A: Financially speaking, people born under Taurus and Aries are just beginning to get back up on their feet again. Things really went south for Aries in spring 2001 and are just starting to recover now. (Aries, Al Gore is a perfect example of the rebirth this sign is currently undergoing.) Taureans have experienced slow financial growth since 2005 due to Saturn's depressing energies, but this will improve when the planet changes zodiac signs in September 2007.

I think it's important to do some rethinking about finances. When people go through a rough phase like this, it's easy to focus more on conserving rather than expanding. Moreover, you Taureans and Aries can be very single-minded in your approach, which is great for toughing out bad times but doesn't exactly foster growth.

This is a great time for you and your husband to meet with a financial adviser or research different ways to put your money to work. Instead of concentrating so much on where you think you should be, really maximize what you already have. Play around with the pieces a bit and you'll find you can do more with what you think is less.

Q: I'm a Cancer (born 6/24/65) married to a Virgo (born 9/6/60) for almost 21 years now and find myself very unhappy. We have two children, ages 14 and 11, and I'm not sure our relationship is healthy or happy for anyone involved. Do you have any insight on this? —Beth, OH

A: Boy, are these two stressed-out horoscopes! You're both experiencing some really difficult planetary energies, so it would be a miracle to get through the day without arguing. Thankfully this won't last forever.

Ironically, your greatest strength is your weakness now, and that's the close bond you and your husband share. In good times, this allowed you to read each other's moods, fill in sentences and know exactly what the other one would do before they did it. Now that you're both feeling under so much pressure from the planets, you're pushing each other's emotional buttons, escalating arguments and refusing to back off when you know you should. You're more into getting a rise out of one another than being in each other's corner.

So how can you change course? Begin with some ground rules, like no fighting in front of the kids. It's a tall order, but it's good mental discipline because it teaches self-control and forces you to focus on your relationship. Next is marriage counseling. Believe it or not, you have a strong marriage — it's just going through a really bumpy time (watch out for March and September — those are your most temperamental times of year through 2008). I think with some outside help you can make your marriage work, because you two really are the best of friends.

Q: I am struggling to find my place in the world. My heart wants to be happy, but my mind messes things up. I recently recovered from an accident, then got laid off from my job. Any advice? (My birthday is 11/25/75.) —Liz, PA

My feeling is that your recent trials are like calling cards from your higher purpose. They're meant to get you off a lower path and put you on a higher one — which happens a lot to spiritual people like you. And this path doesn't have to be religious. You might go to work for a philanthropic organization or get involved in some kind of outreach program that helps those who are less fortunate. You do very well in a group and feel vitalized standing shoulder to shoulder with others who are likewise committed to changing things for the better.

August 2007 through January 2008 is when I see you finding your place in the world. It won't be what you expect, but you'll know that it's right when you're in it.