copyright Kramer Wetzel, Austin, Texas

ñMisery acquaints a man \with strange bedfellows.î
Trinculo from Shakespeare's
The Tempest (II.ii.39-40)

I used to quote opening lines from The Waste Land by T.S. Eliot, but I thought something different from this would help set the tone. And Trinculo is sort of an odd fellow. If you know the opening lines to any other April poems, like one about pilgrimages, let me know. April: itÍs an odd month this year.

Aries [3/23-4/20]: Turn over a new leaf at work. Just like the spring growth which is sprouting everywhere, you will find that you have an inordinate amount of energy, brought to you by a lot of planets. Saturn is making work go well, and Mars is playing havoc with your cars. Mercury improves communications for you, and the MoonÍs Node is bringing relief to the whole ñrelationshipî thing.

Taurus [4/21-5/22]: No sooner said than done this month as the beginning of the Taurus birthdays are heated up by the beneficial effect of having the Sun in your corner of the galaxy. Venus just made a fast pass at you, so your artistic sense and ability to enjoy yourself is further heightened. Have a wonderful birthday month.

Gemini [5/23-6/21]: Venus goes fast tracking through your sign this month, so, just like the previous sign, there is a heightened awareness of the good things in life, like artistic pursuits and looking for ways to beautify the house. In fact, the best expression of your energy right now would be to concentrate on the home front. The one little thing to watch out for is Pluto, making some interesting aspects to the early degrees of Gemini. Sooner or later, you will feel this earth shattering effect.

Cancer [6/22-7/22]: Same old song and dance this month: last monthÍs travels which you put off put you in a position to deal with everything right now. Everything. In fact, numerous aspects of your life which you have put on hold are demanding attention, and I recommend that you face it immediately. And thereÍs another warning about next monthÍs impending Mercury Retrograde, so get after those loose ends right now.

Leo [7/23-8/23]: The tough stuff is over, at least for a little while, for the almighty Leo. In fact, you should be able to rest easy this month, sort of collecting your spirits because there isnÍt a whole lot going just yet. As always, party on, Leo!

Virgo [8/24-9/23]: Seems like the problems would have been completely over with last month, now that Saturn has moved on to trouble other people. Actually, there is a little feminist asteroid making big waves in your relationship arena right now. Sit back, use some of your good judgment, and donÍt let minor relationship issues develop into big ones.

Libra [9/24-10/23]: We're still playing with the relationship stuff again? Still wondering about that "significant other" and what is going on with them? I wish I had more or better news, but alas, I don't. Just keep putting one foot in front of the other, especially over the next few weeks. You are on a rollerÜcoaster ride which will end up beneficial, but your emotions might lead you astray later in the month. Try and maintain a sense of balance, itÍs a Libra thing to do, the balance, you know.

Scorpio [10/24-11/23]: We're looking at a veritable plethora of bovine byproduct this month! And it will probably hit the fan, too. In plain English, look forward to a time of great mental clarity but insubstantial physical reality to back up those things which you know are true. In fact, this would be a good month to trust no one, especially some flaky astrologer person. Your own insight and judgment is sound so be prepared to stand your ground.

Sagittarius [11/24-12/21]: Good news, this is the month when a more loving astrological embrace helps lend some beneficial energy to the Perils of Sagittarius. Pluto slowly backs up, too, which means the allÜencompassing changes aren't going to be nearly as drastic. Cool your heels this month. Spend time around the ranch, cleaning up the front yard.

Capricorn [12/22-1/20]: This month, you should feel like someone has jumped all over you and given you forty seven odd items to get done. All before noon. Will you make it? Of course, because if you can get some of this stuff done, you can make a fistful of dollars, and, for almost every Cappy we know and love, a fistful of earned income is a good thing.

Aquarius [1/21-2/18]: I warned you about getting married at an inappropriate time. Did you listen? Guess not. So the downside of romance figures prominently this month.

Pisces [2/19-3/22]: ItÍs a good month for relationships, and not just the romantic type, either. Sort of go with the flow, and put your feet up a bit. You will being feeling better and better now that ugly reality has left your sign. You can rest easy for the next 28 years.