The coming week will see the pace pick up considerably for most -- though not everyone will have a handle on what must be accomplished when things begin to accelerate, and even fewer are likely to be the cause of that acceleration. Forces beyond anyone's control are sure to be at play all week long, driving events at a quicker tempo toward a predetermined destination -- but who has predetermined it? That is the question on most minds, as everyone tries to keep up, look ahead, anticipate opportunities, perceive obstacles and generally remain in the driver's seat as much as possible. Control is something that will ebb and flow, and some will be willing to relinquish control altogether -- at least temporarily.
Some may fret at the apparently random nature of the week, but there's very little random about it, in fact. Those who recognize this -- and there are signs! -- will be able to go with the flow much more easily than their more uptight and reactive counterparts, reaping the greatest benefits.
ARIES (March 21-April 4) -- You may have to engage in abbreviated preparation, as things start very quickly and pick up speed much faster than usual. (April 5-April 19) -- What you are not aware of can in fact put you in great peril, at least professionally. Keep rivals in plain sight.
TAURUS (April 20-May 5) -- You may fall victim to the kind of shortsightedness that you have previously condemned in others. Is this really fair? (May 6-May 20) -- How you express yourself makes a big difference in all things; take care not to come off as intrusive!
GEMINI (May 21-June 6) -- You may have to step up and match someone you consider to be an overachiever; you can do it, but you must plan ahead. (June 7-June 20) -- The quality of your work will not be in doubt, but you may have to work harder than usual to keep yourself going at a steady pace.
CANCER (June 21-July 7) -- Someone is likely to get under your skin, forcing you to confront a certain issue from which you've recently been hiding. (July 8-July 22) -- Your ability to "get over it" will serve you well. No hurts or insults should last too long.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 7) -- You've been trying to manage things under another's authority for long enough. You'll get a chance to break out on your own. (Aug. 8-Aug. 22) -- You begin to realize the fruits of recent labors -- and the cost of a recent decision, as well. Be ready for action!
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 7) -- You don't do things quite the way others do. This is widely acknowledged, yet you may encounter some resistance. (Sept. 8-Sept. 22) -- You have the ability to overcome almost any obstacle, provided you don't slow down and let circumstances take over.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 7) -- You may not be able to take your mind off of certain developments far from home, sensing that they will prove important to you soon. (Oct. 8-Oct. 22) -- What happens near you will demand attention, but you must also pay attention to subtle developments far afield.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 7) -- You're eager to see what someone has in store for you, but you may have to play the waiting game throughout much of the week. (Nov. 8-Nov. 21) -- You'll be afforded brief glimpses of the way things could be, and you're eager to begin working toward that ideal.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 7) -- You needn't make any major sacrifices, but you can smooth the way for something important if you're willing to compromise. (Dec. 8-Dec. 21) -- Now is the time for you to put certain secret plans into motion. You can give someone an unexpected good time.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 6) -- You may be yearning for something a bit more "old fashioned" throughout the week, as a reaction to something new that comes your way. (Jan. 7-Jan. 19) -- You can gain the upper hand, but you must do it in a way that doesn't appear too aggressive. Don't turn off your supporters!
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 3) -- You'll learn a thing or two about first impressions as the week opens, and that will set the tone for much that follows. (Feb. 4-Feb. 18) -- You'll have the chance to free yourself from many of the restrictions against which you have been fighting for quite some time.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 5) -- You must take care that you don't overstep your bounds as you follow your instincts and try to move things forward. (March 6-March 20) -- You may not realize how others are reacting to you; a friend will keep you from making a major error.