Horoscope for the Week of February 20, 2017

Have fun in the Sun as it wends its merry way into romantic Pisces. Emotions and romance hit high notes as we feel both mushy and pushy. Find new areas of smoochy delights and cuddles in your life and don’t sulk and plot. The delights will absolutely delight.

(Justin Bieber has Sun in Pisces)

Never miss your horoscope again -- free sign up here. Here is my favorite book on astrology and a "must" for anyone interested in learning more: Secrets from a Stargazer's Notebook: Making Astrology Work for You and here's a guide to the best books available this month. This column is (c) 2017 MADAM LICHTENSTEIN, LLC., All Rights Reserved. For Entertainment Purposes Only. Madam Lichtenstein is the author of the best selling astrology book “HerScopes ” now in its 10th printing and available as an eBook

ARIES (MARCH 21 - APRIL 20)
If you feel especially psychic, point your antenna carefully to get better reception. What is it that you divine, you divine thing? Ideas that pop into your head can be used to your advantage. So focus on what you really want and resolve to go for it. Aries have a bone to pick with someone who holds a secret over them. Take that bone and pick the lock to your happiness.

TAURUS (APRIL 21 - MAY 21)
You experience a burst of popularity now as your presence is demanded all over town. This is quite a nice change of pace, Taurus! But are you conforming too much to the group think? Maybe it's time to change the tune and see who dances along with you. Of course, if you change the tune to a polka, don't expect much participation from a certain you-know-who.

GEMINI (MAY 22 - JUNE 21)
The sky is the limit this week. But your plans are apt to change as your cream rises to the top. Geminis might be a bit contrary at this time and may find that the corporate collar chaffs. Do what needs to be done now to gain power and prestige. Then make your changes to the corporate structure. Are you an up and comer, compadre? Prove it.

CANCER (JUNE 22 - JULY 23)
Cancers ache to see the world now. Your interests widen and cannot be contained in the same old humdrum. Pack your bags and get going while the energy carries you along. If you yearn for stimulation, seek it anyway and anywhere you can. But hurry; too soon you will be quite content to hang around the old familiar social pond and tread water.

LEO (JULY 24 - AUGUST 23)
Leos are usually hot to trot but now you are hotly trotting on all four burners. Ouch! Ouch! Ouch! Ouch! You simply cannot choose from your garden of earthly delights and you simply cannot behave. Temper your ardor if you can; there is a tendency to bite off more than you can chew right now. Can you really make sweet talk when your mouth is full?

VIRGO (AUGUST 24 - SEPTEMBER 23)
This week Virgos feel the need to connect and even merge with others on a more meaningful level. This is fine as long as you don’t submerge. Maintain your wonderful sense of self and find the balance between the me and the we. Get meaningful relationships on the right track and then submerge into as deep a well of love as you possibly can. Then get wet!

LIBRA (SEPTEMBER 24 - OCTOBER 23)
Libras feel their oats. Sure, you can feel your own oats but isn’t it nicer to have someone else feel them instead? Don't go to pot; Resolve to get in shape, starting this week. Your general well-being deserves some attention. By the end of all your hard exercise work you may find yourself feeling on top of the world. Well, maybe just one citizen at a time…

SCORPIO (OCTOBER 24 - NOVEMBER 22)
Scorpios are party hearty hounds now. If you find yourself on the “A” list and demanded at every major event in town, don't be surprised… or shy. Get out there and turn on that incomparable charm. Rub elbows, shoulders and other relevant parts of your body. Strike up the merry band and play your instrument like a master. So are we into opera or Opry?

SAGITTARIUS (NOVEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 22)
Do Sagittarians have anything under wraps this week? Yes. Expect life to unfold in interesting ways especially in family and home matters. This is also an excellent time to make your move, literally by either redecorating or changing residences. Are you feeling cramped? Find ways to expand your empire... and don’t forget all of your adoring followers.

CAPRICORN (DECEMBER 23 - JANUARY 20)
Suddenly you are all mouth and have a few opinions to share. Oh happy day! Use the time to get your point across, in any and all possible ways, Capricorn. Do you have one or two things that you need to get off of your chest with certain unnamed folks? You are now given the power of persuasion so make your point loud and clear!

AQUARIUS (JANUARY 21 - FEBRUARY 19)
Money is honey Aquarius so grab a honey pot of it and spread it around. Satisfy your sweet tooth with careful investments to build on the future and for retirement. You feel quite a bit more fiscally solid and can use your hard won financial knowledge to build a huge mountain out of your tiny molehill. Are you aiming to be a honey bear or a queen bee?

PISCES (FEBRUARY 20 - MARCH 20)
This is the time of year for Pisces to shimmer and shine… or is it shimmy and shine? You are especially alluring now. But don't use this time to rest on your laurels. Launch into new projects, meet new people and impress the masses. Okay, just impress those who can give you a leg up. Or is it just press against those with their leg up? I get confused.

 

 

Lucky Numbers for the Week of February 17, 2017

Lottery ads tell us you only need a dollar and a dream. But it is also helpful to have a list of lucky numbers to help spur the good fortune ... or fortunes. So with that in mind, here are some lucky numbers that can be used in any helpful way. I gazed into a pool of water, Nostradamus-like, and contemplated the cosmos. Then I mixed the tarot cards and allowed the spirits to guide me to the cards that represent the lucky numbers for this week. Nothing is guaranteed but who knows ....?

I choose eight numbers because 8 is the number of wealth.

Here are the lucky numbers for the week of February 17-23, 2017:

2, 5, 19, 31,39, 55, 62, 79

There are many ways to delve into your own consciousness to find luck and intuition. Try reading Dream Power/Improve Your Luck (Super Strength Series) and see if your dreams give you any clues and premonitions. Here's a guide to the best books available this month

LoveScope for the Week of February 15, 2017

Let your love flow this week and be bold in your intentions. Who knows who can happen when you get moving?

ARIES (MARCH 21 - APRIL 20)
You have more than your fair share of charisma this week. Dazzle the crowds and reach out to meet as many new people as possible. You will have them eating out of the palm of your hand. Don’t forget to wash your hands afterwards, Aries.

TAURUS (APRIL 21 - MAY 21)
If some mysterious admirer makes themselves known this week, don’t be surprised. Taureans possess that certain something that will get them noticed and adored. What will you do with all of this oily personal power? Save a little for those dry spells!

GEMINI (MAY 22 - JUNE 21)
Friends may want to become besties with you now, Gemini. Will your busy social schedule have room for a new, much closer relationship? If so, enjoy it. If not, let them down gently and lovingly. You never know if you will change your mind later.

CANCER (JUNE 22 - JULY 23)
If you are looking for professional opportunity, this may be the week to find it. Cancers who feel that they have been toiling in the background should get out in front of the powerbrokers and show them what you can do. Impress. Then press your agenda.

LEO (JULY 24 - AUGUST 23)
Leos will tend to attract all sorts of interesting people now. Make the most of your unique and exotic appeal. Travel or set out to meet international folks closer to your usual neighborhood. The most important thing is to reach out as far as you can.

VIRGO (AUGUST 24 - SEPTEMBER 23)
Sexy Virgos may not even realize the charismatic affect they have on others. Your mere presence will cause adoring crowds to form. How will you choose who is best for you? Check ‘em out carefully one at a time. Oh this may take a while...

LIBRA (SEPTEMBER 24 - OCTOBER 23)
Libras will have the upper hand in any important relationship now. And that is because you are able to discern what others really want and need to be happy. Give even more than you get and you will wind up getting much more than you ever gave.

SCORPIO (OCTOBER 24 - NOVEMBER 22)
Colleagues are willing to do almost anything you ask of them now. Try not to take advantage, Scorpio. Instead, be a willing team player. Others will love you even more. Once you ratchet up all those points, cash them in for something really big.

SAGITTARIUS (NOVEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 22)
Party hearty Sagittarians become the belles of the ball. Any party you decide to attend will naturally become the big event of the day. Use your time wisely and productively. Creative projects can finally get off the ground. Get very creative!

CAPRICORN (DECEMBER 23 - JANUARY 20)
Capricorns will have more fun at home than in any other place this week. Invite some close companions over for a delightful and fun filled evening. Reach out to relatives and build bridges with those you have lost touch with. Connection is everything.

AQUARIUS (JANUARY 21 - FEBRUARY 19)
Aquarians seem to know just what to say to make others feel good about themselves. Spread your good cheer and let others know that you really care. Have you ever thought of going into politics? Forget it - your kindness will work against you.

PISCES (FEBRUARY 20 - MARCH 20)
If you have been worrying about money, this may be the time to cash in on some good fortune. Pisces become more fiscally astute and should use this time to build their monetary reserves. People may advise you. If so, also do your won research.

Here is my favorite book on astrology and a "must" for anyone interested in learning more: Secrets from a Stargazer's Notebook: Making Astrology Work for You and here's a guide to the best books available this month. This column is (c) 2017 MADAM LICHTENSTEIN, LLC., All Rights Reserved. For Entertainment Purposes Only. Madam Lichtenstein is the author of the best selling astrology book “HerScopes ” now in its 8th printing and available as an eBook   

What Your Credit Scores Say About Your Love Life

Who would have thought that your credit score could predict your love life? Get ready for Valentine's Day, spendthrifts. You know who you are....

According to Kiplinger, a new working paper from the Fed examines the link between credit scores and committed relationships, and it turns out there’s a strong one. Economists analyzed data from Equifax, the credit reporting agency, on 12 million consumers over more than 15 years. They found that people with higher credit scores are more likely to form committed relationships in the first place and then to stay together. As much as they could, the authors controlled for demographic, socioeconomic and other factors.

They found that for every 93-point increase in a couple’s initial average credit score, the likelihood of separation in year two of the relationship fell by 30%. After two years, the probability that the couple would call it quits during years three or four dropped 37%. Couples in the sample with the lowest initial scores were two or three times more likely to separate than couples with the highest average scores.

Of course, low credit scores can indicate financial distress, which often leads to relationship distress. But even beyond the financial implications, credit scores seemed to indicate an underlying skill that people bring to life and relationships, says coauthor Jane Dokko, now a fellow in economic studies at the Brookings Institution. “That skill might be trustworthiness,” says Dokko, who says credit score data correlates with trustworthiness measures in surveys outside the financial arena.

But wait, it’s a little more complicated. (Isn’t it always, when it comes to our love lives?) Researchers also found that people entering into a relationship tend to have similar scores, and that their scores converge over time. But if initial differences exist, they loom large. For example, an initial 66-point difference in scores implies a 24% increase in the likelihood of separation during the relationship’s second, third or fourth years, and a 12% increase in the chance of breaking up in the fifth or sixth year. Raising the higher score—and thus, the couple’s average score—didn’t help. In other words, two people with bad scores might be more compatible over time than people with a big disparity in their scores. “It might be easier to work through issues if you have walked in those shoes yourself,” says Dokko.

Money secrets. That assumes you even know that your partner is struggling. Your sweetheart might well be hiding a financial skeleton in his or her closet. A recent survey from insurer Haven Life found that one in five Americans have secret debt their partner doesn’t know about. A similar number have either a secret savings stash or a secret checking account. Moreover, money remains a taboo topic far longer than it should. One-third of those surveyed are willing to discuss financial matters only when a relationship has become exclusive, and 22% wait until after getting engaged.

It’s vital to be on the same page about finances before your relationship reaches the point of no return—even if part of the agreement is about what you’ll keep private. So keep the romance alive by sharing your credit score. And here’s more advice for Valentine’s Day, courtesy of the Federal Reserve: Don’t overspend on flowers, dinner or a gift. Make sure you can pay those bills on time. And spend the evening with someone who can do the same.

Horoscope for the Week of February 13, 2017

Jupiter in Libra retrogrades and upends our best laid plans. Will our missives of luck and love be returned unopened or just fall into a spam folder? Hold onto your heart this week and save your juice to be squeezed later.

(President Donald Trump has Jupiter in Libra)

Never miss your horoscope again -- free sign up here. Here is my favorite book on astrology and a "must" for anyone interested in learning more: Secrets from a Stargazer's Notebook: Making Astrology Work for You and here's a guide to the best books available this month. This column is (c) 2017 MADAM LICHTENSTEIN, LLC., All Rights Reserved. For Entertainment Purposes Only. Madam Lichtenstein is the author of the best selling astrology book “HerScopes ” now in its 10th printing and available as an eBook

ARIES (MARCH 21 - APRIL 20)
You are putting a great deal of effort into certain partnerships. Perhaps more than they deserve right now. Aries seek harmony and balance, often at any cost. But I suggest that you calm down and take things slowly this week. You will have plenty of time to bowl them over and get them to see things your way as the weeks progress. Timing is everything.

TAURUS (APRIL 21 - MAY 21)
Try as you might, you may be unable to get co-workers to line up behind you. It may feel frustrating but if you are able to see things from their perspective, you may notice how a bit overbearing you can be. Why try to boss the course now, Taurus? It is better to allow others to find their own way and make their own mistakes. Yes, you can eventually say “I told you so.”

GEMINI (MAY 22 - JUNE 21)
Geminis are in creative overload as all their pet projects begin to nip at their heels. Too much fun can begin to feel like work if you can’t find a way to prioritize. When in doubt, allow yourself to get caught up in the moment and have a flight of fancy. But don’t soar too high or your eventual descent back to earth (and the practical things in life) will be a doozy.

CANCER (JUNE 22 - JULY 23)
Cancers might be content to loll around the house now but fight the urge. Your time will be better spent planting the seeds of future home-based or home-improvement projects. Also avoid any important discussions with relatives since you may become somewhat over emotional. Of course that may not be a bad thing if it gets you what you want.....

LEO (JULY 24 - AUGUST 23)
You have a way with words and this week, Leos are apt to say much more than they need to or want to. You speak from the heart and can become more emotional. This out of character behavior may confuse people and make them cautious in any negotiations with you. So before you melt into a pool of your own making, think first and speak later. Much much later.

VIRGO (AUGUST 24 - SEPTEMBER 23)
Hold tight to your wallet, Virgo. You may be tempted to spend with reckless abandon and waste money. You may get caught up in an emotional tear and think that you can buy what you want. Wait. Things are still evolving and you must not jump to conclusions. There are some things money just can’t buy. Give me a few minutes to think about what they are....

LIBRA (SEPTEMBER 24 - OCTOBER 23)
Your need to reach out and touch someone ... anyone ... knows no bounds this week. Libras will try to press the flesh in new circles but may find that their best moves are missing the mark. You are just trying too hard to please. Give it a rest and surround yourself with those who know you well and love you despite everything. Hmm how large is that group anyway...?

SCORPIO (OCTOBER 24 - NOVEMBER 22)
The rumblings of lost loves past begin to grumble into thunder level noise. How many hearts have you broken, either knowingly or unknowingly Scorpio? This is the time to make amends to those who feel aggrieved. Well, at least appear to be contrite. Resolve not to kiss and tell, unless you want a few of your particulars plastered on walls. Oh do tell!!

SAGITTARIUS (NOVEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 22)
Sagittarians may enjoy some solitude now when friends become a little too nosy and a little too pointed. It may become annoying but chalk it up to their desire to see that you are happy - no matter what! Exert patience. After all, they only want to help. Of course the smarter move is to find some calming alone time and just chill out. Just don’t become frosty.

CAPRICORN (DECEMBER 23 - JANUARY 20)
Your shining corporate star needs a rest. Capricorns might misstep around the hallowed corridors of power. But that shouldn’t mean that you blend into the background and accept anything bosses dole out. Find roundabout ways to push your agenda and rely more on detail and smarts rather than lofty emotion. They will cheer for you eventually.

AQUARIUS (JANUARY 21 - FEBRUARY 19)
Does your reach exceed your grasp? Aquarians are known for sometimes going overboard in their quest to be recognized and admired. Now it is advisable for you to give your leash some slack and find ways to calmly wend your way through any new adventure. Too much push and pull will tip over the boat. There is nothing wrong with letting others steer ... briefly.

PISCES (FEBRUARY 20 - MARCH 20)
Your razzle may not dazzle around lovers now. Your timing may be off or both of you could just be too tired to go through the dance. So why waste your best moves? Take some time out and recharge your batteries, Pisces. Tomorrow is another day and you will find that your personal charisma is back at peak form. Then stand back world!