Graphic: THE MOON IS WANING (black/right, white/left, with increasing amts of BLACK). The last quarter was March 6 (equal parts black/white moon signs

by sally cragin

Wait until the waning moon to simplify your life. Need to declutter? Now's the time. This month that notion holds true even for those champion hoarders, Taureans and Cancers. But take care during the dark of the moon, the last day before the new moon. This can be an accident-prone time when wisdom is compromised. Remember last month's DOTM events, the oh-so-slightly controversial Olympics Pairs Skating scores?

Wednesday, March 6 Last quarter moon in Sagittarius. Good day for working late or for leaving evening options open. Virgos, you're willing to take more of a chance on love – isn't that titillating? Leos, don't cheat yourself of a challenge. Geminis may be extravagant in a bid for attention, and the stakes are highest for June 28 through 30 twins. Libras and Aquarians should extend themselves around strangers. VOC 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Thursday, March 7 Waning moon in Capricorn. Today is fine for medical checkups, especially for earth signs, who always have a good excuse for not being able to go this week. Cancers, are you hardening your heart to someone who's not been altogether frank? Confrontation may not be the answer, although June bugs will be generous in spite of themselves. Virgos, sometimes mending is more expensive than buying a new one.

Friday, March 8 Waning moon in Capricorn. An all-day void-of-course moon in an earth sign imbues activities that might normally flow clearly (uncomplicated transfers of funds, uninflected exchanges of views) with a muddy brown hue. Capricorns begin a three-week period of justifiable laziness and preoccupation with trivia. So much more healthy to get upset over the unavailability of stylish shower curtains than the unavailability of certain personalities in your sphere? Aries, charm will help, but frankness is more important. No waffling. VOC 7 a.m. to 7 a.m. tomorrow.

Saturday, March 9 Waning moon in Aquarius. Spontaneous plans are more satisfying than a lockstep schedule. Aquarians, the next two days are a preview of your coming month. Don't repress feelings if you're irked – conflict (especially about "who's responsible") is supposed to find you. This week that's especially true for January folks. Leos may be equally combative, but the lion is better served by sublimating aggression into enthusiastic crafting or home repair. Geminis, if you're center stage now, make sure you've rehearsed.

Sunday, March 10 Waning moon in Aquarius. Excellent for communicating with faraway friends; you may not be as careful with those nearer to hand. Water signs exempted, of course. Aquarians, this is a propitious time to begin a diet or quietly remove one unhealthy item from your diet. Scorpios, don't numb out with your friends, unless they want to borrow items of clothing or tools you can't spare.

Monday, March 11 Waning moon in Aquarius. You'll be more efficient in the a.m. but more creative after lunch. Aquarians resist pressure the way the fly resists getting swatted (strategic maneuvering). You Libras, on the other hand, are likely to put pressure on yourselves to do it all perfectly, especially if you're between deadlines. Socializing is much more rewarding. Taureans, you think you're being kind, but are you listening to those less reliable (or mature) than you? VOC 11 p.m. to 7 p.m. tomorrow.