By Jack Fertig

Forecast for May 1-14, 2007

Aries — Holding fast to your principles doesn't require arguing with everyone who disagrees with you. Better to challenge yourself and see if your ideals are strong enough to encompass more than just the ideas you're comfortable with.

Taurus — Little disagreements can feel like major personal attacks. Try to shrug them off and relax. A little sexual exploration can take the edge off, although that might also feel like a challenge. Still, it should be a challenge you can rise to!

Gemini — An erotic retreat with your partner can relieve pressures that are making you feel paranoid. Even if you can't get away, stop imagining hostile agendas behind every conversation. Meditation or a dream journal can help unravel what's really bothering you.

Cancer — Your long-range vision may cause clashes with colleagues who are locked into accomplishing the task at hand. Helpful as your ideas may be, arguing about them won't help. Bite your lip, go with the flow and save your inspirations for later.

Leo — Eager to get ahead, you may be pushing too hard. Sit back a bit, strategize, and try to cultivate finesse. Getting into everyone's face about your brilliance is counter-productive. Let your creativity speak for itself.

Virgo — Being terribly certain in your ideas can put you at odds with your family or your community. It may well be that you have something important to tell them, but you need to listen in order to be heard.

Libra — The more you struggle against scandal, the more it grows. A bemused response—"Mercy! Who's telling such silly stories?"—will help facilitate a quick change of subject. Or you may prefer a smug, quiet smile that enhances a wicked mystique.

Scorpio — If you're partnered, arguments are nearly inevitable for you, with money being the likely trigger. If you're single, your feistiness will make or break the interest of a potential mate. Arguments now can foreshadow a bigger struggle in six weeks.

Sagittarius — Safe sex is as important now as ever. Your health is extremely vulnerable right now, especially in erotic situations, but also while you're at work or exercising. Re-examine your habits at work, working out, and "working it." There's always room for improvement!

Capricorn — Your efforts at playful repartee may seem a bit artificial, as if you're trying to hide something that is bothering you. On a subconscious level, you probably are. Doodling, humming or singing in free association can help provide clues to what's behind the banter.

Aquarius — How far do your ambitions and dreams lead you away from the comfort of family or tribe? And how far away do you really need to go? Those questions seem important now. The answers are not comfortable, but neither are they final.

Pisces — The stronger your opinions, the more they'll be challenged. Do some homework to back up your arguments. You may even learn something that will push you to grow and change. Remember, it's only resistance to change that makes it difficult.

Jack Fertig has been working as a professional astrologer since 1977 and is a founding member of the Association for Astrological Networking. He can be reached for consultations at (415) 864-8302, through his Web site at www.starjack.com, and by e-mail at QScopes@qsyndicate.com.