If it’s your birthday

The best way to work out emotional challenges, anxiety or self-doubt is through some form of creative expression. Art is not a luxury any more than breathing is. Your mind needs to process your feelings in a way that transcends language and intellect. This is not about proving your talent, but rather allowing your soul the space to heal, feel and grow. You share a birthday with Walter Matthau, Julie Andrews, and Youssou N’Dour. MARCH 21-APRIL 19 You’re well situated this week to be more daring then usual, especially if you have something to say. People will indeed be listening, and with a more open mind than you might have guessed. Just remember to speak in a language that people understand. Keep it simple, and be clear. APRIL 20-MAY 20 Gradually, the fog is beginning to clear around a relationship encounter. It may still take a few days to understand the deeper meaning of what happened, though as you do, you’ll make some new decisions about what you want. And what you want is the single most important motive you have available. MAY 21-JUNE 20 It would seem that giving things up in exchange for what you want is a basic factor of the human condition. Yet what exactly are you being called to sacrifice? Is that really true, and is it necessary? This may not be about what you have to let go of, but rather what you need to receive. JUNE 21-JULY 22 Be generous with your words of love and praise this week, though use your skill and sensitivity and say exactly the right thing to the person you’re speaking to. People are not often accustomed to hearing positive comments directed their way, so a measure of understatement is essential. JULY 23-AUG. 22 You’re being reminded that the work you’re best at is the work you believe in. What is the purpose of what you do, and what is the end result? Consider these things carefully, and meditate on whether you are fully in alignment with whatever you are devoting your precious energy to. AUG. 23-SEPT. 22 Something you might perceive as difficult will turn out to be as easy as turning the knob on an unlocked door. However, if you’re standing there certain that the door is locked, you just might not try to open it. You might not think you belong inside. You have nothing to lose by trying. OCT. 23-NOV. 21 This week you may have the feeling that you’re about to give birth to some new version of yourself. The due date is Oct. 10, when Jupiter enters your sign. Till then, you may catch glimpses of the person you are about to become. They’re a lot like you are now, only even better. NOV. 22-DEC. 21 You remain in a position of leadership, which means a source of ideas, of organization, and of a positive example. Never take this for granted. Don’t grant yourself a pass on ethics or integrity. You have plenty of room to celebrate life and enjoy your success without one. DEC. 22-JAN. 19 For the past few seasons, you’ve been driven by the promise of making a positive impact on the world. Now would be a good time to account for the ways that you’ve done that, particularly the modest ones. Big achievements speak for themselves. The small ones only whisper. JAN. 20-FEB. 18 You are close to an agreement on a financial matter or partnership arrangement of some kind. Just take your time and make sure that the details are covered, and that nobody feels like they’re making any unfair compromises. Ask about that directly, and also, speak up if necessary. FEB. 19-MARCH 20 Venus and Mars in your opposite sign, Virgo, are describing a relationship, partnership or sexual involvement. As attractive as anyone may be, the only measure that really matters is communication. Can you speak freely, and do you listen willingly and lovingly? Give it a few weeks.