By Jack Fertig

CELEBRITY BIRTHDAY
Giorgio Moroder turns 71 on Thursday. The producersongwriter shaped much of today’s dance music through his innovative synthesizer work in the disco ’70s. Famous for his work with Donna Summer on “Love to Love You Baby” and “I Feel Love” and heading iconic Casablanca label, Moroder also won an Oscar for his soundtrack to Midnight Express.

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THIS WEEK
Mars and Neptune are finally moving out of opposition, but not before the sun aspects them, offering some clarity and lessons to pull out of the recent confusion and fury. Clarifying rules for relationships is a challenge to reconcile new ideas with solid values.

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TAURUS  Apr 20-May 20
Your financial luck gets an uptick requiring effort, but a little initiative can go a long way. Ask for that raise, put out some résumés. When to buy lottery tickets? Check with your astrologer.

GEMINI  May 21-Jun 20
Expectations exploding into arguments trigger a reassessment of who your friends really are. Friends with benefits, however, are likely to get problematic.

CANCER  Jun 21-Jul 22
Future is looking rosier than usual so find ways to invest your time and energy in things that matter. Financial investments are less reliable, but you may find something worth the risk.

LEO  Jul 23-Aug 22
Set some rules and limits. People will be shocked, but they’ll manage. Hold your ground. There may be a cost, but demanding basic respect will increase your confidence and authority.

VIRGO  Aug 23-Sep 22
Playing tough is OK if everyone is on the same wavelength. It’s all fun until someone gets hurt. If it’s consensual that could be when the real fun begins. Challenging your efforts open a catharsis.

LIBRA  Sep 23-Oct 22
A little flirting can lead to some eye-opening adventures. A hot fling can offer new insights; it probably won’t last, but enjoy and learn what you can. Your age is an asset, not an obstacle.

SCORPIO  Oct 23-Nov 21
Arguments are learning opportunities. What you learn can open job opportunities and help you start or deepen an important relationship. Ask hard questions and accept hard answers.

SAGITTARIUS  Nov 22-Dec 20
Every partnership needs work. Dealing with problems now yields happy results. That leads to exuberant fun and risk-taking. Go for the fun. Pass on the risks. Think ahead and use good sense.

CAPRICORN  Dec 21-Jan 19
Winning the battle at home costs you the war. Change your mind and yourself. Openness and adaptability are the keys to success. Taking on the hard challenges will pay off quickly.

AQUARIUS  Jan 20-Feb 18
You need a good intellectual challenge. Don’t settle for a mere argument. Talk with a sibling offers can terrific insight on your family and how you carry those patterns into your relationships.

PISCES  Feb 19-Mar 19
Every relationship hits bumps and needs work. Problems with your partner gain clarity but need work. Expert advice helps. Having fun and affirming your commitment does wonders.

ARIES  Mar 20-Apr 19
You realize a bit late that you’ve been overly emphatic about petty issues with your partner. The biggest problem is disagreeing on the real problem. Listen more; argue less.

Jack Fertig can be reached at 415-864-8302 or Starjack.com

This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition April 20, 2012.