By Jack Fertig

CELEBRITY BIRTHDAY
Jonathan Knight turns 43 on Tuesday. As part of the boy band New Kids on the Block, Knight dominated the charts with hits like “Hangin’ Tough” and “Step By Step” in the late ’80s and early ’90s. He left the group in 1994 and admitted to having severe stage fright. He was outed in 2009 by an alleged ex-boyfriend but Knight says he has never hidden the fact that he is gay.

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THIS WEEK
The sun in Sagittarius square to Mars in Virgo cranks up mental energy but yields to dithering frenzies. Both move into semi-square to Saturn, a rude wake-up call. The right colleague helps you focus, a wrong one just makes things worse.

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SAGITTARIUS  Nov 22-Dec 20
Mother criticizes because she believes in your potential. A real grown-up can shrug it off. Or is there some truth in it? Take it or leave it, but thoughtfully. That can be a healing experience.

CAPRICORN  Dec 21-Jan 19
Running up against limits tempts you to struggle against authority. Learn to engage more thoughtfully. Be respectful, but don’t be afraid to ask probing, even challenging, questions.

AQUARIUS  Jan 20-Feb 18
Nosy questions get way out of hand. Mind your own business. Look for ways to improve your home life. Thrift and resourcefulness will boost your confidence.

PISCES  Feb 19-Mar 19
It’s easy to mouth off to your boss. It may be hard to keep your mouth shut and listen, but what you learn is well worth it. Your ability to handle criticism counts a lot toward your advancement.

ARIES  Mar 20-Apr 19
Collaborative efforts only provoke arguments and resentments. Be aware of their limits. Focus on being more effective and forgive mistakes on all sides.

TAURUS  Apr 20-May 20
Sexual exuberance gets you into big trouble. Make time and space to explore those passions. Be very clear on safety issues and prophylaxis. Don’t get so caught up in fun that work suffers.

GEMINI  May 21-Jun 20
Others seem eager to remind you of things you’d rather forget. Your outbursts aren’t going to help. Take it all with good humor or make a better effort to avoid annoying people.

CANCER  Jun 21-Jul 22
You’re liable to blurt out some ugly truth and you’ll have all hell to pay. Keep your mind and your chatter on philosophy, art and impersonal things that won’t cause offense.

LEO  Jul 23-Aug 22
You mean well with your exuberant outbursts, but overdo it. Focus on elegance, subtlety, even minimalism. A whisper can hold attention where shouting only drives people away.

VIRGO  Aug 23-Sep 22
Fights at home are inevitable. Minimize risk by analyzing your issues before speaking up. Your parents may have programmed your worst faults into you, but you’re responsible for fixing them.

LIBRA  Sep 23-Oct 22
What’s really being tested: your commitment to community or  dealing with pointless crap? Know your limits and to what you want to dedicate yourself. Talk with a friend who’s close.

SCORPIO  Oct 23-Nov 21
Easy, comfortable chats with your partner lead to tests of commitment. They may not be worth passing. Think carefully. You may not follow friends’ advice, but listen and think about it.

Jack Fertig can be reached at 415-864-8302 or Starjack.com

This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition November 25, 2011.