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Ever since go-getter Mars zipped into combustible Aries this past January 28, world events — and personal developments — have been firing off at a frenetic pace. But this week, the planets hit the brakes in a major way. Keep the picket signs and pussy hats handy. There may be cause to hit the streets yet again. Here's why: All week long, fierce warrior Mars syncs up with rebellious Uranus in Aries, turning up the heat on conflicts. But sitting opposite these two planets is diplomatic Jupiter in Libra insisting on cooperation and negotiation. This planetary dust-up could amplify 2017's intense political rifts, with Mars and Uranus repping the Executive branch and Jupiter in Libra courting the Judicial branch and the protestors. Aries energy lives for the fight while Libra is the pacifist. Our advice? Stand up for your beliefs, but stay with 2017's theme of peaceful revolution. Calm, clear, and centered always gets the upper hand.
This Saturday, cue up Lemonade — like, from the very beginning. Love planet Venus flips into retrograde until April 15, stirring up buried feelings. We're not telling you to don the yellow dress or take the Louisville Slugger to a parked car, but issues swept under rugs are bound to come out. Even the best of relationships will hit rough patches. Two people couldn't possibly agree on everything. Instead of trying to a have a conflict-free relationship, become better at resolving disagreements with love and compassion. Exes could come back into the picture over the coming six weeks — for better and for worse. This could be the second chance you've been waiting for, but don't delude yourself. Toxic tigers rarely change their stripes. Venus' backspin begins in fiery Aries, then retreats into forgiveness-oriented Pisces from April 2-15. Over the next four weeks, there could be waves of anger, impatience, and frustration that arise. Feeling these emotions is essential to growth — but don't take them out on other people. Release aggression with a baseball bat to a mattress (nope, still not your ex's car). Feeling the love — and seeing things clearly — will be easier once you do.
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Pisces
February 19 to March 20
Accessorise your OOTW with a Sherlock hat and magnifying glass, Pisces. Early this week, a face-off between feisty Mars and quick-fire Jupiter could lead to snap judgments — the kind that bring regrets. Before sounding off, search for hidden clues; then scan deeper. You won’t see the full story at first glance and your normally keen intuition could miss the cues. Body language may be more reliable than words now. Is someone withholding eye contact or crossing their arms? That could signal secrecy and discomfort — even if you're getting a "genuine" smile. Need more clues? Asking open-ended questions (versus yes-or-no's) will force people to give up the deets.
On Saturday, decadent Venus flips into retrograde until April 15. Keep your credit cards locked up and your head down at work — especially while Venus drifts back through Aries and your financial sector until April 2. (After that, the retrograde goes into Pisces, which will put the emphasis on self-love.) Tension around cashflow, deadlines, and demanding assignments could rear up, requiring you to reach deep to find diplomatic resolutions. Perhaps a bigger revolution is brewing here. Is your career destination shifting altogether? An old colleague could hold the key to your new path. Romantically, your love life could slow to a crawl, but this is actually a relief. Embrace the courtship process instead of being so results-oriented. This just gives you time to make sure you're getting into something that's right for you. Already attached? You may need to train your S.O. on treating you like a goddess. Restrain your eager impulses and give them a chance to come to you.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.Clik here to view.
Aries
March 21 to April 19
The heat is on, Aries! But is your fire spreading quickly enough? You've been rarin' to go ever since January 28, when make-it-happen Mars (your ruling planet) blazed into your sign. On Monday, broad-minded Jupiter in Libra and your partnership zone parks directly across the street from Mars. Review your plans early this week. Can you find ways to reach more people at a faster pace? If you're hustling away by your lonesome, consider adding a collaborator to the mix, someone whose skills play beautifully off of yours. Start the casting in earnest: Grab coffee or drinks with a simpatico colleague or do a Google Hangout with an overseas alliance. With passionate Mars in the picture, the dynamic duo you're discussing could also be a romantic one!
On Saturday, Venus — the planet of love and style — turns retrograde until April 15, retreating through Aries for the first leg of the journey, until April 2. Were you about to cut your own fringe? Drop the scissors and cancel that tattoo appointment. When it comes to your beauty routines, the status quo is your jam for the next six weeks — and just say "no" to makeovers right now. If you do try to sneak in some changes, stick to inexpensive and temporary like a Kim Kardashian blonde wig. This retrograde could also interrupt your spring fever vibes. Expect to run hot and cold with your S.O., especially until April 2, and don't make any sudden moves. Although exes tend to pop up during a Venus retro, don't play with fire when it comes to old flames. Trying to be "friends" could get complicated, fast! Remember, Aries: You broke up for a reason.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.Clik here to view.
Taurus
April 20 to May 20
Repeat after us, Taurus: Boundaries are a good thing. It’s essential to know your limits as fiery Mars and indie-spirited Jupiter get into a dance-off this Monday. People will tug on your heartstrings and even guilt-trip you. Don't fall for the manipulation! Know how much is humanly possible for you. Give without burning yourself out or slacking on self-care. When you feel yourself veering towards exhaustion, don't keep pushing. Go get a massage or manicure; take a yoga class. The key lies in treating yourself like the most important person in your life. And once you do, others will respond in kind. Speaking of others: Are there some toxic people you need to cut out of your life? Stop making excuses for their bad behaviour. Unfriend!
Ready for a blast from the past, Taurus? Romantic Venus turns retrograde from Saturday until April 15. Buckle up for an emotional ride. This six-week journey down Memory Lane could stir up some buried issues. Are you missing closure on a breakup? Is a betrayal still lingering in your mind? Venus’ backspin is an ideal time to step back and heal before forging ahead. Let yourself mourn. Reread the love letters then burn them ceremonially. If you've been stuck in a repetitive and unfulfilling romantic cycle, enlist the help of a therapist to help you break free. Another warning for this period: Troublesome exes could pop up, tempting you away from stability. Remember what we said, Taurus: Boundaries are a good thing! but if you deal with your subconscious baggage now, you’ll be ready for love when Venus heads into your sign in early June. In a relationship? This rear-facing cycle can help you find closure and forgiveness around your relationship's sore spot. Deal, then heal!
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.Clik here to view.
Gemini
May 21 to June 20
Love doesn’t just bloom, Gemini. It needs your imagination and input to fully thrive. Let your experimental side out early this week as heat-seeking Mars trades friendly fire with "anything goes" Jupiter. Be bold! Make a dramatic public gesture or plan for a private "game night" in. You’re so ready to be more of a risk-taker. Under this celestial alliance, a friend may be upgraded to FWB, while your mojo could wilt for someone who is "more seduction than substance." Attached? Passion could cool to a near-platonic level early this week, but don't fight it. Focus on the friendship element, hanging out and enjoying some fun after-work activities. Soon enough, the heat will be back on high.
This weekend, you may need to realign some of those squad goals. From Saturday until April 15, socially savvy Venus turns retrograde in your group activity sector, making it hard to find a harmonious groove. Aligning on shared goals — or even trying to schedule a gathering — could be like herding cats. Don’t let it fluster you, Gemini. Instead, use the retrograde phase for what's it's best for: Turning to the past. You could happily reunite with an old friend group or get the band back together. If a toxic teammate needs to be shown the door, get a move on that. You don't need this bad apple spoiling the whole barrel!
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.Clik here to view.
Cancer
June 21 to July 22
Are you feeling the love, Cancer? There could be friction in your squad early this week as hot-headed Mars faces off with outspoken Jupiter. Everyone has an opinion, but suddenly it feels like you're differing on core values. Does this mean you're no longer a solid unit? Not necessarily. Open the floor to debate and you'll gain clarity on your own stance. From there, you can decide what's best: to respectfully disagree or peel off and do your own thing. Set ground rules for these difficult discussions. For example, one person speaks at a time and all critiques must be followed by two proactive solutions. Arguing could create permanent fissures — and that's the opposite of your goal.
On Saturday, love planet Venus flips into a retrograde until April 15, pushing you to assess your long-term love goals. Is the big picture a bit foggy? Do you and your partner agree on what you want down the road? If there’s any uncertainty, don't sweep it under the rug. Ambiguity can breed contempt, Cancer, so don't let those grey areas linger. Time to ditch anyone who's stringing you along. If they aren't ready, like, now, waiting around is just wasting the best years of your life. Until April 2, Venus spins back through Aries and your career zone. Use this time to nurture connections and build your contact database. Hit the networking events armed with these conversation hacks. There may be more than the usual amount of friction with a colleague or client. Rein in the eye rolls and be professional!
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.Clik here to view.
Leo
July 23 to August 22
Bye bye, social slump. Early this week, an energising face-off between motivator Mars and intrepid Jupiter shakes you out of a rut. Yes, even the roving Lion can fall into stale patterns. Get to googling and fill your calendar with intellectually stimulating events and cultural activities. Town Hall lectures with TED talk luminaries? Important documentary screenings? Sober dance parties? Dine in the dark with a daring friend? The goal is to get out of your comfort zone, Leo. (Want to take it farther than city limits? This woman trekked to every country by the age of 27!) If you find an activity or studio you love, make yourself a regular there. Your friend list will grow quickly when you become a familiar face on the scene.
Cupid, steady your aim. From Saturday until April 15, amorous Venus turns retrograde in your adventurous ninth house. While you love making grand romantic overtures, don't let spring fever overtake your good judgment. Otherwise, you could have some serious misfires on your hands. Some important moments of truth can arise while Venus is in reverse — helpful if you're wondering where your love interest stands on your shared future, although talks may reveal the need for some pretty big compromises. Tear off the rose-coloured glasses all the same, Leo. It's in your best interest to see everyone — including your exes — for who they truly are. Coupled Leos, avoid the "old marrieds" trap with some nostalgic travel. Revisit the place you first kissed or got engaged — or visit old friends who know and adore you both.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.Clik here to view.
Virgo
August 23 to September 22
Money burning a hole in your pocket, Virgo? Fixate on your finances early this week — and don’t be too discouraged if you don’t love what you see. A motivating opposition between go-getter Mars and enterprising Jupiter spurs you to explore new paths to prosperity. Jupiter rules education and this cosmic connection could nudge you towards a degree or certification program that helps you score your future promotion. Invest in yourself, Virgo: Little efforts go a long way. And you don't need to be swimming in stacks of Alexander Hamiltons to start saving. Follow these tips for creating financial security on a tight income. If you see an opportunity to climb the ladder at your current gig, be bold! Pitch your ideas to the powers that be and make sure corporate is aware of your desires to grow within the company.
Spring awakening — or a little more snooze time? From Saturday until April 15, Venus will be retrograde, backtracking through your relationship houses to boot. An ex could distract you from your love goals (again) while your feelings yearn for a stable, but less seductive, candidate. To top it off, you may have to deal with a certain green-eyed monster. Those territorial feelings are real, Virgo, but examine the source of your jealousy. Is the object of your affections actually untrustworthy or are you freaking out because of your past? With Venus in a backspin, old wounds can reopen. That said, you don't want to gloss over legit intuitive hits. Actions speak louder than words so keep the detective hat on and observe — but base your assumptions off facts along with those feelings. The good news? While you might be able to keep your simmering intensity a secret, Venus' deep dive could bring some epic soul-merging and erotic exploration — quite possibly with someone you've known for a long time (but never like that).
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.Clik here to view.
Libra
September 23 to October 22
Let freedom ring? Not so fast, Libra. You've been on an independent tear ever since liberated Jupiter entered your sign last September 9; but an urge to merge is a major part of your cosmic DNA. Without some a proper RDA of partnership, you feel out of balance. Early this week, go-getter Mars in Aries (and your partnership house) trades sexy fire with Jupiter in Libra. Someone you adore may bring to your attention that you haven't been the best at, uh, compromising lately. Love, friendship, basically all dynamic duos are a two-way street. It's not like you to forget that, but, well… Jupiter in Libra. Heed the wake-up call and make amends. A genuine apology and even a gift will assure your other half that you're not trying to gloss over any accidental slights.
Of course, there's no painting sunshine over troubled relationships. On Saturday, your ruling planet Venus turns retrograde until April 15, backtracking straight through your commitment zone. You may have second (or third or fourth) thoughts about a certain someone right now or a curveball could be thrown your way in an existing union. Don’t panic! Venus retrograde is actually an ideal time to pause, reassess, and work through complex feelings. Don't cling to some perfectionist ideal of how things should be (that might be part of the issue). Even the most outwardly happy couples struggle, fight, and deal with moments of debilitating insecurity. The key to love longevity is to navigate disagreements with love and respect. Libras in relationships may need to have tough talks about your long-term goals. If they don't really mesh (and probably never will) use this window to let go. Compromises are unavoidable, but life is too short to settle!
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.Clik here to view.
Scorpio
October 23 to November 21
Fact-check! With Monday’s opposition between firecracker Mars and fast-talking Jupiter, you could be a little too quick to jump on rumours — or even get caught in the dreaded "fake news" net. In your desire to drum up support, make sure you aren't stretching the truth yourself. Use compelling language to drive your point home, but don’t embellish on the hard data. Not sure how to respond in a heated debate? The fastest retort isn't always the wisest one. If you genuinely don't know, it’s better that you pause, think about your answer, and respond later when you’re armed with intel. Take the pressure off yourself to give a pitch perfect performance. By the end of the week, people will appreciate your commitment to honesty over your snappy wit.
From Saturday until April 15, beauty queen Venus turns retrograde in your perfectionistic sixth house. You'll want everything just so — especially when it comes to style and appearance — but at what cost? Raking everything over the coals (including your own reflection) will leave you in a perpetual state of unhappiness. Fight the impulse to criticise, and instead, shower yourself (and your loved ones) with compliments. Surround yourself with people who mirror back your strength, beauty, and love. And hey, Scorpio, those so-called "flaws" are what differentiate works of art from boring, plastic factory models. Bookmark this self-love inspo from 30 body-loving celebs and check it often. Lavish your body with healthy food and exercise that is fun, not punishing. While you’re in this self-care groove, how about simplifying your hectic schedule to squeeze in more beauty rest? Your libido will thank you.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.Clik here to view.
Sagittarius
November 22 to December 21
Modesty is overrated — especially when you're an ass-kicking Archer. And there will be no shortage of swagger for Sagittarians this week thanks to Monday’s opposition of super-competitor Mars and your ruling planet, confident Jupiter. Promoting yourself is sanctioned by the stars this week, but here's a suggestion for keeping fans on your side: Don't brag humbly, but brag inclusively. No one makes it to the top alone. When sharing your latest victories, give props to your partners in crime. The Mars-Jupiter dust-up will shorten your fuse for bullshit. Woe betide any Mean Girls or Twitter trolls who think of coming for you this week. Keep your clapbacks classy — and also short and sweet. If you find yourself furiously typing a scathing, 800-word retort, pause and send to drafts. Not only is this a waste of your time, but it could start a war. Until you've cooled down, your best retort may be the one you enjoy quietly by yourself.
From Saturday until April 15, love planet Venus flips into retrograde, stirring the pot in your romance sector. Before the first blooms hit the trees you’ll likely hear from an old flame — one best left in the "been there, done that" category. Meanwhile, an au courant relationship could hit a snag. Speed bumps happen; it’s par for the course. But this is the perfect time to iron out any differences, and, possibly, take a mini break. Or, just give yourself more "me time.” Focusing on creative projects instead of fixating on an S.O. during Venus’ backspin can be especially cathartic. But don’t show off your big masterpiece until mid-April, when the planet goes direct again. With your fashionable fifth house afflicted by this backspin, avoid any major makeovers. That means no newly-single hair chops, kay?
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.Clik here to view.
Capricorn
December 22 to January 19
Is your wallet a little too thin for your liking, Capricorn? The stars bring a welcome prosperity boost this week as ambitious Jupiter and driven Mars share an electrifying current. To tap this abundance, venture out of your safety zone and take a risk. Maybe your DIY talents could become a profitable side hustle on Etsy. Property prices looking good in your area? Keep your eyes open for those "For Sale" signs during your daily commute — and pop the Zillow app onto your phone. A fixer-upper in a growing neighbourhood could pay dividends in a few years, even if you have to live a little outside the heart of the action for a minute. Circulate more around the office, too. Chatting up management could lead to a serendipitous opportunity once they hear what you've accomplished for the company thus far.
Thought you'd kick back for a cosy weekend at home? Alas, that won't be so easy from Saturday until April 15 as harmoniser Venus turns retrograde in your domestic zone. You may struggle to get some privacy or just feel frustrated by your decor choices. Pro tip: Remodelling and redecorating during a Venus retrograde is best kept to a Pinterest board. That said, you might invest in a closet system or an armoire to tuck away clutter. Tension with a female relative or roommate could heat up. Time to revamp those house rules, Capricorn! You need your privacy, but other people do, too. Get creative and find better ways to make the place feel like a safe and cozy space — for everyone. For example, you could plan a couple evening yoga classes a week so your roommate can make a romantic dinner with her partner and vice versa.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.Clik here to view.
Aquarius
January 20 to February 18
Witty Aquarius, few can match your verbal jousting skills. But are those clever clapbacks worth the laughs? Early this week, a fiery opposition between mouthy Mars and candid Jupiter could bring you dangerously close to Mean Girl terrain. Check those snappy retorts. Under these sensitive skies, they could torch bridges with someone who’s better off as your ally. You don’t have to take any insults lying down — but perhaps you can iron out your differences in a more productive manner? (When they go low, at least ignore them.) And while it would be momentarily satisfying to get your J.K. Rowling on, this time, aim for a resolution, not a takedown. Ironing things out over coffee trumps a Twitter drag anytime.
Feelings, nothing more than…feelings? This Saturday, diplomatic Venus turns retrograde until April 15, rocking the boat with a few key allies. Better to expect friction — especially with a coworker, close friend, or neighbour — than to be thrown off when a conflict erupts. Bite your tongue when you're heated, Aquarius, even if you can read the other person like a 140-character tweet. Conflicts don't always need to be hashed out in the moment: something you'll want to remember over the next six weeks. Check your communication style with dates and mates. Basic conversations about where to have dinner could spiral into major arguments if you take everything personally. On a positive note, Venus' backspin can bring warmhearted reunions with friends and even a flirtatious crush. If a short-circuited attraction keeps popping up in your fantasies, try for a second chance. Just go slowly and don't make any major decisions until Venus is direct on April 15.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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