TODAY: Be aware: Current influences do not exactly lend themselves to people thinking things through or taking responsibility for their choices, which could generate some really, er, "fascinating" propositions. And since a few of these fascinating propositions could be run by you for your imprimatur, it’s up to you to determine whether your facts have a fighting chance of deterring the individual in question from doing something ludicrous.

YOUR BIRTHDAY: This year it’s both how you do it and who you do it with. So, despite any reservations that you may have (or could come up with, given a half a chance), if someone offers you an opportunity to step out of your normal arena and/or try something that you’ve wanted to do forever, seriously consider just saying yes - even if it isn’t totally organized yet.

Aries Monday, May 20, 2013 Should you suspect that someone is being intentionally unhelpful, you’re probably not too far off-base. Still, with Mercury snipping at controlling Pluto, this may not be the moment to bring it to their attention - unless you have some inexplicable desire to be sprayed with distortion, or hear a litany of barely plausible protestations. Taurus Monday, May 20, 2013 Sudden inability to articulate alert: If somebody rounds on you demanding “what did you mean by that?!” you may want to resort to the mumbling-into-your-chin maneuver. Potent and provocative Pluto is now sassing Mercury, and the askee is just waiting for you to repeat yourself so they can pounce on you. Gemini Monday, May 20, 2013 Even if a business or social proposition came highly recommended: If it doesn’t feel right, or is no longer serving its purpose, the irritation between CEO Mercury and Pluto suggests that you might want to start prepping an exit strategy in the privacy of your own mind – the key words here being “privacy,” "of," “your,” “own,” and “mind.” Cancer Monday, May 20, 2013 If a responsibility that seemed perfectly reasonable when you first assumed it is making you feel like you an ox pulling a heavily laden cart up hill on a swelteringly humid day – or is otherwise beginning to wear a little thin – kiss it goodbye. Seriously, yes you really can, and yes, you really should. Leo Monday, May 20, 2013 See where you’ve landed and assess the area, situation or circumstances before making generalized annoucements regarding your views and feelings about it. Exercising restraint will minimize the risk of broadcasting statements that - while accurately reflecting your opinion of the moment - could shortly need to be denied, amended or spun to reflect your new and improved view. Virgo Monday, May 20, 2013 Try to skip saying “absolutely” if what you’re really thinking is “I’m not sure.” Articulate boss Mercury and influence-peddling Pluto aren’t on the best of terms, your perception of an arrangement could shift rapidly, and you will likely want as much wiggle room as you can possibly have should you abruptly decide to take your custom elsewhere. Libra Monday, May 20, 2013 If you’re on the verge of making a generous offer that entails you doing a lot of work and somebody else benefiting from your labors: If at all possible, hold off until Sunday. You should have a much better sense of how you really feel then – and yup, this pertains even if you’re positive that you’re sure now. Scorpio Monday, May 20, 2013 Focus on the aspects of a setup that function or – if we’re scraping the bottom of the barrel – that are serviceable or can be tolerated. Mercury-Chief Pluto says: You’ll be in a better mood and get farther along with your undertaking than you would by concentrating on the assorted bits that have yet to fall into place. Sagittarius Monday, May 20, 2013 Tread with some care. Mercury is perturbing bossy Pluto, and you could unwittingly be marching right into the middle of a power play that – while probably having little or nothing to do with you, your existence or anything that you recently did or said – is unlikely to be improved by your availability or participation. Capricorn Monday, May 20, 2013 If somebody offers you (another) ride on their emotional roller coaster, does good breeding dictate that you’re obliged to accompany them - or can you just say no? Yes, people love company, and frequently don’t have as much fun unescorted, but carefully consider anyway before doing someone a favor and accepting their invitation. Aquarius Monday, May 20, 2013 You’ll make your point more credibly and classily if you patiently suggest that another reconsider their approach – and then promptly propose a new and improved one. Despite the goading of Mercury and Pluto, snapping at somebody (or being glacial and withering) over a creative, professional, emotional or charitable matter isn’t the answer, even if they do deserve it. Pisces Monday, May 20, 2013 Don't sign on to a set-up, project or affiliation that barely gets your pulse racing just because you don’t have anything better to do, or you don’t dare aim your sights too high lest you be disappointed. Intellectual Mercury is vexing Pluto, and what seems marginal or boring now could be a serious drag-o-rama when it actually begins.