INTRODUCTION One rainy afternoon in October 2007, I found myself once again in my hometown of Philadelphia and gave David Borgenicht, president and publisher of Quirk Books, a quick call to say I was in town. He immediately invited me over, and soon I was treading on the familiar cobblestone streets of Old City, ringing the doorbell of this unusual publishing house. Ushered in by a receptionist, I waited for David and was immediately attracted by the awards his Worst-Case Scenario books had won, which were framed and prominently displayed on the wall. David and I had never met, but we had been introduced through a mutual friend, Rick Lightstone, of the American Book Center in Amsterdam, where Rick and I both live. I was impressed by the cordial yet relaxed work atmosphere at Quirk. David welcomed me in and offered me a seat at a long table in his conference room, across from library shelves containing a selection of books that included my own Secret Language of Birthdays . Rick had suggested cooking up a new book project with David. As if reading my mind, David immediately encouraged me to share any ideas for my next full-length work.

I mentioned a few that had been running around in my head, and after carefully noting them down, David jumped right in: "I have an idea for a new book. It would be an astrology book about the other guy." "The other guy?" I asked, puzzled. "Yes," he replied. "You know, in the nineties it was all me-me-me. People were crazy about books that told them about themselves, and your Secret Language of Birthdays really locked into that trend. What I have in mind is a kind of astrological handbook that tells you how to approach other people by their astrological sign, essentially how to handle a Capricorn, Leo, Gemini, etc., in almost any area of life.

" Six months later, in April 2008, David stopped to see me in Amsterdam on his way to the London Book Fair. Seated across from me at a table in Caf Luxembourg on the Spui, he outlined the major sections of the book that he and his staff had fleshed out: Work, Love, and Friends and Family. Under each category were subheads like Libra Boss, Aquarius Lover, and Gemini Friend, and underneath each of those were another six subsections addressing such issues as Asking the Libra Boss for a Raise, Sex and the Aquarius Lover, and Borrowing Money from the Gemini Friend. The total number of words this project would entail--around 170,000 to 180,000--was daunting, but since each of the three Secret Language books had totaled about half a million words, we both knew I could do it. I found--and still find--David''s original idea a brilliant one. People today are more interested in the other person, and maybe just a tad less interested in themselves. Only later would I realize that this was the book I had always wanted to write and, in fact, had presented to publishers as my sun sign book. I felt it was time, at last, for another important book in this genre, one that had been curiously absent in this popular field since the 1960s and Linda Goodman''s groundbreaking book Sun Signs.

This dovetailing of our mutual ideas and interests has been a satisfying stimulus to writing this volume. I thank David and the entire staff at Quirk who have made our mutual creation such a wonderful experience. I do not think I have ever enjoyed writing a book as much as I have this one. Gary Goldschneider Amsterdam November 2008 Aries BIRTHDAY MARCH 21-APRIL 20 Aries is the first sign of the zodiac, representing cardinal fire and symbolizing the pure and highly intuitive energies of the sign. Since Mars is their ruling planet, Aries individuals tend to be forceful, aggressive, and insistent on getting their way and winning. Although often childlike and open, they can also be hard to reach emotionally and find it difficult to express their complex feelings. They dislike being analyzed and take the attitude "what you see is what you get" with regard to themselves. The Aries Boss Aries bosses are born leaders, so there will be little doubt as to their wishes concerning the direction the group should take.

Explicit, clear, and demanding, these fiery individuals will ask for every ounce of commitment and energy their employees can muster, and then some. Because they are so comfortable in this role, they are eager to make decisions and see them implemented. True individuals, they naturally respect individuality in others and are surprisingly open to and even expectant of their employees acting on their own, once they understand what is expected of them. Asking the Aries Boss for a Raise Aries bosses will probably already have anticipated you in this regard. Most likely they will offer you a raise (if you deserve it) on their own without your even asking. However, this also implies that if you need to ask for a raise you will probably be turned down. Aries bosses enjoy being magnanimous, but only if it is warranted. They are particularly impressed by the dramatic deal you may have pulled off, one that gives new spark and direction to the group.

Less impressed by steady or plodding behavior, they may overlook the faithful employee who has served without attracting notice. Breaking Bad News to the Aries Boss Make sure you wear your crash helmet. Aries bosses are likely to fly off the handle (don''t rule out yelling, screaming, or throwing nearby objects) after an initial ominous silence. A deepening red complexion may be the second warning sign. Seismic outbursts are likely to last a few minutes but are usually gone, like summer storms, rather quickly. One alternative is simply to hand the Aries boss the disturbing report in writing and then make a quick retreat. Arranging Travel and/or Entertainment for the Aries Boss Aries bosses are very pleased when you arrange things exactly as they would have themselves and much less than pleased when you do not. Thus, getting to know their special desires and wishes is essential to your success.

Since organization is not usually their strong suit, they may depend on you entirely to have things perfectly worked out. Keep in mind that they love the grand gesture and will spare no expense to make themselves look good. Particularly observant of that little touch that indicates your sensitivity to their preferences, Aries bosses would look favorably upon those who go the extra mile, so you would do well to alert the restaurant, hotel, or travel agent of your boss''s preferences beforehand. Decision-Making and the Aries Boss Aries bosses naturally make all important decisions themselves, and usually without asking for your advice. That said, they like you to be decisive when it comes to your own decision-making--just hold your breath when they are faced with what you have done. Constantly in the act of making decisions and giving orders, Aries bosses will not tolerate insubordination or misunderstanding. Nor do they change their minds often. As a result, when faced with difficulties or failures, they are likely to pin the blame on you, pointing to what they perceive as your flexibility or weakness.

Better to courageously implement their doctrines and gently remind them of their original orders when the going gets rough. Impressing and/or Motivating the Aries Boss The first step is getting your Aries boss''s attention. This will be best accomplished not by periodic gentle memos but by a terse, well-thought-out plan that can quickly penetrate the Aries armor. This should be delivered when the two of you are alone, since taking the chance of embarrassing your Aries boss in front of coworkers is not advised. Do not try to butter up Aries bosses or deliver your spiel in a roundabout or subtle fashion; this will only make them more impatient. Once you have hurled your thunderbolt, it is best to leave them alone for a while, since they will get back to you when ready. Making Proposals and/or Giving Presentations to the Aries Boss With Aries bosses, it''s best to keep it short and sweet. State your points/results at the beginning rather than saving them until the end.

Itemize your main points in a list of no more than five items. Do not be afraid to state the problems inherent in your plan and do not minimize the expense and effort involved. Aries bosses are attracted by challenge, and it is often the improbable or even impossible that rouses their fighting energies. Make sure that plenty of room is left for their personal involvement, without which the proposal could not succeed. Since their irritation factor is often high, try to dress in muted or neutral colors and styles.