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CAREER: Your plans are off to a slow start this year, which is good news. A review strengthens your initiative and sends a message of professionalism. Make your pitch early, and reap the enthusiasm it generates. Developers and consultants are free to call the tune and change direction as needed. Concentrate this energy through February 22nd. For the next month, you welcome enlightened input. Make your associates aware, however, that they may have to wait awhile before you can address their issues.

Fresh projects appear in the last week of March. When new clients come to you, it's an effort to switch from selling yourself to servicing their needs. Try to settle into a changed routine before April 26th. At this point, it becomes harder for newcomers to integrate. Corporate culture grows increasingly absurd or unfriendly throughout the month of May. Unresolved personality conflicts come to a head around the 30th, but they're quickly mediated by those skilled in the arts of compromise and cooperation. Move ahead in a friendly, rational environment.

Even if the current phase of your career is running smoothly, past failures and bad references return to haunt you during the Summer. You spend the end of July and most of August validating and ingratiating yourself with those who need to understand how important you are. Job security depends on your grasp of details between August 28th and September 19th. On the 20th you can relax. Whether or not you agree with the tests through which your employer just sent you, you pass them with flying colors. A raise or promotion might be possible after this.

Late September sees the rise of strategic partnerships. Enhance your intellectual property by recruiting those with the skills and tools to implement it. Investors seek large payouts after October 22nd. Be sure that they're just drawing income and not abandoning ship. If professional relations really are breaking down, an event around November 8th reminds you that it's nothing personal. Besides, in another two weeks you make a connection that will benefit you well into 2004. Even as business slows down for the holidays, you have a good feeling about this. Clear thinking and smart planning have rarely been so important.