What the LUCK says..

April 2009 

Aries

The sign of Aries is masculine and dynamic. In relationships and love, an Aries female or male tends to operate from a primeval instinct. This man or woman has a very high sex drive and is quite passionate. The essential Mars energy is creative and fertile, in keeping with the ancient views toward the god of war. Venus would often mingle with Mars!

Aries can be quite quick-tempered and headstrong though. They are often impatient, but have a responsible personality and genuinely caring traits. They are simply driven to action and creation in the material world. Of course, they do this from the front and are not very good followers, particularly when they do not feel authority is valid.

On the shadow side, Aries can trod on the feelings of others easily and may be promiscuous. They can be selfish and egotistical. Spiritually, Aries seeks to initiate and create in the material world. They can be quite intellectual, though often over-optimistic. Aries does best when moderation and planning are embraced. Aries men and women are blessed with many gifts which can lead to very impressive achievements, so long as they don't get in their own way by being foolhardy and creating unnecessary difficulties!

• Aries Ruling Planet: Mars
• Aries Zodiac Symbol: The Ram
• Aries Element: Fire
• Aries Cardinality: Cardinal
• Aries Stone: Diamond
• Aries Season: Spring
• Aries Colors: Red
• Aries Anatomy: Head
• Famous Aries: Leonardo DaVinci, Elton John, Jane Goodall, Russel Crowe, Charlie Chaplin, Eric Clapton, William Shatner, Thomas Jefferson, Robert Downey Jr., Quentin Tarantino, Diana Ross, Marlon Brando, Bob Woodward 

April is certainly your kind of month! Flowers breaking ground, blooms on the lilacs bushes and cool breezes and warming sun. What could be better for life, love, and health? There may be some problems with authority figures (or extremely controlling, gotta win at any cost) types, but you manage the situation quite nicely, thanks to your positive, hopeful attitude. You get a nice chance to help a friend in need on the 6th and do everything possible to either make amends or help out in some way. A bountiful Full Moon on the 9th, coinciding with Passover, gets the weekend off to an early start. Good Friday follows the next day, with a positive, cheerful Sun-Jupiter conjunction. The 11th is superb for great discussions, some of which uncover deeply held secrets that cause some discomfort but eventually bring relief, resolution and peace, thanks to Venus. Easter Sunday is particularly thought provoking and emotional. The 15th is action-packed. Whatever seemed stultified and dead in the water suddenly comes back to life. You're a pistol with rounds and rounds of ammo – and you never miss your target, not once. Romance and belief in miracles also take form, and become more real and luscious on the 17th. A secret love or hush-hush wedding plans may be discussed. Whoever said that April is the cruelest month was talking about how exquisite the ecstasy is – almost to the point of pain. The 19th is a time to get down to serious details and business, holidays or not. You've got your own magical miracle to work out. On the 19th, the Sun moves into earthy, pleasure-loving Taurus – birthday time for all your Bull friends! From the 21st onward, things really pick up lots of steam and momentum for you. Money opportunities begin to click, meetings are scheduled, ideas and properties are sold or traded. A resurgence of that thing that Emily Dickinson described as 'a thing with feathers' (hope) will return. This month's touchstone: Pink Tourmaline

Taurus

Taurus is a feminine sign and possess tremendous patience. In relationships, Taurus men and women care deeply for those they are close to. They have an extremely reliable personality and tendencies to be very consistent. People like being around a Taurus man or woman. However, this zodiac sign does not like to take risks and its members crave security. They are more sexual than average and loyal in love. However, they can have possessive traits.

On the shadow side, a Taurus male or female can be jealous, self-indulgent and even greedy. Sometimes they are thickheaded and intractable. Often enough, their vices are born of their virtues being taken to an extreme. When they don't feel secure or hold too steadfastly to beliefs, they can be obstinate, super conservative and self-righteous.

Spiritually, they are generally gentle, warm and affectionate. Taurus can have industrious characteristics and thrive in positions with a fair amount of routine. These are the guardians of the universe!

• Taurus Ruling Planet: Venus
• Taurus Zodiac Symbol: The Bull
• Taurus Element: Earth
• Taurus Cardinality: Fixed
• Taurus Stone: Emerald
• Taurus Season: Spring
• Taurus Colors: Pink
• Taurus Anatomy: Throat
• Famous Taurus: Andre Agassi, Dennis Hopper, Barbara Streisand, Al Pacino, Bono, Salvador Dali, Karl Marx, Cher, John Wilkes Booth, James Brown, Carol Burnett, Immanuel Kant

Gemini

The zodiac sign of Gemini is a masculine sign, regardless of whether a man or woman. Gemini possesses tremendous intelligence and they love mental challenges, though they dislike the effort involved in learning. In relationships, Gemini males and females may smolder at first, but then tend to take things lightly. This may leave their partner confused about these conflicting traits and tendencies. Their emotional involvement tends to run deeper at the outset, but drops into neutral once the thrill of the chase is over. They are not generally considered reliable, though they are fun and witty conversationalists.

On the shadow side, Gemini is often not conscientious and, at their worst, can have deceptive personality traits. They are prone to childishness and don't handle complex emotions well. Gemini doesn't enjoy solitude for the most part, preferring the exchange and they do best with a lot of activity and variety.

Spiritually, they are artists, inventors and poets at heart. Gemini can be quite brilliant and thrive in diverse, creative, communicative environments.

Again, these tendencies may show themselves in men or women with Gemini moon or rising in their birth chart as well.

• Gemini Ruling Planet: Mercury
• Gemini Zodiac Symbol: The Twins
• Gemini Element: Air
• Gemini Cardinality: Mutable
• Gemini Stone: Moss Agate
• Gemini Season: Spring
• Gemini Colors: Green
• Gemini Anatomy: Lungs, Hands and Arms
• Famous Gemini: Prince, Henry Kissinger, Bob Hope, Norman Vincent Peale, Allen Ginsberg, William Butler Yeats, Boy George, Sandra Bernhard, Stevie Nicks, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Steffi Graf, Paul Gauguin, Nicole Kidman, Joe Montana

 Early April is tricky but exciting, peppered with surprises and unexpected guests (that old familiar blessing and curse routine that you fake your way through), and unanticipated new assignments. You're busy and truly need to think twice before robotically saying yes to one more obligation. Pluto goes retro, offering a lengthy shot at rethinking your finances. Maybe things could be done differently, smarter, less risky, more risky - just something atypical of your usual strategy that's been well, in the toilet a bit longer than expected. The more fragrant news regarding your toilet treasure is that things are looking a little better this month - inexplicably so. Tax time and all that misery - and yet, you seem to do oddly, weirdly better! One of your most romantic and imaginative ideas (read: unrealistic) is showing signs of great interest and gathering a loyal following. You, fascinating Tinkerbelle, are culturing a kind of cult. You wave your wand and turn drab little kitchen maids into fairy princesses. This is really fun, magical and during these dreary times, essential! Dreams, art, music, escape, and reaching just high enough for a dream can change an attitude, create hope and make you into someone's Fairy Godmother. Mid month is so fun, frilly, busy, playful and creative. You literally create miles of smiles and glimmers of budding romance. Take a bow for the happiness and dreams you create so lovingly and enthusiastically. Obviously, this is your month to change lives and turn little compact cars into coronation coaches for deserving principessas. You continue reaping love, gratitude and blessings from your kindness throughout the month. As hard as it is to comprehend, your month ends on a grander note than it began. Bravo, Fairy Godmother! Monthly touchstone: Citrine.

Cancer

The sun sign of Cancer is feminine, as are all earth and water signs, giving them more than any other sign the passivity and receptivity characteristic of yang energy and the female nature, which gives life. Of course, everyone possesses both yin and yang energy, regardless of whether you are a man or woman. Cancer possesses a tremendous survival instinct. In fact, it is this instinct with drives action tendencies, for Cancer has cardinal quality. They will do what they must to protect their homes and their loved ones, and they treasure family. In relationships, Cancer may seem shy at first as they find their place and bearings, but they are very sweet and have unassuming characteristics. These men and women blend in after their initial withdrawal as people find something almost familiar about them. Like Taurus, they are very security oriented, male or female. They can be quite matter of fact and to the point, which may leave their partner hurt by their sometimes blunt personality traits. This is because they are soft but tough when they feel it is appropriate. They're practical and sentimental and can swing from darker moods to romantic fantasy. They are fiercely loyal men and women.

On the shadow side, Cancer can go to extremes in giving and not receive from others properly. They can be sulky or indulge in self pity, harboring imagined slights. They can lose sight of things and become caught up in causes or allegiances when they commit themselves too much.

Professionally, Cancer does well where they can use their ability to get inside people's heads, or where they can organize and "keep house" so to speak. They are diverse though, as they may manifest an artistic or creative personality or entrepreneurial streak. Spiritually, they have introspective and meditative characteristics and make good listeners.

These traits may appear in Cancer rising and those with Cancer moon in their natal chart as well.

• Cancer Ruling Planet: Moon
• Cancer Zodiac Symbol: The Crab
• Cancer Element: Water
• Cancer Cardinality: Cardinal
• Cancer Stone: Pearl
• Cancer Season: Summer
• Cancer Colors: Silver
• Cancer Anatomy: Breasts
• Famous Cancers: Gerald Ford, George M. Cohen, Cat Stevens, Ann Landers, Linda Ronstadt, Dalai Lama, John Cusack, Princess Diana, Thurgood Marshall, Brian Dennehy, Robin Williams

Passion runs a little hotter than usual early in April month – not enough to turn you into an April Fool, but pretty close. You'd do almost anything to impress, outdo or outlast (sexually, athletically or otherwise) anyone dense enough to compete with you. Your desire to win, to exceed everyone's expectations and essentially knock the living hell out of others is substantial, baby! Ironically, the more you have on the line right now, the harder you try. There is absolutely NO timidity in your temperament. You are the meanest, feistiest crab on the shoreline – got the biggest claws, too. Are you the scariest crustacean or what? You know, I gotta tell ya: I love a really tough crab. You win practically every round this month. Sure, things begin on a sour note with a bitter squirt of lemon, but in the end is pure pleasure and luxury. Anticipate a few fisticuffs (translation: clawcuffs) around the 4th. The Full Moon, however, brings out the best in you: your attention to detail, your determination to protect what is near and dear to you and, of course, your most valuable personal property. You're one of those critters that believe in passing on treasures to the beloved friends and relatives, even if it means going without, at times for yourself. You don't necessarily live large in the greedy, bling-infested way. You live a rather discrete life, far away from expecting extra special treatment. If you have a maid, you'd just as soon help her set up the buffet. In other words, you're pretty damn loveable and real to the core. The 15th is hot, bothered and wild. Sudden attractions that you hadn't planned on could occur. They might last about 5 minutes tops, but count as some of the most memorable 5 minutes you've ever enjoyed. Venus moves direct on the 17th, suggesting that your home gets better and better. You feel more comfy, more relaxed, more at peace. You can finally hear yourself think, create a little something that turns out to be pretty fab, and welcome a few wonderful friends into your comfy abode. Your thinking gets clearer and your ability to mentally and emotionally connect with others also improves. This feels like a spiritual rebirth – because it is and you earned it. You're advised to say nothing until you're done with contracts and all signatures are dry. This won't be easy because a New Moon on the 24th is so dynamic and empowering for you that you'll want to shout it from the rooftops. By the time April 30th rolls around, it'll be impossible to clam up and remain silent, so go ahead and make a splash! Monthly touchstone: Obsidian.

Leo

In relationships, a Leo man or woman is sincere, open and kind, front and center stage. Leos are usually fun to be around and their company is frequently desired. Leo is fun, but sometimes old-fashioned and conservative. They can be somewhat overbearing, intolerant or even occasionally pompous and bossy. Leos tend to be quick to trust and are often disappointed when their trust is misplaced.

Leo is happiest when they command attention, which is the personality characteristic or trait of being socially dominant. They love the limelight and are very creative and expansive. Leo men and women are usually dignified.

In love, Leo is loyal and devoted while their relationships are working and tend to hold on for a long time to their partner. Leos are family oriented and drawn toward children. They are usually kind and giving. However, they sometimes place too much faith in others and on the shadow side, they can be terrible to deal with when they feel crossed. A jealous or wounded Leo woman or man is a force to be reckoned with. They have reputations for deceptiveness and infidelity. Sexually, Leo has a very healthy, even intense appetite. They are so attracted to others that sometimes they have many different partners.

Spiritually, Leo is one of the most materialistic signs. The light of the sun does shine penetratingly for Leo into themselves as they seek self-discipline. Leo also seeks to serve others.

As in the rest of their lives, Leos are ambitious professionally. They get things done and make excellent leaders. Leo may hurt the feelings of others with fixed opinions and beliefs. They believe they are the leaders and they are usually right! They tend to foster loyalty among their subordinates. Leos make excellent performers.

These traits may reveal themselves in those with Leo rising or Leo moon in their natal chart as well.

You always appear sartorial, confident or casually chic, but early this month, you feel sort of out of step, not your usual elegant or stylishly casual self. You're under a great deal of pressure, for starters. Everyone wants you to listen to their questions, make their pain stop hurting, etc. It's almost like taking care of young triplets – only hundreds of thousands of them. You make the octo-mom look like a rookie. (Better not say that – it'll persuade her to birth another bumper crop of kids.) You finally get back into your usual incomparable groove on the 9th. The Full Moon highlights your drama, persuasion, physical charms, popularity and charisma. And when I say charisma, I'm talking undulating waves of warmth, sex, charm and a desire for others to reach out and touch you – and not let go. In fact, keeping their hands off you might require them to sit firmly on their hands. On the 17th, Venus, Goddess of Lust (in your case) goes direct, making it even easier for you to score more medals and sex god status than Michael Phelps. Another thing, a New Moon in Taurus also gives you king like status. Oh, excuse me, Your Royal Highness. Monthly touchstone: Black Diamond.

Virgo

The sign of Virgo is often associated with Chiron, the healer, as well as Mercury, the communicator. In relationships, a Virgo man or woman can be quite charming but is often seen as cold, or even Vulcan on the surface. These folks run deep though and this surface appearance may mask a deep sensitivity and desire to help others. This is because Virgo (female or male) is very precise and often fussy, critical and filled with worry. In fact, Virgo cannot help noticing what is wrong in most situations because of their characteristically keen insight and discrimination. They can't help but see the needle in the haystack, often missing the haystack! A Virgo man or woman strives for perfection, but of course this is unattainable. However, their attention to detail, tendencies to serve and wish to be useful bring many gifts to Virgos and partners who are close to them.

Generally considered the most service oriented of the zodiac signs, Virgo men and women are very sensitive with strong feminine (yin) energy. Their symbol is the only female in the zodiac. In love, Virgos make excellent husbands and wives and are very affectionate when they feel safe and close to their partner. Sexually, Virgo is anything but Virgin and their partners may find themselves with a lover who will go to great lengths to find exactly what pleases them. This characteristic of service is one of their most wonderful traits!

Spiritually, Virgos seek to manifest the divine in the material world and go inward to discern meaning. Virgos are keen analysts. They are perhaps the most analytical sign and quite adept at communication and in business. Virgo thrives and excels in in management, technology, writing and teaching professionally. More tactical than strategic, Virgo makes an excellent second in command which suits their shy tendencies and characteristically modest nature.

Libra

The zodiac sign of Libra is a masculine sign, as are all air (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius) and fire signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius). More than any other sign, Libra men and women understand what others need. This sensitivity can even border on psychic ability! People feel good in the presence of female and male Libra, thanks to their optimism and orientation toward partnership and cooperation. However, they may stick to close to the middle ground so as to avoid blame. They seek the high road, but often settle for whatever will keep the peace, and they simply cannot be everything to everyone. To avoid blame is to avoid the risks in making decisions.

Relationships tend to go well with Libra because these folks like to keep the peace and are oriented toward compromise. These peace keeping tendencies are characteristic in a Libra woman or man. They would rather lose something in the bargain if it protects the relationship and they tend to have lasting marriages. They are empathetic and tolerant, kind and loving. They enjoy beauty and harmony.

On the shadow side, Libra can show a disdain for the dirty work. They can stray into shallowness or may be overly ambitious and sometimes even reckless. Their love for beauty and pleasure can cost them dearly in their occasional extravagances.

Professionally, Libras are born diplomats, but you'll find them in every field imaginable. They are trustworthy and open to the ideas of others and value communication. With such deep rooted personality characteristics and tendencies, perhaps the legal profession, banking or the civil service will call to their sense of justice and fair play.

• Libra Ruling Planet: Venus
• Libra Zodiac Symbol: The Scales
• Libra Element: Air
• Libra Cardinality: Cardinal
• Libra Stone: Quartz, Marble, Diamond
• Libra Season: Fall
• Libra Colors: Light Green
• Libra Anatomy: Kidneys
• Famous Libras: Jimmy Carter, John Lennon, Pierre Trudeau, Oscar Wilde, Christopher Reeve, Johnny Carson Angela Lansbury, Barbara Walters, Yo Yo Ma, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Timothy Leary, Susan Sarandon

Jealous love isn't actually love, but feels deliriously primal, hot and dangerous. You'll get a nice load of 'jealous love' early this month without even trying. (Some of you are doing your best to make another jealous - and you know who you are.) A number of you make a series of alleged 'permanent' changes between now and September that actually change every week or so. Most of these changes have to do with your home and family: Where to live? What school is best? Easy, legal ways to make the ex shut up and go away? – just basic domestic stuff. The Full Moon on the 9th is all about who gets the most money and most toys. It could be a fight to the bitter end or a quiet no harm/no foul settlement. Either way, what's wrong will be identified, made public and made right. Sounds exciting! The 10th looks favorable for your side. Some deception, or at the very least miscommunication may occur in a work or property related matter. You have legal recourse. Don't hesitate to use it. Your luscious, lascivious ruling planet Venus moves direct, undoing all the laces, zippers and silk that comes between you and the one you adore. From the 17th onward, make it your tribute to love and happiness. The end of the month puts your favorite friend or lover on a pedestal – King or Queen of your heart. Monthly touchstone: Red Tigers Eye.

 Scorpio

The Scorpio sign is a masculine sign, with very dependable traits and characteristics. In relationships, a Scorpio male or female is true to their beloved but if they do choose to leave a man or woman, they leave for good. They are very seductive and have great charm and frequently dazzle with their radiant personality. However, they often have tendencies toward extremes. At their best, they are compassionate, devoted and possess great depth. They characteristically explore many of the feelings and personality traits that others avoid, as this is not a sign that fears the characteristics of the darker side of human existence.

On the shadow side, Scorpios are private, even secretive and can be obsessive, jealous or seek vengeance at their worst. They can also become overly fixated with power. They may hold grudges and become vindictive to the point of cruelty.

Professionally, Scorpios make excellent therapists, as they tune into and understand the crevices of the human mind, but you'll find them in every field of human endeavor. Naturally inquisitive and curious, they make excellent researchers. Magnetic in personality, they thrive in entertainment and politics.

These traits are frequently found in those with Scorpio rising or Scorpio moon in their natal chart as well.

• Scorpio Ruling Planet: Mars, Pluto (modern)
• Scorpio Zodiac Symbol: The Scorpion
• Scorpio Element: Water
• Scorpio Cardinality: Fixed
• Scorpio Stone: Topaz, Opal
• Scorpio Season: Fall
• Scorpio Colors: Gold, Purple
• Scorpio Anatomy: Genitals
• Famous Scorpios: Hillary Clinton, Richard Dreyfuss, Walter Cronkite, Ike Turner, Katherine Hepburn, King Hussein, Jody Foster, Voltaire, Carl Sagan, Marie Antoinette, Bill Gates, Johnny Carson, Pablo Picasso, William Penn, Kevin Kline, Sylvia Plath

Your ruling planet Pluto goes retro, helping you consider recent decisions and the potential implications. You recognize that a phase has come and gone. A growth spurt has met its potential and a new shoot, possibly from a different source is the new plant du jour. Time comes and goes. That theme replays itself in your heart and head over and over through September. Some decisions may prove regrettable, but most will be grand blessings in disguise that create freedom from repression – even depression. You get a sense of your own personal influence on the 9th. You see how potent and strong and emotionally essential you are. You may realize that the current environs you're in are all wrong for your stage of evolution and development. You may finally feel ready to push through the gauze and into the clearing. Mid month is bold, empowering, sexy and confident. You try things you've hesitated to do in the past. You unbutton your shirt and allow the wind to rustle through your hair. You stop worrying about make up and pay more attention to healthy skin. You learn to value yourself, your privacy, loved ones and all-important quality of life. Once you absorb this initially sensory-awakening, it feels exquisitely good. You feel more like a goddess or god than a mere mortal. Stand tall. The late month New Moon unveils secrets that you allow to be exposed – as you wish. This is, of course, by design. Monthly touchstone: Bloodstone.

Sagittarius

In relationships, Sagittarius is friendly and cheerful, with an infectious optimism and a love for humor which can take the form of teasing. They can be somewhat restless or even occasionally quick tempered and sometimes their optimism is blind. They can be careless, one of their less desirable personality traits. Sagittarius is honest, though sometimes this manifests as characteristic tactlessness. They are also philosophical and intellectual, seeking the meaning of life.

Sagittarius is happiest when exploring and traveling. They just love adventure. Highly intuitive, Sagittarius is also strong willed. Generally considered the most service oriented of the zodiac signs, Sagittarians are very sensitive with strong female (yin) energy. In love, Sagittarius males and females make faithful spouses. They are very sincere, and ardent. They also possess warm, kind and generous personality traits. However, their personality needs to feel free and they do not tolerate feeling hemmed in well. They sometimes overwork at the expense of their relationships. Sexually, Sagittarius can be very flirtatious and have quite passionate temperaments.

Spiritually, Sagittarius is philosophical and intellectual, seeking the meaning of life. In fact, Sagittarius rules the house of philosophy in zodiac astrology. Sagittarius men and women are also passionate about justice and go out of their way for what they believe is right.

Professionally, Sagittarius make excellent teachers are keen researchers and possess excellent organizational skills. They thrive where there is variety and where they are able to teach others and make the information they process available to others.

• Sagittarius Ruling Planet: Jupiter
• Sagittarius Zodiac Symbol: The Archer
• Sagittarius Element: Fire
• Sagittarius Cardinality: Mutable
• Sagittarius Stone: Topaz
• Sagittarius Season: Fall
• Sagittarius Colors: Turquoise
• Sagittarius Anatomy: Muscles, Thighs, Hips
• Famous Sagittarians: Elvis Presley, Bruce Lee, William Blake, Winston Churchill, Harry Chapin, Fiorello LaGuardia, Dick Van Dyke, Steven Spielberg, Keith Richards, Andrew Johnson, Lucky Luciano, Kim Bassinger, Harpo Marx

Things get off to an awkward, sluggish beginning but gradually pick up momentum throughout the month. What seemed like a premature burial might not be dead after all. Stranger things have happened. The 9th brings a very intense Full Moon, filled with intrigue and behind the scenes negotiating. As it turns out – and not surprisingly – big mistakes were made, repeatedly, and not by you. Someone has to make these egregious mistakes right. You'll be patient while others scramble around trying to find out who's to blame and who's not. And to think that the entire mess could have been avoided with a little forethought, dignity and professionalism. Maybe next time, perhaps – or maybe there won't be a next time. A nice jolt, probably a big surprise, occurs on the 15th, giving you an advantage and a raison d'etre. You express your thoughts and sentiments very well on the 17th, attracting others' attention and interest. A new work project, something that excites and enchants you, begins on the 19th. It's not quite ready for prime time but is moving at warp speed. As a matter of fact, at least two life-enhancing works that are becoming symbols of your beliefs and humanity begin in earnest this month. In a way, you are reborn, new, fresh, free. This month's touchstone: Rutiliated Quartz.

Capricorn

The sign of Capricorn is a feminine sign and seeks to be a useful and effective woman or man. Those with Capricorn sun, rising or moon sign in their natal chart tend to gravitate toward worthwhile and practical causes. In relationships, Capricorn values self-sufficiency society, traditions and responsibility. These characteristics and traits make them very dependable and their word is their bond. However, they may seem a bit cold or distant. They do love to belong and fit well into organized structures. Though they may fear losing their sense of identity in love relationships, they can be captivated by dreams of completely satisfying their partner.

Although they have serious traits and hard working tendencies thanks to the influence of Saturn, they can also be quite funny. Sometimes their sarcasm can bite though. More often, their sense of humor is deadpan. Generally, they can help their male and female friends and lovers become more stable.

On the shadow side, Capricorn may feel lonely as they isolate themselves when they don't see the point. They don't tend to be frivolous and can lean to deep conservatism. They may appear to lack affection. Their seriousness may be a bit tedious or dull to some people with different personality traits.

Professionally, men or women, they make excellent leaders. They are money-motivated and seek status, position and authority. Success is assured for them through their hard work and discipline. A Capricorn man or woman will pursue whatever they believe is important, but must be cautious not to take a great fall while climbing their mountains.

• Capricorn Ruling Planet: Saturn
• Capricorn Zodiac Symbol: The Goat
• Capricorn Element: Earth
• Capricorn Cardinality: Cardinal
• Capricorn Stone: Amber, Onyx
• Capricorn Season: Winter
• Capricorn Colors: Purple
• Capricorn Anatomy: Knees and Skeleton
• Famous Capricorns: Louis Pasteur, Rod Serling, Joseph Stalin, J.R. Tolkien, David Bowie, Richard Nixon, Sophie Tucker, Martin Luther King, Pat Benatar, Paul Cezanne, Oliver Hardy, Janis Joplin, Elvis Presley, Denzel Washington, Henry Miller, Clara Barton

Pluto moves retro in your sign early this month, giving you opportunity number 1,098 to review your relationship choices, lifestyle choices, diets/exercise/torture sessions – you know, all the usual daily dramas. Only this time, you've got months to think a about doing things differently. If you look over at the guy you're having dinner with and realize that he's just as rude, gassy and drunk as the idiot you divorced last year, excuse yourself, get a cab and go home. Pluto is all about learning from mistakes – not repeating them ad nauseam. The person that needs to make these inside out changes isn't the dumb date you chose – it's YOU! You may be better off alone. Ever thought about that? Your dog, cat or ferret might be a better companion – smarter and more loyal, too. It's time to make loads of peace with yourself – even if it means spending some time in the mountains in a private cabin. Actually, that sounds just about perfect. The Full Moon on the 9th helps clarify goals and also reminds you how important true friends are. True friends can be more comforting than family members, as you well know. Mid April is a remarkably creative period for you. Ideas spring to mind. You see connections to disparate elements that never seemed apparent before. Now they do – and they make so much sense. You can manifest these brilliant ideas into art forms: music, writing, painting – dreams held to light. This month's touchstone: Aquamarine.

Aquarius

Aquarius is a masculine sign as are all the air and fire signs, and this female or male tends to forge new paths. While the Aquarius sun sign is open to change theoretically, in practice it can be rigid. These traits and tendencies may also appear for those with Aquarius rising. They gravitate toward worthwhile and practical causes. In relationships, Aquarius tends to be well liked and has the admirable characteristic of being open to all, especially those with strong individuality. They love the unusual and often surprise those around them with their quirky personality traits. They are quite clever and witty, but may have tendencies to seem to be somewhere else. They are more objective than emotional and refuse to be bound by love, due to their love of freedom and rational intellect. Honesty is a higher value for them than romance. They are loyal to their core.

On the shadow side, when others disagree, they can become cranky and discontented. Sometimes they are prone to reforming those around them, but they simply can't help but seek to effect change and progress, like their ruler Uranus. The age of Aquarius is indeed one of forward movement and if others can't keep up or drag them down, Aquarius may become disenchanted. They are quite idealistic and want everyone to be happy.

Professionally, Aquarians often rally others into action and themselves are action oriented toward their ideals. They are innovative and frequently push the existing limits, driving change. They frequently advance the causes of humanity in the arts and sciences and bring about positive change.

• Aquarius Ruling Planet: Uranus
• Aquarius Zodiac Symbol: The Water Bearer
• Aquarius Element: Air
• Aquarius Cardinality: Fixed
• Aquarius Stone: Amethyst
• Aquarius Season: Winter
• Aquarius Colors: Blue
• Aquarius Anatomy: Circulation
• Famous Aquarius: Charles Darwin, Norman Rockwell, Chris Rock, Galileo, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Charles Dickens, Oprah Winfrey, Yoko Ono, Virginia Woolf, Justin Timberlake, Geena Davis, Anton Chekov, Garth Brooks, Jennifer Aniston, Peter Gabriel, Vanessa Redgrave, Prince Andrew, Phil Collins, Franklin D. Roosevelt

Pluto's retro phase gives you months to consider other ways to express your power, talent and awareness. Instead of pushing your energy in one direction, redirect a little bit at a time until you find the perfect sweet spot. You can't suddenly leap from one edge of a widening crevasse to the other without expecting a fall. Move with precision, care, and acute awareness. Pluto is a perfecter that works slowly and laboriously with thin layers of time until the perfect moment is made. You cannot rush Pluto. You can drive yourself mad, but you can't make Pluto make any process faster. This is your hardest, most profound lesson right now. I know that it seems to have been going on forever. But every moment, painful and joyous, is meaningful and life changing. The Full Moon on the 9th is extremely revealing in terms of your career, relationships and future. You look very honestly into your own eyes and deeply into your heart. Some things are tough to admit. You've been unhappy, but were stubbornly unable to admit it. Now, you cautiously acknowledge your creeping lack or satisfaction. On the 15th, you have an opportunity to express your long chained down heart and soul and just let it go. It feels incredibly liberating to be free like an eagle soaring high overhead. Things continue to reveal themselves toward the end of the month. Instead of feeling trapped and tormented by self-imposed limitations that make you feel you've failed (you haven't, btw!), spread your golden glorious wings and head cross-country. Has it occurred to you that you're in the wrong location? Could better people and opportunities that feed your very responsive spirit be residing elsewhere? Monthly touchstone: Mexican Opal.

Pisces

Pisces is a feminine sign and tends to have quite tolerant, compassionate, sympathetic and agreeable characteristics. They are perhaps the most selfless and sensitive of all the zodiac signs. In relationships, both male and female are very loving, generous and kind. This woman or man always has time for those in need. However, their feelings run so deep they are often overwhelmed by them as the characteristic Piscean energy scatters itself beyond its limits. Their personality simply cannot abide suffering and will offer charity wherever their sensitivity directs this trait.

On the shadow side, the agreeability of Pisceans can make for quick reversal as they hop from opinion to opinion. They may be very scattered and disorganized. Their compassion may make them tolerant of wrong behavior; thus they can be wishy-washy, weak and easily led. Their characteristic idealism can degenerate into escapism, which unfortunately can manifest itself as substance abuse. Spiritually, the challenge for Pisces is to draw healthy boundaries, as they are so drawn into the problems of others that their emotional well being may suffer.

Professionally, Pisces excels in the healing arts and all charitable pursuits. They frequently are drawn toward social services, nursing or the clergy, for example. Often their creative tendencies bring them into the arts. They would do well professionally to find a Virgo, their opposite sign, who can help Pisces males and females to be more grounded and organized.

These traits may reveal themselves in those with Pisces rising sign or moon in their birth chart as well.

• Pisces Ruling Planet: Neptune
• Pisces Zodiac Symbol: The Fish
• Pisces Element: Water
• Pisces Cardinality: Mutable
• Pisces Stone: Aquamarine, Jade
• Pisces Season: Winter
• Pisces Colors: Green
• Pisces Anatomy: Feet, Veins
• Famous Pisces: Michelangelo Buonarotti, Albert Einstein, Dr. Seuss, Elizabeth Taylor, Alexander Graham Bell, George Frideric Handel, Kurt Cobain, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Renoir, Cindy Crawford, James Taylor, Jerry Lewis, George Washington

Pluto is a powerful tiny far away icy mystery that has profound impacts on all of us. Call it whatever you like: junior planet or asteroid. However you view Pluto, god of the underworld, death, rebirth, sex, power, magic, revenge, it matters, especially now. Pluto can help you realize your dreams, draw great power into your charismatic circle of friends, and turn you into a very influential, perhaps iconic goddess. The truth it that you have always been a great healing and powerful goddess that underestimated (or was afraid of) her own formidable power. Unleash the forces of nature within you now. Shoot out power. Shoot rays of beauty, healing, and wisdom. Above all, shoot out grand waves of love. You, Pisces were made of divine love. This is the time to share it. You will end this month much better off than you were when you began it. Bravo, Goddess Pisces! Monthly touchstone: Rhodochrosite.