Oct. 24: Your lookahead horoscope

IF TODAY IS YOUR BIRTHDAY:

Mars and Uranus combine on your birthday to boost both your creativity and your productivity. Never mind about all those plans you never got round to fulfilling - this year you will live up to your true potential.

ARIES (March 21 - April 20):

Your mood may be a bit sombre at the moment but you will cheer up dramatically when Mars, your ruler, changes signs on Thursday. Have you had a holiday recently? If not, start making plans for your next getaway. And make it soon.

TAURUS (April 21 - May 21):

The sun in your opposite sign of Scorpio means there will be times when you find yourself at odds with partners and loved ones, but it's no big deal. It's just the universe's way of nudging you to find compromise solutions.

GEMINI (May 22 - June 21):

Why are you making a simple situation seem so difficult? Whatever the reason you need to slow down and look at what you are doing from a more balanced perspective. The answer, as always, is easier than you imagine.

CANCER (June 22 - July 23):

Make sure you keep your eyes open this week because if you miss something, no matter how small, it will hold you back from reaching your goal. It's the little things that often have the most far-reaching impact.

LEO (July 24 - Aug. 23):

Your only problem at the moment is that you are taking a far too negative attitude to a problem of some kind. Stop thinking about it. Focus your mind on something else. Remind yourself of all the good things in your life.

VIRGO (Aug. 24 - Sept. 23):

Someone is taking an unhealthy interest in your private affairs, and your first priority this week is to tell them to mind their own business. They may, of course, be genuinely concerned for your welfare, but more likely they're just nosy!

LIBRA (Sept. 24 - Oct. 23):

Although the sun has now left your sign Mars, planet of ego and energy, moves into the most outgoing area of your chart this week, so you'll still have plenty to keep you busy. You will also be making plenty of money.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22):

What you want to do this week is likely to be at odds with what partners, loved ones and friends want you to do. But that's okay. You don't have to do everything together. Let them know you'll be spending more time alone.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 - Dec. 21):

Mars in your sign from the 28th will endow you with limitless energy. The question is though: what are you going to do with it all? Start by clearing out everything in your life that is not essential. Free up some closet space.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 - Jan. 20):

You are under a lot of pressure at the moment and feel that you have to perform to other people's expectations. But that's not necessarily a bad thing. It will force you to keep your standards high. Average is not your style.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 - Feb. 19):

Someone you have feelings for is clearly upset but you cannot for the life of you work out what it is you have done wrong. Maybe it's not what you did but what you didn't do? Think about it, then make appropriate amends.

PISCES (Feb. 20 - Mar. 20):

Keep your mind on your work this week and don't let friends or family members distract you in unproductive ways. The transit of Mars across the vocational angle of your chart promises great things career-wise, so stay sharp.