By Minerva

Starcast

Independence Day carries mixed messages. The Sun shines tenderness and compassion. Jupiter, at home in Sagittarius, brings opportunity and adventure. While Mercury in Cancer eases selfexpression, his sharptongued roommate, Mars, warns against too much frankness.

Aries (March 20April 19) You say what you think. Some call that a virtue. Others whisper of footinmouth disease. Few signs have your hidden, but still instinctive sensitivity. Lunar wisdom advises you to draw on that cosmic bank account.

Taurus (April 20May 20) This week: Enjoy the reactivation of a lapsed association. Can it be a missing link to a goal? Or “merely” a chance to put Humpty back together again? Current conversations set the scene for an incendiary summer.

Gemini (May 21June 20) Venus may be the goddess of love, but better believe she also knows her way around the counting house. You’re a year older but also a lot wiser. Send out a few rockets of your own. Celebrate yourself.

Cancer (June 21July 21) Mars, Mercury and the sun are summiting in your sign. They signal an incendiary summer. You’ll be a force to be reckoned with. Brace yourself for fun and games on the grand scale.

Leo (July 22Aug. 22) As the sun casts light on your house of secrets, mysterious messages come through dreams or meditation. Have a few intimate details of your fastpaced life been shoved under the rug?

Virgo (Aug. 23Sept. 22) Perplexing planets have tagged you for a special whammy. An alternative view could knock you out — but not for long. Fortunately, after the rockets red glare comes discovery, ingenuity — even genius.

Libra (Sept. 23Oct. 22) Planetary big shots set off rockets in your fame house, a July Fourth tribute if there ever was one. At the same time Jupiter works behind the scenes to enhance your communication skills. Could be the break you’ve been waiting for.

Scorpio (Oct. 23Nov. 21) Quixotic Venus is about to light a fire in your travel house. Think global as you light those firecrackers. Is it time for a change? What better time than now. Get ready, get set and go!

Sagittarius (Nov. 22Dec. 20) On July Fourth you determine that making big bucks is a top priority. At the same time, passions run high. You won’t want to deny yourself anything. So much sound and fury and the summer has only just begun!

Capricorn (Dec. 21Jan. 19) Cool is the name of the game as highrolling planets struggle to raise your consciousness. Remember, as the pressure mounts: intuition goes with your territory. A longdesired contract can come to dazzling fruition this summer.

Aquarius (Jan. 20Feb. 17) Venus sets off sparklers around your work sector. Have you looked around lately ... with a critical eye? Your workplace (and space) sends a loud and clear message about you. Is this the message you want to send?

Pisces (Feb. 18March 19) Neptune at home in your sign signals a summer of fantasy and fun. Verily, verily sayeth the Goddess, you are a force to be reckoned with. Declare your independence and live it up

Minerva’s mailbag

Q: I’m a Saj. People tell me I’m having a Jupiter transit. What does that mean?

A: Gather your rosebuds! Jupiter entered your sign last fall and will remain there until Dec. 3. This is a time when your natural charm, taste and flair for beauty pays off. You should feel a sense of joy and expansion. Take charge of your life. Explore new places, new ideas, new people.

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.