Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Virgos have an incredible knack for feeling guilty over shit that no one else would bother feeling guilty about. For someone so practical, you can sometimes tie your emotions into knots thinking about stuff that the other people involved probably haven’t thought about since it happened. Why torture yourself over something no one remembers? This week, you must consider whether you really ought to be flagellating yourself over this stuff. My guess is, probably not. At the very least, even if you decide you shouldn’t be completely let off the hook, please try to lighten up, at least a little. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) Imagine you were asked to create a painting representing something joyful, but limited to only using shades of blue. While it might arguably be more difficult to complete such an assignment, it’s hardly impossible. Throwing up your hands in frustration, helplessness, or submission seems somewhat premature and unnecessary at this point. Could your task be simpler or easier? Yes, of course it could. Is it as “impossible” as you’ve convinced yourself it is? Not even close. Stop whining and decide you’ll ace this. Only then will you begin to have the great ideas that’ll help you do exactly that. Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) Dive in. A fully committed Scorpio is a beautiful thing to behold. If you’re into something (or someone), make the conscious decision to truly see where this could go. Make the time and space for things to really unfold. Sure, this might turn out to be a flop, a waste of time, a heartbreak, or a total failure. No one can say what will truly come of this, and that’s part of what makes it so exciting. What I do know is that no matter what happens, even if it’s painful, you’ll come out the other side of it feeling like you really lived.  

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) Imagine this experiment: For a month, you eat out every night, but allow someone else to order for you—then force yourself to eat whatever got put in front of you. You’d probably consume a lot of crap you disliked, plenty of stuff you were neutral about—and a few things that surprised and delighted you, at least partially because it would never have occurred to you to order them for yourself. Since you need to turn up the volume on your adventurous nature, may I suggest a similar experiment? Employ someone else’s imagination—then go along with wherever it takes you. To me that sounds like such fun. What’s it sound like to you? Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Let’s face it, you’re not that spontaneous. While an Aries, if challenged to do so, would gleefully head off into the woods to survive a month armed with only a slingshot, a pocket knife, and nary a clue, you would attempt such a venture only after significantly more research, training, and preparation. Needless to say, your experience would differ dramatically from that Aries’ (who may have even had to give up before the month was up). However, who’s to say which is ultimately better? You know what your way feels like. This is a good week to take a page out of Aries’ book. Dive into something on a whim. I predict you’ll not only learn something awesome—you’ll have a blast, too. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) You’ve never been a particularly fearful person. Why start now? If something seems pretty cool, run with it. You can be sure it won’t be “perfect,” or live up to the ideal it appeared to be at first, but there’s no real reason to slam on the brakes or err on the side of caution. In fact, if at all possible, you should err on the side of wild abandon. Worst-case scenario: You end up with a cool story to tell. Sorry, I can’t really describe the best-case scenario—it’s just too good to put into words.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)Although some signs do naturally get along better with each other, I’m loath to share that information because people take it way too seriously (even when they claim not to). A million other factors can completely negate even the worst potential sun-sign combination. It’s more important to trust your gut over something some kook told you, or that you read in a book, especially if their advice conflicts with your actual experience. Get advice when you hit bumpy stretches. If it’s smooth sailing right now, ignore all that stuff, and just run with (and enjoy) it.Aries (March 21-April 19)Our conscious minds allow us to surmount, in some meaningful way, every crappy thing that’s ever happened to us. Of course, some people have more work to do in this department than others—but no one still alive is completely beyond redemption, provided they’re aware of and believe in their ability to choose a different path for themselves, and, of course, have that intention. It may feel as if your baggage (particularly what you inherited rather than picked up on your own) is a burden you’ll never be free of, but you will—as soon as you believe you can be (and begin the necessary work). Taurus (April 20-May 20)When someone’s behavior toward others verges on the absurd, please try to remember that they don’t necessarily have the benefit of your perspective. Being socially adept comes naturally to some people, but for most it requires practice and a good (usually human) mirror who can help them correct their faux pas. Can you play that mirror for someone, gently and kindly nudging them toward more graceful ways to get where they want to go? Actually, I know you can. The question is: Will you? Before you answer, know this: If you don’t step up, no one will. Gemini (May 21-June 20)Guilt is useless, especially when it pertains to something you have no control over, like being born into a wealthy family, being astonishingly good-looking, or simply being a certain race. If you feel compelled to react to your good fortune by good-heartedly sharing it, then by all means (since mostly good is likely to come of it) have at it. But do it from a place of feeling blessed and grateful, not guilty. Generosity born from a sense of obligation rather than joy isn’t going to feel good to either you or its recipient, so unless you can share from a feeling of fortunate abundance, don’t bother. Cancer (June 21-July 22)You’ve so frequently been accused of allowing your emotions to cloud your judgment that nowadays you occasionally overcompensate by not letting your feelings influence a situation at all. That’s a mistake. While it’s true that you’ve occasionally let your powerful sentiments get the best of you, they are a source of your strength, and shutting them down completely is cutting yourself off from one of your best qualities. Perhaps they shouldn’t be allowed to run rampant—rationality ought to ultimately call the shots in the decision before you—but admitting their influence into the whole process will only improve it. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)I took an improv class where they encouraged us to take “failure bows.” Whenever you screwed up, you could cheerfully announce, “I failed!” dramatically bow, and everyone would manically cheer and applaud you. I wish you Leos, at least, could incorporate something like this into your lives, because all too often you’re reluctant to try things you’re not pretty sure you’ll be good at, and outright refuse to attempt stuff you think you’ll fail at. The next time you’re daunted by something like this, please imagine everyone you know wholeheartedly cheering you on, simply for giving it a go, and loving you even if you fall flat on your face. We are. Go try. sign.language.astrology@gmail.com