In case you haven't done this yet, go outside at dusk and look to the northwest. There's Venus, Mars, and Saturn clustering together. Astrologically, they're in Gemini. This means air signs (Aquarians, Libras, and particularly Geminis) are completely torn about work versus love. Lucky are those whose work is their love. Make plans for the first quarter moon on May 19, which signifies a turning point for events that emerge around Mother's Day.

Wednesday, May 8 Waning moon in Aries. The week really gets started now, and the hard-chargers won't stick around to see if you agree with them. Aries (especially April 1-5), your personal discipline is getting frazzled. If you're trying to lose weight (or that "whiny kid" personality you can't outgrow), Jersey barriers will encircle your superego. The world is giving Libras conflicting signals – you are getting permission, but not for what you've asked for.

Thursday, May 9 Waning moon in Aries. Good day for medical diagnosis – also excellent for stopping a bad habit having to do with your mouth (smoking, gossip). Aries, you may be in the mood to juggle but only have one baton handy. They'll do anything to get you to toss 'em something. Leo, generosity in love matters. ("Oh no, you finish up the Beaujolais" may earn you karma points.)

Friday, May 10 Waning moon in Taurus. A fabulous day for shopping, particularly for antiques, particularly for the bedroom. Particularly for bargains. This is the weekend you always say, "Would you take $X for this?" instead of paying top dollar. Taureans, sequence is important – no line-jumping today. Scorpios, you will have a hard time getting motivated, especially for tasks others expect you to do. Libras, time to go buy-buy.

Saturday, May 11 Dark of the moon in Taurus. A great day for running into unexpected beauties. Also splendid for long-term romance – even for pessimists. Capricorns (the natural Eeyore of the zodiac) may put themselves on the line with a loved one. Virgos, you may indulge dietary whims, but please don't subject us to them – say no to lichen and river gravel for roughage. Leos, your sullenness unnerves water-sign companions.

Sunday, May 12 New moon in Taurus. Mother's Day. Water-sign mothers will be grateful for scraps of attention, but air-sign mamas could be on the road or otherwise unreachable. Earth mothers will be at home – planning some huge project they can do all by their dang self. You should have made plans with fire-sign moms last week – you know how well they cauterize hurt feelings with frantic activity. VOC 4:30 to 7 p.m.

Monday, May 13 Waxing moon in Gemini, Neptune retrogrades in Aquarius until October. (This month and next, there's tremendous pressure on Jan. 30-Feb. 1 water carriers – expect your deceptive side to emerge and plan accordingly.) Today and tomorrow: start a writing project or call folks you don't know (but want to meet). And ask very specific questions in the examining room. Geminis ease into that "I can learn anything" mode, even when the topic is particle physics. In Urdu.