Passions rise, but so does ideology as Venus in Virgo squares Pluto in Sagittarius. Feminist or postmodern critiques of sex and gender should be interesting now, but we less intellectual folk can explore sexuality by more practical, hands-on means.

March 21 – April 20

Thank heavens it’s election season! You’re suddenly looking for a critical philosophical challenge in most encounters. Dating a Trotskyist would actually be fun right now. Otherwise, good luck finding someone who thinks of argument as foreplay!

April 21 – May 20

Normally you’re Ferdinand – that big, gentle bull who smells the roses – but now you’re sniffing around at other buds. You’ll find what you want while pursuing artistic interests. Go to a gallery and discover that not just the paintings are hung.

May 21 – June 21

Cleanliness is next to godliness, but “doing the dirty” can be heaven! Clean up your love nest, and your bed won’t stay immaculately made for long. Domestic squabbles are likely. Lovers are easily appeased with love. Platonic roommates require your listening skills and some small sacrifice.

June 22 – July 22

Try out some new artistic efforts. Drawing or poetry should prove interesting. Erotic themes will help you develop your interests as well as make you more interesting. Keep it clean at work, though – temptations there lead to trouble.

July 23 – Aug. 22

Though bargains look attractive, hidden costs are likely. Check carefully for quality, and haggle where you can. Entertainment and romance should also be done on the cheap. The best things in life are still free.

Aug. 23 – Sept. 22

The classic definition of Virgo had to do with independence, being unowned and unbought – but not untouched! You especially have the touch this week. Clean up and redecorate your boudoir and it will be a magnet for hot action.

Sept. 23 – Oct. 22

Resist temptation to be the queer eye for all the aesthetic disasters walking around. OK, look – but shush! Your manners are usually better than that. Focus within. Meditation and self-analysis can open up new creative channels.

Oct. 23 – Nov. 21

Political stupidity is reaching new heights. Don’t be afraid to criticize, but stay tuned to your core values and be ready to accept a challenge that could force you to re-examine your positions.

Nov. 22 – Dec. 21

Being helpful to the boss is good; being too helpful – offering criticism you intend supportively – can be threatening. You’re looking powerful and power-hungry. That can work for you when you’re out cruising, but tone it down at work!

Dec. 22 – Jan. 19

There’s no accounting for taste. Questioning others will just arouse resentment. Analyzing the roots of your own will yield insight. A romantic getaway will help you stay focused and out of trouble.

Jan. 20 – Feb. 18

Erotic skill is laudable, at a time when machines can do everything but love and respond passionately. Don’t fuss over the skill end – you already excel there. Opening up to passion is the challenge you must take on now.

Feb. 19 – March 20

Resist the temptation to be critical of your relationships and grand in your ambitions. That’s asking for trouble. If you can be supportive without making judgments and be humbly open to wisdom, you’re way ahead of the game.