Illustrations By Robert Risko
In 1987, legendary actor Jack Nicholson spent time in the Capital Region while filming Ironweed, the movie he starred in with Meryl Streep based on Albany native William Kennedy’s Pulitzer Prize–winning book of the same name. While in town, he fell in love with Perecca’s bread, and has since had friends (including David Letterman) stop by the Schenectady bakery to pick up a loaf for him on their way back to LA. Nicholson is a Taurus who will turn 88 on April 22. Who knows? Maybe someone will gift him a loaf of his all-time favorite bread.
Aries
March 21–April 19
The new year is bringing so much depth to your world, sweet Aries. The start of the zodiacal year is finally here, and Aries season is giving us a list of things to do in order to make the next 365 days a success. Neptune moves into your house of self-identity, making things seem a bit murky and unclear. As a result, you may find yourself confused on matters that have never come into question before. This, paired with the upheaval you may have been feeling regarding everyday routines, will come to a head in order to redirect you towards a more refined version of your true self.
Taurus
April 20–May 20
Some reflection on past behaviors, beliefs, and actions may be helpful at this time, Taurus. The saying “everything in moderation” is a good place to start mentally when evaluating your lifestyle choices. The challenge lies in being able to clearly discern and understand what is actually serving you at this time and what is sabotaging you. This may call for some long and hard looks at your extracurricular activities as you weigh them against your ideal version of yourself and your life. Tighten up, seal the cracks, and plug the holes that are causing you to lose sight of what really matters.
Gemini
May 21–June 20
This is not the time to commit to projects or agree to contracts, dear Gemini. Instead, take this opportunity to reflect on your current goals, relationships, and who you want the world to know you as. You might even feel it’s time to redirect your energy towards new and exciting endeavors. If this is the case, let the winds of change take you and usher you into the next evolution of your life. We are still under the influence of the great benefit, Jupiter, and the advantages and blessings that abound from that are just waiting to be claimed. Reach for stars and take what’s yours!
Cancer
June 21-July 22
Things may likely get lost in translation at this time, Cancer loves, so tread carefully when making commitments. Also know that your words can be misinterpreted easily now, so watch what you say and to whom you say it. If you vacillate between feeling emboldened in your career choices and feeling utterly confused, don’t worry! That is also to be expected at the present time and will pass soon enough. In the meantime, connect to what brings you peace and a sense of security until you find your footing once again. Rediscovering simple pleasures is also encouraged now.
Leo
July 23–August 22
What do you actually believe in, apart from yourself, Leo? It’s time to dig deeper and really discover where you stand in the grand scheme of things. In this great big world, who are you, really? We’re not talking about surface-level or superficial things like work or image—this requires a more thoughtful approach and understanding of what makes you tick internally. In fact, we should really weigh the balance between our physical world and our spiritual selves in order to comprehend the gravity of it all. Remember the adage “as above, so below” to help bring things into focus.
Virgo
August 23–September 22
If it felt like the last few months were preparing you for a crash out, it’s because in order to receive the blessings you’ve been asking for and working towards, space needed to be made. The unexpected shifts can be overwhelming, but I promise that it is all working in your favor. Money matters may also be an area of life that feels a bit out of control at the moment, but this is meant to build you up for more stability in the long term. When we focus in on things that require our attention, we can improve outdated practices and make changes that will bring about better results.
Libra
September 23–October 22
When a Libra is out of balance, nothing in the world makes sense. It’s difficult to relate to others and be a fair and just representation of yourself when you are not in alignment. How have your dreams been lately? More often than not, the answers to elusive questions can be found in the subconscious brain. Making sense of the surreal helps to understand the real. Relationships you enter into at this time (romantic or platonic) might happen under odd circumstances and may even confuse you a bit on why these people are here now. Stay the course, focus on balance, and it will all come to light later.
Scorpio
October 23–November 21
We all know that Scorpio is stereotypically not the most social energy, but these current transits may have you playing into the brooding babe role more than usual. There may be projects or commitments to others that you simply do not want to continue at this time. There may be routines that you no longer find comfort in. There may even be hobbies that you have lost interest in now. This is all more than OK. You of all signs know of the benefits that come with transforming and shedding the old ways for new ones. Take your time, be with yourself, and enjoy your own magical medicine.
Sagittarius
November 22–December 21
Being all work and no play is something most would never associate with you, lively Sagittarius. But sometimes, even the silliest of geese need to lock in and take care of business. When these moments happen for you, naturally they’ll come with a Sag twist and involve the search for meaning and purpose. If you’re feeling like a change of pace, address, or career is on the menu, take the time out to reflect and evaluate what it is you want out of life now at this juncture—not what the previous version of you wanted. Then, once inspiration strikes, leap into the great unknown with that naturally fearless nature of yours.
Capricorn
December 22–January 19
You’ve just recently ended a 15 year growth cycle. With that comes massive change, so don’t be surprised that some things and people in your life may no longer vibe with you. You’re rediscovering who you are in the aftermath of the storm; be gentle with yourself and don’t rush the process. Remember that things will fall apart so that others can fall into place and that the waiting period between the two occurrences can be unclear and confusing. During that time, allow yourself to slow down and focus on how far you’ve come. Understanding who you have been will help to define who you will be in this next chapter.
Aquarius
January 20–February 18
Grief strikes us in many ways for many reasons, most of which we don’t seem to understand at the time. If you are processing heavy emotions or experiencing intense shifts, remind yourself that nothing stays the same; this too shall pass. Once we are able to see past the emotional fog, our senses return and our ability to process what happened brings ultimate clarity. It is then that we can begin to understand and see the blessings in disguise that were there all along in this journey. They say nothing worth having comes easy, so what is coming your way is worth its weight in gold.
Pisces
February 19–March 20
There may be certain doors to relationships that will shut now. On paper we know this to be a positive thing, but in practice it becomes more complicated because of the attachments we form. The ripple effect of these actions can affect our sense of self and cause us to question our own value and worth. While none of this sounds ideal, there are so many positive attributes to this process because each time we are forced to look within, we become more self-aware and self-assured. And any amount of progress is something to be proud of. Bottom line: Never stop turning lemons into lemonade, baby.
