Note to readers: My colleague Yasmin Boland has had a child and is on maternity leave. I'm taking turns some weeks standing in for her daily column. These horoscopes are being posted to our subscribers as well. The first set runs through Friday. - ef

Wednesday, Oct. 18
Life is full of surprises today. People don't know how to let you know they installed new Dixie cups in the office water cooler without causing a huge ruckus. Everyone is hypersensitive, which means it's a great idea to be like the Quakers and tread lightly on the face of the Earth -- and while you're at it, don't rollerblade on crowded sidewalks or department store aisles.

Aries (March 20-April 19)
Today is the day to enlist others in your plans. You have a certain undeniable charm working for you, as well as a compelling factor that people won't easily resist. The important thing is that you maximize use of your appeal by stating your case in as few words as possible. Make no attempt to sell anyone anything; rather, let them sell themselves to you. You may not think this can happen, but of course you've experienced this before. It's always a mystery how it works, but today -- don't worry. Just let it work.
 
Taurus (April 19-May 20)
You may not understand what a partner is going through. You are experiencing something very different. You live in a world where things are much more negotiable and where there is more give and take. Someone close to you is experiencing, for the most part, all the blocks, obstacles and limits that life can dish out. You may be doubting their struggle, and you may not think it's necessary even if it is real. But you would be more helpful for being compassionate and lending some of your abundant skill and energy to their situation.
 
Gemini (May 20-June 21)
Life is so strange right now, you may doubt anything is really true. But some things have to be true, that's just a statistical fact. From the look of your solar chart, you're heading for an opportunity of some kind, and it may seem too good to be true. Here is what I can tell you. It's probably true, and it will come at a price. That price involves being honest in the face of an overwhelming temptation to lie. It may also involve being clear with yourself that someone is simply not being honest with you -- and saying nothing at all.
 
Cancer (June 21-July 22)
Don't let others get to you today, particularly if you're dealing with a rebel without a clue. On the other hand, even the most misguided mischief-maker will have an awakening effect, and do their part to shock you to your senses. Of course, if you're walking around with your senses in the on position, you'll notice this particular gadfly long before they notice you. And at that point you're free to steer clear. It's all like a game, and not such an important one -- unless you factor the odd way that small influences can spark significant revelations.
 
Leo (July 22-Aug. 23)
Change your mind, they say, and you can change the world. But how many times have you really seen this work? There may be a factor of necessity involved. The change you may be licensed to create may be the most important change you perceive is necessary. You are involved in a situation where you have significant power to make a difference, and the first step is making a decision or accepting an observation that you've been brewing over for some weeks or even a few months.
 
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22)
Someone holds the solution to a puzzle you're trying to work out. You may not like the idea that you're handed; you're typically much more pensive and thoughtful in your process of working out the details of your life. But particularly if the proposal or idea is a bit offensive or shocking, that's a sign it may be the right one. You do need to apply a little holistic shock therapy to your life and that may involve, more than anything, taking on a new perspective sooner than you're willing. Give it a chance, who knows?
 
Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23)
Gently lean on someone who appears to be in a position of power or influence. What you may not recognise yet is how much you have in common with this person. You may be of different ages and maturity levels, different places in life and having lived through truly different experiences. But you are kindred spirits, and once you start the discussion, that fact will become obvious. Your recent close encounters with this person the past few weeks have not been accidental. This story is leading somewhere interesting, if you'll perk up your ears and pay attention.
 
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22)
Ask for the support of someone who you know cares about you. This is not a sign of weakness, it's a sign of your openness and honest willingness to let love change your life. It's also a friendly exercise in having the confidence to recognise when someone actually cares enough to help. Someone does, and unlike you, they are in a position to trust change a little more, and have a clearer view of life than you currently do. The favor may not be a big one. It may just be asking their opinion about something important. It will be worth listening to.
 
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22)
Someone who in the past fancied themselves one of your detractors is now willing to listen to your seemingly radical ideas. Of course what you're saying is not really radical, it's just sensible, but these days that's quite exceptional. Their willingness to concede a certain point may indicate the beginning of a friendship, but the way the planets are taking shape, we all need to give relationship matters plenty of time to work themselves out. Nobody is showing their true colours these days, and the people we can trust the most may be the ones who are blending into the background.
 
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20)
Enjoy a rare moment of truly exceptional harmony. You need to do very little today -- in truth, you need to breathe and take it all in. Someone you care deeply about will be the one who comes to you, even if it's a subtle gesture, a peace offering or a smile. What the world doesn't need right now are spectacular successes. What the world needs are sincere people who are willing to be vulnerable. That's what you can offer today, and what is likely to be offered to you.
 
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19)
There are two kinds of harmony that people can share: the kind based on denying personal differences, and the kind based on acknowledging their differences and using them as a source of strength. Yes, the prevailing world ideology is about immediately condemning anyone who believes differently than we do. But the 'other way' could be about acknowledging complimentary skills; differences in the kinds of lives you've led; or philosophies on life that are compatible rather than the same. Common ground doesn't have to be a well-groomed lawn. It does well with a few rocks, trees and wild critters.
 
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)
The over-arching theme of your life right now is your long-term vision. Time is longer than we think, and presents many opportunities for change, progress and evolution -- and some of them arrive rapidly. For you, the quest is knowing what you want when the time comes that it's actually offered to you. Over the next few weeks you'll have a few dress rehearsals, which will allow you to try on various costumes and see which one fits the best. These are just rehearsals, but you would be wise to take some notes. The big show is coming up soon enough.

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