Week of: September 25 - October 1
Advice to Ben: "Bait the hook well: this fish will bite." Claudia in Much Ado about Nothing, (II.iii.109)
Mercury is still spinning backwards in Time, making little havoc in everyday life. On a grander scale, though, this does not affect us, unless of course, you are an air sign, or if you know an air sign, or if there is any air in your chart. Perhaps it the very air you breath, but then that would be breath-taking, and these trying times are certainly not breath-taking. A more apt expression would be "challenging"

Aries [3/23-4/20]: The problem is that there's a lot of opposition going on in your life this week -- and to compound the opposition, it's all come from an area of your life that isn't a usual problem. Now consider this: Aries are natural born leaders. It's not like you want to dominate or anything, it's just that you just don't react well when told what to do, or where to go. And right now, everyone else seems to think that their perspectives are superior to yours. Tough it out, and if you can, try not to say too many rude things -- it won't get you anywhere right now.

Taurus [4/21-5/22]: Now, more so than ever, you feel like you are face to face with some insurmountable problems. You might want to consider renewing your Triple A membership at the beginning of the week. If nothing else, the car breaks down this week, leaving you in another fine mess. No, that's merely a metaphorical example, but I'm sure you get the idea, right? No? I forgot how a Taurus can really be stubborn. Anyway, what I mean is this: your method of daily transportation is likely to experience some instability in the next week. I sure hope that was clear enough for you. You might also experience some problems communicating what is wrong with the car. Step back and take a deep breath.

Gemini [5/23-6/21]: Work. Ugly word for Gemini, right? Well, it's real popular again this week, but it seems that you are not. What this means is take extra care at work, it's as if there was someone out to get you. Rather than turn you into a paranoid person, though, remember, this is merely a feeling. Besides, this feeling which has been gnawing away at the back of your mind for a while, like you are face to face with problems and you can't cope. That's not really the case, so relax. But watch your backside, just in case there really is someone out to get you this week.

Cancer [6/22-7/22]: Look here, Cancer friend (maybe we should drop the letter R, then it would be Cancer Fiend), you feel a little out of balance, but, more often than not, you feel like you are on top of it. There does seem to be a recurring problem with relationships -- romantic relationships -- and that's not destined to be worked out this week. Or month, for that matter. On the bright side, it looks like the new trailer house is a "go".

Leo [7/23-8/23]: Poor Leo, you feel like you're getting ganged up from two sides: coming and going. What it is that your feeling is certain restlessness combined with a certain listlessness. Confused? So is your body. It's tired of being tired, but it can't decide where to go. This would be a good week to try for some adventuresome places to go -- new venues for you are a good idea this week. Expansion is favored. That means you can start planning your next vacation. Where do you really want to go? The South Pacific? South of the Border? Make some decisions right now.

Virgo [8/24-9/23]: This week wraps up a tumultuous time for you. That's the bad news. The good news is that the rough and tumble stuff is over, if only for a brief moment. The good news is that the brief moment can stretch out all week, if you give it a chance. It would be a good week to consider cleaning your desk out -- the desk at work, that is. The grindstone is calling to you.

Libra [9/24-10/23]: Ever think about getting an astrology reading, like maybe as a birthday present? (There's nothing like a little shameless promotion, is there? Is this a great state, or what?) you will find, especially if your birthday is this week, that several aspects of your life are moving ahead at a brisk rate. For one, your sense of taste has dramatically improved. And, your unbalanced world view is starting to shift into focus, too. It all seems like it is happening so fast: Mercury is doing a little dance on your head right now, don't try running before you learn to walk!

Scorpio [10/24-11/23]: The sensation is creeping forward, and it's as if you have a giant feeling of dread overcoming you. You think that there is a serious calamity in the near future. This feeling of dread is further exacerbated by Mercury doing a backward tumble. What to do about it all? Nothing. Wait on the other shoe to drop. Which it will -- you have that feeling so strong, you know it will. Charles Schultz, the cartoonist, was once quoted as saying, "I have a new philosophy. IÍm only going to dread one day at a time."

Sagittarius [11/24-12/21]: You're on the downhill slide (slide, not side) of a truly momentous time. And, the events are just warming you up for what's ahead. Try for a little introspection at a time like this, under the war-like influence of Mercury. You find that your mental agility could never be betters but there is a little lack of follow through. Not too worry, just jot the ideas down for future reference.

Capricorn [12/22-1/20]: There is nothing I can tell Capricorn's right now that I haven't repeated before. But I'll try. Stay away from the Fall Boat Shows: you DO NOT need any new equipment right now. I don't care how good that new pontoon boat looks, with the deck with everything, and I know you are trying to write it off as a business expense. Trust me: it won't work. In other words, no impulsive decisions right now. No "funny" attempts at tax deductions, either.

Aquarius [1/21-2/18]: Just when the pressure is off from one area of your life, another planet goes right down the tubes. I hate to say I "I told you so," but I told you so. Mercury is probably having a bigger effect on you than it's having on any other sign. This is because of the basic meanness that Mars in Scorpio is doing to you. Irritating, isn't it? And avoid any conflict with Fixed Water Signs right now. I wouldn't want to name them by name, but you know who I mean.

Pisces [2/19-3/22]: What's so curious is that this whole Mercury Retrograde thing is completely escaping you, isn't it? You just don't understand what all the fuss is about, now do you? Relax, you operate on a higher plane and turbulent little planet like Mercury might have a zero effect on you. So get on with the work and responsibility thing right now. You knew I was going to get around to that one, didn't you?