Taurus (April 20–May 20)

Jogging, apparently, is bad exercise. The human form is made for walking and sprinting; this in-between activity is actually hard on your joints and muscles and offers little to no additional benefit in comparison with either of those activities. Heeding what we’re built for strikes me as a pretty good idea, especially when the alternative can really mess you up. You know what your innate tendencies are. While it’s good to stretch your boundaries and capabilities, this week isn’t the best time for that. Stick to what comes easily and naturally, so you don’t overextend or hurt yourself.

Gemini (May 21–June 20)

Ignore the menu. Abundant options will just confuse you. Close your eyes and contemplate what you really want (be grounded enough to be realistic, though). It may not be explicitly on offer—but chances are that if you ask for it, it’s available. This week, it’s all about being crystal-clear about what you want, and calmly, politely, and directly asking for it. Of course if you’re uncomfortable stepping outside the box, or lack imagination, you can go with the confusing and disappointing menu, but when a custom-built reality is there for the taking, I can’t imagine why you wouldn’t.

Cancer (June 21–July 22)

Everyone loves ladybugs. Something about them is cute; they don’t bite or sting, and they eat garden pests. Can you be a ladybug this week? Even though they’re essentially the same as some insects people fear or revile, they somehow have a way of endearing themselves and being regarded as harmless or helpful. You should strive to do the same. It’s all about presentation. You don’t need to change anything essential about who you are—just spin it a different way than you have so far. If you succeed, you’ll find more doors and hearts open for you this week than have opened in ages.

Leo (July 23–Aug. 22)

Work with your own impulses rather than against them. If you know you’re a little on the lazy side (as most Leos are), or a bit vain (also frequently a Leo trait), use those tendencies to your own advantage. Laziness can lead to efficiency and intelligent redesign. Vanity can be a motivation too—to work hard enough to be able to afford nice clothes, or simply a kick in the butt to keep going to the gym. When the wind is blowing in the wrong direction, a skilled sailor can angle the sails to get where she wants to go. You can too. Harness the forces already at work within you to take you in whatever direction you choose.

Virgo (Aug. 23–Sept. 22)

You have a tendency to overthink and overcomplicate things sometimes. While you’re gifted with excellent foresight, sometimes you end up planning for outcomes that simply never happen. This is only really a problem when your plans require the cooperation and effort of others, who’ll resent you for making them work for something that’s unlikely to happen. Imagine the bitterness if it really doesn’t go down that way! Cool it. You don’t need to prepare for every possible result. Remember that half the time something you never thought of happens, anyway. This week, practice rolling with the punches, instead of trying to anticipate every possible blow.

Libra (Sept. 23–Oct. 22)

If you’re constantly watching the clock at work, and counting the minutes until you’re “free,” you’re at the wrong job. But you knew that. Everyone has crappy jobs while they strive to get where they want to be; the problem is, many people never actually get there, and end up stuck in jobs that suck (for them). Don’t be one of those. Be realistic about what kind of work would make you happy (“rock star or bust” isn’t a great attitude unless you’re actually talented, hot, and persistent enough to make it in that biz). Then make it your life’s work to find and secure your life’s work—starting this week.

Scorpio (Oct. 23–Nov. 21)

Inhibitions are lame. While it’s acceptable to use alcohol or a nervous breakdown as an excuse to do what you really want to do, it’s also a bit lame. Why not just own your desires and embrace them, even when you’re not trashed or at your wit’s end? That’s this week’s goal. Stop developing or requiring excuses to express your true self, and start just doing that, without crutches or shields. You are who you are, and want what you want, and that must be OK. You’ve had plenty of practice expressing it while inebriated or stressed—now try doing it when you’re in full command of your own power.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22–Dec. 21)

Before you ran away, things were going pretty well—which is probably why you fled. Sometimes the idea of getting stuck in one place is pretty scary to you, isn’t it? However, do try to keep in mind that it seems to work for a lot of people. Eventually it’ll work for you too. Remember, you’re in charge of the situation, and you can mold it to suit you. It can be constructed with built-in windows for whatever kind of freedom you need. And once you’ve shaped it the way you like it, being “stuck” there will hardly feel like being trapped. It ought to (and will) feel just like being exactly where you want to be.

Capricorn (Dec. 22–Jan. 19)

It’s easy to feel contempt for those humans who aren’t as rich, present, or self-actualized as you are—but why not allow yourself to experience compassion instead? After all, you’re hardly perfect; there are certainly people who are further along whatever spectrum you value. Hopefully, they’re willing to treat you with patience and understanding as you find your way—you should do the same for those who are still working on finding their own paths. This week, ditch scorn and condescension in favor of kindness and empathy. You’ll find that not only does it inspire all around you—it elevates you as well.

Aquarius (Jan. 20–Feb. 18)

Your job is just to make sure everything’s as fair as it can be. This is sometimes more an art than a science, and it can’t always be perfect. That’s why you’re exactly the right person for this task; you’re good at improvising and thinking on the fly, flexible enough to adapt, and perceptive enough to look at the big picture. Don’t depend on others to keep everything transparent and on the up-and-up. In fact, without a bit of policing from you, things could devolve all too easily into shady business. Fairness is this week’s watchword, and you’re its only guardian.

Pisces (Feb. 19–March 20)

Most Pisces love a good fixer-upper. When someone is damaged or in need of refuge, most Pisceans’ eyes light up. This is a role you often love to fulfill; the problem is, most people move on once they’re fixed. That’ll never do. Go ahead and continue with your pet projects if you like, but when it comes to your own personal happiness, I suggest investing it in someone who sticks around because they want to, not because they need to. There are plenty of those—and you deserve them. Work your magic far and wide, but keep your eyes open for someone close who’s ready now for what you have to offer.

Aries (March 21–April 19)

You deserve to be appreciated for all you do. However, that doesn’t mean making a big stink about it, or getting all riled up. Stay frosty. That doesn’t mean being passive; actually, you’re much better off being positive and proactive. However, this is really simple, and doesn’t require a big fuss. Just calmly and reasonably ask for what you want. If they say no, back down—for now. They may have been caught off guard or not be in a position to grant your request immediately. Rest assured, though, that you are appreciated; now that they know you’d like some recognition or proof, you’ll get it soon enough.