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.

Capricorn

It works both ways. After feisty Mars leaves your Cancer marriage house, the person
on the other side of the table won't be quite as irritating. By the same
token, you won't be such a thorn in his or her side either. Arguments you
were eager to engage in may fade as Mars transits through Leo's bright,
shiny aura. Take advantage of this happy interlude. Once independent-minded Mars
enters discerning Virgo on July 1, and meets up with your demanding Saturn ruler
soon after, that assertive mindset is likely to kick in again.

Aquarius

It's the artistic side of the Water-Bearer that's in demand, not the
rational thinker. That's because the sun and lovable Venus are in Taurus,
the sign of sensation and sensuality. So stop justifying your behavior and instead
give yourself over to the moment. This is also a good time to repair or refresh
relationships with family members, as well as neighbors and former classmates.
Now that dauntless Mars is in your Leo house of allies, you're more likely
to take the initiative without fear of being rebuffed.

Pisces

You might not want the attention you're about to receive, but even for an
experienced Fish, well-versed in the art of inventing excuses, it could be hard
to hide. That's because right now sociable Venus and generous Jupiter, the
planets of good fortune, are beaming their blessings on both your mystical Neptune
ruler and barrier-breaking Uranus in your sign. Significant support may follow,
so before Mercury turns retrograde on Memorial Day and misplaces or delays messages
and paperwork, carefully consider your options.

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