by Jeff Jawer

Spring begins the astrological year as the Sun fires into innovative Aries. The first month of the season rewards those willing to take risks by launching new projects. Whether starting your own business or showing initiative on the job, the payoff comes when you don't wait for others to sign onto your idea, but start pushing it yourself. The key to success, though, is having a plan to match your sense of enterprise. Active Mars opposes restraining Saturn on March 22, which can put an early end to ideas that are impractical or poorly executed. Move slowly but steadily now, seeking to develop a long-term path to success instead of taking a shortcut. Mars' harmonious sextile to generous Jupiter on March 23 supplies a strategic vision and an infectious sense of enthusiasm that attracts the support of others. The Full Moon in the partnership sign of Libra on April 2 presents the challenge of knowing when to compromise and when to hold your ground. Flexible thinking and an open mind allows you to move from independent action to effective teamwork without losing steam.

Review and Revise
A more cautious approach is recommended when expansive Jupiter turns retrograde on April 5. The backwards turn of astrology's most generous planet doesn't stop career advancement, but can slow it down, forcing you to review and revise major goals. Assertive Mars' entry into super-sensitive Pisces on April 6 is another reminder to avoid charging ahead without tuning up your intuition to test the environment before advancing. The New Moon in Aries on April 17 forms a harmonious trine with mysterious Pluto that helps you discover lost materials and ideas that are ready for resurrection. Make-it-real Saturn then turns direct on April 19, just before the Sun enters earthy Taurus on April 20. Structuring Saturn's forward turn takes works in progress and brings them into reality. It might not happen overnight, so be patient -- both Taurus and Saturn work best without being rushed. A less frantic pace assists you in recognizing the resources you have so that you don't overlook your underused talents or those of others on your team. Mental Mercury's entry into patient Taurus on April 27 adds more points for logical thinking, but impulsive Mars joins electric Uranus on April 28 and forms an energetic square with gigantic Jupiter on April 30. This is a time of impulsiveness that can be one part folly and one part genius. The trick is to keep from rattling too many cages or making a foolish move. You can make a brilliant breakthrough in how you work or deal with a challenge, but make sure to maintain self-control to direct these powerful forces effectively.

Cautious Calculations
The career planets Jupiter and Saturn form a stabilizing trine with one another on May 6, their second such meeting of the year that is ideal for balancing high hopes with a strong dose of realism. They provide a solid framework for assessment and organization for reaching your highest goals. Attractive Venus enters cautious Cancer on May 8 to show a safer path to increasing your income. Your ability to make others feel safe is an especially valuable asset now, and there's money to be made through new applications of traditional ideas. The New Moon on May 16 is in cash-conscious Taurus, usually a good sign for increasing wealth. But spacey Neptune's challenging square to the New Moon can blur judgment in clouds of fantasy. The upsides of this event include a more vivid imagination and forgiveness for old financial mistakes. Mental energies start to sparkle with fresh ideas when the Sun enters chatty Gemini on May 21, as the sign's ruling planet Mercury hooks up favorably with businesslike Saturn.

Determine the Odds
A high-frequency Full Moon in sales-oriented Sagittarius on May 31 can prove enlightening. Awareness of how the many little pieces of your life fit into one meaningful pattern is highly motivating. This knowledge promotes bold action on June 4 when pioneering Mars is boosted by a creative trine from optimistic Jupiter. The spirit of enterprise, adventure and risk-taking gets an additional boost with Venus' entry into fiery Leo on June 5, while the Sun opposes Jupiter. Now it's time to lay all your cards on the table and go for broke. Venus in Leo is a winner for those with a gambler's spirit. It's not necessary, of course, to be foolish, but calculate the odds, add in the passion of your heart, and make a bold move. If you go too far, stabilizing forces appear on June 11 when the Sun, Mars and Saturn form a harmonious trio that knows how to clean up messages and take care of business.

About the Author
Jeff Jawer is the co-author of Barnes & Noble's Your Astrology Guide 2009. A professional astrologer since 1973, his articles have appeared in Astrology journals and magazines and websites around the world. He holds a B.A. in The History and Science of Astrology from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and teaches and lectures both in the United States and abroad.