Feb. 27-5, 2002

This is the waning gibbous phase of the moon. Every evening the earth's shadow increases on the right side of the lunar face. The last quarter moon, when the moon is perpendicular to sun and earth, has equal amounts of shadow and light. This isn't a time to finish work but definitely a time to think about finishing or improving what is in front of you. If something is going to end, it may get a case of the "dwindles" until the week of the new moon, March 14.

Wednesday, Feb. 27 Full moon in Virgo. The "trapper's moon." Virgos, if you're not completely enthralled with a project (blue-chip securities, how your room should look, whatever condition should be diagnosed next), interest drops off sharply today. However, for those born Aug. 29 through Sept. 2, helplessness is tinged with ire. So let it all out today. No pretending you're braver than you are. Capricorns, take charge. No demurring – you've got the stuff to fix things. VOC 7 p.m. to 11 a.m. tomorrow.

Thursday, Feb. 28 Waning moon in Virgo-Libra. Morning fussiness prevails. You'll think you're being oh-so efficient, but wait until afternoon to get a real diagnostic workup on cars or anything mechanical. Virgos, you're more attractive than you think you are, especially 24- to 25-year-olds and 35- to 36-year-olds. Revel in it. Libras, doing it perfectly is not an option. Doing it adorably is. Cancers, be reticent in groups during the next couple of days. VOC until 11 a.m.

Friday, March 1 Waning moon in Libra. Mercury retrograde finally makes up degrees it lost in January and February. OK, now you can reprogram the Palm Pilot. As for the moon, it's slimming right down, though water signs are in a better position than the rest of us to start a diet this weekend. Libras may be reluctant conciliators, Capricorns too, and it's your job to make others see both sides. The dark side and the darker side. Ha, ha, ha. Aquarians, no self-censoring. Say it now.

Saturday, March 2 Waning moon in Libra-Scorpio. The moon keeps going void of course in late morning, which means lots of wrong numbers. Libras, look to your earth-sign friends for real friendship – they're falling all over themselves to give you approval. Scorpios, I'll probably say it again, but listen up. The frustrations you experience today are just a preview of what's in store for the month. Initiative? Take it. Taureans, moderate expectations for the weekend, but prepare for a bumpy month (see my Web page for details on this). VOC until 11 a.m.

Sunday, March 3 Waning moon in Scorpio. A strangely sexy day, especially for those of you into the secret love affair thing. Maybe because Sunday is family day, while Saturday is visitation day (heh). Scorpios, your instincts about what to buy are excellent. Your instincts about expressing your feelings toward a loved one aren't quite so good. Leos, someone may be a persistent irritant today. Maybe if you tell them how special they are, they'll get off your back. Pisces, authority isn't your friend right now (especially February fish). Just a reminder.

Monday, March 4 Waning moon in Scorpio-Sagittarius. Again, a lengthy void of course, which means that business gets disrupted. This is the kind of day I squander by wandering the grounds making sure the hound's droppings are put under the pine trees. Seriously, though, intellectual work will be frustrating indeed. Except for those of you writing historical fiction, it's time for research. Scorpios, the fire people aren't trying to annoy you; they're just being themselves. As for fire, Sagittarians (Dec. 1 to 3 exempted), make a point of cultivating new friends or a new nutritional plan. VOC 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.