Back your data up on the cloud and hold your mobile phone a little tighter. This Thursday, Mercury makes a U-turn and goes retrograde until May 22. This thrice-yearly signal scrambler can throw us off our communication game big time. This time around, Mercury's retreat takes place in Taurus — the sign that rules schedules, processes, and financial planning. Double check appointments and set those reminder alarms. And keep a more watchful eye on your budget, because money could burn a hole in your pocket. Unfortunately, "Oops, I spent my rent check at a sample sale" won't fly with most landlords. Since Mercury retro is notorious for creating communication snafus, make sure you're on the same page as anyone who shares bills or other monetary obligations. And remember these three life-saving words: Save the receipt!
On Friday, love planet Venus is on the move, leaving frenetic Aries and settling into grounded Taurus until May 24. While this might put a little kibosh on the spring-fevered vibes, pacing attractions isn't such a bad thing. Set the Spotify to the slow-jam station and enjoy a more sensual groove. And since Venus governs the way we spend money, this cycle can green-light the purchase of an object from the "practical luxury" category or something that could be considered an investment piece. Just heed that Mercury retrograde warning label and balance the books before making the splurge.
Taurus
April 20 to May 20
Who do you think you are, Taurus? With messenger Mercury retrograding through your sign from Thursday until May 22, the answer lies in your personal archives. Scroll deep into your Instagram feed — or check some of those cloud storage backups from your iPhone 3 days. A look, an idea, or even a passion you shelved could be ripe for a revival. Warning: You won’t have an easy time explaining any of this to other people. So, uh, maybe you shouldn’t bother, at least not while Mercury’s in reverse for three weeks. Keep those gems to yourself and enjoy the freedom that comes with letting go of the need for other people's approval and validation. Bonus: This will help you build confidence and greater self-authorisation.
On Friday, romantic Venus makes her annual stopover to Taurus, helping you clarify your heart’s deepest wishes. Allow yourself to fantasise a bit, too — maybe it's time to raise your standards? Uncensored visualisation brings you much closer to your intended target. With Venus here, you'll be utterly magnetic, whether single or spoken for. Beam those charms selectively, so you don't lead anybody on. This is the time to take the lead in love, too, so speak up and don't wait to be wooed!
Illustrated by John Lisle.Photographed by Christine Hahn.
Gemini
May 21 to June 20
Okay, Gemini...you’ve got some ‘splaining to do. From Thursday until May 22, your ruling planet Mercury turns retrograde in your house of mysteries, healing, and the subconscious mind. Your secrets can make you feel sick inside, so pry open the vault and unburden your soul. Maybe you need to make an apology or 'fess up to a mistake. But this is of utter importance: Choose the right confidantes for your confessionals. These would be people who have earned your trust; people who will listen compassionately and steer you towards finding healthy solutions. Also, remember that your BFFs are not qualified to play therapist, no matter how compassionate they might be. Consider bouncing things off of a professional adviser now, from a shrink to a shaman. Or, reach out to an older relative who has “been there, done that.” Creativity will be cathartic now and what feels painful could also be the material you use to write an epic song, poem or post that inspires the world. Dive deep.
On Friday, romantic Venus flows into Taurus and your fantasy-fuelled 12th until May 24. Attached? Escape the grind with a couples' getaway, preferably somewhere off the grid, like a cabin or festival in the woods. Caught in a bad romance? This Venus phase puts you on a dating detox. Take a solid three-week break from anyone who brings you down or causes you to obsess. You might even do a ceremonial purging of those photos, letters, and memories that are keeping you stuck in the past so that you can be ready to invite in a new love when Venus zips into Gemini on May 24.
Illustrated by John Lisle.Photographed by Christine Hahn.
Cancer
June 21 to July 22
Who’s on Team Cancer? For the next few weeks, it’s tricky to tell who truly has your back. Blame it on messenger Mercury retrograding through your 11th house of community from Thursday until May 22. A group you're a part of could totally unravel or devolve into drama and politics. But on a positive note, there’s no better time for a reunion with friends from back in the day. The 11th house is the tech sector of the zodiac, so this brings a double warning to take care of your digital devices. Don’t keep that open cold brew sitting next to your laptop. Double check the Uber before you slide out, making sure your wallet or phone isn’t wedged in the seat cushions. This would be a good time to change your overused passwords, too, and always, always log off from your social media accounts when you're using a shared computer.
On Friday charming, sociable Venus grooves into Taurus and your liberated 11th house until May 24. You’re due for some wild and spontaneous nights on the town — and it's anyone's guess who you'll pick up (or hook up with) along the way. And though you prefer to roll with a tight-knit crew, you’ll collect some great new acquaintances during this Venus phase. Stay open to "the more, the merrier" as a guiding philosophy. Digital dating could turn up some lucky strikes with Venus here, too. Swipe and ye shall find.
Illustrated by John Lisle.Photographed by Christine Hahn.
Leo
July 23 to August 22
Forget about leaning in, Leo. For the next three weeks, you’ll want to lean back and observe. From Thursday until May 22, messenger Mercury turns retrograde in Taurus and your 10th house of ambition. For the time being, a cautious approach is best for your career — but not a passive one! Mercury’s backspin is an ideal time to deepen your most important professional connections. Build strategically behind the scenes by networking and socialising with people who can help you advance up the ladder. Pick up the tab for a few power lunches or offer yourself up as the happy helper, learning the ropes from someone more experienced than you. If you've ever though of doing a session with a career coach, this introspective retrograde serves up an ideal window for examining and discovering what may be blocking you from rising through the ranks and getting ahead.
From Friday until May 24, charming Venus mingles in your 10th house of career and prestige, helping to mitigate the Mercury madness — and underscoring the importance of networking like a fiend. You could make a love connection through a work function or start a kitchen table business with your sweetie. But mixing business with pleasure can be a dicey proposition, so make sure you have a clear understanding about what's actually happening and what role each of you is responsible for playing. Writing out a contract or agreement might seem awkward, but it can actually be a relationship saver when tension inevitably bubbles up.
Illustrated by John Lisle.Photographed by Christine Hahn.
Virgo
August 23 to September 22
Reality? Uh, what's that? The truth is stranger than fiction for the next three weeks as Mercury turns backwards in Taurus and your authentic ninth house. It’s a little too easy to tell people what they want to hear instead of what they need to hear. But if you’re not buying the lines they're feeing you, diplomatically call bullshit and talk things through until you arrive at a place of honesty. Travel plans could hit a snag. If you can put off your spring break until May 22, do. Otherwise, triple-confirm all reservations and order your Uber with ample time for airport shenanigans. (Oh, and don’t forget your ID!) Retrogrades rule the past, so a vacation to a favourite pin on Google Earth could be soul-nourishing. How about inviting a long-distance contact to join you for a reunion trip? Mercury retrogrades are the best for reconnecting with cherished old friends.
On Friday, romantic Venus slips into fellow earth-sign Taurus for three weeks, bringing out your adventurous streak. Dating outside the box is your theme between now and May 24 — and your other half could be from a different cultural background or someone you met (or meet) while traveling. Already happily attached? Deepen your bond by slipping off on a vacation before late May, just remembering to book carefully — and only with legit places — to combat any Mercury madness that can crop up.
Illustrated by John Lisle.Photographed by Christine Hahn.
Libra
September 23 to October 22
Hit the CTRL key, Libra! This Thursday, Mercury turns retrograde in Taurus and your intense eighth house, which could make everything you say and do doubly impactful. You're usually quite the diplomat, but for the next three weeks, your words could pack an extra sting, especially if you sound off during an emotionally-charged moment. Taking frequent time outs will be important when things get heated. A relationship may be moving a little too swiftly — or erratically — for your liking. Pump the brakes and discuss the future, making sure that you and bae can actually get on the same page. On the flip side, some Libras could host an unceremonious visit from the green-eyed monster. Getting all possessive is not going to bring your honey any closer, okay? Keep the wall up if a toxic-yet-seductive ex sends a Snapchat. All there is to do is delete, then block.
From Friday until May 24, Venus heads into your intimate eighth house helping to ease some of the Mercury retrograde insanity. Dealing with tough issues will be easier with diplomatic Venus here, but you'll need to work them out in private instead of venting to friends or posting cryptic woe-is-me memes to emote. This sultry Venus cycle could certainly bring that mind-body-soul connection you crave. Warning: The vibes could get deeper than your lighthearted sign prefers, so make sure to take breaks for casual fun, too.
Illustrated by John Lisle.Photographed by Christine Hahn.
Scorpio
October 23 to November 21
Is it love, Scorpio — or just complicated feelings? Don't rush to decide because this Thursday, messenger Mercury turns retrograde in Taurus and your relationship house until May 22. Mixed signals could be a daily thing with the people you care the most about. Sometimes, it feels like you're overreacting. Other moments, your BS detector could malfunction, making it hard for you to see through a charmer’s smoke and mirrors. Mercury’s backspin could also draw an ex back into the picture or give you cold feet about a relationship you’re involved in. Don’t make any sudden moves or binding decisions, Scorpio. The next three weeks will be a rollercoaster ride that reveals A LOT. Pace yourself as much as possible, so you don't get swept up in the drama.
On Friday, romantic Venus joins Mercury in Taurus and your seventh house of relationships until May 24. A spring fling could evolve into the real thing. Or, you'll have more momentum to clean house of the players and create space for someone of lasting value. If you’ve been playing the long game with a love interest, this Venus phase could herald a proposal or co-signed lease. Don’t be shy about nudging things along to the next level if you're rock-solid that the connection is built to last.
Illustrated by John Lisle.Photographed by Christine Hahn.
Sagittarius
November 22 to December 21
You love your lifehacks, Sagittarius, and this week will demand plenty more from you. On Thursday, a signal-scrambling Mercury retrograde begins in Taurus and your sixth house of efficiency. System overload! You may have to revamp your daily flow to accommodate other people’s schedules or even a lack of support you once had. Super frustrating? Yes, but use this opportunity to make life easier for yourself by simplifying and scaling back. Maybe it's time to find a right-hand man who actually comes through for you. With Mercury in reverse, your new assistant or partner-in-crime might even be a rockstar from your past.
Romantically, the first half of the week could be rather exhilarating — even dramatic — as Venus rounds out a tour of fiery, passionate Aries. But on Friday, as Venus moves on to Taurus, you'll be over the ups and downs, preferring a healthier, grounded groove. It's better to be alone than to let someone consistently upset you and jerk your chain, a lesson you may learn before May 24. You'll find stability surprisingly sexy now. Coupled Archers, bring a steadier rhythm to your relationship. Key in the date night or you could wind up being like two ships passing in the night.
Illustrated by John Lisle.Photographed by Christine Hahn.
Capricorn
December 22 to January 19
Brace yourself, Capricorn. Cupid could shoot some misguided arrows your way over the next three weeks. From Thursday until May 22, Mercury will be retrograde in Taurus and your fifth house of romance, making it hard to get a proper EKG reading on your own heart. While your own emotions run hot and cold, other people will send out mixed signals. You could even hear from a complicated old flame — the one who always seems to draw you in and throw you off your game. Of course, Mercury retro can expose issues that need to be dealt with. Instead of bolting when the going gets tough, book a couple’s therapy session. Couples who work through problems in healthy ways usually wind up closer than ever.
On Friday, love planet Venus flutters into Taurus and your lovestruck fifth house, which can definitely offset some of the effects of Mercury retrograde. Hello, spring awakening! Your mojo will be sky-high during this three-week cycle — and there will be no shortage of romantic interests vying for a piece of your time. You’ll attract attention in other ways, too, as the fifth house rules your fashion choices and fame. Give the style bloggers something to post about — your daring looks could set trends and even attract the interest of prominent creatives in your community. Just stick to temporary changes and save the tattoo appointment until after Mercury turns direct on May 22.
Illustrated by John Lisle.Photographed by Christine Hahn.
Aquarius
January 20 to February 18
All is not quiet on the Aquarius homefront this week. On Thursday, Mercury slips into a tense retrograde, backstroking through Taurus and your domestic fourth house until May 22. Irritating behaviors that you were able to ignore last week could become grounds for Roommategate 2016. Family members could work your nerves, too. Time for some boundaries! This is not the time to sweep any household repairs under the rug. Call the building manager to fix the leaky sink or wonky electrical wiring before a real-deal problem erupts.
Fortunately, on Friday, beautifying and harmonious Venus joins Mercury in your domestic sector, helping you approach any household issues calmly and diplomatically. Venus is the astro aesthete and you'll be in the mood to decorate and entertain. Just stick to minor updates for now, however, and wait to pick out paint colours or wallpaper swatches when Mercury is direct on May 22. Women will be great company, too, so host a dinner party or slumber party for the girls. Romantically, you’ll enjoy this nesting phase, too, so stay in and cook dinner together, followed by marathon cuddling on the couch.
Illustrated by John Lisle.Photographed by Christine Hahn.
Pisces
February 19 to March 20
Could you please repeat yourself, Pisces? This Thursday, a signal-scrambling Mercury retrograde goes down until May 22. This one could be a bit of a double whammy for you, since it takes place in Taurus and your third house of communication. Getting your point across could be trying at times, making you seriously ponder a silent meditation retreat. (Not a bad idea, at all.) A sibling, neighbor, or coworker could have inexplicable beef. Try to get to the heart of the matter, but don't be afraid of taking some space if you keep on butting heads. Agreeing to disagree — and tabling the topic until after May 22 — would also be wise.
On Friday, Venus heads into Taurus, amping up your flirtatious nature and making it hard to settle down. Send up some smoke signals on Tinder or get out and mingle for some IRL connections. If you are in a relationship, the key to staying committed is to plan lots of playtime together. Variety is the spice of your life now, whether you’re enjoying a rotating cast of love interests or a more well-rounded social calendar with bae. Let your inner culture vulture take the wheel and pick up pairs of tickets to concerts, festivals, wine tastings, and more.
Illustrated by John Lisle.Photographed by Christine Hahn.
Aries
March 21 to April 19
Money may get funny this week, Aries, so keep a vigilant eye on your bank balance. On Thursday, Mercury turns retrograde in your second house of finances — a belt-tightening phase that lasts until May 22. Read the return policies before sending off funds from your PayPal account and make sure you've got rent covered before you go on a spring dress-buying spree. Shop in your own closet and use some upcycling hacks, like splashing a few colourful coats of paint and screwing new knobs onto a thrift store dresser. There could be some communication meltdowns with coworkers while Mercury’s in reverse. Keep the snarky messages OFF your company email account and when sending sensitive documents, password protect and make sure they are going to the right recipient.
On Friday, ardent Venus leaves your sign and settles into earthy Taurus until May 24. You'll have Venus to work with until then, so carpe diem! Use the workweek for making any bold declarations of love or asking someone you're crushing on to hang out. Perhaps you've been a fickle flirt since Venus flitted into your sign on April 5. After Friday, you'll have an easier time settling down and focusing on — or finding — the person who loves you unconditionally and truly has your back.
Illustrated by John Lisle.Photographed by Christine Hahn.
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