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It is that time of the year again, Mercury goes retrograde on May 15 in the afternoon. Please get all of your projects started by at least the 12th. Mercury will go direct on June 8. Also in this month, Neptune goes retrograde. This process happens once every year for about four months. Neptune retrograde indicates a time of inward spiritual searching and illusion-busting.

In case you’re wondering why everything feels tumultuous and like it’s exploding from the inside: Every 35 years, the two outer planets, Saturn (planet of restriction and clarity) and Pluto (purging, baring all), line up three times in a year-and-a-half period, and we’ve been in the midst of this one-two-three process. The first lineup was November 2000 (remember the problems in the economy and the drop in the tech markets?); the second was around September 11 and the Enron debacle. The bad news: The third time is due May 25. The good news: They won’t line up for another 35 years. (The last time was in the mid-’60s.)

So, this month will seem tense, especially near the end of the month. You may feel that the world is on the edge of a precipice and you may be right. It will be hard to move forward or backward. Tempers will be short. Days of tension are May 1, 3—4, 7—10 19, and 24—25. Days of play are the 27th and 28th.

Taurus (April 20—May 20) It is always interesting to have Mercury retrograding along with your birthday month. Most of the planets line up in your money and resource area, so you will be looking at what you have, what you are worth, and the investments that you make in life, career, and relationships. Your assessments will be on the negative side. So wait till next month and review your assets before you publish your personal profit and loss statements. Otherwise, those closest to you may not be.

Gemini (May 21—June 21) Hold on, kiddies, it is going to be a bumpy ride. Normally known for your ability to sidestep difficult issues and wait for a better time, you will be drawn to the battle line very quickly. You will not be a person who others will want to mess with. Relationships can and will be especially tense on May 7—9 and the 25th. If there are problems, they will erupt. If you can start talking about them right now, you can avoid the clean-up cost later. And avoid any conflicts with your boss–you are in a no-win situation.

Cancer (June 22—July 22) You are either going to be more psychic or driven by unseen demons this month. Yes, you are more sensitive than usual. Even buzzing flies may have a personal agenda and be out to get you. And a lot of this may show up in your work environment. Don’t be drawn in to work dramas even though you love the gossip. Your co-workers will take your interest as a desire to take sides and provide solutions. After the 20th, indulge all your sensual pleasures.

Leo (July 23—Aug. 22) Friendships will be on your stage of life this month. People will be wanting you to be closer to them as they try to remake your personality. It is a strange message. We love you and with a little work you can be perfect for us. You will be tested by the groups that you associate with. You are sort of halfway focused on work this month but not really. And romantic relationships seem to have all sorts of strings, ropes, chains, and glue associated with them. Time to learn the lyrics to "I Am Woman, Here Me Roar."

Virgo (Aug. 23—Sept. 22) All the activity this month lines up in your career sector, leading to big changes. If you are not happy with your career choice or you are having problems with your boss, then you are going to become mighty outspoken about exactly how you feel. For some of you this could show up as problems with your parents if they are where your authority figure issues lie. If you are happy, you are ready for some goals and clear directions. Take the time with Mercury retrograde to clearly analyze your situation before you make any choices. And make those choices after June 10.

Libra (Sept. 23—Oct. 23) This month you will find your personal life philosophies challenged by those around you. You will feel that you have to defend your views on the world and how life works. This is not a good month for travel or dealing with people from other cultures. Your diplomatic skills will be tested. Near the end of the month, you will really need a break from your routines. They may actually feel oppressive. Even your relationships will make you feel as though you have to give more than you have to keep your partner happy. Your work rescues you from the doldrums on the 28th.

Scorpio (Oct. 24—Nov. 21) You will have a hard time keeping your feelings and thoughts to yourself this month. It might help if you could find some sort of release from your own daily habits. It would help if you have a therapist or a very good friend who is willing to sit and listen to you. Some things are really bothering you. And most of it is about how you are not in control of a situation. Even when your psychic powers help you to know the outcome, you will have to wait and just watch. And there is a tendency to take everything personally this month. Don’t worry, just take it personally.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22—Dec. 21) Your theme for this month is Relationships: Who Needs Them? They certainly seem burdensome. You have been struggling lately with the idea that anything you do doesn’t seem to be good enough. This will show up with both your clients and your boss. Just remember who you are trying to please. If you don’t know the answer to this, the answer is YOU. For partnerships that are in trouble, this month will ring the final knell. Even your ever-ready optimism won’t be enough.

Capricorn (Dec. 22—Jan. 19) Pay attention to your health and your work environment. Things here need to be in good shape. If there are tensions between co-workers, you will not be able to avoid being drawn into their conflict. And they will draw upon you to come up with answers with neither group wanting to be responsible for their part. If you are overstepping your personal responsibility boundaries, you will feel very tired and your health may suffer. This is the message from the Universe: Take two giants steps backward. Love and sex enter the picture on the 28th and whisk you away from the humdrum of day-to-day existence.

Aquarius (Jan. 20— Feb. 18) Creative solutions and childlike intentions are on the menu for you this month. Issues from your past will come to visit you. If you have children, then they will be the messengers. (Don’t shoot the messenger.) If you don’t have children, then your own inner child will want to be pampered and spoiled. Your theme song may be "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun." Your external existence and your internal life have to run more parallel. These two can’t be at odds with each other (as they have been the past 20 years). By the end of the month, a new project enters the picture, but you need to wait until June 10 before you start.

Pisces (Feb. 19—March 20) Well, the family and career aspects of your life really hit the fan this month. You will be in a NBS (no BS) zone. You are just about ready to come out of the spiritual journey you began two years ago and get your life back on track. This month is the month of clear vision. You cut your own umbilical cord of your past and shift your sense of the authority to your internal being. This is a power time of decision-making, and you will surprise people by being quite ruthless. By mid-June, you will be on your way to making your life anew.

Aries (March 21—April 19) Communications and travel are highlighted for you this month, although not in a very positive way. It is quite important to really consider what you say before you say it. People are extremely reactive and will take what you say personally. If you can’t hold back, maybe you can bob and weave more. Drive carefully this month. It can be a great month to take care of projects that you have been putting off for a better time. Advice to the wise: This is more of a month to endure the mundane rather than find excitement.