Jan. 18-24, 2008
Politics aside, the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday could turn
out to be quite romantic. The sexual tension generated between females and males
by the Venus-Mars opposition on Saturday is best resolved in bed, not, despite
Mars' retrograde visit to talkative Gemini, in debate. Until Venus'
conjunction with passionate Pluto on Wednesday has run its course, there might
not be a good enough reason to move on. Does Mercury's impending switch
into retrograde on the 28th qualify? If there's a lot to do beforehand,
yes.

Aries

“Clank.” You can almost hear the universe change gears as affable
Venus and powerful Pluto shift out of freewheeling Sagittarius into controlling
Capricorn. Let's hope you're already in Mercury-retrograde mode, because
the little imp turns around on the 28th for three weeks. Experience has taught
us that the days preceding and following the official stations are often when
equipment stops working and wheels stop turning. Of some help: Your crusading
Mars ruler goes direct on the 30th, just in time for Super Tuesday.

Taurus

The start of solar Aquarius, on the 20th this year, is usually a wake-up call
to initiate your next career move, the one that'll be a fait accompli by
summer. However, Mercury is about to turn retrograde in your Aquarius midheaven,
possibly delaying whatever plans you had in mind. You could try to press forward,
but don't take it personally if people don't return your calls or
e-mails. They might not get the message. Instead, focus on the drama created by
your Venus ruler's merger with passionate Pluto on the 23rd.

Gemini

Since it's your Mercury ruler that's turning retrograde, fouling up
the works for everybody else, be grateful that you'll have two opportunities
to come up with excellent excuses. Mercury merges with imaginative Neptune in
Aquarius on both the 22nd and Groundhog Day. In between, there may be intense
interest generated by a partnership, both the romantic and the business kind.
But because Mercury is in reverse until February 18, you shouldn't commit,
i.e., sign a legally binding agreement, for three more weeks. Sorry about that.

Cancer

The MLK Jr. holiday may turn into a bonanza for both you and an enthusiastic partner.
You should thank lucky Jupiter in your Capricorn marriage house for rewarding
stable Saturn for its arduous trek through your money house. Although the Leo
moon isn't totally full until early Tuesday morning, you may already feel
that wonderful sense of satisfaction. If there's a chance to do something
special over the long weekend, take it before Mercury flips into reverse and messes
around with your access to other people's resources.

Leo

For the next few weeks, a great deal of the public's interest will be centered
on your Aquarius house of allies and antagonists. Along with your sun ruler's
transit, pesky Mercury will be flitting back and forth, making offers and withdrawing
them. If you're determined to reach an agreement, make sure you have an
expert's eyes reviewing the small print. Otherwise, try to postpone negotiations
until February is finally fini. Just in time for serious Super Bowl wagering,
lucky Venus will join up with even luckier Jupiter in your sports zone.

Virgo

Conveniently for the health-conscious Virgo, the solar energy this month is centered
on your Aquarius house of diet, exercise and maintaining your daily routine. Boring
for the others? Maybe, but while your Mercury ruler is retracing its path through
this zone, it makes perfect (a Virgo adjective) sense to figure out what works
for you and what needs improvement. But that's not the whole story: Romantic,
artistic and eminently popular Venus may create the ideal Valentine's Day,
but primarily for the August-born.

Libra

Enjoying all the attention your Venus ruler is attracting? Good. Worried about
too many PDAs aggravating a hothead who wields a lot of clout? Bad. Perhaps you'll
start to cool it a bit after Venus enters conservative Capricorn on the 24th.
If so, don't neglect to take advantage of the goodies directed your way
when Venus meets up with extremely fortunate Jupiter at the midwinter celebration
of Imbolc on February 1. You needn't go overboard — no buying a house
on impulse — but a few fabulous presents wouldn't hurt.

Scorpio

How a Scorpio manages to profit financially from what are usually romantic, possibly
passionate planetary alignments is your secret to know and ours to admire. Anyway,
that's what's forecast for your immediate future. Affectionate, as
well as lucky, Venus in your house of assets, acquisitions and attitudes is completing
powerful aspects to both Mars and Pluto, your co-ruling planets, as well as commanding
the attention of conservative, pragmatic Saturn and expansive, optimistic Jupiter.
Amazing. FYI: Clinton's sun is in Scorpio; Obama has Scorpio rising.

Sagittarius

Divine intervention or simply a stroke of incredibly good luck? You could be getting
many more blessings than the annual marriage of popular Venus and your Jupiter
ruler usually bestows. This year, their conjunction receives the hard-to-get approval
of authoritarian Saturn in Virgo. While the November-born Archer may be struggling
with the responsibilities Saturn is foisting on you, the others are rising to
the current career challenge and preparing, later rather than right now, for their
move into the executive suite.

Capricorn

The rewarding trine aspect between beneficial Jupiter and your realistic Saturn
ruler doesn't occur often enough to take for granted. Since having lucky
Jupiter in your sign happens only once every 12 years, try not to bitch too much
when Mercury in your Aquarius money house flips into reverse and withholds what
you deem is your due. Instead, assume a philosophical, optimistic attitude (one
of Jupiter's gifts) and stop fretting. It may be hard to drop the Capricorn
negativity, but now would be an excellent time to begin.

Aquarius

The full moon in Leo, your cosmic complement, suggests that you'd better
pay attention to what's going on with your partnership. Leo is a demanding
presence, so despite your involvement with assorted group activities, it's
the one-on-one that matters. Now is also a good time to deal with correspondence,
travel plans, orders and repairs that could be affected by Mercury turning retrograde
in your sign on the 28th. The good news: Sexy Mars goes direct in your Gemini
house of romance and recreation on the 30th. Action!

Pisces

Consider adopting the role of the recluse. While the Aquarius sun sets in your
“hidden” 12th house and Mercury performs its retrograde routine there,
you can avoid being blamed for the petty annoyances that may take place when the
Messenger merges with your spacy Neptune ruler. Twice between today and Groundhog
Day and again at the full moon in February. On the other hand, sociable Venus
in your career midheaven teaming up with jolly Jupiter sounds like an invitation
to join the party and enjoy their substantial benefits.

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