Free Will Astrology

ARIES (March 21-April 19): "In a full heart there is room for everything," said poet Antonio Porchia, "and in an empty heart there is room for nothing." That's an important idea for you to meditate on right now, Aries. The universe is conspiring for you to be visited by a tide of revelations about intimacy. And yet you won't be available to get the full benefit of that tide unless your heart is as full as possible. Wouldn't you love to be taught more about love and togetherness and collaboration?

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): As I turn inward and call forth psychic impressions of what's ahead for you, I'm seeing mythic symbols like whoopie cushions, rubber chickens, and pools of fake plastic vomit. I'm seeing popcorn shells that are stuck in your teeth and a dog that's eating your homework and an alarm clock that doesn't go off when it's supposed to. But as I push further into the not-too-distant future, exploring the deeper archetypal levels, I'm also tuning into a vision of fireflies in an underground cavern. They're lighting your way and leading you to a stash of treasure in a dusty corner.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times." That's the opening sentence of Charles Dickens' bestselling novel A Tale of Two Cities. The author was describing the period of the French Revolution in the late 18th century, but he could just as well have been talking about our time — or any other time, for that matter. Of course many modern cynics reject the idea that our era is the best of times. They obsess on the idea that ours is the worst of all the worst times that have ever been. When your worried mind is in control of you, you may even think that thought yourself, Gemini. But in accordance with the current astrological omens, I challenge you to be a fiery rebel: Come up with at least five reasons why this is the best of times for you personally.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): "Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life," said Pablo Picasso. That's certainly true for me. I can purify my system either by creating art myself or being in the presence of great art. How about you, Cancerian? What kinds of experiences cleanse you of the congested emotions that just naturally build up in all of us? What influences can you draw on to purge the repetitive thoughts that sometimes torment you? How do you go about making your imagination as fresh and free as a warm breeze on a sunny day? I urge you to make a study of all the things that work for you, and then use them to the max in the coming week.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): "Our culture peculiarly honors the act of blaming, which it takes as the sign of virtue and intellect." So said literary critic Lionel Trilling. Now I'm passing his idea on to you, Leo, just in time for the No-Blaming Season. Would you like to conjure up a surge of good karma for yourself? Then for the next ten days or so, refrain from the urge to find fault. And do your best to politely neutralize that reflex in other people who are sharing your space, even if they love to hate the same political party or idiot fringe that you do. P.S.: For extra credit, engage in speech and activity that are antidotes to the blaming epidemic. (Hint: praise, exaltation, thanks.)