The coming week is likely to prove quite attractive at the outset, presenting all manner of opportunities and rewards -- or seeming to. The truth, however, is that there is much work that must go into each endeavor if it is to fulfill the expectations that most have as the week opens. He or she who wishes to succeed this week must be willing and able to dig deeper than usual, and to stick with jobs that are hard and unpleasant far more faithfully than usual. This week, the adage will prove quite true: The harder one works, the more fun one can have. But it's not likely to be true in the reverse: Fun itself must not be mistaken for hard work!
Those who go it alone this week, whether by choice or otherwise, will certainly have a harder time of it than those who have the advantage of working closely with trusted partners. The times do not favor solo efforts -- though it is possible that a few may be successful.
ARIES (March 21-April 4) -- You are eager to take advantage of a new sense of independence, and yet it may only be illusory. The truth is revealed this week. (April 5-April 19) -- Include others in your plans this week and you'll find that you benefit in new ways from considering alternative perspectives. You're not always right!
TAURUS (April 20-May 5) -- You want to pass on certain duties to someone else at this time -- but to whom? Study those around you; someone's strengths will be revealed. (May 6-May 20) -- You're not going to smooth over a difficult situation the way you always have in the past. This week, there is more going on than you know at first.
GEMINI (May 21-June 6) -- You are eager to share both knowledge and skills with someone who you know can benefit from what you've learned recently. Don't hesitate! (June 7-June 20) -- It's motive that requires examination this week, for it is a broader issue than mere intent -- which is applicable to only certain specific activities.
CANCER (June 21-July 7) -- You mustn't let any negative feelings carry over from last week to this. Try to approach everything at this time with a positive attitude. (July 8-July 22) -- An old friend may express amazement when he or she realizes that you're still making a success of an old and familiar endeavor. It's not "tired," surely!
LEO (July 23-Aug. 7) -- Focus on what bothers you this week and address it directly when you can. Anything that lingers is likely to stand in your way at this time. (Aug. 8-Aug. 22) -- You're eager to step in and protect a friend or loved one from himself, but you may have to wait a few days until the timing is just right. Don't be premature!
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 7) -- Instructions will be hard to follow this week no matter what the activity. You must be ready to improvise when necessary; trust your instincts. (Sept. 8-Sept. 22) -- The stakes are likely to be unusually high this week, and yet you may feel comfortable doing what others consider dangerous or even foolhardy.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 7) -- You're going to have to do things according to the book today; any attempt at shortcuts will prove difficult and may be punished. (Oct. 8-Oct. 22) -- You have what you need to move forward at a steady pace this week, but one piece of bureaucratic red tape may stand in your way. You can cut through it!
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 7) -- Keep accurate records this week, especially when things do not go entirely according to plan. You never know when you must defend yourself. (Nov. 8-Nov. 21) -- An authority figure may confuse the primary issue this week by asking you and other underlings to do what has already been done.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 7) -- There is no wiggle-room when it comes to a key issue this week; right is right and wrong is wrong -- and you know which side you're on! (Dec. 8-Dec. 21) -- You haven't yet received something that you've been lacking for quite some time, and you're going to have to make up for it in a way that is new and untried.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 6) -- A creative approach allows you to prevail where others only meet with disappointment and failure. This week can be yours! (Jan. 7-Jan. 19) -- Your mind may turn to an idea that you know is not ideal, but it is one that you can work with to turn the odds in your favor. Take the risk!
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 3) -- You'll benefit all week by making an early start on as many days as you possibly can. Delay this week may prove disastrous. (Feb. 4-Feb. 18) -- You may be feeling very far away from one who usually provides you with inspiration and comfort. This week, you must do that for yourself whenever possible.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 5) -- You may hear of things that are happening in the shadows that affect you in ways you hadn't expected. This new knowledge makes a difference. (March 6-March 20) -- You're not about to allow someone to break the rules this week if you're not able to break them yourself. It's all one thing or the other.