Rockie Horoscope

May 9-15, 2008
Today Jupiter turns retrograde in Capricorn for the summer. Not until Sept. 6 will the giant planet that governs big money, media mergers and sports franchises turn direct. Friday is also the day when Mars escapes from Cancer's claws, where it's been held since the end of last September. Although Mars' transit through Leo is short (until July 1), for most signs, it'll be fun, maybe a little reckless, too. Mother's Day has a fresh, inventive feel to it. Go ahead, surprise Mom. Although the rewarding trine between the sensuous, albeit practical Taurus sun and generous Jupiter isn't exact until Monday, feel free to spend freely all weekend long.

Aries

Do you rake it in or shell it out? The big money package is due to arrive just as the sun in your Taurus house of assets rewards, and is rewarded in turn by Jupiter in your reputable Capricorn midheaven. Just because the planet of good fortune recently turned retrograde is no reason to think that Lady Luck has forsaken you. Thanks to the work you've done and the connections you've made, you'll collect all year long. Plus, with your Mars ruler in luxury-loving Leo after seven months in cautious Cancer, you deserve a spending spree.

Taurus

The multi-talented Bull rarely sneezes at an opportunity to display your abilities, but if you sense that an offer from nebulous Neptune in your career zone has a funky odor, by all means, blow it off. Should you feel the challenge is legitimate, and that it'll enhance your reputation, then go ahead and accept it. You might not get as juicy a gig for the rest of the summer because, as of Memorial Day, musical, visionary Neptune will be on hiatus until Halloween. Mercury also flips that day, but only for three weeks.

Gemini

Some Twins get a chance to repair their image when bold, independent-minded Mars moves out of protective Cancer, where it's been stuck for ages -- well, for seven long months focusing on money matters. No longer will you find handy excuses to moan and groan about your cash flow. While the red planet is in fiery Leo, you'll have more opportunities to radiate warmth, strut your stuff and pick up a tab or two. But this golden age won't last past June, so if you want to entertain and be entertained in return, do it soon.

Cancer

It might not be the last of the generous gifts you'll receive for a while, but after the Taurus sun and benevolent Jupiter end their rewarding trine relationship and Jupiter turns retrograde in your Capricorn house of allies, the easy come, easy go flow of goodies could slow down for the summer. Associates are especially willing to lend their support right now, but if you're going to be sharing resources, double-check the validity of their offer before you sign on. Fanciful Neptune could be clouding that issue.

Leo

Mixed signals from someone wielding financial clout can make what actually happens this month more confusing than it need be. While you might agree with the values this paragon of practicality personifies, and appreciate the enthusiasm your co-workers offer, idealistic Neptune in your partnership house may harbor a different agenda. It wouldn't hurt to stop what you're doing and question your partners' motives. After years having elusive Neptune in your Aquarius complement, you should be used to its misinterpretations and obfuscations.

Virgo

Just when most of the other signs are preparing for their summer break, Virgins are getting ready to hear from your Mercury ruler as it transits your Gemini career zone. Don't stray too far from the phone and don't slack off on your current project because Mercury will be turning retrograde on Memorial Day for three weeks of "How big a mess will the Messenger make this time?" If you need to stock up on supplies, replace tires and brakes or confirm reservations, now is the time. Be the Boy Scout: Be prepared.

Libra

The well-worn image of Libra as "the iron fist in the velvet glove" may have described your behavior during the last seven months, but now that headstrong Mars has finally left your Cancer career house, you can relax. While the red planet passes through sunny Leo, you're likely to adopt more of a "que sera, sera" attitude about the projects you've been pushing and the people you've been courting. Without expending undue effort, your Venus ruler in fertile Taurus, finds support, i.e. ideas, enthusiasm and seed money, from disparate sources.

Scorpio

Until solar Taurus ends on the 20th, you may have to put up with a manageable, albeit annoying amount of stress coming at you from people you partner with. One of your significant others could be unrealistically optimistic and, without meaning to, push those security-conscious Scorpio buttons. Another might appear to be too easily influenced, thereby setting you to wonder if his or her opinion can be trusted. This is especially true when making a decision about an addition to the household. Artsy-fartsy doesn't cut it.

Sagittarius

Let's hope you used your much-admired Sagittarian foresight to clip last week's forecast. This way you'll be able to refer to where pesky Mercury is headed this summer and when its meanderings will have an effect on pertinent relationships with your supporters as well as your competitors. Writers are always in thrall to the Messenger's fluctuating moods so if the thought of another retrograde period puts you off, remember that those are the best weeks for editing and rewriting with clarity.