November finds you feeling in high spirits, and rightly so. Lots of cosmic goodies are in store for you, so you have every reason to believe that you'll enjoy November.

Mars is still moving though Cancer, a sign that you are in the process of starting a brand new cycle. This is a process that will be ongoing for several months, ending on May 9 next year. During that time you'll be very busy, so you might want to pace yourself - these types of cycles can be exhausting, but also very exciting!

Mars does not come by that often, so it may help to know that the next time you'll have Mars in Cancer to give you an outstanding advantage, it will be August 2009. But next time you won't have several months to institute the changes you want so dearly, instead only a matter of weeks (which is much more typical a visit of Mars). As you see, you truly are in the catbird's seat.

The problem is that Mars is about to shut down when it goes retrograde from November 15 to January 30. During that phase you won't be able to access all the best qualities of Mars, which are assertive career action, determination, energy, and drive - so it is imperative that you make your most important initiations this month from November 1 to 14, your golden period. After that, you'll need to backtrack and course correct, and be ready to go at full throttle again in February.

Mars is the engine that runs your prestigious professional sector (tenth house), so this means that the coming two-and-a-half month period will not bring encouraging career developments. If you are not currently employed, or if you are anxious to leave your present position, you must be ready to begin your search in the first half of November, and to get as many interviews in at that time as you can.

Mercury was retrograde last month, but will normalize its orbit on November 1. Leave a space of a day or two before you begin making big announcements and decisions. Mercury always behaves badly on the days surrounding his onset date of the retrograde and the day this planet goes direct. Do yourself a favor and wait until November 3 or 4 before you dive into life again!

November 4 could bring you a good career tip or breakthrough. That's a Sunday, but due to the fine angle of the Sun and Mars in Cancer, over this weekend you may see an interesting job listing on the Internet or in the paper, or get an email that brings an opportunity you will want to follow up on.

If you are in a creative field, you will be in top form. From November 9 onward, the date of the new moon, you will have an opportunity to put your stamp of individuality on a project that will become very dear to you. If an offer comes in that intrigues you at this time, take it seriously.

If you were born on July 9, or within five days of this date, you will be able to access this cosmic energy very easily.

Pluto is the ruler of your fifth house of creativity. This powerful planet is about to meet with financially beneficial, expansive Jupiter. These two planets only meet in conjunction every thirteen years, and the last time they did was in very late 1994. These two planets are about to meet next month, on December 11. This is headline news, and it's been a conjunction I've been watching for several years - it is almost here!

Pluto conjunct Jupiter is a powerful indicator of success. Bill Gates has this conjunction in his natal chart, as does Warren Buffet. You will have this transiting conjunction in your chart next month, in your sixth house of work assignments. These two planets move very slowly but are already close enough to bring you benefits. Be alert to the kind of conversations and offers you are having now - something is in the wind and it could wind up being bigger than you ever assumed possible.

If 1994 or 1995 is important to you in some way because you began an endeavor or made a major decision, you will have the opportunity to advance that endeavor now or end it and start a completely new one. (Or, you can do both.) I point to those years, for that's when we had that last Jupiter to Pluto conjunction. That event gave me the opportunity to start a then very tiny website that I called Astrology Zone. At the time I really didn't realize that my life was changing forever. This type of experience could happen to you, for Jupiter and Pluto are meeting in the same part of the chart that it did for me, the sixth house. When opportunity knocks, it will be up to you to either run with it - or not. The future is always in your hands.

Other planets will join Jupiter and Pluto next month for this monumental event. Those other planets will have the power to enlarge this aspect even more. This is very important, and you will want to know more. I will talk more about it in minute detail next month, but I do want you to be aware of it now. It appears to involve a creative endeavor too, or will start as a small work assignment that has real staying power and potential for growth. In fact, this new project could eventually change the direction of your life.

Romantically, your love life could take flight this month, too. In this case, singles will benefit most, but all will enjoy the outstanding aspects on tap this month. If you feel life's been much too dull, and that you never seem to meet anyone that you'd even want to see more than once, all that will likely change soon. To be precise, watch what happens just after the new moon appears in Scorpio on November 9.

Not all new moons are glorious like the one that will fall on November 9. Mars in Cancer, Uranus in Pisces, the new moon and Sun will be in Scorpio - all these are water signs like yours - and they will work together to open you up to a beautiful romantic encounter. Uranus will make this meeting sudden or unusual in some way, catching you off guard. Mars will give you the magnetism you need to attract and hypnotize your new romantic interest, and the Sun and new moon will package all this energy and push it forward so that you notice it. There is some indication that your meeting would take place at work, with someone on your level. Or your introduction could happen outside of work but with a person who works for the same company but someone you've never met. You new romantic interest will be a star-in-the-making however, so this person has a solid future.

There is always the possibility that I am off on the part about meeting someone from your work environment, due to something in your natal chart that I cannot see from where I sit. Even so, your love life is poised to bubble up beautifully, so you must promise to be out and about.

Your fateful meeting won't happen without your involvement, so you need to make an effort to circulate socially from November 9 to 20. Your strongest period will be at the front end of that phase, closer to the days November 9 - 14. It really looks so good for you, dear Cancer!

If you are attached, be patient. You will have such stunningly special aspects next month that you will be knocked out! It doesn't get any better than this! Look to December 23 to be exact - but I will tell you more next month. If you are dating seriously there is an outstanding likelihood that you will get engaged on that day, the luckiest day of the year.

Best romantic days this month include: November 9 - 14, 21, and 26.

Cancer is a sign associated with the home, and this month you may survey your apartment or house and say to yourself, "My place looks tired. It needs a lift - something new or something with a little color." Perfect. Venus will tour your sector of home from November 8 to December 5, so use that period to browse stores to see if you find something that catches your eye. You might want to add seasonal flowers, plants, a new vase, or colorful throw pillows. If you feel flush, you may get a beautiful piece of furniture or a rug, as two examples.

It really is likely that you'll be meeting someone soon if you are single, so you will want to bring that person back to your home, right? Here's your chance to spiff it up!

As if you needed another reason to spruce things up, in the United States, Thanksgiving is coming. You may want to invite family and / or friends over, so get your place ready!

Financially, you will do better once Uranus goes direct, November 24. In the weeks and months that follow, you should see money flow a little more generously. Matters involving credit, loans, or a mortgage should improve - you may lower your debt - or you may get news of a commission or royalty. Watch the days surrounding November 24 for some good news or for a check to arrive.

Earlier, two other excellent days for money will be November 7 and 21. The date listed above, November 24, will be better, but these should be excellent for financial talks nevertheless, bringing a touch of surprise. In fact, if you enter a few contests, you may win one!

Your salary may take a sharp upturn next month, so hang in there, as better days are on the way.

November 21 should bring good news on many fronts. It's due to be a superb day to travel, or to deal with people abroad or concerning citizenship issues. It's also the right time to talk with people in academia, perhaps for a college interview, or, if you work in a university as professor or support staff, to hear good news about your job.

By November 24, the full moon, you may find you are in greater need for rest. This will be a busy month, and you'll be out and mingling with others more. It's no wonder you need to slow down. If you feel like you may be coming down with a cold, stop and take a day to catch up.

Alternatively, at this full moon, you may hear of a friend or relative, most likely female, who is confined in a hospital or rehab center. If so, since this person is showing up so clearly in your chart, she appears to be important to you. You may want to clear your calendar and visit her - a really good idea.

On November 26, you will have a highly romantic aspect in the wee hours of the morning, when the moon will shine in Cancer and when Venus will signal glamorous Neptune. This will be a truly sparkling aspect that will color the weekend of November 25 - 26 in beautiful shades of rose.

You truly have a truly special month ahead, dear Cancer.

Summary

You've been on the go, in charge, and calling the shots ever since Mars entered Cancer at the end of September. There's nothing like Mars to put you in a leadership position. Now that Mars will retrograde, it's time to slow down, survey what you've accomplished, and make course corrections, especially in your career. If you need a new job, Mars will be retrograde from November 15 to January 30, giving you plenty of time to perfect your strategy. Plan to give your dearest ambitions a huge push from February through early May.

Romance could easily consume you in the days and weeks that follow the new moon November 9. Slip into something that makes you feel sexy and desirable and head out the door, for believe it, you will be all THAT and a lot more! If single, November will mark the best time of the year to meet an intriguing new person. You may wail, "I never meet anyone special," but if you feel that way, vow to give love another chance. With Uranus plotting a fistful of surprises, you could be humming a different tune soon! (For a case in point, among many days too numerous to mention, watch November 21.) In all, the coming holidays could turn out to be warm, cozy, and romantically sentimental - just your cup of tea!

With Mars in Cancer, ruling home, you'll want to invite the clan over for Thanksgiving dinner. Start early by gathering together favorite recipes and drawing up a shopping list. You can have a stress-free holiday if you're organized. Venus will tour your house of home from November 8 until December 5, so it's a sure bet you'll delight family and friends with your awesome entertaining skills. Take full advantage of Venus' charms by adding a beautiful new mirror, a new rug, or one new piece of furniture to one room. You seem to feel you need an update - Venus will ensure you like the choices you make.

After so much activity, protect your health by relaxing your schedule and by allowing yourself more rest near the full moon, November 24.

You have so much to be excited about! Mars, the energy planet, zoomed into Cancer late last month on September 28, to stay a highly unusual length of time - nearly seven months. Usually Mars will stay seven weeks, not seven months, so this is a BIG advantage! When you have Mars in your sign, you are the leader of the parade, assertive and determined, and will often show a certain measure of courage that impresses others. This is what you will have all the way until May 9, 2008!

Everyone wants to have Mars in their sign because with Mars' help you can succeed in ventures that you always thought were beyond you.

More importantly, Mars will help you begin a fresh new two-year cycle. Decide on which area of your life needs the most focused attention and draw up a blueprint that would help you turn things around.

Mars happens to rule your natural tenth house of fame and professional honors, so your fresh chapter could have to do with a promotion or offer for a major position at another firm. It's alternatively possible that you will open the doors of your own business very soon. While it is likely career news will pop for you, you are also likely to have exciting news on other fronts too, perhaps about a romantic relationship, living situation, travel plan, or other big news.

As a Cancer, your home is your domain, the very heart of all that is most important to you. You dream of making the perfect nest for yourself, and if attached, to create one for those you love. You have a real flair for making your home a nurturing, cozy place and those who come to visit you always come away feeling pampered and rejuvenated. You modestly shrug and assure others that what you do is nothing special, but that's not true - you have a real talent, dear Cancer. This is why October will be so wonderful for you. You will have a solid chance to make your home all you want it to be in your heart.

If your home isn't quite right, you can feel continually out of sorts, so it's always important to a Cancer to get the physical space just right. Moreover, if disharmony has cropped up in your household, you find that even more upsetting. This month, you have nothing to fear, dear Cancer - October brings spectacular opportunity on the home front. It doesn't matter if you want to make big changes (create a new kitchen) or little ones (buy new accessories to freshen up your living room for the coming holidays), for either way, you've a glittering set of aspects to make your plans happen.

Your stroke of luck with home, property, and family-related matters will come as a result of the brilliant new moon, October 11. That new moon will open a window of opportunity lasting two weeks. During that time, you should do research, collect data and estimates, and ask many questions. You can find the right options if you look, even if you haven't been able to do so over the past months.

You will only get one new moon a year in this area of your chart, so the decisions you make about your home and family this month will affect you for the whole year to come. Next year, when the next new moon comes by, it will refresh this area of the chart, but until then, this one will hold sway over your home-related decisions. All new moons work that way, the reason why you should always take seriously the opportunities they provide. Also, as a Cancer you are ruled by the moon, so new moons and full moons (as well as eclipses) affect you more strongly than most.

I know you will be anxious to announce your decisions and sign papers if necessary, but I need to voice a word of caution. Mercury will be retrograde from October 11 to November 1, so you need to be sure that you not start any new ventures during that time. If, for example, you have had contractors in your home for weeks or months, they can continue, of course, but even so, they are likely to encounter some overages, unexpected conditions in your home that might cost you. If you are doing work on the house, make sure you are notified in writing of any overage before it occurs. It's not a good idea to begin a home-related project now, but it's fine to follow along on one that you have already started, as long as you keep an eye on things. Make sure no one makes a decision without your knowledge and consent.

To be clear, you CAN do repairs, paint, reorganize and streamline closets, or take appliances to the repair shop. Those are all ideal activities to do while Mercury is retrograde. It is also a fine time to browse magazines and stores, go to do-it-yourself classes, attend home renovation fairs and seminars, and get general estimates from contractors. I say "general estimates" because with Mercury about to turn, you can be sure that those estimates will be a little off later, for any number of reasons. You may change your mind or be faced with some sort of unexpected development later, something you never considered.

Alas, it is not time to sign a lease or buy a house, as there is a strong probability that you will have a change of plans at some later point (could be months, or even years). Sometimes we sign a lease thinking we have two or three years on it, and the building is sold, or the neighbors turn out to be difficult - you get the picture. You can't have all the facts when Mercury is retrograde because elements around you are changing dynamically and rapidly. There is no way to make an informed decision. That's why it is never a good time to sign papers.

If you were thinking of setting up a nifty home office for a small new business, or to have a comfortable place to work when you take work home in the evenings, you can do so this month, and it would be a great idea. Watch and see what happens on October 6 - 8, your very best time to think seriously about having a comfy place to work at home. If you want to do this, you can empty the room you have in mind and ready it by calling in the painters. You might also need to put up shelves or a whole bookcase. Remember, October is ripe for planning but do not announce any big decisions until on or after November 5.

Mercury goes direct on November 1, but the day this planet retrogrades - in this case, October 11 - and the day it goes direct it is at its worst! Leave a few days of space before you resume normal activities.

Readers sometimes write to ask if it is OK to move during Mercury retrograde, and the answer is yes, absolutely. Just sign your papers well in advance of the retrograde period. Prepare your boxes carefully by marking them clearly on all sides. Don't give the movers any sensitive or ultra valuable items. (For example, take your seven years of taxes to your Mom's house, as well as your best, most valuable jewelry.) Write the name of the room on the box where you want it deposited. Do the packing yourself if possible, and use lots of bubble wrap and other cushioning for fragile items.

If you need to sell your house, you may get people sending in bids this month, but you may have to revise your price or a condition of the deal. For example, the buyer may learn from her engineer that a lot of costly structural repairs will be needed in one area of the house, revealing something you had not been privy to prior to this. You may have no choice but to lower your price as a result. Or, your buyer may not be able to get a mortgage or have problems with the scheduling of the closing. In that case, you may lose your buyer, forever or temporarily.

I was in the process of filing all the paperwork on my condo when Mercury went retrograde. The bank I was working with later realized that their people had made a big mistake on the amount due on the property mortgage each month due to a miscalculation of the taxes. This was not discovered for months later. I had signed the papers at the signing (by then Mercury was well out of retrograde). Nevertheless, I had to pay the difference, and the mistake was a whopper. Since it was their fault, they suggested that they spread the amount due over an 18 month period, which I was grateful for, but it still turned out to be was a long period of financial torture! I would have made a smaller down payment had I known the true cost with taxes. Some things cannot be helped - it was not an error either my broker or I could have known about and brought to their attention. Alas, things happen, and perhaps the main message from Mercury will always be: Stay flexible.

At month's end, you'll be in the mood for a little fun, and that's precisely what the universe is cooking up for you. You are moving toward a highly romantic, happy full moon, dear Cancer - and it's coming at just the right time! Watch for a terrific reason to mix with others on October 26, plus or minus four days.

This full moon will light your house of friendship, so it appears you won't just be with one special person, but many others you care about, too. You may attend a wedding, a party, or even a family event. You might have to travel a short distance to get there, and your sister or brother may be involved. There seems to be some sort of goal attached to this event too, so you may go to a lively industry or company event, one you will surely enjoy. A full moon in Taurus usually brings very delicious, sensuous conditions, so it seems that you will enjoy a touch of luxury at this time too, and if so, it will be very much deserved!

Moreover, Saturn and Mars will both be very supportive of all that you do at this full moon, a good sign that you will be able to seamlessly mix business with pleasure, if necessary. If this is an all-pleasure event, then you'll want to completely immerse yourself in the fun of the moment. With Mercury still in retrograde at the time, you may catch up with many old friends, acquaintances, and relatives that you have not seen in a very long time. Isn't that great when that happens?

If you were born on June 22, plus or minus five days, you will benefit most from this bright full moon.

Most romantic evenings: October 2, 12, 20, 23, 26, 30, 31.

The month ends on a fantastic note. Jupiter will send Neptune the coolest vibe possible, which could translate into extra cash for you as a result of a very inventive idea you offer or assignment you produce at the time. This money won't be salary however, but some sort of new benefit given to you (such as better health care coverage), or you may receive a one-time check to reward you for a special assignment you did exceptionally well.

If you are awaiting word about a court settlement, scholarship, or inheritance, you may hear the final word now - news should be good.

Neptune will go direct on October 31, after having been retrograde for five months. Since Neptune is now in your eighth house of other people's money, financial matters should be much improved in months to come. You have not had a lot of help in past months to strengthen your financial situation, but all that seems to soon be history. I bet you feel better already! So glad to give you so much good news.

Summary

You have moved into the most powerful part of the year, for Mars will favor Cancer from now through the end of 2007, all the way to early May 2008. You've had some planetary support this year from a variety of planets, but few on this high-octane level. Mars typically spends seven weeks in one sign, but this year, Mars will favor Cancer for a staggering nearly seven months. If you've had problems getting people to see things your way, you'll enjoy seeing that you've suddenly become flavor of the month - for many months! Use this time to launch projects and new relationships. You'll be enthusiastic and energetic, and others will want to get behind you and jump on board.

Your home life will bring lots of news once the new moon appears, October 17. This will be an unusually fine new moon, supported by a host of planets - Jupiter, Neptune, and Pluto - making this an ideal time to start a home renovation project. You may now find a new apartment or new roommate, reorganize your closets, or have contractors come in to make an estimate to complete bathroom or kitchen renovations. Alternatively, you may order a maintenance overhaul to wash windows and blinds, shampoo rugs, and clean upholstery. Afterwards, invite friends and family in to admire your results.

At work, you've been getting applause for excellent work all year, but the compensation has been unsatisfactory. Now that Saturn has moved into Virgo, you'll find employers and clients more willing to pay a fair price. By late January, be ready to speak up for more money. Last month's full moon may have brought news of a better job, and if so your interview may have reached the point where it is appropriate to discuss salary. Good! Do so early in October if that is the case. Working conditions should be excellent, especially if you begin the week of October 8.

Mercury will retrograde soon, so you may find that you are more prone to reminisce about the past in October. Call old friends and distant relatives and stay up late sharing stories and generally catching up. You may also find papers and mementos you haven't seen in a long time too - perhaps due to your home reorganization project - and when you find them, they will instantly take you back to another time and place.

You've got a glittery social event coming up, October 26 (plus or minus three days). This will be a dress-up affair to remember. Everything about this evening should come out perfect: the flowers, the setting, the food and music, and most of all, the friends you'll be glad to see, as well as the new faces they'll introduce you to.

As you begin the month, you seem nearly obsessed with money. You've just had to use up a large part of your cash at the full moon, July 28, so you'll be very motivated to find more. Cancer has been through the wringer on finances ever since Saturn entered Leo two years ago. You will see the light at the end of the tunnel in a month, dear Cancer. You have seen no hint of this so far, so you may doubt me, but the truth is that Saturn is about to leave this difficult placement in Leo on September 2, and once it does, you will start to feel nearly instant financial relief.

You are tired of all the stress of trying to make ends meet. Even if you are a millionaire, you still had problems getting paid what you feel you were due, and that will normalize as well. This month you will have nearly half the planets of our solar system filling your second house of earned income - it's no wonder you will be set to find a way to generate a better cash flow

Your first signal that things will be changing for the better will arrive on August 6, the date that generous Jupiter turns direct. Jupiter is the planet of financial expansion, luck, and happiness, and when this generous planet naps, you don't get to enjoy much of Jupiter's gifts. That will all change now, and you should feel the difference, for Jupiter's been out of phase for four months, since April 5. Jupiter is now traveling through your house of work assignments, so if you've been trying to change jobs, or if you are self-employed and hoping to generate lucrative new business, you will find it far easier to do so from August 6 onward. In fact, you should see some sort of instant breakthrough in the days that circle this critical date.

Another important trend gets into full swing at mid-month: that of finding more money. The money you seek will be earned income, not money won or given to you in any way, such as a scholarship or prize. No, the money you will be thinking about would be money you earn as salary. It's also possible however that you may be concerned about your possessions, say, if you recently moved and found you lost some of your items or discovered them to be broken when you opened the box. Or, you may be buying something expensive, such as new furniture, a house, or a computer. The greater probability, however, will center you on increasing your stash of cash, too.

Typically, you get but one new moon a year in your house of earned income, and this year's is no exception. This month's annual financial new moon will bring the Sun, Mercury, Venus, Saturn, and the new moon together in one sector.

All new moons open a portal, and this one will allow you to change your circumstances in the year that follows, that is, from August 2007 to August 2008. Next year, your next new moon will come by to offer you a new portal of opportunity.

Although this new moon is flawed (and I will tell you why in a second), I feel you should ask for a raise or look for a new job in the days following this month's new moon, August 12. That week, the week of August 12, will be your best, although you can also make appointments for the following week.

I am concerned that Saturn, so prominent at this new moon, will tend to keep your income tight, as Saturn tends to contract what it touches. This time, Saturn orbits close to the new moon, so I feel that your efforts to get a substantial raise will be met with some resistance. Saturn will be meeting with three planets this month, which I consider a lot of activity. First Saturn will meet with Venus on August 13, then with Mercury on August 18, and finally with the Sun on August 21.

In regard to August 13, there may be problems with a housing situation or concern about a family member. Venus rules your fourth house of home, and last month, on July 27, Venus went retrograde - trying to fix a home-related situation, especially a costly one, may prove to be hard until Venus goes direct on September 8. If you are trying to sell a house, you may not be able to find an appropriate buyer until next month. If you are trying to buy a house, you may find you need to negotiate for your price that long.

August 18 could bring a difficult day for travel - be sure your car is in great working order, for the trip is likely to take longer than you may anticipate. If you sign a contract on this day, the deal would be in place almost forever. That could be good, if you agree with all the points in the contract and have tried to imagine what might have been left out or is unclear.

Your hardest day for money, by far, will be the day Saturn meets with the Sun on August 21. Do everything in your power not to schedule financial meetings for Tuesday, August 21. This could turn out to be a depressing financial day for most Cancers, where VIPs are critical and demanding, and buyers and sellers are likely to be stingy and bent on haggling over every point. It is easy to see why I don't want you to ask your old Scrooge boss or client for a raise on this day!

The aspects in your chart tell me that you will need to have strong reasons ready to explain why you deserve the higher fee or salary you are asking when you meet with top executives. Before you go into that vital meeting, practice your presentation with a friend or relative to make sure your pitch is as strong as it can be, for the person you will be meeting with seems to be a Doubting Thomas. If you focus on your accomplishments and on what you can contribute to the firm - and not on why you need the money, because clearly the firm doesn't care - you should be able to get your raise, but I admit it won't be easy.

This month will also be a time when you will be able to extricate yourself from unprofitable, difficult, or unproductive arrangements. It may be time to pull out old contracts or have a second look at old obligations to see if you can go back to renegotiate them now.

Fortunately, at this new moon, Pluto will send a powerful and beneficial beam to Saturn, suggesting you will be able to convince at least one powerful VIP to give you the salary or fee that you want. Indeed, you are holding a strong enough hand to win this round if you remain realistic and present a really persuasive argument. Pluto is the planet best known for dramatic transformations - you can create one for yourself if you remain focused. You do have to practice however, for this is no month to simply go in and fly by the seat of your pants.

Mars rules your career, and this month Mars will move through a very private, hidden part of your chart. It's always good to note Mars' whereabouts in a chart, because Mars tells us where the action is going to be focused in your life. Now that Mars will enter your twelfth house, it suggests that you will be having confidential talks about your career with someone, whether that will be a headhunter, job counselor, or simply a prospective employer when you interview for a new job under the radar. It is equally possible that you will reflect and meditate about how you can change your career to find greater job satisfaction. These possibilities are not mutually exclusive - you may be doing both simultaneously.

It may be helpful to know that you are about to become a force to be reckoned with once Mars enters Cancer on September 28. The place Mars will be this month, from August 7 to September 28, signifies that you are ending a long, two-year cycle and are about to begin a new one in the last part of this year. Almost always, Mars spends seven weeks in a sign (for seven weeks is certainly enough time for Mars to work its magic), but this year, Mars will be in Cancer from September 28, 2007 to May 9, 2008! That's seven months!

Everyone wants to have Mars in their sign because once you do, Mars gives you a major advantage in negotiations, for you are more likely to see things go your way. Knowing that you are heading into this wonderful, robust stage has to be exciting. The last time you had Mars in Cancer it was May 7 to June 23, 2004.

Remember, your exhilarating period - that will help you in ALL phases of your life, from career to money, and love relationships to housing - will extend from September 28, 2007 to May 9, 2008. Mars will retrograde during part of that period - you will have lots of control and can set off in an important new direction. Your strongest periods will be September 28 to December 20, and then again from March 10 to May 9.

You can use the time between December 21 and March 9 to perfect your strategy, but should plan to come on strong from September 28 to December 20, the first part of this trend. Start now to get ready.

This won't be a huge month for love, but there will be several gentle moments to enjoy. If you hope to meet someone new, keep your eyes open at the workplace or sports-related area, such as at a baseball game, sailing event, or running track setting. August 9 will be particularly lucky, as Jupiter and Mercury will be at supportive angles. Also, the moon will be in Cancer then too, favoring you over all others.

Your most romantic nights: August 1 - 2, 4, 9 - 10, 15, and 19

The month will end with a rather wild full moon lunar eclipse in Pisces on August 28. The aspects to this eclipse are due to be difficult because Saturn will orbit so close to this moon, and Uranus will oppose Mercury directly. That is enough to set everyone's nerves on edge. As a Cancer, the moon rules your sign, so you may feel this eclipse as strongly as the main signs that will be highlighted, namely, Pisces, Virgo, Gemini, and Sagittarius. This full moon, highly emotional eclipse falls in your house of foreign cities and people, so you may need to rapidly get on an airplane to attend to something that comes up. Have your passport ready at the start of the month, as you won't get any notice of whatever news occurs.

I am concerned because Uranus will oppose Mercury, so news will be very sudden and not at all what anyone would want to hear. Everyone of every sign will be under the same aspects, so there is also a possibility that there will be very difficult weather conditions or that some other news event will be making the kind of headlines that gets everyone involved. The unexpected quality of the news this eclipse brings is what will make it so hard to deal with.

The ninth house, which will be so lit up, rules not only travel and foreign people but also, for you, legal matters, publishing, broadcasting, relationships with people at a distance, and academic matters, particularly those related to getting a higher education at a college or university. If your child is going away to college, keep your antenna up, as there may be something that you need to do to help your child get oriented.

Indeed, none of these areas are likely to go smoothly or according to plan. If you can put off signing papers until September 13, it would be for the best. You need Mercury to be happy and warm, and this month, Mercury will be in a very angry mood.

All the areas mentioned are due to be a bit unstable at this eclipse, and since it's a full moon, you'll be required to make a quick decision.

I should add that if none of the above-mentioned areas such as academia, publishing, or broadcasting apply to you, nor anything going on abroad or involving travel, this same house also rules in-laws and your aunts and uncles. One of these individuals may come up as very important to you at the eclipse, August 28.

Summary:

It appears that something has to be done about a financial mess you have found yourself in lately. You know you can't quite go on in the same manner that you have in the past so you will be very determined to reorganize your finances. You want a bold approach, and you may have already hit on some as you enter August.

Despite the gloomy financial situation you are viewing, you will now have an opportunity to make things right. Several new moneymaking opportunities will pop up just after the new moon on August 12. Choose the one that will afford you the greatest long-range security. It may not be the sexiest offer, but it will give you a platform on which to build a tall structure in the future. Careers involving the entertainment, design, and luxury markets will be favored. Also any position or project that will cater to, care for, or teach children also could be profitable.

The change of Jupiter to direct motion on August 6 will also be a great help as you seek more interesting, well-paying work. Even if you've been disappointed with interviews in the past, try to view August as a whole new ballgame.

You seem to be going though a number of career talks behind the scenes but despite many interviews may still not know where you stand. You may not know the final outcome of your meetings until Mars moves into Cancer, from September 28 onward. You probably can't push these talks, so don't even try. Let things take their natural course. You are heading toward great opportunity, so stay optimistic and patient. Good news will come through soon, so have faith.

Sometime during mid-month, an influential VIP will seek you out to offer you a plum assignment. Be decisive, for if you aren't, someone else will be all too glad to take it. Although the compensation proposed may not be too attractive, this would lead you to bigger and better things down the road, so in that sense it will be worthy of consideration.

On August 21 Saturn will move over the Sun, a day you may feel overwhelmed and depressed over your financial situation. Or you may be thinking about a project that has created too much pressure and not enough money. Alternatively, a critical client could be impossible to please no matter what you do. At this point you may decide to cut your losses and quit this person or project. You have come to the end of your rope, but that's not necessarily bad, because that is often when things happen. For sure, you'll be turning a corner.

On top of all this, the lunar eclipse on August 28 will bring sudden news about a relative - possibly a sibling, cousin, aunt, uncle, or in-law. Or, if all your relatives seem fine and are not creating news, you may be concerned about a legal action, contractual or settlement negotiation, or the direction a deal will suddenly take.

No matter what comes up, know that any decisions or actions that you make now would be subject to change later. You might want to delay things if you can, for information won't be forthcoming for several more weeks or even months. With Mercury, now being opposed by Uranus, the environment is in flux and nothing solid will come of talks and decisions made now.

Travel will not go smoothly at month's end either. Associates will come off as vague or confused, or will vacillate endlessly, so if you take a business trip in August's last week, you may become so frustrated that you may wish you had stayed home. If you can conduct affairs by phone, you may want to use that option. Even pleasure trips taken now would bring discord or dismay. Do yourself a favor by delaying a holiday for another month.

Romance will not be a major theme this month - you seem to be more focused on money and career, and possibly travel. If you are single, your best ways of meeting someone new would be at work, with a coworker who works on your level. Sports, yoga, and other places people go to get fit may also offer some romantic opportunity but work-related areas seem best.

Are you dating and hoping to marry? December will be divine for an engagement or even a wedding (after December 17 or in January). At that time Jupiter, the Great Benefic, will be in your marriage and commitment sector, making it the best time in a decade to plan to wed.

You have so much to look forward to! Attend to money and career now, for all the love you crave will come to you in time. So much good is coming to you, dear Cancer, just you wait and see!