The coming week is likely to see a great many individuals searching for all manner of shortcuts to get from here to there -- or from there back to here -- all in the name of productivity and efficiency. The fact is, however, that such a search can keep one from really optimizing his or her own efforts. The time spent looking for a shortcut, added to the time the shortcut might take in yielding results, may not prove any faster than taking the long way around in the first place!
It may be difficult for some to put things in the proper perspective this week, as difficulties pile up and damage the outlook as they threaten routine and simple progress. Some may want to call a halt to the proceedings -- but is that even possible? Now is the time to take things with a shrug and the resolve to do one's best -- for what else can one do?
ARIES (March 21-April 4) -- If you're not understood at the outset this week, more than one setback is likely to result. You must be clear and thorough with all those working for you. (April 5-April 19) -- You'll be working hard this week to make something easier for someone else -- and, in the end, you'll surely feel that it was worth it. Several key lessons are learned.
TAURUS (April 20-May 5) -- You'll feel quite special on more than one occasion this week, and when the time comes, you'll be able to return the favor. You stumble upon an important clue. (May 6-May 20) -- What happens this week defies comprehension at first, but only because you're looking at it through the wrong lens. Your own past experience tells you what's going on.
GEMINI (May 21-June 6) -- You are confident that your plans will fall out precisely as expected this week -- but that confidence may actually work against you. Be more realistic. (June 7-June 20) -- You may not be acknowledging all the influences that are working for you at this time and are spending too much time worrying about the one negative. Reverse this!
CANCER (June 21-July 7) -- You're eager to reach your destination this week -- if indeed you can make any real progress at all. Much depends upon communication with a key partner. (July 8-July 22) -- You are eager to be on the road soon -- and this week you'll likely have the opportunity to go on a journey of discovery. You mustn't simply repeat a past trip, however.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 7) -- You'll encounter many people this week who seem to know something you don't, but this mystery can be solved quickly and with little effort. Clues are all around! (Aug. 8-Aug. 22) -- You must make sure you are fully equipped this week for the challenge that lies ahead. You cannot progress if you are not well-stocked with essentials.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 7) -- One simple indulgence can actually do you harm this week, especially if you are nowhere near home. Be sure that you have taken necessary precautions. (Sept. 8-Sept. 22) -- You should be able to scout out some real bargains this week -- and a friend will gladly accompany you on a spending spree. Can you really afford that certain indulgence?
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 7) -- Though you are missing something you would otherwise deem essential, you needn't experience any serious setbacks this week. Progress is made in easy stages. (Oct. 8-Oct. 22) -- You may be facing a storm of controversy this week as you insist on doing something that others have warned you against. What is it that you're really trying to prove?
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 7) -- You may have something of a struggle this week setting up what should have been a routine meeting. Certain circumstances are slowing things down. (Nov. 8-Nov. 21) -- You're in need of someone's official view on a development that is proving more complicated than you had anticipated. The first thing to do is admit a simple mistake.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 7) -- You can show someone how it's done this week when it comes to standing up for what you believe in. A rival is likely to be put in his place. (Dec. 8-Dec. 21) -- You may be accused of something this week that you certainly didn't do, and if so, you'll have to spend a good deal of time clearing your name -- which can be done.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 6) -- It's a good time to adopt a more modern outlook about a certain situation that isn't going anywhere anytime soon. You can actually inspire others. (Jan. 7-Jan. 19) -- Putting your best foot forward this week may not be enough; you'll have to work hard to ensure all you have done -- and are doing -- is acknowledged by others.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 3) -- Environmental influences take their tolls this week, but you can recover quickly. The more you let others do, the more time you'll have for a personal project. (Feb. 4-Feb. 18) -- You'll feel the shock waves from something that happens far from home. You'll be able to use this situation to teach those around you -- and learn something yourself, too.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 5) -- A situation needn't get out of hand this week, even though the pressure mounts with each passing day. You are able to maintain a positive outlook. (March 6-March 20) -- Someone's opinion about a tricky situation proves instructive -- but you may not yet be able to make the changes that have been recommended. Make some plans!