The coming week will put a greater burden than usual on those who put much stock in being nice, for they will be relied on to see things through as harmoniously as possible when tensions are high and people are working at cross-purposes -- which is likely to happen a lot. Indeed, this may be one of the most uncomfortable weeks of the entire year, as personal issues and professional concerns collide in many cases, and individuals are left on their own to work out healthy solutions without any sort of reliable template or example to follow. Where have all the teachers, guides and mentors gone? The fact is that they, too, will be dealing with their own difficult issues, so the help they usually provide will be in very short supply. Being nice, therefore, will count for much in every arena.
Many will find that they are reaping the benefits -- or paying the price -- of decisions made in the distant past. This is especially true where personal issues are concerned. Anyone going through a difficult time may forget that his or her actions affect others as well, and such oversights are likely to come home to roost this week.
ARIES (March 21-April 4) -- The best laid plans sometimes go awry, and you must prepare yourself for just such a contingency. Be ready to scramble! (April 5-April 19) -- How you express yourself will matter greatly, but not as much as your timing, which can make all the difference in the world.
TAURUS (April 20-May 5) -- You're ready to go for broke, but the opportunity may not arise until it is actually too late to do anything about it. Be patient. (May 6-May 20) -- Focus on process, not product. You'll get there, surely -- and how you go matters just as much as getting there on time.
GEMINI (May 21-June 6) -- You may not want others to focus on what you are doing, but you have a way of attracting attention that cannot be switched off. (June 7-June 20) -- Stand still at your own peril! You must be constantly on the move, working toward a clearly delineated goal, in order to meet with success.
CANCER (June 21-July 7) -- You may have an unforgettable week, but not because of anything you do. One of your friends is sure to provide excitement. (July 8-July 22) -- You're not afraid of making mistakes, which is good, but you're likely to make more than usual this week, which can work against you. Use care at all times.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 7) -- What you're after may be just around the corner, but it still seems like a long, long distance to you. (Aug. 8-Aug. 22) -- You may consider success unlikely, but any such pessimism will only work against you. Do what you can to see things in the best possible light.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 7) -- You may be in need of just the kind of help others are seeking as well. Perhaps you can work together to secure what is available. (Sept. 8-Sept. 22) -- You will want to speak openly and honestly about things that may be emotionally charged, especially when others don't want to hear it.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 7) -- You have much on the docket, but you are looking forward to one particular endeavor that may change everything in the long run. (Oct. 8-Oct. 22) -- You may have received more than your share of bad news lately, but this is when you are actually at your best. It's time to do things your way once again.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 7) -- You may find yourself pulled in two very different directions, which may land you in a very awkward position for a time. (Nov. 8-Nov. 21) -- It may be revealed that someone who claims to know you quite well doesn't really know you at all. It's time for you to act accordingly.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 7) -- You may have to go to the mat for something you feel very strongly about. This is not as personal as it may seem. (Dec. 8-Dec. 21) -- The unlikely becomes quite likely as the week progresses, and you must be ready to deal with a situation that no one is able to forestall any longer.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 6) -- Time spent with friends and loved ones affords you the opportunity to answer a few tough questions for yourself -- and make some key decisions. (Jan. 7-Jan. 19) -- Others can learn a great deal from you, provided you allow them to know what you are doing -- and why. Not everything need be a secret!
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 3) -- Something that seems minor can actually have a major impact on you and those around you. Others come to you with age-old concerns. (Feb. 4-Feb. 18) -- You must be willing to give yourself credit, as others are not likely to do so. You've done much, recently, that warrants praise.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 5) -- You will want to increase the level of commitment you've pledged to a friend or loved one who is going through a tough time. (March 6-March 20) -- Though creativity is on the rise, you may find it difficult to be as productive as usual. Unforeseen circumstances conspire against you.