ARIES (March 21-April 19) -- Attempting to use honeyed words to manipulate another is likely to backfire. Any insincerity on your part will be immediately detected and disliked.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) -- A pal who is an expert at disappearing when the check is presented will try that ploy again. If you're smart, you'll ask for separate checks up front.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) -- To succeed, you need to make a concerted effort to clearly define your objectives -- otherwise you could find yourself employing wishy-washy tactics that don't work.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) -- You should take care not to confuse optimism with wishful thinking, because the results would be catastrophic. The former inspires and emboldens, while the latter merely dreams.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Be careful and don't take what is told to you at face value. Someone might try to draw you into a joint endeavor for reasons that are more beneficial for him or her than they are for you.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- No one will have to tell you that partnerships have both advantages and disadvantages. You'll need to figure out whether such an arrangement would be worthwhile to your cause.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) -- If there is an important assignment that you need to delegate, make sure your instructions are clear about how to go about it and what results you expect.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) -- It's good to be helpful whenever you can, but don't offer any suggestions or try to manage something for another if you don't know a thing about it. Mind your own beeswax.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) -- Be extremely selective about whom you go to for help and advice today. An ineffective counselor could cause more trouble by putting you onto a path of "never-never" land.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- When you choose, you can be a self-directed person who doesn't waste time getting down to brass. Today, however, your rationalizing attitude might inhibit this.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) -- Be careful, because some extravagant whims could gain control of your purse strings. Later, when it's time to pay the bills, you'll wish you had exercised greater control.

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) -- You're in for a big surprise if you expect others to drop what they're doing and cater to your desires. The only person you should depend on is you.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) -- In search of a good deal, you could go overboard and make an offer that you can't afford, no matter how good a buy it is. Don't give in to this temptation.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) -- Thinking that people should do things for you will make you a very unpopular person and lead to nothing but disappointment. If there's something that needs doing, you're the one to do it.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) -- Don't take it as a personal affront if associates aren't in accord with your viewpoints. Everyone is entitled to his or her beliefs, the same as you are.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) -- Should you have a minor misunderstanding with a friend, don't blow things out of proportion. In your desire to make a point, you could go too far.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Generosity is one of your nobler traits, but you need to be careful not to carry it to extremes. Don't give out more than you can afford, especially to an undeserving party.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- Even if you are normally a creative and artistic person, your customary good taste might not be up to its usual high standards currently. Listen to people who are more aware of this than you are.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) -- Be particularly careful about how you conduct yourself when in public. If you should commit a faux pas and make a big deal apologizing for it, you'll only draw unnecessary attention to yourself.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) -- Even though you might mean well, there is a good chance that your efforts will only muddy the waters of a sensitive situation. Think before opening your mouth.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) -- It's good to face challenges optimistically, but be sure that you are firmly based in reality as well. If you underestimate the odds against you, you could delude yourself into fantasy.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- Do not offer to help another with something that you know nothing about. If you make a mistake, and it turns out to be costly, you'll be held accountable.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) -- If you are placed in a position of authority, strive to work with your underlings instead of lording over them. If you start to push, they'll push back.

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) -- Don't think that people won't notice if you attempt to manipulate them using flattery. Your motives will be readily recognized and resented, and instead of going along with you, people will rebel.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) -- When going up against another, be it in business or sport, you'll have a bit more to draw upon than will your opponent. This slight but critical difference gives you the edge.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) -- Viewing things in positive terms will give you the advantage over most opponents. It will be the critical factor you need to succeed.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) -- If the stakes captivate your interest, you will show an impressive motivation to succeed. Drive strongly for the hoop.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) -- You're not likely to be afraid of making snap decisions, due to your strong faith in your judgment. First thoughts will be best thoughts.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) -- You have a great aptitude for sorting out the problems of others and helping them repair their affairs. You'll be able to unravel what was unsolvable to many.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- Get involved in activities today that help stimulate you mentally as well as physically. You'll discover being actively motivated will feel like you aren't pushing yourself hard at all.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) -- If you believe conditions involving your work can be improved, take it upon yourself to make the necessary moves. Don't wait for others to do something.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) -- Temporarily set aside your material wants and needs, and instead focus on your social life. Surprisingly, this might be where your greatest opportunities reside.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) -- Don't allow any situation to hang fire if it has an effect on your finances. Matters can be concluded to your satisfaction by putting forth the necessary effort.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- Since your greatest attributes are likely to be your leadership qualities, it's highly likely that you'll instinctively know how to get what you and others want. Do so.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) -- Heed your hunches if you come up with some bright idea regarding a way to multiply your resources. Your instincts involving your financial interests will be right on point.

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) -- Because you'll view certain situations realistically and not though rose-colored glasses, you'll accomplish much. Keep your eyes on the prize.