By Jack Fertig

ARIES (March 20 - April 19): Treating friends to impulsive gifts or an extra round or two will get more expensive than you planned on. Being helpful is laudable, but put your energies into a group that appreciates your efforts, not a friend who doesn't!

TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Sudden playful urges are innocent enough, but likely to come out in inappropriate ways and cause trouble at work. Try to apply that creativity to solving domestic problems. Focus on issues with parents; think now, but act later.

GEMINI (May 21 - June 20): Controlling your mouth is especially important now, in part because it is especially challenging. Try to focus your mind on spiritual questions. Time alone at home -- and safely away from trouble -- is helpful.

CANCER (June 21 - July 22): You're hot for some action -- yeah, that kind of action, baby! But maybe you're a little too hot. Focus on priorities and values. Good sex fits in there, but integrity, friendship, and enduring values should take precedence over a good time.

LEO (July 23 - August 22): Every year, when the sun goes into Virgo, your roar takes on a sharp edge. Focus that critical edge on self-improvement. The temptation to help others with your wisdom is not much appreciated right now!

VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): Worries about your health are probably exaggerated, but not entirely out of place. It never hurts to get a check-up or see your acupuncturist. Self-medication is a very bad idea right now! Leave your prescriptions to the professionals.

LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): Those wacky little voices in your head need an outlet. Get creative in whatever medium suits you, in order to give those facets of your inner self a channel. Erotic role play is one possibility. Advice from friends is especially helpful now.

SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): Rather than focusing on your bosses' faults, try to figure out how to put your best foot forward. Focus your attention on community issues. Avoid domestic problems; they are likely to draw you more deeply into trouble.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 20): Your capacity for critical insight will be much noted -- and much better regarded if it is self-criticism. Pay attention to details, especially for safety's sake. If you must imbibe, be moderate, and very, very careful!

CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): You strive to be the best at everything, and this is a good time to hone your erotic skills. Right now, shopping could get you into a lot more trouble. Novelties are tempting, but better in the bedroom, where the price is right!

AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): Between new sexual perspectives and long-standing family problems, you may begin to wonder who you really are. The more you question, the more you learn. Accept friendly criticism as you wish others would.

PISCES (February 19 - March 19): You're inclined to worry way more than you should, and even more so now. Worries can become self-fulfilling prophecies. A meditative exercise (swimming, hiking, riding a stationary bicycle) will settle your nerves.

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.