The month begins with the sun in the friendly sign of Aquarius, in what is called the second decanate: the second of three sets of 10-degree increments. Between the 1st and the 8th, the sun occupies the Mercury-ruled Gemini decanate, enabling objective communication and innovative brainstorming. The last decanate, from the 9th through the 18th, comes under the Venus-ruled Libra influence, enabling compromise to achieve mutual gain. On the 3rd, Venus moves forward in Capricorn, having been retrograde since Christmas Eve. This brings a shot in the arm to the financial sector and due to the Capricorn influence especially favors larger businesses and corporations, particularly those associated with building, horticulture, trees and wood. The moon reaches fullness on the 12th, in the sign of Leo. Look for ways to make your own heartfelt contribution to the society around you. On the 17th, Mars completes his extensive occupation of the earthy sign of Taurus, heading into Gemini. Owing to the inherent versatility of this sign of the twins, we’ll find it easier to diversify our focus. Expect to see more rapid progress in reaching goals, especially compared to the plodding pace of the past several months. On the last of the month the new moon turns over a new leaf in the compassionate sign of the fishes. Small acts of selflessness go a long way.

Aries (March 21 - Apr. 19)
Between the 1st and the 9th, you’ll continue a social streak that has been lingering since late last month. Starting the 10th, reconsider the notion of opening up your mouth and inserting your foot. Because Mercury will occupy your solar 12th House, your best bet is to listen carefully to others. Considering their input is more important and more strategically effective than contributing your tentative thoughts. This is a stretch for you spontaneous folks; so pull in the verbal reins or rent a muzzle! Professionally speaking, momentum is yours. Maintain a conservative financial perspective and prepare for side trips. Guard against defensiveness when dealing with siblings. The stage will be difficult to resist during the full moon on the 12th. The new moon on the 28th finds you searching for a getaway.

Taurus (Apr. 20 - May 20)
Professionally speaking, you’re participating in an old-fashioned Mexican standoff. Back away and ask yourself what is good for the bigger picture as opposed to just your own personal wants and needs. If the bigger picture wins, find a graceful resolution. You’ll be appreciated for tak-
ing the high road and may even be dubbed “a class act”. On another note, those who know you, including yourself, will admit that you can take the art of procrastination to a whole new level. If that is the case, don’t allow it to consume you. Instead, look for ways to make gradual adjustments. Starting the 18th, alternatives to your trudging path are likely to emerge. Some of these involve financial opportunities, resulting from your reputation for being thorough.

Gemini (May 21 - June 20)
Travel, or at least contact with those at significant geographical distances from you, is the plan early in the month, thanks to your ruler, Mercury, occupying your solar 9th House. For those of you in sales (a most fitting career for your silver-tongued ways) this is a great time to make strategic marketing decisions. Since late July of last year you may have been feeling as though a lot is brewing under the surface, but you’re frustrated because nothing seems to be surfacing. That should all change once Mars moves into your sign on the 17th. This infuses you not only with enthusiasm, but also with energy to burn. Your greatest enemy is likely to be yourself, by placing way too many irons in the fire without the concentration to follow through on any one in particular.

Cancer (June 21 - Jul. 22)
If you haven’t been recording your dreams you’ve been missing lots of juicy tidbits. It’s not too late. Record as much as you can remember since late January. A restless streak kicks in around the 9th, manifesting in the “grass is always greener” type of fantasies. If you can’t indulge your passions, at least indulge your imagination. Relationships look promising now that Venus has righted herself in your solar 7th House. If there are legal affairs to settle, take offers seriously. It seems as though you’ve had a strong dose of socializing lately. Don’t be surprised if you feel like crawling into a cocoon from all the hustle and bustle starting mid-month, thanks to Mars‚ entrance into your solar 12th. Indulge in a reward for yourself during the full moon on the 13th.

Leo (Jul. 23 - Aug. 22)
You would be a fool to disregard the advice given to you by experts. In fact, any objective perspective is worthy of your attention. The inherent danger you folks possess lies in the nature of your ruler, the sun. It is the body around which all planets revolve, sometimes giving you the false impression that if something doesn’t emanate from you, it is unworthy of your consideration. Pay attention to your dreams as of the 9th. Let your fantasies take you for a ride. Once you’re awake, focus on the symbolism. Expect coworkers to be pleasant and efficient. A standoff between you and your bosses comes to a close. Allow social connections to dominate from the 18th onward. Take advantage of the full moon in your sign on the 13th. Wearing your heart anywhere but on your shirtsleeve will be next to impossible.

Virgo (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22)
The past few months found you re-examining financial matters and self-worth issues. These should all be well under control, giving you greater freedom to steer your ship according to your own exacting rules. If you’re attempting to repair a relationship, chances are you’ve singled out the issues that require attention. Listen empathetically to the thoughts and input of those closest to you. Although you may not be consciously seeking them out for insight, they are psychic enough in their own right to get a good fix on your stance. Business-wise, marketing has been the focus for some time now. Expect that trend to shift, giving you more options as to how to apply your finely honed skills. Your shy, retiring nature takes hold during the mid-month full moon. By the new moon at month’s end you’ll be ready to open your heart again.

Libra (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22)
It looks as though all the organizing you’ve been doing at home lately is paying off. You have a pleasantly workable system in place. This process should now allow you to focus attention on filling in gaps elsewhere. When it comes to work, allow your sensitive feelers to do the heaving lifting; they’ll be much more on target than your logical mind. Around the 18th you’ll find yourself yearning for destinations abroad. If it is logistically impossible to travel, seek out vicarious options. You’re in a strong learning curve, eager to gobble up various tidbits of knowledge; many unrelated, but nonetheless relevant. Even information regarding other cultures will come in most handy. Expect work-related changes at month’s end.

Scorpio (October 23 - November 22)
As of the 18th it will no longer be necessary to force issues that have been hovering over relationships since last fall. You’d be wise to write down your dreams with the intent on re-reading them. Look for duplicate patterns and make them food for thought. Children can easily play a role in your life, especially when you keep your ears tuned to the unknowingly wise. They can easily be an accurate barometer of things to come, as if they were true vision-
aries. If you are in a relationship, recognize that your partner is in a highly sensitive state. Nuances, no matter how slight, can’t help but be noticed. Much can be learned about each other during these times, since there are few barriers to true feelings. Let your creative imagination guide you during playtime.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21)
After some early month restlessness you settle back in to a more domestic lifestyle. Yes, even gypsies need time to put down roots. Financially things are on the upswing. If you have an opportunity to make a long-term investment, jump on it. Venus in your solar 2nd House will pay off down the road. Work has taken the brunt of your focus lately, something which will shift no later than the 18th. Relationships become more of an issue, and if things are already a bit rocky, don’t expect a bed of roses to miraculously grow. It’s time to lay all the cards out on the table, but keep things logical and rational and you’ll be amazed at how much you can accomplish. If you feel an intermediary is in order, choose someone who has been there before.

Capricorn (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19)
Venus in your sign most of the last few months has found you re-evaluating your own personal priorities. You’ve been getting down to brass tacks, so your sense of what is truly important could never be clearer. The road calls your name around the 9th, as Mercury enters your solar 3rd House. If you have the opportunity for some pampering, don’t pass it up. It will do good to let your mind wander. The latter third of the month finds you wearing a greater variety of hats, a pleasant break from what could have been a dry routine. The full moon in Leo easily spells passion. And the new moon on the 28th suggests your focus may turn to different regional pockets. Some travel may emerge next month as a result. The 23rd and 24th are highly productive.

Aquarius (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18)
As the month opens there will be little doubt as to what is truly on your mind. Stay out of the way of those who are too delicate to handle the naked truth, as you’re not one to sugar coat. Financial matters require more of your attention as the month progresses. You’ve been fortunate enough to have a little cushion built up, so if you’re looking for something creative to do with that nest egg, now is the time to get cracking. If circumstances are such that you’re surrounded by older folks, take note. Their words of wisdom, no matter how trite, are worthy of consideration. Their perspective may ring very true regarding pertinent issues you now face. As the late month approaches, try your hand in different hobbies. Experiment and see what develops.

Pisces (Feb. 19 - Mar. 20)
Your ceaselessly creative mind is bursting with new ideas that started rumbling around in your gray matter late last month. It feels as though you might burst if they aren’t unleashed soon. Be aware that your normally heightened state of sensitivity has just ramped itself up a notch or three. Allow this to trigger your brain’s imagination as you soak up the ideas floating around in the ethers. Continue building on productive relationships that have been more dominant since late last year. Now that trust is no longer an issue, barriers are more likely to be let down. Be careful about piling up too many items on your domestic to-do list. You’re apt to get too distracted if the list numbers more than three or four.

Kathryn L. Silverton is an Atlanta area astrologer. She may be contacted for consultations at 770-931-2577 or
kls@planetaryperceptions.com