For violent fires soon burn out themselves;/Small showers last long, but sudden storms are short. - Richard II, II,i,34

Shakespeare reminds us that July 4th would be a good time to exercise extreme caution with fireworks. Flame-throwers and other incendiary devices are out. But like a sudden shower, it will be all over soon-none too soon!

The good news is that the rest of the summer looks like a stupendous time for enjoying oneself.

Aries: ever feel like the Universe is constantly testing just how strong you can be? The good news here is that once this test is over, you will fair much, much better. It seems as if you are facing a crisis a day, and they will soon, hopefully by the end of the month, resolve in your favor.

Taurus: you've been energized and revitalized, so you should be looking forward to the next phase of your development. That's the secret here, keep telling yourself, "Self, it's getting better all the time." If you repeat that like a mantra, the uncomfortable situations ought to turn more favorable. That's the good news.

Gemini: you'll find that you have an inordinate amount of nervous energy this month, and you can really look forward to some negative things flowing back to you from authority figures. Look out for discouragement and disappointment from those who think they control your life. You know better; lower your expectations, not lower by a notch, but maybe cut your high hopes in half. You will feel better that way. Sorry, but reality can be ugly.

Cancer: good news, bad news for you Crustaceans types: your thought processes are definitely augmented, and your mental clarity is spot on. Your thoughts race faster than speeding PowerPC. The bad news, you ask? It's not a good month for travel. And you were really hoping for a vacation, too, now weren't you? Instead of physical travel, try a little Astral Projection.

Leo: what a month you're going to have! You feel very creative this summer, literally bursting with ideas and ways to implement them. The downside of all that creative energy is that you just sort of feel like sitting around the house and basking in the sunlight, rather than putting any ideas into action. Despite the apparent laziness, you will find that you have a deeper appreciation for the beautiful moments in life, too, so party on!

Virgo: you're stuck with a conundrum this month, and it is probably driving you a bit crazy: what is more important, Art or Duty? As a good Virgo, you usually lean towards the duty, but you have this fine appreciation which is pulling you in another direction right now, as well, so what will it be? If you are true to your stats, you'll probably wind up with the Duty thing, again.

Libra: looks as if it is your turn for being hard-headed this month. You will find that your creative efforts are rewarded, however, there is the ever-present clash of wills which is presenting you with one problem after another. Try to take the little problems in stride, and you will find that the bigger picture finds a much better focus for itself.

Scorpio: after the intensity of having Pluto (the Lord of the Underworld) traipsing through your life, you will find that you are in for a relatively calm summer month. It's as if you are really looking forward to spending some time at the lake or on the beach, and you might even lighten up and enjoy yourself. You might find yourself rather content this month.

Sagittarius: look forward to a good, if challenging, business climate. That's as opposed to the summer climate. Seems as if this isn't the summer for sitting around the beach house and getting a tan-be wary of getting too much sun these days. Overheating is always a possibility.

Capricorn: your biggest challenge this month will be trying to escape the heat and drudgery of summer time. You just don't seem to like it too much. While you may prefer the cool of the autumn of winter, you might as well make the best of a bad situation.

Aquarius: you have a small problem with arrogance, okay, okay, so it's a large problem. Be on the lookout for some extraordinary opportunities, too, because Lady Luck will shine on you, if ever so briefly, sometime this month.

Pisces: luckless Pisces, don't despair! You are learning valuable lessons about the dubious benefits of hard work and exertion. Take heart! It's good for you. Of course, this work ethic thing is way overrated.. Career is strong, and you are successfully moving ahead with the larger goals in life. Or should be, anyway.