FORECAST FOR THE WEEK AHEAD

To live in a civilized society is to follow rules, both official and unofficial, explicit and implied. Life in society is ruled by layer upon layer of history and evolution that is so normal to us and so intrinsic to our existence and natural environment that we can no more see it than we can see the air around us. The air is there, whether we notice it or not. Likewise, we live and breathe societal norms that are forces acting upon us constantly and without our awareness or consent.

The Gemini sun rides closely to Mercury this week. It’s a time when we are susceptible to trends and ideas without regard to their soundness, rightness or truth. For this reason, even though it’s a lighthearted atmosphere, we would be unwise to let down our guard completely or shirk our sense of personal responsibility. Before you follow the lemming pack, give yourself a pinch. Wake yourself up. Ask yourself, “Is this wise? Are these cliffs? Where is the ocean? And am I really even a lemming?”

Of course, if you’re reading this, you’re not. Extra points for waking up the other scampering non-lemmings who are caught up in a frenzy of mammal traffic. You could save the whole brood! Anderson Cooper

Journalist, author and television personality Anderson Cooper could be the poster star for Gemini intellect, which is bright, wide-ranging and conveyed in an enormously appealing manner. Cooper’s moon and Saturn are in Aries, showing the fiery, fearless spirit and drive that are necessary to ask the hard questions, go to the dangerous places and live life in the public eye. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) The adventurer in you will lead the way in the early week, charging forward with ideas both practical and offbeat. Boldness will be rewarded. You might know what looks interesting to you, but you won’t know what you really like until you try it.