The Aesthete

A Star is Born

The universe presents a birthday gift to Taurus as the sign begins its first week, while everyone benefits from an alliance of the Sun and Mars on the 23rd (April 23-29)

by Shelley L. Ackerman

“Can it be that we were all so simple then, or has time rewritten every line?”

Though most reading this column have quite a ways to go before reaching 70, many of us do vividly remember LaStreisand’s early years as the Brooklyn-born big-nosed show-business rookie with gumption, confidence, and talent who exploded on the world stage, turning Broadway and the music world on its ears.

I was a little grade-schooler in December 1962 when Barbra first appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show (a little more than a year before The Beatles). And halfway through “My Coloring Book", my mother said, “She’s gonna be somebody”. Mother was right.

Streisand is a Taurus with Aries rising and the Moon in Leo. She has Mars and Jupiter tightly conjoined in Gemini, hence her proficiency with words, language in general, and very fast thinking. Celestially speaking, Barbra is very bright.  In those early years I hung on her every word, read every interview, and was deeply inspired by her integrity and unwillingness to give anything less than 2,000 per cent.

Few popular artists are willing to subject themselves to the changing musical and aesthetic tastes of the masses. And by late 1970/early 1971, Streisand released Stoney End, and album that indicated she wasn’t about to be left behind. And as far as her career and bank account is concerned, in true-to form Taurus fashion, Streisand has trumped nearly everyone else. So, Happy Birthday Dear Ms Streisand, and thanks for everything.

This week there's great mojo for ALL star-kids on Monday April 23rd, as the Sun and Mars form an alliance and everyone benefits. And speaking of benefits, The Board of Trustees of Carnegie Hall is honoring NY’s Living Landmark, Bill Cunningham on April 23rd. Held at The Waldorf Hotel, proceeds will benefit the music education and community programs of Carnegie Hall's Weill Music Institute.

Other missives for the week? Avoid battles of will on the 25th (why invest in an argument you can’t win)? And err on the side of caution when driving, crossing the street, or taking public transportation.

Spin lead into gold as you tap into the available benevolence and muscle of co-workers who are willing to pitch in for whatever you need to get you wherever you need to go. As long as you’re up for reciprocating (which actually could be fun), no request will be denied. There’s fantastic potential here work-wise and career-wise. The only thing to watch for is saying the wrong thing at the wrong time. As far as your mouth goes: Less is more- especially on the 25th. If a boss or a parent calls that morning, let it go to voicemail and hold off on replying to e-mails until that evening. 

ARIES DO’S/DON’TS: Exercise your brave, independent-thinking at the American Mavericks exhibit celebrating the music of innovative composers at The Rose Museum at Carnegie Hall. Before leaving the house this week, double check that you have everything you need for the day; no one wants to be that guy looking for their MetroCard while standing in the subway turnstile.

As the week begins, encouragement, motivation, and energizing support along practical lines are yours for the taking. What more could you want? Sure, relax if you like, and simply enjoy the feel-good vibe, but if it were me, I’d use this gift from the universe and knock a dozen things off of my to-do list. Speak with women in-the-know on the night of the 24th, one or more may be able to further you financially.

TAURUS DO’S/DON’TS: On the 25th, indulge your ears with the 92nd Street Y’s presentation Kurt Elling Swings Sinatra, celebrating the 50th anniversary album release of Old Blue Eyes’ Live in Paris. This week do not try to solve the allusive riddle of your universe. The big answers just aren’t there right now and there are better things you could be doing… like following the new La Superior taco truck around Brooklyn.

 A lot can get done when we put our egos aside and are cool with being on the sidelines or even slightly invisible for a while. As a matter of fact, if you play your cards right this week, a solution to a long-standing dilemma (that you thought unsolvable) will appear out of nowhere. There may be an inability to control the general conversation on April 25th, but in the scheme of things, it’s a small price to pay.

GEMINI DO’S/DON’TS: On the 28th, check out the Broadway Malls walking tour which is right up your city-scape lovin’ alley. Slap on your Toms or Converses and amble up from 70th Street till 168th Street. However, as much as we all love Instagram (admittedly, regardless of who owns it), check your iPad and iPhone or else you’ll ruin the experience for yourself. 

You’ve been cooped up long enough (whether literally or metaphorically) and you have permission from the planetary council to set yourself free. The timing’s right as it’s a good week for running around and catching up with friends, cohorts and even siblings (limit yourself to the congenial well-behaved ones). But if you feel company is slowing you down, by all means ditch them. The most important thing is for you to honor your own rhythm especially on the 23rd. 

CANCER DO’S/DON’TS: What Cancerian isn’t involved in some family drama at least 90% of the time? Scope out The Lyons, a Vineyard Theatre play centered on the disjoined Lyons family that echoes with your family woes. However, on the 25th your partner or best friend’s negative spin on a presentation you’ve labored over will derail you. Opt to show them your work when they break out of their crummy mood.

 The Sun is at the top of your chart and you, being the super-solar type that you are, are indeed the star of the show. The added bonus this week: your supporting cast ain’t too bad either. Fire signs get extra economic oomph on the 23rd and you could cash in big time as long as you resist the temptation to share your private stock with people who have no business knowing yours.

LEO DO’S/DON’TS: On the eve of April 28th, honor your ruling planet the Sun by seeing Here Comes the Sun: The Spiritual and Musical Journey of George Harrison at The Open Center. In the meantime, avoid finalizing your summer travel plans. Your unknown upcoming work demands and shifting schedule will force you to re-book. You will be so POed if that Adirondack Tubing Adventures Groupon expires before you can use it. 

Do you require an engraved invitation to get off your duff and stake a claim for that which you want so badly? The first months of 2012 served as a clear primer on the difference between blind aggression and (civilized) assertion. Aggression often antagonizes and provokes but assertion is healthy and needed to survive and thrive in this and every other jungle. The idea or project you’re ruminating about is big and when implemented could transform the fabric of your life. Keep the details to yourself for now, and hold off on discussing with a romantic interest (or offspring) till after the 26th.

VIRGO DO’S/DON’TS: You are by nature a pet-lover so you’ll love the Animal Care and Control of NYC pet adoption event on April 29th. While there, be sure you do not pick up every stray (pets and people alike); you’re already overloaded in that department. 

If you’ve wondered where all of your energy is going and why afternoon siestas are suddenly so appealing it’s because you’re processing so much in the way of challenging content from a very deep place. That’s somewhat offset on the eve of the 24th when the Moon and Venus cheer up your 9th house, making it easier for you to interpret what’s going on from a big-picture long-term perspective, which changes things a little. Know that despite all, there is a plan and there’s evidence that providence is at work- and in your favor.

LIBRA DO’S/DON’TS: When you feel weighed down with countless burdens, buy tickets to a production of The Gazillion Bubble Show where specialists manipulate bubbles with lasers and light for a mind-blowing effect. Avoid a get-together with your family and partner until after the 26th.

 “Spirit of cooperation”, “Fellowship among men” “Teammates you can depend on” Are these phrases that typically come out of the mouths of Scorpios? No way! However, this week (especially on Monday) there’s a lot of practical good will out there for you to build upon. All Scorpios have trust issues (okay, you’re right more than half the time), but every now and then you should give it a rest. C’mon, admit it: haven’t you felt a bit more blessed than usual by your peeps? 

SCORPIO DO’S/DON’TS: Your fascination with mechanics, covert operations and inner workings mean you’ll love The Greatest Grid: The Master Plan of Manhattan exhibit at The Museum of the City. The exhibit celebrates the 200th anniversary of the foundational document that first dictated Manhattan’s grid-system. Do not pull a Mad Men’s Pete Campbell, lurking in the bushes and pouncing on a neighbor’s maid, au pair or houseboy. You will get caught, inevitably opening yourself up for a wave of NY Post headline Radiohead Creep puns. 

Though you may long to take off and enjoy the benefits of membership in the Mile High Club (and who doesn’t?) best to stick closer to earth, and take advantage of the superb career mojo this week. Just about every obstacle can be overcome and alliances formed based on genuine appreciation of what each brings to the party. At the moment, higher ups are coming from a place of decisiveness and integrity (‘tis about time!) encouraging you to give more. Not quite as good as the mile-high club, but almost.

SAGITTARIUS DO’S/DON’TS: Inquiring, “How’s the weather?” a Sagittarian always asks from the existential perspective of their soul, unlike New York manners expert Emily Post who gibes, “It would seem the variability of the weather was purposefully devised to furnish mankind with unfailing material for conversation.” No, for you, the weather informs many things including the quality of your organic food so partake in a community garden club. Budget your money and don’t overindulge your partner or woo a potential boss with material goods. Your merit stands its own. 

 Even when times are great, being a Capricorn is no walk in the park. You’re always watching the clock and the ever-present demands of your ruling planet, Saturn, make it next to impossible to “leave your post” so to speak and to run off and play with the rest of the gang with total abandon. Pluto in your sign (a long haul situation -through 2023/24 to be precise), amplifies the power of your intensity all the more. This week, be mindful of not crushing a family member’s hopes and dreams with a single dismissive glance.

CAPRICORN DO’S/DON’TS: Step off your soapbox this week. You’re hovering just above the unwanted-subway-whack-job-orator level and your audience needs a break. Instead, take in the New York Public Library exhibit Photography and Ruin that explores themes of the ephemeral and decay in photography. You’ll honor Pluto in your sign with your attendance.

 If you had your druthers, money would never be a part of any equation. That’s not to say that you don’t want to be comfortable, but dealing with the stuff is a major hassle. That being said, there’s good news this week regarding keeping body and soul together, which for better or worse (on the earth plane), requires keeping current with currency. And besides, you always find good use and worthy causes with which to share the wealth. 

AQUARIUS DO’S/DON’TS: Speaking of dollars and cents, re-examine the whole fiscal system at the exhibit Money: A History at The Museum of American Finance-- which is only a few blocks away from Zuccotti Park just to complete the experience. Do not write a series of checks until the ones you personally deposit clear your bank. I’m serious.

 Recognizing and sympathetic to your sensitivity (heightened since Neptune went into Pisces in February), and somehow able to help you articulate what it is you really want to say, a partner or significant other is up for being very pro-active on your behalf. And while his/her sudden chivalry and sense of responsibility may surprise you, do take them up on it. Besides, haven’t you always been the one protecting their butt?

PISCES DO’S/DON’TS: If you are scrounging up money for the Bill Cunningham Tribute and still falling short, slip onto the subway and visit the New York Aquarium and sea lions. Hold off on proposing an innovative, kick-ass idea to a group until later in the week. A stick in the mud manager or team member with pull is poised to flatten your brainchild. “Nay” becomes “Yay” after the 26th and your nugget could grow to be genius idea.