Astrograph - Tuesday

Keep a level head and an open mind, and show confidence in all that you do. The changes you make should help stabilize your situation if you are ingenious and focused. Actions speak louder than words. Do your part.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22):

A change to where or how you live should be looked at carefully. Long-term plans will encourage you to tidy up loose ends in preparation to improve your life.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21):

Make sure your plans are feasible before you start carrying them out. Check your sources of information as well as your motives. Refuse to let your ego or emotions intervene.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19):

A last-minute adjustment will help you out. Attention to detail and precision will be vital in executing a plan that can help you get ahead. A change at home will make your life easier.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19):

Do what feels right, not what someone else wants you to do. Look at the big picture and then make adjustments to fit your budget and schedule.

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20):

You’ll find it difficult to see the whole scope of a situation you face. When in doubt, ask someone you trust, or take a breather until you have more information.

ARIES (March 21-April 19):

Making a change may be scary, but so is stagnating. Consider what makes you happy and head in that direction. A romantic gesture will bring you closer to a loved one.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20):

Separate your emotions from the facts, and be reasonable. Making a good decision will be paramount. Gather all the information and do what’s right.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20):

Partnerships will play an essential role in decision-making. If you listen to how others feel and the ideas offered, you will come up with a suitable plan.

CANCER (June 21-July 22):

Learn from experience. Not everyone will like your plan, but don’t let that bother you. It’s best to focus your energy on what you need to do, not on distress and anger.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22):

Don’t let the changes taking place around you stop you from pursuing a personal goal. Concentrate on health, inner strength and physical improvement. Romance is on the rise.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22):

Use your knowledge and experience to bring about change. Refuse to let anyone talk you into expensive or indulgent behavior that could damage your reputation.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23):

Visit a place that has something to offer. Seeing is believing, and taking the time to look closer will help you make a decision that will improve your life.

This Kids Art drawing was drawn by fourth-grader Nevaeh at St. Patrick’s School.

DEARREADERS>> A great many of you wrote in expressing concern for Whiskers and her owner. Your letters bring up a number of insightful points about the correlation between animal abuse and spousal and child abuse. All of you warned that Tom’s behavior should serve as a red flag that he could end up abusing his wife or their future children.

I agree with all of you that, for everyone’s safety, she must leave with Whiskers, and Tomcan seek therapy on his own. Here are just some of your letters:

DEARANNIE>> To the woman whose husband’s behavior has changed toward her beloved cat: This is a giant red flag! Your suggestion, Annie, of telling her to leave makes the most sense. People can fake responses in therapy, and it sounds like this man probably won’t go anyway.

If he acts this way toward something that means so much to her, what will happen with children? If they have a child and the child resembles a family member he doesn’t like, then what will be his reaction? What if he resents the affection and time given to the child? Wishing her the courage and strength she needs to move forward.

DEARCONCERNEDFOLLOWER>> Thank you so much for your suggestions

DEARANNIE>> I am concerned about “Depressed and Confused.” Her poor cat cannot talk but is telling her the only way it knows how by hiding or running from her husband. That’s about as clear a sign as she can have that the husband is abusive. I doubt counseling will help him because, for some reason, he thinks he has a right to abuse that poor helpless animal.

I would never, ever trust Tom to be alone with animals. You bet I’d get out, now!

DEARDEFENDINGWHISKERS>> Thank you for sharing your concern.

DEARANNIE>> Please tell Depressed and Confused to run, not walk, out of that marriage. I, too, was in a similar marriage and wish someone had opened my eyes. Instead, I took his (verbal and cat) abuse for 29 years. Everything was always my fault. After years of therapy, I am finally free of him — going on 11 years now — and am very happy with my four cats. They bring me more joy than my husband ever did.

DEARCATLOVER>> Thank you for sharing your story. Abuse is never acceptable, whether it is aimed at people or animals. I agree with you. Tom has got to go!

DEARANNIE >> I amwriting with concern about the husband who was mean to his wife’s cat. When I was young, I had a dog named Holly. My parents had refused a dog for years, so when I finally got her, she meant the world to me. At the time, I was dating my husband and he would mock the dog, making fun of her and putting her down. Unfortunately, I dismissed this and married him anyway.

Annie, you are absolutely correct. The way he treated Holly became the way he treated me. I had an awful marriage with him, and he was emotionally abusive. This woman must consider his behavior a giant red flag and leave that marriage as soon as possible. This is the behavior of a narcissist. They do not change. He cares only about himself. A caring person would manage to be kind to the cat, if only for his wife’s sake. Consider yourself lucky to see the signs, because you could be in the cat’s place soon enough. He is already disregarding you.

DEARFROMEXPERIENCE >> Yours is one of a great many letters pointing out that people who hurt animals will eventually hurt people. The reason I wanted to print yours is because you speak from experience. Thank you for sharing.