By Jack Fertig

ARIES (March 20 - April 19): Efforts to help friends or family are likely to backfire. Helping can be more productive where there's more detachment -- say, with some community group. A previously platonic friendship looks like it's getting steamy!

TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Not enough -- or too much -- self-confidence in your speaking skills can damage your career. Input from partners and friends will only confuse the issue. Writing down what you want to say first is good practice and offers clearer perspective.

GEMINI (May 21 - June 20): Taking care of household accounts can disrupt travel plans, but better to watch costs now than to pay the price later. Sex and religion should not be discussed at work, but either topic may be pertinent now with your doctor.

CANCER (June 21 - July 22): Get creative about talking dirty and/or talking tough. Work on achieving the vocal equivalent of an iron fist in a velvet glove. Erotic role play makes good practice; but sexually or otherwise, firm self-assertion can get you wherever you want to go.

LEO (July 23 - August 22): Take time out to focus first on personal priorities, then on what's important in your relationships. Discussing these issues with your partner (or a confidante) could raise worries and arguments, but better to get those out in the open and dealt with.

VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): What you see as a necessary approach to teamwork is entirely different from what's really needed. Offer your ideas, but be very ready to have them critiqued, to struggle through some confusion, and to learn new approaches.

LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): Leave the plastic at home; spending splurges can get you into big trouble! If you can balance open trust in your ability to be inspired with careful attention to masterful examples, you can open up terrific channels of creativity.

SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): Loyalty to family, country, and community must occur within a framework of ideals and principles. (Ask any German!) This creates conflicts that you have to deal with now, perhaps challenging your own sense of identity.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 20): Your sexual reputation really doesn't need to be boosted by any reports you may have on the subject. Admit nothing and deny nothing! Keep your lips sealed -- if only conversationally -- and promote an air of mystery and allure.

CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): Your political ideals are now getting very fuzzy and dreamy. That's uncharacteristic, but not bad. Usually, you argue intellectually and pragmatically. Now, try listening and speaking more at the level of emotion and passion.

AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): There's always room for self-improvement, and this is an ideal time to hone your sexual techniques. Don't be embarrassed -- nothing is lacking in you. If word gets around, it will draw eager helpers.

PISCES (February 19 - March 19): Let your dreams and fantasies loose! Share them freely with your partner (or anyone else you know won't use them as evidence to have you locked away), and they could reveal keys to creative genius.

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.