Oct. 27 - Nov. 2, 2004

Scorpio (Oct. 23–Nov. 21)

You won't know you've been meandering along the scenic route to your destination until you step off of it, onto a faster path. Now, there's nothing wrong with the scenic route—journeys being generally more interesting and important than destinations and all that—but I suspect, in this particular circumstance, you'd rather get there faster, and in better shape. This involves a bit of rethinking: What exactly are your goals? What are you willing to do to achieve them? Luckily, this is a good week for asking and answering those types of questions. If you apply yourself diligently, you could cut hours, days, or even years from your quest—leaving yourself time and energy to pursue other journeys more suitable to roundabout, curious ways.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22–Dec. 21)

"Walk this way," says the hunchbacked, goggle-eyed doorman, slumping lopsidedly across the room. Absurdly, heeding the old junior-high- worthy joke, you imitate him. Yeah, this is goofily funny for about three seconds. The fact that you've effectively been playing out this joke for ages now isn't comical at all, however. It's just sad. Following directions is all well and good, but you've taken it, in this one particular (uncharacteristic) circumstance, to an extreme, doing something exactly the way you were told, without even considering alternatives. That's a tragedy, considering your wealthy imagination. It's like walking on your knees, with a limp, when you could be sprinting or even flying. Wield that ingenuity now, and take off.

Capricorn (Dec. 22–Jan. 19)

Old habits die hard for a reason. Every once in a while—like this week—they come in handy. That's right; some higher power has decided to reward you Caps this week (for hard work expanding your repertoires, and efforts to enliven and enrich your lives) by making forward progress almost frictionless, requiring only the tools you developed ages ago, instead of the ones you're still forging. Hard work and serious thinking will carry you tremendous distances this week, but don't let them become your be-all, end-all ever again. Being disciplined, for you, is as simple as breathing, so don't waste much energy on it. Also practice the newer skills, for their own sake, that are less like breathing and more like singing.

Aquarius (Jan. 20–Feb. 18)

What can I possibly say to you that will do the least bit of good? You're virtually immune to outside influence at the moment, comfortably cocooned in a bubble of your own judgment, for good or ill. This means that no one can derail you but also that no one can really help you. It also might hinder your understanding of why everyone outside your private orb is acting so strange. Friends and rivals alike are apt to be frustrated by your essential unreachability at the moment. Be sympathetic and counsel patience, and let them know you'll emerge soon—then do just that.

Pisces (Feb. 19–March 20)

Now that you've scared off half your potential allies as well as half your enemies, by doing nothing more than revealing or demonstrating some of your own internal complexities, you might be feeling a bit lonely. All Pisces occasionally suffer these moments of isolation, believing themselves alone in the world and without real friends. These feelings are often so strong and vivid that they easily outshout the tiny, rational part of you that's screaming contradictions and pointing out the crew of folk who adore you precisely because of those complicated inner workings that scared off the strangers. I'm hoping I'm less easily shouted down when I assure you: They're there, and just waiting for your call.

Aries (March 21–April 19)

Dig deep. We're talking prehistory here, the roots of the roots. A Google search about the guy who just asked you out won't satisfy your insatiable curiosity this week. Finding out whether he has a criminal record is fine, but why stop there? You'll press on, to learn what you can of his genetic history and emotional upbringing. Naturally, this kind of inquisitiveness will freak anyone out; revealing that you called the guy's mom before your first date is a pretty shitty plan. Nevertheless, you shouldn't suppress your powerful nosiness, at least in certain other, more reasonable areas. An important truth lies buried and awaiting discovery, but you'll never find it unless you dig.

Taurus (April 20–May 20)

Refrain from buying new locks, alarm systems, or guard dogs this week. Your creature comforts may suddenly seem more vital to your well-being, and more vulnerable, than ever before. You may feel irrationally possessive and protective of them. Even a reasonable request from your neighbor to borrow your hair dryer may have you up in arms, resentful and resistant. Let it go. It's just stuff, and it's actually complicating and sapping your existence more than it simplifies or enhances it. Generosity with your wealth (whether modest or copious) will make you feel a lot better than your hair dryer ever could.

Gemini (May 21–June 20)

I hope you vote. We need people who think to cast their ballots, because too many people who don't will be doing just that. Make it happen, without excuses. It doesn't matter if you're in a swing state or not, because this isn't just about your actual vote, it's about what it represents: a belief in the validity and weight of your own opinion. What you think is quite important, for yourself as well as those around you. So go vote, and also go ahead and put your two cents in anywhere else it's invited or otherwise welcome. Your vote and your opinion will matter, despite what you may believe. Try it. You'll see.