ARIES: Some nice financial breaks and communication breakthroughs are in store for you this month. Maybe learning a little patience and tolerance will get you a raise at work. There is a big "but" this month, with Pluto in Capricorn and Mercury Retrograde at the end of the month; you will need to retain those attributes to keep those gains. Some Aries can be super jerks when they're on a winning roll so be very careful. Navigating life successfully often means maintaining your gratitude and humility. Stay in touch with those who want the best for you, not the best for themselves.

TAURUS: As birthday months go, this should be a pretty good one. Your ruler, Venus, is in your sign opening up doors of creativity and attraction. How healthy are your dreams for yourself? Do they go far enough? Perhaps the last few years have caused you to lower your expectations to such an extent that you've quickly surpassed them. A simple life is a wonderful goal as long as there is still something to shoot for. Try this one on for size. Promise yourself this-do not turn down any opportunity to have fun. Don't worry about "what ifs," or what might happen. If it is a sober activity and seems enjoyable, go for it. Go for some belly laughs, goodness knows you could use them.

GEMINI: It is the beginning of your birthday month too. Saturn put the screws to you last year and may have taken away some things you thought you really needed in order to survive. But now, you don't have them and you're still here! This year a scaled down "you" will get to embark on rebuilding a life with a deeper and stronger foundation. Years from now you'll look back and see all the miracles that occurred which weren't immediately apparent. The self-pity and guilt are losing their grip and you're developing into a much more tolerant and compassionate person. Saturn's job has ended so prepare for some better times.

CANCER: Pluto is in your house of "other" and it could work in two ways. Your partner could be pulling you down to an "underworld" and taking you away from others that love you. In a more positive way, your partner could be part of your transformation toward a more enlightened life. The best way to tell is by looking at how many people are around you. How many have moved on or given up? If you're feeling lonely and neglected, you might need some soul searching. You are not born to be a loner; Cancers' are the nurturing and loving types. Jupiter is also in the same house as Pluto and for the next few months, you'll have an ally in repairing and fixing some of the mess from the last six months. Don't put it off.

LEO: While some of the other signs are going through their stuff, you get to be the cheerleader and help them out. Being of service is an empowering experience. You'll have energy for you and others this month. Take some time to greet a newcomer, listen to someone's bad day or encourage a friend that difficult times will pass. Be careful about getting impatient with them if they can't see the positive side as well as you can, they will in time. If you stay out of ego, you'll have some really good days and maybe even some romantic evenings. There is nothing sexier than seeing someone who enjoys being alive and that is one of your trademarks. The only word of caution is avoid lending money, unless you can afford to lose it and don't overspend.

VIRGO: Fear is limiting so be aware if you notice that it's driving you. When Virgos get afraid they often go into an emergency mode and cut off anything they feel is frivolous or unnecessary. Caution is always good but panic is not. Those close to you may be surprised by your change of attitude and take your moods very personally. No, they aren't being selfish or uncaring but it is difficult to hug and comfort a person when the one in need won't allow anyone to get close. So be as kind and as sensitive as you want others to be towards you. You aren't going broke and you won't be out in the street and you will have a good summer.but for heaven sakes, lighten up.

LIBRA: Ah, life and life only. It is a beautiful world we live in, for the most part. You can, on good days see it that way too. Some little issues in your home or immediate circle may be tripping up your usually good spirits but just know it will pass and you aren't in charge of all life. When you are really down, help someone, I'd be willing to bet money that it will improve your mood. This month is about gaining your emotional equilibrium. The more calmly you can handle an emotional crisis, the more quickly it will pass. Venus is in your 8th house and you may be very popular with others looking to get involved romantically. Just know it may be only a quick fling and decide if you're okay with that. Err on the side of your feelings.

SCORPIO: You're running on an even keel for once. There are no big dramas, no major issues that distract you from doing what you want to do. Sure, you have a few karmic paybacks regarding a family member and as long as you honor your commitments to them, your life should remain pretty peaceful. You have your co-ruler, Mars, in you career sector which has kept you pretty busy and perhaps a bit overwhelmed but you'll get through it by the old "one step at a time" routine. The one major issue to be concerned with is how well are you caring for yourself? Are you tending to your spiritual self? Are you doing what you need to do to stay sober? Are you eating to keep your body running smoothly? If not, that very well could be a crisis in the making, so take care.

SAGITTARIUS: The Sun, Mercury and Venus highlight your partnerships and relationships. Keep the communication lines open, speak honestly and from the heart over any issue that is troubling you. You are independent and you run on your own agenda. When pushed or ordered about you will often go in the opposite direction rather than openly facing it. This doesn't mean you are passive at heart but you are turned off by aggressive confrontations. You prefer to show rather than tell. Saturn is in your career house and you'll want to spend sometime cutting unnecessary activities and expenditures and refocus on some new venues. This will take your attention away from the home life and if you aren't communicating things will take a difficult turn.

CAPRICORN: What is clear as day and practical to you may not be that way to others. Avoid sarcasm or bullying to get your ideas and points across. You have both Jupiter and Pluto joining your Sun and there are other issues at play besides what is so obvious to you. It could be that a current situation is reminiscent of something from your past and you're reacting unconsciously to that. You are born to be in charge but that is better applied to career and hobbies and not so much to friendships and loved ones. With three planets in your house of health, you'd be well advised to tend to your body. It is hard to take someone seriously on other issues when they can't even take care of themselves. So even though you may be the brightest and most logical person in the room, you won't get much done if that room is in a hospital.

AQUARIUS: You have Mars in your house of partners and there may be some sparks flying. Ideally, you want the sparks to be romantic and not angry. Some Aquarians like the love/hate relationship style because a fight is a form of foreplay but if your partner doesn't go that way you could just drive them off. This would be a wonderful month to seek out serenity. What does that mean to you and have you ever felt it? Living your life to the fullest doesn't always need to be so intense. Find some time and a place where you can go and just "be", perhaps a spot by the ocean or nature. Take some time to be alone without distractions of television, music or other people and sit "in your skin" for a while. If your thoughts, fears, anxieties are distracting then repeat the Serenity Prayer and allow peace to take over. It is doable and you have it in you to attain it.

PISCES: Pressure from work and home may feel like life is ganging up on you. Here is your opportunity to prioritize. You have a way of going full speed until you drop and then full speed again. This stop and start method is draining to your body and soul. Do your very best to even out the pace. You are given added responsibilities because it appears you are capable but part of that means to know when to slow down. Friends may be wondering where you've been or where you've gone and you may feel you haven't had the energy to hang out with them. Take a moment to shift some things in your schedule around, make a few lists, delegate and slow it down. If you can make an effort to see people who have been your support system in the past, you'll be assured that they'll be here for you in the future.

A.M. COLLINS - Has been practicing astrology for over 20 years. She has her own monthly column at flirt.com and has taught astrology at the Learning Light Center in Anaheim, CA and the Cosmic Crystal in New Orleans, LA. She can be reached at 714-995-8522 -email: catped@pacbell.net