Mercury is in Libra, swinging from one side to another. First, sextile Saturn in Leo pushes our critical side to share “helpful insights” much too eagerly. Then, sextile to Pluto in Sagittarius, those insights get deeper and are even more readily shared. Try to focus your mind on writing and research, and away from others’ all-too-obvious shortcomings.

March 20 – April 18

Go to a museum or a show and study the masters’ techniques. Whether or not you have any artistic abilities, you will see things in new ways and get ideas to challenge notions you’ve come to take for granted.

April 19 – May 20

Brushing up your teamwork skills is largely about listening. At work, it’s easy enough. At home, you’ll face challenges to changes you want to make. Exploit your sex appeal, and be ready to deliver on promises!

May 21 – June 20

Verbal play leads to challenges, forcing you to hone your skills. If you get taken down a peg, accept it with good humor and you’ll come out all the better. Seduce your partner, or find one through lewd wordplay – erotic haiku?

June 21 – July 22

Family arguments about money can be awful, but the challenge can be awfully productive, clearing a lot of confusion. Be firm and fearless in the quest for order, which includes admitting when you’re wrong!

July 23 – Aug. 22

Your wit is a bit sharper than usual and even sharper than you realize. Be careful where you point it! As your sense of fun gets a bit raunchier, be careful to save it for those who appreciate it.

Aug. 23 – Sept. 22

Looking at some hard financial facts should ease some of your worries. The scrutiny will point to constructive solutions more easily than you’d expect. Remembering forebears who survived worse will offer inspiration.

Sept. 23 – Oct. 22

Tell your friends what you really want for your birthday. They’ll tell you to get real! Still, you’ll get something good – besides the reality check. And as far as that goes, you can give as good as you get.

Oct. 23 – Nov. 21

Worries about your career come to the surface, and a quiet talk with your boss or a mentor can settle those easily. Facing those troubles head-on could even help lead to a dramatic raise or promotion.

Nov. 22 – Dec. 21

Your wit seems a bit glib at first, but reveals depth and strong ideals. That can win friends but also alienate others. Although you like to be a friend to all, you may have to choose sides and take a stand!

Dec. 22 – Jan. 19

Make connections now to help further your ambitions. Be clear on which of your desires are personal and which are professional. Keep work and play strictly separate or you could get into trouble.

Jan. 20 – Feb. 18

Ideological discussions with your partner can help ground your relationship or push it to its limits. You could even get a healthy clarification of what those limits are. Take things further with your friends if you really want to see fireworks!

Feb. 19 – March 19

Review erotic techniques, especially new literature on safe sex. Put your studies into immediate practice and you may be regarded as a great teacher, however exclusive or widespread your pedagogy is.