Moon Alert

Avoid shopping or making important decisions from 8 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. EST today. After that the Moon moves from Scorpio into Sagittarius.

Aries (March 21-April 19)

Without question, this is a day where confusion reigns. Therefore you have to be very careful about listening to people selling snake oil, whether it's religious, political or for any other reason. Do not get carried away by polished rhetoric. Test whatever you hear with your teeth. (Crunch.)

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

This is a poor day to make important decisions about insurance matters, jointly-held property, taxes, debt or inheritances. It's very easy for someone to pull the wool over somebody else's eyes. Play it safe and postpone financial decisions. Make no promises to others.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

A partner or close friend might appeal to your sympathies today. Naturally, if their needs are genuine, you will do whatever you can to help. But if you suspect that something fishy is going on, it probably is! It's very easy to deceive yourself today, and just as easy to deceive others!

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

Be extra-clear in all your communications at work today because things are really foggy. It's almost as if people are walking around with Vaseline on their lids. They might expect unrealistic deadlines to be fulfilled or they might be disappointed when the impossible is not done. Stay grounded.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

Parents should be vigilant about their kids today because an element of confusion could lead to a lost child or a minor accident, especially with food poisoning or chemicals. Meanwhile, back in the love boat, romance is rocky. Don't overreact.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

It's important to be very clear in your family conversations today about what you expect from others or what you are prepared to do for them. Assume nothing. People are easily disappointed in each other today because of unrealistic expectations.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

Communications with others are a tad fuzzy today. Your ideals aroused, that's for sure. But remember that unexpressed expectations almost always lead to disappointment. Do others know what you expect from them? Do you know what others expect from you?

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

This is a poor day for major purchases or financial decisions because you're tempted to blow a wad of money on luxury (over-the-top) and you just might regret this later. Just remember: If you act with discipline you'll have no regrets.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

There is much confusion around you today. In part this could be because people are holding information back, perhaps because they want to avoid a confrontation with you or someone else. But it also means that everybody is limping along misinformed or not getting the whole picture.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

You might be attracted to religious, spiritual or mystical studies today. But the truth is, you might just become confused. Or you might suddenly think you are enlightened. Try to stay in control of your fantasies. (Today lots of people are fantasizing.)

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

If you feel disappointed in a friend today, you have to ask yourself if you have good cause. Perhaps they have no idea why you were disappointed or perhaps no idea what you were expecting in the first place. Incidentally, this is a two-way street and someone might feel this way about you.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

Be extra-clear in all your communications with bosses, parents, teachers and authority figures. Make no assumptions that you know what others expect of you. Repeat back to them what you think their instructions are or, vice versa, ask others to repeat back you what you expect. (You might be very surprised.)

If Your Birthday Is Today

Actor/filmmaker Rider Strong (1979) shares your birthday today. Your strong sense of purpose carries you through difficulties and high points so that you can achieve your goals. Essentially, you're serious. Because your focus is steady, others are influenced by you. This is often why you end up in a position of authority or responsibility. You have strong ethics. In your year ahead, partnerships and close friendships will be your primary focus.