February 12, 2008

When Saturn in Virgo picks up Venus in Capricorn for today’s date, he’s spiffy and punctual, true to his word. For the star-crossed planets in the signs of the earth, enduring attractions are forged with great follow-through and reliability. Both assure the people we care about that while we love them, we respect them, too.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). You are conscientious and knowledgeable about your business, and partners put their trust in you. So when today’s unfamiliar situation arises, you may feel more comfortable relegating the work to someone who knows better.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20).  You’re a romantic at heart, and you have an idealistic view of what a relationship should be. What you want is uncommon, but that doesn’t make it impossible. Keep the faith.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). When you know and honor your priorities, everything works smoothly. Your best luck comes this afternoon after you reconfirm where your loyalty lies. Capricorn encounters are educational.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). A master of intrigue, you’re now drawn to situations that require cunning and secrecy – or are those situations drawn to you? You’ll use skills you didn’t even know you had.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). A new sense of optimism prevails. You could even make friends with your enemies. At work, colleagues, clients and customers will be receptive if you introduce things slowly, one piece at a time.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY  (Feb 12). Exciting social circles are featured in the new year. While you pursue hobbies and causes that inspire you, you’ll meet interesting characters – people who will get you and love you. Trips in April are fortuitous as well as character building. You’re involved in a new business venture in July. Leo and Virgo are especially amorous toward you. Your lucky numbers are: 40, 11, 20, 44 and 16.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Self-confidence and dedication are key to excelling at work, and you’re strong on both qualities now. Let loved ones know that you need to concentrate your energy at this crucial point of your journey.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). It doesn’t matter how much or little people have put into your dreams and ideas in the past, they are worth more and you know it. Invest in yourself – more than you’ve dared to do before.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You’re naturally suspicious of authority, challenging the system whenever you feel confined by it. Draw personal boundaries now to prevent being fenced in by rules you don’t agree with.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Love is a sweet mystery that you can never fully comprehend, and that’s what keeps you vital, excited and forever exploring. So when loved ones baffle you, try to see it as a gift.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You’re even so charming now and can sweet-talk your way into any worthwhile situation. Give all your love to one romantic partner instead of making things more complicated.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). When the pace of life gets unbearably sluggish, take this as an opportunity to do some inner work. Being aware of the thoughts and feelings you’re having about loved ones is a powerful start.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Practical plans and impractical dreams have an equal shot at being realized, so be big and bold! When you’re consistently positive, limits fade away. Gemini helps you out.

ASTROLOGICAL TOPICS:    Moon Phases: The Last Quarter Moon: When I start “living for the weekend,” dividing my time between weekday work and weekend chores, I know I’ve stepped out of lunar time. To drop back into the ancient, natural cycle, not calendar time, heed the message of today’s last-quarter moon, which marks the distinct shift from moving outward in the world to moving inward. You clearly see opportunities taken, opportunities missed. Maybe you’re frustrated by an unwieldy person or obstacle. There’s nothing left to do in this cycle, just be. And your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to reflect and reorient your internal attitudes and thought processes – they’re creating your frustration. Do what you can to loosen up, to let your  thoughts and opinions fall away, and rest in your true nature. I find that giving something away during the last quarter – say, donating clothes I no longer wear – tweaks my perspective just enough to turn over a new leaf in mind. Remember, save the action for later (the new moon) – use the next seven days to do nothing. You’re probably restless so it’s not easy advice to follow, but following the kitchen-sink wisdom of lunar logic always makes life easier.