VIRGO: August 23 to September 22

THE INNER YOU

You have plenty of willpower and dedication, and you work harder than anyone to make sure something is perfect. Why? Because if you can't do something superbly, you begin to fear that you're failing. You're much too critical of yourself. Actually, you're an enigma that no one has quite figured out. You hold back with people you don't know well and you're reserved even with those you love. Inwardly, though, you feel very deeply. Intensity and an extreme sensitivity are part of your secret self. You like looking after others--giving advice to friends, feeding stray animals, tending sick plants--but you need to be appreciated for the kind things you do. Above all, you want to be useful because you truly care about people.

HOW OTHERS SEE YOU

You're regarded as a real go-getter. People trust you to handle any job; they see you as someone who can solve most problems by analyzing them logically. Your friends come to you for advice about almost anything. To most people, though, you seem reserved because you keep your true feelings hidden.

YOUR BEST TRAITS

When you make a promise, you keep it. You're talented, capable and thorough--and give a job or project your all. As a result, you often end up handling the whole show. In addition to being a doer, you're a helper: You're drawn to people who need you to fix their lives.

YOUR WORST TRAITS

You can be picky, finicky and difficult to please. You worry too much and get bogged down in detail--you tend to make mountains out of molehills. And you're too critical: Your sharp intelligence zeros in on what's wrong with a person or a plan, and then you get overzealous in explaining who or what needs to be corrected.

THE ROMANTIC YOU

You keep your feelings on a tight leash, but you're secretly a runaway romantic--emotional, poetic and full of fantasy. You dream about meeting a beautiful/handsome stranger--but in real life, you're wary of beautiful/handsome strangers. Until a woman/man proves her/his loyalty, you don't let her/him get too close; you don't want to leap into the wrong relationship. You believe your Mrs./Mr. Right exists somewhere and you're unwilling to settle for anyone else. Once a woman/man finds the key to your emotions, though, your deep, loving nature reveals itself. You long for someone who cherishes and needs you. In return, you'll be her/his all-important helper, friend, emotional support and number-one fan.


FRIENDSHIP BEST MATCHES

Cancer--You and Cancer pull each other out of your emotional cocoons. Cancer is imaginative and caring, and enjoys your bright, interesting mind.

Scorpio--Like you, Scorpio is reserved, but you trust each other and share confidences. Because you're both strong-willed, you may have to compromise on who gets to lead.

LOVE

BEST MATCHES:

Taurus--A lovely match; you have lots in common.

Capricorn--You admire and please one another.

NEXT BEST:

Cancer--You can draw each other out of your protective shell.

Scorpio--Scorpio is possessive, which makes Virgo feel loved.

WORST MATCH:

Pisces--Early fascination, later disillusionment.

NEXT WORST:

Gemini--You both have active minds, but nothing much else in common.

Sagittarius--Sag's undisciplined ways tend to annoy neat and tidy Virgo.

SAME SIGN:

Virgo--You can bring out the best in each other if you stop worrying about who should be the leader.


THE PHRASE YOU LIVE BY--I analyze

SPECIAL DAY--Wednesday

LUCKY NUMBERS--3 and 5

BEST COLORS--Navy blue and gray, the colors of elegance.

DANGER--You arouse others' resentment and anger because of your critical tongue.

LUCKY JEWEL--Sapphire. This gem helps protect you against illness and injury while traveling.



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