Admitting confusion and ignorance is the first step to enlightenment. Mercury retrograde is aspecting Mars in Aquarius and Uranus in Pisces. Sudden snafus can set off the sort of confusion that can lead to illumination.

March 20 – April 19

Just when all looks good with your pals, a paranoid little bug is asking who your friends really are. Recent slights can probably be chalked up to simple human failure. The real question is, how faithful a friend are you?

April 21 – May 20

Your career seems to be going great guns now. Still, some doubts about your long-term aims are complicating the picture. Much as you hate doubting anything, take this as an opportunity to rethink now and make better plans later.

May 21 – June 21

Your taste for adventure can lead you into fun and games that are better left private. You go, honey! Just be careful if you really want privacy. Whether your reputation takes a knock or gets a boost may be subjective, but you will be talked about!

June 22 – July 22

Private matters with your partner may not be so private. Sure, you need to talk things out with a friend, but be careful! If you want real help keeping or finding a relationship, listen in particular to the advice you don’t want to hear.

July 23 – Aug. 22

Anything that looks, feels or smells like an office flirtation should be avoided right now. It will come back to bite you on the ass – and not in a nice way! An apparent setback in a relationship could actually unblock a problem, aiding in a solution later.

Aug. 23 – Sept. 22

Even in simple conversations, something’s sure to be misunderstood, and yet such a snafu could lead to new opportunities to improve cooperative efforts at work. In more formal negotiations or contracts, however, disaster waits – and so should you! Listen politely, but don’t follow advice you get at the gym.

Sept. 23 – Oct. 22

Housecleaning reveals hidden treasures that in turn provide a new creative direction. Anything from finger paints to thumbscrews can revive old interests and lead to new – and very interesting – levels of enjoyment.

Oct. 23 – Nov. 21

Your playful overtures are likely to be misinterpreted, causing some trouble, but it’s nothing you can’t handle. Keeping your fun and games on the home court will shed interesting insights on your family situation.

Nov. 22 – Dec. 21

We all have domestic squabbles here and there, but yours here and now offer more depth of possibility than usual. Take all arguments at face value, but listen for hidden subtexts, especially about money.

Dec. 22 – Jan. 19

Cool your jets, guard your current tendency to capricious impulse, and watch your words carefully. Misstatements can prove expensive! Slow and careful is your usual mode, and now’s a good time to stick to that.

Jan. 20 – Feb. 18

Impulse-spending is an especially bad idea, but a (perhaps small) financial reversal can open up some profound personal insights. Getting angry with yourself in the process could be liberating, if you learn from the anger and let go of it.

Feb. 19 – March 20

Being unsure of yourself can open up a process of self-analysis that provides greater enlightenment in the long run. Stay close to friends you can trust to call you on your b.s. Friendly arguments will get you closer to the truth.