CROSS WORD SPEAK THE STARS

by Janet Amid

CANCER (June 21 - July 20) Cautious as you are with money, this retrograde can be turning up the heart where impulse spending is concerned. Not the greatest time to make large purchases or indulge in something totally out of your wheelhouse. Putting things on hold for a while would suit you best. Rethink before taking on too much. In addition, as Pluto opposes you, your area of partnerships becomes the main focus. The opposition of this transit can render you vulnerable to emotions as well as actions. You may be asking yourself whether to push back or give in. You may see yourself caught between a rock and a hard place. It’s a toss-up, though much depends on circumstances involved.

ARIES (March 20 - April 19) Protect your heart with armor as Venus, the vixen of love, retrogrades in your 5th house of romance. In addition, if chance taking, be cautious. Not the best time to take on “an exciting new venture”. Play it safe until September. Don’t fall prey to impulse. In addition to all of this, Pluto in retrograde, transiting the zenith part of your chart, beckons you to take stock of your sense of order. Embracing your leadership abilities. Believing in your own power and carving out any trace of insecurity. It’s all about gaining insight into yourself and turning it outward.

TAURUS (April 20 - May 20) Your personal space may be in a pickle this month with Venus retrograding your inner sanctuary. Symbolically, it can also relate to personal emotional clutter as emotions can get caught up in an upheaval and family pressures mount. So, what to do? Paying better attention to the signals and stepping back before making judgment calls or assumptions is your best option. Also, with Pluto in retrograde, in sync with your own sign, tap into your higher consciousness. Readjusting and reshaping how you view the world as well as yourself is key. Digging deep into your psyche and shifting your thoughts in a more productive manner can help you progress further.

No Futz

By Brendan Emmett Quigley

Whatever it is, he’s against it

14. Stand-up ___ Von

15. Classic karaoke selection

16. “Bye, babe”

17. Reynolds who co-owns Wrexham AFC

18. Songs by airheads?

20. Molecule with an a negative charge

21. Actress Cattrall

22. Trout native to Anaheim

23. Doofus wearing Dr. Martens?

28. Bother

30. “I’m shocked,” initially”

31. FDR program

32. A fiver

33. Sporty Camaro

35. Messing with other actors?

37. Exasperated cry

38. Exact copy of an excellent French city?

41. Hosp. area

42. Bozo

43. Acting without thinking 44. Put on 45. Come together 46. Yahoo! portal

47. Maze runner’s goal

48. Combined media barrage?

53. Kao na nua cuisine

55. Charismatic leader?

56. “Where is the ___?”

57. Things that hold up fashion doll toys?

61. See 54-Down

62. Typesetter’s selection

63. “Turn on the ceiling fan, will ya?”

64. Squeezed (by)

65. Alan of crosswords

66. What || means

67. Flat top land

Down

1. Take it all off

2. “Silly, silly, silly”

3. Favored one side

4. Unimaginably long time

5. Programmer’s work

6. Reach the top

7. Summer time in Philly

8. Documentarian Garbus

9. Allow

10. Mixed-berry smoothie berry

11. Sugar substitutes?

12. Suffer huge financial losses

13. Platform with Face ID

19. Real estate abbr.

21. Bibimbap side dish

24. Suit worn by jazz cats

25. Undivided

26. Around-the-world trip

27. Mountain pool

29. Key audience for influencers, for short

33. Running things

34. Curvy calligraphy style

35. ___ fruit

36. Oxygen-using bacterium

38. Home-care worker

39. First focus of a jigsaw, often

40. Food court building

46. “___ Fideles”

48. Real lulu

49. Some hoodies emblazoned with rhinos

50. “This’ll do”

51. They get rotated in a garage

52. Link’s princess

54. With 61-Across, encouraging words

57. Curator’s preliminary deg.

58. Beneficial info

59. Org. with the Rod of Aesculapius in its logo

60. “In the Heights” director Jon M. ___

61. Real lulu

GEMINI (May 21- June 20) A strong communicator at heart, always there for a good laugh, Venus’s transit in retrograde taking place in your area of communication could tone it down a bit. Specifically, what you need to say, and how to go about delivering your message can create mixed messages. So, digest your words carefully. Also, this is not the best time for travel, though if you’re in need of getting away, or work matters prevail, be on alert. Pluto retrograding your eighth house of possessions can trigger compulsive financial behavior. Untangling the knots and working through the finer details can take you way ahead of your game plan.

LEO (July 22 - August 22) Venus in retrograde this month in your own sign can be one of great interest and it forces you to look at yourself from the inside out. Having to take more stock into everyday affairs, mainly relationships, new or existing. Taking a personal inventory can be in your best interest. In addition, you may have more of a critical outlook in how you view others. Also, with Pluto’s retrograde hitting your area of responsibilities, you may be more inclined to take on more than you bargained for. Though being aware of boundaries is essential, taking on what you need for yourself, health and fitness being the key, is all that counts. Self-preservation.

VIRGO (August 23 - September 22) With Venus traveling through the sacred part of your chart, emotionally and mentally, nostalgia kicks in. This can be a period of sentiment, as thoughts of the past are rekindled. In addition, former partners and/ or friendships may emerge from the ethers. Unexpected trials and tribulations can develop. Also, you may be tempted to take on more than you should where money matters occur. In addition, with Pluto now transiting your area of love and speculation, you may start to focus on joy. Simple pleasure and self-gratification, allowing yourself to breathe. Forcing you out of your cocoon.

LIBRA (September 23 - October 22) With ruling planet Venus retrograding in Leo triggering friendships, your connections to others could sway in different directions. For most Libras, keeping it steady is the key. However, during this transit, your observations become more critical as you seem more aware and alerted to your own needs and wants. This could be the best time to pay attention to your instincts. Also, as Pluto retrogrades your home, family and friends become more so of a safety net. Looking for validation, or any kind of reassurance is key. A good time for allowing yourself to nestle in and enjoy your space.

SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21)

Keeping it real where career matters flourish is a matter of importance as your main goal is achievement. However, Venus’s transit in retrograde can be unpredictable if not chaotic. On one level you find yourself spinning your wheels, tackling even the most difficult projects. On the flip side, you’ve run out of gas and are moving at a much slower pace. Where you land is in your hands. Moreover, as your ruler Pluto is now in retrograde, the words you say speak volumes. Your energy speaks for itself, though at this time with Pluto in retrograde, having to revisit old wounds, and reassess your thoughts, taking more of an authentic approach can be healing in itself.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December

20)

As Venus in retrograde tackles your area of higher consciousness, your mindset resides deeply in your inner thoughts. Getting caught up in your head, introspection, delving into your purpose, is in your wheelhouse. Taking time out, and just allowing yourself to be, going with the flow can be best. Also, taking the time to regain your financial stance is important at this time. With Pluto in retrograde of your money house, it’s all about taking a few steps back and regaining your sense of security.

CAPRICORN (December 21 - January

19) It would be most beneficial during this period to use caution where finances or investments are concerned. It’s not the best time for large purchases or to tackle any major projects. This is a period where rational thought is in conflict with emotional cloudiness. So, step back and reexamine your steps. Also, with Pluto moving back into your own sign, it’s all about having to reflect on the person you were when this transit occurred 15 years ago. Turning inward and regaining your steps is a feat in itself.

AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18)

Time to hit the brakes as relationships through work or play may need to be streamlined while the planet of love retrogrades in your area of connections. Those around you may feel a bit touchy and could take criticism very seriously. So, it’s best to avoid confrontation. Though with the planets in your favor, a sense of buoyancy and complete cooperation is in store as you glide through. Pluto in retrograde of your subconscious allows you to tap into your intuition, diving into the deepest parts of your mind, on more of a solitary inner journey. It’s all about letting go and moving ahead.

PISCES (February 19 - March 19) It’s a make it or break it time where health and personal attainment are concerned. As the focus is placed on fitness, this can be a good time for you to take stock of your personal goals. The desire to get moving in the right direction is strong, yet the slowing down of Venus in retrograde could have other things in mind. So, stay on track, no matter what. With Pluto transiting in retrograde, your area of social connections, you may be seeking out more of a community of support. This can be an interesting transit as it allows you to emerge and become more involved.

Janet Amid is a columnist and radio and media personality who can be heard Monday mornings from 8:10-8:20am with Denny, Suzi and Paul on 93.5 FM. Text or call 419-2401935 as she takes astrological questions and requests! Every second Wednesday on 96.7 CLASSIC HITS with Keith and Dawn. Call 1-888-561-2837 every other Wednesday morning from 7:30-8:30am as she takes calls live. Contact Janet Amid at 419-882-5510 or at JanetAmid@aol.com.