Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)While it may feel important to focus on your worst traits in order to improve upon and evolve past them, that’s not always the best strategy, especially when those negative aspects tend to eclipse all your most wonderful qualities every time you look in the mirror. I think wanting to become a better person is of course an admirable intention. I also agree that completely ignoring or blinding yourself to your faults isn’t a great idea. However, I still think your best strategy—at least this week—to transform into your best self is to deliberately and consciously focus on your best attributes, and use them to create more love, joy, or beauty in the world. The rest will mostly take care of itself.Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)Like me, you think honesty is one of the most important and admirable qualities in a human being. However, while telling the truth is something more people should do more often, there are times when withholding it will serve everyone better. Many relationships survive because of lies people tell each other, and while I know you don’t want that, it’s also true that an ill-timed or ill-thought truth can kill a relationship. Of course, when the truth is important, it must be told regardless, but when it’s not vital, it’s occasionally better for all concerned if you just keep your mouth shut. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)Stop worrying about stuff that probably won’t happen. It’s not the least bit helpful. Preparing for the worst-case scenario may seem like a practical idea, but it’s unhealthy to focus on such morbid eventualities unless you have some real evidence they’re likely to happen soon. Go ahead and buy that insurance plan or take a precaution or two if it gives you comfort or peace of mind, then simply and completely let it go. It’s not naivete to focus on all the positive stuff in your life; it’s a key element to simply being happy. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)I think it’s sweet that you want to carry the weight of your cares and responsibilities alone, lest you burden those close to you. I also think it’s stupid. Sure, you may be able to shoulder this stuff solo, for a while, but you’ll have nothing left to help other people carry their shit. You’ll also be depriving those who care about you a chance to help you out, which they’d dearly love to do. So much of life is our connections to other people, and sharing burdens and responsibilities is part of that. When someone asks to help, let them. Then when someone asks for help, you’ll have it to give.Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)What’s a deal-breaker for virtually everyone else isn’t always a deal-breaker for you—but maybe it should be. I admire your open-mindedness and willingness (and ability) to forgive and move on, but this isn’t just about you. Consider what your acceptance might mean to the other person. Are you really doing them a favor? Or would it actually—even though it feels harsh—be kinder to say no? Before you go any further down this path, consider if that’s a real possibility—then have the courage to pursue it if you decide that that’s probably what’s best.Aries (March 21-April 19)Many Aries are a bit spoiled. You’re charming and wonderful in many ways, but you can—especially when you’re young—also require tremendous indulgence from those around you. That’s OK. Those who couldn’t deal with that split a long time ago. Most Rams eventually outgrow their bratty behavior. When you do, though, don’t expect a lot of special treatment, pats on the back, and congratulations for finally stepping up. This, after all, is probably what you should have been doing all along. Accept that not getting recognition for it is also part of this evolutionary process, swallow your pride, and get on with living life without being a spoiled brat.
Taurus (April 20-May 20)There are certain areas in your life that are and should remain sacrosanct. If what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, then what happens in these areas (your bedroom, for example) should also remain only the business of those who visit them. However, that’s not always clear to some of the nosy people in your life. Because your own curiosity has occasionally caused you to step over the line, you might feel uncomfortable or even hypocritical enforcing your own boundaries—but you must, nevertheless. Forgive those who’ve invaded your privacy—but firmly correct them, too. Gemini (May 21-June 20)The shitty situation you’re in probably isn’t as horrible as you think it is. Don’t let your fledgling martyr complex jump immediately to your least favorite outcome and force that to happen, just so you can be proved right about how awful things are. There are a myriad other things that can happen here (none of which are perfect, admittedly), so cutting them all off at the pass just so you can suffer and say “I told you so” doesn’t make a whole lot of sense. If you can’t figure out how to arrive at one of these solutions, just chill out and wait. Without your intervention, one will probably happen mostly on its own.Cancer (June 21-July 22)Don’t be so quick to judge. Here’s the thing about the exceptions that will make your life exceptional—they won’t fit cleanly into the boxes you want them to. They might even throw up a red flag or two, show you something you don’t like, or simply not fit your expectations. Reject them out of hand and you may miss out on someone far superior—partially because they’re so surprising—then whoever you’re aiming for. That means offering the benefit of the doubt to those who show promise even if they’re not “perfect.” They might prove to be better—but you won’t know it until you experience it.Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)We all know you can get carried away by your passionate emotions, sometimes all the way into prima-donna territory. Luckily for everyone, you’re getting better at recognizing this tendency earlier, and sometimes heading it off at the pass. If it’s already happened this time anyway, back things up now before it’s too late (it’s not yet, believe it or not). Apologize and adjust your reaction accordingly. You’ll be surprised at how gracious and forgiving people will be. If it hasn’t happened yet, hurray! You can head off some drama before it even happens. Please do.Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)Everyone reacts to pain differently. Some might want plenty of attention, cuddles, and TLC, while others would prefer to be left alone, or have some other form of help that makes things easier without making them feel weak. It’s truly hard to figure out how best to be there for someone, particularly when they’re unwilling or unable to really tell you. However, there’s no one better equipped than you to unravel such mysteries. Please at least try. You know how great it feels when you hit on just the right thing, that thing that really does someone good. This week, just be persistent, creative, and patient, and you’ll get there again.Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)Libras are fantastically talented at keeping secrets. That’s because telling secrets often ruffles feathers all around, and ruffling feathers is something you usually prefer to avoid at all costs. However, sometimes you need to, especially when refusing to share vital information (for fear of conflict) is potentially hurtful or damaging to someone you care about. Therefore, prepare yourself to spill the beans, and cope with all the dramatic fallout that might ensue. It may not be the easiest or happiest thing—but if you know it’s the right thing, you must steel yourself to do it regardless.
