By Minerva

Starcast

Mars (Mr. Aggression) is in Aquarius. Vital but oft-times conniving Venus is in Cancer. They’re headed toward a love spat. Mars likes nothing more than to start fights, and Aquarius is all about independence. Brace for surprises in the week ahead.

Aries (March 21-April 20) You Rams have the devil’s advocate role nailed. Just don’t be a brat about it. Come on, play nice! Most everyone thinks you’re the living end. You are, aren’t you?

Taurus (April 21-May 20) Lusty Mars drives a hard bargain in your career house. Hot pants in high places is risky business. Look around, people are getting sued and/or fired. Is it worth it? No. But that’s always easier for someone else to say.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Yes, yes, we know that you were made for the Great World not for pusillanimous errands and repairs. That’s agreed, but this is not — repeat, not — the week to goof off. Go ahead, “sweat the small stuff.”

Cancer (June 21-July 22) Heavy-handed Mars demands that you take chances, do something new, learn something outrageous. Friends play a part in these shenanigans and that’s OK, but remember, you’re the driver.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) Mars stomps and snorts in your one-on-one sector, while the sun provides a power base. You’re a wild-side walk waiting to happen. Share outrageous dreams with partners. They can turn real.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 21) Far be it from Minerva to preach to the choir. Surely you know that what you do telegraphs a clear picture of who and what you are. As Mars blasts a trail through your work sector, strut your stuff. You’re a Virgo, aren’t you? Don’t be a wuss.

Libra (Sept. 22-Oct. 20) Fasten your seat belt and get ready for a roller-coaster ride. Mars is all about force and sudden change. This dynamo is focused on your fun house, so what happens next could be great ... or not so great. Scorpio (Oct. 21-Nov. 20) Does Minerva really need to tell a know-it-all Scorp to call home? Hard to believe, but true. Mighty Mars in your root cellar issues a potent charge to take action in the family togetherness department.

Sagittarius (Nov. 21-Dec. 21) Mars’ jab to the midsection adds muscle to your bustle while the sun provides high powered back up. Connections made now, memos sent, blogs posted, set the tone for the summer.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 21) This week, sidestep any indication of Mars-driven wildness. People and their money can be so finicky. Annoying too! Fortunately, that savvy Capricorn cool ensures that you’re a past master/mistress at wheeling and dealing

Aquarius (Jan. 22-Feb. 18) You work hard at being cool. Nothing ruffles you. Or so it seems. Guess again! Mars in your sign is a potent reminder of what a hottie you really are. You’ll want to raise the ante, push to the max.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) Mars is getting uncomfortably active in your house of secrets. Yes, you’re brave, a secret risk taker. That makes for an adventurous life, but Pisceans can be too fearless for their own good.

Minerva’s mailbag

Q: I’m an Aquarius man crazy about a Scorpio woman. What are our chances?

A: Consider the value of prayer because you’ll be doing a lot of it. Scorpio is ruled by Pluto, you by Uranus. Beneath Scorpio’s fire-and-ice exterior is a soul wild and eccentric as your own. If there’s one sign that can penetrate your Aquarian detachment, it’s Scorpio. Like it or not, this scintillating sensualist really gets to you. You’re the one sign that Scorp can’t figure out, but will have lots of fun trying. What you you’ll get from this union is “just” the mysterious sensuality for which you’ve always longed, not to mention the challenge you know you need. May the stars shine on you.

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.