If it’s your birthday

Be prepared to commit yourself fully to your goals. Once you do this, there’s no more need for negotiation or debate within yourself; your values will inform all of your decisions. You have the ability and indeed the opportunity to succeed at something that’s truly unusual, though you must do your part and a little bit more. You share a birthday with Clarence (Gatemouth) Brown, Susan Faludi and Conan O’Brien. APRIL 20-MAY 20 You may be feeling edgy or apprehensive and not know why. Don’t let your fears run away with you. Take a wait-andsee approach and, while you’re doing that, pay attention to what your dreams are telling you. You may get a message hinting at what your anxiety is about. MAY 21-JUNE 20 If you’ve been searching for an answer to no avail, I suggest you change your question. People put entirely too much emphasis on seeking answers, when the right question is really all you need — it will answer itself. This is not about semantics; it’s about getting maximum leverage from your mind. JUNE 21-JULY 22 How much do you need relationships, and what do you need them for? This taboo question undermines presumptions that most take for granted. Really, though, what do you want, what do you need, and what do you get? Make a thorough list, and notice how you can take care of yourself. JULY 23-AUG. 22 Today or tomorrow, a career opportunity may come your way. Decide quickly whether it’s for you, because it’s unique to this moment. There will be other openings and possibilities, but not like this one. There are no certainties, though behind every success is a little risk or big adventure. AUG. 23-SEPT. 22 If you’re experiencing some stress over an issue of taxes or joint finances, give it a day or two and see what new ideas come to you. The first thing you need is to share a clear goal with a partner. You also need some forensics on how you got to this point. Then the solution will be clear. SEPT. 23-OCT. 22 The past week or so has come with some unusual adventures in your relationships or partnerships. You can afford to calm down, and when you’re ready, a review will be helpful. Just tell yourself the story, in play-by-play form, leaving out your emotional responses. You want facts, not opinions. OCT. 23-NOV. 21 You’re the deep-thinking type, and lately you’re breaking all records. However, you might ease off on the idea that you’re going to unravel the entire mystery of a relationship right now, using nothing but your brainpower. You need to give your intuition and your creativity a role. NOV. 22-DEC. 21 This has been a richly creative few weeks for you. However, if you’re any kind of writer, artist or craftsperson, you’re about to tap into an unusual vein of gold. Even if you get the message or hankering in the middle of the night, wake up and get to work. DEC. 22-JAN. 19 You may be having some ominous or brooding feelings about a relationship. This is not a short-term issue; it involves your early conditioning, specifically, what people convinced you was the one and only right way to relate to another person. Here’s a hint: There are many right ways. JAN. 20-FEB. 18 If a wave of fear is coursing through your mind, make like you’re at the beach and dive straight in. When you come out the other end, you’ll find yourself in relatively placid water. We’re all under a lot of pressure right now, and you don’t need any extra. Easy does it. FEB. 19-MARCH 20 You may still be feeling some tension between your personal life and your professional commitments. Rather than force a resolution, make a series of incremental steps and adjustments, one small move at a time. Remind yourself that you’re the only true authority figure in your world.