PLANETARIUM MICHAEL LUTIN

SCORPIO OCT. 24-NOV. 21

It's certainly certain disconcerting when someone comes on strong and then inexplicably cools down, backs off, or disappears entirely—especially entirely—esc for a Scorpio like you, who demands lifetime loyalty from moment one. But what else can you expect when Mars goes retro in your 7th house? Meanwhile, the way you've iced certain people out of your life with no explanation or farewell suggests that you've got a few communication issues of your own. As Jupiter leaves your solar 12th house, let's see some patience and forgiveness on your part.

SAGITTARIUS NOV. 22-DEC. 21

The financial wounds you sustained in the last few years are still healing, but be cheered by the fact that you've at least stopped the bleeding. Now all you have to do is stay healthy and you should be able to restore prosperity to your life. As often as friends have disappointed or even deserted you, with your ruler in the 11th house they are here now to steer you in the right direction, so get into the bygones-be-bygones thing and make yourself available.

CAPRICORN DEC. 22-JAN. 19

If you've been feeling more anxious and dispirited than usual, this time it's not Saturn's fault. Blame Chiron, a not so heavenly body that's been dragging you along for the past couple of years. While its influence is strongest on those bom around January 18, Chiron affects all members of your sign. The irony is that, along with the nail-biting, loss of confidence, and pain. Chiron also brings you strength and wisdom, which elevate you in the eyes of others and make them respect and admire you. Even so, thank God it's leaving Capricorn.

AQUARIUS JAN. 20-FEB. 18

You have a remarkable ability to view all of life—including the unforeseen reversals brought about by your 12th house— as a golden opportunity to learn and grow. No matter what sort of upheaval is happening in your personal life, however, the passage of Jupiter through your 9th house is one of the greatest blessings the universe can bestow. Although some people think you're cold just because you laugh during funerals, the truth is that your cosmic perspective lets you see the humorous side of existence.

PISCES FEB. 19-MARCH 20

You can look at yourself in one of two ways right now: as a lost, off-the-track, vegged-out loser on the dole who has to be bailed out by other people, or as a deeply committed human being who is fortunate enough to have the resources to help humanity evolve. It depends on the time of day, the weather, and how much you've had to drink at dinner. This dual perspective can be explained by the fact that an asteroid is direct in your 11th house. Mars has stopped moving in your 3rd, and a new moon on Jupiter has saved your ass once again.

ARIES MARCH 21-APRIL 19

Since living decently costs such a fortune these days, not many people can give their boss the finger and waltz off into the sunset without thinking about health insurance, car payments, and all the other dandy perks we can't live without in the Western world. If you haven't already figured it out, Chiron's imminent departure from your solar midheaven is your chance to wave good-bye to a regime you long ago stopped respecting. In spite of your worldly woes, Jupiter in your 7th house is sending you someone who can kiss all your cares away.

TAURUS APRIL 20-MAY 20

If your wick is wet or you're feeling droopy, it may be EpsteinBarr, but the cosmic explanation seems more likely. When the planetary ruler of self-assertion and motivation stops moving in your sign, it's hard to get going. Your personal battery goes dead and the ignition just won't kick in. For one thing, you're probably fed up with schools, lawyers, and publishers these days, and with the disappointments you've experienced at work it's no wonder you're turned off. Just wait, though. Great big opportunities arc right there in front of you.

GEMINI MAY 21-JUNE 21

Not counting outbursts from the usually repressed dark side ulcol'unii of your personality, you're a peaceful person. It's hard to keep .smiling, smiling. though, when 8th-housc transits transits convince you that injusticeszes are are being perpetrated against you and that you're not getting money you deserve. With Mars in your 12th till at least the end of the year, you could talk yourself into a paranoid rage, but don't. While the ruler of your 7th house is in your 5th, you still have the ability to love—with or without the sex.

CANCER JUNE 22-JULY 22

No matter how many years of therapy you've had, you still think it's your job and your responsibility to kiss everybody's boo-boos. Not that you do it with a smile—with Chiron still transiting your solar 7th house, half the time you're baring your fangs. You're lucky, though. Even as you scramble to put out fires and appease warring factions, the greater bcnefic planet occupying an exalted position in your solar 4th house is providing you with a beautiful place to live and a loving being to eat with and maybe even sleep with.

LEO JULY 23-AUG. 22

It takes a heck of a lot of determination to remain focused and enthusiastic at work when Mars goes retrograde in your solar midheaven and Chiron turns direct in your 6th house. Don't give in to the temptation to lose momentum. Right now, it's vitally important for you to stay on course and continue to be the inspiring leader you've set yourself up as. Besides, your head is chock-full of great ideas. You've still got a zillion contacts you can hit on. and your communication skills have never been greater. So stop bitching and keep working.

VIRGO AUG. 23-SEPT. 22

Although you may be wise beyond your years in most matters and able to do fractions in your sleep, when it comes to love you still have a few colossal 5th-house lessons to learn. Right now, for instance, there's someone you can't get out of your mind whom you love deeply but can't bring under your control. Until you learn to accept what you're never going to change in other people, that individual will continue to act like a sweet dog that for some reason keeps slipping the leash and running into traffic. At least you have money now.

LIBRA SEPT. 23-OCT. 23

If the home you've been living in (and what happens in it) has given you cause to pace the floor in the middle of the night and reach for the Maalox, take heart and rejoice. Before too long, Chiron will be leaving your solar 4th house, and if you have learned the lesson of maintaining intimacy without clinging attachment, you'll be totally fine. Even if now and then you do have a few sexual mishaps and miscues that impede emotional bliss, the presence of the greater benefic planet in your sign should keep you in dizzyingly happy denial.