This week’s column is brought to you by Mercury retrograde in Aquarius. While we usually associate this event with interrupted travel plans, issues with technology, and communication breakdowns (Mercury rules these parts of our lives), these mundane challenges can be an opportunity to see the bigger picture.
The qualities of Aquarius will color the issues that we face. Aquarius is the sign of progress, invention, humanitarianism, and eccentricity. It’s a fixed sign, like Leo, Scorpio, and Taurus. These are the results-oriented “doers” of the zodiac. They follow through on the direction set by the cardinal signs — Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn — the “idea generators” of the zodiac, who love to move from project to project without completing any one of them. The remaining signs are called mutable, and include Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces. They are the “closers” of the zodiac and tend to be more noncommittal; they usher in the seasonal transitions.
This retrograde will push the boundaries of anything left unfinished in your life, especially concerning groups of people and networking. Try to prioritize an Aquarian rationality while also tapping into your natural quirkiness for creative solutions.
ARIES
March 21 – April 19
Ruler Mars opposite the Moon: Don’t pick any fights just to scratch an aggressive itch. Pent-up emotions are best released through rigorous physical activity.
TAURUS
April 20 – May 20
Ruler Venus conjunct Saturn and square Uranus: You may be feeling like you’ve aged out of certain relationships. Don’t take yourself too seriously but definitely be dutiful.
GEMINI
May 21 – June 20
Ruler Mercury square the Moon: Self-doubt creeps in slowly, like a vine that crumbles façades. Don’t rationalize your restlessness. Choose any direction with confidence.
CANCER
June 21 – July 22
Ruler Moon opposite Mars: Some people are just so touchy, Cancer, and you’re one of them. Work out any negativity by breaking a sweat, not knocking skulls.
LEO
July 23 – Aug. 22
Ruler Sun conjunct Jupiter, square Mars: These aspects have you rather restless. Let yourself be guided by optimism as you navigate your rarely fulfilled sense of accomplishment.
VIRGO
Aug. 23 – Sept. 22
Ruler Mercury square the Moon: You’re generally the confident type, choosing to project your doubt onto others, rather than owning up to it yourself. That’s all.
LIBRA
Sept. 23 – Oct. 22
Ruler Venus conjunct Saturn and square Uranus: There’s a sense of maturity you’ve always been aware of, reflected in your friendships. Be lighthearted, even if you’re letting go.
SCORPIO
Oct. 23 – Nov. 21
Ruler Mars square Jupiter: This planetary combination makes you too restless for your own good. Instead of biting off more than you can chew, savor each bite slowly.
SAGITTARIUS
Nov. 22 – Dec. 21
Ruler Jupiter square the Moon, square Mars: You would do well to remember that it is possible to be too optimistic and too self-indulgent. That said, express yourself.
CAPRICORN
Dec. 22 – Jan. 19
Ruler Saturn conjunct Venus: Feeling duty-bound to friends and finances may present a conflict. Responsibility is something to take with a grain of salt.
AQUARIUS
Jan. 20 – Feb. 18
Ruler Uranus square Venus: It’s easy for you to see your relationships as things that ebb and flow. Maintaining connections is a worthwhile endeavor.
PISCES
Feb. 19 – March 20
Ruler Neptune trine the Moon: You’re tapping into unseen forces that inspire, and it’s like being visited by a muse. Deliver that beauty into the world around you. It needs it.
