Sign Language

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)It’s much simpler not to get involved in correcting injustices around you. Usually such problems are at best inconvenient to correct, downright dangerous at worst. However, ignoring a wrong isn’t in your nature, so it’s almost a foregone conclusion that you’re going to get involved somehow. Given that probability, be smart about it. Try to consider the big picture, instead of simply jumping in at the first opportunity. Where can you do the most good, and how might you minimize the negative impact on your own life? Clearly answering those two questions, before you leap into action, will make that action so much more effective and satisfying, it’s ridiculous. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)Some people get more attention (in whatever form) because they need more. Sure, it’s unfair that they get more than their share, and it’s difficult not to resent them. But remember, it’s because they suck (at least compared to you). You may want what they’re getting, but if you’re honest with yourself, you don’t really need it. Sometimes you might want to speak up and be the squeaky wheel long enough to get a little grease, but this week I’m pretty sure you’ll be better off just doing your own thing and letting the attention whores do theirs.Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)Ultimately, people have to help themselves. You can offer a hand, but the bottom line is they need to be motivated enough to take it and do something with the head start you give them, or you’re just wasting your time. I admire your determination to be there for the people who need you, but this week be sure to carefully evaluate each situation before you get involved. If you’re not discerning, smart, and a little bit cynical about who gets which piece of you, you’re likely to waste your time (and effort)—and that doesn’t do anyone any good.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)People screw up. You’re more forgiving than most about those errors, so it’s hard for you to understand how someone can refuse to take an olive branch when you offer it. Let me shed a little light on the situation: This isn’t about you, it’s about them. Some people experience crippling shame and embarrassment about their failures. That means that even if you’re ready to forgive and forget, letting bygones be bygones—they are not. I wish you could teach them your brilliant way of humbly laughing at your own mistakes, but they’re not likely to be receptive—so forgive them again when they rebuff you, and patiently wait for them to get there on their own.Aries (March 21-April 19)Tough love sounds great in theory, but when your bluff gets called, the tender heart beating beneath your loud, trash-talking exterior has trouble following through. That’s OK. It’s not necessarily your role to play. Do make sure you consider the big picture, though, because if you fail to make good on your threats/promises, they won’t mean much the next time you make them. If you can live with that, then by all means cave in now. But if you want to be taken seriously next time, you need to make sure you’re taken seriously this time, too—which, like it or not, means doing what you said you would.Taurus (April 20-May 20)Other people’s lives are so fascinating, aren’t they? Some Bulls end up taking more of an interest in them than they do in their own arguably less interesting (to them, anyway) existences. It doesn’t matter whether the subjects of your reveries are real or fictional—that they shouldn’t eclipse whatever’s going on in your life should go without saying. Sure, your life may not be as fascinating as whatever soap opera (on TV or off) has caught your attention, but you should still find it fairly fascinating. If you don’t, it’s time to figure out what needs to change so you do.Gemini (May 21-June 20)Supposedly, people who are missing one sense somehow develop greater acuity in their remaining senses. I doubt this is true in most cases, and think it’s more likely that they’re simply paying much more attention to the stimulus coming in, so they notice things others (distracted by their pesky sight or hearing, say) don’t. However, people with all their senses and faculties intact can, of course, learn to notice stuff they currently don’t—at least I hope so, since the most important stuff happening in your week is stuff that’d normally fly right below your radar. Here’s hoping you’re alert enough to take note of it.Cancer (June 21-July 22)You can offer your two cents, of course (as if anyone could stop you), but ultimately other people’s relationships with each other are almost completely out of your hands. They need to work things out for themselves. It’s not your job to play mediator, conflict resolver, judge, or jury—even if some people fully expect and demand that you step into one of those roles. Resisting the temptation to do so will probably be painfully difficult for you—but you should, anyway. You’ve got enough on your plate—stay out of the stuff that’s ultimately none of your business.Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)Never, ever be stingy. You’re mostly unfailingly generous, so this isn’t likely to crop up often, but if you find yourself being clench-fisted or parsimonious, you need to figure out how to get over that, fast. Being downright miserly is just plain bad for your soul and well-being. Reclaim your natural tendencies and be as warmly generous as your ruling “planet,” the sun—for your own sake as well as everyone else’s. Sure, we’re in a recession, and being thrifty is wise. However, there are ways and ways to be wonderfully lavish without spending a lot of money. Find them.Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)Expectations lead to disappointment. We know this—but that doesn’t mean we can simply stop having them (all the time, anyway). Once in a while, we get attached to some idea that simply won’t pan out. How we cope with that disappointment has a lot to do with how many more similar letdowns we’ll be forced to experience. In other words, if you can move on cleanly from this latest disappointment, and be just as open and hopeful as you were before it, you won’t be doomed to repeat it. Simple in concept, difficult to execute—but you can do it.Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)Letting go of self-consciousness and worry (or even excessive awareness) about what people think of you is tremendously hard for you Libras; yet being able to do so even partially is amazingly liberating and empowering. I can’t tell you how to do this, as it’s a highly individual and personal process, but I can let you know that this week is a fantastic time to try out some stuff that might help you make good progress in this department. Go wild. Experiment with being more silly, playful, and funny. Except for the assholes, people will probably respond pretty positively—thereby encouraging the whole process, which can only be a good thing. Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)I love watching people fulfill their dreams, or otherwise transform from a helpless, lost person to one who’s confident, open, and inspired. That’s one of my favorite things in life. Of course, everyone gets lost at one time or another. Since you’re in such a good place, I hope you find a way (and take the time) to help someone who’s not doing nearly so well. Even if they wouldn’t normally be receptive to such advice or aid coming from you, they’re likely to be more open-minded about it this week than usual. The coolest part is, the happier and more fulfilled the people around you are, the happier and more fulfilled you will be, too. This is full of win, so don’t be shy about trying to make it happen.sign.language.astrology@gmail.com