We start off the month with the innermost planets, Mercury and Venus, parading through the sign of the twins, along with the sun. The twins' job is to communicate ideas clearly, and being ruled by Mercury, the Messenger God, to disperse through air and wind. On the third, our affections turn toward things domestic, thanks to Venus entering Cancer. Two days later, Jupiter moves forward in the sign of the scales, giving us greater ability to understand the world around us with a sense of fairness and diplomacy. If any major worldwide efforts toward peace are to be realized, we have Jupiter to thank while he remains in this peace-loving sign through late October. The new moon in Gemini on the sixth opens the door to a more rational and logical way of processing our world. On the 11th, contradictory messages abound as Mercury's entrance into Cancer reflects a more sentimental mindset; whereas Mars forging into his sign of rule, Aries, suggests we take action now. Uranus reverses his tracks in Pisces on the 14th, giving us a pause for reflection. The summer solstice on the 21st gives way to the Capricorn full moon the following day, bringing a balance of compassion and practicality. Mercury and Venus enter Leo on the 28th, focusing greater attention on things heartfelt.

Aries:  (March 20-April 19)
You have until the 10th to get your thoughts on paper, compliments of Mercury in your solar Third House. Expect greater to attention to the household, starting the third. Your priority will be to make the home front as cozy as possible. Through the 10th, you're in a planning mode. It would not be surprising if you allow your inner voices to do the motivating while Mars completes his journey through your solar 12th. Thankfully his entrance into your sign on the 11th injects you with a welcome shot of adrenaline. If you think you've seen yourself in a productive mode, “you ain't seen nothing yet.” The solstice forces you to step out of the self-orientation and allow family and career their due. By month's end, you'll be hard-pressed to ignore romance as both Mercury and Venus grace your solar fifth.

Taurus:  (April 20-May 20)
True to form, finances occupy your attention early in the month. Break with those conservative reins and consider financial diversification come the new moon on the sixth. Localized travel enters the picture once Mercury enters your solar Third House on the 11th. Part of the motivation for travel is the desire to get away. Don't beat yourself up over this overwhelming urge to escape. Mars in your solar Twelfth House demands it. Another excellent use of this cycle is to get your proverbial ducks in a row. With pragmatism being your strong suit, this is a piece of cake. Resist the temptation to procrastinate. Once Mars rolls into your sign late next month, he's going to remain there through year's end, bringing a steady stream of productivity. You'll be thanking yourself for all the orderliness you're now assuring.

Gemini:  (May 21-June 21)
If you're feeling more restless than usual, that should ease off once your ruler steps into Cancer on the 11th. Meanwhile, flit to your heart's content. The financial picture looks promising, compliments of Venus in your solar Second House from the third forward. This position also favors investment in things frivolous or artistic. And if they happen to have historic or sentimental significance, all the better. With the new moon in your sign on the sixth, you're wise to plant new seeds thereafter. Jupiter moving forward in the fellow air sign of Libra gives you ample permission to flirt. Playing both sides against the middle would not be alarming. The social life picks up significantly on the 11th with Mars in the solar 11th, and travel heats up on the 28th, when your ruler graces your solar third.

Cancer:  (June 22-July 22)
You'll have little difficulty attracting what you want as Venus enters your sign on the third. If you feel the irresistible urge to pamper yourself, go for it! Your natural talent for communicating with a broad spectrum of the public becomes highlighted as Mercury enters your sign on the 11th. Emotionally speaking, your own inner sanctum will be your greatest comfort zone, particularly from the new moon forward. So feel free to crawl into that comfortable shell you crabs carry around with you. Professionally speaking, take confidence in your ability to take the lead. If your senses tell you it's time to initiate new game plans, listen and follow through. Come the full moon on the 22nd, you'll need to give others ample recognition. Start research on future investments by month's end.

Leo:  (July 23-August 22)
You're likely to vacillate between the need to be surrounded by those who love and adore you on the one hand, and the need for inner peace and solitude on the other. That seesaw comes to a screeching halt by the 28th as both Mercury and Venus occupy your own sign. Meanwhile, things spiritual call your name. Strong subconscious activity often finds you uncannily receptive to the thoughts and feelings of others. This is more the case early in the month. By the 11th, satisfy urges to take yourself on the road, and the farther the better. If that is not an option, take a beginner's course on something that suits your fancy. During the course of the full moon on the 22nd, your biggest challenge will be to find a happy balance between work and seclusion.

Virgo:  (August 23-September 22)
Although many often accuse you of being shy and retiring, you seem bound and determined to prove them wrong these days. There seems to be an air of sentimentality looming, which motivates you to hang with those who appreciate your roots and heritage. Bosses appreciate the diversity of your talents and therefore assign projects accordingly. You're bound to become a mini-expert in yet another field of interest. As the last days of the month unfold, so does your desire to crawl back into your more introverted ways. Passions run high as of the 11th, thanks to Mars in your solar Eighth House. Taking a more assertive role comes naturally. Despite their playful nature, there is a serious undercurrent to those found flirting with you during the course of the full moon.

Libra:  (September 23-October 23)
With Jupiter in your sign for another few months, you continue to be no stranger to risk-taking activity the bigger the gamble, the better. Gladly accept invitations to broaden your geographical scope, as bounty waits. Expect greater professional visibility during the course of the coming days with the understanding that speaking your mind still assures a warm reception. It must be your natural charm that allows you such leeway. Contracts loom as Mars enters your opposing sign of the ram on the 11th. Don't be too eager to jump ahead. The devil is still in the details. For those of you who are single, this is a fine time to work on remedying that status, should you be so inclined. Take a different tack at the office around mid-month.

Scorpio:  (October 24-November 21)
The road is calling your name and invites you to journey afar. If you prefer returning to familiar stomping grounds, feel free. Planets in Cancer tend to make us more comfortable when we're in a homey environment. It's not as though your sleuthing brain will lack for mysteries to solve. Despite the urge to spread your wings, you have an equally strong urge to keep busy. So it doesn't appear as though you'll be kicking back. More than likely, you'll find a myriad of ways of exhausting your travel companions. Not only are your waking hours active these days, the new moon in your solar Eighth House assures a vigorous subconscious agenda as well. Writing down both dreams and inner hunches will prove worthwhile down the road. As you scribble down your thoughts, use key words that will later trigger your memory.

Sagittarius:  (November 22-December 21)
Your life is inextricably intertwined with those of others for the bulk of the month. This is not necessarily a bad thing at all, despite your natural urge for considerable breathing room. Others bring well-honed talents to the table and need to be acknowledged as such. The time they have invested in achieving their current skill set is admirable, reflecting a level of considerable intensity. There is a pleasant balance in the mix, thanks to Mars in your solar Fifth House. He ensures oodles of playtime, either with your own inner child or with those you truly adore. Allow some flexibility to change course around mid-month, should circumstances make this inevitable. As Uranus moves retrograde, he tends to have even more of a mind of his own. Focus on finances during the full moon.

Capricorn:  (December 22-January 19)
The workaholic mode that is just your style seems to tire of itself no later than the solstice. Perhaps it's the many hats you're wearing that taxes you. When you're ready to shift gears, partnerships play a more significant role in your life. Should you be single, seek out a decent sounding board. No later than mid-month, your attention shifts to the home front. You seem to have a 'to do' list a mile long along with the motivation to tackle it. Should you feel an uncanny pull toward reading material that seems oddly familiar, take the time to reacquaint yourself. The chances are that there are messages that resonate with your path. The full moon in your sign on the 22nd  is living proof that maintaining a stiff upper lip is not all it's cracked up to be.

Aquarius:  (January 20-February 18)
As pleasurable as your work is these days, it's still a feat divorcing your mind from it. Keep a receptive ear open to what your coworkers have to say. For a change, they may have their fingers on more of the local pulse. Things literary seem to catch your eye these days. Don't be shy when it comes to adding your two cents worth via the old-fashioned written word. For you, the pen truly is mightier than the sword. Give in to spontaneous urges to explore local stomping grounds, especially those that have been recently rejuvenated. Although you're well known for being one of the more social signs of the zodiac, even you can benefit from some alone time every once in a while. And this full moon is a classic example of one of those times.

Pisces:  (February 19-March 20)
If others are encouraging you to invest money, keep in mind that you have to spend money in order to make it. Initial investments are apt to manifest substantial rewards in the months to come, so be a little bolder. Your home is crying out for a breath of fresh air. If nothing else, rearrange a few pieces of furniture and accessories. If time allows, add an array of color. As Uranus reverses himself in your sign on the 14th, you'll find new ideas compelling to resist. Experimentation is most definitely in order. Be sure you reserve ample time for play. If you don't, the universe will see to it that you do, because sooner than you think the salt mines will beckon.

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