TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Sept. 3). This year is punctuated by an important personal victory. Unexpected invitations will lead to money, new friends and cultural expansion. In October, you'll trade in old goods for something you've wanted for a long time. Politics will affect your work in November. Professions of love ring out in February. Capricorn and Libra people adore you.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Your stream of consciousness is a wide one with influences spanning from a variety of sources. Focus these ideas through a narrow channel and you will produce something of great worth.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Your sneaking suspicion is correct. Someone likes you an awful lot. This person wants to show you, but isn't sure you'd be receptive. If so, you need to give a big hint.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Tenacity is a talent that some are born with and others must work hard to attain. But anyone can attain it. And you should definitely give it a go. You might change your tactics, but do not give up.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You will go above and beyond what you were trained to do and what you are expected to do. You like it when people appreciate you with praise -- especially the kind of praise you can put in your wallet.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Anyone can commit to the thing that makes his or her heart go zing. But when the zinging stops, does the commitment stop, too? Not for those of high character.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You would love to swoop in and save the day, but what is really needed is teamwork. If the glory goes to one person, all the blame and resentment goes to that person, too. Get everyone to pull together.

PISCES (Feb. 19-Mar. 20). The judge inside your head is keeping you from being as free and expressive as you really want to be. Don't worry. You can do your thing without going against social etiquette or making anyone too mad.

ARIES (Mar. 21-Apr. 19). Magicians know better than to do tricks for anyone under 5 -- it's harder to lead their focus away from the mechanics of the trick. When you know what to overlook, you can sit back and let the magic happen.

TAURUS (Apr. 20-May 20). You can have an excellent time with someone who doesn't share your likes and dislikes. But in order for this to happen, at least one of you has to have an open mind. Today it has to be you.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). We all tell ourselves lies from time to time, but a certain friend of yours makes sure to dispel yours as soon as she catches wind of them. This one, though not always pleasant, is a keeper. Tell her so today.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You can walk away from any problem. Remembering this might keep you from feeling trapped. You have options other than the ones you currently see. To get a fresh perspective, ask a Virgo.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Risk is on the agenda, and the best kind will be both personal and professional. Perhaps you actually can make money at that crazy hobby of yours. This is an excellent day to suggest that someone pay you and find out.

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