ArcaMax

The turn of Mercury brings an awareness of shifting contexts, nuanced meanings and timely semiotics. Communication skills require constant updates, as the times never stop a-changin'. What falls into the category? Language, certainly, but also fashion, music, hairstyles and more, all communicating something about identity, culture and ideology.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). It is not worth spending time fixing problems that you will not even have once you do things correctly from the beginning. A do-over is your new teacher. A different recipe, plan or relationship has great potential.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Stars encourage an active expansion of your social circle. Listening to different voices keeps you from getting stuck in your own head or in a single narrative. Uplifting relationships balance your perspective and mood.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You're getting validation, and it feels good. The feedback is positive, the responses are what you aimed for, and the outcome is what you'd hoped. Now ask, does it actually solve the problem? And what's the responsible next move?

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Most people are too focused on their own journey to judge yours, and that's a good thing. The ones who care will be supportive. So there's no need to overpolice your every step. Do it like nobody's watching.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You'll be in a position to take charge. For you, leadership is cultivation. You want to help others, not control them or make them dependent on you. You'll clear a path, show the way and teach what you know.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You play many roles: friend, worker, helper, leader and partner. Each one asks for certain behaviors, but none of them captures your whole self. They're expressions, not definitions. A role is something you do, not someone you are.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). The option on the table today is not the only one that will be offered and taking it could alter your course. Things may work on paper, but that doesn't mean they really fit. The ideal arrangement? Try before you buy.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Don't bend for someone who will take advantage of your good nature. You can show said good nature by good-naturedly saying, "Ha! No way." It's the swift timing, lightness and the gleam in your eye that sells it.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). The stressful situation will pass, the problem will be solved and the transaction finalized. It's all coming together very soon, too, so proceed as though you know this is going your way.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Today's issue is a snowball rolling down a mountain. You might be able to stop it at the top while it's tiny, but once it gets near the bottom, it's a fast-moving, giant wrecking ball.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Talent plus merit is the golden ticket. But if you could only choose one, merit always wins out. With work, the job is learned. The real talent is a desire to put in the work it takes to be good.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You do have high expectations today, but it's appropriate because you are ready for the challenge. You've done the preparation, and now it's just a matter of surrendering to action. You can trust yourself, and the universe, implicitly.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Feb. 25). Step into your Year of Whispered Intuition, when incredible timing and subtle influence guide you to wonderful places. Your insight and generosity will be cherished and make a difference in the lives of those you love and those you don't even know. More highlights: You'll experience an unexpected windfall, you'll acquire a lucrative skill, and you'll give dozens of lauded performances. Leo and Scorpio adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 6, 22, 37, 10 and 41.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Rashida Jones received a Golden Globe nomination for her recent role in the dystopian anthology series "Black Mirror." The multitalented star is an intuitive Pisces, sharing a sun sign with her father, the legendary music producer Quincy Jones. With the great powers of empathy and artistry at her command, her passion for producing entertainment projects goes perfectly with her natal Capricorn moon.

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