May 31- June 6, 2010

 

“Be careful with your money, Pisces!”

 

Mars in Leo is triggering crises, mostly in the form of fights and misunderstandings that show where we need to wrap things up and move on. Clear away worries and doubts. Analyze problems realistically to find novel solutions.

 

GEMINI (May 21- June 20): Examining the provocations to arguments and staying silent (one can dream!) can prove more educational than actually arguing. Review goals that have recently been accomplished and think carefully about your next steps.

 

CANCER (June 21- July 22): Are your priorities and ideals proving dysfunctional? Be willing to grow and adapt. The time for planning career moves is ending. Make big, bold choices or events will force difficult changes. Even in those there may be great opportunities. Maybe.

 

LEO (July 23 – August 22): Pressuring your partner to make a decision will backfire. Physical play – maybe, but not necessarily sexual – will help work off frustration. Be careful with the rough stuff and keep your head clear. Accidents are looking to happen.

 

VIRGO (August 23 – September 22): You can meet somebody very hot and sexy while doing charity work. Not a mercy date, but another volunteer. That milieu will also get you out of your own head, which is a dangerous place. Worry only undermines your own health.

 

LIBRA (September 23 – October 22): What do you want tonight? What do you want in 14 years? Answer the latter question; then think hard about the first. Somewhere in there is a clue about your next big relationship, or necessary changes in your current one.

 

SCORPIO (October 23 – November 21): Demands at work are keeping you from home and family. If that sounds like a good thing, you need to make changes around the house. Whatever work offers home doesn’t suggests the changes you need to make.

 

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 – December 20): The best way to avoid arguments is to think twice about what you’re hearing and about how others might hear what you’re saying. Or maybe you’d rather not avoid them. The interchange can open you up to new perspectives.

 

CAPRICORN (December 21 – January 19): Sex and money are the biggest sources of domestic disputes. Work on money issues first and be willing to bend on sex. Take the initiative on flexibility. Clearing the air can be rough, but is necessary for a happy home.

 

AQUARIUS (January 20 – February 18): With a little help from your partner or a counselor, your money troubles should alleviate soon. (Given the times, that’s relative!). Acting spacey and lost and trying to deny it could upset your partner. Admitting to being vulnerable and a bit confused will help.

 

PISCES (February 19 – March 19): Worrying about your health only makes it worse. Take positive steps. Moderate exercise is good; overdoing it is not. Your finances should be going up, but like that first rise on a roller coaster. Be careful with your money!

 

ARIES (March 20 – April 19): Asserting yourself too forcefully can show people not what you want them to see, but things you’d rather they didn’t. Working to be more truly yourself can be very humbling. That humility will win you great respect.

 

TAURUS (April 20 – May 20): Can a person have too many friends? You may find too much quantity and not enough quality in your social circles. Take some time alone to sort out in your mind who are the ones you really want in your tribe.

 

Jack Fertig, a professional astrologer since 1977, is available for personal and business consultations in person in San Francisco, or online everywhere. He can be reached at 415-864-8302, through his website at www.starjack.com, and by e-mail at QScopes@qsyndicate.com.

 

 

May 24-30, 2010

“You can change the world, Gemini!”

 

In his 84-year orbit Uranus spends seven years in each sign, each defining a period of LGBT history. On May 27 he moves into Aries, signaling a major turning point. DADT should fall soon, but there will probably be some backlash, and that’s just the beginning! .

 

GEMINI (May 21- June 20): Prepare to meet a whole new set of friends! As you encounter new political ideas, think them through and look for historical precedents. Idealism needs to be balanced with solid grounding. If you have that, you can change the world.

 

CANCER (June 21- July 22): Your career can take a whole new direction. In these crazy, uncertain times you may as well go out on a limb. It could be disastrous not to. To pursue your dreams, lay a solid foundation, plan ahead and go for it!

 

LEO (July 23 – August 22): Crazy times need crazy ideas. Old ideas got us where we are, and you may have the brilliant spark needed to inspire a solution. Study, explore, argue and draw out new perspectives to share with people who need to hear them.

 

VIRGO (August 23 – September 22): Study the myth of Demeter and Persephone. Although your sign is more like Demeter, you will be dealing with underworlds of eros and death. Embrace new insights for their power to heal, cleanse and resurrect.

 

LIBRA (September 23 – October 22): All your relationships will turn upside down. You can only hold on to them with an open heart that allows transformation on both sides. Learn to be more strong and independent in order to be a better companion and support.

 

SCORPIO (October 23 – November 21): Be especially careful of headaches, accidents to the head and nervous tics. Even if they seem minor, they could be the beginning of big trouble. Dissatisfaction at work will lead to trouble. Make sure to have a job you really enjoy!

 

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 – December 20): The same old stuff is going to get boring. Welcome new creative directions and styles, sports, entertainments, even sexual fun. Consider having children or paying more attention to your inner child.

 

CAPRICORN (December 21 – January 19): Your domestic situation will start becoming very volatile. Patience, improvisation and rolling with the punches are important at first. Learning to control the situation to your advantage will take time and experience.

 

AQUARIUS (January 20 – February 18): Your brain is getting ahead of you and can trip you up. Be especially careful in any kind of transit, or any time you open your mouth. A new language, computer skill or something you can start from elementary beginnings will help a lot!

 

PISCES (February 19 – March 19): Whether rags to riches or vice versa, expect big changes in your financial situation. Make a list of what’s important in your life, but keep it in pencil. As reality hits theory your values will change big time.

 

ARIES (March 20 – April 19): Your entire life is about to turn upside down. In the next seven years you will be even more rebellious than ever, trying new looks and attitudes. Strike the word “never” from your vocabulary and replace it with “not yet.”

 

TAURUS (April 20 – May 20): You will experience spiritual epiphanies and great inner changes invisible to others, and probably hard to explain. Your dreams may become more vivid, even electric. Intuitive flashes, disconcerting at first, will come clearer with time.

 

Jack Fertig, a professional astrologer since 1977, is available for personal and business consultations in person in San Francisco, or online everywhere. He can be reached at 415-864-8302, through his website at www.starjack.com, and by e-mail at QScopes@qsyndicate.com.

 

May 17-23, 2010

 

“Relax, Virgo!”

 

The Sun’s entering Gemini, Venus Cancer, and both are aspecting Jupiter, Uranus, Saturn and Neptune! Seek ways to build communities and networks to survive the major political storms. Tribalist defenses and polarizing into camps is too tempting. Work instead to build communications, especially where they seem counter-intuitive.

 

GEMINI (May 21- June 20): The spotlight can feel uncomfortable, but what you’re most afraid of people seeing can become your greatest strength. A little vulnerability and sensitivity to others will prove to your advantage in ways you couldn’t imagine.

 

CANCER (June 21- July 22): Remembering the Golden Rule can determine whether you come off as incredibly shrewd or just plain bitchy. If you can ruthlessly mind your own Ps and Qs and be generous in dealing with the faults of others, you will gain huge respect.

 

LEO (July 23 – August 22): Being incredibly sexy is too easy. Your real challenge is in daring great risks for others. That’s even sexier, but keep your mind and heart focused on the higher ideals and the lower ones will also be well met.

 

VIRGO (August 23 – September 22): Much as you’d like to crack the whip on all those other screw-ups, you really need to discipline yourself and find opportunities in gently helping them. Remember: flies, honey, vinegar. Relax, meditate and it will all be easier.

 

LIBRA (September 23 – October 22): It’s only brown-nosing if you don’t mean it. Malicious gossip reflects more on the tellers than the subject. If you can keep your motives and actions truly sincere, you’ll glide ahead without any mud touching you.

 

SCORPIO (October 23 – November 21): Let your friends set you up on a blind date. It won’t work out the way they intend, but instead of true love you could make a very good new friend, perhaps with benefits.

 

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 – December 20): Unanticipated changes at home will prove to your benefit. Give up control and let it play out. If you can’t trust your partner, who can you trust? Logic may obstruct real communication. You might say it better with a cookie or a kiss.

 

CAPRICORN (December 21 – January 19): Your mind needs a challenge, not in coercing agreement, but in the ability to understand other perspectives. With some focus and creativity you can draw out your opponents. Find common ground by looking deeper into your own core values.

 

AQUARIUS (January 20 – February 18): Whether erotic inspiration can open your creative energies or sublimation better harnesses them depends largely on the values of your upbringing. Whether adhering to those or rebelling against them serves you better is not a logical question, but answered best in mediation.

 

PISCES (February 19 – March 19): You are exaggerating real problems in your relationship. Talk with a sibling or a very close friend to get some perspective. A parent may be helpful, but looking at your parents and checking for repeating patterns is probably better.

 

ARIES (March 20 – April 19): For the sake of personal and domestic security, be careful with your secrets. Passion (or mere convenience) may suggest sharing a house key, but think very carefully about that! Advice from friends is well-intentioned, but ill-considered.

 

TAURUS (April 20 – May 20): If you can’t resist impulse shopping, at least save the tags and receipts. Friends won’t guard you against temptation. More economical ways to indulge your playful streak can inspire resourcefulness that will support your ambitions.

 

Jack Fertig, a professional astrologer since 1977, is available for personal and business consultations in person in San Francisco, or online everywhere. He can be reached at 415-864-8302, through his Web site at www.starjack.com, and by e-mail at QScopes@qsyndicate.com.

 

 

May 10 - 16, 2010

 

“Strut your stuff, Leo!”

 

With the Sun in Taurus, Venus in Gemini and Eris in Aries all in harmony one can hardly resist the urge to flirt and banter, even a bit competitively. Do keep the quips friendly!

 

ARIES (March 20 – April 19): Try to keep those playful impulses simply playful. You can get caught up way too easily in one-upmanship. If you really know who you are and what you’re about, you have nothing to prove.

 

TAURUS (April 20 – May 20): What you own is not who you are. Keep repeating that. You’re in no immediate danger, but as a spiritual exercise imagine losing all your belongings, having only your own self and the people you love. Scary? It could be liberating!

 

GEMINI (May 21- June 20): Venus is augmenting your own natural beauty. That alone won’t help you find love. Throw yourself into community service or political activity. Invest your time and energy in a better global future and your personal future should brighten up too.

 

CANCER (June 21- July 22): Meditative inspiration, support from friends and professional advancement are as necessary as food, water and air. Each of the three is necessary to support the other two. If you can balance them all, you’re sure to thrive and succeed.

 

LEO (July 23 – August 22): Strut your stuff. Don’t hold back. Be gracious in welcoming all challenges and arguments as they will give you an opportunity to show your prowess. But go easy! Kindness to your opponents will pay off big for you.

 

VIRGO (August 23 – September 22): Charming your way to the top will get you noticed – and annoy the competition. Stay nice and principled in dealing with critics and backbiters. Don’t sink to their level; kill them with kindness.

 

LIBRA (September 23 – October 22): Looking for love? You’ll find it more easily far from your usual hunting grounds. Keep an eye out for someone you can play and compete with. Got love? Spice it up with some competitive sport. Wrestle for top – or bottom.

 

SCORPIO (October 23 – November 21): Your erotic charisma is cranked way up. Enjoy it the easy way (the gym, jogging, any exercise or sports make you irresistible) or sublimate that energy to promote your work, and to get colleagues to cooperate more effectively.

 

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 – December 20): Your competitively playful spirit can help boost morale at work. If you and your co-workers have no rivals to conquer, strive for a team/personal best. Pride in your work and going for that personal best will help you find love or keep it.

 

CAPRICORN (December 21 – January 19): You can shine in games or sports, especially where you can show off your running or your vocabulary. Creative handicrafts, particularly that come out of your ethnic background, can show you to be handier than some people – including yourself – may think.

 

AQUARIUS (January 20 – February 18): Try your hand at any sort of domestic creativity. Cook, decorate, upholster the children, whatever strikes your fancy. Add your own touch to old family recipes and styles. Can you do better than Mom? Better than your sister at least? Prove it!

 

PISCES (February 19 – March 19): Swap old family stories , either with your family to brush up your genealogy or with friends just for the fun of it. No family tales you care to share? How about recipes? Invite a few pals to share old favorite dishes.

 

Jack Fertig, a professional astrologer since 1977, is available for personal and business consultations in person in San Francisco, or online everywhere. He can be reached at 415-864-8302, through his website at www.starjack.com, and by e-mail at QScopes@qsyndicate.com.

 

May 3 - 9, 2010

 

“Your brain wants a challenge, Virgo!”

 

Saturn opposing Uranus is a long-running on-and-off aspect that’s scattering minefields, challenging us to change structures and goals through the year. The Sun and Mars are triggering those with sometimes violent results. Ideological, “values”-based attacks are likely at personal and political levels.

 

ARIES (March 20 – April 19): Your competitive drive can become obsessive, even self-destructive. Looking good is not about conquest, but moving on gracefully. Let go, meditate, open your creative soul. You can’t do that while guarding your turf as queen of the mountain.

 

TAURUS (April 20 – May 20): Celebrate your birthday with your family and your most creative friends, not necessarily at the same party. Bringing them together may get a bit dramatic, even catalytic. This could be a good thing, or not. Think it through.

 

GEMINI (May 21- June 20): Meditation will cool your heated brain and help you to keep your mouth out of trouble. In that calm solitude, think of ways your home life can support your ambitions. They don’t have to be at war with each other.

 

CANCER (June 21- July 22): Showing off to your friends can get expensive and become a source of fights. If your love and admiration aren’t enough, home-baked cookies should do it. If they want more, they’re not really your friends, and their arguments aren’t worth the trouble.

 

LEO (July 23 – August 22): Whatever you do is sure to get noticed. You do realize that can be a mixed blessing! Some humility would be in order, but that doesn’t mean denying your actual gifts and accomplishments. It’s just a matter of keeping perspective.

 

VIRGO (August 23 – September 22): Your brain wants a challenge. Find it in a book; don’t go picking arguments. If you want a good debate, hold yourself back a bit and make an effort to really hear what the other person has to say!

 

LIBRA (September 23 – October 22): Trying to keep up with peer pressure, you could worry yourself sick. Balance? It means they have to meet you half way, too. Your real friends will do that. Standing your ground is sexy.

 

SCORPIO (October 23 – November 21): Immediate concerns – work and partnership – feel like distractions from your creative engagement with the world, building the future. In fact, those quotidian details are exactly how we do that. Try to channel that aggravation into creative energy.

 

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 – December 20): Domestic drama threatens to disrupt your plans at work. If you can keep an even keel, handling those unpredictable upsets could help you gain confidence in your managerial skills. Remember, a team leader is still a team member!

 

CAPRICORN (December 21 – January 19): Maintain respect for people even when their questions seem abysmally stupid. It is tempting to mess with their heads, or to mock them, but mellow out that playful streak and engage them. That could lead to fun for all!

 

AQUARIUS (January 20 – February 18): Everybody needs to be concerned about money these days. You may be more worried than is necessary or helpful. Don’t take it out on your family or housemates. The first purpose of discussion is to get problems into perspective.

 

PISCES (February 19 – March 19): Flaws and frustrations in your relationship, however minor, are now feeling worse than they really are. You could both make a list now to discuss later. If you must trash someone, that is what politicians and celebrities are for.

 

Jack Fertig, a professional astrologer since 1977, is available for personal and business consultations in person in San Francisco, or online everywhere. He can be reached at 415-864-8302, through his Web site at www.starjack.com, and by e-mail at QScopes@qsyndicate.com.

 

April 26 - May 2, 2010

 

“Be practical, Leo!”

 

Retrograde Mercury lining up with the Sun in Taurus leads folks to take their own ideas way too seriously. A semi-square from Jupiter in Pisces makes it worse. Keep a sense of humor about your own assertions and be kind, especially if you have to be critical.

 

ARIES (March 20 – April 19): It’s easy to worry too much or too little about money. Meditation and other quiet times alone will help you get perspective. Helping those who are indeed down and out can also remind you where you really stand.

 

TAURUS (April 20 – May 20): “Friends” encouraging you to speak up may be laughing behind your back. Be careful to share your ideas with people who will tell you honestly when you are truly brilliant – or not. Alas, nowadays it’s probably the latter.

 

GEMINI (May 21- June 20): Mediation can lead to brilliant inspirations, but perhaps they are not so brilliant as you think. Writing them down and saving them to review later is perhaps best. Being discreet, quiet and modest can help you get favorable attention.

 

CANCER (June 21- July 22): You may not be able to avoid arguments, but you can treat them as a game and don’t take them too seriously. That could seriously upset some of your would-be opponents, so it may be best to make diplomatic noises, if you can!

 

LEO (July 23 – August 22): Getting too friendly with authority figures could seriously backfire. Be practical, businesslike and circumspect. Take any and all criticism graciously. Unpleasant as it may be, you could learn a lot and improve on old strategies.

 

VIRGO (August 23 – September 22): It may be impossible to avoid arguing with your partner. Try to keep the subject light or not to take yourself too seriously. Make-up sex or an erotic prize for whoever gets the facts right can also make it more interesting.

 

LIBRA (September 23 – October 22): A medical check-up now could uncover something that seems very scary in time to deal with it before it gets truly serious. After the full moon (which is on April 28^th) is a great time to quit bad habits.

 

SCORPIO (October 23 – November 21): Whatever is wrong with your partnership, sharing some creative fun may be all you need to get on the right track. Even if that doesn’t work now, a failed experiment can offer lessons for a new approach later.

 

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 – December 20): Most accidents happen around the home. Be especially careful of heavy lifting. Throwing out old clutter is good. When in doubt, box those dubious treasures to reconsider next month.

 

CAPRICORN (December 21 – January 19): Winning’s not in the cards. Play for funsies and you could learn a few new tricks to help you later, or get the latest gossip. Edit any creative projects. “Progress” is challenging; cut whatever doesn’t work to make room for later improvements.

 

AQUARIUS (January 20 – February 18): Don’t be scared to discuss money at home. Even arguments can prove surprisingly profitable. You may have to admit to some mistake, but you’re sure to find hidden resources, expenses you can cut down on or other ways to save.

 

PISCES (February 19 – March 19): Don’t be afraid of making mistakes, but do admit quickly to them. That can be an excellent way of getting to the truth of any matter. Petty frustrations can offer great insights if you can detach and be self-aware.                                        

 

Jack Fertig, a professional astrologer since 1977, is available for personal and business consultations in person in San Francisco, or online everywhere. He can be reached at 415-864-8302, through his Web site at www.starjack.com, and by e-mail at QScopes@qsyndicate.com.

 

April 19 - 25, 2010

 

“Getting older could suit you, Taurus!”

 

Saturn is in Virgo aspecting Uranus in Pisces, Neptune in Aquarius – triggering persnickety criticisms that could easily miss the mark – and Venus strong in her own sign, Taurus, offering some stability and harmony. Be practical, take the long view, and let compassion take the form of patient understanding, not unsolicited advice!

 

ARIES (March 20 – April 19): In all the economic upheavals, this is a good time for you to organize your resources. Focus on practicality in the present, but also open your intuition to future opportunities and dangers. Friendly advice is probably wrong.

 

TAURUS (April 20 – May 20): Don’t be scared of your birthday. Getting older could suit you. Cultivate a mystique of accomplishment and authority. You may surprise yourself that it is more real than you give yourself credit for.

 

GEMINI (May 21- June 20): Making your way in the world can really work your nerves. Make sure to have a safe, quiet retreat space at home so you can charge your batteries. Remember what’s important so you can get out there to do what’s needed.

 

CANCER (June 21- July 22): Erotic dreams and other fantasies have their value, but allow your friends to help you stay in touch with reality, too! While some of their criticisms are probably out of place, some are not! At least listen and think about them.

 

LEO (July 23 – August 22): Some kinky experimentation can precipitate questions about what is really important in your partnership. Continue the exploration in bed and out. Your resourcefulness gets you ahead at work, but can also create situations that test your collaborative skills.

 

VIRGO (August 23 – September 22): Your natural insight for improving any situation or technique is especially sharp. Now apply that skill to editing your own critiques. What you see as helpful advice, colleagues are likely to see as meddlesome nagging.

 

LIBRA (September 23 – October 22): Exploring your secret sex fantasies can get dirty, nasty, and scary – if you’re doing it right! Remember to keep the prophylaxis, safe word and other cautions in place. That could trigger morale-boosting ideas for work, with appropriate modifications of course!

 

SCORPIO (October 23 – November 21): Focus your political and social efforts on listening and following. Addictive or co-dependent tendencies are likely to surface and complicate things. With concentration and care, those errant impulses could inspire great ideas. Brutally frank criticism from a friend can help!

 

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 – December 20): Nothing gets you ahead like nose-to-the-grindstone good, hard work. It can also help you stay out of domestic drama. If you can’t avoid it, at least maintain emotional distance. Being mature and responsible can save the day.

 

CAPRICORN (December 21 – January 19): Worries about money can be overwhelming. You do have sensible ideas that can help. Talk with a close friend or sibling to help clear the fog and get back to being your usual sensible self.

 

AQUARIUS (January 20 – February 18): What do you really want out of sex? Old patterns colliding with new ideas can leave you very confused. Focus on community issues and what kind of home you want. Then the erotic questions will clear up.

 

PISCES (February 19 – March 19): Your relationship (or not having one) can feel restrictive. Isolating and stewing is no good. A conversation or some fun with a friend – say a movie or a gallery show – can give you the fresh air you need.

 

Jack Fertig, a professional astrologer since 1977, is available for personal and business consultations in person in San Francisco, or online everywhere. He can be reached at 415-864-8302, through his Web site at www.starjack.com, and by e-mail at QScopes@qsyndicate.com.

 

 

April 12 - 18, 2010

 

“Roll with the punches, Aries!”

 

Brace yourself for rude, surprises, arguments and screw-ups. Mercury is turning retrograde in Taurus while semi-square Uranus in Pisces. Stubborn thinking will slam you against walls you didn’t see coming. Balancing practicality with adaptivity is the big challenge.

 

ARIES (March 20 – April 19): Bad news about money is nearly inevitable these days. Do your best to roll with the punches. Resist the impulse to worry and panic. Take a deep breath, focus, relax and consider what changes are necessary. Meditation will help.

 

TAURUS (April 20 – May 20): You or your friends are likely to accidentally offend each other with some remark. It’s all just a stupid misunderstanding, but getting to the root of it and clearing it up could take some work. Be patient and forgiving!

 

GEMINI (May 21- June 20): Miscommunications at work, or with anyone in authority, can grow from a simple screw-up to a Kafkaesque nightmare. Unraveling the mess will take calmness, patience and time. Admit to errors promptly to nip bigger troubles in the bud.

 

CANCER (June 21- July 22): Write down your ideas and concerns to get all those bees in your bonnet to calm down and produce something sweet. It will need lots of editing and revision. That’s fine. If solitary scribbling keeps you out of arguments, you’re ahead of the game!

 

LEO (July 23 – August 22): Work is a minefield these days. In conversation with bosses or authorities of any sort, be ready for corrections and revisions of plans. Sex can release tension, but be very careful. Murphy’s Law is in full force!

 

VIRGO (August 23 – September 22): Something you say is likely to upset your partner – and vice versa. Either or both of you will be shocked to have cause offense. Do not get defensive. Apologize, and accept it as a lesson in getting to know each other better.

 

LIBRA (September 23 – October 22): Sexual adventurism could explode in your face. In a bad way. Be very careful now about prophylaxis, not tying ropes too tight and who you’re playing with! And when was the last time you got tested?

 

SCORPIO (October 23 – November 21): Playful efforts with your partner (sexual or otherwise) can precipitate arguments. Accept the opportunity to clear up problems that have been simmering. Real love is a huge challenge. This is just a little bumpy. You can handle it.

 

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 – December 20): Cleaning and organizing your home is necessary and will help prevent more accidents than it is likely to precipitate. But do be careful! Also, discuss your domestic plans with roommates so as not to be at cross-purposes.

 

CAPRICORN (December 21 – January 19): Slips and falls are likely in sports. Not a great time for rollerblading or skydiving! Any sort of entertainment or playing with pals can also loosen your tongue. Focused thoughtfulness can sharpen your brilliance, but awkward revelations are more likely.

 

AQUARIUS (January 20 – February 18): Domestic accounts can be a minefield. Get those affairs in order. Money loaned to relatives is probably money you’ll never see again. The stars just promise a surprise there, probably a rude one, but don’t rule anything out.

 

PISCES (February 19 – March 19): Your ability to keep secrets is now non-existent. Treat all gossip as odd trivia not worth response. Keep your mind and any conversation focused on learning something new. Classes and lectures can keep you out of trouble.

                                                                       

Jack Fertig, a professional astrologer since 1977, is available for personal and business consultations in person in San Francisco, or online everywhere. He can be reached at 415-864-8302, through his Web site at www.starjack.com, and by e-mail at QScopes@qsyndicate.com.

 

 

April 5 -11 2010

 

“Go back to basics, Gemini!”

 

Saturn backing into Virgo reminds us to clean up old business before starting new relationships. Aspecting Uranus and Neptune, she’ll dig up complications that must be dealt with to make progress. Go slowly and carefully. You have until late July to get it right.

 

ARIES (March 20 – April 19): Recalculate the equation of any partnership that’s troubling you. Can or should it be saved? Strong instincts and inspiration could lead you astray, but probably contain a kernel of truth. Friends can help you reconcile those with reality.

 

TAURUS (April 20 – May 20): Feeling stuck at work can push you back to re-examine your goals. Where do you feel most creative, and what do you really have to offer? If professional goals feel nebulous, frame the question in terms of your social ideals.

 

GEMINI (May 21- June 20): While your goals and ideals seem to be in flux, go back to basics. The most relevant questions about reaching out to the world around you are taught early in life. Be nice, share and try to learn. Community service can also help clear your head.

 

CANCER (June 21- July 22): Discuss longstanding family issues with siblings, or community problems with neighbors. Things probably aren’t as dark and complicated as they feel. New perspectives will help if you’re willing to be very open-minded.

 

LEO (July 23 – August 22): New ideas and skills can help get you out of financial trouble, but first understand how and why you got into that trouble. You won’t get that on your own. Your partner or an advisor can help you figure it out.

 

VIRGO (August 23 – September 22): Taking the weight of the world on your shoulders is bad for your health. Discussing problems with your partner, or a trusted friend or counselor, is necessary even if it’s aggravating. A mild exercise program (swimming?) and meditation help.

 

LIBRA (September 23 – October 22): It seems you can’t catch a break, so make one for yourself. Take time off to meditate and play. Settle your nerves and charge up your batteries. You need this. In the long run it’s the responsible thing to do!

 

SCORPIO (October 23 – November 21): Take a hard look at your future and get ready to clear out the clutter in your life. Mending fences could mean quitting some friendships and groups, but offers you a chance to make it clean and amicable.

 

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 – December 20): Clean up any loose ends and nasty rumors affecting your reputation. Helpful inspiration comes from your home and family. Advice from siblings and neighbors can seem confusing, but don’t take it too literally and it could prove valuable.

 

CAPRICORN (December 21 – January 19): Coming toward a peak of your professional reputation, now is the time to get the word out about your achievements and services. Typos and snafus lie in wait. Be very attentive to those details!

 

AQUARIUS (January 20 – February 18): You’re coming into a phase of your life where your ideas and your mind will be much challenged. Review what you believe and why. Confusion about who you are and what’s important can be a healthy stage of growth.

 

PISCES (February 19 – March 19): Feeling unsure about sex and relationships can be a good step toward greater awareness. OK, it’s uncomfortable now. Meditation and other quiet secluded retreats – some with your love, some without – will ease the exploration.

 

 

March 29 - April 4, 2010

 

Look Wise, Virgo!

 

Venus in Taurus, Mars in Leo and Jupiter in Pisces are all strong and happy but in discordant aspects, suggesting way too much of many good things. Slow down to enjoy them longer and better!

 

ARIES (March 20 – April 19: Think twice before acting on playful urges. You’re in a stubborn mood, not likely to stop what you’ve started. Thoughtless advances are likely to offend others and can also leave you very open and vulnerable to embarrassment.

 

TAURUS (April 20 – May 20): You can stand out now in community politics, but whatever you get into you are likely to bite off more than you can chew. Keep your vision focused and clear. Offer ideas and suggestions freely, but commit time and energy very carefully.

 

GEMINI (May 21- June 20): Whatever you say and how well you keep secrets will influence your reputation. Keeping secrets is the hard part, and yours are especially open to exposure. Try to look wise and spiritual with patient ears and a very discreet mouth.

 

CANCER (June 21- July 22): Arguments are hard to avoid. Try to keep them on a loftier plane. It’s too easy to squabble over money; better to debate about the economy. But about money… Any accounts that aren’t clear and honest are likely to be troublesome.

 

LEO (July 23 – August 22): Be skeptical of any encouragement to push your already strong stardom, especially as a sexual idol, warrior or shaman. Good as you are, there’s a strong push to overreach. Remember Icarus, and beware of your own tendency to hubris.

 

VIRGO (August 23 – September 22): If you’re looking for love, look wise and a little aloof. If you have love, address problems in a clean, factual way without arguing. It’s usually quite all right to say “Can we discuss this later?” and bring it back up next week.

 

LIBRA (September 23 – October 22): You could look a little too sexy with friends egging you on to turn up the heat. Especially while working with others, whether on the job or in volunteer work, your erotic charge could make trouble.

 

SCORPIO (October 23 – November 21): “Playing well with others” is good, but can be overdone. Creative efforts at morale building with colleagues can easily be seen as disruptive, painting you as an instigator. Advance your ideas a bit more carefully.

 

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 – December 20): Of course you have more important things to argue about than housework. For domestic tranquility – and really to save more energy in the long run – just be agreeable and go along with whatever your housemates ask. This can also be a learning experience!

 

CAPRICORN (December 21 – January 19): Usually the soul of discretion, you’re being more open about your erotic games – or someone else’s. You may want to slow down and think about what will get back to whom, or what rumors will fly.

 

AQUARIUS (January 20 – February 18): Domestic arguments could prove very costly. Not dealing with problems can get even more expensive. Be creative (but not too creative!) and open-minded. Finding common ground and solutions is more important than being right.

 

PISCES (February 19 – March 19): A recent run of good luck could make you cocky, especially in your work. Humility and attention to detail will serve you better than active self-promotion. Let your work speak for itself! It’s a great time to start a plan to get fit and trim.

 

Jack Fertig, a professional astrologer since 1977, is available for personal and business consultations in person in San Francisco, or online everywhere. He can be reached at 415.864.8302, through his Web site at www.starjack.com, and by e-mail at QScopes@qsyndicate.com.

 

 

March 22-28, 2010

 

“Stay at home, Sagittarius!”

 

Zipping through Aries, Mercury is keeping tongues and wits sharp, and maybe dangerously ahead of good sense and manners. This week he aspects Jupiter, expanding wit and wisdom and also a bit of sensitivity. Try not to offend accidentally or to take offense where none is meant.

 

ARIES (March 20 – April 19): Striving to do your best is important, but competing with others easily becomes a trap, leading to doubt and ill will. Being charitable and helpful can open up opportunities. Self-promotion doesn’t. Let your good deeds speak for themselves.

 

TAURUS (April 20 – May 20): Your inner dialogue can easily become a vicious cycle of guilt and recrimination. Discuss any doubts with a good friend and unload that garbage! We all have room for improvement; work on that without the guilt and baggage.

 

GEMINI (May 21- June 20): Cultivate friendships with folks who are in charge, or the best at what they do. If things are good with your parents, call them. If not, chatting with a friend will give you insight to those problems.

 

CANCER (June 21- July 22): Look beyond your immediate circle and peer group for ways to improve your position and to broaden your outlook. Hobnob with nabobs, or just hang out with new and different friends. What you learn will prove extremely helpful.

 

LEO (July 23 – August 22): Arguments can get you into trouble, but some of that trouble could be quite delicious. While still in debate mode, do your best to be open to learning the other person’s positions. You may learn enough to change your own.

 

VIRGO (August 23 – September 22): Sex isn’t normally a competitive sport, but you and your partner could make quite a game of who can take or give the most. You could discover new pleasures and invigorate your relationship.

 

LIBRA (September 23 – October 22): Discussions with colleagues or employees can get contentious. Don’t react or argue, but rather offer gentle suggestions, ask questions and pay close attention to their answers. Exercise with your partner can warm up your relationship. Single? Opportunity is where you work out!

 

SCORPIO (October 23 – November 21): Competitive team sports can help you develop your skills at other kinds of collaboration. You’re hopped up to win, but focus on improving your own game, and see where else to apply those lessons. That’s the greater victory!

 

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 – December 20): You can argue about art or you can demonstrate your best efforts. Stay at home or look to your roots or your community for inspiration. Even if you don’t feel particularly artistic, just puttering around the house can yield amazing results.

 

CAPRICORN (December 21 – January 19): Siblings, roommates and neighbors can all be sources of great news. Looking just a little bit outside your home, not too far, can provide keys to alleviating tensions within. Giving in to others may be too easy. Be yourself!

 

AQUARIUS (January 20 – February 18): A little sibling rivalry, even if you’re just acting that out with friends, can help you spot lucrative opportunities. Be careful, though: If you get into playful arguments, keep them entirely playful!

 

PISCES (February 19 – March 19): Keeping an eye to the future while focusing on present opportunities has been a challenge lately, but now you have a chance to get a better balance. A rude economic surprise could well be a blessing in disguise.

 

Jack Fertig, a professional astrologer since 1977, is available for personal and business consultations in person in San Francisco, or online everywhere. He can be reached at 415.864.8302, through his Web site at www.starjack.com, and by e-mail at QScopes@qsyndicate.com.

 

March 15-21, 2010

 

“Seek new ideas, Cancer!”

 

The Sun and Mercury align with Uranus in Pisces, triggering aspects to Neptune in Aquarius, opening up mystical and scientific insights. Let your mind wander into strange worlds. Few of your crazy ideas will be worth anything, but those few can be life-changing. Maybe even world-changing!

 

PISCES (February 19 – March 19): You look like you have all the answers, and as much as it will surprise you, you probably do. Be willing to go out on a limb. Trust your instincts and intuition, and when in doubt, meditate on it.

 

ARIES (March 20 – April 19): Your brain is buzzing so furiously you may want a few drinks to drown out the noise. Drunk and druggy reveries only feel like genius at the time. Meditation and consultation with artistic friends could tune that noise into real brilliance.

 

TAURUS (April 20 – May 20): Your friends do mean well, but their encouragements can easily make trouble for you. But consider what they say, and trust your own instincts to adapt their ideas to some that really are helpful.

 

GEMINI (May 21- June 20): Not everyone can reconcile real-world goals with personal ideals. You have a chance to bring yours more into sync. In fact, working toward what you really believe in can help you get ahead, even if that requires a lateral move.

 

CANCER (June 21- July 22): Challenge your mind. Seek new ideas. Imagination has no limits, just familiar paths and the unfamiliar. Go for the latter, especially in erotic or metaphysical questions. What happens after death? More importantly, how did you get that answer?

 

LEO (July 23 – August 22): Good sex is nurturing and healing. Focus on that aspect of it, and how you apply it in your relationship (or relations). Blunt, honest discussion with your partner can clarify your needs. Surprises and exploring new ways can be very helpful.

 

VIRGO (August 23 – September 22): Any relationship is a set of balances that often needs adjustments. Frank talks with your partner or colleagues can be challenging but healing. Silence is deadly, except for resentments. Things may be OK, but at least check in and talk.

 

LIBRA (September 23 – October 22): Artistic experiences can stimulate insights that will improve your work or health regimen. At the very least, change the playlist for your workouts. Apply creative experiments to your tasks. Experiments that “fail” also offer insight. Make room to try, and try again.

 

SCORPIO (October 23 – November 21): Tremendous inspiration, and even the power to heal, can come from old family stories, traditional myths and images, anything passed down through the generations, grandmother’s recipes or even childhood fantasies.

 

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 – December 20): Family secrets are likely to come out, so take the lead and coax them your way. Talk with your parents, or better, your aunts and uncles, even your siblings, and you may be amazed at what you can learn.

 

CAPRICORN (December 21 – January 19): Take a hard look at your fuddled finances. Brace yourself for surprises, probably good ones. Another pair of eyes may prove helpful in finding resources, or ways out of debt that hadn’t occurred to you.

 

AQUARIUS (January 20 – February 18): Who are you, and what really matters? The latter question is easier, but it can feed confusion in the former. Look at yourself in a new light. Play with new looks, and be open to surprises in the mirror.

 

Jack Fertig, a professional astrologer since 1977, is available for personal and business consultations in person in San Francisco, or online everywhere. He can be reached at 415.864.8302, through his Web site at www.starjack.com, and by e-mail at QScopes@qsyndicate.com.

 

March 8-14, 2010

 

“Be careful, Gemini!”

 

Entering Aries, Venus opposes Saturn then squares Pluto, challenging us to greater integrity. That requires some risks. This aspect also highlights values and benefits that can arise from current global crises. Observe and prosper. When spring starts, the Sun will make the same aspects, giving you a second chance to take notice!

 

PISCES (February 19 – March 19): Set aside a little money for impulse spending. Not only is the release necessary, but whatever you do buy on a mad little spree can tell you a lot your current crises and how you want to solve them.

 

ARIES (March 20 – April 19): You can shine in a crisis – just understand that you don’t have to do it all yourself. Others have valuable experience that you can utilize. Asking them can affirm your confidence to yourself and others.

 

TAURUS (April 20 – May 20): Worries can seriously undermine your health. A meditative walk through a museum or an elegant garden will help soothe your nerves. To honestly face an intellectual challenge you have to be willing to change your mind on important issues.

 

GEMINI (May 21- June 20): Be careful accepting challenges or dares. Push yourself in creative efforts; be a little more careful in sports. Real friends won’t pressure you into things that don’t feel right. Maybe you need to lose some of your “friends.”

 

CANCER (June 21- July 22): A career opening may exact some cost at home. Keep communications open so your partner can support you better in what may be long-term changes. Be mature, responsible and ready to make concessions on domestic issues.

 

LEO (July 23 – August 22): Your feistiness can be a blessing – with proper focus and application – or a curse. Consider the risks and value of controversy before you roar. Artistic adventures – a new film or art show – can draw your attention to happier conversations.

 

VIRGO (August 23 – September 22): Wear red to highlight your sexiness, though you don’t need the help. You might prefer to slow down, reexamine your erotic values and pleasures. You need depth and challenge. Physically? Easy. Spiritually? There’s the real challenge!

 

LIBRA (September 23 – October 22): Be open to new ideas – or, more importantly, new values regarding your home, your family and community, and even yourself. You are going through big challenges, and some fresh input could really help you find answers!

 

SCORPIO (October 23 – November 21): There can be a simple, meditative beauty in exercise and mundane tasks. Find that and you can unlock the problems that have been vexing you. Ironically, with radical new ideas, your challenges really begin! And they’ll be more satisfying challenges.

 

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 – December 20): Fun and games aren’t the answer to everything, but they can open inspirations that, with hard work and application, will solve some big problems. Even a worst-case scenario is just a creative challenge for you.

 

CAPRICORN (December 21 – January 19): You’re at the top of your game these days. Simple lessons you learned at home, based in traditional values, can help you consolidate your gains and help you rise to the challenges you’ve taken on.

 

AQUARIUS (January 20 – February 18): Jump into any arguments you like, but remember the trick is to learn what you can. Speak up to provoke new ideas from others, not to hammer out your own. The greater your own mind, the greater the challenges it can handle.

 

Jack Fertig, a professional astrologer since 1977, is available for personal and business consultations in person in San Francisco, or online everywhere. He can be reached at 415.864.8302, through his Web site at www.starjack.com, and by e-mail at QScopes@qsyndicate.com.

 

March 1 - 7, 2010

 

“Tweet, Scorpio!”

 

Mercury in Pisces sextile to Pluto in Capricorn offers very deep insights that seem illogical, but go with your gut. Your subconscious may be catching rational connections that your conscious mind doesn’t see.

 

PISCES (February 19 – March 19): Even if a bit pessimistic, your foresight will be appreciated. Times are tough, and a thoughtful assessment is much more valuable than false optimism. Ruthless honesty could still upset some friendships; try to be diplomatic.

 

ARIES (March 20 – April 19): Folks in charge have a hidden agenda. Reading between the lines isn’t necessarily paranoiac. Confide in a close friend to keep that in proportion. If you must choose between loyalty and ambition, think ahead and remember who you are.

 

TAURUS (April 20 – May 20): Hints of the future and conversations with friends challenge some of your beliefs, triggering inner conflicts. You like life more certain, but accept the challenge to be truer to yourself and more ready for what’s coming. Resistance to inevitable change only makes it harder.

 

GEMINI (May 21- June 20): Sharing a confidence with your boss could open him or her up to letting you in on some secrets. The road to power need not pull you away from your friends, but your goals may challenge you to choose or reconcile.

 

CANCER (June 21- July 22): Ideals and religion should offer guideposts, not strict instructions. The way to effective partnership in love and work needs some improvisational detours from those marked paths. Independent thought and extrapolation breathe real value into old faith and wisdom.

 

LEO (July 23 – August 22): There’s a time and place to show off your sexual prowess. At work that energy is best sublimated to focus on practical techniques to get powerful results. Go slow and steady at exercise. Trying too hard could get you hurt!

 

VIRGO (August 23 – September 22): Identifying strongly with a sexually-defined community can strengthen or limit your individuality – or do both. Discuss this with your partner or a longtime friend. Be very clear about how your milieu affects your own creative spirit.

 

LIBRA (September 23 – October 22): Service to your community does give you deep insight; respect that it does so for others, too! Sharing your insights will help everyone; try to keep the competitive urges entirely friendly to build cooperation.

 

SCORPIO (October 23 – November 21): Your wonderful, wicked wittiness will delight your friends, but could make big trouble at work. Keep a journal handy or Tweet your pals in those moments when you can hardly suppress yourself, but it is neither the time nor the place!

 

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 – December 20): Pluto in Capricorn until 2023 means that financial worries will be with all of us for awhile, and that you will tend to worry way too much. Your biggest challenge is to keep perspective. That takes practice. Easy does it!

 

CAPRICORN (December 21 – January 19): If you’re not careful you may reveal some very personal secrets. If you are careful you could learn a few! Assert yourself in a mature way – being responsible and independent – to shift your status in your family.

 

AQUARIUS (January 20 – February 18): A shopping list or receipt could be a meditative focus. Consider what you eat, what you use, what you need, what you don’t and how this reflects your habits and goals. Compare the reality to your ideals and see what you can learn about yourself.

 

Jack Fertig, a professional astrologer since 1977, is available for personal and business consultations in person in San Francisco, or online everywhere. He can be reached at 415.864.8302, through his Web site at www.starjack.com, and by e-mail at QScopes@qsyndicate.com.

 

February 22 - 28, 2010

 

“Don’t be bashful, Leo!”

 

As the Sun aligns with Jupiter in Pisces, spiritual/psychological insights abound, and intuitive flashes can bring excellent luck. In Aquarius, Mercury is aligning with Neptune and Chiron, bringing some of those lucky hunches into stronger clarity.

 

ARIES (March 20 – April 19): That light you see in the tunnel may be far off, but at least it’s not an oncoming train. It may take a while, but trust your inspirations to lead you to solutions for current problems.

 

TAURUS (April 20 – May 20): Opportunities may or may not be as precarious as they look. Discuss the possibilities with your friends, and stay clear about your own goals and values. Follow your dreams and you won’t go wrong.

 

GEMINI (May 21- June 20): Grasp any chance you have to move up in the world or to settle any problem with any authority figure. New ideas may seem totally illogical, but could help you spot your chances. At least give them fair consideration.

 

CANCER (June 21- July 22): Greet every new idea as an adventure. Welcome any argument as an opportunity to learn, and approach everything with a wide-open mind. You could have a dazzling epiphany. Will it change or support your deepest-held beliefs? Perhaps it’ll do both!

 

LEO (July 23 – August 22): You can bring your sex life much more in tune with your ideal fantasies. The trick, as always, is empathy and communication with your partner. Both are now cranked up a notch. Don’t be bashful. Say exactly what you want!

 

VIRGO (August 23 – September 22): You can get what you want in your partnership. Open up and tell your darling exactly what you want, and offer to give as much as you get. It may take considerable work, but that’s never stopped you!

 

LIBRA (September 23 – October 22): Mix business and pleasure! Any ideas you have to boost morale will probably boost productivity as well. If you’re one of the many looking for work, this is the time to go for the job you really want.

 

SCORPIO (October 23 – November 21): Host a spontaneous party with some of your more creative friends, but keep the booze and drugs minimal or you’ll have one hell of a mess to clean up. A community art project (a mural? a show?) could be a great focus.

 

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 – December 20): Look into family mysteries and confusion. As with many myths, you may find some kind of enlightenment without actually unraveling the mystery. Time spent with parents will be fun and/or illuminating. No parents? Do some mentoring in your community.

 

CAPRICORN (December 21 – January 19): Write! Catch up and get some steam up on correspondences, a journal or any kind of paper or blog. You could also dazzle in conversation, but whatever you have to say should be set down to read later.

 

AQUARIUS (January 20 – February 18): You can expect some financial good luck. Go ahead and buy a few lottery tickets. Money is likely to show up where you least expect it. Debt may also, but this is a good chance to clear up any problems there.

 

PISCES (February 19 – March 19): That lucky break you’ve been waiting for is on its way! Wealth? Advancement? It may come as a meditative insight, but that will be a lot better than it sounds and could lead to more material opportunity.

 

 

February 15 - 21, 2010

 

“Be very careful, Capricorn!”

 

The Sun in Pisces is time for meditation and self-exploration. That hits some bumps as Sol quincunxes Saturn in Libra and Mars in Leo, heightening awareness of unmet personal and social goals. Breathe deep and be patient. Think of an archer pulling the bow back and taking aim. It’s time to pull back and assess your targets. As always, you don’t want to shoot too soon!

 

AQUARIUS (January 20 – February 18): Uncertainty over money is whipping up anxieties about your relationship. Trust your partner enough to talk about your concerns. A step backward can help you see better how and when to move forward.

 

PISCES (February 19 – March 19): Exploring erotic techniques is one way to explore your identity. Meditative exercise, like tai chi, yoga or swimming, is another. The fact that you’ll never know yourself fully is only one sign of your complexity and depth.

 

ARIES (March 20 – April 19): When everything in your love life is going wrong, take time by yourself for personal creative projects. Then reaching out for experimental collaboration can be a good way to get back on the track.

 

TAURUS (April 20 – May 20): What do you want out of life? That big question is now especially confusing. House cleaning and community work are as basic as the Buddhist practice, “chop wood, fetch water,” and can also lead toward enlightenment.

 

GEMINI (May 21- June 20): Not sure what you want to be when you grow up? Talk with a close friend about what you really love doing. Figure out a way to put that into your current work, or think about changing your career direction.

 

CANCER (June 21- July 22): Figure out the nature of your domestic financial problems. Actual solutions will come later. Wanderlust and other distractions are not helping, but take a day or two to get away. Some fresh air and perspective will help.

 

LEO (July 23 – August 22): Too much fun may disturb the neighbors. If you must scream at “that moment,” fill your mouth with something to keep reasonably quiet! Not enough fun? Learning a new skill will make you a lot sexier.

 

VIRGO (August 23 – September 22): Money is tight, but if you can stop worrying and just think constructively that will solve a good bit of your trouble. Try to see and engage your partner as part of the solution, not the problem.

 

LIBRA (September 23 – October 22): Reality makes you re-examine long-range plans. Health and work conditions are crucial; try to get a focus on those. Setbacks there may be catalyzing new challenges, but they can also point to new opportunities.

 

SCORPIO (October 23 – November 21): Work feels like you’re not keeping up on a treadmill, but take that as a challenge to focus on greater efficiency. Playful, creative inspirations are not directly effective, but can be springboards to more solid ideas.

 

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 – December 20): Worries about the future exaggerate fears for your golden years or, better, dreams of your childhood. Avoid nostalgia and remember those basic lessons (wash your hands, share your toys…). They can prove very important!

 

CAPRICORN (December 21 – January 19): Loose lips can sink careers. Be very careful! A confidence is likely to be betrayed. You may be tempted to plant a false rumor where it will cause an enemy to self-destruct, but such risky moves can backfire much too easily.

 

 

February 8 - 14, 2010

 

“Don’t worry, Aries!”

 

Mars retrograde in Leo sextile Saturn in Libra can help repair relationships and politics, but that takes humility and reflection! Jupiter in Pisces sextile Pluto in Capricorn should offer opportunities through spiritual examples and charity to fix broken social structures. Alas, these pairs clash with each other, arousing more polarization and reactionary violence. Think twice before speaking about religion and politics, or any other relationship problems!

 

AQUARIUS (January 20 – February 18): You need to figure out what’s important for you. Anything your partner does seems wrong only because of your own internal questions. Reflect, don’t react! Your partner can help you focus on traditional, old ideas that can offer new insights.

 

PISCES (February 19 – March 19): You’re enjoying a spell of good luck. Despite that, your work is likely to go oddly awry anyway, so you may as well go out on a limb and risk genius. Feedback from colleagues will disperse risk and encourage your genius.

 

ARIES (March 20 – April 19): Showing off and jokes at others’ expense are likely to backfire. Your best work will show up better if you just keep your nose to the grindstone and let people see your efforts. Don’t worry. They will be noticed!

 

TAURUS (April 20 – May 20): Your efforts for your family or community may seem underappreciated. Feel free to take a break any time you like. Your work is valued, but it doesn’t all rest on your shoulders. Let others chip in.

 

GEMINI (May 21- June 20): Your mouth is dangerously ahead of your brain. If you can rein it in (good luck!), you can say exactly the right thing and solve important problems. Exploring new erotic paths can help you focus, but keep that in its place!

 

CANCER (June 21- July 22): It’s easy to blame money troubles on others, malfeasant bankers and politicians, sure, but you – not your partner or family members – are responsible for your situation. Their advice is more helpful as a springboard than taken as is.

 

LEO (July 23 – August 22): All your roaring passion and angst is good for self-exploration. Don’t make others take it too seriously. An older friend has great insights, though you may not like them.

 

VIRGO (August 23 – September 22): You need to conserve spiritual and material resources, but social demands make that difficult. Creative selectivity is one of your talents. Suggestions from your partner, or a spiritual advisor, can be helpful.

 

LIBRA (September 23 – October 22): The future ain’t what it used to be. The entire world has missed opportunities. Don’t beat yourself up on that score. Give yourself credit for the work that you do, and adjust your long-term plans and hopes accordingly.

 

SCORPIO (October 23 – November 21): Your best efforts to get ahead feel counter-productive while your ruler, Mars, is retrograde. It’s just going to be that way for a while. Co-ruler Pluto suggests creative communications now to build a base for effective actions after March 9.

 

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 – December 20): What you have learned in your studies and travels can help you better to appreciate the values of your tradition, which can in turn charge your batteries and ground you better for further explorations.

 

CAPRICORN (December 21 – January 19): You’re lately at the top of your game, but there’s still always room for improvement. Learning a new skill, even some simple basics, can have a huge catalytic effect to open brilliant opportunities.

 

 

February 1 - February 7, 2010

 

Don’t take anything for granted, Gemini!

 

An aspect between Venus in Aquarius and Mercury in Capricorn is supposed to promote charm and flirtation, but carries the risk of trying too hard and coming off as inauthentic. To make it worse, Eris is aspecting both, offering bitchy, competitive undertones. Be careful where you pull out that Margo Channing attitude! Just be your own sweet self, darling.

 

AQUARIUS (January 20 – February 18): Your efforts at imitating Dorothy Parker or Bette Davis could end up hurting friends’ feelings. Those old clever bitch imitations have been done to death. You have it in you to be a charming original.

 

PISCES (February 19 – March 19): Charity is not a competitive sport. Give what you can, but remember the airplane drill about putting on your own air mask before helping others. Focus on your own needs and take care of yourself. Then you’ll be in a better position to help others.

 

ARIES (March 20 – April 19): Your keen vision of future possibilities and your competitive spirit can help you talk out tough issues with your boss – or as the boss. You may need to rein it in a little to keep your inspiring speeches realistic.

 

TAURUS (April 20 – May 20): Knowing better than those around you is no challenge, but does that really matter? The real trick is to excel in serenity. To do that, you have to take time alone to cultivate your cool with meditation and inner exploration.

 

GEMINI (May 21- June 20): Speaking in a foreign language or exploring new ideas and possibilities could make you even sexier. Your friends will play along, up to a point. They have their own agenda. Don’t take anything for granted!

 

CANCER (June 21- July 22): Being adept in dealing with authority is not the same as being a control queen! If you need help distinguishing the two, your partner’s insights – or any advice you receive in bed – can prove very helpful.

 

LEO (July 23 – August 22): A little humility would help you develop those teamwork skills. Just remember: all your brilliance is really based on effectiveness! Making others look good will reflect better on you than selfish efforts.

 

VIRGO (August 23 – September 22): A playful attitude at work can help boost morale and productivity, but keep that playfulness squeaky clean! Responses to naughty provocation will backfire! OK, a little double-entendre in the right places is good, but be very careful with that!

 

LIBRA (September 23 – October 22): “Family fun” is supposed to be just that – fun. Getting too competitive can spoil it for everyone. Bringing your clan together as a team can strengthen bonds, but remember: friendship first, competition second!

 

SCORPIO (October 23 – November 21): Eager to learn new things, especially at work, you could unintentionally come off as snippy or provocative. Imagine you’re hosting a party with your great-aunts present (or your colleagues’), and behave accordingly.

 

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 – December 20): Money’s tight, but getting out to play is necessary for mental health. You can socialize on the cheap! What you really have to offer is your strong sense of values and playfulness. Remember that, and you’ll be rich in the things that count.

 

CAPRICORN (December 21 – January 19): Before you say what seems to matter, think about what really matters. Kindness and truth are high on that list. Work harder on kindness. Being kinder to family members could prove much to your advantage.

 

 

January 25 - 31, 2010

 

“Rethink your purpose, Pisces!”

 

The Sun in Aquarius opposing Mars in Leo prompts outbursts of ego. Everybody is s bit more certain of being right. Could you be as deluded as they? Uranus in Pisces triggers explosions of devotions. Expect tempers to hit the roof, addicts to hit bottom and religious fundies to hit anything in reach. Sublimate passion and rage into artistic brilliance.

 

AQUARIUS (January 20 – February 18): You may be a little too loud and dominating in your relationship. Reconsider, solo or with your sweetie, what’s important in a partnership. Focus on humility and growth; look at important questions in new ways.

 

PISCES (February 19 – March 19): Demands at work are pulling you out of the shell you’d rather stay in. Though tempting to reassert yourself in this tug-of-war, it’s better to re-imagine yourself. Rethink your purpose in life and how you try to fulfill that.                                               

ARIES (March 20 – April 19): There is enough energy in you to explode, or to lead your friends on whatever  jihad you take up. Meditate and focus in on the source of that power. Then you can succeed in the “greater jihad” of compassionate awareness.

 

TAURUS (April 20 – May 20): Trying to do too much at both home and work can wear you down. Time out with your friends can be a release, but bitching and boozing just feeds the problem and doesn’t solve it. Keep the future and your ideals in mind.

 

GEMINI (May 21- June 20): The best way to “win” an argument is to learn from your opponents, not to devastate them. Your mastery of any topic is best shown by fairness and ability to incorporate new ideas, no matter how far out they seem.

 

CANCER (June 21- July 22): You’re sizzling in the sack, and needn’t prove anything to anyone. Try out new techniques, as you feel so inspired. Giving in to pressure will invite disaster. You can go insane, but at least keep it safe and consensual.

 

LEO (July 23 – August 22): The generosity of your intent is above question, but does your partner really want what you offer? Grand gestures may miss the mark. Problems can be best solved in the bedroom, but be most generous in your listening there, too.

 

VIRGO (August 23 – September 22): Others’ efforts are at cross-purposes to your own. Adjusting your approach is easier than trying to change theirs. Develop your own teamwork skills in ways that will serve you well in the long run.

 

LIBRA (September 23 – October 22): The future you were planning for ain’t what it used to be! Inspiration can point the way to pragmatic innovations. Allow room for experimental trial and error before finding a satisfactory solution.

 

SCORPIO (October 23 – November 21): Feeling that your success serves your family and community, you may have it the wrong way around. OK, it goes both ways, but still … . Are you giving enough credit to those who helped you forward?

 

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 – December 20): Staying at home will cause more arguments than it will avoid. Yes, your ideas will certainly shake up your community, but try to be gentle and diplomatic. “You can catch more flies with honey…”

 

CAPRICORN (December 21 – January 19): Reevaluate the virtues you bring to relationships, both personal and professional. Discuss this with a friend to get clarity, honesty and surprises, mostly for the better. But brace your ego for some hard reality.

 

 

January 18 - 24, 2010

 

“Explore, Cancer!”

 

Jupiter is entering Pisces, where he’ll spend the next few months. Usually spending a year in a sign, Jove is pretty zippy right now, so take quick advantage of “the greater benefic” while he’s comfortably in his own sign. Spiritual insights and artistic inspirations are especially helpful now.

 

CAPRICORN (December 21 – January 19): Your sign’s reputation for being tightlipped and pragmatic could be drowned by garrulous, poetic outpourings. You may want to be careful about what you say to whom, but pick your confidantes and let it all out!

 

AQUARIUS (January 20 – February 18): Money wants to come your way; do your best to encourage it. Foresight and discipline will help, but trust your instincts. Friends and networks can help you build your wealth, but too many want to take advantage. Pick your pals wisely!

 

PISCES (February 19 – March 19): The next few months bring you especially good luck in both personal matters and professional advancement. Do your homework and push yourself forward. There is a danger now of weight gain, so stay active!

 

ARIES (March 20 – April 19): Feather your nest and get cozy. Your best times now will be spent in quiet retreat, studying and meditating. While that sounds contrary to your very extroverted nature, you will find a lot of opportunity and strength in those quiet moments.

 

TAURUS (April 20 – May 20): Build connections with your friends. Share plans and fantasies for the future, the wilder the better. Out of those extreme visions you’ll find surprisingly practical directions. New passions are probably not love, but should be great fun, also offering deep insight!

 

GEMINI (May 21- June 20): Trust your instincts to get you ahead in your career, which will in turn help you build stronger relationships. Crazy, mystical clues will offer you advantages that straightforward logic won’t. Music and poetry will help point the way.

 

CANCER (June 21- July 22): Let your mind explore new realms. If you can afford the tickets, take your body along for the ride. New perspectives will offer new tips that will help you at work and in taking care of your health.

 

LEO (July 23 – August 22): The planet of opportunity is offering you even more erotic charisma, as if you need it! Play as you like, but you could also sublimate that energy into pursuits of artistic brilliance or greater psychological or metaphysical depth.

 

VIRGO (August 23 – September 22): Learn the lyrics to the “Habanera” from Carmen. Put more of your social life into the arts and/or charitable service. If you don’t meet that special someone you will at least meet lots of special people.

 

LIBRA (September 23 – October 22): Despite the economy, you should be able to move into as good a job as you are qualified for. Learning some new skills will put the icing on the cake. It’s also time to make changes in your health regimen.

 

SCORPIO (October 23 – November 21): New creative channels are opening up for you. They could even prove to be lucrative. Don’t give up your day job quite yet, but explore whatever arts, hobbies or games bring you joy. You’re sure to get something out of it!

 

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 – December 20): This would be the time to improve your home, whether that’s a bit of re-organizing or a change of address. Heal family rifts, and get involved in community affairs. You can hardly go wrong!

 

 

January 11 - 17, 2010

 

“Re-imagine the future, Aries!”

 

Venus and the Sun align in Capricorn aspecting Uranus in Pisces and Neptune in Aquarius, bringing opportunities to take responsibility in new forms of relationships and to test artistic innovations. Expect another shuffling step – two forward, one back? – toward marriage equality.

 

CAPRICORN (December 21 – January 19): The fact that you improve with age is now most apparent – not only in beauty, but in wisdom. Engage freely in banter on topics that you want to learn more about. Your questions can provoke the experts to see new angles.

 

AQUARIUS (January 20 – February 18): Hiding in your ivory tower is usually a good idea in the month leading up to your birthday. Recharge your batteries, and enjoy the company of only your most trusted and beloved friends. Meditate on the important issues to confront in the year ahead.

 

PISCES (February 19 – March 19): Your popularity now may seem a mixed blessing. Gauge your energies and make sure you really are going to the events you really want to attend. You can rule where you want to be. If you feel put upon, it will show badly.

 

ARIES (March 20 – April 19): Re-imagine the future. Be open to new possibilities. The knock of opportunity may sound like something very different. Trust your instincts and those of your friends to help you decipher the clues.

 

TAURUS (April 20 – May 20): Your ambitions may need some clarification in the long run, but for now, focus that vision on your ideals and your more general future. Let your professional goals adapt to those principles.

 

GEMINI (May 21- June 20): You are a shining sex star. Sublimate that energy to push forward in your career. New ways of projecting authoritative confidence get support and admiration in the boardroom or the bedroom. You might get both if you can keep priorities clear.

 

CANCER (June 21- July 22): Your relationship needs to be taken seriously, but not too seriously. And how important are those disagreements, really? New ideas should be played with, not imposed. Better yet, stop arguing and apply your mouth to better forms of intercourse.

 

LEO (July 23 – August 22): You can work at being a better lover, but it’s not all about technique. That’s good, too, but the most important thing is empathy with your partner, and not just in bed! For partnered folks, helping with the housework can count as foreplay.

 

VIRGO (August 23 – September 22): Creative efforts at work will probably be misunderstood, but don’t let that hold you back. Feedback from colleagues will not only help you to clarify but also to improve your efforts, and open new doors for teamwork. .

 

LIBRA (September 23 – October 22): Lessons learned in early childhood can prove useful at work. The more surprising the relevance, the more helpful that old lesson will prove to be. Contacting an aunt or uncle can prove very amusing, and get you lots of good family gossip.

 

SCORPIO (October 23 – November 21): Whatever fun you can manage to have with family members can help heal any rifts. Playful approaches to community problems can also prove surprisingly effective. Think ahead, but be bold in creative risks.

 

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 – December 20): Get your accounts into order and reassess your priorities in life. A new look at traditional values (Your own real traditions, not some political group’s cliché!) can help you appreciate things as you never have before.

 

January 4 - 10, 2010

 

Sharpen your brain, Aquarius!

 

Sun and Venus lining up in Capricorn should point to ways we can mature more gracefully, and otherwise find value in our experiences to help build a more solid future. Alas, Mars in Leo is provoking boisterous disruptions and showing off. Your age is showing in any event. Your dignity depends on acting it.

 

CAPRICORN (December 21 – January 19): Looking fabulous can come naturally, but a little effort will pay off! Fortunately, birthdays never hurt Capricorns there! Sex isn’t intended to be a competitive sport, but that can make for some hot role-play.

 

AQUARIUS (January 20 – February 18): Watch those aggressive impulses. When they come up, see if you can find a quiet spot to talk with your partner – or a very trusted friend – about whatever is setting those off. When discussions start feeling competitive, sharpen your brain, not your tongue!

 

PISCES (February 19 – March 19): Even in these dark times you can see opportunities ahead, but they will take work! Your optimism can even inspire those around you. Pride in your work will help you to get ahead.

 

ARIES (March 20 – April 19): Baby wants to play, but you’re no baby anymore! With effort, those impulses can be focused into brilliant, constructive creativity. Being better than others is a fool’s challenge. Just strive to be your own best.

 

TAURUS (April 20 – May 20): You may be a little too eager to defend your community and background. Is that even really the issue? Time out to meditate can help you get to the root of what’s really bothering you and why your roots are causing agitation.

 

GEMINI (May 21- June 20): Your mouth is looking for trouble. Have a safe space to stir up filth and controversy, blow off steam and get just as nasty as you want. It’s going to happen somewhere! You could even get some insights out of all that.

 

CANCER (June 21- July 22): Problems in your partnership (or from not having one) can cause problems of self-worth. Over-asserting yourself is a symptom, not a solution. Ditto over-competitiveness. Simply and humbly being yourself is the challenge and the solution.

 

LEO (July 23 – August 22): Putting too much energy into working or working out – or more accurately charging ahead without focus and forethought – can be very damaging. The best purpose of any argument is not to change another mind, but to sharpen your own.

 

VIRGO (August 23 – September 22): The drama in your head can be a great source of creative material. In real life it only stirs up trouble. To build the allure of a great lover, maintain the sense that you can offer pleasures yet untried.

 

LIBRA (September 23 – October 22): Home and tradition offer a strong springboard into your visions for the future, although those might need revising. Friendly competition can strengthen a relationship, perhaps binding you together against a common rival.

 

SCORPIO (October 23 – November 21): You are asserting yourself a lot more powerfully than you intend. Ask a trusted friend to help you monitor your tone and volume. All that power you’re radiating can boost expectations. Living up to those could be a challenge!

 

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 – December 20): What’s more important than your love of a good argument? Seriously, consider that question in priorities before your big mouth wrecks something. There’s a time and a place for loud assertions, and a very good time it can be!

 

December 28, 2009 - January 3, 2010

 

“Focus on work, Pisces!”

The disharmony between Mars, Saturn and Pluto continues with Venus aligning with Pluto. Efforts to establish peace can be coercive. Maybe they need to be, but look ahead to see what price you may pay for your solutions.

 

ARIES (March 20 – April 19): Efforts that you intend as playful and creative can be a lot more aggressive than you realize. Your attempts to schmooze up authority figures can be especially over the top. Challenge your own creativity, not others’.

 

TAURUS (April 20 – May 20): Getaways with the family can open up power struggles. Community politics are also itching to explode in your face. Quiet time at home, catching up on housework and reading are your best bets for relaxation.

 

GEMINI (May 21- June 20): Your mouth seems determined to get you into trouble. Is that a bad thing? Depends on where you open your yap. Keeping clear on the time and the place for everything can be a huge challenge! Be ready to make apologies, not promises!

 

CANCER (June 21- July 22): Feeling a bit trapped in your relationship? Remind yourself of what’s really important in life and remember, that list changes with your moods. Telling your darling what you want doesn’t guarantee you’ll get it, but it does increase the odds considerably.

 

LEO (July 23 – August 22): Insistence and volume do not help you to be heard, but rather provoke people into ignoring you. The best way to get people’s attention is to listen. Exercise is important, but you are now especially accident prone, so be very careful!

 

VIRGO (August 23 – September 22): Your playful efforts to provoke others can reveal far more of yourself than you intend. For a more controlled release try your hand at any artistic medium (painting, writing, music…) and see what that brings up for you.

 

LIBRA (September 23 – October 22): Feeling torn between old traditions and needs for the future? The past offers a solid base and trajectory for the future. It is necessary at times to challenge and uproot traditions. Understand them thoroughly to make better-informed decisions.

 

SCORPIO (October 23 – November 21): Efforts to sound charming can too easily come off as aggressively sexual. Focus on work and goals; don’t be afraid to assert yourself in arguments, but you’ll get a lot further if you listen carefully and adapt in response to what you hear.

 

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 – December 20): Arguments over money come up much too easily. There are deeper questions of values that are bothering you. Economy is important, but rather than squabble over pennies, try to examine those larger issues.

 

CAPRICORN (December 21 – January 19): You may be too sexy for your own good. You can sublimate that energy to drive you to professional success, but that won’t be easy! Maintain a conservative, businesslike demeanor, and meet all challenges with calm, confident grace.

 

AQUARIUS (January 20 – February 18): What other people think and say is not as important as your own grasp of the issues. You can’t convince them they’re wrong, but you can get a better understanding of how they think, which can prove helpful in the long run.

 

PISCES (February 19 – March 19): Organizing friends or colleagues into effective work parties will boost your sexual charisma, but if that’s your motivation, both sides of that equation will fail. Focus on work, and play will fall into place.

 

Jack Fertig, a professional astrologer since 1977, is available for personal and business consultations in person in San Francisco, or online everywhere. He can be reached at 415.864.8302, through his Web site at www.starjack.com, and by e-mail at QScopes@qsyndicate.com.

 

December 21 - 27, 2009

 

“Keep it safe, Gemini!”

Mars in Leo stirs up arguments with Eris as both make hard aspects to Mercury in Capricorn. Mars is also antagonizing Saturn and Pluto, triggering fights and rebellions. Resist the urge to convince others you’re the best. Instead, strive to make your achievements worthy of notice.

 

ARIES (March 20 – April 19): Try to focus your competitive drive into games and sports. Even there, go easy and be very respectful of your playmates. If you can, strive to understand your profession and its requirements without getting into arguments.

 

TAURUS (April 20 – May 20): Arguments and accidents are hard to avoid; worrying just makes it worse. Accept your momentary klutziness and prepare to make apologies. Turf wars at work will solve nothing. Temporary settlements can be good delaying tactics.

 

GEMINI (May 21- June 20): Avoid petty arguments. Your impulsive guesses are not up to snuff. To keep your brain busy, focus on details and techniques. Sexual communications are especially confusing. Just keep it safe and simple.

 

CANCER (June 21- July 22): Financial problems now are almost sure to get worse. The best you can do is clean up your affairs and get them into order. This can test your partnership. Remember you are ultimately on the same side!

 

LEO (July 23 – August 22): Your eagerness to make a point can lead you to overlook details closer at hand or underfoot, making you especially accident-prone. Trust your overview of the forest. Just be careful not to bang into the trees!

 

VIRGO (August 23 – September 22): Playful, erotic diversions are easy; what you really need is a deep soul connection. The next few weeks see you bumping into lots of walls. Take it as a lesson in patience toward finding your way in the labyrinth of life.

 

LIBRA (September 23 – October 22): If life must be competitive, remember your partner is your teammate, not your rival! Domestic disputes come from your own personal dissatisfaction. Don’t argue, but take a good hard look at how you want to live in the future.

 

SCORPIO (October 23 – November 21): In the race to get ahead in your career, you can trip too easily over your own feet. Be careful not to confuse colleagues with competitors. Staying out of arguments is a major challenge, but what’s really bothering you is inside yourself.

 

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 – December 20): Arguments are hard to avoid. Try to keep them lighthearted and fun. Admitting when you’re wrong now will help you to be more usually right in the future, and it will open you up to learning so much more.

 

CAPRICORN (December 21 – January 19): You could get way with making klutziness look cute and sexy. Save that for your private life. At work you have to be on the ball. All eyes are on you and some folks are eager to find fault.

 

AQUARIUS (January 20 – February 18): You may have to choose between sticking to your guns or to your ideals. Being on the wrong side of an argument is embarrassing; the sooner you clear that up the better. Confiding in a close friend can help you negotiate through that mess.

 

PISCES (February 19 – March 19): Trying too hard to please your friends is dangerous. Accidents and illness are looking to get you, and competing demands for your attentions can wear you down. Pace yourself – and don’t feel bad about sending regrets.

 

Jack Fertig, a professional astrologer since 1977, is available for personal and business consultations in person in San Francisco, or online everywhere. He can be reached at 415.864.8302, through his Web site at www.starjack.com, and by e-mail at QScopes@qsyndicate.com.

 

 

December 14 - 20, 2009

 

“Relax, Leo!”

Finally! Some planetary harmony! Venus is in a grand trine with Mars and Eris, and all in the fire signs. This is delicious for new artistic efforts and passionate crushes. Passion really is the key word for the week, and it can be applied wherever your desires and energy lead. Eris can boost competitiveness, but better to strive for your personal best, not against others.

 

ARIES (March 20 – April 19): Being your best doesn’t even consider how you stand against others. Meet them in love, not in strife. Explore your own potential, embrace new ideas and apply your creative energies where they feel purest.

 

TAURUS (April 20 – May 20): Lousy feng shui could be interfering with your sex life. Fix up your place to make it friendlier, if not more seductive. Meditating on sex and spirituality can help resolve old conflicts.

 

GEMINI (May 21- June 20): As charmed as you are by others, you can be just as charming yourself. The trick is to take initiative without being too aggressive. If you learn to walk that line you can excel in society, politics and love.

 

CANCER (June 21- July 22): Take a good look in the mirror before looking into the fridge. Exercise and discipline will do your body and your career good. If you want “sweet,” focus on being nice with colleagues and getting their support for your advancement.

 

LEO (July 23 – August 22): Your efforts to play and to banter could come off a bit too aggressive. Your good intentions are obvious, but do you really want to come off like a caffeinated terrier? Relax. The best way to impress others is as a good listener.

 

VIRGO (August 23 – September 22): It never hurts to fix up your home, but better to take up the challenge of dealing with old family conflicts. Competitive sex (wrestling?) or pushing your own limits can open up new self-awareness and confidence.

 

LIBRA (September 23 – October 22): Your political instincts are especially sharp now. Understand your opponents’ motivations so you can win them over. Be careful not to promise more than you can deliver. Apolitical? Discuss the future with your sweetheart.

 

SCORPIO (October 23 – November 21): Economy and teamwork are your keys to getting ahead. Be careful to make sure your bosses see you as a colleague, not as competition, and they will welcome you into their echelons.

 

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 – December 20): Your competitive spirit can be a bit excessive. Your strength is apparent; you don’t need to project it. Stay light and friendly. The gentler you are, the more your company is a sweet adventure.

 

CAPRICORN (December 21 – January 19): Your role in your community and family may always be an open question. That gives you room to adjust and grow. Your doubts are good. They lead to questions and toward answers you’d never get otherwise.

 

AQUARIUS (January 20 – February 18): You can easily win any political argument, or you can learn a lot from one. You can even do both if you don’t settle for an easy victory. It’s also a good time to revise long-range plans in any relationship.

 

PISCES (February 19 – March 19): If you just assume that your hard work is being noticed it certainly will be. Trumpeting it could annoy people and push them to overlook you. If you need to assert yourself, work that energy off with some good, sweaty exercise.

 

Jack Fertig, a professional astrologer since 1977, is available for personal and business consultations in person in San Francisco, or online everywhere. He can be reached at 415.864.8302, through his Web site at www.starjack.com, and by e-mail at QScopes@qsyndicate.com.

 

December 7 - 13, 2009

 

“Seize new ideas, Cancer!”

Mercury entering Capricorn focuses minds to constructive action, but at this ingress he conjoins Pluto and squares Saturn, so be careful not to obsess. The Sun is trine Mars, favoring dynamic action. Think fast and hard – and move!

 

ARIES (March 20 – April 19): You are probably a little too focused on career and relationship problems. Yes, those need attention, but bring some of your playful verve into the equation and the problems will be more easily faced and solved.

 

TAURUS (April 20 – May 20): Sticking to your guns doesn’t have to cause arguments. Try to engage your opponent at looking very pragmatically at the problem. Dressing up your home a little will give you the pizzazz to give someone a tour leading to the bedroom.

 

GEMINI (May 21- June 20): Reading a bit of hardcore kink need not lead to replicating baroque dungeon orgies. A little inspiration and experimentation is fine. Your partner is open and ready to discuss anything. New or old problems, tackle them now!

 

CANCER (June 21- July 22): Problems at home have no easy solution, but a crack of observation and insight is something to build on. Seize new ideas and see where they lead. Practical insights, economy and straightforward work will help to alleviate those problems.

 

LEO (July 23 – August 22): Focusing too hard on problems in your face can distract you from dangers on the periphery. Relax and play a little to keep everything in perspective. That will help you solve the problem that’s pre-occupying you and be a little more safety conscious.

 

VIRGO (August 23 – September 22): Fun on the cheap can be a creative challenge. You won’t win at games, especially if money is involved. Play for funsies, and save your lotto money for later. Time alone with your family (birth or chosen) can be very healing.

 

LIBRA (September 23 – October 22): You need to take some responsibility for domestic problems, but credit others with the ability to make and solve problems, and don’t bulldoze your solutions. Listening is the most important part of any discussion.

 

SCORPIO (October 23 – November 21): Pushing your point too hard will undermine your argument and reveal more of yourself than you would like. Start from core philosophical values, and invoke authorities on the subject – not as final words, but for sake of illumination.

 

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 – December 20): Arguments over money can challenge your friendships. Better, they should challenge your values. Keep an open mind, but don’t be a doormat for leeches! Look ahead! When the future looks tough, the tough get futuristic.

 

CAPRICORN (December 21 – January 19): With finesse and foresight you can make great breakthroughs in your career. Be careful not to go in like a chainsaw where you need the precision of a scalpel. Trust your instincts for direction, but be careful to go slowly with eyes wide open.

 

AQUARIUS (January 20 – February 18): Being a bit touchy with others is largely because of your own inner conflicts. Discuss your problems with someone who has some expertise on the matters at hand. Otherwise, try to keep your mouth shut and your heart open.

 

PISCES (February 19 – March 19): Where has your sex life gotten you – and where is it leading? Where do you want that to be in 10 or 20 years? Work goals are easier to assess and could provide insight for those more personal questions.

                                                                                               

Jack Fertig, a professional astrologer since 1977, is available for personal and business consultations in person in San Francisco, or online everywhere. He can be reached at 415.864.8302, through his Web site at www.starjack.com, and by e-mail at QScopes@qsyndicate.com.

 

November 30 - December 6, 2009

 

“Put your wallet away, Sagittarius!”

 

Off and on through the next year Saturn is square to Pluto, signaling profound changes in society and government. As faster planets aspect them both we will see opportunities in this crisis. Venus in Sagittarius shows how to apply new philosophical values to greater practical benefit.

 

ARIES (March 20 – April 19): Work can be overwhelming, and the demands of relationships don’t help. The stars call for an exotic, artistic holiday. A foreign film or art show can offer enough escapism, and perhaps a new insight to put the pressures into perspective.

 

TAURUS (April 20 – May 20): Intellectual and technical demands can make it feel as if the world is conspiring to make you feel brutish and inept. Sex remains an excellent release of tension. Explore new techniques – or just lie back and ask your partner to take care of you.

 

GEMINI (May 21- June 20): Relaxing and having fun may seem more trouble than it’s worth, but it is absolutely necessary. Let your sweetheart do all the work. Leaving yourself open to surprises and adventures will do you a world of good.

 

CANCER (June 21- July 22): The only solution to domestic stress involves real labor. Some exotic tchotchke from a rummage sale could become the centerpiece of a new look, providing the fun and motivation for otherwise dreary housework.

 

LEO (July 23 – August 22): Obsessing too hard on details can detract from the big picture and distract you from normal safety precautions. There is a difference between focus (good!) and obsession (bad!). Some playful diversion will help you keep perspective.

 

VIRGO (August 23 – September 22): Everyone’s worried about money these days; try to keep your own worries in perspective. Taking time out with your family (or origin or of choice) can help you relax and appreciate what you have.

 

LIBRA (September 23 – October 22): Knowing your place in your family and community is important, but probably not as much as you make it out to be. What’s bugging you? Talk it over with a sibling or a “sister” over an exotic lunch.

 

SCORPIO (October 23 – November 21): Step away from the plastic! Do not go near that cash register! At least stop and think before spending. When you get worried and dithery, focus on your philosophical values. Remember what’s important. “Retail therapy” is not therapeutic!

 

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 – December 20): Put your wallet away. It’s generosity of the spirit that counts. Friends who want your money are not really your friends. Long philosophical chats around a coffee table can be much better than expensive nights out.

 

CAPRICORN (December 21 – January 19): It’s a good time to forge ahead in your career and make big changes, but you can be much too demanding and aggressive, undermining your own best efforts. Pay attention to that little voice inside. Mediation will help.

 

AQUARIUS (January 20 – February 18): In Greek myth, Cassandra’s curse was to see the future – and nobody believed her. Your forebodings may be excessive, but they’re not entirely wrong. Discuss them with friends you can count on to help you make better sense of them.

 

PISCES (February 19 – March 19): Your capacity as a mover and shaker among your friends is sure to get noticed, but is it the sort of moving and shaking you want to get noticed? Be bold in politics and work, discreet in the bedroom, and always keep your sense of humor.

 

Jack Fertig, a professional astrologer since 1977, is available for personal and business consultations in person in San Francisco, or online everywhere. He can be reached at 415.864.8302, through his Web site at www.starjack.com, and by e-mail at QScopes@qsyndicate.com.

 

November 23 - 29, 2009

 

“Find inspiration, Pisces!”

 

Venus in Scorpio aspecting a variety of outer planets suggests opportunities for sexual challenges and healing. Too often people equate that with “letting it all hang out.” The opposite may be true. Either way, be clear on your own erotic needs and true to your own standards and integrity. That will enable you to grow and learn as you need.

 

ARIES (March 20 – April 19): You can get what you want and make your dreams come true if you know what that is and are willing to do the work. Fear of compromise can challenge your cooperative skills, but look for synergistic opportunities in those “compromises.”

 

TAURUS (April 20 – May 20): Work demands may test your relationship. An understanding partner will respect your career needs, even if those are hard to understand. Share hopes for the future, but don’t make promises you can’t be sure of keeping.

 

GEMINI (May 21- June 20): Endless possibilities can be confusing. Focus on the next step and the immediate tasks. Someone with experience and authority can help you keep your goals in mind and to stay on that path.

 

CANCER (June 21- July 22): Flirtations can get you in a lot deeper than you had intended. That could be a good thing, but keep your eyes open and your wits about you. Always know where the back door is – and remember, there are no secrets!

 

LEO (July 23 – August 22): Asserting that your home is your castle could cost you your consort, or at least foment revolution in the palace. It may be hard to hear your baby’s complaints, but make the effort. Rumpling the sheets can help smooth out everything else.

 

VIRGO (August 23 – September 22): Your efforts at sly wit can go too easily awry. Try to focus that brain on problem-solving, especially at work. Competitive teamwork can be helpful as long as it stays friendly and cooperative.

 

LIBRA (September 23 – October 22): What constitutes a bargain? You and your partner may have sharp disagreements on financial and other values. Pragmatism and a sense of humor can get you through, and these issues can stimulate helpful ideas at work.

 

SCORPIO (October 23 – November 21): You can hardly help being sexy and playful, and why should you? Well, it could cause problems at home where your attentions are needed. Focus that playful energy on clarifying your domestic situation.

 

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 – December 20): There’s an awful lot on your mind, and it’s not easy to put into any kind of order, especially in a logical way. Meditation, art and music will help you to make sense of it and find a means of expression.

 

CAPRICORN (December 21 – January 19): You can be especially charming and manipulative, but does that fit your values? Keeping your values and ambitions in sync can be a challenge. The ends don’t justify the means, but the means do foreshadow the end.

 

AQUARIUS (January 20 – February 18): Being friendly with the folks upstairs can easily look like kissing-up. Stay true to your own values and priorities so that will be mitigated. Meditation and charitable service also help, but some people will still eye your friendliness suspiciously.

 

PISCES (February 19 – March 19): You need time alone for meditation and personal healing. Find inspiration in metaphysical art – stained glass? tarot? mandalas? If you must spend time with others, make sure to put part of it into some kind of charity.                         

 

Jack Fertig, a professional astrologer since 1977, is available for personal and business consultations in person in San Francisco, or online everywhere. He can be reached at 415.864.8302, through his Web site at www.starjack.com and by e-mail at QScopes@qsyndicate.com.

 

November 16 - 22, 2009

 

“Be very careful, Gemini!”

 

Pluto in Capricorn squaring Saturn in Libra signals social revolution and reaction. Mars in Leo square Venus in Scorpio trumpets – perhaps too brazenly – sexually assertive displays. These discordant pairs, clashing with each other, bring sex and politics into an explosive mix!

 

ARIES (March 20 – April 19): Nothing wrong with wanting to play, but your insistent urges can stir up a lot of trouble. Keeping it in the appropriate time and place can be a challenge; then again, stirring up trouble also has its time and place. Just think ahead!

 

TAURUS (April 20 – May 20): Seems everyone wants an argument now, and even you find them hard to avoid. You can present important issues without blaming or confronting others. Well, not much, but sometimes healing requires a bruised ego or two. Those heal too!

 

GEMINI (May 21- June 20): Sexual experimentation can lead to big trouble. That needn’t stop you, but do be very careful. Anything risky is now more so than usual. It is not a good time to experiment with erotic auto-asphyxiation. It bears repeating: Be very careful!

 

CANCER (June 21- July 22): It’s not the time for real-estate deals or buying major home appliances. Your ideas of fun and games may cause trouble at home. Arguments can get things out in the open, but take time to think; don’t rush to a solution.

 

LEO (July 23 – August 22): Playing up your ethnic background or community experience makes you look and feel sexier. Somehow that will annoy some folks, causing arguments, distractions and possibly accidents. Keep cool and look both ways before crossing anyone!

 

VIRGO (August 23 – September 22): Arguments and seductions can open up more of you than you want to reveal. When you get antsy, talk it out with a trusted friend before acting. Let economic necessity challenge your creativity. With focus and patience, you can be brilliant!

 

LIBRA (September 23 – October 22): What you consider to be “discipline” can be read by housemates as intimidation or unfair rigidness. Try to see their point of view. Your financial plans may be too ambitious. Conserve resources and stay true to core values.

 

SCORPIO (October 23 – November 21): Your erotic energy is red hot, but perhaps too hot at work or other places where it’s inappropriate. Sublimate that charisma, and keep your mind focused on your goals – if you can!

 

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 – December 20): Temptations to argue are probably more over your own personal worries about the future than whatever issues are on the table. You need a trusted counselor or confidante more than you need a debate.

 

CAPRICORN (December 21 – January 19): Sex and politics are not considered proper topics for conversation. You can have some deliciously provocative improper conversations with friends, but remember the convention at work – or you could get into big trouble.

 

AQUARIUS (January 20 – February 18): You have to strut your stuff, and to an extent that can be good for you. Be careful not to get carried away, or you’ll reveal much more than anyone needs or wants to know. An airy, philosophical tone can help guard your secrets.

 

PISCES (February 19 – March 19): Adventures have their risks, but nothing ventured… . There’s a broad middle ground between being stodgy and throwing caution to the wind. Slow down just enough so you don’t do something stupid, but not so much that you miss a great opportunity.

 

Jack Fertig, a professional astrologer since 1977, is available for personal and business consultations in person in San Francisco, or online everywhere. He can be reached at 415.864.8302, through his Web site at www.starjack.com, and by email at QScopes@qsyndicate.com.

 

November 9 - 15, 2009

 

“Sex is not a competitive sport, Aries!”

 

While Mercury and the Sun line up in Scorpio, they are aspecting Uranus, Neptune and Eris, stimulating new inspirations on how to innovate and compete in this radically changing world. Instead of reacting to challenges, see what they have to offer you.

 

ARIES (March 20 – April 19): Choose your confidantes carefully, especially in sexual matters. Secrets are likely to come out and complicate your friendships. To help protect your privacy, avoid getting high – or (again) choose your company very carefully. Also, remember: Sex is not a competitive sport.

 

TAURUS (April 20 – May 20): Your partner’s sincerest efforts to support you may hit the wrong notes. Getting out with some friends, doing something new and different can be more assuring than words. Avoid secret alliances at work; they’re a set up for betrayal.

 

GEMINI (May 21- June 20): Try new approaches to reaching your goals. Professional competition can be a good spur to better work, but be careful what challenges you accept. Somebody could be leading you to disaster. Doing your best at what you do best should be good enough.

 

CANCER (June 21- July 22): It’s a great time for erotic experimentation, but keeping that private may be a challenge. That naughty sense of humor may amuse your boss, but that’s not the way to get a promotion or a raise. Innovative teamwork is a better approach.

 

LEO (July 23 – August 22): When expressing hometown and ethnic pride, at least keep it light and friendly. A boss or a new acquaintance may be from the rival town or country. In collaborative efforts, credit is best offered to the team. Let individuals shine in shared glory.

 

VIRGO (August 23 – September 22): Keeping your mind sharper and busier than your tongue may be a challenge. Ask for opinions more than you offer them. Competitive impulses can lead to trouble, except in the bedroom where some contests may offer new fun!

 

LIBRA (September 23 – October 22): Your usually excellent instincts for teamwork are a bit off right now. Suggestions from colleagues may be helpful. In games and sports, you can’t seem to go right. Then again, if having fun is more important than winning, you can’t go too wrong.

 

SCORPIO (October 23 – November 21): Sharing housework can be a touchy issue, leading to confusion and hurt feelings. Can you/should you be doing more? If you’re already doing too much, raise the issue another week! For now, focus instead on artistic adventures.

 

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 – December 20): The best adventures can be in your own mind and spirit. Stay home, meditate, read and challenge your own creativity. If home is too full of noise and distractions, find a quiet retreat.

 

CAPRICORN (December 21 – January 19): The best intentions of good friends can get you into big – and very expensive – trouble, but their suggestions could be a springboard to a better, if very different, approach. Trust your own new perspectives on traditional wisdom.

 

AQUARIUS (January 20 – February 18): How you handle a financial crisis could get you noticed, turning that disaster into a great opportunity. Use a rival’s ideas to your own benefit, but acknowledge the source the ideas, even if you’ve improved on them.

 

PISCES (February 19 – March 19): Ideas you might usually detest could provide new inspiration. You don’t need to change your mind about anything, but better understanding of different views can make your own a lot clearer.

 

Jack Fertig, a professional astrologer since 1977, is available for personal and business consultations in person in San Francisco, or online everywhere. He can be reached at 415.864.8302, through his Web site at www.starjack.com and by e-mail at QScopes@qsyndicate.com.

 

November 2 - 8, 2009

 

“Think carefully, Cancer!”

 

Mercury and the Sun are now conjunct at the midpoint of the Saturn-Pluto square that continues to dominate the sky. Be very careful of “clever” impulses that are likely to precipitate disaster. “Brilliant inspirations” need very careful consideration!

 

SCORPIO (October 23 – November 21): Efforts at being clever, bright and “real” could just end up with you exposing far more of yourself than you really want to – and much more than is wise. Share those dark secrets with a very trustworthy friend, not with the world!

 

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 – December 20): Your real friends? List the people you can count on; lose some of the others. The pressure to keep up with your social calendar could stress you out, causing some ugly scenes. Send a few “regrets” and save yourself the trouble.

 

CAPRICORN (December 21 – January 19): Whether they’re jealous of your achievement or their intentions are better than their foresight, take any advice from friends with a grain of salt. Even in idle gossip you may glean important news, but always double check.

 

AQUARIUS (January 20 – February 18): Criticism at work is likely to sting more than it’s intended to. Do your best to take it graciously and think about it. People are noticing your ability to adapt and get on well with superiors under that kind of stress.

 

PISCES (February 19 – March 19): Friends who are privy to your sex life may be suddenly loose-lipped. If you can keep the subject less personal and more focused on the politics of sex and gender, you could get some very interesting new perspectives.

 

ARIES (March 20 – April 19): Your tongue is a dangerous weapon. Your sharp insights could cut both ways, sabotaging your career and your relationships. Focus that wit on sexual innovation in proper, private venues. Indiscretions can also be very dangerous.

 

TAURUS (April 20 – May 20): Arguing with your partner could be bad for your health. Likewise, accepting suggestions for your exercise and hygiene regimens could illustrate the gap between theory and practice. You could get very badly hurt falling into that gap.

 

GEMINI (May 21- June 20): You’re taking fun way too seriously. That can make you a difficult playmate, but does help in developing skills, artistry and craft. It can also be good for sports if you don’t get reckless and hurt yourself – or others – in the process.

 

CANCER (June 21- July 22): A creative, playful approach could help resolve household problems; focus on creative, not playful. Real creativity is hard work, not “helpful” suggestions. A big change is due – breaking up or moving in together? Or something subtler? Think carefully before deciding.

 

LEO (July 23 – August 22): Most accidents happen around the home. The challenge to learning new skills is humility. Just put one foot carefully in front of the other. Showing off and being too clever will only make you miss important steps and trip yourself up.

 

VIRGO (August 23 – September 22): Be careful whom you discuss financial matters with. New schemes and investments, sound as they may seem, are much riskier than they look. Your playful banter could be shocking and offensive, but is that a bad thing?

 

LIBRA (September 23 – October 22): Big changes in your family – or in community activities – push you to reevaluate your position. Be careful of snap judgments that could threaten your relationships and compromise your self-image.

 

Jack Fertig, a professional astrologer since 1977, is available for personal and business consultations in person in San Francisco, or online everywhere. He can be reached at 415-864-8302, through his Web site at www.starjack.com, and by e-mail at QScopes@qsyndicate.com.

 

October 26 - November 1, 2009

 

“Slow and easy does it, Taurus!”

 

Saturn leaving Virgo should offer some relief to the economy (despite still much larger problems!). But in Libra he brings three years of greater social conservatism, including stronger formalization of relationships. Expect America to have same-sex marriage in 2011. Saturn squaring Pluto highlights the more extreme and drastic shifts to the right. Personally, it warns of crises, forcing evolutionary change.

 

SCORPIO (October 23 – November 21): Nightmares, and anxieties close to the surface, can be a blessing in disguise. A shrink could help – or have long talks with an insightful friend who can help you to understand, dissect and defeat those inner demons.

 

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 – December 20): Some “friends” aren’t worth it. Are some of them making unreasonable demands on you? Consider who you really value in your life and who you want to be around 10 years from now.

 

CAPRICORN (December 21 – January 19): Your place in the pecking order is changing. How you face and exercise authority is very important. Your revolutionary urges may risk disaster, but with focused, subtle thoughtfulness you can accomplish great things.

 

AQUARIUS (January 20 – February 18): Inner voices are undermining long-held ideals. Challenging your beliefs can lead you to much deeper understanding. It may take a big change or sacrifice, but in the end your ideals will be stronger.

 

PISCES (February 19 – March 19): Some of your kinkier friends could turn you on to notions that you wouldn’t normally entertain. Is this the time to try it? There may be a good reason to be scared, or to push yourself through the fear. Stay safe at least!

 

ARIES (March 20 – April 19): Your expectations of others may be excessive, complicating personal and working relationships. Test your own ability – not theirs! – to cooperate at their level. In the long run it really will be more productive.

 

TAURUS (April 20 – May 20): Be aware of your physical limitations. Exercise and pushing those limits gently is OK. Pushing too hard is asking for major disaster. Slow and easy does it. Ultimately, attitudes need more challenge than bodies.

 

GEMINI (May 21- June 20): Your sense of humor can come off much too wicked and much too dark for some people. What you mean as a joke could put you on a list of sex offenders or potential terrorists. Perhaps it’s just time for new friends.

 

CANCER (June 21- July 22): Major changes around the house may be necessary to save (or start) a relationship. Is it worth saving? Be ready to make a major sacrifice. Hmmm … are you replicating problems from your parents’ marriage?

 

LEO (July 23 – August 22): Holding stubbornly to your own ideas will only make trouble at work. The resulting stress and anger leads too easily to accidents. Make a serious effort to be open-minded, and be very careful not to overdo your exercises.

 

VIRGO (August 23 – September 22): Take a very critical look at your finances, Be ready to make big cuts where you can. Resist temptations for risky schemes. Today isn’t pretty, but discipline and effective management can make you stronger in the future.

 

LIBRA (September 23 – October 22): You may be taking yourself way too seriously – or underestimating yourself. Look at where that’s coming from. Whatever your parents did to you as a kid, you’re responsible for working it out on your own as an adult.

 

Jack Fertig, a professional astrologer since 1977, is available for personal and business consultations in person in San Francisco, or online everywhere. He can be reached at 415-864-8302, through his Web site at www.starjack.com, and by email at QScopes@qsyndicate.com.

 

October 19 - 25, 2009

 

“Let go, Libra!”

 

We’re entering a seriously challenging phase with a square between Saturn (in late Virgo) and Pluto (in early Capricorn). This week, the Sun entering Scorpio negotiates that square, offering insights in how to transform crisis into opportunity. Reach deep into yourself, and do your best to be compassionate. This can be a last chance to solve big problems before they move into a new stage.

 

LIBRA (September 23 – October 22): You’re entering a period of great challenges and changes that will force you to reevaluate your identity vis-à-vis family and community. Be clear about your own core values, and ready to let go of superficial expressions or tokens of loyalty.

 

SCORPIO (October 23 – November 21): Your darker visions of the future may be exaggerated, but still contain valuable warnings. Discussing them with friends can help you get a more realistic perspective. As your vision will get darker, it’s more important to keep those chats for realistic grounding.

 

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 – December 20): Consolidate recent gains in your career. Focus your eye on economy and your resourcefulness will bring rewards. Heed your gut instincts, especially where danger is concerned. Nightmares may be exaggerated, but they’re still informative.

 

CAPRICORN (December 21 – January 19): Approaching a major career peak, you’re about to find challenges – not just to your ambitions, but also to your very sense of self. Insights from good friends may seem harshly critical, but can prove very valuable.

 

AQUARIUS (January 20 – February 18): Sexual frustration could be a key to deeper needs. You may want to consult with an authority, or focus instead on your career. Performance in the public sphere can enhance performance elsewhere.

 

PISCES (February 19 – March 19): Solutions to relationship problems will soon crystallize and/or be solved in the bedroom. Consider carefully where you want to be with your partner in 20 years. A long talk about matters yet unsaid will help.

 

ARIES (March 20 – April 19): Your ability to analyze problems at work can help push you ahead, but your own personal charisma may be necessary to put you over. If the problems are starting at the top, subtlety rather than a brazen, direct approach will help.

 

TAURUS (April 20 – May 20): Creative challenges of recent years hint at difficulty coming up at work. Lessons from one can be applied to the other. Your partner, or another close friend, has insight to help see what those challenges are.

 

GEMINI (May 21- June 20): Sex is about more than fun, games and technique, but what the heck! It doesn’t hurt to focus on those details now and then, especially now. A change in your exercise routine could help!

 

CANCER (June 21- July 22): If you’re having any problems at home, talk about them now! Solutions may be hard and difficult in coming. Be patient with that, but for now be satisfied with sharing information and getting better insights.

 

LEO (July 23 – August 22): Your current financial problems are only temporary. In the meantime, examine your priorities and look for changes at work that could make your efforts more effective. Right now a new look at household economy could save you a bundle.

 

VIRGO (August 23 – September 22): Tough times are challenging your creativity. Be willing at least to explore, perhaps to embrace, ideas you wouldn’t normally consider. Radical changes are in the air and you need to be ready to adapt.

 

Jack Fertig, a professional astrologer since 1977, is available for personal and business consultations in person in San Francisco, or online everywhere. He can be reached at 415-864-8302, through his Web site at www.starjack.com, and by e-mail at QScopes@qsyndicate.com.

 

 

October 12 - 18, 2009

 

“Make connections, Capricorn!”

 

The Sun in Libra draws us toward reconciliation, but on what grounds? First, Sol aspects Eris and Chiron, highlighting our position and the other side’s; then, he aspects Uranus and Neptune, pitting practicality against ideals. Keeping an open mind while standing your ground can be difficult. Something has to give!

 

LIBRA (September 23 – October 22): Feeling a little out of sort with your people? Find some new way to have fun together. Invite your soccer team to a movie, or your artsy friends to a game or, better yet, recruit them all for some public service effort.

 

SCORPIO (October 23 – November 21): Sometimes you just feel like you don’t fit in anywhere, and it’s fine to just stay home until the mood passes. Time spent with a hobby can be the best therapy.

 

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 – December 20): At the center of the social whirl, you can bring together different types of people who wouldn’t normally mix. Don’t let all that detract from responsibilities at home, or you may have rude surprises there!

 

CAPRICORN (December 21 – January 19): Make connections with important people at work, or in your profession. Your cultural background may seem an obstacle, but something important there does offer a key to getting ahead. Stay open to new ideas, but be careful about expressing them prematurely.

 

AQUARIUS (January 20 – February 18): New ideas can challenge long-held premises. Which of those basic ideas do you really believe – and what are just cultural dogmas? Learning to be truer to yourself should provoke some changes in your values.

 

PISCES (February 19 – March 19): You could be too sexy for your own good. Desires and opportunities could shake up your self-image. That’s a sign of growth. Meditate through the confusion for better self-awareness.

 

ARIES (March 20 – April 19): You’re now uncharacteristically open to both sides of any question, but your own deepest desires can surface to sabotage your bi-partisan efforts. Meditation can head that off. Stay true to your ideals despite temptations to compromise.

 

TAURUS (April 20 – May 20): You worry too much, even if worrying a little is necessary. Help from those above and ahead of you should be welcomed. Peers and friends may be jealous, but even with good intentions their efforts to help can go awry.

 

GEMINI (May 21- June 20): Sports or competitive games, anything from baseball to backgammon, can stimulate your creative juices. That in turn can bring up questions about your goals and ideals. Even if without answers, the questions are worth investigating.

 

CANCER (June 21- July 22): Standing out as a leader in your community or family may be an uncomfortable fit for you. The attention isn’t important; harnessing the talents of others is. Your efforts will lead you to new insights, probably through surprising arguments. Listen and learn!

 

LEO (July 23 – August 22): Keep it simple, sunshine! The biggest ideas still fall on basic premises. Make sure those bases are solid; run them by a friend before you start broadcasting your ideas. Your partner might like some erotic novelties, but needs help saying so.

 

VIRGO (August 23 – September 22): Of what value is your GLBT community to you? Ask not what queerdom can do for you, but what you can do for queerdom. Your community service helps you as much as anyone else, and can be a great way to find love.

 

Jack Fertig, a professional astrologer since 1977, is available for personal and business consultations in person in San Francisco, or online everywhere. He can be reached at 415.864.8302, through his Web site at www.starjack.com, and by e-mail at QScopes@qsyndicate.com.

 

 

October 5 - 11, 2009

 

“Get a check-up, Aries!”

 

Mercury conjoining Saturn in Virgo makes everyone more serious and critical. Focus on your own work and be gracious with others’ efforts to be helpful. Thanking them kindly and doing what you like anyway is usually better than arguing. Still, their suggestions may be worth considering.

 

LIBRA (September 23 – October 22): We’re all trimming back on expectations these days. It’s sensible to be prepared for the worst-case scenario, but don’t resign yourself to it. There’s still plenty of room between “ideal” and “disastrous.” Reassess your goals with someone you trust.

 

SCORPIO (October 23 – November 21): What you call “dedicated to principle” can come off to others as dogmatic. It may be a challenge to listen openly while staying true to your core beliefs. At least try to find common ground for agreement.

 

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 – December 20): Take a careful, strategic approach to your ambitions. Pushing too hard can lead to foolish mistakes and antagonize your superiors. They want to see you working hard, but they want to see you working smart more!

 

CAPRICORN (December 21 – January 19):      Problems with your partner? Write down what’s bothering you before you start talking about it. Little problems can easily grow way out of proportion. Deal with them, but do keep them in perspective.

 

AQUARIUS (January 20 – February 18): Reconsider what your sexuality is really about. How do you bring together and reconcile physical and emotional desires? Review safety issues. If caution interferes with pleasure, rethink your strategies – but do stay safe!

 

PISCES (February 19 – March 19): Trying to have fun with your honey may seem more effort than it’s worth. Don’t let it throw you. It’s time to deal with practical issues, whether it’s about organizing the cupboards or estate planning. Even with mundane tasks you can get creative.

 

ARIES (March 20 – April 19): Break tasks down into manageable jobs, list them for priority, and take them on one at a time. Focus on housework to work off nervous energy. Get a check-up for any health concerns, especially those that run in your family.

 

TAURUS (April 20 – May 20): Taureans don’t usually do cynical wit, but your tongue is especially sharp these days. You hone your mind as well, learning new skills that will make you better at any hobby, game or creative outlet.

 

GEMINI (May 21- June 20): Clean your place and get it down to basics. As for selling off your old stuff, a tag sale now will move it quickly, but you could get better prices another time. Yes, there is a difference between “family” and “community.”

 

CANCER (June 21- July 22): Your energy is high but unfocused. Be very careful about expressing commitments. Better to sit with a friend and map out a plan and a priority list. Watch your mouth carefully! Anything you say can come out a lot bitchier than you intend.

 

LEO (July 23 – August 22): There are real money problems, and then there is your imagination. This is a good time to confront your fears and cut them down to size, all the better to size up reality and deal with the trouble that does exist.

 

VIRGO (August 23 – September 22): You could be taking yourself too seriously, but it’s still sensible to review plans and be realistic. How much of your plans reflect your own wishes, and how much is based on others’ expectations?

 

Jack Fertig, a professional astrologer since 1977, is available for personal and business consultations in person in San Francisco, or online everywhere. He can be reached at 415.864.8302, through his Web site at www.starjack.com, and by email at QScopes@qsyndicate.com.

 

September 28 - October 4, 2009

 

“Welcome the insight of friends, Scorpio!”

 

Mercury is in harmony with Mars and Eris with Chiron, but both pairs are lined up against each other to create trouble. Apparently brilliant insights can turn out to be divisive or offensive. Review your “best ideas” before sharing them or, better yet, run them by a friend who you can trust to help keep you out of trouble.

 

LIBRA (September 23 – October 22): Feeling feisty and playful, try to fight alongside your partner, not against your baby. Taking charge of something can be better than destroying it. Think strategically and carefully consider your allies and your goals; what is victory and its cost to your soul?

 

SCORPIO (October 23 – November 21): Your instinct is to be protective of your home and community. You may be overreacting to exaggerated threats. The line between paranoia and laxity may seem pretty thin. Think ahead before responding. Welcome the insight of friends.

 

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 – December 20): You are indeed brilliant and inventive, if only you can focus your smart mouth and brain. Careless quips can endanger your career as surely as thoughtful insight can assure it.

 

CAPRICORN (December 21 – January 19): Our sense of chosen GLBT family and community can feel more ideological than real. Reconcile your birth family and that chosen community requires new thinking, but connections of the heart are still more important than ideas.

 

AQUARIUS (January 20 – February 18): Working on those love handles can make you look sexier, but how you feel is more important than a few pounds here or there. Terms like “twink,” “bear,” “butch” and “lipstick lesbian” can be taken way too seriously. Lighten up!

 

PISCES (February 19 – March 19): Your partner is a complement, not a clone. The differences can be annoying at times, but remember that they can also be fun. Find some game or activity where you can complement each other.

 

ARIES (March 20 – April 19): It’s too easy to get into a dither about where you fit into your community. A variety of opinions from friends can create more confusion than it will solve, but in the end you are an individual making your own place.

 

TAURUS (April 20 – May 20): Mars and Mercury are putting an evil stinger at the end of your tongue. You intend your critical insights to be helpful, but let people ask; don’t offer. Better yet, focus on yourself. Discuss possible career moves with a close friend.

 

GEMINI (May 21- June 20): Where do you feel at home, and what do you value about your tribe? Discuss new and old ideas with people who share your background and those who share your hopes for the future.

 

CANCER (June 21- July 22): Whether your quick mouth gets you pegged as a smart-assed troublemaker or a sharp-witted go-getter depends on your foresight and discipline. Keep your goals in mind, and stay mindful of the values of those around you.

 

LEO (July 23 – August 22): How much does your partner really shares your priorities in life? Among any two people, that’s never 100 percent. In a healthy relationship, doubts are shared so they don’t fester and to find common ground to build on, while allowing for some differences.

 

VIRGO (August 23 – September 22): Being garrulous isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Keeping friends entertained at the expense of others who aren’t there, however, is a very risky business. Focus instead on sex, healing and collaborative goals. Rethink your exercise routines.

 

Jack Fertig, a professional astrologer since 1977, is available for personal and business consultations in person in San Francisco, or online everywhere. He can be reached at 415.864.8302, through his Web site at www.starjack.com, and by email at QScopes@qsyndicate.com.

 

September 21 - 27, 2009

 

“Avoid fights, Leo!”

 

Mars in Cancer tends to diffuse energy, leading us in moody circles away from productive focus. That can be directed into examining your past, especially the familial and emotional. He’s aspecting Jupiter in Aquarius which can help provoke brilliant insights, but they will take work and you may have to abandon long-cherished notions.

 

VIRGO (August 23 – September 22): Working with others can help uncover flaws in your long-range plans. It won’t be easy to give up some of your vision, but remember, those are just steps to a goal. Be open to a more effective path.

 

LIBRA (September 23 – October 22): Getting too innovative can upset the poo-bahs. There’s a time and a place for creative fun, and you’d better keep it there. If you really have such brilliant ideas at work, bring them up gently and be open to suggestions.

 

SCORPIO (October 23 – November 21): You may take much greater strength from your heritage than you realize, even if that is mostly the strength to rebel against it. Re-examining your roots can offer startling insights.

 

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 – December 20): If you can’t keep a civil tongue in your head, there must be someplace where your nasty mouth will be appreciated. Find an outlet where you can let it all out, and remember when and where to behave yourself!

 

CAPRICORN (December 21 – January 19):      Focus any impulse to fight about money. If you can keep it a friendly, principled debate with your partner, you can figure out how better to manage your finances. Keep your principles clear, but be open to shifting approaches and applications.

 

AQUARIUS (January 20 – February 18): Your magnanimous efforts to help others can easily go awry. Offer and ask before acting on the generous impulse. Some exercise or a cooking class could be a good way to keep that energy out of trouble.

 

PISCES (February 19 – March 19): Whatever creative medium you favor, it can open windows into your soul, perhaps revealing hidden depths. Pay attention to the songs and images that float through your head; they have a lot to tell you about yourself.

 

ARIES (March 20 – April 19): Fussing around the house feels like a distraction from more interesting long-range goals. Try taking a fresh look at both to see how they might feed each other. A feng shui analysis of your home could help.

 

TAURUS (April 20 – May 20): Grumbling and kvetching with friends can help open new insights. Just be careful to stay positive and upbeat, even when critical, while dealing with folks in power. As you identify problems, stay on purpose for finding solutions.

 

GEMINI (May 21- June 20): Your hunger for adventure can get surprisingly expensive. If you stay mindful of economy, you can discover wonderful new ways to stretch a buck and enjoy much more of life while spending much less!

 

CANCER (June 21- July 22): You can hardly help but to be boisterous and challenging. But what kind of trouble that will get you into? You can be swaggering and sexy or just obnoxious and argumentative. The choice seems easy. Focusing that energy is not.

 

LEO (July 23 – August 22): Try to avoid fights. The chips are stacked against you. Better to find private time with someone you trust deeply to help you face down some personal demons. With some effort, you can get to the root of old problems.

 

Jack Fertig, a professional astrologer since 1977, is available for personal and business consultations in person in San Francisco, or online everywhere. He can be reached at 415.864.8302, through his Web site at www.starjack.com, and by email at QScopes@qsyndicate.com.

 

September 14 - 20, 2009

 

“Talk it out, Gemini!”

 

The Sun aligned with Saturn in Virgo makes us more serious and critical. Venus in Leo makes it hard to keep ego out of the way, while aspects from Uranus and Neptune can distort our sense of proportion. Modesty and meditation help.

 

VIRGO (August 23 – September 22): Meditate on what you love about your partner and how he or she can support you. You may be stressing out too much on problems that could be easily resolved with some quiet time together and new approaches to communication.

 

LIBRA (September 23 – October 22): It seems you can’t do enough for your friends. Of course, there’s always more to be done, but as with the oxygen mask on an airplane, make sure to take good care of yourself first – if only to be of better help to them.

 

SCORPIO (October 23 – November 21): Your community and cultural background are important, but holding too tightly to them can blind you to the power they offer in a more universal vision. You can’t reach the top of a tree while clinging to the roots.

 

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 – December 20): Your imagination can easily get the better of your facts. If your narratives tend to fantasy, be clear about that! Keeping the nabobs entertained can be as good as keeping them informed, as long as everyone knows which is which.

 

CAPRICORN (December 21 – January 19): Resist the urge to correct everyone. As long as you know what’s right, does it really matter what other people say and think? Be sensitive to what’s important for them. You can open a lot more flies with honey than with vinegar.

 

AQUARIUS (January 20 – February 18): Looking hard and authoritative works for you, but if you can be sweet and gentle while looking tough, all the better! Being all things to all people only works if you can stay true to yourself.

 

PISCES (February 19 – March 19): Your trouble in relationships is largely about being unsure of yourself. Trying to please others is a lousy way to compensate. Exercise, or decorating your workspace, can help bring you back to yourself.

 

ARIES (March 20 – April 19): Work isn’t getting any easier, but bringing fun and creativity into your approach make it more productive and satisfying. Worries and doubts about your efforts can offer clues to making your work easier and more purposeful.

 

TAURUS (April 20 – May 20): Hosting a get together with some creative friends and some of the more “important” people in your life could help your career. That could be an explosive mix, but if you pick the right folks it will improve your image.

 

GEMINI (May 21- June 20): Stress between demands at home and at work is now at a breaking point. Good! This can be the breaking point that pushes you to fix it. Talk it out with a good friend and find new solutions.

 

CANCER (June 21- July 22): Take a hard, pragmatic look at philosophical and sexual questions that have been on your mind lately. Be ready to challenge long-held assumptions. Changing your mind can be a sign of growth!

 

LEO (July 23 – August 22): While there are more serious foundations to a solid relationship, a little erotic variety would be nice, too. Honesty is most important. Whether or not your playful curiosity gets full rein, at least discuss your desires.

 

Jack Fertig, a professional astrologer since 1977, is available for personal and business consultations in person in San Francisco, or online everywhere. He can be reached at 415.864.8302, through his Web site at www.starjack.com, and by email at QScopes@qsyndicate.com.

August 31 - September 6, 2009

 

“Get playful, Pisces!”

 

Mars squaring Mercury cranks everybody’s mouth into overdrive, but Jupiter is revving up opinions and outspokenness even more so.  The only way to win an argument under these aspects is to shut up and see what you can learn from contrasting viewpoints!

 

VIRGO (August 23 – September 22): The best way to head off money troubles is to knuckle down and get to work. The next few years will be tough on everyone. Your fears are probably exaggerated, but not entirely unfounded. Scale down the worries, and crank up the effort.

 

LIBRA (September 23 – October 22): Getting ahead means making nice with bosses, teachers and authorities, but be careful what you say. Your efforts at brilliance can come off as being uppity and unfocused. Think ahead, stay calm and focus!

 

SCORPIO  (October 23 – November 21): Your inclination to argue is coming out of your own inner fears and insecurities. Changes at home are likely working your nerves. Focus on adapting yourself to the inevitable changes. Discuss it with a teacher or counselor.

 

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 – December 20): This time Facebook is right: Your secret crush will be revealed! That may not be such good news, and could even create an embarrassing situation. Be kind to the poor dear … or maybe you’re the one who needs kindness? 

 

CAPRICORN (December 21 – January 19): A windfall provides an opportunity for personal advancement – or something nice for your honey. The choice can be difficult, forcing you to decide what is more important right now. Someone who really loves you would support your career.

 

AQUARIUS (January 20 – February 18): Focus on the task at hand. Go steady and easy, not too hard, but clear on the step right in front of you.  Distractions and over-enthusiasm can lead too easily into arguments and accidents. 

 

PISCES (February 19 – March 19): Get playful, and let your dark side out.  Blessings in disguise (uh-oh!) and nightmares can offer fuel for creative projects and/or sexual explorations. Getting nasty and crazy in spirit is good, but be mindful of prophylaxis and other safety concerns.

 

ARIES (March 20 – April 19): Your grand plan for the future is at odds with others in your family. Try to be open and welcome their opinions.   Arguments will be hard to avoid, but there will be much less rancor if you offer a fair hearing.

 

TAURUS (April 20 – May 20): Overconfidence or any kind of showing off is certain to get you into trouble. Resist the encouragement. Be mindful and ready for any hazards. The only way to reach your goal is one step at a time.

 

GEMINI (May 21- June 20): “Brilliant new ideas” inspiring an investment plan are really a big mistake. Planning a fantasy vacation can be helpful in bringing goals and dreams into focus, but adventures seriously planned now can lead to disaster. Your big challenge now is to stay real!

 

CANCER (June 21- July 22): Tension at home makes you eager to get out for some fun. How open is your relationship? Really? Even if you’re single, erotic adventures can stir up more domestic or family trouble than they’ll get you away from.

 

LEO (July 23 – August 22): You need to talk, but pick your audience or your confidante carefully. A sincere heart-to-heart with a good pal isn’t likely to provide answers, but can offer perspective on your worries about love and partnership. Let that be enough for now.

   

Jack Fertig, a professional astrologer since 1977, is available for personal and business consultations in person in San Francisco, or online everywhere. He can be reached at 415.864.8302, through his Web site at www.starjack.com, and by e-mail at QScopes@qsyndicate.com.

August 24 - 30, 2009

 

“Go somewhere, Capricorn!”

 

Mercury entering Libra and Mars in Cancer are making a T-square to Pluto, provoking urges to speak out on any problem, probably too bluntly and forcefully. Think a little harder before speaking. That takes effort and focus – well worth the effort. Venus heading into Leo can soften our critiques, but is the urge to help really altruistic or egotistic? Stop and think about that.

 

ARIES (March 20 – April 19): Dangerously outspoken at work, think before you speak. Imagine that you are talking to your mother – or her brilliant other-dimensional counterpart. Try to make a game of housework. It’s too Mary Poppins, but could help your mood.

 

TAURUS (April 20 – May 20): Financial stress may push you to impulsive investments, and sexual desire can tempt you to spend too much. Being cheap shouldn’t be expensive. Talk with your sister (or a “sister”) before spending any more than absolutely necessary.

 

GEMINI (May 21- June 20): Personal challenges can feel like a challenge to your community and family, or somehow hit those same buttons your parents were so good at pressing. To rise above it, focus on what you like and value about yourself.

 

CANCER (June 21- July 22): Worrying too much about health and work can make you accident-prone. When you catch yourself dithering, stop, prioritize and focus. Extra effort to look nice can make you more conscious of performance, leaving you more focused and productive.

 

LEO (July 23 – August 22): Friends and hobbies needn’t get expensive. You are creative enough to dazzle economically. Before any social event, stop, meditate and remember what’s important. Asking friends to chip in can actually strengthen your bonds.

 

VIRGO (August 23 – September 22): The seesaw of demands between home and work can make you cranky, saying things that you may regret. Confess to a friend that you need help staying calm and graceful. His or her support will be very helpful.

 

LIBRA (September 23 – October 22): A tendency to arguments shows that your brain needs a work out, but don’t take it out on others! Push yourself to be even more open to new ideas and challenges. Consult with experts to get a better understanding of the question.

 

SCORPIO (October 23 – November 21): Putting notches into the bedposts is not the way to win friends or boost your social status. It could complicate your social life big-time. Consider a philosophy for your boudoir, and use that as a guiding light, red or otherwise.

 

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 – December 20): If you feel attacked in anyway, do not react directly, but think carefully how your opponent is unwittingly handing you keys to success. Lovemaking is now especially helpful for keeping you relaxed and aware.

 

CAPRICORN (December 21 – January 19): Stressing out over work and personal worries can push you into silly arguments. Avoid them by taking off with your love – or a good friend – on an escapist adventure. Go somewhere or do something entirely new!

 

AQUARIUS (January 20 – February 18): Is sex a diversion or an inspiration for your creative brilliance? It could go either way, but you don’t need excuses or theories regarding that. The proof is in your productivity.

 

PISCES (February 19 – March 19): Home, career … trying to do it all can be too much. Are you sharing enough of your burden with your partner? A playful approach can help you put it all in balance. Don’t be afraid to toot your own horn.

 

Jack Fertig, a professional astrologer since 1977, is available for personal and business consultations in person in San Francisco, or online everywhere. He can be reached at 415.864.8302, through his Web site at www.starjack.com, and by e-mail at QScopes@qsyndicate.com.

 

 

August 17 - 23, 2009

 

“Aim strategically, Taurus!”

 

Mercury lining up with Saturn in Virgo brings everyone toward more serious, critical thought, but aspecting Venus in Cancer draws the focus to family integrity. Jupiter and Eris are adding a little dynamic dissonance, challenging those thoughts to balance novelty with the tried-and-true.     

 

ARIES (March 20 – April 19): Your instincts now are to barricade your home, community and friends against outside threats. Your challenge is to understand how your gut reactions feed into your perceptions of threat and how you might make a thoughtful effort to build bridges instead of walls.

 

TAURUS (April 20 – May 20): Critically examine lessons from mom or an older sister. They may be holding you back in your career and/or can provide the seed of inspiration to propel you forward. If you don’t know where you belong, aim strategically for the highest accessible rank.

 

GEMINI (May 21- June 20): Conservative, traditional values can help to hone progressive ideals, and friendly debates can help you see where those old-fashioned ideas can be most helpful. Try to balance generous ideals with economic restraint.

 

CANCER (June 21- July 22): Looking better than you think, your self-critical modesty provokes an even sexier image. That in turn makes you wonder how people see you. Depending only on your attitude, this could be a vicious cycle of self-doubt and worry, or a happy engine of confident self-reinvention.

 

LEO (July 23 – August 22): Trust your own instincts in dealing with money problems. Political ideals only confuse the issue. Consider friendly advice carefully, more as a springboard to better ideas than acceptance on its own dubious merits.

 

VIRGO (August 23 – September 22): Self-criticism can be a good thing, but let your friends help you keep it gentle and positive. A review of safe sex techniques, even a visit to “the clinic,” is probably in order. (When was your last check up?)

 

LIBRA (September 23 – October 22): Meditation and focus can help your career. Pals and politics are mostly distracting, but with some merit. All work and no play, you know! But ration your fun times conservatively and let your friends remind you of what you’re working for.

 

SCORPIO (October 23 – November 21): Much as your friends value your sharp insights, you’ll keep your popularity by focusing that acuity on general politics rather than on personal observations. Or zero in on your own home. House cleaning can be a meditation!

 

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 – December 20): Your playful urges are sure to make you a hit among your friends. They could cause trouble at work, but if you harness that creativity very critically, and accept some supervising guidance, you’ll find it opening doors for you!

 

CAPRICORN (December 21 – January 19): Your sharp mind can be very attractive! Don’t be afraid of looking like an old pedant. It could work for you romantically. Bring that brainy quality to a team; let others work the charm and cuddles, and you could make some money!

 

AQUARIUS (January 20 – February 18): In an appropriate venue (always your big challenge!), discuss the techniques and the importance of safe sex with friends or colleagues. Brush up on the latest epidemiology and share your findings!

 

PISCES (February 19 – March 19): You may be trying too hard to have fun with your partner. Let it evolve a little more naturally. Some time alone, either solo or together, can help you re-evaluate what’s important, and make the fun more meaningful.

 

Jack Fertig, a professional astrologer since 1977, is available for personal and business consultations in person in San Francisco, or online everywhere. He can be reached at 415.864.8302, through his Web site at www.starjack.com, and by e-mail at QScopes@qsyndicate.com.

 

August 10-16, 2009

 

“Be clear, Cancer!”

 

Sun, Mars, Jupiter, Chiron and Eris are all in a lovely basket of harmonies, boosting energy, flamboyance, generosity and teamwork, but Saturn will have to intrude at hard angles! Take every challenge as an opportunity to improve, and you will!

 

ARIES (March 20 – April 19): Let your mouth loose among your friends, and you will be deliciously scandalous. Lack of verbal restraint at work will just be scandalous. Focus your mind on safety. Write down and analyze your ideas before tossing them at colleagues.

 

TAURUS (April 20 – May 20): Tension between home and work can provoke impulsive shopping you’d regret later. Instead, focus on a priority list, but do budget some mad money for those impulses. A person needs some fun! (But save the receipts!)

 

GEMINI (May 21- June 20): Keep your mind focused on ideas, not the personalities expressing them. Your eagerness to express your own perspective can come off sounding a bit aggressive. Try to be open to challenging notions. Political ideas do need to stay up to date!

 

CANCER (June 21- July 22): You are a sexual healer, but be a little selfish and heal yourself. Arguments reflect some of your unmet needs. When you get testy, take time out for meditation; be clear about what you’re not getting, and go get it!

 

LEO (July 23 – August 22): Your birthday wishes stand a better chance of coming true if you keep your friends clear on what those are. You may need to wish a little more economically. Real expressions of the heart are much less expensive, yet infinitely more precious.

 

VIRGO (August 23 – September 22): The secret to success is to distinguish between your ego and your instincts. Meditation can help clear any confusion there; consulting with colleagues is also helpful. Trust those instincts, and take good care of yourself. (Remember to breathe!)

 

LIBRA (September 23 – October 22): Take your baby out to party! Or go get very social and meet somebody wonderful. Worries and doubts could help weed out the many potential flops, but don’t be too negative! Advice from older friends should help.

 

SCORPIO (October 23 – November 21): Count on your own charisma and skill to get ahead. Some politicking will be necessary. Know which of your colleagues you can depend on. Ambitious youngsters are set to trip you up. Older friends who’ve been there are more trustworthy.

 

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 – December 20): Not everything needs to be said. Heed the law of supply and demand, and people will be more eager to hear your rarer, sparer and more apparently brilliant words. Anything you say about authorities will get back to them!

 

CAPRICORN (December 21 – January 19): When you strut your stuff, what are you really putting out there? What’s most attractive about you is not the “only skin deep” stuff, but your values and your skills. Your ideals may seem an obstacle to romance, but actually they’re a protective filter.

 

AQUARIUS (January 20 – February 18): Sexual frustration could just be a sign that your standards are still stronger than your desire. You could sublimate that energy into terrific creativity. Don’t be afraid of arguments or getting your hands dirty!

 

PISCES (February 19 – March 19): Worries about your health are exaggerated, but not entirely wrong. Get a check-up! Domestic issues need discussion, and that chat will go so much better if you can stick to the topic and not get snappy.

 

Jack Fertig, a professional astrologer since 1977, is available for personal and business consultations in person in San Francisco, or online everywhere. He can be reached at 415.864.8302, through his Web site at www.starjack.com, and by e-mail at QScopes@qsyndicate.com.

 

August 3 - 9, 2009

 

“Keep it clean, Aquarius!”

 

Mercury and Venus are in harmony, boosting everyone’s charm; Jupiter and Eris are also making nice, opening political opportunities. Alas, these pairs are at odds against each other, upping chauvinist competition. If you can’t reach across tribal lines nicely, stick to your own folks. Food and culture are good. Putting down others is not!

 

LEO (July 23 – August 22): Trust your instincts handling money. Letting others second guess you can throw you off. Their ideas may be fine for philosophy and ideals, but in the real world you still know best.

 

VIRGO (August 23 – September 22): Your tongue is like a knife, but whether it’s for spreading honey or cutting deep is up to you. Focus on your own health and hygiene to distract you from being overly critical of colleagues.

 

LIBRA (September 23 – October 22): Trust your own insights and instincts when dealing with authority figures. Resist suggestions from others and your own impulses to get too clever. Save the fun and games for your partner and your peers.

 

SCORPIO (October 23 – November 21): Opening your home to your inner circle will guarantee your spot on the team. Be a creative host. Fancy pastries or imported cheeses will win influence. Or maybe a new love is the creamy, exotic sweet that will impress your friends.

 

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 – December 20): A critical eye and maternal concern will help you spot and nurture opportunities. Clever observations are most helpful if you don’t actually say them – especially at work! Let that wit quietly sharpen the aforementioned critical eye.

 

CAPRICORN (December 21 – January 19): Go out of your way to do something unusual for your partner, or a prospective partner. A small gift from far away would be very charming. Keep it inexpensive. Extravagance could be overwhelming and scary.

 

AQUARIUS (January 20 – February 18): Efforts to be helpful and supportive at work may carry erotic overtones. Be careful to keep it clean! Even innocent remarks may carry unwitting doubles entendres that can be taken the wrong way.

 

PISCES (February 19 – March 19): Fun and games in the kitchen, whether that’s collaborative cooking or getting hot and wild on the butcher block, can spice up your partnership, but could also bring up surprising old memories.

 

ARIES (March 20 – April 19): You have a lot to offer in community politics, but try to focus on the grunt work, the task at hand. For all you have to say, keeping your nose to the grindstone will sharpen your wit and remind you to respect other views.

 

TAURUS (April 20 – May 20): Efforts to charm superiors can go overboard and backfire. Use that sugar as energy for your creative efforts, and as for the boss, let him or her in on a secret or a complicated project that you may need help with.

 

GEMINI (May 21- June 20): The trick to managing home finances is not to get competitive. Basic practical stuff is just one foot in front of the other. Keep it simple! Liberate your busy brain on philosophical questions where it can fly freely.

 

CANCER (June 21- July 22): You’re looking more magically delicious than a bowl full of leprechauns. Your charm and confidence can help you get whatever you want in love or work, but don’t overdo it with bosses. They may see you as threatening competition.

 

Jack Fertig, a professional astrologer since 1977, is available for personal and business consultations in person in San Francisco, or online everywhere. He can be reached at 415.864.8302, through his Web site at www.starjack.com, and by e-mail at QScopes@qsyndicate.com.

 

July 27 - August 2, 2009

 

“Keep it light, Sagittarius”

 

Mercury in Leo trine to Eris provokes bold partisan assertions. There’s healthy room for that, but it can go overboard. Mercury then opposes Jupiter, Neptune and Chiron in Aquarius, leading through confusion, perhaps to improvement in ideals and philosophy. You stand a better chance of improving yourself, not others.

 

LEO (July 23 – August 22): The simplest observation can quickly become an ideological or academic thesis. That could be good, clarifying your own sense of where you stand. In relationships, however, your position may baffle you. Enjoy the mystery; it won’t last long.

 

VIRGO (August 23 – September 22): That buzz in your brain, perhaps about mortality or sexual identity, could prove enlightening. See where it leads. Worries about health should motivate you to better exercise and hygiene. (There’s always room for improvement!)

 

LIBRA (September 23 – October 22): Playful banter with friends can lead you into a situation, pushing you to take sides, or you might be able to negotiate a common ground between opposing camps. Solutions may defy logic. Creativity and intuition serve much better!

 

SCORPIO (October 23 – November 21): You can make an effective go-between for colleagues and bosses. Being clear about which side you’re on will make you more effective. Your focus on career can be a distraction from problems at home. Your distraction could even be the problem.

 

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 – December 20): You need a forum for your opinion. Keep it light and playful and more people will listen. Appeal to emotions more than logic. Sticking to ideals and principles may be safer than citations that you’re “reasonably sure” of.

 

CAPRICORN (December 21 – January 19): Leaning on your own ethnic identity, or your ethnic preferences, can help you strut your hot stuff. Sexual preference for a certain skin color may be racist, or not. It’s all in the context and attitude. Checking your own couldn’t hurt.

 

AQUARIUS (January 20 – February 18): Arguments with your partner are inflamed by a sense of competition. Remember, you’re on the same side! Together you can be unbeatable. Self-doubt can be a good thing if it leads you to better answers.

 

PISCES (February 19 – March 19): If you must argue with colleagues, make sure it’s about something important; remember you’re ultimately on the same team. Is it really something at work that’s bothering you? Take time out, and meditate to find the real problem.

 

ARIES (March 20 – April 19): Culture clash can give you a better sense of who you are and who you’re not, but that will be challenged again when you reassess political ideals. Confusion and change are necessary steps to growth. Just walk through it.

 

TAURUS (April 20 – May 20): Pride in home and family can clash with honesty about sameness. Ask yourself the hard questions that have never been answered. Your insights could lead to reconsidering career goals. New answers there would also be helpful!

 

GEMINI (May 21- June 20): Your brilliant ideas can be very helpful in political long-range planning, but they will start up arguments over principles. A real world approach may be needed to get idealist notions down to earth, but grounding will not come easily.

 

CANCER (June 21- July 22): Know your worth and hang out with the right people in your profession, those whose level you should be at. Strutting your stuff in the sack – maybe some exhibitionism? – can open up new channels for fantasy and exploration.

 

Jack Fertig, a professional astrologer since 1977, is available for personal and business consultations in person in San Francisco, or online everywhere. He can be reached at 415-864-8302, through his Web site at www.starjack.com, and by email at QScopes@qsyndicate.com.

 

July 20 -26, 2009

 

“Reevaluate long-term goals, Pisces!”

 

Mars in Gemini already sharpens tongues, but while he’s semi-square Eris, any little remark can ignite a verbal battle royale. Sun quincunx Pluto this week makes it even worse. Try to take all challenges as challenges to your serenity, charity and forbearance.

 

CANCER (June 21- July 22): The buzz in your brain can get you stung if it pushes you into conflict with superiors. Tune it instead to self-examination about your ambitions. You may need to face some hard truths. Re-consider also what you value in a partner.

 

LEO (July 23 – August 22): Arguments with friends, even starting out friendly, can get ugly and divisive. Your own thinking is the only one you can really improve. Showing off can lead to nasty accidents. Another year older is a good thing! There’s nothing to prove.

 

VIRGO (August 23 – September 22): Your sign’s sexual prowess is much underrated. Yours is not. Sexual rumors are best squelched by sphynxian smiles. Admit nothing, deny nothing; laugh like it’s all news to you. Let them wonder, and let some lucky one find out directly.

 

LIBRA (September 23 – October 22): The simplest discussion with your partner can become an argument and escalate out of hand. An idea may seem stupid to you because you’re not giving it a fair chance. Consider your home life and how you want it to look in 20 years.

 

SCORPIO (October 23 – November 21): Lovemaking is not about “Anything you can do I can do better.” Harder and faster could get a person hurt. If you have to be the best, push your sense of erotic communication and rapport.

 

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 – December 20): Your playful urges could be annoying to your partner and even push people away. While you have so much to give, timing is everything. Let them want what you have, and they’ll appreciate it more when you offer.

 

CAPRICORN (December 21 – January 19): You’re coming off seductive, sexy and strong, but duty calls. Cleaning house and taking care of business seem like annoying distractions, but having those done and out of the way enhances your charisma.

 

AQUARIUS (January 20 – February 18): Everyone has doubts about the most important things and people in our lives. Worries about your partner are sharp now. Playing together can help you express the problems. Don’t expect easy solutions, but love finds a way.

 

PISCES (February 19 – March 19): Worries about money can spark domestic arguments. Keep any criticism honest and constructive. Reevaluate long-term goals; look at small changes you can make at work or in your exercise and hygiene that should pay off later.

 

ARIES (March 20 – April 19): It’s so hard to hold your tongue, but your brilliantly devastating reply to some idiot’s remark will only up the ante, and do you really want to get stuck arguing with an idiot? A calm, generous attitude will boost your reputation.

 

TAURUS (April 20 – May 20): Share your money worries with someone you know you can trust. Relieve that tension or it will bite you on the tush. Take some of the inner strength you feel at home into the larger world.

 

GEMINI (May 21- June 20): You may be overenthusiastic trying to rally your friends to a good cause. There are better ways to focus your political passions. You express erotic easily, perhaps too easily in the wrong place and time. Focus and think before speaking!

 

Jack Fertig, a professional astrologer since 1977, is available for personal and business consultations in person in San Francisco, or online everywhere. He can be reached at 415.864.8302, through his Web site at www.starjack.com, and by e-mail at QScopes@qsyndicate.com.

 

July 13 - July 19, 2009

"Focus less on yourself, Aries!”

 

While Mercury lines up with the Sun, they both square Eris, boosting clannish arguments. You may be overly defensive on behalf of your community. Political arguments come too easily, more impassioned than logical. Those can start you thinking in new directions, and that is more important than convincing other people.

 

CANCER (June 21- July 22): Being the center of attention can put you in competition on a higher level than you’re used to. Be creative and open-minded; maintain a sense of humor, but keep it in balance. Knowing what to take seriously can be the biggest challenge.

 

LEO (July 23 – August 22): Take time out for yourself, meditate and be clear on priorities. You can be a fierce warrior for a worthy cause or get trapped in stupid, futile arguments. You win most fights by avoiding them.

 

VIRGO (August 23 – September 22): What makes you a star among your friends is your willingness to be different, although there is always a price for that. Still, it puts you in a position to build bridges among different factions. Work that as your strong suit!

 

LIBRA (September 23 – October 22): Keep competition friendly where you can. Today’s rivals may be tomorrow’s allies. Find new ways to look at your work, and bring in a creative element. Inspiration is close by and waiting for you to pay attention!

 

SCORPIO (October 23 – November 21): Your mind is all over the place, but still very nitpicky. Housekeeping can bring it into focus. If you need motivation, invite a few friends over so you’ll have to make it presentable.

 

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 – December 20): Your creative vision can challenge your identification with your own part of the GLBT community. Isn’t that what artistic vision is for? Homos, trans and bis can still be heterodox. Start new conversations and build new ideas!

 

CAPRICORN (December 21 – January 19): Feeling a bit out of place one way or another can push you into a stronger, even clannish, sense of community or alienation. Discuss your relationships and priorities with a close friend to get back into balance.

 

AQUARIUS (January 20 – February 18): Worrying about other people is a distraction that invites accidents. Go easy on exercise and favor more meditative routines. Review your priorities and resources – and be ready to make some changes on both lists.

 

PISCES (February 19 – March 19): Competitive spending is a sport where everyone loses. Your psychic sensitivity is cranked up high, so be very careful of your company. Complete solitude gives you time to be creative. A playful retreat with a trusted buddy will also help.

 

ARIES (March 20 – April 19): Tensions at home could have you feeling like the red-haired stepchild. Focus less on yourself and more on what you can do for others to improve your community and its future.

 

TAURUS (April 20 – May 20): Your past may have left you with a lot of spiritual and psychological questions, but the answers will be found by looking to the future. Your direction in life says more about who you really are than where you came from.

 

GEMINI (May 21- June 20): Don’t worry about the economy getting worse. Prepare for the fact that it will. Re-assess your ambitions. Odds are you’re aiming too low. Some classes or conversations with a teacher can help you realize wisdom or expertise you forgot you had.

 

Jack Fertig, a professional astrologer since 1977, is available for personal and business consultations in person in San Francisco, or online everywhere. He can be reached at 415-864-8302, through his Web site at www.starjack.com, and by e-mail at QScopes@qsyndicate.com.

 

July 6 - July 12, 2009

“Let go, Leo!”

 

The Sun and Cancer are in Mercury, making us a bit more affectionate and emotional. They aspect Saturn in Virgo, drawing attention to faults, details and problems. You can balance affectionate gentleness with critical insight, but it may be a challenge!

 

CANCER (June 21- July 22): Your instinct to be helpful is being stimulated with an annoying burst of outspokenness. Your insights are spot-on, but be sure your advice is wanted before you offer it. When you have the chance, write before you speak.

 

LEO (July 23 – August 22): What’s really bothering you is not so much other people stepping on your values, but your own inner demons nagging at the problems in your priorities. Meditate and be ready to let go of things that really have lost importance.

 

VIRGO (August 23 – September 22): You’re being awfully touchy, taking simple offhand comments from friends as harsh criticism. What you need to take seriously is not what they’re saying but why those buttons on your ego are so over-exposed and raw.

 

LIBRA (September 23 – October 22): Know the limits of your authority before you speak out. If you are in any way uncertain, it will undermine you – unless you are clear about what you know, and what you don’t, and are willing to consult an expert on the latter.

 

SCORPIO (October 23 – November 21): Arguments show the limits of friendship, perhaps end a few, or push you to be more accepting. If you remain principled and honest, your real friends will respect your opinions, and vice versa? How much must your friends agree with your opinions?

 

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 – December 20): Telling others how sexy you are will provoke demands for proof. You may not need to say anything; word gets around! A confident swagger – maybe a bit of leather – will make you irresistible. Looking mature and experienced also helps!

 

CAPRICORN (December 21 – January 19): As clear as the rules of your partnership may be, there are always new wrinkles to iron out. If you’re feeling constrained, talk out the issues to resolve needs and issues that might otherwise tempt destructive acting-out.

 

AQUARIUS (January 20 – February 18): Although you mean well, your suggestions to coworkers can sound snotty and critical. Bringing cookies, especially home-baked, will help people listen more carefully, and set the tone for your efforts to be nice.

 

PISCES (February 19 – March 19): Feeling a bit kinky and inventive? The kitchen can be a treasure trove of erotic toys. Turkey basters and spatulas are easy starts. Or have some whipped cream and fresh fruit in season on hand … or on something!

 

ARIES (March 20 – April 19): Your home may not be as neat, as large, or as pretty as it could be, but it’s home and that’s what counts. Still, you could make it neater, and that will help pretty it up – and make more space!

 

TAURUS (April 20 – May 20): Your attempts at wit, or at critical analysis, may be sharper than you intend. Focus on being kind, supportive and helpful. Your cleverness and insight will shine through. Talking about what you enjoy can inspire improvements at work.

 

GEMINI (May 21- June 20): With family problems or community politics you can cut through the crap with brutal effectiveness. Do try to be nice about cutting down people’s unrealistic hopes. More effective economy begins at home. Set the example you want others to follow.

 

Jack Fertig, a professional astrologer since 1977, is available for personal and business consultations in person in San Francisco, or online everywhere. He can be reached at 415-864-8302, through his website at www.starjack.com, and by e-mail at QScopes@qsyndicate.com.

 

 

June 29 - July 5, 2009

“Ambition is good, Gemini!”

 

Mercury and Venus are in a dance of flirtatious wit and charm, but as he’s squaring Uranus and she Jupiter and Neptune, watch out for rude surprises – and be careful of whatever you’re drinking!

 

CANCER (June 21- July 22): If you can’t keep your mouth shut, at least slow down and think carefully about what you’re hearing. The less you like it, the more you need to listen. You don’t have to agree, but there’s something there you should learn!

 

LEO (July 23 – August 22): Hot sex with your partner and professional advancement both require efforts that will be rewarded. Keeping those in balance may take some effort. Your partner will be very glad to help with the former, and your friends and colleagues with the latter.

 

VIRGO (August 23 – September 22): Your brilliant ideas for getting ahead could be improved by input from a colleague or employee. Advice from a teacher or a publicist, however contrary it seems, can be factored in. Your partner’s input, no matter how well-intended, is probably counterproductive.

 

LIBRA (September 23 – October 22): Erotic adventures await, but so do exotic infections. Keep prophylaxis at hand, and be careful who you play with. With those caveats you can improve your chances and your fun by presenting yourself as solid, reliable, sensual and just comfortable to be with.

 

SCORPIO (October 23 – November 21): Talking dirty with your baby is sure to lead from words to actions. Get playful and explorative. You could be surprised at what comes up. Leather and kink communities may offer possibilities; you don’t need to join anything to scout around.

 

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 – December 20): Now is a golden opportunity to talk with your partner about any problems. Housework may be an issue, whether you’re doing too much or not enough. Say what you need to say, but be sure to listen, too!

 

CAPRICORN (December 21 – January 19): Accidents and arguments come from trying too hard to avoid them. You can look ahead and be sensibly cautious, but still relax, have fun and joke with friends. Fun and games don’t have to be expensive. You can keep your values strong and prices low.

 

AQUARIUS (January 20 – February 18): Financial problems may seem out of control, but when are we ever really in control? A playful, inventive approach may help. Arguing with family won’t. Remember: Your own creativity is your best resource.

 

PISCES (February 19 – March 19): Current challenges will pay off later, probably next year. Accentuating the positive is worth the effort. You can find strength in home and traditions if you can rethink them into new perspectives.

 

ARIES (March 20 – April 19): Keeping up socially can get expensive. A sibling, or someone who feels more like a sibling than “just a friend,” can offer good financial advice on the social front, but more private matters trust your own instincts.

 

TAURUS (April 20 – May 20): Looking good can be important, but it’s really more about how you use what you have rather than what you invest in the process. Economy and resourcefulness will get you ahead; indulgences will only draw shallow praise from shallow people.

 

GEMINI (May 21- June 20): Ambition is good, but look beyond the next step up and the next argument. Not everything you do now will be noticed, but everything you’d rather not be seen will be. Be philosophical and stay on your best behavior!

 

Jack Fertig, a professional astrologer since 1977, is available for personal and business consultations in person in San Francisco, or online everywhere. He can be reached at 415-864-8302, through his Web site at www.starjack.com, and by e-mail at QScopes@qsyndicate.com.

 

June 22 - 28, 2009

 

“Pay attention, Cancer!”

 

Saturn square Mercury would normally bring out everyone’s inner critic, but with Saturn in Virgo and Mercury in Gemini, bitchy outbursts are to be expected. If you’re feeling brilliant, write it down and think twice before saying it aloud. Take a long view and look for opportunities for self-improvement.

   

CANCER (June 21- July 22): Pay attention where you’re walking or driving. Distractions inside your own head can cause awful accidents. Be aware of your surroundings, and you can find better ways to bang up against someone.

 

LEO (July 23 – August 22): You’re inclined to be very critical of someone’s political values, so why not focus on your own? In this era of diminishing resources, we all need to step back and re-think things. Brainstorming with friends will help you update your perspective.

 

VIRGO (August 23 – September 22) The sharp edge of your wit is very much in evidence. Keep it focused on practical matters and attention to your own health and well-being. When tempted to speak of others, make extra effort to keep it kind and constructive.

 

LIBRA (September 23 – October 22): There’s always room for self-improvement, but don’t beat yourself up with your faults, which you’re now likely to exaggerate anyway. A creative focus for your inner critic could help you to be more realistic.

 

SCORPIO (October 23 – November 21): As your brain races around sex, you may want to look beyond simple gratification. That has its time and place, but think seriously about your relationships and what you’d want to be doing – and with whom – in 20 years.

 

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 – December 20): You will get into arguments. Stay focused, principled and respectful. The way you press your point can earn you a great deal of respect. Stay clear on details and graciously accept correction when it’s appropriate.

 

CAPRICORN (December 21 – January 19): Take it slow and easy. Pay attention to details and you’ll have fewer accidents and arguments at work. Sex seems a great release for stress, but is it really? Focus on what’s important at work and at play.

 

AQUARIUS (January 20 – February 18): You may be losing yourself helping others, and fun may feel more like work. An analytic approach to techniques of craft, sport and/or pleasure reconciles the latter. Being ruthless and selfish for a bit is now good for you.

 

PISCES (February 19 – March 19): Domestic criticisms are nearly inevitable. Being self-critical will help keep you out of arguments, but give yourself credit as well as blame. Your partner’s shortcomings on that score are highlighted because of your focus. If you must say something, be kind and gentle!

 

ARIES (March 20 – April 19): Stay focused on work. Any personal remarks, especially about colleagues, are sure to get you into trouble. Your critical analyses and recommendations for improvement are probably a bit off the mark, but at least they show you’re paying attention.

 

TAURUS (April 20 – May 20): Avoid gambling and investments in any game play strictly for funsies. Focus on developing skill at your sport or hobby. That’s an uphill slog, too, but something that’s just fun now can have practical value down the road.

 

GEMINI (May 21- June 20): If you get any criticism from family or roommates, thank them for sharing and think about what they say. There may be something to it. Responding in kind will only start an awful argument.

 

 

Jack Fertig, a professional astrologer since 1977, is available for personal and business consultations in person in San Francisco, or online everywhere. He can be reached at 415-864-8302, through his Web site at www.starjack.com, and by e-mail at QScopes@qsyndicate.com.

 

June 15 - 21, 2009

 

“Think ahead, Gemini!”

 

The Sun squaring Uranus is provoking verbal outbursts that seem brilliant – and actually may be – but will provoke arguments. Venus and Mars fuel that fire with creative and erotic impulses. Neptune offers a harmonic release so look for spiritual values and fellowship to smooth things out.

 

ARIES (March 20 – April 19): Secrets are not safe with you now. Use that to dig inside your own subconscious. Talking with a close friend will help you get a clearer sense of your priorities and what changes you might want to make there!

 

TAURUS (April 20 – May 20): Rethink your political ideals as if your tush is on the line … because it is! Your own answers and your friends’ will be frustratingly off the mark, but can goad you to new insights. A spiritual teacher or principle can be surprisingly helpful.

 

GEMINI (May 21- June 20): What look like opportunities to get ahead can be traps pushing you to over extend your authority and get into trouble. Rely on the advice of a teacher past or present. Think ahead and stay true to your ideals to avoid those traps!

 

CANCER (June 21- July 22): Your ideals and your politics are at odds with some truth deep inside you. Objective analysis of facts won’t help you here. Meditation, examining your gut instincts and being passionate have to be at the foundation for your ideals.

 

LEO (July 23 – August 22): Wanting power and influence can provoke bad career decisions. Don’t just imagine yourself in 20 years, but also with whom you plan on getting there with. What would make you the ideal partner for your ideal partner?

 

VIRGO (August 23 – September 22): Your ambitions and surprising misunderstandings with a partner can ignite huge disputes. You can’t win the argument. Instead, look at what you can do differently to work with the situation at hand.

 

LIBRA (September 23 – October 22): Apparently complex philosophical questions may have simple practical solutions. The trick is not to take the problem too seriously. Is it really life-or-death? Try to have some fun and look at it creatively.

 

SCORPIO (October 23 – November 21): Your playful urges are more annoying than endearing to your partner. It could be just a temporary clash of moods. Getting busy and creative around the house – not in the bedroom – can help.

 

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 – December 20): Division of housework can be a huge problem. Making it equal is not necessarily making it fair. What seems logical and right probably isn’t. This will take intuition, creativity and empathy to solve.

 

CAPRICORN (December 21 – January 19): Efforts to creatively dress up explanations will backfire. Stick to what’s important. Religious and spiritual values hang on acceptance, not logic. Describing your path is better than trying to rationalize it. Traffic accidents are looking for you. Be careful!

 

AQUARIUS (January 20 – February 18): This is no time for investments, especially in real estate. Resist any sudden impulses and “sure-fire” offers. More to the point, which of your inner resources should you be developing? You have more of yourself to offer than you realize.

 

PISCES (February 19 – March 19): Meditation, memory and inspiration may offer you better insight than family or roommates. Some introspection before speaking with them can at least help smooth out communications with them. Arguments could stimulate artistic possibilities, but is it worth the trouble?

 

Jack Fertig, a professional astrologer since 1977, is available for personal and business consultations in person in San Francisco, or online everywhere. He can be reached at 415-864-8302, through his Web site at www.starjack.com, and by e-mail at QScopes@qsyndicate.com.

 

June 8 - 14, 2009

 

“Give credit, Capricorn!”

 

The Sun in Gemini sextile to Eris suggests two brilliant wits trying to top each other. Imagine Dorothy Parker vs. Clare Boothe Luce. If you can’t be nice, you better be devastatingly brilliant!

 

GEMINI (May 21- June 20): Getting into a political argument can be a lot easier than getting out of one. Resist the urge to smash your opponent. You’ll do better to practice your debating skills, especially listening and learning from others!

 

CANCER (June 21- July 22): Your ability and passion for helping others is part of what helps you get ahead. Your own competitive edge is not so much in pushing yourself forward as it is in bringing others along. The more you offer, the more you get!

 

LEO (July 23 – August 22): Your own religion, spirituality, or lack thereof may serve you better than any alternative, but remember that testimonials should have their own time and place. Answer questions as they come up. Otherwise, let your acts speak louder than your profession of ideals.

 

VIRGO (August 23 – September 22): Passion is powering your ambitions. Don’t be afraid to speak up, but do be clear on the stakes. You may have to declare yourself on one side or the other. Trust your heart, but think ahead before you decide!

 

LIBRA (September 23 – October 22): Resist the urge to look smarter than your partner. Better to play up his or her brilliance. If you really are opponents more than teammates, you need to make some changes. A common enemy – say a shared political goal – could help.

 

SCORPIO (October 23 – November 21): Being great at sex isn’t enough. You want to be the best; that’s pretty subjective. The bigger challenge is to be more emotionally open and intimate. Try to find some spaces in your heart between your usual “all-or-nothing.”

 

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 – December 20): Cooperation will get you further ahead than flying solo. Try letting someone else take the lead now and then. You can do a lot better at team efforts if you remember you’re part of the team.

 

CAPRICORN (December 21 – January 19): Your criticisms of community politics are right on the mark, but saying them nicely enough to be heard can be a challenge. Listen to others, and give credit where it’s due. Remember, you need to work with the folks you’re criticizing!

 

AQUARIUS (January 20 – February 18): You’re already cleverer than you should be, so hold back on the bons mots. Even though you just mean to be playful, you could come off a lot nastier than you intend. If you need to sharpen your wit, do it in writing!

 

PISCES (February 19 – March 19): What are “traditional values” really? The core principles you grew up with may have surprising relevance in your GLBT community, and what you’ve learned in your queer community has value with your family of origin.

 

ARIES (March 20 – April 19): You don’t need to respond to everything people say. A simple retort could drag you into a tedious, time-consuming battle. The right intonation – “Oh, really?” or “That’s very interesting” – can be far more devastatingly dismissive than any argument.

 

TAURUS (April 20 – May 20): You may be too eager to assert your sense of self-worth. (1) You don’t have to prove anything to anyone but yourself. (2) Your real value is in your heart, not in your wallet! (3) The people who matter already know your worth!

 

Jack Fertig, a professional astrologer since 1977, is available for personal and business consultations in person in San Francisco, or online everywhere. He can be reached at 415-864-8302, through his Web site at www.starjack.com, and by e-mail at QScopes@qsyndicate.com.

 

June 1 -7, 2009

 

“You’re a political dynamo, Cancer!”

 

Mars just entered Taurus, shifting everyone into more careful, determined methods. He’s now trine Pluto pushing us to push harder toward our own goals, making cooperation more difficult, but absolutely necessary!

 

GEMINI (May 21- June 20): Your deepest, darkest erotic fantasies could come true, but you have to be clear and articulate about what you want. If you can’t figure out what that is, fulfilling your baby’s desires could be just as hot.

 

CANCER (June 21- July 22): You’re a political dynamo, Your energy could be over the top, so take a little time out to think strategically. Some help from your partner or friends should help you focus and direct that energy where it will do the most good.

 

LEO (July 23 – August 22): Your take-charge attitude may be more than some people can take. Your colleagues are not hostages or slaves. Be attentive to their morale, and make sure they have a chance to be heard. Some of their ideas will be tremendously helpful.

 

VIRGO (August 23 – September 22): You’re taking your fun way too seriously. Games are about entertainment, not annihilating your playmates. Creative challenges offer a better outlet. If you don’t have a hobby where you can push yourself, attend a show that offers a novel challenge.

 

LIBRA (September 23 – October 22): Sometimes our little GLBT communities can feel a bit incestuous. Should that stop a sudden spark of passion from turning a “sisterly” friendship into something more? At least talk it through to see what’s there and where it might go.

 

SCORPIO (October 23 – November 21): Arguments with your partner can quickly go from heated to hot. If there’s nothing to squabble about, don’t feel bad. Any good intellectual challenge that sparks the brain will ignite passions as well.

 

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 – December 20): You’re supercharged for hard work, but think a minute: Fear is an effective motivator, but more than that, you’re running away from something you should be running toward. That’s much better for your health and your accomplishment.

 

CAPRICORN (December 21 – January 19): Your efforts at fun may look like effort more than fun to others. Creative accomplishment is good. Go ahead and push yourself to new depths. Your artistic accomplishment could be as challenging and as brilliant as giving birth to yourself.

 

AQUARIUS (January 20 – February 18): Now more then ever your home should be your castle, your ashram, and your love nest. Sharing space may be challenging. Make sure to have a clean sense of personal space somewhere, but be careful to be respectful of family and housemates.

 

PISCES (February 19 – March 19): Once you start talking, it may be hard to stop. To save a lot of trouble, think first, get right to the point and dig for the deeper truth. Friends will be much too glad to help, leading to interesting and, perhaps, very illuminating arguments.

 

ARIES (March 20 – April 19): If you stop to think and plan, you can be brilliant with money. Otherwise, it could burn a hole in your pocket. Either way your dealings with money will be noticed and could have a great effect on your career.

 

TAURUS (April 20 – May 20): You’re charged and eager to reach new heights. “Tried and true” ways may be obsolete – and will likely lead you into arguments. You need new ideas. Be willing to challenge your mind in ways you never dreamed of.

 

Jack Fertig, a professional astrologer since 1977, is available for personal and business consultations in person in San Francisco, or online everywhere. He can be reached at 415-864-8302, through his Web site at www.starjack.com, and by e-mail at QScopes@qsyndicate.com.