copyright Kramer Wetzel, Austin, Texas

2/95 If this truly the era of the Absurd, then all the better for the Texas writer, for where else except California can one find a richer mixture of absurdities?

Larry McMurtry In a Narrow Grave

The Sun goes rolling into Aquarius, and Mercury is retrograde. Not much of an auspicious start to the second month of 1995, but here it is. Perhaps by looking at the absurdities can one gain true perspective. Either that, or least a lighter attitude.

Aries: in traditional medical astrology, the Ram is associated with medicine, especially cutting edge services like surgery. Well, then, this is the month for Aries to ñheal thyself.î Your body has never been stronger, and you have a great ability to move ahead with both personal and business projects. Just be wary of the communication disorder inflicted by µ Mercury.

Taurus: being a fixed earth sign is usually associated with you ¬ Taurus types exhibiting certain stubborn qualities. The bad news is that this is going to be more evident in the short month of February. Your soÜcalled ñBullÜheadedÜnessî will really have an ample opportunity to rear its ugly little head during this time frame. If possible, make a serious attempt not jump into any situation based upon a rash decision. Try to look before you leap„it might save a headache.

Gemini: a number of very beneficial opportunities are coming your way this month „ the only catch (you knew there was a catch, didnÍt you?) is that these opportunities are disguised as problems. Car problems, money problems, health problems, the list could stretch on. The only area where you wonÍt feel too much pain is with relationships: at least you can still get along with people. watch for some lifting of the spirits as mischievous µ Mercury turns around. And all your troubles will slip away.

Cancer: the problem with being a Cancer is that you should be advancing at work; however, you will find that you have hit some unexpected delays. DonÍt despair! Watch your driving, though, because you wouldnÍt want to scratch the paint on your new car, now would you? And, in case you worried about it, you will get a life this year. Look forward to a better working environment, too.

Leo: this would be a good month to rest up because you have a fun spring time coming up. Your perception of the world is really quite good, as is your judgment so look forward towards working for a better environment. ThatÍs putting your more than capable promotional skills to a good use. And, as always, like a good å Leo, party on!

Virgo: for such a short month, this February seems to be fraught with more than one form of pain: dubious judgment can cause emotional trauma. In other words, you can expect a lot of headaches at work. The good news is that the events start to smooth themselves out a little but shortly after the middle of the month.

Libra: while your ability to act as an arbiter of taste was greatly strengthened last month, it is just as greatly not emphasized this month. Avoid making decisions about aesthetics during this cycle. ItÍs not that you have bad taste, itÍs just that your sense is a little off balance. Patience is a virtue, you know.

Scorpio: fortunately, for you, this is a short month, but you will have a some difficulty with a struggle of wills, yours versus theirs, and this will, more than likely, occur at work. DonÍt lose your cool! And make a sincere effort not to get too angry, either, because whatever starts out badly, will end badly, too. The best advice, though, is to watch your driving as transportation can provide you with undesirable trouble.

Sagittarius: the problem with being a Sag right now is that for the next twelve years or so, the big buzz word will be empowerment, or proactive or any other psychological term which seems to fit with the idea of tearing down and rebuilding. As in from the core out. The dubious advantage is that you are struck with good luck, again and again, especially in this next month. Just hold on to yourself.

Capricorn: € Venus comes swinging into your sign, and she brings a certain sense of beauty and harmony. Unless, of course, you practice Mayan Astrology. Then it is time for war. But thatÍs only for the traditionalists. Most of you will want to get out an experience something while € Venus brings the harmony along. Get out and enjoy yourself. The one caveat, should you be so inclined, is that your sense of taste might tend more towards the more basic desires rather an elevated sense of style. Go for the gold, not just gold plated. If you get the picture.

Aquarius: while it started out as a bad month, everything seemed to have turned around on ValentineÍs Day. Now things are moving in a fashion to which you are accustomed„your way.

Pisces: your emotions are running higher (and lower) than ever before. ThatÍs just the way it goes around your birthday. Try not to party too much this year; you have work to do„yes, itÍs unfortunate, but the real world of work is a major focus for those you born under this most spiritual sign. The goodness is that there should be a promotion, a raise, or some advancement in your career. Perhaps itÍs a lateral shift which means more hours are required, and subsequently, more money as income. The bad news is that you probably wonÍt win the lottery this month. (If you do, you can always laugh at me.)