As we welcome Family Week in Provincetown, we are reminded of the varied definitions of family and the range of people who influence and shape our lives.
I was brought up in a large Portuguese family and, naturally, my mom, sister, aunts and uncles, cousins, and family friends all influenced who I am. When I was in my teens, I was also fortunate to receive guidance from several queer elders. I am forever grateful that my “family” is so wide-ranging.
For many in our queer community, when conventional family relationships aren’t supportive, the creation of a chosen family is especially important. If you’re in the midst of the work of redefining your understanding of family, the cosmos is on your side right now.
The planets are forming quite a few aspects that encourage us to question our perception and experience of society — including the idea of the “nuclear” family. Mercury and Venus, which are working in a harmonious conjunction with each other, form a difficult Square with Uranus. Venus and Mars are also in opposition with Saturn, shaking up our ways of interacting with long held ideas, beliefs, and structures.
Think of this as an opportunity. When Mercury and Venus work together, we find ourselves asking, “What can be made of this beautiful world?” They give us a push towards increased connection. “It takes a village” may be overused, but there’s truth in it. Now’s the time to construct a world that is inclusive of all.
ARIES
March 21 – April 19
Too much on your plate? It’s okay to offload anything that’s sucking up time and energy unnecessarily. If your priorities are out of whack, now’s the time to get back on track.
TAURUS
April 20 – May 20
If you’re working towards something big, double down. You’re on track for major successes, you just have to stay on course.
GEMINI
May 21 – June 20
Luck seems to be on your side this week. Fortune favors the bold, so take bold actions, and as long as you think things through, you’re sure to taste success.
CANCER
June 21 – July 22
You’re not always comfortable being the center of attention, but here you are, and you can sure put on a show. Eat up the love while you can.
LEO
July 23 – Aug. 22
Embrace the finer things this week. Let yourself enjoy the luxuries that you work so hard to afford and that you love so much. You deserve to enjoy them, Leo.
VIRGO
Aug. 23 – Sept. 22
Whatever it is that motivates you, there’s plenty of it right now. And if you don’t know what that is, now’s the time to figure it out.
LIBRA
Sept. 23 – Oct. 22
Whether things are up or down for you right now, you always know how to make the best of a situation, taking moments as they come.
SCORPIO
Oct. 23 – Nov. 21
You’re great at quickly assessing any situation and finding a clear path towards a successful outcome. This skill will come in quite handy this week.
SAGITTARIUS
Nov. 22 – Dec. 21
Exploration suits you. And you know you can’t see the world from behind a desk. You get better by challenging yourself, so step on up.
CAPRICORN
Dec. 22 – Jan. 19
You’ve got the world in the palm of your hand, but what are you going to do with it? Remember that with power comes responsibility.
AQUARIUS
Jan. 20 – Feb. 18
This week, it’s important to slow down and take all the time you need to make good decisions. If it’s not time sensitive, take a minute and a breath.
PISCES
Feb. 19 – March 20
Your emotional depth is unmatched, which is both a wonderful and terrifying thing. Know that you can choose how deep you want to go, and sometimes it’s nice to swim in the shallows.
