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by Lilly Roddy

The good news for this month is that Mercury, ruler of communication, decision-making, and initiating new projects is going direct on Nov. 7. You will need to wait until the 10th before you start any new projects or ventures. The bad news is Thanksgiving week might be a bit more stressful than usual this year. Keep those visits home short and the conversation about the weather. The full moon this month is on the 11th in the sign of Taurus; this full moon is about money, personal values, and material things. Taurus is also about sensuality and tactile sensations. You may want to spend that Saturday involved in physical sensations. Have your lover give you a massage and feed you chocolate at the same time. And then let your creative juices flow. The new moon is on the 25th in the sign of Sagittarius. This is a time to begin expanding your knowledge base and broadening your cultural perspective. So, plan a trip to your favorite place for the holidays. Some of the stressful days ahead are Nov. 1, 7-8, 14-15, 18-19, 22, and 25. Keep your schedule flexible and build in plenty of exits on these days. Fun days are Nov. 2, 9-10, 16, 24, and 26-27. Plan to do festive things on these days.

Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 21) The beginning of the month is a stronger than normal time of introspection. Decisions will be harder than usual to make. But the lack of external actions is no indication of what is cooking below the surface. Your thoughts bubble to the surface after the 9th. Relationships are especially highlighted on the weekend of the 10th through 12th. Try to keep busy because home is a rather unsettled place for you. And make your Thanksgiving visit to the old home place short and sweet.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) This month, part of you wants to be social and part of you wants to be on a mountaintop. Try to do some of both so you won't feel drained and overextended. You have the urge to engage in deep conversations as the relationship and social arenas continue to open up for you-going from very good as you get closer to the holidays, to even better as December begins. Make sure that you take advantage of this time for business or personal promotion.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Lucky for you that your career is extra energized this month. After Mercury goes forward on the 10th, you are ready to take charge of your life. Watch that your enthusiasm doesn't have you driving the car over someone's foot who was getting in too slowly. Friendships and groups are powerful forces for you this month. Seek out people that you haven't seen for a while. The holidays find you restless and easily bored. Make sure you have plenty to do. The nuanced description of your aunt's hernia operation over the turkey and cranberries can push you over the edge. But don't worry, crimes committed during the holidays come with a built-in pardon.

Aquarius (Jan. 20- Feb. 18) You will not want to rest on your laurels this month even if they are very attractive. You want special recognition for your leadership qualities, and particular acknowledgment of how smart you are. So, here it is. Gosh, you have such a big brain. You will not be easy to deal with if you are passed over or ignored. Remember, in your heart lurks the Leo that wants attention and adoration from all who meet you. Relationships are still a roller coaster. You might as well get some cotton candy and enjoy the ride.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) And don't you need a rest from last month! You didn't know if you were going to be able to escape the planet or not. And darn, you missed the bus to Heaven and you are still here. Time for a trip during the holidays. You will probably even enjoy being with your family during the holidays. You are especially open-minded this month. Get ready because big things are happening where you live at the end of the month. You may move or get some new furnishings. You may even find your workplace changing locales. But you are ready for some excitement.

Aries (March 21-April 19) Shared resources are up for you this month. Just how much money do you and your lover have together? And are y'all working on the same agenda for your future security? And since thinking about the future is not an activity you practice very often, you may not know all the questions to ask. But that won't stop you. You need some excitement in your relationship this month. You can get that through an experimental sexual adventure or an argument over who's in charge of what. The holidays are more peaceful and calm for you than the rest of the signs. You could sit back and watch the fireworks in other people's backyards while you have yourself an extra slice of pumpkin pie.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) OK, so we know you are confused about your career direction. And you don't really know what you want to be when you grow up. So avoid any conversations about your future security with your partner. This will only add to your insanity and make you feel even more inadequate. You are still finishing up your review of the past and what you did on your summer vacation. Tell them that you will know after the end of January because you read it in your astrology column. That should make them feel more comfortable with you and your situation.

Gemini (May 21-June 21) Can you say "busy," "active," "industrious," "overextended"? Because you know you are there. You don't even have time to read this. You had better be getting some handle on your schedule or ill heath will be paying you a visit during this month. You are trying to carry too much of the load. And just because you can juggle everything, so what? Start paring down what you are doing or you will be Melba toast by the end of the month. Don't worry, your active and good luck phase will continue well into next year so you don't have to do it all now.

Cancer (June 22-July 22) This is a playful, fun, creative month. You may not want to work too hard but you will be successful even without too much effort. You are going to put a lot of energy into your home this month. You may be entertaining there more, redecorating the kitchen, or simply making energetic expressions of your libidinous proclivities. Relationships are more fun this month, too. You and your lover just get along better. You can feel the love. Business can be good this month, but it will have to not seem like work. Promotion and parties for the holiday season will be perfect for you.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) With all the activity in your home this month, you may get lost in the shuffle. You should be careful that you don't overload yourself during this holiday period. You are going to want to have everyone at your house for the holidaysŠand when they get there, you are going to want them to leave. Be sure you have plenty of fire escapes so when you start getting hot under the collar you won't feel trapped. It doesn't help that you also don't know what you want to do with your life at this time. Just make sure that it involves having a good time and you're getting plenty of acknowledgment. After the holidays, you are ready to get back on track. You will be more creative and the solutions will be at your fingertips.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Normally, with Mercury, your ruling planet retrograde, you get your life organized. But that has not been the case this time around. You seem to see what needs to be done but are not able to put your energy in a focused direction. After the 10th, your organizing skills come back and you feel like your old self. You are going to be busy at work through the end of this year and well into next year. You will need to build upon the opportunities that you are encountering. But as for the best directions to go in, you are still not sure yetŠand don't have to be. Keep your holiday encounters with the family temporary and amiable.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) Mars, the ruler of Aries, your opposite sign, moves into your sign on the evening of the 3rd. Mars is active, aggressive, confrontational, impatient, inspirational, and self-motivated. These are not the things that you lovely Libras are usually known for. So, don't hold this energy inside of you this month. Find some mirthful outlets for this dynamic verve. An exercise or health program might be a good way to express this, but don't do it alone-make sure you have someone to share in the adventure. And for the holidays, have them send you the agenda ahead of time so you can decide if it fits into what you think is best for everyone.

Lilly Roddy is a Houston-based astrologer. She can be reached at lillycath@aol.com or www.cybersim.com/hermes.