copyright Kramer Wetzel, Austin, Texas

Now is the winter of our discontent
Made glorious by this sun of York;
And all the clouds lowÍrÍd on our house
In the deep bosom of the ocean buried.

ShakespeareÍs Richard III (I.i.14-4)

It always takes just a little bit of extra time for the pesky and pernicious Mercury retrograde things to get over with already, but IÍll bet that by the time you read this, everything in your world will be going swimmingly again.

The Panhandle-South Plains Fair is held the last weekend in September in Lubbock, and itÍs one of the largest regional fairs in the state. Shortly after that, IÍll be heading to Lubbock, too. ItÍs too bad I have to miss the carnival.

Aries [3/21-4/19]: There is a consistent theme song going through your head this month, and because IÍm a fire sign too, I can make out some of the lyrics. It has to do with change. Fundamental change. Great change. At least, I think thatÍs what the song is about. It could be about chains, but I doubt that.

Taurus [4/20-5/20]: YouÍve got a half-birthday coming up and thatÍs supposed to be a good time for some quick reflection on how your life is going right now, and what you can do to make it better. ItÍs an interesting time. You might want to consider an investment in a reading from an astrologer right now, to fill in the details about this ñhalf-birthdayî thing.

Gemini [5/21-6/20]: IÍm not about to suggest that GeminiÍs are lazy. Or scattered. But with all the dust the stars are kicking up right now, I would consider drawing your attention to a thing called ñworkî and ñearning potentialî because yours is quite high this month. DonÍt fritter it away.

Cancer [6/21-7/22]: First of all, you Cancers are not sending me enough business. I need to earn more in order to make nicer predictions for you. Second of all, this is a time to work single-handed to achieve some serious goals. The work is already cut out for you, just put those retrograded pieces back together. Hint: itÍs like a jigsaw puzzle.

Leo [7/23-8/22]: Too bad that the benevolent hand of fate has moved Venus and Mars through your sign this month. Those two little spinning orbs of Love sparked all sorts of renewed interest in LeoÍs for the month. Other than the Sun going into Scorpio, this is a great month for you. And, as always, party on!

Virgo [8/23-9/22]: Mercury is making fast tracks across your backside and IÍm sure you feel the effect of this because it leaves you feeling rather talkative and openly communicative. In fact, some of your friends might feel like youÍll never shut up. But all this word play is useful. You get a chance to actually ñclose a dealî this month.

Libra [9/23-10/22]: In oldÜtime astrology lore, Loving Libra is ruled by Venus. And this month features Venus in Libra, spreading benevolent hand to everything you touch. YouÍre more sociable, amiable, and down right likable. And most of this month is a birthday month, too. You should have yourself a fine birthday this month.

Scorpio [10/23-11/21]: Like a good Scorpio person that you are, there is this slow, inexorably building tension this month which eventually hits a combustible point. I believe the expression is ñflash pointî and that occurs on Halloween. A little earlier in the month, be wary of motor mouth syndrome which might get you in trouble. Watch what you say.

Sagittarius [11/22-12/21]: There is some unusual events occurring, far from the normal Sagittarius lifestyle which begin to set a tome for you. And, in fact, youÍve got a day coming up this month which is very much like your own birthday, only far better. But I must caution you about the inappropriate use of this unusual energy. Be careful because things can come back to haunt you.

Capricorn [12/22-1/19]: When I was last in Sears, I saw some cute ñMorphinÍ Power Rangerî float bobbers. Now, IÍm not suggesting that you buy some new bobbers, but you might try to spruce up your accessory line in some way this month. ThereÍs a great day coming, and you need to be properly prepared for it this month. Maybe new [fishing] gear will help. You will wind up in front a large group of people, and the new accessories might just help.

Aquarius [1/20-2/18]: The standard archetype about the Aquarius and Halloween is that you just threw some odd things together out of your closet (like you do every day) and you will win the costume contest. I guess that sort of a theme for the whole month, as a matter of fact. I would hope that you are also working on a wish list of things which you want to get in the coming year. Some bigger, outside planets have turned around and foretell of a bright month ahead.

Pisces [2/19-3/20]: I keep hoping that some Pisces will send me money but thus far, none have. Not a single one. Oh yeah, there have been two lottery winners so far, but my 10% cut amounted to 30 cents each time. Not much of a cut, if you ask me. And with all the beneficial stellar influences youÍve got right now, this month, youÍre going to help me make purchase a new boat since youÍre finances will be that good.