BIRTHDAY GUY: Actor Nick Stahl was born in Harlingen, Texas, on this day in 1979. This birthday guy has starred in such films as "Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines," "In the Bedroom," and "The Man without a Face." On the small screen, Stahl starred as Ben Hawkins on the defunct cable series "Carnivale" and has guest-starred on "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit."

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Straight not crooked. The assumption may be that in order to win the game, you must cheat. Those who aspire to be coldblooded competitors could be tempted to perform a complicated sleight-of-hand.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): The world is your oyster. Never forget that it is only your oyster because someone else came along and opened it for you. Retain your equilibrium; they may have opened it merely to find pearls.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Brilliance is as brilliance does. You can put inspired finishing touches on a project or idea right now because your critical faculties are in perfect attunement. Let beauty become a concrete accomplishment.

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CANCER (June 21-July 22): You have to hit the ground running. To make money you must exert extra effort. Because you are working so hard however, you might not notice that a charitable donation is not on the up and up today.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Just like a Muggle, you may remain unaware. According to the Harry Potter books, Muggles are the common people who go through their daily life never noticing the magical beings in their midst.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Don't copy if you can't paste. Imitation could be the finest form of flattery, but your best bet today is to use your thoroughness like an emery board to file off the rough edges and create harmony.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Those who are imperfect often seek perfection. Re-evaluate situations that concern you at the moment and accept the necessity of keeping exuberance under control. Rather than getting angry, take charge.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Bad press is cheaper by the dozen. Once gossip starts, it is hard to stop - so insist on speaking the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. A case of mistaken identity could mar your reputation.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Blame games are never won. You might forget to appreciate the people who in some way subsidize your lifestyle and give you the leisure time to hang out on the street corner and complain.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Set the table and enjoy a feast of fascinating facts. You will digest ideas better when everything is in apple-pie order. Some pressing issues might require your special finesse and never-say-die attitude.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): No harm ever comes from seeking harmony. Once you get organized, you can think more clearly. Use your penchant for accuracy to balance the checkbook or study the secrets of the universe.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Take the bull by the horns. Remember the fairy-tale prince had to hack his way through a forest of thorns to get the prize. Wrestle with thorny problems before they grow larger and block your way.

IF DECEMBER 5 IS YOUR BIRTHDAY: If you are in the market for a permanent romantic partner, December and January could prove disappointing. Group activities or a romantic interlude could actually prevent you from doing what is most important. In late February, your feet must return to earth as you dig in and gain ground with material success. People you meet in March will have their heart in the right place and one of them could turn into a lifelong friend. Your best months in the year ahead to form successful relationships and to launch crucial plans for the future are April and May.

(c) 2011 Tribune Media Services, Inc.