By Jack Fertig
Q Scopes
Mars in Virgo sesqui-square Jupiter in Taurus goads people to be more stubborn, assertive and critical. Listening patiently and graciously, and learning how to improve, gives you an edge. Being a cranky know-it-all doesn't.
ARIES (March 20 – April 19): Even when working on organizing minutiae, don't let yourself get too caught up in details. Keep an eye on the larger picture. Ideals are ultimately more important that short-term gains. You may need to sacrifice a battle to achieve victory.
TAURUS (April 20 – May 20): Getting more physical and less cerebral can help you live a more balanced life, but don't lose your head completely! Instant gratification can be a distraction from meeting your real needs. With thoughtful planning you can achieve the latter.
GEMINI (May 21- June 20): Start work on recent relationship problems. Easy does it. You may feel stuck at first. That will pass. Evaluate your patience and commitment and your partner's, but save that information for a later decision.
CANCER (June 21- July 22): Looking too far ahead can trip you up. Hone your expertise on details that need immediate attention. It may take some effort to be diplomatic, especially at work. Criticism is best focused on oneself. Be gentle and considerate with whoever your target is.
LEO (July 23 – August 22): Playing too hard can hurt friendships and your reputation. Striving for a personal best is better than crushing your opponents. Focusing on technique and personal accomplishment, rather than beating others, also helps you at work.
VIRGO (August 23 – September 22): If you really can't avoid fights at home at least make an effort to listen, learn and seriously consider other viewpoints little as you may like them. It will all make sense later. The best solutions may come slowly. Be patient!
LIBRA (September 23 – October 22): Worries about mortality or the meaning of life can make you too eager to figure it all out now. Talking it out with a good friend raises more questions than answers. That's good, honest and real. Relax! Nobody ever gets all the answers.
SCORPIO (October 23 – November 21): Pessimism and striving for control feed into each other, driving away those you love. Make a list of your priorities and another of your spiritual, social and material assets. Some problems you can solve. Others you just need to let go of.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 – December 20): Trying too hard to be a big shot only guarantees you'll never be one. Focus on modesty, self-awareness and letting your hard work speak for itself. Be eager to learn from criticism. With criticism or praise, consider the source.
CAPRICORN (December 21 – January 19): Knowing your worth and inner strength should make you generous and kind. Being mature, thoughtful and aesthetically conservative can help you get ahead. Being smug, prim and attached to position will only bring you down.
AQUARIUS (January 20 – February 18): Difficult family secrets can leave you wondering who you really are. Analyzing sibling rivalry can shed some light on the mystery. Feeling lost is the admission that leads to finding your true self.
PISCES (February 19 – March 19): Be mature, open-minded and philosophical; you might be able to avoid arguments that threaten your relationships and career. You don't have to like, accept, or agree with everything you hear, but the less you like it the more you should consider it.
