> STARS JACQUELINE BIGAR

IF TODAY IS YOUR BIRTHDAY: This year, you often are stunned by the actions your friends take. You rarely seem to know what is going to happen next. If you are single, you could discover that a longtime friend is the love of your life. If you are attached, the two of you often take off for time alone. Taurus seems steady and solid.

ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19)

You feel the need to express your compassion to a friend. You could surprise this person with a gesture you decide to make.Loosen up. A respected individual gives you feedback that might be quite important. Tonight: You could get feisty at the last moment.

TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20)

You know what you want to do, and convincing someone else to go along could have a surprising result. Tonight: Refuse to respond to someone’s anger or frustration.

GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 20)

A group happening might need to be avoided. Work with the here and now. You might not be comfortable with a loved one’s reaction or a distant friend’s thoughts. Tonight: Keep your own counsel.

CANCER (JUNE 21-JULY 22)

Zero in on what you want. A friend could surprise you. You might even appreciate being a bit bored. Tonight: Avoid someone who is clearly on the warpath.

LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22)

You could be too tired. You have done what was needed, even if it wasn’t always what you wanted. You feel as if you must take responsibility for a difficult situa- tion. You cannot control anyone but yourself. Tonight: Calm down a loved one.

VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22)

Look to the big picture. Address others’ points of view. Detachment is your ace in the hole. With that skill, you can handle almost anything. It is important to understand what motivates others. Tonight: Let your mind drift to good music.

LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 22)

If you don’t engage in a conversation with a loved one, you might never get past a mutual problem. You will be delighted by the resulting change. Work through the issue at hand. Tonight: Togetherness works.

SCORPIO (OCT. 23-NOV. 21)

You can’t understand how someone feels if you are putting down his or her feelings. Know that you have the same issues as this person, just radically different responses. Understand why this person has chosen this path. Tonight: Out enjoying life.

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21)

You could be embroiled in a difficult situation. Let it go for now. If you remain uptight and high-strung, you will not be able to resolve the problem effectively. Your attitude could define the results. Tonight: Choose a favourite stressbuster.

CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19)

You recognize that you have been feeling a bit off-kilter. As a result, a close friend or loved one might back away. You will want to build bridges at this moment. Do not be surprised if this process could cost you financially as well. Tonight: Dance the night away with friends.

AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB. 18)

A family matter seems to need some of your time and attention. You have been running around a lot lately. Do not make a big deal out of a problem; just go with the flow and adjust your schedule accordingly. Squeeze in a nap if you can. Tonight: Use your high energy well.

PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20)

Make calls in the morning, and plans will come together. Reach out to a sibling or neighbour. While you catch up on news, you might opt to play a game of cards together. You both have news to share. Tonight: At a favourite spot.

BORN TODAY: Musician Ringo Starr (1940), artist Marc Chagall (1887), figure skater Michelle Kwan (1980)