More Astro-Barry

Continued from here:

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): A December story, in three chapters. [Chapter One.] Chapter Two, same as the first, a little bit louder and a little bit worse. There's no getting away from the feelings you're harboring, whether you're being blatant about them or even if you think you're hiding 'em well. And that doesn't just go for you, Taurus, but also for the person (or people) who plays a big part in why you feel the way you do. They can't ignore you, though they might wish they could. The ripples of [fill-in-the-blank: what are you feeling, exactly?] are wafting off you like the scent of freshly baked cupcakes at a fat camp (or should I say 'like the scent of fresh blood at a convention of great white sharks'?)—and you can't do a thing about it. You are so totally obvious. One step in your direction, and that certain individual will know plenty about where you're coming from… at least the unbridled ferocity of raw emotion itself, if not the actual specifics behind it. A standoff is inevitable. Do not back away from this intensity, not when it's finally reaching a head. Refuse to impede the natural progression of this current affair until you're absolutely sure a breakthrough has been made. Situations of this potency can become toxic, should their energies not make it to the surface somehow. Any movement is preferable to inertia. If you avoid the impending come-to-Jesus moment altogether, you'll be making an eminent statement of self-definition in the process: I am not here to connect deeply with others. I am here to protect myself at all costs. Oh, Taurus, you'll be safe all right… tightly contained, behind closed doors, with everything arranged just how you like it, no variables to keep things interesting, and each day as memorable as the last, which isn't saying much. And when the judgment-day philosophers ask what your life has been about, what, pray tell, will you report: 'I was safe'? [to be continued]

SCORPIO (October 23-November 21): A December story, in three chapters. [Chapter One.] Chapter Two, where we dare you to loosen up. So let's backtrack here, shall we? Let's assume you read over the previous chapter (see: Chapter One link above) of this end-of-year wrap-up… and walked away feeling dissatisfied. (I suppose it's possible, even with my impeccable skills.) Perhaps you aren't ready to temper your hunger for more success. Maybe you haven't yet claimed that fat check you feel you're entitled to, or are still in the process of proving your immense capabilities in some madcap job that's draining the life-blood right out of you. Or is it that you've merely forgotten how to balance your ambitions for wealth, power, recognition or respect with the fluffier, frothier elements of being, where there's nothing to accomplish other than sharing a few pleasant moments with your co-voyagers in this nutty incarnation… if you ever knew how in the first place? Don't get me wrong, Scorpio—we love your nonstop intensity. In fact, we depend on it. But at certain junctures, it may become too much… particularly if it keeps you from establishing and maintaining friendships (or even cordial acquaintances) with all different kinds of people. You might pause here, to consider how fostering these relations might 'come in handy later', for making high-powered connections or calling in favors. Yet already, some of the innocent non-purposefulness of social conviviality is lost in the utilitarianism of such considerations. It's not about what you could get from it… other than, say, companionship or entertainment or the opening of your eyes to new ideas and outlooks. You don't want to achieve all your aims, but end up alone, detached and disengaged, do you? Then, you know what to do. But if you're not quite ready to bid farewell to that intense hunger… well, make one last big dramatic push to cinch the deal and bank the profit for yourself. However, please be over-the-top obvious about it, so we don't become mistrustful. [to be continued]