Aquarius
Now is a time of extravagance for you, whether it be in emotion, in action, or in those six pairs of shoes you just bought. Despite all this conspicuous consumption, this can be a productive time--if you share the wealth. Giving away the goods will make you appreciate what you have and, since fortune doesn't last forever, your benevolence will build future allies and guarantee you a good rep as a fabulous, generous, glamorous high-roller, even when you ain't got squat.

Recommended Show: The jazzy, soulful sounds of Mandrill and Sandra St. Victor should do the trick, as would an audience with fellow Aquarian Miss Ruth Brown.

.

Recommended Record: How can I reccomend one? You want everything right now!

Pisces
It hasn't been easy, has it? You have worked and toiled and worn out both brain and body. And the sacrifices you have made, the days you rushed about the city, drenched in sweat and perpetually behind schedule; the nights you did without brown liquor and illicit companionship... they're about to pay off. That's the good news. The bad news is that your load isn't really going to lighten, you'll just be pounding away at a new level. But there's a little window of opportunity to relax and indulge in the sweet things in life--just don't overdo it. You have to maintain your fighting weight for battles to come.

Recommended Show: Rocket from the Crypt should provide a brief, screaming, sweaty respite from responsibility.

Recommended Record: Get whimsical with the Prince and James Bond deconstructions on the debut record by Steven Bernstein's Sex Mob.

Aries
You're on top of the world. You soar above the landscape like a superhero. You rule like an ancient multi-armed god. You dominate in your omnipresence like fellow Ariens Celine Dion and Babyface. Or do you? Is this sense of power and security real? Or are your so-called faithful followers just a pack of crafty dwarves that are going to kill and eat you once you've been lulled and adored into dropping your guard? Just because you love you, and many other people love you, doesn't mean everyone does.

Recommended Show: An evening with jazz legend Joey Baron should start the war drums beating Or prepare for all-out war with Anthrax.

Recommended Record: The latest by paranoid pugulist trip-hopper Tricky will put you nicely on edge.

Taurus
The usually solid Taurus is feeling more reckless than usual and a change of pace is in the works: consider the bullheaded Barbra Streisand, who recently, finally, tied the knot with James "you're never too old to be a boy toy" Brolin. The suddenness of the ceremony didn't mean that Miss Barbra didn't preside with her usual total control and meticulous planning, however, unless you happen to be the Jewish Cleopatra herself, I recommend that you not try to hold on to your iron will while throwing caution to the winds--you might hurt yourself. Relax, give things a little room to develop.

Recommended Show: Rock out and cut loose with Joan Jett and her Blackhearts.

Recommended Record: The dance remixes of seventysomething bluesmaster RL Burnside should show you how to twist it up.

Gemini
There will always be someone bigger and stronger than you. Unfortunately, they happen to be coming to get your ass right now. Avoid confrontations--someone is trying to provoke you into a no-win situation. However, this doesn't mean you should flee screaming or try to charm and promise your way out of it--just back off slowly and reevaluate your plan of action. Try to maintain the unflappable cool of Gemini goth goddess Siouxsie Sioux or the ultimate devil-may-care guy, Gemini Dean Martin.

Recommended Show: Hearing the mighty Mavis Staples do her Mahalia Jackson tribute should give you strength, as would a performance of "Tosca."

Recommended Record: Anything by Mr. Miles Davis should help you keep your cool in more ways than one.

Cancer
Hop that cheap flight to Vegas (or maybe just head for a singles bar) because, for some obscure reason having to do with Jupiter, you are lucky right now. Perhaps it's a post-birthday high, but you want to go out and play with all the other kids and generally behave in an extroverted and mirthful manner. Things seem to finally be flowing, and your ability to relate and communicate is high. Does this have anything to do with a rare drive of independence from the normally clingy Cancer? Hm....

Recommended Show: Believe it or not, George Clinton is a Cancer and he's playing at the Apollo. Sounds like a plan.

Recommended Record: Get down with new-style rockabilly princess Kim Lenz--or perhaps one by her predecessor, Miss Wanda Jackson.

Leo
These may be the times that try Leos' souls, but keep on truckin'. Everest's peak, the Indy 500's finish line, the end credits for "Armageddon" are within sight--do not surrender, do not stop, do not change course. Would Madonna quit? Would Chuck D decide it was too tough and go home? Why should you be any different than those other lions. You are close to conquering something, be it a new horizon or an old problem. Use the temptation to just sit down and weep like a little girl as just another reason why you're not going to.

Recommended Show: The muse of adversity, Patti Smith. Or if you wanna test your own endurance, Aerosmith.

Recommended Record: Anything by our lord and master James Brown should keep you keepin' on.

Virgo
Give free rein to your passions now! Let that inner child sit around in its pajamas eating spaghettios and watching cartoons! Let that inner teen drink malt liquor and attempt to freestyle! Let that inner adult go run up its credit card at strip clubs! If these directives seem a bit off-putting, look at it this way: after Thursday's new moon, you'll have no trouble channeling your energy and attention into plans for the future--as your fellow Virgos Ray Charles, Sonny Rollins, and BB King will attest, widening your horizons and letting it all hang out can help you focus when it comes time to pull it all back in.

Recommended Show: Also a Virgo, Me'Shell Ndegeocello should help you free your mind (and hopefully your ass will follow).

Recommended Record: Big Punisher's mighty "Capital Punishment" should break down any modesty or reserve you might have left. Or you could always dig up some old Redd Foxx records.

Libra
Choirs of angels. Armies of tenor saxophonists. Dancefloors of disco freaks. Hayrides packed with "Hee-Haw" hussies. Casinos full of winners. It's all good right now, and it's only gonna get better. But that better will not last forever. Stash a few of those divine blessings and special exemptions you've accumulated for the future rainy day--don't waste them on smothering today's minute flaws.

Recommended Show: Get some fine flow from up-and-comer Common or hit the boogie wonderland with Earth, Wind & Fire.

Recommended Record: "Seven & Seven," the newest by fellow Libra MC Lyte, should cold rock your party nicely.

Scorpio
The time has come to move on. Is there an idea, a person, a place, a really friggin' ugly sweater you just haven't been able to bring yourself to part with? Let it go. Fear not: something will come along to fill that gap in your personal universe before long, all you have to do is make room for it. Once you've abandoned the old, take a little breather--whether it be curling up in bed with a book or going out and looking for something else to take home--then get ready for the new school. A period of creativity and productivity is rising on your horizon, so center yourself, clear your mind, and prepare for battle.

Recommended Show: An audience with charismatic, no-nonsense Scorpio diva Miss Diana King may move things along.

Recommended Record: "Beautiful Maladies," the new compilation by Tom Waits should teach you a few things about letting go, as will the mighty Otis Redding.