Aries – The Ram – March 20 to April 20
Now would be a good time to take a step back and review the projects you’ve been working on over the past six months, discarding those elements that haven’t worked out well–or perhaps changing course slightly in order to be more effective. This would also be an excellent time to undertake a new project–or projects–as you will have lots of nervous energy at the start of the month that you need to burn off. While embarking on new projects would certainly be one way to accomplish this, you might want to consider going to the gym or getting some other form of exercise; otherwise, the boundless energy that you will experience during the opening weeks of the month may very well manifest in the form of an explosive temper. Try to avoid conflicts with band members and colleagues during this period, as you might not be in any mood to be diplomatic. Happily, at the end of the month your energy will be more in balance, and your one-to-one interactions should go more smoothly.

Taurus – The Bull – April 21 to May 21
While October might not be the best time for getting a new project off the ground, your energy will be high at the start of the month. So this is an excellent time to put your nose to the grindstone; you will be able to make significant progress in moving forward on that new piece or set of songs you’ve been working on. You will have the ability to concentrate and be more disciplined than usual, particularly during the opening weeks of the month. Your interactions with colleagues and band members will normally be smooth for much of October. Avoid conflicts towards the end of the month, however, when you will more likely than not be talking at cross purposes with others.

Gemini – The Twins – May 22 to June 22
Issues relating to work as well as other aspects of your life will flow quite smoothly in October for most of you, but be on the lookout for communication problems with colleagues and friends at the start of the month. Be careful that you don’t unintentionally hurt anyone’s feelings, as there is an energy present which makes this likely.

A favorable contact with Neptune, the ruler of music, should give you inspiration and creative drive this month; but be sure to make an effort to keep your appointment with the muse, because discipline is not likely to be your strong point, especially for those of you born between 12-22 June. Your energy and drive may be low during most of October, but don’t worry: it will pick up again by the month’s end.

Cancer – The Crab-June 23 to July 22
You may find that you are experiencing challenges of some kind to your projects, especially the ones you started around the time of your birthday–and if not to your musical projects, then perhaps in other areas of your life. If this is the case, remember that this is part of natural rhythm of things, and that your mission this month will be to meet these challenges and readjust your course accordingly. The good news is that you will be well-equipped to do so, because the planet Mars is currently transiting through your sign. You’ll have lots of energy during the first few weeks of October, which you can put to good use. In fact, the symbolism surrounding Mars being in your sign suggests an important beginning of a new 2-year cycle in your life and work. This is an excellent time to start a completely new project, preferably one in which you will given the lion’s share of credit. You already are, or quite shortly will be, positively bursting with energy, and it is important at this time to find an outlet for it–if not with work-related projects, then at least by going to the gym regularly to work out, or engaging in some other form of physical activity. Interaction with the band or colleagues and friends should go smoothly at the start of the month, but could become a bit dicey in the weeks that follow–so be on the lookout against talking at cross-purposes with others during this period.

Leo – The Lion – July 23rd to August 22
The month of October would be a good time to briefly review the projects you’ve been working on this year and make any decisions necessary to significantly advance them forward. This will take a bit of effort on your part because your energy level may not be at its highest, and you won’t be feeling very disciplined. That being said, a contact with Jupiter and Neptune–which rule music–makes October a particularly fertile time of the year as far as creativity is concerned.

The important thing to remember this month is that it will be necessary to do yourself a favor by self-administering a firm kick in the butt; once you get things moving, you are very likely to find yourself working quite well, putting the finishing touches on those songs and compositions.

October will be a good time for networking and socializing, particularly at the start of the month. Be sure to get out there and make the connections you need to ensure you have plenty of work for the year ahead.

Virgo – The Virgin – August 23rd to September 22
As I mentioned in my last column, Saturn has been transiting the sign of Virgo for the last two years, and this has been a fairly difficult period at one time or another for many of you. Saturn symbolizes the great teacher in astrology, and he has a bad rep because he is often associated with painful experiences. The purpose of these experiences is to restructure one’s conscious mind in order to help one break out of unhelpful behavioral patterns that are no longer needed. Unfortunately, most of us need a kick in the butt to break out of negative behavioral patterns, and Saturn does this by creating seemingly external life situations with the short-term effect of making it appear that the roof is falling down on our heads! Your mission is to cope with these situations, which can occur in any arena of life-–love, work, home, or family-–and learn a heck of a lot through doing so, the only problem being that we do not usually appreciate these lessons while we are going through them. The trick to this is to not resist what Saturn has to teach us, but to go with the flow–kind of in the way Aikido works. While it’s true that these lessons are usually not at all pleasant, the good news is that Saturn goes out of Virgo and into Libra on 30 October! So Virgos take heart; good times will be back again quite soon

Libra – The Scales – September 23 to October 22
It’s around the time of your birthday and is the beginning of a year-long cycle, a time of beginnings. Be sure to take the time to evaluate what has happened over the past year and start to formulate your goals for the year ahead on that basis. A favorable transit to Neptune, which rules music, gives you a direct channel to your creative energies; so be sure to take advantage of this, particularly those of you born between the 11th and 18th of October.

Communication with your band or colleagues might be a bit touchy at times, and you will probably find that you need to make an adjustment of some sort in relation to your work, possibly comprising a change of direction. But things should clear up by the month’s end, and relationships with others will also start to go more smoothly.

Scorpio – The Scorpion – October 23 to November 22
Your energy and capacity to work will be up during the first half of the month. The only problem is that you might either find it difficult to get new projects off the ground, or make an adjustment of some kind with respect to your work. Happily, a benign contact with Saturn–which rules discipline, among other things–gives you the ability to burn the midnight oil and get the job done. Additionally, a highly favorable contact with Uranus gives you the ability to tap into unusually fertile grounds for new ideas. So keep plugging away. You’ll get there. If you are starting a new project, try to get it off the ground during the opening weeks of October, when your energy is higher.

Sagittarius – The Centaur – November 23 to December 22
October will be a month when you can get some work done, but you’ll need to roll up your sleeves and put a little elbow grease into things, because more likely than not you won’t feel very disciplined at the start of the month. Happily, once you manage to get that new project off the ground, your creative juices should flow quite smoothly. And thanks to a favorable contact with Jupiter and Neptune, which rules music, you’ll probably be amazed with the ideas you come up with .

If you’re having doubts about your current direction, don’t worry: this would be normal under current astrological influences. Just keep at it; with a little applied and consistent effort, it is certain that the goddess of music will bless you with creative inspiration. Communication with band members and colleagues tend to be at cross purposes at the start of the month, but will clear up in the weeks that follow–along with your ability to put your nose to the grindstone.

Capricorn – The Goat – December 23 to January 21
October will be a good period for Capricorns to take a bit of time out to review the projects they are currently working on, particularly any they may have started roughly around the time of their birthday. You may find that an adjustment or reorientation will have a beneficial effect on your work and provide a much-needed breath of fresh air, resulting in either a new, highly original direction, or at least a reorientation with respect to your original set of ideas. Accomplishing this will require a bit of effort on your part, however, and during October you’ll need to consistently apply yourself to the matters at hand. Fortunately, discipline will come easily to most of you throughout the month, due to a favorable contact with Saturn, which rules such things. Communication with the band or colleagues might be somewhat dicey at the month’s start, but things will lighten up significantly in the weeks that follow.

Aquarius – The Water Carrier – January 22 to February 20
For many of you, October will be a month when you will be able to accomplish much. The projects you are working on, particularly those that you started around roughly around the time of your birthday, should be off the ground by now and running smoothly. Your energy will be high, so try to get as much work accomplished during this period while this influence lasts. A conjunction in your sign with the planets Neptune–which rules music– and Jupiter–which carries symbolism that is highly benefic and expansive–allows you to delve deeply into the unconscious areas of your mind, tapping upon a treasure trove of potentially inspiring ideas. Discipline might be a bit spotty this month, so be sure to apply yourself in spite of this.

If there have been any tensions brewing in the band or with your colleagues, try to avoid letting them come to the surface at the start of the month. Communication will flow much more smoothly in the weeks that follow, and you will be feeling generally more well disposed to people.

Pisces – The Fish- February 21 to March 19
Your energy will be significantly up during the first three weeks of October. Ideas that you may have had last month are now going through a period of gestation. Continue to develop this work and don’t be daunted if the going gets tough at times. You’ll certainly have the energy to see things through, and you can look forward to a certain clarity with regard to your work as well as other aspects of your life by the time November rolls in.

This is a month where you’ll normally be focused on structural issue of all kinds, both in relation to your work and the creative process as well as other aspects of your life. It may be that you will encounter seemingly external situations that challenge these structures that you have built up in your mind. Should this occur, the solution is not to resist, but to simply go along with the flow to discover where it takes you. The purpose of this transit is to break you out of deeply rooted psychological patterns and ways of thinking that are no longer useful to you, and that you need to shed.

Aries – The Ram – March 20 to April 20

In any musical undertaking, there is a period of wild romance with an initial idea, direction, or style. After the energy of that love affair with a new sound starts to wear off, however, we generally begin a new period, one in which we develop the idea. While this can be dark and dirty work, it nevertheless has its discrete pleasures.

Ideas that you have had or projects that you have started over the past few months normally will have reached the development stage by now. This is not to say that you will not come up with a new idea or two this month, but rather that, at present, you are likely to be more focused on challenges or situations that will serve to test the validity of the projects, compositions, or songs that you have already initiated.

At the start of the month, you will probably feel a bit lazy about meeting these challenges. After all, initiating a project is much more fun than the sometimes boring and tedious process of seeing one through to its completion. Happily, you will have more energy and inspiration to put your nose to the grindstone toward the middle of the month: you will be able to make those necessary adjustments, get down to the nitty gritty of editing, and go back to the drawing board on those components that were not really working. At first, it will probably be difficult—a bit like being lost in a vast mountain forest. Fortunately, favorable aspects to Mercury give you the clarity of mind to heroically thrash your way out of the thickets, brush into the light, and ascend the mountain path to attain your goal!

Taurus – The Bull – April 21 to May 21

July has the potential of being a fruitful month, creatively speaking. All kinds of new ideas will flow freely, and your mind will be quite active. All too often, having cool ideas is one thing, but being able to reify them—to put them together in a way that is effective within the context of the song or composition that you are working on—is quite another. Happily, a favorable aspect to Saturn gives you the ability to ground these ideas to Earth, so to speak, and you will be able to find all kinds of practical applications for them. For those working collaboratively or within a group, you will be able to make a dynamic contribution, particularly during the opening weeks of the month when your energy will be high and your communication fluid.

For those born between 11-18 May, you will be experiencing an aspect to Neptune, Jupiter, and the planetoid Chiron, which, at present, occupy almost precisely the same longitudinal position in the sky. All of us feel a bit lost sometimes, wondering which direction to take next in our music or in our contribution to the work with our band. If you have been experiencing a crisis or difficulty of some kind recently, or if things simply have been a bit confusing, do not worry! This is a completely normal cycle that everyone goes through from time to time. Keep at it: you have all the tools you need this month to find your way. The key is to make the effort and not give up. The lessons that you learn now from applying yourself will last you for a long time to come. Find that new direction: you can do it!

Gemini – The Twins – May 22 to June 22

Creatively speaking, the going might be a bit tough at the start of the month, but as the saying goes: when the going gets tough, the tough get going! If you feel at all bored with what you are doing, or if the various projects you are working on have become somewhat stale; if you have been yearning for a change in direction or simply have been wanting to let a bit fresh air into the creative process, it is imperative to go for it at the start of the month.

It might be a bit discouraging, and the solutions to your quest will probably be elusive at first, but the important thing is to keep plugging away. If you apply yourself, consistently place yourself at your desk, and keep your appointment with the muse—even if it means staring at a blank page for the session or creating work that, in retrospect, seems sub par—your discipline will pay off! Do not give up! The music goddess will ultimately bless your efforts if you present yourself each day at her altar. Even if the solution does not present itself immediately, you can take comfort in knowing that, for each day that you work on the problem, you will supply your unconscious mind with the input and impressions it will use to resolve the problem while you move forward with new ideas. Favorable aspects to Mercury, Venus, and Mars suggest that everything will come together toward the month’s end, so best to start working now.

Cancer – The Crab – June 23 to July 22

You have had your birthday recently or will have it soon, which usually marks a period of beginnings. This is the time to review what you have accomplished this past year and start thinking about new things to do for the year to come. Normally, ideas for new projects or directions already will have been forming in your mind over the past two months or so; favorable aspects to Saturn suggest that July can be a month where you find it easier to whip those ideas into shape! With a bit of effort, you will be able to give them some structure.

Now is the time when you can truly get that new project up and running. Doing so will probably be easier if you start work at the beginning of the month, however, rather than putting it off. Aspects to a conjunct Mars and Venus give you the necessary initial energy that is required to get things moving. This energy has a tendency to fizzle out toward the end of the month, so you really owe it to yourself to get started now.

For those born between 13-20 July, a favorable aspect to Uranus suggests that this is an excellent time to engage in new activities of all kinds or to explore new directions in your work. For those of you who are single or are otherwise on the lookout for a new relationship, it is not out of the question that a love interest with an unusual person could occur at the start of the month. If it does, go for it! Besides being fun, doing so will very likely lead to useful self-discovery.

Leo – The Lion – July 23rd to August 22

The energies that are present this month favor two types of activities for Leo; the one that will manifest itself in your life depends on where you are in the development of your projects. In the next few weeks or so, a new cycle will start around the time of your birthday. Now, then, would be a good time to wrap up any outstanding projects, songs, or compositions and to tie up any loose ends in your life in preparation for the start of a new period of creativity.

On the other hand, if there are projects that you have started in the last month or so and you find the going somewhat tough at the moment, do not worry! Given present energies, this would be normal. You might find that you need to change course to some extent, but if you keep at it, you will eventually find your way. Although we start out with a plan of some sort in most creative endeavors, no matter how carefully we may have mapped things out, there usually comes a point when we find that we must throw out the map and simply follow our nose! Ignoring one’s nose in situations like these is something a musician does at his or her peril!

This is all to say that, creatively speaking, July might get off to a bumpy start, but if you can be flexible about changing your outlook and apply yourself diligently, things will clear up by the month’s end.

Virgo – The Virgin – August 23rd to September 22

It’s summertime! Energies for Virgo in July favor getting out and socializing, networking, and making new friends. You will be mentally alert. Your energy for most of the month will be high, and your work with colleagues will probably go smoothly because you will be feeling better than usual about yourself.

Now is a good time to review and evaluate the projects you have been working on this year to determine how they can be brought to a conclusion of some kind, perhaps examining their potential for future development in a way that you have not thought of before. Starting new short-term projects is also not out of the question, particularly if it represents a new direction for you or otherwise brings a breath of fresh air into your work.

Since Saturn is presently in Virgo, some of you might be feeling a bit restricted creatively. If this is the case, do not be overly concerned: the condition will pass. If you are feeling blocked, focus on resolving the problem areas of projects you have already begun rather than try to start something completely new. You know a lot more now than you did when you started them, and the purpose of this transit is to bring things to their culmination.

Libra – The Scales – September 23 to October 22

In any creative process, there is something like a curve of progression: it begins as a wild romance with an idea or sound, whose energy then carries us through a period of development with the idea, which finally reaches its baroque period—or even a period of decadence! At this last stage of the cycle, it is usually a good idea to begin looking for a new direction or sound.

During July, many Librans will be in the development phase of the cycle, a period when situations and events may come up that serve to challenge your usual notions of how to go about things, musical and otherwise. The purpose of these challenges is not to mindlessly make your life more difficult but rather to keep things fresh and to prevent ossification in your work. On the level of music, you may find that, in your approach to projects and/or colleagues, you need to change course or make an adjustment of some kind.

Should such situations arise this July, the key would be to face any challenge head on rather than attempt to avoid it. While this can be a bit stressful, you will be provided with the energy needed to confront and overcome any obstacles that you may encounter. Present influences are challenging you to act rather than simply endure seemingly negative situations. With a bit of effort and consistent application, a resolution will normally occur by the month’s end. The solution, once found, should work quite effectively.

Scorpio – The Scorpion – October 23 to November 22

Astrological energies are flowing smoothly for Scorpio this month. If the going has been somewhat rough in getting that new cycle of songs or those other projects off the ground, July is when everything somehow clicks together. You will be more disciplined than usual, finding yourself ready to roll up your sleeves and put your nose to the grindstone. You should definitely take advantage of this energy while it lasts!

If you have been feeling restless lately or have been looking for a new direction, now is a good time to go for it: you will be open to new ideas and experiences this month. If you are starting a new project, or have recently begun one, be sure to dive into it at the start of the month: aspects to Mars and Venus give you a thrust of creative energy to jumpstart things and get the ball rolling. In fact, this same aspect tends to stimulate the libido, and it may very well be that an unusual and attractive person will come into your life during the first half of July. If one does, by all means profit from it in whatever way you find appropriate to your situation and station in life!

A long-term aspect with Pluto, which is a slow-moving planet, offers an extended period of subtle energies at work that can help you make creative changes in your life. You may have opportunities to take on more power or responsibilities, or assume more authority in some way, but this is a subtle influence, and it could pass you by without anything significant happening unless you make a conscious effort to grab the chance. This is a good time to establish relationships with authority figures such as managers, record companies, or booking agents, for they may provide opportunities that you can use during this transit.

Sagittarius – The Centaur - November 23 to December 22

For most of you born under the sign of the Centaur, July is a month during which you want to continue developing the projects, ideas, or songs that you have already gotten off the ground. Alternatively, while working on other things, it could be a time when ideas are gestating in the back of your mind in preparation for later fruition. Starting completely new projects might be rough going, especially at the start of the month, because your energy will have a tendency to be on-again/off-again. Even if your projects get off to a rocky start, however, just keep at it and do not get discouraged. Consistent effort will pay off by the end of the month when aspects to Mars and Venus give you lots of energy, ideas, and the will to get stuff done!

For those of you working with a group or in other collaborative forms, if tensions have been building up in the band, the beginning of the month would be a good time to start airing them. You will certainly want to, but be careful not to lose your temper: your emotions might very well be volatile during this period! Any problems that have been festering can normally be successfully resolved by the month’s end, when Mercury goes into a favorable aspect with your Sun sign.

Capricorn – The Goat – December 23 to January 21

You are six months from your last birthday, and this is normally a point in the year when the projects you have started over the past months will come to a culmination or turning point of some sort. If certain aspects of projects or situations have not worked out well, now would be an excellent time to let them go and change course slightly, focusing instead on those areas of your work that seem profitable.

You might experience a certain amount of opposition to your ideas or projects during this period, particularly where your ambition conflicts with that of others. Be particularly careful about unnecessarily stepping on your manager or record company’s toes: conflicts with them will create headaches you do not want, and they are likely to occur this month if caution is not exercised. If you are in a group, tensions in the band might come to a head. Should this occur, try to resolve any issues at the start of the month when favorable aspects to the inner planets allow you to argue your case persuasively.

If you should feel the urge to start off on a completely new project, by all means do so. You will have the stamina and discipline this month, which will aid you whether you use it to see a project through to its finish or to veer off the beaten path to explore completely new territory.

Aquarius – The Water Carrier – January 22 to February 20

July will in most cases be a month where you can get a lot of work accomplished. Be careful at the start of the month to avoid disputes with the band or managers: these are likely to happen because you will not feel like backing down on anything. In fact, try to avoid letting off any steam until the middle of the month, when favorable aspects to Venus will enable you to better express yourself. You will be able to present your views more diplomatically by then.

Toward the final third of July, many of you will continue to feel energetic, and your self-confidence will be up. You will be able to work successfully from a calm position, and your work will be much more effective and competent than usual. This is a favorable period for starting projects of all kinds, although it is much more likely that you will simply continue to work on those you have already initiated. Any decisive action that needs to be taken with your band or within the context of your career is likely to work out well at this time.

For those of you born between January 30 – February 7, aspects to Saturn may bring a period where the waters are a bit rough. It is usually a time of critical development; you will probably find that certain components of your situation will challenge you greatly, and you may feel discouraged because your vitality will be low. This period of your life is directly linked to a time that began about seven years ago. The long-term projects that you began then are encountering their first major crisis now. This period can be especially trying since, for the most part, the projects or situations have been going well up to now. If you are experiencing this, do not worry: this period will not last forever! The solution is to hang in there and attempt to be objective. This is a time of trials that will reveal what is working in your life and what is not. Once things become clearer, the trick will be to shed what you do not need and keep the things that are worth saving, enabling a leaner and meaner approach in the future.

Pisces – The Fish – February 21 to March 19

July promises to be a great month for most of you: you will be feeling better about yourself as you find yourself more at one with the world. In fact, this period would be a good time to take a vacation, if appropriate. Otherwise, projects that you have already started should be off the ground by now, and you will be able to make significant progress on them this month. If you intend to start something completely new – a band, a song, a direction – be sure to do so straight away: do not put it off because aspects to Mars, the energy planet, favor starting projects right now, but this energy dissipates a bit toward the month’s end.

Generally, things should flow quite smoothly in July, so much so that you may be tempted to think that things will always go this easily. Do not fall into that trap, for it is, of course, wishful thinking. The current period is relatively less stressful, so be sure to take this opportunity to calmly and objectively review your career direction with an eye on redefining long-term goals. Polish up those ideas, songs, or compositions so that they can withstand the challenges that will surely come later over the course of the year.

One-to-one and group interactions of all kinds are favored at the start of the month. If you have any important meetings with managers or record company executives, try to schedule them ASAP because you will be at your best through mid-July. After this point, you will probably find yourself somewhat impatient with other people’s viewpoints. Avoid having it out with the band or your agent during this period. You will be much more capable of dealing with it at July’s start.

Rhys Chatham is a composer from New York who has lived in Paris since 1988.

Art Work: Florian Quistrebert

]]> http://www.visitation-rites.com/2009/07/rhys-chathams-astrological-advice-for-musicians-july/feed/ 0 http://www.visitation-rites.com/2009/06/rhys-chathams-astrological-advice-for-musicians-june/ http://www.visitation-rites.com/2009/06/rhys-chathams-astrological-advice-for-musicians-june/#comments Wed, 03 Jun 2009 02:41:00 +0000 Emilie Friedlander http://www.visitation-rites.com/?p=50 Visitation Rites is proud to present Rhys Chatham’s astrology column for experimental musicians, which draws on his experience as a composer and a meticulous analysis of the geometrical relationships between the sun and other planets in monthly astrological charts. Have fun reading the predictions for your sign, and do not be fooled by cheap imitations!

Aries – The Ram – March 20 to April 20

Evaluate the projects you have started to see how they are coming along. This is a time when you will normally be swimming in a sea of musical ideas; the only problem is, you might be experiencing a bit of confusion about which ones to pursue.

During the first part of the month, make an effort to concretize any ideas for new directions you’ve been having, and be sure to try them out. Play your pieces or songs for trusted friends and colleagues to get feedback and energy; any effort you make in this direction will pay off, but you’ll have to make the effort first. If you’re in a band, don’t hesitate to try out your ideas. It should become clearer towards the end of the month which ones are worth pursuing. At any rate, communication in general will flow more freely.

For those born between April 14-20, be sure to do a lot of networking and partying, because you’ll really be at your best. Towards the end of the month you might feel a strong sexual attraction to people. If this should occur, don’t worry: it’s normal and will not last forever. By all means, have as much sex as possible; touring is also favored during this period.

Taurus – The Bull – April 21 to May 21

Present planetary influences favor communication of all sorts, so clear your evenings and take the time to network and go partying; you’ll certainly have the energy for it. If any interpersonal problems have been brewing in the band, now is the time to air them–at least from your point of view, as you’ll see the issues clearly and be able to appreciate others’ point of view as well.

If you need to change course on one of your songs, compositions or other musical projects, discipline will come relatively easily this month, so now is the time to reign in all those disparate ideas you’ve been having and impose a bit of order on them, taking a fresh approach for the weeks to follow.

Spring is in the air and along with it physical attractions of all sorts. Be sure to take advantage of them if you are presently unattached. This energy will be quite strong, particularly towards the end of the month. For those in a monogamous relationship, exploring new approaches to sensuality and carnal pleasure will bring untold rewards for those who dare!

Gemini – The Twins- May 22 to June 22

With your birthday this month, June is a time of new beginnings. Have a look at what you’ve accomplished this year and take the time to think about your plans for the coming months. Work on any existing projects will normally flow along quite smoothly for now; make every effort to tap deeper into the realms of the unconscious for new ideas, because doing so will come easily to you at present.

Be careful with any authority figures in your life such as band leaders, managers, bosses, or the like, as you are likely to want to break out of any restrictions that you feel have been placed on you. Just remember that it was you who agreed to work under these restrictions in the first place. You might feel a bit undisciplined in general, because you are experience a yearning to break out of your usual routine and try something new. If an opportunity to do so presents itself, be sure to take it, because otherwise you’ll feel frustrated. This same energy leads to a tendency to be accident-prone, so be sure to let the restless spirit within you express itself!

It’s spring and your birthday is this month, so by all means get out there and socialize. Just be careful not to overindulge, because you’ll probably be tempted to.

Cancer – The Crab – June 23 to July 22

Practicing or anything else that requires self-discipline might be a bit difficult at the start of June. However, after the first week, it will be as though a cloud has lifted and you’ll find your mind in an orderly state. This will be an excellent time to make concrete plans for the near future.

If you’ve been trying to cope with a difficult or blocked financial situation, the solution is to get organized and make every effort to tie up any loose ends. This is no time to hide your head in the sand with respect to any horrors that your bank account might hold. Don’t avoid your banker; you need to play by the rules at this time, and the best way to do that is to meet the situation head on. In fact, energy present after the middle of the month favors resolution of financial matters in general, especially making new arrangements for a project already begun. You’ll certainly be able to argue your point of view during this period and will work well with others, because you will be relatively balanced emotionally, particularly towards the middle of the month.

An excellent time for new activities. It will be normal for you to feel unusually strong sexual urges towards the end of the month, but they won’t last forever. By all means, take advantage of any opportunity that might present itself during this period, always remembering to take the proper precautions.

Leo – The Lion – July 23rd to August 22

Make an effort to be sensitive to other people’s feelings, as there will be a tendency towards being argumentative, especially towards the middle of the month. If there has been sexual tension brewing in the band, or in any other professional context for that matter, it will probably boil over towards the end of the month. You’ll be thinking more clearly then, so this would be a good time to get things out in the open, or at least have a frank talk.

Aspects to Neptune and Jupiter have the potential to make this month a very creative and productive one for you. Be careful, however, of excess. You’ll definitely feel like partying at the start of June; try to avoid overdoing it with booze or mind-deadening drugs, as your psycho-physical complex will be especially sensitive during this period

If you have been sitting on the fence trying to decide whether to “go for it” with respect to that completely extravagant and unrealistic project that you’ve been itching to do for ages, don’t drag your feet and be prepared to act quickly if funding unexpectedly presents itself, for there is an energy present which favors financial support from unexpected quarters.

Virgo – The Virgin-August 23rd to September 22

Look at any current projects or looming situations that you have going on and review them, because they are likely to be challenged in some way this month. You need to validate what you are presently doing and make any necessary adjustments.

You’re likely be having nagging feelings of insecurity or doubt about what you have been doing. If you’ve been experiencing confusion about current directions, don’t lose heart quite yet; your mind will be functioning more clearly during the opening weeks of June. You’ll have the energy as well as the vision to edge your way to the light at the end of the tunnel. When looking at your projects, ask yourself what it is about them that make them your unique voice rather than someone else’s. Focusing on this will enable you to breathe fresh life into your music, possibly leading to an unexpected new direction towards the end of the month. Be careful, however, to avoid starting new projects before finishing the ones you are currently working on, for you are nearing the end of a cycle that started roughly 14 years ago. This period is more one of culminations than one of embarking on something completely new.

If you’ve been having a tough time lately or feeling the blues, take a good, hard look at the situation and make every effort to face the truth and see things clearly, even if it’s unpleasant. Cut to the heart of the matter and define a goal to reach. Once this has been accomplished, success may already be within reach!

Libra – The Scales – September 23 to October 22

In general, things sail along smoothly during the month of June. Your energy will be up, you will experience a period of equilibrium in your life: one where you can just be yourself, with the fewest obstacles from people or circumstances. A favorable aspect with Neptune, the ruler of music, allows you to tap deeply into the unconscious. This should be a fertile period of creativity of all kinds.

Your mind is active, and, towards the end of the month, will be unusually clear. This period is favored for getting rid of any backlog of paperwork, so use the opportunity to make those long put-off phone calls and email responses.

If you’ve been feeling stuck in a rut lately or that there is a general lack of excitement in your life, now would be a good time to do things that nourish you. Get back in touch with the senses by focusing on your body and mind: have a love affair, for example! Do things that make you feel vibrant and healthy, and start responding deeply to life. If you’ve been feeling restrained on any level, now is the time to express yourself. A touch of poetry may be what is needed. Go for the delights of the senses this month – food, pleasure, and beauty.

Scorpio – The Scorpion-October 23 to November 22

Current energies present for Scorpio can have two completely different effects, depending on how you have been handling things recently:

On the negative side, this can be a time of conflict. Recent actions, either on your part or on that of other people, may have created energies that lead to anger, rage, or general disagreement. Put less dramatically, unless you have been working on yourself of late, all manner of subconscious energies are likely to be stirred up that will make you difficult and not easy to get along with. This is not a good time to resolve any problems that have been festering with the band or your manager.

On a more positive note, this period can be a time when some activity of yours is brought to a triumphal climax. In either case, it is important now to achieve a creative working relationship with others. Your present actions will create consequences for the future; what you do now will largely determine how the whole project, whatever it is, will work out in the long run.

Your creative energies will be highly stimulated this month, so that is something on the plus side; but be careful about overindulgence of all kinds–especially overdoing it with food and drink, because you’ll be tempted. This would include sex as well, so be careful of any new relationship you might form in June, because you might well be lacking in discrimination. Such a relationship might be OK for now, but make it withstand the test of time before committing to anything serious.

Sagittarius – The Centaur -November 23 to December 22

An energy is present which favors wrapping up your various projects, so June would be a good time to put the finishing touches on that new song or polish the rough edges on your latest masterpiece. If there are areas of your life that haven’t worked out very well over the last six months, don’t feel defeated by it; you can learn from your mistakes with the information you’ve gained, and launch a new project that will avoid the flaws of the one that failed.

Aspects to Saturn and Uranus suggest that unexpected events may occur that test your ability to withstand change and stay on the path that you have chosen for yourself. If you’ve been feeling discouraged, take a look at your circumstances to see what has been holding you back. It may be that now is the time to break free of any restricting relationships or situations. Change is in the air during June for Sagittarius!

If you’ve been having difficulty making an important decision on deciding whether or not to walk away from a difficult project, situation, or relationship that you’ve spent a long time working on, it’s definitely time to get off the fence and change direction. It will take a huge load off your mind if you do.

Capricorn – The Goat – December 23 to January 21

Things should run fairly smoothly in June without any special effort; you should be able to make significant progress and get a great deal done, so take advantage of this and accomplish as much as possible. You energy will be high, and you’ll normally be willing to work. While this period generally favors initiating all kinds of projects and activities, it’s more likely that you will work on projects that you have started earlier. Collaborative projects of all sorts are particularly favored from mid-June until the end of the month.

Aspects to Venus favor personal and amorous relationships, and a conjunction to Mars arouses strong sexual attraction, possibly even of a mildly kinky variety. If the opportunity arises, go for it by all means; sexual satisfaction is particularly intense under this transit. Even without sex, you’ll be very happy with other people, particularly as the month progresses. You will feel more attractive than usual and may well be the life of the party!

If you have been going through a period of relative inactivity due to not having been able to disentangle yourself from a situation, or otherwise being unable to let go of something or someone, now is the time to get out more and open yourself to new experiences and situations. Define a specific goal you would like to obtain within this context. Success will be within your reach if you do.

Aquarius – The Water Carrier – January 22 to February 20

June will be a period of high energy, balance, and equilibrium; normally, you will encounter the fewest obstacles from people and situations. Examine the projects you started over the past few months that have worked out well, and begin preparing them for a time in the near future when they will reach a critical culmination. Success in these matters is almost at hand, so you should spend some time preparing for it; if you are not ready when the moment comes, any effort you have put into it so far will have been wasted.

You’ll be able to assert yourself effectively this month and accomplish a great deal of work. You might, however, find that you are being tested in some way to demonstrate the validity of what you are doing and challenged, either by circumstances or people. All this energy might channel into your being argumentative, and lead to disputes. You won’t feel like making compromises, but this is precisely what you should do–especially if you can mange to do so without giving ground on essential points.

Having a blow-out might actually be a good thing, clearing the air of tensions that have been building recently. If you feel you must do this, a favorable time would be towards the end of the month, when aspects to Mercury make your mind unusually clear. You’ll be able to state your case forcefully before others, should the need arise.

Pisces – The Fish – February 21 to March 19

You may experience challenges this month with respect to getting a project off the ground. It’s as if some part of you were struggling to get into the light, but the world is demanding that it prove itself before being allowed to enter. Keep at it; you can be confident that things will bear fruit in about three months, based on your current efforts.

Aspects to Mars give you the potential for great physical vitality; you’ll be able to work hard and accomplish much. Even if you are normally shy or retiring in nature, you’ll find that this month you will be able to be more assertive towards others and stand up for your views in any controversy. New opportunities to be personally effective open up under this transit. If you’re in a group, by all means make your contribution because your energy will compliment that of the group. You will know what you want and how to get it without causing people to resist you while you’re at it.

Aspects to Venus favor all kinds of group activities. This transit is also likely to provide personal advancement as a result of a favorable impression you make on a producer, agent, bandleader, boss, or other person in authority.

For those born between February 28 – March 7, a current aspect to Saturn that only happens once every 28 years might be taking the wind out of your sails a bit, and you have probably been feeling somewhat overburdened. If this is the case, don’t get discouraged. The best way to deal with it is to go with the flow and not to fight events. This transit represents a period of endings, and it’s important to understand that these endings will be followed by new beginnings. This energy will not last forever, so it’s important not to allow yourself to be frustrated or overly saddened by the endings and keep in mind that there will soon be exciting new projects on the horizon.

Rhys Chatham is a composer from New York who has lived in Paris since 1988.

Art Work: Florian Quistrebert

Aries – The Ram - March 20 to April 20

This is the beginning of a new two-year cycle for you.  If you started any new projects last month around the time of your birthday, you will have lots of energy to really get them off the ground.   If you haven’t initiated anything new, now would be a good time to begin gathering your ideas; towards the end of the month you will experience an extra push that, with a bit of effort, will really jump-start that new song or composition.  

Although you might have a tendency to be a bit more argumentative than usual this month, you’ll find that you really enjoy being with people. So be sure to go out and socialize–not only for networking, but also for the new input and ideas that taking the time to hang out with people brings.  

Those of you born after April 8 should be careful not to overdo it at parties or club dates, as present influences favor excess.  Happily, when applied properly, this energy can also allow you to become completely at one with your music, which should normally result in particularly dazzling performances.  All in all, an excellent time for performing and touring.

Taurus – The Bull - April 21 to May 21

Feeing a bit discouraged or low on self-confidence?  Don’t worry, it’s only a passing phase.  You’re at the end of a cycle that started two years ago, so now would be a good time to review what you have accomplished and bring any unfinished projects to a conclusion.  

You may feel inspired this month to take a new direction in your work or to make an adjustment on an existing project.  The opening weeks of May favor gathering your thoughts on this new direction, or simply reflecting on what you’ve done with your music up to this point.  By the end of the month, you should experience greater clarity on this subject. 

While your energy might not be at its highest this month, practicing or maintaining the discipline of keeping your daily appointment with the muse (whether she shows up or not!) will normally be possible with only minimal prodding.  Generally speaking, the energies this month favor any kind of research or inner searching.

Gemini – The Twins - May 22 to June 22

With your birthday coming up soon, this would be a good time to put the finishing touches on that song or project you’ve been working on, if you haven’t done so already.  In any case, you’ll be brimming with all kinds of new ideas for projects. But don’t take on more than you can handle, even though you’ll probably want to, due to all the energy and good vibes you’ve been feeling.

This month will be an excellent time for networking and socializing, because you’ll be feeling good about yourself. So go ahead and throw that party or organize that dinner you’ve been meaning to invite your friends to.  Go out as much as possible, hang out with friends, and meet new people. Just be careful to avoid being overly indulgent, because you’ll certainly be tempted to!

If you have been feeling that you’ve been stuck in a rut lately, then you’ll probably find it difficult at the beginning of the month time to break out of it.  Don’t give up!  Be patient, take a step back, and analyze the situation.  Continue to search for new solutions; with a little application, you’re sure to find one by the end of May.

Cancer – The Crab - June 23 to July 22

You’ll have a lot of energy this month–possibly too much–so make sure you have outlets to release it. This would be a good time to go on a road tour, which would not only be fun, but allow you to meet new people, make many contacts, and generally be more outgoing than you usually are.  There might be a tendency towards self-gratification of various sorts, so be careful not to overdo it at the bar–especially before the gig–and avoid packing chocolate bars while traveling: you want to look good up there on stage!

This month favors new activities and projects of all sorts; your life will have a more exciting quality than usual.  Normally, now is not the time to sit around all day composing, unless you are really on an exciting new track or direction.  In any case, you’ll really want to get out there and do and see as many new things as possible.  

An energy is present this month that will test the validity of something you started approximately six months ago, possibly looking for any flaws in your preparation.  If you can consciously examine what you’ve been doing up to now, you should be equal to any challenges that may arise.  Ego conflicts may come up from time to time, especially for those of you born before June 25. For all Cancers, it will pay to be on guard against irritable impatience with others when things do not go exactly as you planned. But aside from this, your relationships with others should go fairly smoothly this month.

Leo – The Lion - July 23rd to August 22 

You will have lots of energy that you can direct towards your work this May, be it composing new songs or compositions, or collaborating with others.  Relationships with band members or other colleagues will generally be smooth, because you’ll be generating warm Leonean vibes for the most part.

At the start of the month, you might experience a test or challenge to your projects.  Meet these challenges head on, as you’ll have the energy and clarity of mind to do so. Given sufficient application on your part, confronting these obstacles will result in fresh impetus towards the end of the month, or perhaps even a new direction.

Mercury going retrograde after the 7^th favors introspection of all kinds.  Review your goals 

and examine how well you are working to achieve them.  Perhaps it is time for a change of strategy?  Is it time to collaborate with others if you are not already doing so?  While collaborations of all kinds are favored during May, make a special effort towards the end of the month to really listen to others and try to see things from their point of view in order to reconcile conflicts.  If you’re working alone, this would be a good time to see if there are any weak points in your thinking.

For those born between August 15 and 22, be careful about overextending yourself or going overboard–particularly with regard to buying equipment you don’t need, because you’ll probably be tempted to do so.  You may find that you alternate at times between being completely confused about your musical direction and literally bursting with fresh ideas and the feeling of being one with your music.  Don’t worry about extremes like this for now, because it’s normal, given present influences.  This is a time of discovery for you, so be sure to keep your appointment with the muse every day no matter what!  You’ll be glad you did.

Virgo – The Virgin - August 23rd to September 22

Things should flow fairly smoothly in May.  At the beginning of the month, take a look at any projects you have that have been going well and whip them into shape, so that they are ready to withstand any initial challenges or tests later in the month.  The stress in your life will normally be relatively low at the moment, so you can firm up your affairs now with a minimum of stress.

Don’t forget to examine any projects or matters that have not worked out so well, and decide whether you should cut your losses or not.  It may be a bit difficult to determine which are worth saving, but you can do it.  Those that feel better subjectively than the others will be the ones to go for.

Those of you born in the first twelve days of September might feel a bit fatigued this month. If this is the case, concentrate only on the projects that really need your attention–especially the ones that you may not want to do, but feel that you have to in order to fulfill your obligations to others.  

For those born between September 13 and 20, pay attention to any restless feelings you may be having and try to find out what it is that you want.  This is an influence where you can find that new sound you’ve been searching for all these months, or even years.  Of course you’ll need to do a bit of digging, but you’ll find what you are looking for if you keep at it!

Libra – The Scales - September 23 to October 22

In May, you’ll really want to have as many interactions as possible with friends and colleagues, and your powers of communication will be at an all-time high.  This is an excellent time for touring or getting out of your studio to do a bit of serious networking and partying.

You’ll also want to bring at least some of your projects to a culmination this month; this is certainly a time when some of your various activities will come to a climax.  It will soon become clear whether you have conducted these activities skillfully or not.  Once it does, you can adjust your course to bring them to a successful finish.

Your ego energies are easily aroused under present influences, so try to avoid unnecessary confrontation with others, as you’ll probably be a bit irritable this month.  If this happens, notice your anger and irritation and ask yourself what these emotions tell you about your attitudes.  You may find that what makes you mad is quite unimportant to you, once you recognize it.

For those born between October 14 and 22, a strong Jupiter/Neptune conjunction gives you abundant intuitive insight into your musical endeavors.  Writing and all forms of creative inspiration are favored at this time, so while you’ll definitely want to go out partying, don’t forget to keep your daily appointment with the creative muse; there are fertile grounds to be harvested this month!

Scorpio – The Scorpion - October 23 to November 22

This is a period when things are likely to come together in one way or another, either in terms of your career or in the personal dynamics occurring within the context of your band.  If a career opportunity should come up this month, be sure to make an effort and milk it for all it’s worth!  Doing so will bring quick results at this time.

Power struggles might occur this month. If there are any underlying tensions brimming below the surface with your manager, booking agent, or any of the other people with whom you work closely, try seeing things from their point of view and working towards a consensus, rather than being stubborn and deciding to do things your way no matter what. The latter attitude, at present, would cause resentment and perhaps even massive resistance. 

This is a time of culminations of all sorts, and failure is, of course, always a possibility as well.  Should this occur, don’t get discouraged.  Be prepared to pick up the pieces and learn from any mistakes that were made.  Don’t worry, you’ll find a new direction; in fact, present energies favor this.  

For those of you born between November 14 and 21, an inner energy will be present that will open up a real opportunity to tap deeply into your musical resources, arriving at new ideas and previously unexplored directions.

Sagittarius – The Centaur - November 23 to December 22

Apply yourself to your current projects and continue to heroically plow ahead, despite any resistance you might meet.  If you’re feeling restless and a bit undisciplined at the start of the month, buckle down and get your act together, because things should come to a head towards the end of May, when everything will begin to click into place.  You’ll normally be full of ideas, and with a bit of effort, you’ll be able to apply them to your musical projects.

If you feel as though you are stuck in a rut, this would be a good time to tear yourself away from your studio, get out more to see your friends, and perhaps get a little networking done, since you will feel an urge to socialize more than usual.  Relations with the band or your colleagues should go smoothly. However, if for some reason they do not, don’t worry! It should be relatively easy to resolve any conflicts, due to the generally good vibes you’ll be feeling on a psychological level.

An influence is also present which favors having sex, so be sure to have as much as possible of it this month. By all means, take advantage of every opportunity–always remembering, of course, to take the necessary precautions.  In any event, this should be a stimulating month in every sense.

Capricorn – The Goat - December 23 to January 21

Things will normally flow fairly smoothly at the start of the month, and you will be at peace with yourself for the most part.  That being the case, it might be a good idea to evaluate your current projects; in all likelihood, this smooth state of affairs will not, alas, last forever! See which of your projects are really working, and which ones need a bit of fixing up.  If you decide that you need to make a new start on certain things, don’t become morose and gloomy over it. Instead, get to work on making things better straight away.  This will not be as hard as it sounds, for discipline will come relatively easily to you this month; now is the time to take advantage of it.

If here are any tensions that have been brewing under the surface between you and your bandleader, manager, or any other authority figure, they are likely to come to a head sooner than later.  If you become really pissed off, try not to explode, as doing so won’t help things–particularly at the start of the month.  Instead, strive to see the other person’s point of view.  Do like Obama does, and try to come to a consensus of some sort!  Or, if at all possible, avoid any touchy issues entirely until the end of the month; at that point, you’ll be in a better mood for discussing difficult topics and will be seeing things more clearly.

This is a good time to make changes in your immediate surroundings, whether it’s rearranging the furniture in your studio, or bringing interesting new people into your life.  In fact, your everyday encounters with people and situations are likely to get much more interesting in May.  Chances are your situation has become too structured and ordered anyway, so don’t be afraid to take a walk on the wild side, should the opportunity arise.

Aquarius – The Water Carrier - January 22 to February 20

You’ll be challenged at this time to think about completing your various projects to reap their rewards or other consequences.  In the back of your mind, you are probably already beginning to turn your attention to what the next step will be for your career or projects, even though circumstances are forcefully reminding you that the present stage isn’t over yet.  The challenges at this time are often related to events that started three months ago. Your energy is high, so this is a good time to accomplish all kinds of work.

Your mind is functioning relatively clearly now; it is quick and receptive, and you are eager to expand your knowledge of any area you encounter.  You can put this curiosity to good use and quickly discover that the more you understand about any given situation, the better you will be able to handle any problems that arise.

If you are looking for a new agent or record company, you are putting out positive energies at this time and can use this to make a good impression on people you want to impress. In fact, May is a good time for any group interaction, and you will want to hang out with  friends or the members of your band. You’ll have faith in your ability to achieve and you’ll be able to work well with others.  You will not, however, be inclined to back down in any matter. If you should have to fight with someone to maintain your position, you will do so effectively, although you will want to seek out common ground where the two of you can agree–should there be any.

For those born between February 7 and 16, Jupiter/Neptune contacts indicate that you’ll probably feel good both physically and psychologically, and have a positive outlook for much of the month.  Your awareness of and contact with music will be greatly heightened, and this is something you will definitely want to take advantage of, because this energy will not last forever.  However, you should avoid taking drugs or overindulging in alcohol this month, for you may find it difficult to control your use of them. Also, your body is much more sensitive than usual, and you may react badly to drugs, even prescribed ones.   That being said, this period should be highly profitable for you. Musically speaking, great intuitive leaps in your work are not out of the question!

Pisces – The Fish - February 21 to March 19

Examine any projects that you’ve started over the past few months in order to see how they have been coming along.  It’s important that you do this now, because in about 30 days, challenges will arise that will test their validity.  Don’t be caught in the illusion that you can simply stick your head in the sand and hope for the best; rather, evaluate what you have accomplished so far and decide upon a logical plan of development.  Your mind is quick and functioning clearly at present, so doing this should easily be within your reach.

Communication with colleagues might be a bit difficult during the first half of the month, and you may feel somewhat isolated. Your energy level might be on the low side as well.  Best to find something rewarding to do that requires concentration. You will need to find a balance between your needs and obligations, for neither can be allowed to win out over the other.  If duty wins out to the point of negating your self-expression, you will feel impossibly restless.  But if you ignore your obligations and do only what you choose, you will soon find that you are in conflict with others, which will prevent you from deriving any real satisfaction from your activities. You will clearly have to make some compromises, but if you are honest in expressing your needs to others and asking that they do the same, you should be able to work things out.

For those born between March 11 and 18, a contact with Uranus may bring about events or situations that are quite surprising to you, breaking you out of your usual routine and introducing an element of liveliness to spice things up in your life.  Surprise will probably crop up at some point soon; when it does, give yourself the freedom to respond spontaneously, perhaps in a way that surprises even yourself!

Rhys Chatham is a composer from New York who has lived in Paris since 1988.

Art Work: Florian Quistrebert

Aries – The Ram – March 20 to April 20

This is a time of new beginnings and self-expression through creativity. You will want people to pay attention to you, so this is an excellent occasion to get up there on stage and strut your stuff; people will adore you. Or, if you write, this would be a good time to start work on that new song or composition.

Be careful with club owners and other authority figures during the first two thirds of the month, as you are not likely to be in the mood to renegotiate that fee or contract. You will be able to find a solution, however, if you apply diplomacy and musician’s charm to the situation. Be extra careful with your equipment, especially if it is electric; breakdowns, though not terribly likely, are possible under present energies. Happily, things will lighten up during the final third of the month regarding equipment and authority figure issues.

You might find it difficult to maintain the discipline of daily practicing. If this occurs, try to use your energy more economically, always remembering that less is more. If all else fails, try practicing in front of the TV.

Taurus – The Bull – April 21 to May 21

This entire month will be a good time to go ahead with almost any project that you desire, because you will have an enormous amount of energy. Be careful not to take on too many projects during this period and avoid excess. Current influences favor any kind of research or study, so this might be a good time to dust off that jazz harmony book and burn the midnight oil!

You will be able to perform and/or negotiate with promoters with impact and make a real impression on people. Be careful not to use this energy in a ruthless or selfish way, because if you do it could come back to you, resulting in a negative outcome. It might be difficult during this period to see other people’s point of view, so make an effort to do so, particularly in your dealings with managers, booking agents, or even the other musicians in your band.

A Uranus transit during the final third of the month will serve to stimulate your curiosity and imagination. This would be a good time to put yourself in a new musical situation, perhaps a particularly kinky one-off gig, simply because it seems like a good idea at the time!

Gemini – The Twins – May 22 to June 22

During the first two thirds of this month, you’ll be able to integrate your energy with that of your friends, the groups you associate with, or the bands you play in. You will have a good deal of energy, but watch out for impatience with others, and don’t get irritable. You should be assertive when you need to, not just because you feel like it. This is the end of a cycle for you, so your challenge will be to complete your various projects and reap their rewards or other consequences prior to your birthday in three months.

If there are any tensions in your band, this would be a good time to resolve them because you’re putting out good vibes at present and make a positive impression on people. If you need to renegotiate that contract for the project you’ve been working on, now would be an excellent opportunity to do so.

Because of the erratic nature of the high energy you will experience this month, you might feel a bit accident-prone, or experience impulses to do something a bit mad. The solution is to make every effort to express these impulses by doing something different or wild, as long as it does not make a shambles of your life. Lots of physical activity is recommended for this period in the form of exercise, or perhaps developing a vigorous dance routine for your act.

During the start of April, things might seem a bit discouraging and restrictive, as though you were stuck in a rut. After April 11th, however, mitigating influences enter to put you in a more positive frame of mind for the rest of the month.

Cancer – The Crab – June 23 to July 22

During the first two thirds of April, you should be on the lookout for circumstances that test you and the validity of any current projects that you are working on. Very often, the crisis will take the form of people who are working at cross-purposes to your efforts. Ideally, their actions will force you to prove that what you are doing is worthwhile. If there are tension areas in your band or with your manager or booking agent, now is a good time to listen to others and reconcile possible conflicts; energies present later on in the month will enable you to easily make compromises when the time comes to do so.

Take the time to analyze your own position to find the weak points in your own thinking and make any necessary corrections. You have the power now to make fundamental changes in your attitudes and life that you didn’t have before. There is a possibility that equipment may break down during April, so if any of your stuff is just limping along, be sure to have a backup ready if you plan to be touring this month.

You will be challenged to complete any outstanding projects, for you will feel vigorous and full of vitality during the entire month, and itching to get things done. You’ll probably feel a restless energy towards the end of the month and yearn to do new things, so finish up those outstanding projects, and move on.

Leo – The Lion – July 23 to August 22

At the start of the month, you will be able to work quite effectively with others, and your energy will be higher than usual. Take the time to step back from things a bit, and to review your recent achievements. Your mind is functioning clearly at present, so you should be able to use this review to prepare for future projects and think about what you can get out of them that will have lasting value. If there are elements of projects that aren’t working out, don’t waste time with regrets; put all your efforts into the ones that are.

You’ll feel optimistic this month, but be careful not to spend too much money on a piece of equipment that you don’t really need, because you will probably be tempted to do so. You’ll also feel self-confident, but be sure to stop short of arrogance, as any negative energy you put out will be a source of conflict.

This is important to keep in mind, because later on in the month, you might find that the tensions that have been building up in your band or business relationships are ready to boil over. Guard against feeling touchy and oversensitive in these situations, or reacting in a completely emotional way. As long as you keep a balance between your will and your emotions, the energy at work here can actually be a positive influence.

Virgo – The Virgin – August 23 to September 22

April will be an excellent time to take care of any obligations or responsibilities that you have been putting off. That project proposal you’ve been meaning to write… has it been nagging at you? How about those emails you were supposed to respond to? Or finally looking at your bank account to discover what horrors it holds? This is a good month to do a bit of spring cleaning. It doesn’t have to be unpleasant. Put your nose to the grindstone, and you’ll feel much better when it’s done. Feeling lonely or a bit depressed? Dwelling on these feelings is pointless: bury yourself in your work instead. You’ll be glad that you did.

Now is a good time to review any projects or activities that are nearing completion, determining whether your goals have been achieved or not, and making any necessary adjustments. While April favors introspection and making adjustments for your future, it is very possible that the muse will strike you with an idea for a new direction in your work, and that you will begin to implement this idea in the weeks that follow.

All in all, a challenging period offers opportunities for personal growth. On the bright side, your energy will be higher towards the end of the month, you’ll start to experience more of a sense of balance and equilibrium, and things are likely to hum along quite nicely.

Libra – The Scales – September 23 to October 22

At this six-month point from your last birday, April is a good time to finish any outstanding projects initiated over the past months and to review your work with a view to preparing for your new endeavors. Now that you have finished that album or composition, a period of reflection is needed before starting your next piece.

As always, there can be tension and anxiety associated with beginning a new project. But the underlying enthusiasm and optimism that you will be feeling this entire month will help drive your affairs toward a satisfying conclusion. Under current influences, your mind is eager for new experiences; now is an excellent time for touring to promote that new album.

Scorpio – The Scorpion – October 23 to November 22

You’ll have a good deal of energy this month. Your task will be to avoid draining this energy in a haphazard or non-productive way, and to use it efficiently. Be careful not to take on too much during this period of high energy, as you’ll definitely need time for networking a bit further down the road. While this is an excellent time for trying out new things or pursuing unexplored directions in your work, your first priority should be to firm up activities you have already begun.

At the month’s start, you will probably be better off going it alone on your projects as much as possible. This is because you won’t want to feel dependent on others for encouragement and support. Lots of physical activity is recommended for this period.

As the weeks go by you’ll find pleasure again in collaborating with others and want to go out with friends, for the energies at the end of the month favor socializing; in any case, you will definitely be feeling better physically and emotionally.

Sagittarius – The Centaur – November 23 to December 22

This month, especially its first few weeks, will be excellent for you in terms of initiating musical projects of all kinds, having many ideas, and feeling a certain emotive equilibrium with yourself. The only problem is that you might feel as though you were stuck in a rut, trying to break out, but finding you cannot.

If this occurs, try pinpointing what is draining your energy or holding you back; given sufficient determination and application, you should be able to do something about it.

The energies present this month particularly favor working with others. If you are in a band, now would be a good time to start work on that new song, or on any collaboration with artists in virtually any field.

Toward the end of the month, the energies will become more reflective and inward, so it is best to start any new projects at the beginning of the month.

Capricorn – The Goat – December 23 to January 21

You’ll probably feel a relative lack energy at the start of the month, but if you can get yourself out of bed, practicing or other forms of discipline shouldn’t be too difficult. If you make an effort, this could be a time to find that new chord or guitar sound for the song you’ve been working on. The start of the month is not a great time to pick an argument with anyone in the band because you’ll probably be in a fairly lousy mood, but your outlook should brighten after the 11th and your band or business relationships should sail along fairly smoothly.

During the final ten days of April, there will be a noticeable improvement in your outlook and self-image. Any depressive tendencies will normally dissipate and your energy will peak. This will be an excellent time to embark on a new project, although you will need to apply yourself to get things off the ground initially.

Anyone whose birthday is between December 23 and December 30 will be feeling the effects of Pluto at this time. Under this influence, you might find it necessary to repair something that has broken down, be it a piece of equipment or something that has gone awry in your life. In either case, now is the time to take a careful look at the damage and look for a solution. Going on tour with “iffy” equipment is not advised under this influence.

Aquarius – The Water Carrier – January 22 to February 20

Energy, communication, and emotional rapport with band mates and colleagues should flow smoothly at the beginning of April. Your intuitive powers will be at their peak, so this is a great time to start that new song or composition, especially if it elaborates upon a direction you have already established.

If you find you are having difficulties keeping your appointment with the muse of inspiration, buckle down! Half the job is done once you fire up your computer, sharpen those pencils, or finally sit down to start that new project. If the problem is that you don’t feel like practicing, but need to, then try doing it in front of the television.

You might have a tendency to buy things you don’t need this month, so don’t go into a music store unless you’re getting something you really need, like those guitar strings that you haven’t changed in three months! But do try to avoid window-shopping during this period.

Also avoid having heavy discussions about band or business-related issues during the last half of April, as your communication skills might not be at their very best. Energy is lower towards the end of the month, so be sure to get into a work rhythm now with any project that you need to start.

Pisces – The Fish – February 21 to March 19

The beginning of the month will be an excellent time to start a new project, particularly one that takes you in a new direction or is somewhat atypical for you. At the start of April you may find yourself feeling a bit isolated or not communicating well. But don’t worry: this will pass.

As the month progresses, you’ll want to socialize more with your friends. Any kind of networking during this period will lead to fruitful results. This is a good time to meet people and make contacts, because you will put so much effort into being warm and friendly that others are bound to respond to you.

You will have access to a good deal of creative energy during the entire month, which you can apply to your music with a bit of effort. Try to get into a rhythm with this process as soon as possible, because later on in the month you might find it a bit difficult to keep your nose to the grindstone, due to energies favoring social interaction.

Rhys Chatham is a composer from New York who has lived in Paris since 1988.