Zipping through Aries, Mercury is keeping tongues and wits sharp, and maybe dangerously ahead of good sense and manners. This week he aspects Jupiter, expanding wit and wisdom and also a bit of sensitivity. Try not to offend accidentally or to take offense where none is meant.

March 20 – April 19

Striving to do your best is important, but competing with others easily becomes a trap, leading to doubt and ill will. Being charitable and helpful can open up opportunities. Self-promotion doesn’t. Let your good deeds speak for themselves.

April 20 – May 20

Your inner dialogue can easily become a vicious cycle of guilt and recrimination. Discuss any doubts with a good friend and unload that garbage! We all have room for improvement; work on that without the guilt and baggage.

May 21 – June 20

Cultivate friendships with folks who are in charge, or the best at what they do. If things are good with your parents, call them. If not, chatting with a friend will give you insight to those problems.

June 21 – July 22

Look beyond your immediate circle and peer group for ways to improve your position and to broaden your outlook. Hobnob with nabobs, or just hang out with new and different friends. What you learn will prove extremely helpful.

July 23 – August 22

Arguments can get you into trouble, but some of that trouble could be quite delicious. While still in debate mode, do your best to be open to learning the other person’s positions. You may learn enough to change your own.

August 23 – September 22

Sex isn’t normally a competitive sport, but you and your partner could make quite a game of who can take or give the most. You could discover new pleasures and invigorate your relationship.

September 23 – October 22

Discussions with colleagues or employees can get contentious. Don’t react or argue, but rather offer gentle suggestions, ask questions and pay close attention to their answers. Exercise with your partner can warm up your relationship. Single? Opportunity is where you work out!

October 23 – November 21

Competitive team sports can help you develop your skills at other kinds of collaboration. You’re hopped up to win, but focus on improving your own game, and see where else to apply those lessons. That’s the greater victory!

November 22 – December 20

You can argue about art or you can demonstrate your best efforts. Stay at home or look to your roots or your community for inspiration. Even if you don’t feel particularly artistic, just puttering around the house can yield amazing results.

December 21 – January 19

Siblings, roommates and neighbors can all be sources of great news. Looking just a little bit outside your home, not too far, can provide keys to alleviating tensions within. Giving in to others may be too easy. Be yourself!

January 20 – February 18

A little sibling rivalry, even if you’re just acting that out with friends, can help you spot lucrative opportunities. Be careful, though: If you get into playful arguments, keep them entirely playful!

February 19 – March 19

Keeping an eye to the future while focusing on present opportunities has been a challenge lately, but now you have a chance to get a better balance. A rude economic surprise could well be a blessing in disguise.