By Jack Fertig

Forecast for September 5 - 18, 2006

ARIES (March 20 - April 19): Pessimism is weighing on you heavily, and friends' assurances seem to backfire. The future is what you make of it, so take care of your health and keep your mind on your work. Patience, love! Every little step forward counts.

TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): With a sense of uncertainty at work, you're inclined to retreat into your nest, but mere cocooning offers little satisfaction. Creative projects at home can make you more generally confident of challenges at work—and eager for challenges in bed!

GEMINI (May 21 - June 20): Messages from Mama or anyone back home can help resolve the problems you're struggling with. Shutting up and listening can help, too. Don't let ideals get in the way of reality, but let reality clarify those ideals!

CANCER (June 21 - July 22): Organizing bills and accounts and/or balancing your checkbook will hone your mind toward a better understanding of your priorities, both material and otherwise. That clarity could improve your sex life! Still, be careful to avoid accidents and needless arguments.

LEO (July 23 - August 22): Arguments over money come out of your rigidity and your partner's uncertainty. Even so, financial discussions can push you to loosen up a bit and give your baby a little more security. Gambling and investments now are sure losses.

VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): Worrying too much about guarding a secret can be the surest way to reveal it. Put your mind elsewhere, especially on health matters. A checkup now can nip something serious in the bud.

LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): Efforts to loosen up some of your more conservative associates are sure to backfire. Try instead to be sensitive to and meet their wishes, even if you take them in an entirely new direction.

SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): Friends—and especially colleagues—can help you work through the long-running muddle at home and stress at work that feed into each other. If their suggestions seem a bit off, use them as a starting point for new and better ideas.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 20): Arguments are coming toward you and out of you more easily than usual, and you had a head start! Accept advice from someone whose authority you respect, and keep your rebellious streak focused on productive battles.

CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): Clever suggestions from an unlikely source can help you improve your sex life. But they may also challenge some of your erotic values and ideals—perhaps even open unpleasant memories and hidden fears, and through those, untapped strength.

AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): To pep up your sex life, move it to the bathroom. The shower may be the best place to start. There are other possibilities, but once you're near the plumbing, it's up to you and your partner!

PISCES (February 19 - March 19): Worries about your health may drive you to a doctor, and a timely checkup is always worthwhile. But a day at a spa with your partner may be just as good. Any health advice from your baby is especially valuable now, too!

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.