By Jack Fertig
Horoscopes
Slow down and think before you react. Pluto and Mars are clashing, provoking anger and adrenaline. Overreactions, even violence, come much too easily. The challenge is to think ahead, to know the true value of the energy behind the anger, and to find a way to nurture it constructively into positive, thoughtful action.
ARIES (March 20 – April 19): Any injustice, especially sexism, moves you to act. Before you act, think about the repercussions of your actions. If you can, try not to polarize or provoke more hostile back-and-forth, but to heal.
TAURUS (April 20 – May 20): Sexual frustration happens to all of us, even the happily partnered, from time to time. Resist the urge to find drastic "solutions." Consider the long-range, responsible path before jumping into anything. Focusing on your career will help you keep perspective.
GEMINI (May 21 – June 20): Wanting to make things "right" in personal and working relationships can just screw things up worse. Listening and learning are more important than talking. Reaching for new views and perspectives is well worth the effort.
CANCER (June 21 – July 22): Impulsive spending is a childish, desperate way to grasp for security. Compulsive sex is much more mature! Better yet, harness your skills and sublimate that energy into some creative enterprise. OK, sex can be very creative, if your heart is really in it.
LEO (July 23 – August 22): You have brilliant insights into solving domestic and community problems. But it'll be better for you – and everyone else! – if you soft-pedal your own ideas, and make the effort to work with whatever others suggest.
VIRGO (August 23 – September 22): You may have good ideas to solve family problems, but heal thyself first! Rather than telling others what they should be doing, you'll be much more convincing if you set a modest example and offer opinions _only_ when asked.
LIBRA (September 23 – October 22): Well-meaning financial advice – whether you're giving or receiving it – can lead to arguments. Keep your mouth shut, and sweetly thank those who offer their views. Avoid impulsive spending on friends. Make a list of your financial questions, but ask them another week.
SCORPIO (October 23 – November 21): Which is more important – home or work? And where do you identify more strongly? There's something comforting about your career, but get more rooted. Focus more on the values – at least the positive ones – you've gained from family and tradition.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 – December 20): It's too easy to take arguments personally. Remember that the ideas under discussion, no matter how closely they reflect your own, are not about you. Avoid debating grand, overarching ideas; try to focus on details and basic premises.
CAPRICORN (December 21 – January 19): Sexual satisfaction comes perhaps a little too easily. What really matters to you in the long run? Meditating on your future may feel pointless and irritating, but can unblock something that has been bothering you more than you realize.
AQUARIUS (January 20 – February 18): Your plans and career seem to hinge on the efforts of others, but they don't really. Focus on your own efforts, flaws, and capacity for improvement. You can see your way around authoritarian obstructions. Don't take them head on.
PISCES (February 19 – March 19): Avoid getting drawn into arguments. Instead, challenge your own wit and imagination to deal with problems that arise. Yes, you can solve nearly any problem, but only if you take your ego out of the way and meditate.
