TODAY: Be aware: Current influences do not exactly lend themselves to people thinking things through or taking responsibility for their choices, which could generate some really fascinating propositions. And since a few of these fascinating propositions could be run by you for your imprimatur, it’s up to you to determine whether your information has a fighting chance of deterring the individual in question from doing something daft.

YOUR BIRTHDAY: This year it’s both how you do it and who you do it with. So, despite any reservations that you may have – or could come up with, given a half a chance – if someone offers you an opportunity to step out of your normal arena and/or try something that you’ve wanted to do forever – even if it isn’t totally organized yet – seriously consider just saying yes.

	Aries Friday, July 25, 2008
	Avoid signing on to set-ups, projects or affiliations (that barely get your pulses racing) because they’re there, you don’t have anything better to do and you don’t dare aim your sights too high lest you be disappointed. Intellectual Mercury is vexing Pluto, and what seems marginal or boring now could truly be no fun when you’re called up.
	Taurus Friday, July 25, 2008
	Should you suspect that someone is being intentionally unhelpful, you’re probably not too far off base. Still, with Mercury snipping at controlling Pluto, this may not be the moment to bring it to their attention unless you have some inexplicable desire to be drenched in distortion or hear a litany of barely plausible protestations.
	Gemini Friday, July 25, 2008
	Sudden inability to articulate alert: If somebody rounds on you demanding “what did you mean by that?!” you may want to resort to the mumbling into your chin/marbles in your mouth maneuver. Potent and provocative Pluto is sassing Boss Mercury, and the askee is just waiting for you to repeat yourself so they can nail/pounce on you.
	Cancer Friday, July 25, 2008
	Even if a business or social proposition came highly recommended: If it doesn’t feel right, or is no longer serving its purpose, the Mercury-Pluto irritation suggests that you might want to start prepping an exit strategy in the privacy of your own mind – the key words here being “privacy” “of” “your” “own” and “mind.”
	Leo Friday, July 25, 2008
	If a responsibility that seemed perfectly reasonable when you first assume it is making you feel like you an ox pulling a heavily laden cart up hill on a swelteringly humid day – or is otherwise beginning to wear a little thin – kiss it goodbye. Seriously, yes you really can, and yes, you really should.
	Virgo Friday, July 25, 2008
	See where you’ve landed and/or assess the area, situation or circumstances before making generalized annoucements regarding your views and/or feelings about it. Exercising restraint could potentially minimize the risk of broadcasting statements that, while accurately reflecting your opinion of the nanosecond, could shortly need to be denied, amended or spun to reflect your new (and improved) view.
	Libra Friday, July 25, 2008
	Try to skip saying “absolutely” if what you’re really thinking is “I’m not sure.” Articulate Mercury and influence peddling Pluto aren’t on the best of terms, your perception of an arrangement could shift rapidly and you will likely want as much wiggle room as you can possible have should you abruptly decide to take your custom elsewhere.
	Scorpio Friday, July 25, 2008
	If you’re on the verge of making a generous offer that entails you doing a lot of work and somebody else benefiting from your labors: If at all possible, hold off until tomorrow. You should have a much better sense of how you really feel then – and yup, this pertains even if you’re positive that you’re sure now.
	Sagittarius Friday, July 25, 2008
	Focus on the aspects of a setup that function or – if we’re scraping the bottom of the barrel here – that are serviceable or can be tolerated. Mercury-Pluto says: You’ll be in a better mood and get farther along with your undertaking that you would if you concentrate on the assorted bits that have yet to fall into place.
	Capricorn Friday, July 25, 2008
	Tread with some care, svp. Mercury is perturbing bossy Pluto, and you could unwittingly be marching right into the middle of a power play that – while probably having little or nothing to do with you, your existence or anything that you recently did or said – is unlikely to be improved by your availability or participation.
	Aquarius Friday, July 25, 2008
	If somebody offers you (another) ride on their emotional roller coaster, does Emily Post (or good breeding) dictate that you’re obliged to accompany them, or can you just say no? Yes, people love company and frequently don’t have as much fun unescorted, but carefully consider anyway before doing someone a favor and accepting their invitation.
	Pisces Friday, July 25, 2008
	You’ll make your point far more credibly and classily if you pleasantly, patiently suggest that another reconsider their approach – and then promptly propose a new and improved one. Despite the goading of Mercury and Pluto, snapping at somebody (or being glacial and withering) over a creative, professional, emotional or charitable matter isn’t the answer, even if they do deserve it.