Brace yourself for another shock as unpredictable Uranus in
Pisces and gigantic Jupiter in Sagittarius perfect the second of their three challenging
square aspects. (January 22 was No. 1; October 9 is No. 3.) Mercury's passage
from Taurus to Gemini on Friday could shift our attention more toward local community,
transportation and educational matters. Saturday might feel weird as the down-to-earth
Taurus sun provokes a reaction from otherworldly Neptune. Nothing that ethereal
for Mother's Day; instead, you may have to sit through a sneak attack from
acerbic Mars to secretive Pluto, the stuff memorable family occasions are made
of. On Tuesday, Mars moves into Aries, the hot-blooded fire sign it rules, for
the next six weeks. The peaceable, productive Taurus new-moon cycle begins on
Wednesday.

Aries

“Timing is everything” is not always true, but this week it sure may
seem that way. Having your assertive Mars ruler in Aries for the first time in
two years will beef up your desire to “just do it.” Plus, the Taurus
new moon on the 16th might present an opportunity to launch a project with a solid
financial future, one you've been thinking about for a while. Mars occupies
your Aries house of self-interest and self-expression until June 24; then, through
August 6, the fiery motivator gets you to concentrate almost exclusively on money
matters.

Taurus

“Gather ye rosebuds while ye may.” “May” being the operative
word and the optimum time to accumulate gifts and line up favors, especially around
the Taurus new moon on the 16th. If your April birthday was a disappointment,
feel free to use this new moon to make a more detailed, up-to-date birthday wish.
And don't neglect the cupcake and candle that'll complete the ritual.
Artists may be offered a chance to participate in a loosely defined project: not
the typical commission, not about the same old subject.

Gemini

“Faster than a speeding bullet.” That's how your Mercury ruler
zips through your sign this month, but by Memorial Day, the transit will be history.
So make every day that you have access to a double shot of smarts count for something.
Plan on unleashing your proposal to save the world with words on the weekend of
the 19th, while enthusiastic Jupiter helps with the promotion, Uranus provides
that crucial eureka moment, and realistic Saturn makes it sound as if it'll
succeed. Backup shows up once the sun enters Gemini on the 21st.

Cancer

Every new moon highlights another area of activity on the Moon Child's chart.
While the Aries new moon in April may have focused on career and family matters,
the Taurus new moon on the 16th emphasizes relations with colleagues and groups
with whom you share a common interest. For the next four weeks, these are the
people who'll take up a good deal of your thoughts. At the same time, militant
Mars is crossing your Aries midheaven for the first time in two years. Prepare
to roll up your sleeves, possibly put up your dukes. It's not smooth sailing.

Leo

More time and energy devoted to maintaining your good name. That's the message
the Taurus moon conveys when it meets up with your sun ruler at the top of your
solar chart. This is why you'll take pains to make a favorable impression
on the people you run into, clients and casual acquaintances alike, during the
new four-week lunar cycle. Even a relative you haven't kept track of could
figure into this scenario. How other people's money fits in is a bit of
a mystery, but as Mars digs deeper into exploratory Aries, the answer will be
revealed.

Virgo

A convergence of planets at the crown point of your solar chart suggests that
now would be a good time to take your latest career decision even more seriously.
Direct your considerable energy and intelligence toward achieving what could be
the most adventurous project you've undertaken in a long while. But if you're
content to let matters progress at their own speed, without additional effort
on your part, make sure your information is up-to-date. Your Mercury ruler leaves
multifaceted, well-connected Gemini on Memorial Day.

Libra

Social politics becomes an important element of your success whenever your
Venus ruler transits your Cancer midheaven, as it does throughout May. Although
a Libra is rarely rude, even if you have backup, now is not the time to muscle
your way to the top. Gracious good manners, kindly consideration — the qualities
your sign is known for — combine to convince the people who count that you're
the person who best meets the challenge. Domestic goddesses get to show what
an impressive job they can do even if they're far from home.

Scorpio

A new moon in your Taurus house of significant others signals the beginning of
something special with a partner. Although this is an annual event, you shouldn't
take the promise of a fresh approach or a fresh face for granted. If you happen
to be involved in a dispute, then the new lunar cycle could raise the wattage
on an issue that should probably be settled sooner rather than later. Later would
be late June, when your feisty Mars co-ruler gets to bullheaded Taurus, a sign
as stubborn as your own.

Sagittarius

The closer we get to solar Gemini, the more flexible Archers become. Is it because
the heat of the sun loosens the joints or because you can see more clearly what's
going on with partnership arrangements? Until then, make sure that Mercury keeps
you abreast of what's happening with your mate, the deal you're considering
and the agent or attorney handling it. You're approaching somewhat of a
time bind: Since Mercury turns retrograde in your Cancer house of joint money
matters on June 15, don't wait too long to work out the details.

Capricorn

A dash of cooperation, a pinch of pleasure. It shouldn't take much more
than that to compensate for the acidity Mars adds to the mix once it enters your
Aries home base on the 15th. Keep drawing on the harmonious vibe Venus in your
Cancer marriage house offers; as long as the goddess is there, interaction with
significant others will still go smoothly. And take advantage of the Taurus new
moon in your house of romance and recreation to start a new routine, e.g., go
for a bike ride you and a loved one can enjoy together.

Aquarius

The tricky situation you find yourself in leaves lots of room for an imaginative
solution. Having visionary Neptune in your sign allows you to create a number
of illusions, e.g., a makeover, short of actually making yourself disappear. But
if you need a plausible excuse that'll help deflect some of the pressure
the family is under, wait for the new moon in your Taurus home base to show another
way. This is also a good time to fix up the house or, since we're in earthy
and productive Taurus, to work in the garden.

Pisces

Only once every two years does macho Mars pass through your Aries house of income
and assets. So, if you need to get tough about a money matter, this would be the
time to do it. However, considering that the Martian approach to a problem is
to rant and rave, huff and puff or make nasty threats, think twice before you
adopt such tactics. Gentle persuasion is so much more the Fish's cup of
tea. Luckily, the Taurus new moon taking place in your house of communication
and salesmanship can point to another effective strategy.

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