In ancient times, on the isle of Crete, King Minos constructed a legendary labyrinth, in the center of which was a great bull, fierce and potent, the embodiment of raw strength and fertility, which was worshipped by the populace. Appropriately, this was during the Taurean Age (circa 1500 BC), when the Bull was at the center of many cultures’ religious rituals.

It was said that those who entered the labyrinth and found their way out through the confusing maze, without going mad or being killed by the bull, were given special honors as wise and accomplished  persons. Paintings from the Minoan era even show dancers vaulting over the horns of charging bulls, apparently for sport. Now that’s entertainment!

This is a week just like that, where it pays to know where you are going and why. The keynote this week is CLEAR FOLLOW-THROUGH.

The energy is moving in several directions at once, and although the Sun’s movement through the sign of Taurus (the Bull, after all) is often a time of steady achievement, this week can be as confusing as being lost in a dark labyrinth. But by the weekend, if you’ve managed to navigate well, there may be cause for rejoicing. The annual Sun-Jupiter conjunction is lucky, lucky, lucky! Prepare accordingly. Five planets in Earth Signs (six on Wednesday and Thursday) is all about manifestation.

If nothing else, much can be accomplished now because attention must be paid. It’s a very creative time. If not Minoan frescos, I would expect that paintings you’ve been laboring over could now be finished. The senses are heightened, as Venus, ruler of Taurus, is slowing down in preparation for its station on May 15th, when it turns retrograde for six weeks. The word that comes to mind is languorous. Like a two-hour dinner on a tropical beach.

Additionally, Uranus (inspiration) and Neptune (ideals) sit in constructive and disorienting angles, respectively, to the North and South Nodes (the life destiny points). Zing, zing! We may hear from somebody that they absolutely, positively love our work and will cut a check, but then have to rethink it because they forgot they first had to pay another bill. Or the roadblocks to long-considered projects suddenly disappear.

The May 20^th Solar Eclipse in Gemini is also beginning to make itself felt, as communications seem to speed up, if not in a resolved fashion. And the Uranus square Pluto aspect, the energetic cause for the revolutionary vs. reactionary turmoil in the world, is also affecting us as it gets very close to its exact 90 degree angle in the heavens. This is “change-or-else” energy.

The week begins with an edgy and impatient energy on Monday as Mars (forceful energy) and Uranus (sudden change) sit in a touchy angle to each other. Create quietude if possible. We have just come out a powerful Full Moon and our consciousness may still be trying to reorient itself.

Tuesday is more constructive with the Moon making fortunate aspects to Venus (love/harmony) and Saturn (work/focus). The Moon enters the sober sign of Capricorn in the evening and Mercury (communication) enters Taurus. It feels like a time for quiet loving.

Wednesday is The Day After. No, not the Jason Robards movie, although someone could go all nuclear today. It’s just that desires are strong and you’re either on the bus or off the bus. A non-compromising day, full of intensity. The top may blow off a government secret today. Yet another sex scandal? Certainly we’ll hear the blame game again.

Thursday is more like it. Productive and connective, this could be the day to schedule that meeting to arrange for movie funding. Mercury (words) and Neptune (intuition/ideals) connect up and have a glass of wine today.

Friday is the day to consider all the implications of what you’ve said. Excellent for bringing through that poem that’s been stuck in your craw. Detached but committed is the watchword today.

Saturday is like seeing “Star Wars” for the first time. Excitable energy abounds with a rebellious streak and possible conflict around every corner. Yet a Grand Trine in Air Signs (Moon/Venus/Saturn in Aquarius/Gemini/Libra, respectively) makes for a fun time anyway.

Speaking of which, on Sunday comes the annual Sun conjunct Jupiter aspect, which tends to make things feel good and look larger than life. Though not without complications, the day is about seeing the big picture and enjoying the ride. Jupiter, nicknamed Jove, is where we get the term jovial— to be happy. Beach party! Invite Frankie and Annette!

Here’s the groovy forecast for each bitchin’ sign, man.

ARIES (March 20-April 19): You feel like riding a horse at full gallop, but the critter has a different sense of speed than you. If you tug one way, it’ll want to go the other. So relax a bit and find your center, because this week you can have a fun ride, but nothing is going to obey your every command. This includes your money flow, which should be a major point of focus now.

TAURUS (April 20-May 19): It’s a squishy week for you, where the ground feels spongy to your touch. This means you will have a soft fall if anything untoward happens. And it might. You could get lazy now, but it’ll cause problems. But resist the Astro-Turf approach to life. With the weekend’s lotto-winning Sun-Jupiter conjunction occurring in your sign, don’t let lack of motivation be your issue.

GEMINI (May 20-June 19): You’re in front of an open doorway, but just standing there looking at it. Why? Are you afraid of what might be on the other side? There’s only one way to find out, you know. Venus about to station in your sign is like a plush toy that someone gives you as a gift. It’s fun and distracting (and may well be human), but it’s not the key to your destiny. Still, this can be one of your life’s more enjoyable moments if you can walk and caress at the same time.

CANCER (June 20-July 19): This week seems like a lot of work until you realize how much you’re enjoying it. People give you deserved props now and you can take this status and run with it. It’s like finding out that Aunt Katherine’s fabulous diamond broach really was in the bottom of the box she gave you. In other words, your sense of pleasure is heightened now. And there may well be more goodies in that box. What was the name of that old love that got away?

LEO (July 20-August 19): It’s hard to think of something you enjoy more than being the center of attention, and this week, you don’t have to worry about it. By the weekend, your sense of accomplishment overrides any puny considerations like humility. The glittery sheen comes encased in solid greenbacks if you play your cards right. And you’re not a gambler for nothing. Smooth words and enjoyable friends pad your seat in the saloon.

VIRGO (August 20-September 19): You like to work hard and then complain about it. This week, you can tear up those complaint forms. All those planets in Earth Signs water your garden with enjoyable foci for your energy. In fact, a blossoming of your personal life is not out of the question. Could even be an established figure or authority. I’d check the nutrients in the soil you’re using because this could be a fertile time for your ambitions. Just use the correct amount of water, meaning emotion.

LIBRA (September 20-October 19): Walter Cronkite was wrong: it’s not the week that was, it’s the week that can be. This is not the time to quit and take off on a new track, though it may appear that way. Potential, not history, is the ingredient that makes this week a real meal for you. Venus, your ruling planet, slows down and sits—juicy and waiting—in front of you, like a figure in a Pre-Raphaelite painting. What will you do with this lush vision? If I were you, I’d simply reach for it.

SCORPIO (October 20-November 19): Water and Earth together make mud, and this week might seem muddy to you, but for the fact that mud is so conducive to life. This is a “Can’t believe I’m getting so much done” sort of time, where the energy makes something out of nothing seemingly by magic. It’s really the Sun-Jupiter conjunction in your opposite sign, so partnerships of all kinds are positively accentuated. See? Mud pies can be good for you!

SAGITTARIUS (November 20-December 19): This week is like you sweeping the floor of your office: it’s not your job, but doing it anyway puts you in line for a promotion because you come off well in the eyes of those who count. Good karma, in other words, works to your benefit this week. A giving attitude now gets you get love and snuggly moments, too. Someone might be annoyed with your work, but it’s simply because you’re looking so good right now.

CAPRICORN (December 20-January 19): The Grand Trine in Earth Signs this week means that your general soberness is lightened up considerably. Cirque du Soleil might not invite you to audition, but if there’s a chandelier handy, swinging from it may be good for you. Sun-Jupiter conjunction puts the emphasis on your feelings, not your usual focus. The fullness of your wallet and productivity are not diminished, and in fact may be increased. There are worse things to be than joyful. One of them is to be head-heavy.

AQUARIUS (January 20-February 19): When is the best time to hug a tree? The answer for you is: Right now! Trees are beings that grow slowly and last a long time. They give forth beauty and life energy and never eat the fruits of their own labors. In fact, they don’t even think about it. A tree is what you need to take into your consciousness this week. Dig deep, plant some roots in your mind or life that will grow into sturdiness, and expect a lot of love to be shown you as long as you don’t demand it. Heartfelt communion is the keynote for you this week.

PISCES (February 20-March 19): People get paid megabucks to talk about success in business. Maybe you should talk about how to dream. Not for business purposes, but just to imagine. This is a dreamy week for you with a possible wake-up call or two thrown in. You may come home and discover a mermaid is living in your bathtub—which would certainly please a Water Sign. How do you keep her there? Speak to her of your inmost dreams. And also do it for others this week.

NEXT WEEK: Venus, the planet of love, money and pleasure stands still and smiles. Glamour, glitz, desire and money! An emphasis on beauty! And that’s just around George Clooney!