Aries The Ram (March 20-April 19)

Your plans and ideas may be challenged by another at this time. In order to hold your own in this situation, you must have clarity about who you have become. Do your best to generate a win-win situation out of the duel, and avoid a frank battle of wills. It is probable that your opponent has more inherent power, i.e. an employer. If so, hold your tongue. You can't win now.

For All Signs: We experience inflation, then recession, followed by inflation once again — a never-ending cyclic wheel in our socioeconomic system and our psyches. These two extremes are represented in the sky by Jupiter, planet of optimism, and Saturn, planet of cynicism. In their orbits of the Sun they periodically move into a relationship of tension, which is reflected in our world by a recession as we have at present. The Saturn principle dominates our thought and represents a stifling of vision and creative risk-taking. We fear starvation, literally or figuratively, so we dare not take chances to increase inventory, add employees or experiment with improvements. We become entrapped into believing that maybe this time the economy won't pull out. This week marks the third point of major tension of the past many months. We can anticipate more bad news. The good news is that this is the last of the war between these energies. Don't allow dreadful expectations of the future decade to negatively influence long range decisions. Fearful thinking only generates more fear.

Taurus: Your need to serve humanity in some way is strongly activated at this time. You may be tending a sick friend or serving in a soup kitchen. Your senses are wide open to the energies around you. You may have psychic flashes or unusual dreams. Don't shoulder all the problems you see or you will burn out quickly.

Gemini: Mercury, your ruling planet, will turn retrograde in the territory that concerns friends, organizations and community contacts. You may be having difficulty bringing things to fruition or conclusion in any of these areas. Go easy on important decisions in this sector. You probably will have to put plans on hold for a few weeks.

Cancer: Your romantic side is cooperating well with your nurturing side at this time. This is especially good for female friendships, whether you are male or female. Make a date for lunch and reconnect with people you like. Use caution concerning tools or machinery. Your reflexes may not be on target.

Leo: You are in a handicapped spot right now. You may have legal or ethical issues on your plate. The Powers That Be are running the show and almost any move you make outside of the box will be challenged. For the time being you are surrounded. Accept this with humility for the present. Change will come.

Virgo: Mercury, your ruling planet, will be retrograding in the territory of taxes, debt, investments and joint resources. You will likely experience a need to go back and review decisions in these areas. Be alert to the higher probability of making errors for the next few weeks. You might also discover and execute corrections of previous mistakes.

Libra: You may be tempted to overindulge this week, so tighten your resolve if you are on a self-improvement program. Give yourself a break in another area so you won't feel self-abused. Your imagination and creativity are strong right now and you may be drawn to participate in the arts or music in some way. It will be refreshing.

Scorpio: It is of paramount importance that you control your mouth this week, especially in the work arena. Although you have an opinion about whatever is happening, let it go and say nothing unless asked for it. Being "right" is not as important as maintaining human relations. This is not a good time to argue.

Sagittarius: Please read the lead paragraph because it pertains to you now. Your problem is whether to expand creatively or hold onto what you have. If you have met your obligations and made preparation for the expansion, then begin with caution as the spring progresses.

Capricorn: You may be purging something that has become toxic in your life. If you didn't know about it before, this equinox energy is making the message very clear. Whatever is bad for you must be excavated and removed. Let go of old patterns of behavior that no longer work. They undermine your resources.

Aquarius: Your work is really challenging at this time. It may feel like pushing a boulder uphill. You need some help and it is not forthcoming. Perhaps it is better to back off and wait for a better time. Your attitude about yourself is not altogether accurate right now. Step aside from extreme thinking.

Pisces: You have several aspects that favor romance, the arts, and things of beauty. You may be the happy recipient of small gifts, compliments, or favors from others. Your mind wants to wander in the world of fantasy, daydreams, good books and music. It is not a great week for getting things done, but you will enjoy the journey.

Are you interested in a personal horoscope? Vivian Carol may be reached at 704-366-3777 for private psychotherapy or astrology appointments. (There is a fee.) www.horoscopesbyvivian.com.