Horoscopes for Feb. 16, 2013

Luxury goes disguised as necessity, so it’s hard to tell the difference under this sensual and hunger-prone Taurus moon. The Venusian qualities of Taurus are highlighted during this lunar aspect, which inspires quests for feminine beauty, lovely scents and luscious sights. There’s pleasure to be gained from fussing over the extras.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). You and your family share experiences and the same background, and yet it often feels like you’re not coming from the same place at all. It’s further proof that each person mentally makes up his or her own reality.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). It feels as though you are precariously perched on the balance beam of life. True, life can be dangerously risky. But you also can count on the solid support of those around you. You are safe.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). People will do silly things to impress you. What does it mean? It’s a sign that you are powerfully attractive, though you probably have no idea what to do with all of the attention.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Your pleasure and satisfaction are important, but they are not the most important factors now. Step back and consider the effect of your actions on the others around you.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). It’s strange how issues can become simultaneously clearer and more complex. Your philosophical mood mixes with the light of morning to make this happen. You won’t know what to do just yet. It’s better to wait until you’re sure.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). No good will come of psychological or actual grasping. All that’s beautiful, wholesome and true will alight on an open heart and palm of one who has already let go.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). The volume you choose will make a big difference in how your message is received. Gentle, quiet words can accomplish much as long as they are spoken with confidence.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You are mighty persuasive even though your influence is hardly detectible. You show up knowing what you want. You are unwavering. The prize will eventually yield to your consistent and persistent will.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Your powers of empathy are strong. You really will experience the world from another person’s vantage. Then you will return to yourself with new understanding.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). There are those you like but don’t know very well. Knowing more wouldn’t necessarily lead to liking more. Attraction relies on mystery to a great degree now.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You may have a hidden agenda, but it’s not hidden for any negative reason. It’s just that you’re more powerful when people can’t tell what you want. Charm is stronger than coercion.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). When you know you have a strong influence over a situation, you back off so as not to come off as intimidating or pushy. The wise will interpret your gentle approach as a sign of power.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY. When you are around those you want to impress, you become positively radiant. So stock your life with admirable individuals. They will inspire you to grow. As a complementary partner, you will enjoy the perks of teamwork in March and April. You’ll earn an award or a contract in May. Invest in training in June. Virgo and Libra people adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 20, 1, 24, 38 and 30.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS: “A client stiffed me. He took the design work I did, and he then decided that he wanted to go in another direction. I told him the kill fee was 50 percent, and he said I was crazy and that he’d give me a much lower amount. I then told him to forget it and let him go without paying a cent. I’ve been in business for 14 years, and this has only happened twice, so I’m not very upset about it. But because it happened right at the start of the Chinese New Year, I just want to make sure that it’s not a bad omen for what’s to come. I’m a Libra.”

All businesses have their challenges, but the fact that you have only had two difficult clients in 14 years is not a bad omen; it’s something to celebrate – a reminder of all of your successes. Design is perfect for your sun sign, as Libra is well aligned with the energies of Venus. Just as the product you show clients reflects your taste and aesthetic, the way you interact with clients is a kind of art form. You should give yourself credit for not getting involved in the bad energy of fighting for your money. Moving on is the most graceful way.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Zachary Gordon is easy to sympathize with as Greg Heffley in the “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” films. The Aquarian teen will soon share the screen with some of the biggest names in comedy, Steve Carell and Jim Carrey, in “The Incredible Burt Wonderstone.” With his sun, Mercury, Uranus and Neptune all in friendly Aquarius, Gordon makes friends and fans everywhere he goes.

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