By Jack Fertig

Forecast for October 18-31, 2005

ARIES (March 20 - April 19): If you're not partnered, this is the time to figure out why. "Don't wanna be" is a perfectly good reason. If you are partnered, now's your opportunity to be open and conciliatory, and to resolve any problem in your relationship.

TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Looking for a new job? Starting now should land you a great position. Happy where you are? There's always room for improvement, and this is the time to make any changes you want.

GEMINI (May 21 - June 20): Your creative juices are gushing. You could be the life of the party, enjoying any entertainment, or you could knuckle down and accomplish great things. If your birthday was June 20, buy a few lottery tickets on Oct. 22!

CANCER (June 21 - July 22): If your home life is less than perfect, seize the moment to correct any problems. If this involves moving, you'll never find a better time. If all is hunky-dory, call your mother and thank her for raising you so well.

LEO (July 23 - August 22): Your natural charm is working overtime. Put that to good use! As ever, the choice is between discipline and volumeÑyou get one or the other, and you're smart enough to know the former usually works better.

VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): Should you make that big purchase now? It's as good a time as any, and better than most. But more importantly, you have an optimal sense of your finances, so trust your instincts. Do you really need it?

LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): You've been enjoying a spell of general good luck, and it's now utterly spectacular. Mercy, you could even enjoy a vacation in Baghdad! Cards, love, the lottery... Make the most of your lucky streak while you can!

SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): "Run and hide" would be a warning to most. For you, it's a golden opportunity! Disappear with someone you can tell your darkest, deepest secrets toÑor with someone who can help you make even darker, deeper secrets!

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 20): Baby, it's time to party! Whether you prefer a dungeon party, cocktail party, or political party, you are the belle or beau of the ball! If any social or political ascendancy is to be gained, that star is rising right now.

CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): In about five years you'll be coming to the peak of a 30-year career cycle. Get a clear idea now of where that peak is and how to arrive there, and make connections with people who will help you along the way.

AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): This is the time to meet that exotic stranger fortune-tellers are always bringing up. He or she may be the librarian or curator at a place where you're exploring ideas beyond even your usual weird and wild range. Be open to new friends and experiences!

PISCES (February 19 - March 19): Your sexual imagination is usually overactive. Now it's a three-ring circus. (Hide the elephants!) Finding a partner for your performances is easy. Finding as many as you need to keep up is the challenge!

Jack Fertig has been working as a professional astrologer since 1977 and is a founding member of the Association for Astrological Networking. He can be reached for consultations at (415) 864-8302, through his Web site at www.starjack.com, and by e-mail at QScopes@qsyndicate.com.