Author Richard North Patterson (1947) shares your birthday today. Even though you are hard-working and committed to your goals, you are surprisingly spontaneous. You have a strong sense of duty, especially to society, which you often aspire to change or improve. Nevertheless, you do take time to enjoy yourself! Ultimately, you are motivated by your idealism. In your year ahead, your strong focus will be on partnerships and close friendships.

Moon Alert

We have the "all clear" today to shop (whether you spend $10 or $10 million) and make important decisions until 9:30 PM EST. The Moon is in Pisces.

Aries (March 21-April 19)

You might feel like hiding today. You want to play everything low-key. (Hangover?) Whatever the reason, it's entirely all right because you can't be dancing centre stage all the time. Respect your need for a little privacy. Sneak off somewhere and do the crossword or Sudoku in this paper.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

A conversation with a female acquaintance or friend could be meaningful to you today. Perhaps this person will confide in you or perhaps you will confide in them? Either way you'll feel a certain simpatico established between the two of you. A trust. (They might even buy you coffee.)

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

It's a good thing there are two of you because one of you is certainly going to call attention to yourself. That's okay because your other side can watch what happens and keep you informed. Sort of like how a sniper has a spotter. (Too dark?)

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

Go someplace you don't usually go to today. Eat at an ethnic restaurant. Visit libraries, museums or parks. Drive home a different way. Better yet, hop on a plane and fly somewhere! You need to satisfy your desire for adventure and you need to learn something new. "Boris!" "Natasha!"

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

Make friends with your bank account today. Pay bills if you can. Tidy up some red-tape details or do some home filing. (That stack is ready to fall over.) It's easy to put this stuff off, but you love when you get it done!

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Be gentle with yourself. Both the Sun and the Moon are completely opposite your sign. For starters, this means you need more rest than usual. It also means you're sort of hung up with partners or close friends. Relax.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

This is a good day to do something that makes you feel more efficient at your job, and in fact, more efficient at your life in general. Along with this, think of what you can do to improve your health. (Then you can be justifiably smug, which is always a guilty pleasure.)

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

Flirt a little today. It's that kind of day. Enjoy sports events, playful activities with children or artistic diversions like movies or the theatre. Welcome any opportunity to sing, dance, draw or create something.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

It's easy to enjoy your home and family scene today. If you're away from home today, you might want to entertain at home tonight. Home repairs might also appeal. (But doubtful.) Enjoy good food and drink with others.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

This is a busy day. You're on the go, talking to everyone, taking short trips plus buying, selling, reading and writing. "I'm late, I'm late - for a very important date." Indeed, you barely have time to say hello-goodbye.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

Keep an eye on your money today. Think about earnings and how you can boost them. Think about major purchases and whether or not you can afford them. And then finally, think about what really matters.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

The Sun, Moon, Mercury and Neptune are all in your sign today. (A bit piggy, don't you think?) You easily attract attention! And you can very likely get your way, as well. If I were you, I would make this count! It's good to know that you are a bit luckier than all the other signs today.

Source: Georgia Nicols