By Minerva

Starcast

The divine discontent of Neptune in pensive Pisces suggests a need for caution. With Mars added to the mix, think: “DENSE FOG ADVISORY.” If you can’t be good, be very careful.

On a brighter note, there’s also a strong possibility of inspiration. Artists and those in the healing professions are likely candidates.

Aries (March 20April 18) As Neptune and Mars pirouette in your 12th house (secrets, dreams and emotions), your thoughts turn to the one who got away. Is love better the second time around?

Taurus (April 19May 19)

Your love life continues to be fantasy driven. The high road can get tedious. Neptune whispers and Mars roars, their message the same: Take a chance. Play it your way.

Gemini (May 20June 19)

Sometime, somewhere, a Neanderthal Gemini formulated the concept of the grand adventure. In their bubbly way, the twins have been exploring ever since. This week: Good karma pays off.

Cancer ( June 20July 21)

Jupiter conspires in your socalled work sector. Something about mending fences, righting wrongs. No big deal, except these are the squeaky wheels that can drive you bonkers.

Leo ( July 22Aug. 21)

Neptune whispers enticing messages in your hormone house. At the same time you are so ready for a different kind of adventure. How will you handle it?

Virgo (Aug. 22Sept. 21) With Neptune and Mars playing the wild card in your oneonone house, nothing is quite what it seems. Like Taurus, you find the high road tedious. Lucky Jupiter, currently in your root cellar, hints that good karma pays off.

Libra (Sept. 22Oct. 21)

Neptune (the dream queen) and mighty Mars continue to sit in your nittygritty sector just as jovial Jupiter mans up in your chat center. Expect your bandwidth to expand in wild and wonderful ways.

Scorpio (Oct. 22Nov. 21)

Dreamy Neptune continues to accent your creativity. To achieve something great, you need a plan and not quite enough time. If there was ever a sign that responds well to deadlines, it’s yours.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22Dec. 20)

A party animal like you is always prepped to indulge yourself. Yes, we know you’re not the domestic type. Still, when Mars and Neptune don frilly aprons to sashay around your home center, you know it’s time to tweak your digs.

Capricorn (Dec. 21Jan. 18)

While cave mates pursued high adventure, Neanderthal Capricorns grunted: “Time to organize.” It’s called building karma.

Aquarius ( Jan. 19Feb. 17)

Dreamy, romantic Neptune threatens your bank account. You won’t want to deny yourself anything, yet selectivity’s the name of the game. Spend money to make money. How you look says lots about who you are. Isn’t it time to make a statement?

Pisces (Feb. 18March 19)

Intimacy issues run silent and deep for Pisceans. Despite Neptune’s push toward fantasy, Mars remains a control freak. Power for its own sake isn’t your thing, but that doesn’t mean you want people powertripping on you. Speak up for yourself.

Minerva’s Mailbag

Q: My birthday is Jan. 17. What can you say about this year, particularly regarding my work and bank account?

A: You still have another six months of Saturn in your sign. Don’t waste money on the lottery; your chances are minimal. This is a time when nothing just lands on your lap, but it’s also a time when past efforts pay off.

Your levels of maturity, realism and responsibility are being tested. You’re dumping habits, pastimes, even people that pull you down while accenting the things that do work.

On the upside, stuff that you’ve earned or learned during your Saturn transit are tools that you can use all your life.

To ask Minerva a question, go to www.ask minerva.com or write to Minerva, Sunday Datebook, San Francisco Chronicle, 901 Mission St., San Francisco, CA 94103.