By Jack Fertig

Forecast for April 18-May 1, 2006

ARIES (March 20 - April 19): You need to express values and traditions that come out of your upbringing. Affirm what's good, and do your best to let go of the bad. This is an exercise of the heart and the gut. Don't worry about logic!

TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Impulse-spending can be a source of guilt now. Channel that fear into constructive action; develop some economic discipline. Revise budgets and accounts. There's probably no need to worry, but being conservative and cautious usually pays off down the road.

GEMINI (May 21 - June 20): Financial worries can feed or trigger emotional outbursts. Things are tight these days, but you're now exaggerating your worries -- both about your money and your body. A healthy diet, including lots of seasonal fruits and veggies, also saves money!

CANCER (June 21 - July 22): It's much too easy now to worry over every little thing. You feel like a hopeless case, but there are others who are so much worse off. Throw yourself into some charity work, and by helping others, you'll improve your own self-esteem.

LEO (July 23 - August 22): Being around your friends can make you feel like you don't measure up somehow. Your natural tendency to compensate by being even more dazzling than usual can prove annoying. Your shortcomings are imagined, but if you need assurance, be helpful where you can.

VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): You can accomplish a great deal, but focusing your energies is a challenge now. Friends will be glad to assist you, and this is where you find out who your friends really are. Appealing to their egos will help.

LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): You're looking very sure of yourself -- but are you, really? Getting into arguments can reveal your uncertainty. Taking a more investigative approach to any open questions will affirm your authority.

SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): Using passion and charisma to back up your arguments is fine. Subterfuge and deception will only cause trouble in the long run. Let your partner set goals in erotic exploration. You can still stay in charge -- if that's what you want.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 20): Demands in your relationship are vague but insistent. This can be maddening, but sexual play will bring it into focus. A little rough play or some light dominance and submission can help.

CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): Your energy is high, but your focus is poor. There's a lot of that going around, but a partner or colleague will help you get on track. Be careful of what you eat. Your tummy is mighty touchy these days.

AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): Work is very consuming and could damage your health. Your work is too important to take too seriously. Remember to inject some playfulness into your efforts and share light moments with colleagues.

PISCES (February 19 - March 19): Get creative in the kitchen. New recipes are a good start, but never settle for printed instructions. Sure, do what they tell you the first time, but then think about how you can improve it.

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.