By Minerva

Starcast

Venus can be so dashing, so darling and so adorable. The defining word is “can.” She’s very like that other wellknown girl. The one that was good when she was very, very good and pretty dreadful when bad. Easy does it. These are tough times.

Aries (March 20April 18)

People nearby run in circles doing the skyisfalling thing. Don’t be surprised if someone backs out on a promise or contract. Counter with patience. It’s not your natural strategy, but it’s the only one with a chance of succeeding.

Taurus (April 19May 19)

Though most of the world seems out to lunch, you feel centered. Work resolutions pay off. You want positive changes and have a sense of how to make them. You want to have fun but know the wherewithal has to come from somewhere.

Gemini (May 20June 19)

Fairy tales can come true. They can happen to you. But, with retrograde Venus lighting up your dream house, you do need to get clear on what you want. Delicious goddess though she may be, Venus is also a consummate practical joker.

Cancer ( June 20July 21)

Moonkid: If you can’t be good, be careful. The week has a “wake up and smell the coffee” feel to it. Past connections are highlighted. You’re vulnerable, so remember that the head that wears the halo has been known to nod off.

Leo ( July 22Aug. 21)

Even for passionate, dynamic lions, it can be challenging to find the right perspective forward. Consider advice from outside of the pride.

Virgo (Aug. 22Sept. 21)

You Virgos appear so cool and detached. What others may never know is that the “business as usual” stance is hard to maintain. Yes, it’s true. Even a perfect Virgin can make a mistake. Fix it while no one’s looking.

Libra (Sept. 22Oct. 21)

You’ve a strong travel agenda. Romance is also part of your DNA. What isn’t so clearcut is your choice of travel companions. You want to go with the one you love. But, which love is that?

Scorpio (Oct. 22Nov. 21)

Your income is under strange and strained influences. While Venus does her retrograde thing, don’t even think of cutting corners on taxes, mutual funds, joint accounts, etc.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22Dec. 20)

Must you lose someone in order to appreciate that person? Wayward Venus sends mixed messages. Take no chances with near and dear ones.

Capricorn (Dec. 21Jan. 18) Naughty Venus promotes passion and a mad urge to party. But how will this play with ongoing partners? Added to the stew: shared monetary issues. Gaze at sunsets, soak in spas.

Aquarius ( Jan. 19Feb. 17) The moon beams madly on your wish house while the blazing sun dominates your play sector. You won’t want to deny yourself anything, so try not to get caught.

Pisces (Feb. 18March 19)

Cosmos calling! Some Pisceans will confront parental issues, while others go head to head with Realtors and/or renovators. If you’ve got bridges to burn, impish Venus provides the match.

Minerva’s Mailbag

Q: I’m a Gemini having a bad time of it. Any advice?

A: Astrology 101: Mercury retrograde happens. Wise ones say the cosmos is teaching lessons by forcing us to learn patience. (“What’s doing once is worth doing again,” etc.) Brace yourself, Gem, because this time the retrograde is centered in your sign. The message is clearly about review. Think how far you’ve come, what you had to do to get there and what you never want to do again.

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.