By Jack Fertig

Forecast for July 26-August 8, 2005

ARIES (March 20-April 19): Being stubborn will just provoke your nerves. Try to relax and hang loose. Pride in your home should start with taking pride in getting along well with your family or housemates. Vanity at the gym leads to trouble. Easy does it!

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Any sort of fun and games or creative efforts will go way off in odd directions. It's a great time to explore surrealism -- but not skydiving! Whatever you wish for in love, you're likely to get it. Be very careful what you ask for!

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Talk as you like about music, art, and aesthetics -- but if you even attempt logical debate, you'll likely find yourself trapped in some wacky Marx Brothers routine. Save friendships and money by keeping them far apart!

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Just get your job done. Worrying about what people think will cause you to make a mess of it. Not to discourage hedonistic pursuits, but if you're going to be cheap, keep the budget likewise.

LEO (July 23-August 22): Sexual adventures open up tremendous insights -- not necessarily what you want to see! This may or may not have anything to do with arguments arising with your partner. Still, arguments are better than silence. Re-evaluate your relationship needs!

VIRGO (August 23-September 22): Worries invite accidents, and vice versa. Meditation can help break that vicious cycle. You're looking good and drawing attention from surprising sources. Critical friends may just be jealous, but at least hear them out.

LIBRA (September 23-October 22): Take time out for a retreat in a beautiful place, even just an hour at a museum or a park. In any question that comes down to logic or aesthetics, stick with aesthetics. You're inspired there, but logic just isn't with you these days.

SCORPIO (October 23-November 21): Old bugaboos from childhood are provoking rebellion against authority. Before spouting off, think about where your arguments are coming from and where they may lead. Relaxing is good, but chemical lubrication leads to rude slips.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22-December 20): Sexual ambitions can lead you to places even you have rarely dreamed of -- mostly good, but an Emergency Room could also be on that list. Role play is safe, and domination fantasies can relieve pressures that otherwise might cause problems at work.

CAPRICORN (December 21-January 19): Domestic problems threaten to get very serious. Sex now creates (or reveals) more problems than it solves, and logic is not on your side. Just do your best to be constructive and accommodating.

AQUARIUS (January 20-February 18): Slow down and be careful. Accidents are too likely, especially at work. Erotic indulgences will have hidden costs, and any partnership is likely to be a source of conflict. You want the good news? This will all pass quickly!

PISCES (February 19-March 19): Getting lost in your head will trip you up big time in the real world. Stay focused and present in your environment. Games help. Do your best, but don't take bets. Keep it fun. Creative efforts will go awry, but with interesting results.

Jack Fertig has been working as a professional astrologer since 1977 and is a founding member of the Association for Astrological Networking. He can be reached for consultations at (415) 864-8302, through his Web site at www.starjack.com, and by e-mail at QScopes@qsyndicate.com.