If it’s your birthday

Talking about what may be troubling you and your relationships will be easier and more satisfying. Encourage people you care about to open up and reveal their inner truth and reality, and the effect will be doubled. An environment of open communication and commitment to truth is the best birthday gift you could ever give yourself. Everyone will benefit. You share birthdays with Benjamin Spock, Christine Baranski and Dwayne Johnson. MAY 21-JUNE 20 You’re experiencing a total reevaluation of some important aspects of your life. This, in turn, is influencing your choice of friends and, indeed, your definition of what a friend is. The people who genuinely care about you will be available in all seasons and all weather. JUNE 21-JULY 22 Take a gentle approach to what’s happening on the work front. Avoid complicated situations and stay on the good side of those in authority. If you can do that much, you’ll be able to mind your own business, which means taking care of pressing priorities as you become aware of them. JULY 23-AUG. 22 Step away from the confusion and turbulence, wherever you happen to find it. You have plenty on your task list and people depending on you, and you cannot get involved with those whose only interest is keeping themselves entertained with the latest gossip. That is actually beneath you. AUG. 23-SEPT. 22 Keep an eye on your money over the next few days. Mercury retrograde ends tomorrow in your house of joint finances and negotiations. This is an aspect of life demanding awareness and integrity, and both are in short supply — so you will have to provide them. Stick to the facts and figures. SEPT. 23-OCT. 22 This has been a turbulent year for your relationships, contrary to the easygoing life you’re seeking. This is not just about you, and it’s not just about the people you know. The whole world is reeling from uncertainty, and walking the high wire without a net. Take it easy on yourself. OCT. 23-NOV. 21 You may feel two entirely different ways about a matter of deep importance to you, and you may be wondering how that’s possible. Rather than trying to resolve this, sit with it; you need at least three days, with some quiet time for reflection, away from the controversy. NOV. 22-DEC. 21 An emotional matter you’ve been processing for months has finally come to a head. You may be surprised to know that it wasn’t what you were expecting — or anything like it. It’s truly amazing how something so small can cause so much stress and worry, till it doesn’t any more. DEC. 22-JAN. 19 Whatever stress you’re about to be relieved of, it’ll feel like someone turning off a leaf blower. The thing was loud, and it was going on for a while, and leaf blowers are ridiculous — but you didn’t notice it consciously until it was gone. When that happens, pause and reflect. JAN. 20-FEB. 18 The central lesson of this time in your life is not to invest your self-esteem in what you think people think of you. Opinions are volatile, and you’re biased when listening to any critique of yourself. Do what you must to teach yourself that you don’t need anyone’s approval. FEB. 19-MARCH 20 Events over the next few days will shake your confidence and build it right back up. So don’t take that process too seriously. Proceed forward as you consciously take in data from your environment. You need both information and context. The astrology is blazing one bold message: Make no assumptions.