by Judi Vitale

Aries (March 21 - April 19)
In truth, Aries is an easy enemy to deal with. These are very straightforward people, and usually they don't get into anything underhanded. Ruled by warlike Mars, they can be utterly explosive, though. Fortunately, once the mushroom cloud clears, everybody can be friends again. If in the meantime you want to find some way to prevent this fiery person from spontaneous combustion, there are a few tricks you can use. Immediate gratification will always make these impatient people a lot less edgy.

Taurus (April 20 - May 20)
Taurus opponents can be difficult, especially if you're used to working with people who know how to compromise. There's a reason why these people have adopted the Bull as their zodiac mascot. Taurus people will maintain a position longer than you can probably endure arguing. You can try a visual distraction, but the red cape is probably a little too cliché. Call on Taurus' pleasure-loving planetary ruler Venus instead. More than one Taurus has been known to forget all about an argument when a strategically presented box of chocolates or gooey volcano cake is placed within easy reach.

Gemini (May 21 - June 20)
The ability of the well-connected Gemini to intimidate you with technical prowess and a mastery of interpersonal networking can make them a formidable opponent. They can carry on more than one conversation at once, and one of your toughest jobs will be to make them pay attention to you. When a Gemini gets mad, they can mimic their magical planetary ruler Mercury -- and disappear. If you want to keep this chatty person's attention, stop by your favorite geek shop on the way to your meeting. The latest MP3 or teensiest cell phone camera will fixate their focus on bright, shiny objects.

Cancer (June 21 - July 22)
The toughest thing about dealing with a Cancer is the way this seemingly gentle person's moods change every other minute. Even male Cancerians have a way of reminding you of your mother -- or some other similar sometimes nurturing, sometimes vengeful figure. Being "people pleasers" themselves, they'll appreciate you when you go out of the way to find out their favorite things … and deliver them. If food and other cozy creature comforts don't seem to do the job, you can always revert to Cancer's ultimate weak spot. Ooooh and aaaaah a lot after asking them to pull out some pictures of the family.

Leo (July 23 - August 22)
Although a Leo will usually fight like your dispute is as significant as an international uproar, this loud and proud opponent is very easy to deal with. Even when you're being attacked by a barrage of sharp-pointed arrows, you'll do well to remember that a Leo's roar is far fiercer than his or her bite. Depending on your own proclivities, there are two ways to battle back. You can confront Leo with at least as good a fight as you're getting, or pretend to "surrender.” Once the weapons have been put down, you can strike and put this regal beast back in its place.

Virgo (August 23 - September 22)
Virgos are always overwhelmed, mainly because these "picky" people get mired in details, without keeping an eye on the big picture. This is good news and bad news for you. Although taking the global view will give you instant strategic advantage, your failure to cover every last little point might amount to your undoing. To prevent a confrontation with a Virgo from escalating, ask them for analysis and itemization, even when you don't think it's necessary. Once they get to do exactly what they seem to be pre-programmed to do, they'll put down their pistols and grab the nearest calculator.

Libra (September 23 - October 22)
Libra has an eye for beauty, a mind for the law and the ability to see both sides of any situation. Still, given the option, most Libras will prefer to do as little work as possible. This makes them particularly easy to beat in a dispute. Even though Librans are born with the ability to argue like top-notch litigators, their enthusiasm will wane as soon as it becomes obvious there's serious work to be done. Explain that you won't give a Libra anything unless he or she works for it. The list of bargaining points is sure to shrink on the spot.

Scorpio (October 23 - November 21)
Fighting against a Scorpio is everybody's nightmare ... unless you're a Scorpio! This mysterious, cunning and sometimes vicious person is ruled by Mars' stealthy ninja side. In general, it's very, very hard to get anything past these people. Even when you don't think they are watching, they probably have a surveillance camera that is. They live to fight and will do it to the death -- figuratively speaking. Virtually the only way to get anything out of this enthusiastic mercenary is to build an alliance. Any kind of secret information that can ultimately be used against a common enemy is a good initial offer.

Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21)
A Sagittarius can be an earnest enemy, especially if he or she has become convinced that someone has been a victim of an unethical blow. These people are playful on the outside, but when you talk to them for awhile, it becomes obvious that their brain is a magnificent instrument indeed. Their most prominent adversarial skill is their ability to know the facts, then take them and dramatize them to form compelling arguments. How to you combat such an awesome ability? Go for their weak spot -- humor. Crack a joke and the walls will come crumbling down. Soon there will be sloppy hugs all around.

Capricorn (December 22 - January 19)
Capricorns can be intimidating, simply because they seem to have everything under control -- no matter what the circumstances. Yes, they really can run a multi-national corporation, raise several children, volunteer all over town and find the time to fight with you until you feel as though you've been down-sized to the scale of an ant in comparison. But even this strong and smart personality has a weak spot you can work on. As it turns out, Capricorns have a very seamy side. Check for stuff like whips, cuffs and cross-gender clothing in strange places, and you'll pick up the scent.

Aquarius (January 20 - February 18)
Aquarians will tell you that there's always a way to avoid a fight, yet you'll find it hard not to notice how many of them they start. Aquarius leads a sort of double-life. On one hand, people born under this sign promote the idea that everyone should live in peace. On the other, they don't tolerate people they judge as having a less than open mind. This is another type that's almost impossible to fight. Your one shot would be telling an Aquarius that by following this combative course, they're polluting the air and irreparably damaging Mother Nature.

Pisces (February 19 - March 20)
It's really hard to fight a Pisces -- basically because they seem so innocent and gullible. Don't let their clueless-looking exterior fool you, though. Pisces has the rep for being everybody's advocate, and most will use this against you. They'll ask how you can dare to cross such a virtuous soul, and they'll rally their supporters to stand around and point you out as a force of evil. The only way to combat this is to use the time-tested tool of confrontational intervention. When you run down the list of things Pisces forgot to do, people will beg you to send this boundary-less person in for some rehab.

About the Author
Judi Vitale is an astrologer and writer who's had her eye on the sky for most of her life. When she's not whipping up horoscopes, poring over articles or working with clients, Judi lectures, teaches and does everything possible to plant seeds of spiritual awareness in the hearts of any or all who look, listen or read. Nothing satisfies her more than helping people get in touch with their highest purpose in life. Judi received her certification as a consulting astrologer from the National Council for Geocosmic Research in 1995.