Aries (March 20-April 19) — A little desire goes a long way. The stuff is more powerful than you may know, which means that right now you must direct it with precision. Use focus, and proceed gently, aware of the law of unintended consequences. Said another way, you must do something that is rather un-Aries-like, and consider a diversity of possible implications of getting what you want. It would be preferable, I think, to focus on what is motivating you. That form of contemplation is precisely the opposite of acting on impulse. Rather, I am suggesting that you act based on self-understanding and a real assessment of your situation. It will be easy to forego this. It will be easy to just plunge in, or to make a choice and set off a series of consequences that you cannot control. Therefore, use control while you have it, which is mostly in the form of awareness prior to making any decision.

Taurus (April 19-May 20) — Listen to what others say, even it sounds like crazy ranting and raving. There is good information mingled in there, and as much as you learn about someone else, you will learn about yourself. There is information coming about how words may not necessary be true, or even reflective of a true opinion. Fortunately, words are not deeds — not exactly. There is a buffer between one and the other, and you may find that you need to take advantage of that zone where potential is not entirely manifest. The lesson seems to be that motives are rarely 100% pure. Sometimes they conflict; sometimes they contradict one another entirely. And yet there will be a decision made, there will be action taken, and there will be results. The more closely you listen, and use what you know, more likely you are to experience results in line with what serves everyone involved.

Gemini (May 20-June 21) — Negotiate and compromise. Use compromise as part of your negotiation strategy. There are many points to the conversation, most of which you are flexible on. There are others that are essential to you. Know what those are, and if you must trade or bargain, start with the points that may mean less to you and mean more to someone else. I recognize this is not exactly a heart-centered approach, yet neither is a breakdown in communication or its consequences. At the moment, I would say that strategy reflective of authentic respect is the heart-centered way to proceed, because it will keep the conversation open and quite possibly focused on getting everyone’s needs met. Sometimes this kind of happy accident occurs on its own, and sometimes it’s the result of focused intention; in the current astrological climate, the more precise the better.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — The recent eclipse of the Moon in Aries opened up many possibilities for you, though you may not see it that way. I suggest you take a look, and allow the next few weeks to take their course. If you think in the language of creativity and curiosity rather than achievement or success, everything will make more sense — and be easier. Said another way, most people set the goal of ‘how to succeed’. I suggest setting the goal of ‘how to do this in the most beautiful way’, which is likely to mean bold, simple and inventive. You don’t need to worry about being different. You already are different, and everyone knows that. If you’re looking to make an impression, explore until you find a direct way to reach others in a manner that speaks to their needs, desires and dreams. Logic is not the answer to the riddle you may be facing; the solution is some form of emotional and creative contact.

There was an error in last week’s Cancer horoscope. Please see the corrected horoscope here. Apologies for any inconvenience or mystery and thanks to Sam for pointing out the error. — efc

Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) — Learn to speak clearly in language that expresses your emotional needs and you will find that people treat you more fairly. This may be a setup, stacking the deck in your own favor. It may also bring on a shift of perspective. If you are feeling like someone is out to cheat you, cheat on you or take something from you, step back and slow down. You may be looking right at someone’s supposed motives, though if they seem sinister or complicated, consider that there is a simpler way to solve the puzzle. Ask yourself one question — where does accountability fit the picture? For yourself first, and for them second? By accountability I don’t mean blame, I mean individuals willing to take responsibility for what is so, and having the strength to make necessary adjustments. This is a two-part process.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) — Defiance is not a substitute for personality, nor could you consider it a sign of strong character. It might feel that way, and if it does, you must raise your standards. You are in one of the most emotionally reactive moments in years, a strong comment given how much you’ve been through in that time, and how provoked you’ve so often been. Mindfulness is therefore essential. Once you are in reaction, you cannot impose mindfulness on yourself; by that point it’s possible only to vent (which is not another word for ‘process’). You need to maintain your awareness of your mental and emotional state long before you get there, and I would count resistance, stubbornness or defiance as warning signs that something deeper is going on. In a world where everything and everyone seems to be vying for your attention, it’s not easy to take total responsibility for what you feel, though that would be a helpful intention to set.

 

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) — You may be waiting for the other shoe to drop, though I suggest you not waste your time waiting. It’s up to you to take conscious steps in the direction that you want to go, which may involve taking a new route or deciding on a new destination from the one you were considering yesterday. Between sticking to one course for decades, and changing one’s mind every 15 minutes (the two most popular options, it seems) is the reality that change happens. You are in the process of encountering a series of influences that are shaping the course of your life. Note carefully whether you’re resisting these changes, and in the alternate, whether they seem to be taking you by surprise, happening totally outside of your control.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) — Mars, the planet traditionally associated with your sign, is conjunct something called Pholus this weekend (exact Tuesday, Oct. 14). Mars is the planet of action, self-assertion, desire and at times, aggression. The best key phrase for Pholus I’ve encountered is ‘small cause, big effect’. It’s also associated with runaway reactions and unintended consequences, which can sometimes go on for years. This meeting is happening in Sagittarius, a fire sign best represented by the flaming arrow. The cosmic message is twofold. One is, pay attention to what you do, what actions you take, and how you direct your desire. The other side is that a little (of anything) can go a long way. You do not need a lot of anything, be it effort, intention, desire or any form of ‘push energy’, to get a result. Apply your intention and your willpower with extreme care.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) — Take it easy — and I do mean super easy. Be cool. I don’t mean act cool, I mean keep your emotional temperature chill and pay attention to each decision you make, no matter how small. Any subtle intention, even admitting your inner desire honestly, can change the course of your life. This is not the time to flirt with loss of control, or with imprecision. The thing is, you may not recognize when you’re doing so. Therefore, be especially careful with idle curiosity, where drugs or alcohol are involved, or in any moment where you’re star-struck by another person. On the creative and constructive side, you have in your hands a truly unusual moment to make actual decisions that point your life in the direction that you want to go. Just remember the concept of a fulcrum. If you point your arrow one fraction of an inch to the left or to the right, you could miss your mark by a yard, or a mile.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) — Pay attention to your anxiety. Listen to it, and understand what it’s saying about you and your circumstances. Your fears may be running away with you at times; at least I suggest you notice when this is happening. Many people do not; or rather, are not mindful enough to know that fear is the issue, rather than the thing they are supposedly afraid of. It would be immensely helpful if you were to sort this one out, since if there is any issue it is fear and not the thing feared. Your current astrology is carrying some potent manifestation power, so I suggest you turn your energy toward something creative. Psychic energy is inherently neutral and can be turned to something loving or something toxic by choice. Though this is often forgotten, now would be the time to remember. Remembering means making the choice to focus the power of your mind in the direction you want to go, or what you want to become. Above all else, be truthful with yourself.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — You have the opportunity to make a splash, a crash or a controversy, with the potential to affect many people around you. I suggest you do none of the above, but rather allow your influence to work in ways that are understated and reserved. While you do this, you’ll need to live with the fact that there are things you don’t understand. For example, that might include not understanding why someone or something is harmful, even if you know intuitively that it is. Why does not matter as much as what your intuition is telling you. One particular aspect is suggesting that your words or actions could have an influence far beyond what you’re even aware of. The same aspect is saying that you are in a position receive information that you would otherwise be unlikely ever to find out. Yet will you know that this is happening when it comes your way? You will, if you’re paying close attention, which is the theme of the moment.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Ease back a little and let your momentum carry you. You have plenty; you have advanced more in recent weeks than you may have in recent years. Focus on what you’ve accomplished and study the ways that it’s taking you where you need to go and want to be. Focus on your agreements with others. Work from the idea that everything that could ever hang in the balance will be determined by a conscious, and fair, agreement with someone you care about, are close to, or do business with. The responsibility is on you to focus on mutual fairness, and it’s worth stating in advance that not everyone will agree with you, or at least not initially. Still, you must do what is right. To help ensure that, have a clear understanding of when decisions need to be made, and use your time gathering facts and points of view that will help you come from an informed place when the time arrives to implement your plan of action.