Horoscopes for Feb. 24, 2013

Uncertainty can cause anxiety or produce a delicious sense of anticipation. You might think of today’s overriding sense of uncertainty as dramatic tension – an essential element in good storytelling. Similar to the way that the darkest hour is just before dawn, the peak time for dramatic tension occurs on the eve of the full moon’s emotional release.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). It’s wonderful to have niceties and treats in your life, but setting limits in this regard is essential to good living. If you don’t take control, you’ll be controlled.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Your life force is surging strongly now, so don’t be surprised if people stop to stare. They are only trying to figure out that indescribable something that makes you so compelling.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). To recover from a fall is life-affirming. To recover before the fall is even more so. Staying on your feet will require a series of adjustments, and you’re so ready for whatever comes.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Every rose has its thorn, but a good florist will handle the problem for paying customers. And today, you’ll be more than happy to trade your hard-earned cash to get another prickly problem handled.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Over-familiarity is not good for relationships. When common courtesies go out the window, it’s a signal to distance yourself. How far should you step back? You need enough space to build a mystery.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). The best luck you have today comes in the form of another person. The one you most like to play with will be available and open to your whims.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You’ve learned quite a lot from your mentor, and yet your results have their own unique flavor. It’s a taste that the world needs right now. Step out on your own and teach another person what you know.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You can’t go swimming without getting wet. Today you’ll willingly suffer some little inconvenience because you realize it’s part of the deal. Being too picky is a waste of valuable time.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Just because they don’t get you doesn’t mean you’re wrong. If you can find a way to tolerate the feeling of being misunderstood, you’ll have a great advantage over those who rely on the approval of others.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You’re up for playing games when it’s fun. Your fellow gamer’s strategy is to feign helplessness so you’ll participate in a big way – maybe even jump through hoops.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You’ll be negotiating once more. It always helps your side to be autonomous. If you feel like you could step away at any moment and it’s all the same to you, you’re in a good position.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Can you have too many hobbies? Not really. If a new one appeals to you, there is probably a reason for it. It might take a small investment to go where your intrigue leads you, but the cost will be worthwhile.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (Feb. 24). Years of training will start to pay off in interesting ways. In March, something you do quickly will be a masterpiece. April puts more coins in your bank account. Save up. Lifestyle upgrades are well earned in May. You’ll be instrumental in arranging a reunion in July. Cut loose old baggage so you can move on in August. Aquarius and Aries people adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 10, 44, 49, 28 and 5.

FORECAST FOR THE WEEK AHEAD: The English naturalist Charles Darwin was among the earliest scientists to write about the role of emotional expression in human survival, spawning new interest and examinations into the subject of emotional intelligence. Even today many researchers still do not recognize emotional intelligence as a legitimate form of intelligence – although one can’t help but wonder whether their spouses feel the same way.

The full moon in Virgo on Monday releases pent-up mental energy in a rush of feeling. Mercury retrograde in Pisces promises that the emotions will be as intense as they are hard to define. As if these factors weren’t enough, Venus makes things even more interesting when she sheds her inhibitions to go skinny-dipping in the soulful sea of Pisces. Much will be revealed, and yet we won’t have a clue what it means. As is the case with great art, interpretation is key. Take your time with this. On the 26th, Mercury retrograde aligns with Mars in Pisces. On the 28th, Venus and Neptune align in Pisces. Beautiful experiences can be born of this artistic energy. The words that spring to mind may only confuse matters. Trying to name and define things will feel uncool. Play with them instead.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: The current golden child of boxing, Floyd Mayweather Jr. is a Pisces old soul who comes from a long line of fighters. Known for his lightning reflexes and comedic commentary, three fire-sign influences add heat to the champion’s well-balanced natal chart. Every element is represented in his stars. “Money Mayweather” was born when Mercury and Mars were in fleet-footed Aquarius.

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