Whatever you believe, the world will prove you right. This week offers the chance to decide where you want to be on the scale of optimism to pessimism. Pluto poses ominous questions as he and the sun square off. Then Mercury enters Aries, and the new moon in Aries follows to refute negativity with a fresh view. Those who consciously take charge of their attitudes will be able to resonate at a more cheerful frequency.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Your role is absolutely important. Recognize what you do that matters most to others and then do more of it. This is the way you will make a meaningful contribution to society, and it is much favored over trying to change yourself and grow talents that don’t come naturally to you. Embrace who you are right now.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You are being nudged along a risky path, perhaps by your own soul. Your fears come to the surface to keep you safe, but you refuse to let them keep you small too. Most of the danger is emotional — you could lose your old idea of who you are, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Wednesday is your luckiest day.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You think of yourself as a work in progress and you will improve by leaps and bounds. You notice how others could improve too, even when they believe that they are just fine and don’t need to change in any way. Be careful not to fall for someone’s potential — especially not a potential that the person doesn’t want to become.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You’re used to being a go-getter and perhaps a little high strung as well. That’s why your current mood may feel strange. You’re accepting how things are and going with the flow, even when it’s not moving at all. When you’re ready to move, you will — and it will be effortless, like you’re being compelled forward.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). It’s the ideal week to forget logic and take things in a more fanciful direction. Your body follows your mind. Dwell on beautiful images of yourself frolicking in a most desirable circumstance. You are an exceptionally powerful visionary, and in a short period of time you may be able to dream yourself into a new reality.

THIS WEEK’S BIRTHDAYS: You are the master of your fate and prove it at every turn this year. Your hopeful vision leads you into an unusual situation in April. You can do remarkable good there before the summer starts. Your love life takes an enthusiastic turn in June and you become smitten by someone new, or you fall for the same person all over again. Work developments spring from the social happenings you attend in July. August and December show you leaving home and returning fully inspired.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Your powers of empathy are strong and you soak up the emotions of those around you. Some kind of performance or heightened emotional scenario will take place late in the week. You’re not nervous for yourself, though you may be anxious because you want others to do well. You’re a valuable member of your team.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You desire a harmonious environment and therefore you are willing to do what it takes to get along. Your nearest and dearest will appreciate the way you match his or her pace, mirror his or her mannerisms and adopt his or her priorities — at least temporarily. The result: Your sacrifices are rewarded and you get what you want.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Instead of bemoaning what is lacking in a relationship, you capitalize on what is working. You realize that one relationship cannot be your whole world and that you are enriched in different ways by different people. A close relationship is strengthened because you take off the pressure of overexpectation.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). One who doesn’t think like you could halt the action in your part of the world. At first you’ll probably be stymied. Change shoes with the other person. It’s not entirely possible to see the world as this person does, but with a little effort you can at least get a good sense of where this person is coming from.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You like solving problems, especially the ones that most people would rather avoid. It’s your eagerness to take problems head on that will promote you both at work and in your personal life this week. You save yourself and others from hours of future grief because you tackle issues immediately as they arise.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). To give yourself a chance to triumph is to risk failure. It’s easier when you have people telling you that you really can do it. Wednesday through Saturday you are in such a gregarious mood that new supporters will flock to you. Your love life improves too, as all the attention makes you feel so attractive.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). There are so many interpretations of reality. We humans are constantly distorting our experiences to fit our identity. An earnest attempt to understand someone could entirely change your perspective. It may be uncomfortable at first to lose your preconceived notions, but you’ll do it and be enhanced by the journey.