Another week leading up to a full moon, which means projects that began before Valentine's Day reach a crescendo. Whether that climax includes extreme meaningfulness or irrelevance depends, but relationships that underwent a transition around the holiday may have a case of the dwindles, which the Algonquin tribe understood well – they called this full moon the "hunger moon."

Wednesday, Feb. 20 First-quarter moon in Gemini. If you can't do it nice, do it twice. Are Pakistan and India, those woeful siblings, in the news again? Partnership issues get stressed, and by "stressed," I mean "frayed." Happily, you Geminis are the smarty-pants du jour, though be cautious about who witnesses your wisdom. Sagittarians, you're cute when you mope. Libras, have we reminded you recently that you're supposed to have more than you can do in February? Should be slowing down now ...

Thursday, Feb. 21 Waxing moon in Gemini. Excellent astrology for writing, kids. Need a theme? Try this: Venus is squaring the moon. Perhaps a threnody to love gone wrong is just the thing? Especially for Sadge and Virgo folks who think no one understands how sensitive they are. Geminis, you've got more going for you than against you. Don't hesitate to be assertive, especially about matters concerning your standing among peers.

Friday, Feb. 22 Waxing moon in Cancer. If you're going to feel sorry for yourself, Friday is a difficult day. Solitude is emphasized, especially in inevitable distractions such as weekend traffic or beavering away after everyone has bailed the office. Water-sign folks exempted: you can handle company and solitude with equanimity. On the whole, it's more good than bad, right? (Especially for those of you born in the last four days of May, October, or February.) Cancers, if you really put your foot in it earlier this month, make efforts to make up – Venus is helping you out. (Of course, she's putting the thumbscrews to Geminis, but that's another tale).

Saturday, Feb. 23 Waxing moon in Cancer. This is an easy call: domestic concerns concern the domestic you. If you've any inclination to churn your own cream into butter (i.e., take way too much time and trouble for something that is readily available and convenient) – be my guest. Aries, especially April 8-14, you may want to raise your voice to get what you want, but it won't get it there faster. Libras, don't reach out to just anyone.

Sunday, Feb. 24 Waxing moon in Cancer-Leo. The morning is excellent for domestic drama, easily hurt feelings, and a show of loyalty to someone or something that's passé. After lunch is excellent for parties and gatherings, as well as purchases having to do with barbecuing or some kind of toy your parents would have never let you have. Cancers, be kind to your Capricorn friends, but be wary around the fiery folks (especially Sagittarians, who seldom understand you anyway). Leos, play today, play tomorrow – you bring fun wherever you go.

Monday, Feb. 25 Waxing moon in Leo. A good day for jobs involving cold calls or trying to persuade folks who may be overwhelmed by the strength of your personality. Leos know what I mean, don't you? Speaking of which, haven't recent stories about cougar attacks made you feel a little unsettled? Seriously, this is the day you want to make sure everything goes your way, even if you have to fudge the facts. Taureans, be guarded until Thursday. Aquarians, hold off on asserting yourself – if you do, disappointment looms.