Horoscopes

Keep it reasonable and safe, Virgo!

Mars in Pisces (now until April 22) will bring up your inner demons, offering you a chance to release them, perhaps through art, or to harness them to some good. Right now he s sextile to Pluto in Capricorn, an excellent time to concentrate that diffuse energy into concerted action.

ARIES (March 20 -April 19): Dangerous though your impulses may be, the motivations behind them can be instructive. Listen to those reasons, harness that energy constructively and find ways to apply it to your career. Meditative exercise (like walking or tai chi) helps you focus.

TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Friendly debates can look and sound nastier than they really are. If you can keep mutual respect, don't hold back! You need the challenge. Listen and learn. Expanding your perspective is more valuable than correcting others'.

GEMINI (May 21- June 20): You're entering a sexier, more charismatic 15-year phase. Remember that as public presentations or workplace encounters seem to provoke erotic reactions. Using that new power and keeping it clean may take some practice!

CANCER (June 21- July 22): Arguments with your partner can leap from heated to hot. If you can't disagree on anything, some adventure will help. Climbing Stromboli is ideal. If there's no volcanic island nearby, or even an island or mountain, hike any secluded forest trail.

LEO (July 23 -August 22): A strong libido is a sign of good health, but can expose you to risk. Brush up on safer sex techniques. Be daring and explore new methods. Choosing a "lab partner" will be harder than finding one!

VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): You need to burn off some heat with your baby - or an "amour du jour." Anything that works up a sweat is good, but do you really need clues? Set yourselves a fun challenge. Keep it reasonable and safe.

LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): Exercise will help you work off stress around domestic issues. Scrubbing and sweeping could count as exercise. If it really is somebody else's job (Is it really?) you could remind him or her and go for a walk.

SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): All those things you've been aching to say can be expressed, and may come out in torrents, but probably not in verbal logic. Drawing, poetry or music may say it better, even if your music sounds more like screaming. Hey, it works for Diamanda Galas !

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 20): Torching the place does not count as cleaning up! A yard sale is the best way to get rid of clutter, but evaluate those treasures before you let them go. Some are worth more than you think!

CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): Normally the soul of discretion, your tongue is unusually loose. Not just secrets, but anything best left unsaid may come shooting out of your mouth and as harsh as a bullet. Best just to avoid people you'd rather not talk with.

AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): Worries about money are at least partly real, but it's easy to exaggerate and panic. Center, meditate and assess the problems realistically before taking them on. Sacrifices may be necessary, but solutions are possible. Breathe!

PISCES (February 19 - March 19): Be careful what you wish for! Friends may mistake your ephemeral whims for something you seem to consider very important! Rather than letting them waste such good intentions, lead them in a project that really counts for something.

[Author Affiliation]

Jack Fertig, a professional astrologer since 1977, teaches at the "International Academy of Astrology" (www.astrocollege.com). He can be reached for personal or business consultations at 415-864-8302, through his Web site at www.starjack.com, and by e-mail at QScopes@qsyndicate.com.