The coming week is likely to require of each and every individual a high level of introspection, circumspection and respect. Tensions may be unusually high for a number of unusual reasons this week, and it is up to each individual to do his or her part to ease those tensions, and this can only happen through the adoption of a wide view of what is happening, an understanding of the motives of others, and a realization that, as the old adage so succinctly puts it, "We are all in this together." It's a good time to put aside animosity; anyone who continues to promote conflict will certainly be part of the problem, not the solution!
While there will always be a small cross-section of a given group that refuses to see what can be so plainly seen by the majority, it is up to that majority to promote ideas and methods that work to unify and solve. Getting caught up in a war of words this week can only hurt the cause -- and that cause is more important than any one person right now.
ARIES (March 21-April 4) -- A challenge to others can result in a good deal of productive cooperation -- though there may be some slow going early on. (April 5-April 19) -- You are on the verge of unveiling a strategy that can benefit those around you as well as yourself.
TAURUS (April 20-May 5) -- You may find yourself getting more and more nervous about a situation that is, in fact, well in hand. Past decisions have avoided trouble. (May 6-May 20) -- You are not likely to understand what motivates another to take a stand against you -- but you must deal with him or her directly.
GEMINI (May 21-June 6) -- Issues of marketing and outreach will come to the fore this week; it's important that you get your ideas out there for public debate. (June 7-June 20) -- Something that has been tedious in the past is likely to interest you in an entirely new way.
CANCER (June 21-July 7) -- You may not have a concrete plan, but you know what has to be done. You'll do your best work in the trenches. (July 8-July 22) -- Don't be afraid to get your hands dirty; it's essential that you experience what those around you experience.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 7) -- You may have trouble doing what you must do because of a few outdated regulations. It's up to you to argue for change. (Aug. 8-Aug. 22) -- You may have to keep certain opinions to yourself for a time while others get used to you.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 7) -- You can encourage a new level of openness and tolerance. When it comes to understanding others, you're one of the best right now. (Sept. 8-Sept. 22) -- Mainstream issues may leave you somewhat cold, while certain private concerns come to the fore.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 7) -- You have been doing things the way others have done them in the past, but this week you'll be tempted to break with tradition. (Oct. 8-Oct. 22) -- There are those who back you unconditionally, but you'll have to weather some criticism because of certain key views.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 7) -- You may not be ready to suspend your efforts, but a calculated slowdown can allow you to assess your position accurately. (Nov. 8-Nov. 21) -- Legal issues may be difficult to understand this week, as they seem to have little bearing on practical concerns.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 7) -- It's a good time to put your money where your mouth is; rather than talk about what you plan to do, get started and do it! (Dec. 8-Dec. 21) -- Just because you say the same things over and over doesn't mean others will hear you -- or understand your intent.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 6) -- Your experiences this week will allow you to see things in a whole new light. Very soon you'll be headed in a new direction. (Jan. 7-Jan. 19) -- You'll want to know who is responsible for the way things are and where they are headed -- but is this really possible?
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 3) -- You have a certain way of doing things that puts others at ease, even when all are facing some serious obstacles. (Feb. 4-Feb. 18) -- It's important to find out the facts this week before you react to a situation that seems shrouded in mystery.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 5) -- You must avoid any kind of inaccuracies -- and by all means, you must steer clear of those who would distort the truth. (March 6-March 20) -- You will want to play by the rules this week -- and insist that others do so as well. Others want to put you in charge.