horoscopes.

IF YOUR BIRTHDAY IS THIS WEEK...Expect older family members to announce unusual home decisions within the next 18 weeks. Planetary alignments indicate that delayed housing changes, new family investments or large property purchases will be top priorities throughout 2004. Pay attention also to business contracts and partnership agreements. Before mid-May, legal definitions will require added scrutiny and detailed explanations. Later this summer, watch for romantic proposals to bring sudden change to family relations. Sept. 24 through Oct. 19 highlight unexpected triangles between close relatives and romantic partners. All will be resolved before November, so not to worry. Stay balanced and encourage group acceptance.

Aries (March 21-April 20).

Image: At the park, a helium-filled balloon drifting skyward.

Message: Lofty goals.

Long-term romance and new relationships are strongly favored over the next eight days. Pay special attention to subtle suggestions or requests for deepening intimacy. At present, loved ones may be emotionally needy. Remain focused on immediate obligations and all will be well. Thursday through Saturday, business promises are unreliable; expect key officials to miscalculate deadlines or offer unrealistic plans. Avoid group projects, if possible; mistakes will prove costly.

Taurus (April 21-May 20).

Image: At the bottom of a deep well, smooth jade stones.

Message: Nuggets of wisdom.

Greater freedom will be available in business relationships or concerning difficult work challenges. Monday through Wednesday, watch for colleagues or officials to dramatically change their expectations. Provide creativity; your suggestions will be quickly adopted. Later this week, social invitations arrive without warning; expect competing schedules, fast reversals and suddenly postponed events. Romantic partners will demand your full attention.

Gemini (May 21-June 21).

Image: In a tropical rainforest, chattering lovebirds.

Message: Gossip.

Many Geminis may realize that past romantic complications are too costly. Private social triangles, misinformation or blocked intimacy may strain present relationships. Muddle through; current emotional obligations will soon prove more rewarding. After midweek, watch also for quick financial or social reversals. Friends, co-workers and key officials may provide misleading facts. Refuse to be derailed from important projects; reliable progress will soon arrive.

Cancer (June 22-July 22).

Image: In a hiker’s boot, tiny twigs and pebbles.

Message: Annoying details.

Over the next four days, paperwork will be bothersome. Watch for complex workplace reversals and incomplete financial reports. Some Cancerians may also encounter rare legal mistakes or lost corporate records. If so, alert all key officials. Ethical standards may be at issue. Tuesday through Friday, loved ones may be moody or emotionally distant. Don’t be dismayed. At present, minor family concerns may seem overwhelming. Offer encouragement.

Leo (July 22-Aug. 22).

Image: Harry Houdini trapped in a telephone booth.

Message: A quick escape.

Unrealistic goals, complex love affairs or past family conflicts are no longer valid. Before midweek, expect fast improvements in all intimate relationships. Let outdated expectations fade. Loved ones need to witness a solid and reliable commitment to the present. After Wednesday, workplace gossip and idle speculation are best avoided. Older colleagues may present misinformation. Refuse to be drawn into group discussions or public criticism.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22).

Image: At a baker’s shop, a shipment of heart-shaped cookie cutters.

Message: Making an impression.

Physical appearance and social charisma are strongly accented this week. Before Thursday, watch for friends and potential lovers to ask probing or flirtatious questions. Don’t be unnerved; your generosity and wisdom have not gone unnoticed. Wednesday through Saturday also highlight postponed family plans and revised schedules. Loved ones may feel mildly threatened by new friendships or planned celebrations. Remain attentive.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23).

Image: After a campfire on the beach, glowing embers.

Message: Sources of heat.

Recently shy friends offer intriguing invitations. Before Wednesday, watch for a sudden upsurge in romantic attraction and social interest. Some Librans, especially those born early in October, will also begin a new era of intimacy and trust. Later this week, business decisions may feel overwhelming. Someone close may wish to improve job conditions or research exotic career changes. Don’t hesitate to ask detailed questions.

Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22).

Image: Moments after a lightning flash, booming thunder.

Message: Messages of power.

Before Thursday, passionate invitations and new love will be difficult to resist. Quick ultimatums, rekindled commitments or sudden pledges of affection may all be accented. Use this time to negotiate key relationships. After Wednesday, watch also for close relatives to criticize financial plans, property settlements or contracts. Long-term payments may cause controversy.

Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21).

Image: A puff of smoke wafting up a chimney.

Message: Release.

Business stress will slowly fade. Early Tuesday, watch for efficiency and respect to return to workplace relations. Wait, however, for added instructions. Before next week, key officials may create unusual team projects or complex job assignments. Thursday through Sunday, romantic discussions work to your advantage. Pay attention to the subtle observations of friends and lovers. Revised daily promises are needed. Stay alert to home plans and minor social details.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20).

Image: On a crowded maternity ward, giggling newborns.

Message: Birth joy.

Career ambition and stalled relationships will move forward. This is an excellent week to ask for favors from loved ones or request job advancement. After midweek, however, a younger friend may be moody or socially doubtful. Provide support. Someone close may need to quickly develop public confidence. Group announcements, family introductions and planned celebrations are accented. Late Saturday, rest and pamper the body; physical energy may be low.

Aquarius (Jan. 21-Feb. 19).

Image: Before an important race, a runner stretching.

Message: Preparing for action.

Early this week, senior co-workers may demand greater public support. Team achievement, time schedules or hiring practices are accented. Remain silent. This is not the right time to act as group leader or workplace mediator. Wednesday through Saturday, a long-term relationship may be challenged. Friends, relatives or close colleagues are openly doubtful of your recent social decisions or private promises. After Saturday, rest. Strong emotions may be draining.

Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20).

Image: Waiting in the wings, a young ballet dancer rips his tights.

Message: Leaps of faith.

Honesty will resolve past misunderstandings. Before Wednesday, watch for lovers and close friends to press for clarity or new romantic promises. All is well, so not to worry. Do, however, avoid serious financial discussions or fast home plans. Slowly evolving goals are best. Later this week, previously silent co-workers may disclose controversial information or ask for public support. Trust your first impressions. Added political complications may soon arrive.