Libra (September 23 - October 22)
You work hard at making things beautiful and harmonious, Libra. Therefore, you may tend to sweep relationship issues under the rug where they fester and create distance between you. Intimacy is about being real, not pretending things are ideal when they're not. Also, your agile mind is skilled at figuring out feelings without ever feeling them. Getting into the messy realm of emotions scares you, but it's the key to intimacy.

Scorpio (October 23 - November 21)
People sometimes feel threatened by you, Scorpio, which can be an obstacle to closeness. It's not that you avoid intimacy; you thrive on delving deeply into feelings and confronting issues. It's just that your intensity and blunt honesty can be too much for others. And, they may feel you want too much. On the other hand, you may hide your deepest feelings, afraid that if you open up you'll be betrayed. You need to learn to trust more.

Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21)
Yours is the sign of the eternal bachelor, Sagittarius. Footloose and fancy-free, you fiercely guard your freedom and often turn tail and run when people get too close. Your biggest obstacle to intimacy is considering commitment a trap, associated with the boring and humdrum. The solution is to find a partner who'll give you a long leash -- but in return, you'll have to promise to stick around for the tedious parts.

Capricorn (December 22 - January 19)
You want to be seen as the strong one, Capricorn. Capable, sure, even stoic, you shy away from the realm of emotions and are loathe to let your vulnerabilities show. Others end up leaning on you, but what happens when you need help? You need to learn how to let others past your defenses and love you. Once you shatter the illusion that you're invulnerable, then caring becomes a two-way-street and true intimacy is yours.

Aquarius (January 20 - February 18)
Like Mr. Spock from Star Trek, the ultimate Aquarian, your sign prefers logic to feelings. You're seen as self-contained, even chilly, and have trouble expressing what's in your heart. Because you possess a brighter, quicker mind than most, you think it ought to serve all your needs. You fear losing your freedom if you let others in. Yet to avoid the fate of loneliness, you need to open up and explore the territory of the heart.

Pisces (February 19 - March 20)
Your biggest obstacle to intimacy, Pisces, is a lack of self-knowledge. You're such a chameleon, skilled at being all things to all people, that you may not know what you really want. As you spend some time alone, apart from others' needs and feelings, you'll create better boundaries and lose the need to rescue those you love or let them take advantage of you. You'll also find that place of strength that fosters true intimacy.

About the Author
Simone Butler is an intuitive astrologer with more than 20 years of experience in helping people engage with the mystery of their lives. She has taught many astrology classes and workshops. Her daily forecasts are featured in the "Starscroll", and her articles have appeared in "The Mountain Astrologer" magazine. She has worked with 12 Signs, Inc. since 1992. Simone lives in a rural hideaway in Escondido, Calif. with her cat, Queen Bess.