If it’s your birthday

MTo be free of the past, you must understand it, which means having a sense of how you got where you are today. It’s easy to see — and to deny — that actions have consequences; your positive choices, your decisions to make your life better, and your ability to avoid problems will all get results, if you stick to the program. You share a birthday with Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Phil Lesh and will.i.am. MARCH 21-APRIL 19 When one door closes, another opens, as long as you are alert to that fact. It will be easy to resolve a past situation today, as long as you make the choice to take responsibility, rather than to blame yourself. If you sort out that difference, the way forward will be clear. APRIL 20-MAY 20 Be cautious what you say in group situations, especially where you don’t know everyone in the room — but even when you do. There are some subjects that need to be spoken about only in oneto-one settings, and some things don’t need to be said at all. MAY 21-JUNE 20 The people you work with are indeed people, no matter how much power and influence they may seem to have. At times, everyone gets over-sensitive, and it would be wise of you to leave space for that today. If you supervise others, they will be picking up on your emotions. JUNE 21-JULY 22 You usually take an optimistic view of the future; and if you’re wavering today, keep to your usual positive attitude. If, however, something in your life is inspiring pessimism or concern, the chances are that forgiveness is the best policy. You cannot drag the entire past along with you. JULY 23-AUG. 22 Over the next few days, you will have several opportunities to wrap up business and clear the air of certain lingering subjects. You’ll also get to determine whether specific beliefs you’ve held are true or false, particularly where a financial arrangement is concerned. Use the information wisely. AUG. 23-SEPT. 22 You still seem to be working through an emotional wrinkle in a relationship. It appears that someone who does not conform to the usual rules is provoking your insecurities. The deeper issue is that you see yourself in this person. That said, you could be more compassionate, or at least responsive. SEPT. 23-OCT. 22 Today it bears repeating that for those born under your sign, or Libra rising, there’s a close connection between your emotional state and how you feel physically. If you’re feeling out of sorts, check within, and figure out what is bothering you. This is known as listening to your body’s wisdom. OCT. 23-NOV. 21 You will get better results if you focus on what’s functioning rather than what’s going wrong. However, if something has been a persistent source of irritation, particularly at work, now would be a good time to address the issue. Proceed gradually and persistently; this may take a little while. NOV. 22-DEC. 21 Over the next few days, certain long-standing family matters may resurface, and if they do, then pay attention. Any policy of ignoring them will ultimately work against you. The only other option is to inform yourself, make some decisions, and move forward. Unlike others, you are not obsessed with the past. DEC. 22-JAN. 19 Recent events have tested your self-confidence. How have you responded? Today and tomorrow, the challenge is about mental clarity, which presents a puzzle: How do you know when you’re not being clear with yourself or others? Well, it helps to notice when the fog rolls in — and slow down. JAN. 20-FEB. 18 Be careful with money today. What seems like a good idea today might seem like a better idea tomorrow, and a very bad idea in two days. Now is the time to let go of obligations and drains on your resources, rather than adding to them. This includes both money and emotions.