Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)When you’re down, you’re not usually the type to sit around singing the blues. However, you may want to consider just that this week. Being proactive is great, and it’s a habit you shouldn’t lose. But every once in a while, it’d be great if you let someone else be there for you, even if you don’t technically need them—and that means letting them know you’re in distress. You don’t need to whine or bitch about it; there’s certainly a more graceful way (like singing the blues), to make your experience something that adds to your life rather than detracts from it. Next time, find that. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)I don’t always have the mental wherewithal to take a step back from overly intense emotions and react in a way that’s at least tempered with logic—but I’m grateful when I do. Things always go so much better that way, don’t you think? This isn’t about denying or suppressing your feelings, but the opposite of that isn’t just allowing them to explode and run rampant, either. We’re gifted with both brain and heart—too much of one at the expense of the other can really screw shit up. It’s all about balancing the two—fortunately something you’re, well, amazing at. This week, show us just how amazing. Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)When someone wins your heart, it doesn’t have to be an all-access pass to your entire life, despite what some may tell you. Of course, what and how much of your life (including your past) you share is entirely personal and depends on your individual relationships, but give yourself permission to withhold stuff that really doesn’t matter now or moving forward, and would only negatively impact the present. However, while keeping those secrets may help maintain the peace, ask yourself what kind of person would react so badly to that withheld stuff—and whether that’s whom you want to be with. 

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)I’m a big fan of personal freedom, and think conscious choices we make that are likely to mostly only hurt ourselves ought to be OK. When they have a major tangible impact on others, however, it’s a different story. A woman who smokes during pregnancy, for example, has suddenly made a selfish decision to continue a habit that formerly hurt only her, but now will probably harshly affect her baby as well. One or more of your choices has recently expanded to impact more than just you—and thus must be reassessed. Shirking that this week would be almost criminal, so don’t.Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)No one likes someone who complains about good fortune. It may not be quite as obvious to you, but your recent complaints sound an awful lot to others like, “Damn, I hate carrying my wallet, it’s too heavy because it’s so full of cash!” Does it surprise you much that you’re having trouble securing any kind of sympathy? Some of your problems are the kinds of difficulties other people would love to have, so quit your bitching. Try to focus on your many blessings, and if you simply must obsess about your problems, at least attempt to concentrate on the handful of real ones. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)Not everyone has your keen mental facility to process your emotions and generally keep so damn cool. Some people get worked up a lot more easily, and about stuff that doesn’t really matter much in the grand scheme of things. Luckily, you’re in a fantastic position to help them out. Trying to talk them out of their melodrama probably won’t work, or help much, so don’t bother. More visceral or engaging distractions are in order. Luckily, you excel at such appealing diversions. Use your talents well this week—everyone will be the happier for it.  Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)Just because you feel horrible about a decision doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the wrong decision. You may feel so bad precisely because it’s the right one. Maybe you’d feel worse with the other options. Or maybe your choice spares others suffering, even while costing you your peace of mind. I’m sure you’ve given this a lot of thought by now. Whatever the source of your distress, if you’re pretty sure this is the right thing to do, you must stick to it resolutely. Backpedaling now, only to go down this road again later, will just make things worse.Aries (March 21-April 19)People get competitive about the most ridiculous shit sometimes—and you’re no exception. After all, there are few more competitive than you. When you engage in this stuff with a spirit of fun and sense of adventure, it adds to your life; when it starts becoming a source of negativity (for you or those around you), it may be time to get some perspective and cool it. As long as it’s really a game (for all concerned), then you’re golden. When it somehow becomes more than that (and the stakes correspondingly get elevated), then back down and let it go, quickly, before this becomes drama it’s not worthy of.Taurus (April 20-May 20)Laugh, as much as possible, even (and especially) when you don’t particularly feel like it. Right now, almost all your problems can be resolved (or made much lighter burdens) with humor. Of course, your great talent for generating laughs often understandably abandons you when stressed, angry, or upset. This week, however, you should work toward reclaiming it even during those trying times. It’s still there, after all. Find it and use it. The more you do, the better you’ll get at employing that wonderfully versatile tool, laughter—and the easier and happier life will be. Gemini (May 21-June 20)Even when it feels as if there’s no room for compassion in a decision that must be made, there is. Sure, out of the choices you’re currently aware of—the kind but stupid option or the smart but cruel one—it’s kind of a no-brainer, but there’s probably a middle-ground option, one that lies well outside the box, which allows you to retain your humanity while also fulfilling your obligations. It may require extraordinary measures and creativity to make it work, but shouldn’t you—for your own sake as well as the others involved—at least try?Cancer (June 21-July 22)Throw one loud, tone-deaf singer into a chorus of good voices and he can pretty much ruin any music they’re trying to make. It doesn’t matter that they outnumber him 10 to one; his discordant tones will screw up whatever harmonies they attempt to create. Similarly, much of the beauty and art we try to bring into the world can be easily sabotaged. However, you have ways to create loveliness even out of such (frequently unintended) negativity. It’s a rare gift, and one that’ll serve you well this week. Don’t use it only to make yourself look good, though—employ it as a mirror to show people just how beautiful they can be. That they’d be even more beautiful if they worked with others, rather than against them, is a message that needn’t be articulated. They’ll figure it out on their own.Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)Never underestimate the raw power of the truth. It can’t fix everything (and in some contexts can seriously mess shit up). But it may very well be able to repair the specific problems in front of you; even if it can’t, it can certainly make them less intense and extreme. Don’t try to hide it, or surround it with stuff you think others would like to hear. You are what you are, and even though you could paint a “better” picture—perhaps the you you’d like to become—just owning who and what you are right now will serve you much, much better. sign.language.astrology@gmail.com