Mercury conjoining Saturn in Virgo makes everyone more serious and critical. Focus on your own work and be gracious with others’ efforts to be helpful. Thanking them kindly and doing what you like anyway is usually better than arguing. Still, their suggestions may be worth considering.

ARIES

March 20 – April 19

Break tasks down into manageable jobs, list them for priority, and take them on one at a time. Focus on housework to work off nervous energy. Get a check-up for any health concerns, especially those that run in your family.

April 20 – May 20

Taureans don’t usually do cynical wit, but your tongue is especially sharp these days. You hone your mind as well, learning new skills that will make you better at any hobby, game or creative outlet.

May 21 – June 20

Clean your place and get it down to basics. As for selling off your old stuff, a tag sale now will move it quickly, but you could get better prices another time. Yes, there is a difference between “family” and “community.”

June 21 – July 22

Your energy is high but unfocused. Be very careful about expressing commitments. Better to sit with a friend and map out a plan and a priority list. Watch your mouth carefully! Anything you say can come out a lot bitchier than you intend.

July 23 – August 22

There are real money problems, and then there is your imagination. This is a good time to confront your fears and cut them down to size, all the better to size up reality and deal with the trouble that does exist.

August 23 – September 22

You could be taking yourself too seriously, but it’s still sensible to review plans and be realistic. How much of your plans reflect your own wishes, and how much is based on others’ expectations?

September 23 – October 22

We’re all trimming back on expectations these days. It’s sensible to be prepared for the worst-case scenario, but don’t resign yourself to it. There’s still plenty of room between “ideal” and “disastrous.” Reassess your goals with someone you trust.

October 23 – November 21

What you call “dedicated to principle” can come off to others as dogmatic. It may be a challenge to listen openly while staying true to your core beliefs. At least try to find common ground for agreement.

November 22 – December 20

Take a careful, strategic approach to your ambitions. Pushing too hard can lead to foolish mistakes and antagonize your superiors. They want to see you working hard, but they want to see you working smart more!

December 21 – January 19

Problems with your partner? Write down what’s bothering you before you start talking about it. Little problems can easily grow way out of proportion. Deal with them, but do keep them in perspective.

January 20 – February 18

Reconsider what your sexuality is really about. How do you bring together and reconcile physical and emotional desires? Review safety issues. If caution interferes with pleasure, rethink your strategies – but do stay safe!

February 19 – March 19

Trying to have fun with your honey may seem more effort than it’s worth. Don’t let it throw you. It’s time to deal with practical issues, whether it’s about organizing the cupboards or estate planning. Even with mundane tasks you can get creative.