way of your progress.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). The rag that gets the floor clean becomes quite dirty, and so it goes. Perhaps you can't really make the mess go away, but you can organize it in a manner that makes it much more pleasing to experience.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Jan. 6). The goal is more vivid than it's ever been for you, and furthermore you have the sense that this year the universe is on your side. While working in collaboration with powerful forces, the less you do the better. In April, enjoy what you've built together. Love sweeps you into new circumstances in March. Leo and Aries 5 adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 15, 42, 26, 7 and 9.

WEEKEND LOVE FORECAST: ARIES: An irresistible feeling of innocence and joy — this is love to you. TAURUS: The best embrace you'll experience will go to the one who needs it, the one who hasn't been touched. That person might be a little uncomfortable, but it doesn't change the truth. GEMINI: To love another person is to willingly give up rights, privileges and conveniences and inexplicably be better off for it. CANCER: Go on and try to put your conditions on things if you need to, though you're about to learn better. LEO: The time to develop a sense of togetherness and teamwork is now. VIRGO: Once you make up your mind in matters of love, it will stay made up. LIBRA: The structure of a relationship will serve you well; the freedoms inside it will be much harder to navigate. SCORPIO: As far as your worth goes in a relationship, your date will believe the value you set for yourself. SAGITTARIUS: Codependency may feel natural to you, but it's still an unhealthy approach. Endeavor to overcome such tendencies. CAPRICORN: Humor will be the most significant indicator of compatibility. AQUARIUS: There's something inside you more romantic than the unromantic circumstances. Dig deep. PISCES: No one is dull around you, because you draw out the intriguing side of people.

COUPLE OF THE WEEKEND: The Capricorn sun reflects off the Taurus moon, turning up the attraction between these two earth signs. The Greek philosopher Plato associated each of the classical elements of earth, air, water and fire with a regular solid. Earth's solid is the cube. The earth signs of Taurus and Capricorn build on one another like blocks, creating structures to protect and enhance one another's well-being.

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