TAURUS: A real estate issue that could involve family too is clarified once and for all. After that it’s “Speak now or forever hold your peace”: Mercury and Venus cozy up to one another in your 10th (career) house on the 26th and it doesn’t get better than that. So seize the day and do yourself some good both professionally and monetarily. Don’t be afraid to open your mouth and as sweetly and succinctly as you can, state your case and stake your claim. No one else can speak for you.

GEMINI: The opposition between the Sun and Saturn will demand that the more mature aspect of your nature come to the fore, and that the focus be on fulfilling professional and familial obligations without resentment. Your ruler Mercury hooks up with Venus in your 9th house of foreign and legal affairs and you may need to formalize arrangements on paper. Once those aforementioned tasks are tended to, visitors from abroad will cheer you, and your creativity soars to new heights. Stay on schedule.

CANCER: You’re balancing a lot and staying centered and sane with as much going on is quite a challenge. But it’s in your best interest to keep it together so that your best judgment is available for several issues that will come up during the week. One involves transportation logistics for one or more members of your family, another is about a school decision, and a third has to do with a partner’s unrelenting work schedule. Bottom line is you need your wits about you to take charge and be the best mastermind you can be.

LEO: A recent conversation with a partner, significant other or a sweetheart either deteriorated into a shambles or was left totally unresolved and the misunderstanding has put a damper on your sense of well being ever since. It’s time to revisit that discussion and work toward a resolution. Be willing to bend a little on a financial matter, the other side has some valid points to make and they are not only worth considering, but crucial in mending the wedge between you.

VIRGO: You’re reminded this week that no man is an island and even though you’re oh so tempted to withdraw into your Own Private Idaho, it’s an impulse you can’t afford to indulge just now. On the 26th, your ruler Mercury meets up with Venus in Aquarius in your 6th house of labor, health and service. And with the help of several hand-picked like minded comrades at work, you can move several mountains and make a big difference. Go for it.

LIBRA: Saturn in Virgo now through much of 2009 and some of 2010 will waste you if don’t set clear boundaries now. The opposition to the Sun in your 6th house of health/work/schedules/ this week has shown you that turning your cell phone off and setting an auto-response for emails at least 2 hours a day is a requirement. The meet-up of Mercury and Venus in your 5th house encourages you to not delete messages before listening and/or reading them carefully. There’s probably an invite from someone very interesting that you shouldn’t overlook.

SCORPIO: The Sun/Saturn opposition this weekend brings the challenge of discernment to your doorstep: Can you tell the difference between the friends and coworkers who waste your time and those who do not? Get clear on this now: There is much to lose if you don’t. Scorpios enjoy testing boundaries and tempting fate, but there are better things to spend your energy on. The Mercury/Venus conjunction in your 4th house encourages discussion about what to do next to fix up your home.

SAGITTARIUS: While it’s true that charity does begin at home, your darling blood relatives need to appreciate the fact that you’ll have nothing to share monetarily or otherwise if you are kept from meeting your just professional obligations. Saturn at the top of your chart on and off through summer 2010 must be your primary consideration for the time being. From the two-way street department, there may be an opportunity for a sibling, friend, or neighbor to help by recommending a lender or by co-signing a loan for a large purchase or investment. If a franchise is of interest explore it.

CAPRICORN: Money-centric talks that broke off the third or fourth week in January are ready to resume and get to the proverbial finish line. In the meantime, get all of your ducks in a row and organize your paper work so that it’s ready to go. The next phase will take about 10 weeks to complete but then it’s smooth sailing. The important thing is that after this, all parties involved are on the same page.

AQUARIUS: Although frustrating, the Sun -Saturn opposition on the 24th in your money houses will serve to align your partner’s finances and goals with your own. Thank Goodness! Now the two of you are ready to successfully tackle multiple issues including residence, transportation, investments, and vacation options for the next couple of years. If you are single the ‘partner’ can be a pal or adviser that you work closely with. Mercury conjunct Venus in your sign says that you must be heard and understood. An impromptu speech in front of a group would be wonderful.

PISCES: The delay and sense of rejection brought on by the Sun-Saturn opposition has drained your energy and thrown you into a little bit of a tailspin. But things are not what they appear to be: People are talking about you and it’s all good: Some very nice things are being said on your behalf and a fine surprise could very well be in the works. The person who said ‘no” had your best interest at heart. It was a timing thing that will resolve itself by May. Have faith.

Copyright, 2008, Shelley L. Ackerman, all rights reserved

Photo by Rich Press

When radio and television producers want the celestial skinny on the stars and politicians they turn to Shelley Ackerman, one of the world's leading astrologers. She is known for being insightful, warm, funny -- and accurate! Shelley has headed the New York affiliate of The American Federation of Astrologers and wrote many columns for Beliefnet.com. Her insights have appeared in The New York Times and she was recently on the cover of The Wall Street Journal. She writes regularly for The New York Post and The Westchester Guardian. As a media astrologer she appears regularly on TV, and has worked with Access Hollywood, Court TV, ABC’s World News Now, ABC Eyewitness News, The CBS Evening News, NBC’s ‘Extra’, and Fox News. Visit Shelley at www.karmicrelief.com