As the moon trips lightly into the air sign of Libra, words fall sweetly from our lips. Do we mean them? It certainly feels like it at the time, although it can't be ignored that much is gained through compliments, cleverness and connection. Mercury follows the moon, seemingly to prove the point.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Dress to lead, and don't be surprised when people follow. It's not the clothes, but the way they make you feel about yourself. You move differently when you know you look your best.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Even though sometimes it might be better to think, reflect and then act, now you are more inclined just to act. There's intelligence in your action. You'll get right to the point.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). For a few hours of this day, you will actively live in the future. Your mental projections will allow you to try out different possibilities to find a good fit. This future-play will help you focus your time wisely.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Your brain processes millions of pieces of information every hour you're awake. Organizing it all is a challenge made easier today because you're clear about your priorities.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). The one who says all the right things may be hiding behind this mask of appropriateness. You may have the urge to get this person to drop the act. You may be deliberately provocative just to see what happens.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). When the environment changes, you won't hesitate to adapt. You'll enjoy the wide variety of characters you meet today, and you'll find the fast pace stimulating.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You have a strong idea of who you are. Those you meet will get the sense that you live in a completely different world from the one they know, and it's a world they might like to tour sometime.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You'll be friendly with everyone you meet, but you also have a getaway plan. When you know your escape route, you can relax and enjoy where you are without feeling trapped.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You'll strive for harmony. It can be achieved in a number of ways. Winning isn't always victory. Surrender can be victory, too — and so can losing. Step back to see the big picture.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Serendipity is what happens when you focus yourself on the things that make you happy. All of the energy you put into your interests and passions magnetizes them.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You'll be reminded about the importance of simple kindness. Someone's willingness to let you go first or to help you solve a problem will be so impactful that you can't help but pay it forward.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Justice prevails in a personal way. The food arrives when you're hungry, and you'll get a break when you need a break. Bonus: The one you like likes you just as much.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Sept. 16). Focus on love. This will bring about a remarkable change in every other area of life. You'll feel rich and notice connections and opportunities that you didn't see before. In November, what's logical is not the best choice, so go with your inklings. January brings a twist of fate that sets things in your favor. Leo and Gemini people adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 20, 1, 24, 38 and 40.

FORECAST FOR THE WEEK AHEAD: Mercury, the messenger of the gods, wasn't born with wings on his feet. These he earned in a rather backward way. The young god started out as a troublemaker and a thief. Father Zeus decided that giving him a job (or several) and a fancy pair of golden winged sandals would keep Mercury too busy to further pursue his life of crime. To a great extent, the tactic worked. Although ultimately, the old saying still holds true: You can take the god out of the mischief, but you can't take the mischief out of the god.

Mercury still has that tricky prankster part of his personality, and it's highlighted during various aspects, including his vacations in retrograde. And Mercury can be opportunistic to a fault. That second part will come into play this week and continue through October 5 as Mercury transits Libra. He governs matters of politics, trade and working relationships with a fair hand during this transit, but there is still a certain artifice in the air. You may find yourself wondering whether people are talking just to smooth the way, being kind in order to get your business or using flattery to gain advantage. You may be skeptical of good manners: Do they serve a double purpose? Perhaps. Or maybe it just feels right to put in the extra effort that helps everyone get along.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Fans of Amy Poehler await the moment when she'll follow in the footsteps of comedy sisters such as Tina Fey, Rachel Dratch and Mindy Kaling and write her own hilarious memoir. Poehler's alter ego, Leslie Knope, has beat her to the authorship punch with a book on the history of Pawnee. Currently, the down-to-earth Virgo beauty is busy filming the comedy "You Are Here" with the likes of Zach Galifianakis and Owen Wilson.

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