SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) As I climb the first hill along my regular hike, both sides of the path are dominated by a plant with glossy, three-lobed leaves. They’re so exuberant and cheerful, I’m tempted to caress them, even rub my face in their bright greenery. But I refrain, because they are poison oak. One touch would cause my skin to break out in an inflamed rash that would last for days. I encourage you, too, to forgo contact with any influence in your own sphere that is metaphorically equivalent to the alluring leaves of the poison oak.

Are you itching to know what the future holds, or do you just want to scratch beneath the surface of everyday tedium and find some underlying meaning? Either way, Rob Breszny has a list of fun facts that may soothe your burning urges, including tidbits about the F-word, gift cards, and the benefits of taking it slow. Just don’t be rash about any big life decisions you make while reading this week’s Free Will Astrology.

This article appears in Apr 22-28, 2015.