“May” turns into “Will” this month, especially after May 10, when Mars moves into Leo. The sign of the lion in whatever planet it's in always brings out the feistier side in people. And with Taurus in Venus, an awkward angle is created, particularly May 11 to 13. I encourage – urge – those of you who have Scorpio or Aquarian mamas or who ARE an Aquarian or Scorpio mum to tread very daintily on those days. And, yes, the supermarket roses are better than NO roses on Mother's day.

Mercury retrogrades May 26 through June 18. Take care of paperwork before then. Avoid buying: things with wheels, gears, programs, dials, rheostats, etc. Oh, and Saturn moves forward after months dawdling in the first degree of Virgo. So those born under the sign of the Virgin, on the cusp are looking for (and should continue to pursue) difficult endeavors and challenging paths. Please feel free to whine to me about this, but you're in the early stages of a two-year journey that will transform you.

More at “Letters to Symboline” as issues arise. Yours in the cause of a more orderly universe / Symboline Dai

PS: some extra appearances this month: look for me  Friday, May 2 (appointments start at 5 p.m.) and Saturday, May 17 (appointments start at noon). Astrological tarot readings at Roots, 100 Crawford St., Leominster, Mass.  just off Route 2. 978-534 7668. $30 half hour, or $50 an hour (which you can share with a friend or partner). Symboline uses your natal data and tarot cards to help you figure out life/work issues. Gift certificates available. I'm also available for house-parties. I'll come to your abode with my cards and shawls and ephemerides and crystal ball and provide astrological readings to your guests. Great for a fund-raiser – email me for rates: sally@moonsigns.net Visit moonsigns.net for more.

Listen to Symboline every Monday at 10 a.m. on WCRN, 830 AM, on Tuesday at 6:05 p.m. on WEIM-1280 AM

THE NEW MOON IN Taurus, May 5. Start a savings account. Start a retirement account. Start an investment account. It's just that simple. Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius – if you're looking for “stability” don't underestimate how good it would feel to know where the next dollar's coming from.

THE FULL MOON IN Scorpio, May 19. A fairly sexy, dramatic Monday. A good day for people to be cut to the quick or for dawdlers to cut to the chase. Intensity isn't a bad thing – and water signs should remember that.

ARIES (March 21 or 22 to April 19 or 20).
Smoother Sailing: 2, 3
Challenging Days: 15, 16
Aries is a cardinal fire sign ruled by Mars. Represented by the Ram, Aries are leaders who like followers (but don't need them in a clinch). Çourageous and blunt, Aries is a great sign to have in sales or marketing.
If April had some bumps in the road, you'll find friendship and “taking action” much easier this month. Those of you born after April 15 could misspeak in the first week of the month, particularly in the days leading up to the new moon. But when there are planets in Taurus, you should have TAKEN action so that you can reap the rewards now. Yes, that goes against your general temperament. Although you don’t necessarily enjoy bargaining (unlike other fire signs, although fire folks with lots of earth in the chart do well at this), May offers opportunities, especially after May 10 for you to whittle away the other guy’s position. And if the group thing isn’t happening for you, use the weekends to recharge as the moon will be in signs slightly antagonistic to your  sun sign.Despite their famed childishness (some would say youthful exuberance), Aries are actually pretty skillful at wrangling peers when it’s time to play follow-the-leader.
TAURUS (April 20 or 21 to May 20 or 21).
Smoother sailing: 4, 5, 6
Time for a break: 17, 18, 19

Taurus is a fixed earth sign, practical and, for the most part, steady.  Ruled by Venus, Taureans like comfort and aesthetic beauty. Famous Taureans include: Barbra Streisand and Shirley MacLaine. Despite this stellar line-up, they're team players, and lead only if they absolutely have to.  Represented by the bull, Taureans are slow to anger, but once riled make formidable foes.

With the sun cruising through your sign, you could feel like “How am I going to get it all done?” Fortunately, the bull is a planner and your organizational ability can  exert a gravitational pull on the rest of the universe. Just watch that tendency to be too well-defended. (Believe me – the rest of us envy that work ethic.) This month brings some turbulence in the form of Mars moving through Leo. Those born in April (until April 25)will be touchy from May 10 to 24.

GEMINI (May 21 or 22 to June 21 or 22).
Smoother sailing: 6, 7, 8
Challenging: 20, 21, 22