Bring on the practical magic! This Wednesday, messenger Mercury hunkers down in Taurus, a sign that is both diligent and decadent. Hard work deserves rewards, right? With Mercury here, careful planning and budgeting can leave room for the rent check and that gorgeous wrap skirt. Normally, Mercury spends three weeks in a sign, but from April 28 until May 22, we'll experience a retrograde (you've been warned), so the planet of communication will hover in Taurus until June 12. This earthy energy prompts us to plan more social time outdoors. Bring on the picnics, beach volleyball tournaments, and campouts under the stars!
Venus is also on the move this Wednesday, heating things up in Aries until April 29. When it comes to love, we won't have the longest attention spans. The competition could get fierce in the dating world, too. While it's fine and important to "be ourselves," we can also put our best selves forward, and like, try a little. Shared adventures keep the magic going, so get creative and plan outside the box! Try a new type if you're single, because Venus in Aries inspires us to stretch out of our comfort zones and give someone new a go.
Thursday's new moon in Aries resets the cosmic clock. Since Aries is the first sign of the zodiac, we could consider this an astrological lunar new year. Time to refresh our feeds and say goodbye to any painful or unrewarding emotional situations. This is a stellar day for making lists of our wishes and desires, with an Aries-ruled focus on personal development and independent growth. The universe is listening and results could manifest by the corresponding full moon on October 16.
Aries
Supersonic speed is your default setting, Aries, but for the next nine-and-a-half weeks, you'd be smart to slow it down a little. Mercury, the planet that governs data, thought processes, and strategy takes an extended tour through Taurus and your practical planning zone. Through June 12, you'll get to the finish line faster — and with fewer expensive mistakes — in #TortoiseMode than you will as the hare. Keep your mind on your money, too. This fiscally savvy Mercury circuit could help you map out a smart budget so you can splurge on those Gov Ball tickets without falling behind on rent. Socialise with people from your professional industry, too. With the communication planet parked here, you could talk your way right into a raise or an exciting job offer.
Thursday is your astrological new year, as 2016's only new moon in Aries rocks the skies and refreshes your feed. Take time to make a wish list: What would you like to manifest by the corresponding full moon in Aries on October 16? Romance or a full-on "rebranding" may be on that list since radiant Venus beams into Aries from Tuesday until April 29. How you present yourself to the world has a lot to do with the people who you attract. If you're not representing true to form, start making upgrades. Need help? Summon the stylists, graphic designers, and even a mentor to advise on polishing things up (even in a punk rock kind of way). This could take a little investing, so save up, or work the barter system if you have a skill to swap.
Illustrated by John Lisle.Photographed by Christine Hahn.
Taurus
Use your words! Messenger Mercury zips into Taurus this Wednesday, blessing you with the gift of gab. You'll have them before hello, so initiate conversations with people who intrigue you. Bonus: You'll host Mercury for an extra long spell, until June 12, giving you over nine weeks to sharpen your pitches and develop strategic plans to forward your personal ambitions. One hitch: Mercury will be retrograde in Taurus from April 28 until May 22, when you'll need to temporarily zip it and develop plans quietly behind the scenes. This week, however, break some of those rigid rules you've placed on yourself — not just with your style, but also by making a strong statement in words and action. Stay true to your beliefs and vocalise them, even if that means standing firm on an issue in the face of critics. (This is where being a "stubborn bull" comes in handy.)
Also on Wednesday, Venus, your ruling planet, switches signs, dipping into Aries and your fantasy-fuelled 12th house until April 29. When it comes to love, you'll rock the rose-coloured glasses, but screening out red flags could be a struggle. Keep levelheaded wingwomen close by to help you assess your spring flings. On Thursday, the new moon in Aries could very well attract someone with soulmate qualities — or make it obvious that you need to move on from a bad romance. Coupled Bulls, stop sweeping issues under the rug. Dealing means healing, even if initiating these talks is insanely awkward. Creativity will be cathartic so keep the guitar, poetry notebook, or art supplies handy.
Illustrated by John Lisle.Photographed by Christine Hahn.
Gemini
Spirit guides on line one! With your ruling planet Mercury drifting into Taurus, your soulfully esoteric 12th house until June 12, you're like a one-person psychic hotline. This extended Mercury voyage will sharpen your intuition — IF you are willing to listen. Don't brush off those gut feelings. Investigate, because there's a thread worth pulling here. Quieting your mind (and the chorus of voices within #GeminiProblems) helps you make better decisions now. Even if you've tried unsuccessfully before, give a meditation or yoga practice a go. The muse is your best mate now and you'll be quite the nocturnal creature until June. Schedule disco naps so you can stay up late writing song lyrics or swaying to a DJ's beat. Dancing is therapy with Mercury here. Socially, focus on quality friends who also understand your occasional need for solitude and comfortable silence.
Not that you'll be a total loner! Romantic Venus rolls into Aries from Wednesday until April 29, spurring a round of adventure dating and experimentation. You'll be attracted to offbeat intellectuals, activists, and people who live by their own rules. Creatively, you could find your tribe and start a band, writers' group, or theatre troupe, if so inspired. Thursday's new moon in Aries could lead you straight to these people, so check out new scenes and pay attention to the strangers who cross your path then. A laid-back approach to love makes April lovin' fun and even edgy. Figure out that safe word before you start exploring so you can pace yourself properly. You could meet your match through mutual friends or, if coupled, socialise frequently with your sweetie.
Illustrated by John Lisle.Photographed by Christine Hahn.
Cancer
Come on out of that shell, Cancer. Social Mercury swoops into Taurus, your "the more, the merrier" 11th house from Wednesday until June 12. Banish thoughts of Coachella claustrophobia and let the festival-hopping begin. Close to home, wander around and explore some new scenes because you'll make tons of new friends this month — and reconnect with pals from the past while Mercury is retrograde from April 28 to May 22. Polish up your social media profiles, too. With Mercury trekking through your tech sector during this nine-week spell, you could leave your mark on the virtual landscape. Now's the time to start the blog, set up shop on Etsy, or give YouTubing a go. When you set that shy streak aside, you can be a compelling public figure, both as a performer or a leader with conviction, like Cancerian Planned Parenthood president Cecile Richards.
Socialising has benefits for your career this week, too, because charming Venus heads into Aries and your 10th house of success from Wednesday until April 29. Mingle with the movers and shakers. Since Venus governs romance, you could even find love at an industry networking night or pair up with bae on a profitable project. One day later, on the 7th, the new moon in Aries kickstarts an energising six-month cycle for your career. Map out a couple epic goals you'd like to achieve by the corresponding full moon on October 16. Whether it's a corner office, overseas assignment, or the courage to start your own consulting business, consider a few sessions with a coach to help you fast-track your dreams.
Illustrated by John Lisle.Photographed by Christine Hahn.
Leo
Power lunches, conference calls, and planning meetings, oh my! You're in full-on mogul mode as messenger Mercury cruises into Taurus and your 10th house of success from Wednesday until June 12. The pencil-skirt-cami-blazer combo could become your uniform now as you pitch, propose, and present like a pro. Mercury is a super-connector, so it really is "all about who you know." Use this nine-week phase for networking and forming strategic alliances with people who can hook you up. Men may be the star players of this Mercury cycle, so be brash and barrel on in to the so-called boys' club. The (glass) ceiling can't hold you now, Leo! P.S. Due to a retrograde from April 28 to May 22, this Mercury phase lasts three times its usual length. Get rolling on your goals before Mercury's backspin and plan on working behind the scenes during the retrograde spell.
Although the office is abuzz with activity, plan some vacation time, too. On Wednesday, pleasure-hound Venus takes an enchanted voyage through Aries and your ninth house of travel until the 29th. As the planet governing amour, this could very well be a romantic getaway — or a long weekend trip that brings the surprise bonus of a love connection. With a new moon in Aries on Thursday, you could be hitting the "confirm reservation" button and taking off right away. Ready to take a more metaphoric journey? This new moon could spur some Leos to go back to school for a special certification, teacher training, or graduate-level degree. Dreaming of business ownership or having a book published? Get rolling on the paperwork for Leo, Inc. or the first chapters of that tome. You could have something impressive to show by the corresponding full moon on October 16.
Illustrated by John Lisle.Photographed by Christine Hahn.
Virgo
Speak your truth, Virgo! Expressive Mercury, your ruling planet, rolls into Taurus and your candid, philosophical ninth house from Wednesday through June 12. This extended, nine-week cycle will help you clarify your beliefs and get your thoughts down on paper. If you've developed some expertise, you could teach people what you know or start your own site to spout off advice. Your curiosity about other cultures intensifies, so plan some traveling this spring. (Just book with extra care if your jaunt collides with Mercury's retrograde from April 28 to May 22.) You'll feel a strong drive to broaden your horizons now, which could lead you down a totally new path; one that could involve relocating, studying, or starting your own side biz! Stay open to the possibilities and know that calculated risks will be rewarded.
And while Mercury stokes your independent spirit, Venus intensifies your urge to merge. From Wednesday until April 29, the charmed planet makes magic in Aries and your seductive, security-seeking eighth house. Pillow talk gets ultra-spicy and you could take a casual connection to a more committed status, even mingling money or co-signing a lease. Looking for your missing puzzle piece? The new moon in Aries could reveal a mind-body-soul connection this Thursday. No matter how deep you dive in to the dating game, your mojo will register at peak levels this month. Thou givest spring fever! Business alliances are also favoured by this Venus-new moon phase and a powerful woman could put money, time, or resources behind your stellar visions.
Illustrated by John Lisle.Photographed by Christine Hahn.
Libra
Move over, Jessica Jones. Your investigative powers — and your straight-up intuition — will be razor sharp for the next nine weeks as Mercury flows through Taurus and your eighth house of mystery. Read people's body language, because it will say more than their words. Speaking of which, the eighth house is the erotic realm of the zodiac, so the signals you're sending out yourself will be particularly potent. With all that magnetism, you could break hearts, so beam those charms selectively and you might just attract a soulmate. Involved? Talks could turn to shared finances, co-signed leases and other mergers. Business collabs heat up, too. Just spell everything out to the letter, especially before Mercury turns retrograde from April 28 to May 22.
Your romantic resurgence gets another boost from Venus, who moves into Aries and your committed relationship zone from Wednesday until April 29. Do a clean sweep of the players and thinly veiled commitment-phobes who keep blaming their jobs or childhood issues for a failure to deliver a straight answer about "the two of us." The new moon in Aries on Thursday could bring a fateful click with someone who can go the distance. Though the relationship could take a while to unfold, trust those knowing feelings and pursue. For coupled Libras, the new moon and Venus help with negotiating compromises, so your relationship feels more fair and balanced. Remember: there are lots of ways to do 50/50 besides dividing everything down the middle.
Illustrated by John Lisle.Photographed by Christine Hahn.
Scorpio
Let's talk twosomes, Scorpio. This Wednesday, expressive Mercury zips into Taurus and your partnership house until June 12, setting the stage for dynamic duos. Don't just settle for the default buddies when considering a tag-team effort. A complementary force could be a much better balance, whether you're pairing up for pleasure, business, or a creative collab. Mercury will be retrograde from April 28 until May 22, which could even revive a partnership from your past. Don’t be too laid back about agreements, though. Put deals in writing to keep everything clear and avoid conflicts cropping up later on. If money is changing hands, lawyer up. An attorney might even negotiate better payment and terms than what is originally offered.
Venus changes signs on Wednesday, too, grapevining into Aries and your sixth house of healthy living until April 29. Invest in a stylish pair of sneakers and weave more activity into your socialising. Getting healthy with bae could be another motivator; single Scorpios could meet your match at the CrossFit studio or on the outdoor track. You could be pounding the pavement for work this week, too, as Thursday's new moon in Aries brings some bright developments for your career. Polish up your CV to circulate or set up a performance review to talk about your growth within the company you work for. Don't stay glued to your desk during team-bonding moments at the office. Stepping out to have pizza with your coworkers could spark an important synergy that helps you rise through the ranks.
Illustrated by John Lisle.Photographed by Christine Hahn.
Sagittarius
You're a big-picture person, Sagittarius, but it's time to radar in on the details. From Wednesday until June 12, messenger Mercury hunkers down in Taurus and your sensible-yet-savvy sixth house. It's not that you should sweat the small stuff, but don't brush it off either. Crunch numbers, map out timelines, and run every idea through a reality filter. You might see the need to simplify a plan or downsize a bit so you can tuck away funds for a rainy day. Spend more time in the fresh air, whether you’re chilling under the stars at a music festival, planting kale starts in a container garden, or taking your workouts to the park.
When you're not poring over Excel spreadsheets, the week could erupt in a romantic renaissance! From Wednesday until April 29, Venus swirls through Aries and your amorous, glamorous fifth house. A sexy lead-singer type could sweep you off your Stan Smiths — and with your performance powers fuelled by Venus, you might just rock the mic (or podium) yourself before April is through. Looking for love? Thursday's new moon in Aries brings a bumper crop of fresh prospects. If you're in a relationship, put more effort into planning fun adventures. Some Archers could have big news to report this week, or by the 29th, as in proposals, pregnancies, or a glowing moment in the press. Don't wait to be discovered. Refresh that Tinder profile or set up the camera for some dedicated YouTubing.
Illustrated by John Lisle.Photographed by Christine Hahn.
Capricorn
Let your inner fashion girl take the wheel this week, Capricorn. Expressive Mercury sashays into Taurus and your flamboyant fifth house for an extra-long runway walk, which lasts until June 12. Though denim, white tees, and muted cardigans may be your sign's uniform, punch it up with statement earrings, chokers, and a maximalist print here and there. This Mercury cycle wants you to get noticed — and beyond the style blogger's gaze. Recognition for your talents could come this spring, too, so do your part and start promoting and publicising all of your gifts. Cupid's hovering in the wings as well, since this Mercury spell may arouse a spring awakening. Real talk: You can be a bit intimidating to approach, so wipe off any trace of RBF and smile at the intriguing "strangers" who you secretly fancy. Already attached? Plan more dress-up dates and general playtime between now and June 12, as these intrepid adventures will cement your bond.
Your stylish leanings could extend to your apartment this week. Venus does a sign-switch on Wednesday, too, nesting in Aries and your domestic quarters until April 29. Maybe you'll feel comfortable wearing bold patterns, but that Anthropologie bedspread is another story. Pay special attention to your bedroom when sprucing up Chateau Capricorn, because you could be playing house with bae this April, even exchanging keys or co-signing a lease. Thursday's new moon in Aries will bless your nest further. If you're in the market for a move, this new moon beams on a dream listing or could bring the perfect roomie if you want someone to help you cover the rent. Hanging with the girls will be especially uplifting for the rest of April, too.
Illustrated by John Lisle.Photographed by Christine Hahn.
Aquarius
Feelings, nothing more than feelings? Don’t underestimate the wisdom of your heart, Aquarius, even if it IS making things more intense than your coolheaded sign would prefer. From Wednesday until June 12, Mercury floats through your emo fourth house, heightening your sensitivities. Tune in: Maybe you sense someone could use an ear or a shoulder to lean on. If so, offer yours up. If you feel like crying, have a bawl. You'll feel better once you do. Entertaining at home or making your apartment a more practical space could be another obsession. Start pinning layouts before you move furniture or invest impulsively in shelves.
Also this week: Summon your Marnie, Jessa, and Shosh. From Wednesday until April 29, feminine Venus cruises through Aries and your friendship sector, drawing amazing ladies into your orbit. The sister network is on your side this April. Collaborate with the power babes for a profitable hit. You could reunite with great friends from your past while Mercury is retrograde from April 28 to May 22. And with Thursday's new moon in your house of BFFs, you could meet your future running mate, festival buddy, and morale booster. This new moon governs transportation and digital devices. Shop around for a cute cruiser bike or a hybrid SUV; bite the bullet and update your cell phone to a swankier model.
Illustrated by John Lisle.Photographed by Christine Hahn.
Pisces
FOMO alert! Quicksilver Mercury zips into your curious third house until June 12, turning you into a hardcore social butterfly. Go ahead and double-book: Better you should make brief cameos than risk missing a must-see exhibit or a friend who is opening for a major band. You could reconnect with a BFF from your past while Mercury is retrograde from April 28 until May 22. If an old pal crosses your mind, look them up on social media already. You could discover surprising synergies since the Gossip Girl days. Some Pisces might give bi-city living a go, too. As frenetic as this can feel, you won't mind bouncing around. You might even update your transportation method, switching it up to the subway if you never use your car or test driving more reliable rides — even an electric model if you only make local commutes.
Venus also switches signs on Wednesday, moving into Aries and your house of practical luxury until April 29. Give the aesthetic aspect of your life a sophisticated upgrade. A great piece — like shoulder-skimming statement earrings or perfectly flared jeans — can make every outfit shine. Curate with care, choosing a sleek sans-serif font for your blog, sending peonies instead of roses for a thank you gift, or opting for the organic kale instead of the potentially pesticide-drizzled head of lettuce. Work from a budget, though. If you splurge on a designer piece, mix with affordable basics. A cash-positive new moon rocks the skies on Thursday, helping you get your finances in a better flow. Word about a job prospect could arrive. Keep your eyes open for postings. Tired of the 9-to-5 grind? Start developing your own cottage industry. You might just be signing your own paycheques by the corresponding full moon in Aries this October 16!
Illustrated by John Lisle.Photographed by Christine Hahn.
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