Dear Symboline,

Hope your vacation was enjoyable. My data: May 13, 1964, 5:30 a.m. New Haven, CT. From what I know, that's Taurus sun, Gemini moon, Taurus rising. I also think I have TONS of stuff in Taurus in my chart. As you know, the past two years have been the most difficult, painful, challenging years of my life. I keep moving through and I can see the progress and am excited by my personal growth, but I am very tired. I have recently decided to apply to graduate school in education. My current position is as support staff in academia, and I am planning on continuing here up until I get in to school.

Is it the eclipses of July or is it my individual fate to be dealing with all this change? Several key persons who I considered part of my stable foundation here have left or are leaving (but interestingly enough, some will still be nearby and available for support in a different way). I just found out this morning that someone else is leaving. It's so stressful and just ridiculous that all I can do is laugh. And I'm trying to get out of here to go on a two-week vacation prior to the academic year starting where I will be taking a class for the first time in years. Any insight on the all the upheaval or on my decision about graduate school? Thanks for your time, it's appreciated.

-- Lisa

Dear Lisa,

Graduate school is a good idea, but you won't feel like you truly, absolutely "belong" until next May. But the prospect of being super businesslike in September through midterms will be incredibly appealing. Taurus needs to feel like other people need them to make changes, or make plans, or to do anything that alters their routine, but graduate school is about you, yourself, and you. Do be aware that Saturn is going to be cruising over your moon in the next two years -- how I translate this is that any chance you have to show you're an expert -- just take it. And also bear in mind you'll be attracted to a different kind of person (hey, for a fixed earth sign, this is BIG news).

Good luck -- check in as the year progresses if you like / Sym.

Dear Symboline,

I was born with Mercury in retrograde (April 20, 1965, 4:03 a.m., Bethelhem, Pa.). I've read that this placement hinders one's ability to put his/her thoughts into words. Is this true? I've also read that during a Mercury retrograde (one is supposed to start June 23), things actually are easier for those of us with a natal retro Merc. Is this true? I'd love to know.

-- Sarah Collins

Dear Sarah,

Mercury Rx is inevitably found in the scopes of folks who find ways to speak to the world other than conventional communication. My brother, who's an extremely successful bass player has natal Merc. Rx -- art and music are his chosen forms. Or, to cite my favorite astrological example for everything, the late Princess of Wales had Mercury Rx in Cancer -- and you must agree that she found extremely creative ways of communicating.

I've definitely found that Mercury Rx people can have extremely fortunate events happen during retrograde periods -- whether this is because everyone else is short-circuiting -- I couldn't say. But you, as a natal Aries at 29 degrees are probably taking more (Taurus-like) care with many aspects of your life. Thanks for writing. And, did you know that you sent me the same letter twice?!

Dear Symboline,

I came 'cross your page today spurred by discussion w/another who advises to check my moon. DOB is November 2, 1961 in Orlando, Florida. Thanks.

-- Raryan

Dear Raryan,

Depending on your time of birth, your moon is in Leo or Virgo. If your "default" emotional state when irked is rage versus cool analytical fulminating, I'd say the former.

Dear Symboline,

I love your frankness! I am definitely direct this month and I do not like talkers period. I feel like life is getting clearer and hoping for a job opportunity and or raise within my company. My birthday is June 28, 1964, Fort Campbell (Christian) Kentucky, 2:15 p.m. If you have a chance, would you tell me a little about the upcoming year.

-- Sandy Gonzales

Dear Sandy

Can I talk to you about 2001? :-) Quickie sketch -- late March of next year you'll be at a turning point about your job. That's the time to be bold, because the rewards will come in July. Before then, late September through October is a time to lie low, and not put too much pressure on your friends (especially in late September) or loved ones to "fix" your situation. You'll need a lot of time to unburden yourself then, so be patient. The upside is that your life will be much simpler by late fall.