Do the dishes, launder the linens, and tend all else that makes for a happy home: Venus, planet of beauty, is settling into Virgo, sign of practicality. So, now is the time to put a little elbow grease into both your space and your relationships. Instead of nitpicking, find more practical expressions of love, such as errand-doing, dinner-making, and simply being present.
Such happy householding will come in handy next week when Mercury moves into retrograde — in Libra. Mercury is the planet of communication. We can see the “what” of that retrograde in things like delayed flights, glitchy phones, and missed calls. But when it’s in Libra, these communication issues can manifest in our relationships.
Despite the crossed wires and mysterious technological mishaps that are the hallmarks of a Mercury retrograde, there is more to this planetary position than mere mayhem. Consider how, when retrograde, Mercury in Libra offers us the opportunity to recalibrate our bonds with others by recognizing where there are communication issues and restoring harmony where needed.
With both Mercury retrograde and Venus in Libra, find balance by refining your relationship to both your surroundings and the people in them.
When reading personal horoscopes, read your Sun sign for the “big picture” and your rising sign for “where the work is.”
ARIES / ARIES RISING
March 21 – April 19
Mars sextile Jupiter: Your devious charm gets a dose of honest this week, so put it to good use. You’ve got a short window to turn your dreams into reality.
TAURUS / TAURUS RISING
April 20 – May 20
Venus square Mars: Underlying tensions seek sweet release. A healthy appetite is natural, and you are welcome to indulge to your heart’s content. No cheat days needed.
GEMINI / GEMINI RISING
May 21 – June 20
Mercury opposite Jupiter: You don’t really want to live the unexamined life, do you? Stay close to the details and don’t bite off more than you can chew.
CANCER / CANCER RISING
June 21 – July 22
Moon opposite Mars: It’s the little things that bother you most. Channel all challenging energies into exercise and compromise.
LEO / LEO RISING
July 23 – Aug. 22
Sun trine Uranus: Let your hair down this week and show off that quirky side that attracts people to you. Leaving your comfort zone will surely pay off.
VIRGO / VIRGO RISING
Aug. 23 – Sept. 22
Mercury opposite Jupiter: We all know you enjoy the sight of a full plate. But there are times it will be more than you can handle. Stay optimistic but remember this: less can be more.
LIBRA / LIBRA RISING
Sept. 23 – Oct. 22
Venus square Mars: You may find yourself rubbing up against all sorts of wood in a you-scratch-my-back-I’ll-scratch-yours kind of way. But friction creates heat, so just try not to burn the whole forest down.
SCORPIO / SCORPIO RISING
Oct. 23 – Nov. 21
Mars sextile Jupiter: You’re probably feeling like you’re on top of the world. Enjoy the emotion-free ego boost as you go for what — or whom — you want.
SAGITTARIUS / SAGITTARIUS RISING
Nov. 22 – Dec. 21
Mars sextile Jupiter: Take advantage of your good mood this week and transform it into good luck. And hey, you might even get lucky. You surely do need it.
CAPRICORN / CAPRICORN RISING
Dec. 22 – Jan. 19
Saturn square Uranus: If you’re feeling blocked and locked up, remember that being open-minded is the key to many doors.
AQUARIUS / AQUARIUS RISING
Jan. 20 – Feb. 18
Saturn square Uranus: It’s best to be opportunistic this week to help you break free from any restrictive sensations. Have some fun.
PISCES / PISCES RISING
Feb. 19 – March 20
Mars sextile Jupiter: Your already-boosted ego gets a jolt of energy this week. Make the most of your increased charm and see if you can turn it into results.
