What a week that was. We might be out of the woods, eclipse-wise, for the moment, but we're in the thick of Leo season now, stargazers. And that fiery energy is mixing it up with the residual effects of last week's lunar activity. Don't believe us? Check out the #InMyFeelingsChallenge, in which everyone's letting their inner showoff out to play as they bring their own flair to Drake's latest banger.
In the wake of last Friday's full moon, the moon will be waning all week. This is a good time to iron out the details on projects that you may have been neglecting. But hold off on putting the final touches on anything this week. It's not an ideal time to wrap things up ( cough, Mercury retrograde). That said, you probably already know that Mercury retrograde periods affect each sign differently. Read on to reveal how you should be spending your energy.
Aries
March 21 to April 19
Mercury, your planet of health and career, is retrograde, Aries, so you may be frustrated with your progress (or lack thereof) at work this week. Typically, your sign focuses on taking your plans from paper to reality, moving ever forward with your vision in mind. This retrograde's energy makes you feel like every step forward takes you two steps in the opposite direction. It’s in your nature to be bold, but consider taking a mellower approach this week: Hit pause and listen for feedback on your projects before pushing ahead.
It isn't just Mercury sending you these signals: Mars, your ruling planet, is out of bounds, and it would like you to take things easy for a while, too, even if you are feeling more heated than usual. Simply put, watch your intensity this week, Ram. The best scenario is that you avoid saying something that you can’t take back.
The moon will enter your sign on Wednesday night. This will give you the boost you need to keep working, no matter how fruitless it may seem at the moment.
Illustrated by Abbie Winters.
Taurus
April 20 to May 20
Have you noticed any changes at work since last Thursday, Taurus? If anything of note has happened, take it as a direct sign of what you need to do going forward. Your money planet, Mercury, is currently retrograde for the second time this year (and one more awaits this autumn). You can tackle this retrograde like a farmer: Consider your best options, plant the seeds for success, and gradually work toward a bountiful harvest at the end of August.
The moon will enter your sign on Friday afternoon, bolstering your patient and practical nature. If you’ve been meaning to take care of your home, this weekend is an excellent time to do so. Use the sensual, luxurious energy of the Taurus moon to live life to the fullest in matters of love and career. Under these moonbeams, you’ll be difficult to resist. Prepare for next week’s solar eclipse on 11th August by looking back at this summer's previous eclipses (the solar one on 13th July and the lunar one last Friday). Did they hit your home and family? Did you feel them more in your career? Create a strong foundation for success by looking closely at the changes that took place.
Illustrated by Abbie Winters.
Gemini
May 21 to June 20
This Sunday, use the Pisces moon’s lovey-dovey vibes to communicate. If you're in a relationship, spend some time getting deep with your partner. If you're single, open up to a romantic interest. Mercury is your ruling planet, Gem, and it also rules your home and family life. You may be feeling a little on edge on Monday and Tuesday when the moon goes void of course when moving on from Pisces. VOCs can render even the most decisive actions null. Use your sign’s not-so-secret superpowers (flexibility and adaptability) to embrace any wild shifts.
Prepare for the solar eclipse next week by reflecting on the events of the last solar eclipse, which occurred on 13th July. What happened to your communication style and skills during that time? How do others perceive you? When are you most successful at getting your point across? Don't shy away from recalling conversations that got ugly or didn't go your way. Sorting through these miscommunications is what leads to progress (and fewer sticky social situations) later on.
Illustrated by Abbie Winters.
Cancer
June 21 to July 22
Did last week’s lunar eclipse refocus the lens on your self-image, Cancer? Make no mistake, change is a-coming and it's all thanks to this summer's storm of retrogrades. For one thing, Mercury, your planet of spirituality, is retrograde for the rest of the summer. Will this period trigger a profound reckoning or one of major self-acceptance? Will it prompt you to reassess your motivations?
Meanwhile, Mars, your planet of work, is also retrograde. You may feel as though your career is approaching new and unexplored territory. Remember that you get to set your own ground rules — and you could have the opportunity to do so between Wednesday and Friday. Prepare for next week’s solar eclipse in your money house by taking a peek at your finances. Consider visiting your bank on Thursday or Friday to seek out professional advice. Take some time off from strategising on Saturday and spend time with loved ones.
Illustrated by Abbie Winters.
Leo
July 23 to August 22
Did last week’s lunar eclipse hit one of your romantic or business relationships particularly hard? Don't panic, Leo. Instead, do what you can to control the damage and protect yourself. If you’re emotionally spent, take a step back (read: find some space to be alone) and reflect on how you want to move forward in this partnership.
Your cash planet, Mercury, is retrograde this week. Time to turn your attention to your finances. Have you taken the appropriate measures to manage your spending for the summer, Leo? Use Wednesday, Thursday and Friday to take necessary actions toward continued financial stability. This retrograde might affect more than your wallet. This is supposed to be your season, yet you may be feeling less than spectacular. Keep a diary and write down what exactly feels off. Reflect back on this entry when Mercury goes direct on 18th August. If you can find a lesson, you’re growing, Leo. You might not admit it, but you're a sucker for self-improvement and this is your chance to focus on being the best version of yourself.
Illustrated by Abbie Winters.
Virgo
August 23 to September 22
Last week’s lunar eclipse took place in your sixth house of health and it called your priorities into question. In its wake, you may be reassessing how much of yourself you want to give to your work. How much is too much? What does a work-life balance look like to you, and can you make it a reality? Absolutely, Virgo. Your sign cares too much about wellness to let you burn the candle at both ends for too long.
Mercury, your ruling planet as well as your career ruler, is currently retrograde. Paying close attention to the details is your specialty, so let your skills shine. Flex your organisational muscles and double-check everything from major projects to last-minute emails. Prepare to keep this level of vigilance up until August when Mercury goes direct again. But then you’ll be in the clear. Venus is in your sign until 7th August, offering you the opportunity to cash in on unlikely resources. Saturday is the best day for money matters.
Illustrated by Abbie Winters.
Libra
September 23 to October 22
If you’re attached, you may be feeling the after-effects of last week’s lunar eclipse in a big way. As if that wasn't enough, Mercury, your planet of spirituality, and Mars, your planet of love, are both retrograde. But don’t freak out yet. This is a chance for you to examine your relationships and check on what might need to improve. Regardless of your relationship status, these combined retrogrades will help you clarify what you really want in your romantic future.
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday are excellent days to connect with your partner or potential partners. The solar eclipse next week will bring your friendships to light as well. As one of the most social and fair-minded signs of the Zodiac, your social schedule is sure to fill up quickly, so enjoy your downtime while you can. Feel like you're growing apart from any of your closest friends? Check in with your friends this week to show them some love.
Illustrated by Abbie Winters.
Scorpio
October 23 to November 21
Did last week’s lunar eclipse inspire you to pursue a new self-image? This nudge likely goes beyond a subtle shift — you could be considering making an essential change to your lifestyle or your approach to wellness.
Mars, your planet of health and work, has been retrograde last months. How has this period affected your view of progress? The old cliché, "Success is a journey, not a destination,” couldn’t be more accurate for you right now, Scorpio. Stay cool during the Mercury retrograde as others scramble to make sense of the cosmic upset. Take note of how your coworkers handle conflict in your secret Scorpio mind vault. Remember their reactions so you can form positive partnerships on Thursday and Friday. The solar eclipse next week may create friction in your career house. While changes are sometimes unpleasant, they’re necessary.
Illustrated by Abbie Winters.
Sagittarius
November 22 to December 21
We’re not trying to bum you out, Sag, but it’s time to slow down now that your career and love planet, Mercury, is retrograde. This retrograde affects your beliefs, your approach to learning, and how you relate to new people. If you feel the retrograde's creeping influence and start to feel frazzled, try to keep things light. When in doubt, lean on your sense of humour and practise patience.
You’re a born traveller, Sag, but hold off on any grand adventures during next week’s solar eclipse, which will take place in your ninth house of expansion. Let’s say that a flight to your dream destination gets a discount that's hard to pass up. You’d jump on it, right? Before you leap, take a moment to consider your commitments and the possible repercussions of going off grid right now. Don’t fret — you’ll get there one day. Use Sunday and Saturday to triple-check your finances and maybe start a budget for your next dream trip's itinerary.
Illustrated by Abbie Winters.
Capricorn
December 22 to January 19
Your most profound desire is to manage and maintain, Capricorn, but last week’s lunar eclipse might have brought you to the end of your rope. Relationships and finances have been at the top of your list for the past week and it's okay to admit that these serious matters have been wearing on you. Slow down this week as Mercury, your planet of health and work, is retrograde. You’ll need this time to reflect.
Next week’s solar eclipse enters your eighth house of sex and regeneration. If you're attached, this event may call your relationship and your partner's role in your life into question. Spend quality time with your S.O. on Thursday and Friday. Partners (and potential partners) may seem unbalanced during retrogrades. You are familiar with its energy. If you need to make any big decisions this week, take a long look at your options. Record your notes and take a look back when Mercury retrograde ends next month.
Illustrated by Abbie Winters.
Aquarius
January 20 to February 18
Have you thought about changing up your look recently, Aquarius? Last week’s lunar eclipse may have had you feeling some kind of way about how you care for your body and how you present yourself to the world.
Special astrological guest star and ruler of your erotic fantasies Black Moon Lilith will move into your sign next week. She will inspire you to become a super sexy superhero intent on finding freedom — and you can get a head start on that transformation this week. Where do you feel restricted? It’s time to free yourself from self-imposed constraints and inhibitions. Next week’s solar eclipse occurs in your house of relationships. If you’re partnered up, use Thursday and Friday to communicate with each other. If you're single, spend those days swiping on potential partners.
Illustrated by Abbie Winters.
Pisces
February 19 to March 20
The moon, your celestial body of flirtation and creativity, enters your sign on Sunday night. This rush of emotional energy will wash over everyone, but it's likely to affect your sign the most. Luckily, you’re feeling pretty refreshed after last week’s lunar eclipse, which encouraged deep introspection. Use your extra-receptive strength to manage your feelings and to navigate Mercury retrograde, which kicked off last Thursday.
Rather than swimming against the current, embrace your Piscean nature during this retrograde and go with the flow. Revisit an old hobby or pastime that you haven't thought about in years — these periods reward you when you address neglected parts of your life. But don't spend all week in the past: Next week’s upcoming solar eclipse will focus on your house of health and work, so start your to-do lists now.
Illustrated by Abbie Winters.Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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