Mercury in Cancer is sextile Venus in Taurus, raising charm and bonhomie, especially when good food is near. Both planets quincunx Pluto, challenging all the sweetness and light. Or vice versa? Grace, wit and good eating can ease difficult adjustments.

March 20 – April 18

The traditions you grew up with are running up against ideals you’ve developed since leaving home. There’s more to those old-fashioned notions than you realize. Talking with Mom could provoke the right questions to help you get the answers.

April 19 – May 20

You’re especially sweet and charming now, but there’s a part of you that just wants to get down and dirty. Those shouldn’t be too hard to combine. Just move a little out of your comfort zone and be a bit more daring than usual!

May 21 – June 20

You need time alone for reflection, but your partner and your finances are also demanding attention. Sharing concerns that you’d normally keep to yourself – both financial and emotional – will do a lot to build deeper intimacy.

June 21 – July 22

Your social skills will be put to the test, possibly at work. Your first impulse is probably a little bit off, but you’ll figure it out! Just remember the Golden Rule, and ask yourself, “What would Miss Manners say?”

July 23 – Aug. 22

Your expressive impulses need a little reining in. Spiritual authenticity is important; getting it across requires respect for your audience. Trust your deeper instincts and your boss or teacher, or even parental guidance from long ago.

Aug. 23 – Sept. 22

Use charm first and foremost to win any argument. The depth of your convictions, a two-edged sword, could come off as rude assertion. Commitment and having your facts right are important, but charm will win the day!

Sept. 23 – Oct. 22

You’re suddenly bluntly outspoken. Your reputation for sweet, gentle manners could vanish if you’re not careful, but those manners remain your best advantage. Be considerate of your audience. Phrase the message diplomatically to win them over.

Oct. 23 – Nov. 21

Small talk, never your strong suit, comes more easily now. Practice with your partner, or use this opportunity to snag one. The light touch is just an introduction. Learn how to get flies into your parlor and then they’re all yours!

Nov. 22 – Dec. 21

It’s an excellent time for a checkup, especially for any sexual, mammary or blood-sugar problems. A new exercise routine could bring some hot romance. Practice those leg lifts and see who might want spotting! Dance classes are also good exercise.

Dec. 22 – Jan. 19

Games of trust with your partner (blindfolds? bondage and submission?) can open up some powerful insights. You can let it all be just for fun, but you do like a greater challenge, and this can be a great chance for deeper self-awareness.

Jan. 20 – Feb. 18

Think carefully about healthy eating and reorganize your kitchen accordingly. Consider how you’d like to look a year from now. Asking friends for advice is risky. They may offer brilliant ideas, or feel wounded when you reject unhelpful advice.

Feb. 19 – March 19

Your playful banter will do something for your reputation, probably for the better. Still, you should be careful. Tweaking authority has its time and place. Be mindful of strategy when at odds with those in power.