Rockie Horoscope 133

GENERAL FORECAST: Ten years ago -- when rebellious Uranus was conjunct gullible Neptune in Capricorn -- injustice (or the dream deferred) begat violence and LA responded with riots. How are we going to react when militant, well-armed Mars smacks into law-and-order Saturn next weekend? Can we absorb Friday's Taurus-Scorpio full moon energy, the peaceful Buddha festival moon? Will we be freaked by weird communications in cyberspace as Mercury signals offbeat Uranus? Religious fanatics and sports nuts dominate the news on the 29th as Mars and faith-based Neptune trine. But the bullshit bubble can explode on May Day while the pragmatic Taurus sun tests that Neptunian idealism. By next Friday, as Mars and Saturn meet, the shit could really hit the fan. Happy anniversary.

ARIES (March 20-April 19)

Dream on. Whether you're envisioning a dramatic victory for your team, fantasizing about playing the Palladium or praying for peace, idealistic Neptune is currently a major influence in both your real and imaginary worlds. Because your truth-seeking Mars ruler is favorably aligned with Neptune, you might avoid being duped on May Day when the sun tests the spiritual vibe Neptune emits. Just be aware of the limits Saturn can impose when it joins forces with Mars on the 3rd. Be careful.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20)

It's not simply a matter of deciding what you value most. With so many planets, beside your Venus ruler, in your Gemini house of assets and liabilities, choosing one abstraction or one piece of merchandise over another is bound to be difficult. Art, beauty and purity of motive may appear to be the winners, but when passion and obsession takes hold, there is little you can do but succumb to their power. You'll eventually extricate yourself from their clutches, but not before Mother's Day. Happy Birthday.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20)

Sprinkle yourself with fairy dust before you leap over the sacred bonfires of Beltane, dance around the Maypole and pay homage to the goddess Flora. Do everything you can to keep from crashing and burning while pistol-packin' Mars meets authoritative Saturn in your sign. Twins born the first week in June are the most affected; e.g., if you're in the military, you could become a hero; in government or business, a department head. Opposition looms large around Mother's Day.

CANCER (June 21-July 22)

It's the friends of friends, nodding acquaintances and colleagues in your field who are influencing the direction your life is presently taking. May Day could be a big "I hit paydirt!" day as the sun favors expansive Jupiter in your sign. This is the most supportive planetary aspect you get all month, so maximize whatever opportunity arises. Because Mercury will be in retrograde from May 15-June 8, plan on making initial contact and follow-up calls well before then.

LEO (July 23-August 22)

While you personally come out okay on May Day (Jupiter protects you and your sun ruler) your partner or the relationship itself can face a test of faith when the sun squares idealistic Neptune in Aquarius. The challenge might not involve a religious or spiritual matter, but instead, turn into a crisis of confidence about one's artistic vision. Meanwhile a casual friend becomes quite appealing, what with those come-hither glances and clever innuendos. Mmmmm.

VIRGO (August 23-September 22)

Once your Mercury ruler joins Venus, Mars and Saturn in Gemini on the 30th, career concerns might well be the only matters you'll have time for. Because anything that springs from the sign of the Twins -- attractions, actions and reactions -- begs to be examined from both sides now, be prepared for lots of discussions and revisions. Even more so after Mercury turns retrograde on the 15th. Should you want some R and R, better to take off on a flight of fancy than a plane.

LIBRA (September 23-October 22)

This is one of those times when all you really need is love and compassion; instead, you might opt for the uncomplicated pursuit of pleasure. If you do, know up front that there are risks involved. While your heart is not about to get broken -- your loving Venus ruler and sexy Mars are preparing to unite -- if you defy the law, particularly the law of gravity, you could wind up with broken bones. When Saturn tries to limit impulsive Mars, it creates a wide margin of error, one you can easily fall into.

SCORPIO (October 23-November 21)

Put politely, you're at cross purposes with yourself. Although your Mars co-ruler doesn't face off against Pluto, your other co-ruler, until May 8, Mars has to squeak by restrictive Saturn on the 3rd. Although there's a slim chance something constructive can come out of that meeting, it's not likely. Militant Mars is hell-bent on provocation, Saturn needs to maintain the status quo while passionate Pluto is determined to usurp that power by any means. High drama with strong sexual overtones; how Scorpionic!

SAGITTARIUS (November 22-December 21)

Keep it fun, fanciful and financially feasible. While the sensual Taurus sun lights up your house of romance and recreation, try to focus on that aspect of your life. Let the tough choices acerbated by the nasty Mars-Saturn conjunction in your Gemini house of partners work themselves out. There's not much you can do except get out of way and let the chips fall where they may. Damage control, repair and reconstruction will follow, but all in good time. Patience and self-preservation, please.

CAPRICORN (December 22-January 20)

Annoyed and acerbic is the least of it. When pugnacious Mars finally catches up with your Saturn ruler on May 3, you could be fighting mad. You might also be more motivated than you've been since the last time Mars and Saturn merged in April 2000 and kicked off the ride you've been on since. Their new meeting in Gemini indicates that you'll take a more multi-faceted approach to work, embrace alternatives to your present health and fitness routines, or even sign up for flying lessons.

AQUARIUS (January 21-February 18)

Your bluff may be called on May Day when idealistic Neptune in your sign is challenged by the Taurus sun. Don't attempt to push your vision of what should be down anybody else's throat. (Taurus rules the throat.) Fortunately for your love life, the utterly romantic Venus-Neptune trine follows immediately afterward. Despite your bluntness, you'll come across as gentle and sensitive, instead of awkward and distant. But above all, as a fan of the first order.

PISCES (February 19-March 19)

Again, Fish are tied to Aquarians because it's your Neptune ruler in their sign that's a major focal point this week. Subtle suggestions from friends can be somewhat expensive, especially if you have to question your priorities. However, art and spirituality will prevail. So will your enthusiasm for a group venture, your love for your team. The trick is to dodge any sticks and stones tossed by the troublesome Mars-Saturn coalition in Gemini, while reminding yourself that names will never hurt you.

Curious about the future? Order a personalized Transit Forecast (30 to 40+ pages) detailing the major themes and issues that will arise over the next 12 months. Send name, date, time and place of birth, plus a check or money order for $42.50 per report, to ROCKIE GARDINER, 6701 Colbath Ave., Valley Glen, CA 91405. http://www.rockiehoroscope.com. Read my daily forecast online at www.laweekly.com.