Once again, balance proves to be a tedious affair. Perhaps it is because balance is what we all seek in this lifetime, and, times being what they are, life seems out of balance.

ì Aries [3/23-4/20]: arenÍt you glad that the cool weather has started now? You should, after the hot time youÍve just been through, and wait, things are looking up for a little while. Fortunately, as an Aries, you are not adversely affected by reality (unlike some of us) which is a good thing because there is lots of reality headed your way. Some of this is good news, too, as you finally get a chance to get ahead this month.

£ Taurus [4/21-5/22]: I sure hope you did as I suggested and took a break last month because this month, and the coming fall season promises to be full of many new twists and turns. Your life should be very interesting at this time, and, if possible, avoid too much travel right now. It could mean car problems, too, especially with the possibility of an exhaust leak in the manifold. Relax, grin and bare it.

È Gemini [5/23-6/21]: as a good Gemini, you would be best suited to be getting ready for the upcoming holidays, and it is never too early to beginning getting your house in order for the guest who will be coming over. You have an extremely busy and stressÜfilled holiday coming up unless you do some planning now. I do hope you remember where you heard this uplifting note first.

Cancer [6/22-7/22]: for once, good Cancer friend, things look up. There is one small, minor note of caution, besides the usually caveats that go with the retrograde Mercury thing: watch out for old relationships with other water signs, you know the types: Scorpio and Pisces. ItÍs just a fair bit of warning, as mercury does its thing, to bring back some old friends lovers, and maybe, some of these old friends are characters you might not want to hang around with. Use your wisdom a little better „ life is not a Role Playing Game.

å Leo [7/23-8/23]: you know, the outlook for just about everyone else has been pretty bleak thus far. But, for you Royal Leo types, things couldnÍt look much better. You might want to shield yourself from everyoneÍs tough and testy times, but, on the other paw, you are in a position to shine all the way through this one. Party on!

¹ Virgo [8/24-9/23]: the first part of this month, before the retrograde hits, and before the sun moves out of your sign, you will find that your attitude is better than usual, and you will also find that you are more forgiving at a time like this. The one thing to watch out for is a goodÜlooking, slickÜtalking person who tries to win you over with charm and wit. Caution is advised.

ë Libra [9/24-10/23]: whew! You got lots of planets compounding this mercury retrograde thing: the Sun, Chiron, Venus and Mars, I mean, it almost looks like a party! Too bad youÍre going to be so put out by the little one (Mercury) doing its thing „ you judgment and taste couldnÍt be in better shape. Say good bye to Mars but welcome the soft and cooling effect of Venus and her sense of charm.

Š Scorpio [10/24-11/23]: in the old Astrology books, Mars was your ruler. After 1930, it was Pluto. Now, for the first time in nearly two years, we have both those bad boys back together again, perhaps for one last fling at getting all of the Scorpio stuff stirred up. Emotions and sarcasm (trenchant wit) run high, try and cool it.

‡ Sagittarius [11/24-12/21]: if you have been on the coast before a tropical depression (some wimpy people would call it a hurricane) blows in, then you are familiar with the feelings you are going to experience this month. There is a certain, monastic calm which will settle on you, just briefly. It is a dangerous foreboding of the power that is about to be unleashed. Stay tuned „ it might be a great adventure.

­ Capricorn [12/22Ü1/20]: if you did take a break from the routine last month, you should have sent me pictures of the record breaking fish you caught. Should have been a really good weekend and some much needed rest. So much for the good news. This month, remember that I told you to get some rest „ youÍve got a busy season ahead.

– Aquarius [1/21-2/18]: the only problem youÍll run into right now, and that is a literal statement (not figurative), is the obstacle presented by the lack of foresight in other people. Friends, family, coÜworkers, and even people you have to share the road with all seem to conspire to thwart your good intentions. Practice a little patience. Maybe even some new vulgarities in a foreign language.

‰ Pisces [2/19-3/22]: finally! A break from the routine! Things are getting better! (Really, they are, you can trust me, I am a professional.)