By Minerva

Starcast

You know what they say about summer time? Easy living, etc. But don’t get too comfortable because opportunity in the guise of merry Mercury is poised to do the knock-knock thing in lively Leo. Expect the days ahead to resonate with panache and creativity. How will they affect you?

Aries (March 19-April 18) Passions receive celestial hype as power planets fire on your fun house. You want nothing more than to romp and play. So, if someone attempts to rain on your parade, consider the source. Smile but stand up for numero uno.

Taurus (April 19-May 19) Bully, Bully, how does your garden grow? Silly question! When it comes to growing things, Taurus rules. You’ll be doing lots of outdoor entertaining this summer. Since some will be “purpose parties,” keep in mind that results occur in direct proportion to time and effort expended.

Gemini (May 20-June 20) Glow, little glow worm. Glitter! Glitter! With glib Mercury highlighting communications skills, Geminis are in the right place at the right time doing what comes naturally. Personally and professionally, you’ll shine at power lunches, brunches and teas.

Cancer (June 21-July 21) You’re about to be a year older but also lots savvier. A solar return triggers introspection. Your inner sage is up and running. You feel downright spiritual. That’s all very nice, but don’t go too far without your calculator.

Leo (July 22-Aug. 21) This week Mercury dances and prances in your sign while Jupiter continues to dangle his toes in your fun house. How lucky can you get? Come out of your cave and roar a little. Summer time is your time. Enjoy it to the max.

Virgo (Aug. 22-Sept. 21) Decisions! Decisions! With Mercury in your 12th house (the house of reckoning) it’s time to get cracking on long term goals. Libra (Sept.22-Oct. 21) You better believe that Mercury is one powerful career counselor. Backed by Jupiter’s planetary punch, his current focus is your place in the world, your friends, your colleagues.

Scorpio (Oct. 22-Nov. 21) Now, with Mercury doing an instant karma thing in your fame house, is the time to indulge yourself. Enjoy the week but don’t burn any bridges till you’ve an armed guard ready to escort you to the Emerald City.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 20) Though lucky Jupiter continues to shine on you, other planetary biggies (Pluto and Saturn) hang heavy in your money house. Review your assets. Hopefully, a little nip here, a small tuck there will put Humpty back in one piece.

Capricorn (Dec. 21-Jan. 18) Having Saturn in your sign is no joke. Dare we say karma? But this week is not all bad news. Mercury is about to summit in your house of adventure. What went around is about to come around. That’s a good thing, and you deserve it.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 17) Mercury turns star maker this week. Contracts — romantic, business or both — are about to play. Make the most of an opportunity that once fell by the wayside. This time it can really fly.

Pisces (Feb. 18-March 18) A wheeling, dealing coup from the past can be reworked to new advantage. With Mercury in your work sector, you demand to be appreciated and should be. It won’t be a ho-hum summer and you’ll come out of it in a better place.

Minerva’s Mailbag:

Q: Hi Minerva, I’m a Sagittarius (11/27/ 82). Supposedly this my year, but I think I’m having midlife crisis. I want to look for another job.What do you think?

A: A Jupiter transit (which you’re having) is all about change and expansion. Look for that job. In the fall, Jupiter will be moving into your money house. The new job will pay well.

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.