The Aesthete

Scents and Sensibility

On the mighty cusp of Aries and Taurus, Mercury charges into Aries and the New Moon welcomes Earth Day (April 16 to 22)

by Shelley L. Ackerman

It is oh so chic to say, “I was born on the cusp” as if that in of itself makes one astrologically superior or more interesting than anyone else (this astrologer believes that ALL charts are special). However, there are certain cusps that seem to manifest as consistently more powerful than others.

The last days of Aries (April 16-19) and the first week of Taurus (April 20-24) certainly fits the bill, with Charles Chaplin, Barbra Streisand, Hitler, Shakespeare and numerous others born within that eight day span. And on April 22, 2012, Jack Nicholson, one of Hollywood’s enduring giants will turn 75. Gulp.

What is it about the sign of the bull that makes for such potential exceptionalism in so many areas? Whether it be Bernie Madoff (exceptional greed), Jay Leno (exceptional staying power), Jerry Seinfeld (exceptional business acumen), Shirley Temple (what other five year old could have saved a movie studio at the height of a Depression?), Sigmund Freud (who altered our understanding of the human psyche), or Orson Welles (did the 24-year-old director of Citizen Kane even need an introduction?), Taurus’ capacity for excess, size, and the ability to harness talent and build upon it, is matched by no other zodiac sign. 

Taurus is a fixed earth sign whose themes revolve around desire, hunger, satiation, beauty, resources, values, and the longing for sensual comfort and pleasure. In an individual’s horoscope, wherever Taurus is located, is where there’s a potential “abbondanza” (abundance).

In the northern hemisphere, Taurus month is when everything blooms and the earth’s lush beauty comes to the surface for all to enjoy. Serendipitously (or not), the very first Earth Day was established during the first week of Taurus in 1970, and has been celebrated on April 22nd every year since.

It is astrologically fitting to do our part for Mother Earth on Earth Day itself so on Sunday 4/22, NYC SAFE (Solvents, Automotive, Flammables, Electronics) Disposal Events will hold the first of five events (one in each borough) to provide a place for us to unload everything from old PC’s cell phones, printers, you name it. Between 10 AM-4 PM on April 22, bring proof of NYC residency and head over to Union Square with your soon-to-be ex stuff.

For more info visit NYC Waste Less.

NOTE: Wherever this Taurus new moon falls in YOUR horoscope, is where you may experience a new fire lit this week with strong potential for illumination and growth. 

 If since March 23rd, you’ve felt the confining sensation of invisible duct tape over your mouth, you haven’t been imagining things. Mercury, that trickster planet of words, thoughts, and motion has been lurking to and fro in your 12th house of held-back energy. But on the 16th, it will re-enter your sign with vigor and you’ll be silent no more! If you can embrace the concept of stability and adhere to more of a routine, the new moon on the 21st does bode well for the financials.

ARIES DO’S and DON’TS: Usually you can control your rage against people who irritate you to no end by standing on the left side of the escalator or walking three across on the Village’s narrow sidewalks. On the 22nd, take extra care to keep biting your tongue; you will regret verbally detonating on your unfortunate, earshot victims. Instead channel your aggression and pent up frustration with a kick-boxing class. 

It may seem as though for the first three and a half months of 2012 you’ve been biding your time, waiting for the perfect moment to metaphorically toss your hat in the ring, but wait no more. The new moon on the 21st has all the right stuff for the perfect coming out party. So channel your inner Christina Hendricks (or George Clooney as the case may be), put your voice and presence out there, and "Sing out Louise." If, over the weekend (4/22) you’re restless at night, keep a pen and pad handy: “messages” are trying to get through.  

TAURUS DO’S and DON'TS: This week, indulge all your senses! Take a sweet whiff of the scent-sational perfumes at Bond No. 9. Also, ride out this wave of positive new moon energy by spending time with people you love. Why are you frittering away your time at after-work drinks with your human resources department; they’re not nearly as fun gossips as you’d hoped.

Sparks fly literally and figuratively next weekend when the chatter amongst your friends, teammates and other assorted nearest and dearest heats up to Fahrenheit 451 levels. And as inspired as you may be by the possibilities put forth for future goals and ventures, know that these too fall into the "1 per cent inspiration – 99 per cent perspiration" model as does anything of value.

GEMINI DO’S and DON’TS:  Take in The Other Side of the Rainbow—the difficult-to-watch-but-harder-to-tear-away-from play of Judy Garland (who would have been 90 this year) and her tragic downfall. If you are later enthusiastically relaying this play to people—likely gesticulating wildly in a small, crowded bar with open flames like The Room SoHo—just remember: Check yourself before your wreck yourself.

So what if it’s a cliché? Fact is, there’s a new dawn/new day scenario at hand in which seeing the glass half-full (rather than bitching about how empty it is) is imperative. The April 21st new moon in your communal 11th house speaks of substantial new friendship(s) based on shared aesthetics, values, and solid goals for the future. This consortium has both staying power and building power so choose these folks wisely. Professionally, a true flash of a vision as to what’s next is downloaded on the 22nd. It’s very exciting but will need slow and careful shaping and refining.

CANCER DO’S and DON’TS: You are in a wonderful fit of silly time! But instead of giggling alone to the #WhatShouldWeCallMe archives, break away from your computer and see The Three Stooges which stars fellow Cancer Sean “Just Jack” Hayes. Getting out will also keep you from becoming Larry David and terrorizing your neighbor with your knit picking. People in New York never get to know their neighbors; how did you end up making an enemy of yours?

Ready for a ticket to greener pastures and then some? As anchored as you are in a particular mindset or philosophy, know that it may morph into a new and improved version in a heartbeat. An idea that flashed in your mind on or, about, March 5th returns more intently and is ready to be seized and implemented. The timing is perfect! Career deliverance is nigh on the April 21st, with the auspicious 10th house new moon. Your audience is clamoring for the revised content you’re about to provide.

LEO DO’S and DON’TS: Check out some political theater like The Columnist starring John Lithgow as Joseph Alsop, a political columnist during the 60s in Washington DC. However, don’t delete-delete-delete your e-mails or voicemails too hastily as you might miss something important. 

Now that Mars is moving forward in your sign, you’re gathering the strength and momentum necessary to resume your special task of improving the world one tiny detail at a time. It’s a tough job but somebody’s gotta do it. The new moon in your legal-eagle 9th house of big ideas, is in sync with Venus in your 10th house of vocational victories. A deserved win is at hand, one that will make late spring and summer 2012 that much sweeter.

VIRGO DO’S/DON’TS: Transform your shirts, blouses and jackets with new buttons at the Upper East Side townhouse store and Virgo’s dream come true Tender Buttons. However, avoid reaming out your financial institution or accountant’s for a mini screw-up. The problem will be rectified but you will become water-cooler talk as, “The client who pulled the human equivalent of an Alec Baldwin Twitter rant.”

So much to process, so little time. Responding to the demands of Saturn in your sign and Mars rummaging in and around your 12th house of what lurks beneath the surface at the same time is a tall order and you may be fraying at the edges. Hang in there and know that on a soul-level you signed up for this insanely accelerated cycle of extreme growth. Can the financial backing that you’ve longed for be on its way? Sure could, especially in light of the clarity and resolve you’ve recently acquired. Your challenge is to align yourself with the proper high-minded people and have all expectations and terms on the table (and healthy boundaries in place) before it’s a go.

LIBRA DO’S and DON’TS:  You’ve been burning the candle at both ends and now is the time to reel it all in. Clean up your act with Victoria Moran’s bookMain Street Vegan who will guide you through a diet overhaul. Also, opt for a few nights in (by your lonesome) instead of dancing on banquettes at Boom Boom Room. It’s unhealthy. And unseemly.

Expect a new, livelier atmosphere, and some excitement at work with heated dialogue meant to inspire the rank and file. If things get too hot, play the referee only if you’re in a calm and impartial space. The April 21st lunation speaks of activity with liaisons and/or a significant other. No man (or woman) is an island and that includes YOU Scorpio. Try to amp up your cooperative spirit, it will only make your lot in life that much better.

SCORPIO DO’S and DON’TS: The new moon is in your Taurus-rule 7th house; celebrate by taking a date (either new or pre-existing) out for a nice dinner at Jack’s Wife Freda. Also, when someone breaks your gym’s courtesy 30-minute limit rule, don’t cause a scene. No one takes you seriously when you’re lecturing someone on social grace while wearing ill-fitting gym shorts with swamp-ass.

Like a bolt out of the blue, a spark reignites a romance (or delivers a fiery type to your doorstep) and/or a dazzling idea about where to go next creatively, revitalizes your entire outlook. These gifts deserve to be taken seriously and brought to fruition as one, or both, could be a game-changer! Echoing that same sentiment is the new moon in your 6th house of day-to-day routines. A new schedule, place of employment, and/or health regime is in the offing, one that jump starts your entire gestalt in a big and positive way.

SAGITTARIUS DO’S and DON’TS: Head to the Acorn Theatre for playwright David Rabe’s An Early History of Fire. You will be in your element with this one. Quit hanging out with draining shallow types who immediately fold in the face of philosophical debating. Really, Sagittarius, you need someone who can stand their ground and not become a crybaby.

With your ruler Saturn (in Libra) AND Pluto (in your sign) both in reverse, you’re working overtime on those inner planes and are literally in two places at once. And though your attention is divided, somehow you’re able to be as effective with no one being the wiser. You could use a tad more understanding from your kin, and the gumption required to state your case to family members is available so use it! As long as you’re being reasonable (and you are), it’s only fair that you receive the same cooperation that you give so freely (most of the time). The April 21 Taurus new moon in your 5th house of romance and artistic output is supremely encouraging. Perhaps time for a creative risk?

CAPRICORN DO’S and DON’TS: Venture into Chelsea for Mitch Epstein’s exhibit Great Trees at the Jenkins & Co. Gallery. This excursion will feed your inner oak-self. However, don’t force anyone who still says dated melodramatic things like, “I consider anything about 14th Street uptown” to come with you. They’re unadventurous and you’ll enjoy the outing more alone.

Expect the unexpected in your 'hood and watch where you’re going. Next weekend is NOT the time to space out or check emails while crossing the street. The April 21st new moon bodes nicely for creature comforts and for beautifying your abode. While you may not be able to fork over enough for a show-house like upgrade, you should be able to improve the visuals which will improve your mood.

AQUARIUS DO’S and DON’TS: An absolute-must attend, gossip legend Liz Smith will interview Bette Midler at the Cosmopolitan club on April 16th for the Maria Drose Counseling Services benefit. However, this is not the weekend to antagonize your neighbor with unnecessary noise or hammering. They’re on the edge as is through next weekend and you didn’t really know how to install that light fixture from Moon River Chantal anyway.

Economic ambitions get a boost at week’s end when Mercury and Uranus meet up in your 2nd house of earning power. Flashes of insight may "pop, pop, pop" so keep a little digital recorder handy as these fragments could go as quickly as they come. The new moon on the 21st serves up the potential for much better communication between yourself, a sibling, a cousin, and/or a neighbor. Carpe Diem! A new classy vehicle or mode of transportation is likely.

PISCES DO’S and DON'TS: Get a leg up and let the spirit move you at the Joyce Theater’s Ballet Hispanico’s Espiritu Vivo opening April 17th. Also don’t pressure your close friend or significant other to change. Instead, praise them for the little changes (however small) and adjust your expectations for progress—not perfection.