Eyes wide open, please! Venus, the planet of love and beauty, is rounding out a tour through social, frenetic Gemini that began on May 24. Until Friday, she'll hover in the sign of the Twins, helping us hone in on kindred spirits and delight in the discovery of meeting (and flirting with) new people. Variety is the spice of this Venus cycle! Couples should socialise together often — and in new locations — to keep things fresh. Although there are a million people to ping, pay attention to where you're stepping this week to avoid the "distraccidents" that a planet touring Gemini can bring. The brilliant Snapchat can wait until you're off the busy sidewalk — especially if you're careening along on platform sandals.
On Friday, Venus floats on to Cancer, blanketing the world in cozy, intimate vibes until July 12. Our ability to focus on just one person returns, which can make everything feel pretty darn heartwarming. The downside? We can get a little too caught up in other people's affairs, as Cancer's caretaking energy is a strong brew. Regular self-checks will be necessary: Am I being a hot mama or a mother hen? Adjust accordingly.
This week also brings an alert to slow down, simplify, and make plans. Ambitious Saturn crashes into a complicated square (90-degree angle) with Neptune, the planet of illusions, and we may bite off more than we can chew. A meltdown moment could arrive if we have too many tabs open or say yes to a lofty goal without first running it through a practical filter. As dreamy or exciting as an idea may be, don't sign on before crunching numbers, checking schedules, and figuring out what resources will be necessary to pull off the plan.
Gemini
May 21 to June 20
With Venus in your sign since May 24, you've been Cupid's darling, Gemini. But his golden-tipped arrows can't do a thing unless you're open-hearted and ready to receive them. So, how about it? Venus lingers in Gemini until this Friday, giving you four days to take the biggest possible chance on romance. Do something — anything — to nudge things along a bit, and the effects will be major. If you're not ready to drop a soul-baring confession, sign up for a dating app or invite your amour du jour to join you for a day trip. Remember: Relationships are like ongoing construction projects. You're always adding more bricks to the architecture. Avoid fixating on the future this weekend, and focus on making things awesome now. With worrywart Saturn and crisis junkie Neptune in a tangled angle near the weekend, you could get yourself all worked up about basically nothing. Get the facts before you react.
On Friday, Venus leaves your sign and drifts into your slow-jamming second house until July 12. Love will unfold organically now, so pace yourself and enjoy those old-fashioned courtship rituals. If you're in a relationship, enjoy more chill time together: picnics in the park, beach days, and bonding over the barbecue...ahh. Venus is the celestial stylista, and this three-week circuit brings out your Gemini love of a treasure hunt. Before you blow a paycheque on random finds, make a list of summer staples. And shop in your own closet, too, because you could find a few winners that have a second life in them.
Photographed by John LisleIllustrated by Christine Hahn.
Cancer
June 21 to July 22
As a sensitive Cancer, your feelings are everything. Surround yourself with supportive people early this week, because you’ll need to talk through your emotions. With Venus winding down a tour through your 12th house of transitions, something is shifting within a relationship or friendship. Don’t resist change, bittersweet though it may be. This doesn’t have to signal the end of the road, but rather a new path to walk down together — one on which you get to be more honest about your desires, needs, and tastes. On Friday, Venus makes her annual stopover to Cancer until July 12. A flurry of new admirers and interests will flood your world, and you won’t have time to look back and dwell. Embrace the new!
Over the weekend, a challenging square between Saturn and Neptune could fire up your inner activist, reminding you that she who stands for nothing falls for everything. What do you believe in, Cancer? Do your research and collect solid data, citing credible sources (not random websites). Who knows? You could actually inspire a movement, like fellow Cancerian Adrian Grenier, who is working to save the ocean and the creatures who dwell there through The Last Plastic Straw campaign.
Photographed by John LisleIllustrated by Christine Hahn.
Leo
July 23 to August 22
There's no such thing as "too close" in your world, Leo — at least when it comes to people you love. But hanging out 24/7 can also dull the sparks of sexual chemistry or make you a little too comfortable snapping at the ones you adore. Experiment this week: What would happen if you treated your inner circle with the same curiosity and respect you give to intriguing strangers? This could very well stoke the embers of attraction or revive the magic in a friendship. But you'll also have to be willing to embrace certain differences. Don't take it personally if a loved one doesn't share — or even understand —one of your passions, or vice versa. This doesn't mean you're incompatible!
After Friday, you may be the one who needs a little more space as Venus drifts into your dreamy, meditative 12th house until July 12. Fall in love with the muse, because a creative idea wants to be born. Then, when you do spend time with your partner or go out on dates, bring an element of fantasy. Skip the dive bars and get tickets to see your favourite DJ perform, or hit up the summer freebies like Shakespeare in the Park or an outdoor food festival. Near the weekend, a complicated mashup of realist Saturn and dreamer Neptune could make it hard to tell true love from "just sex." Keep the rose-colored glasses in their case, and ask questions if you really want to know what's up.
Photographed by John LisleIllustrated by Christine Hahn.
Virgo
August 23 to September 22
Success hinges on merit and hard work, Virgo, but having strong relationships is another crucial element. With charming Venus in your career zone until Friday, use this workweek to network like it's your job. Sign up for conferences, head to industry mixers, get on message boards, and add your wise words to the threads. If you need help getting a velvet loafer in the door, volunteer time on a project with an upper-level colleague. Make it known that you’re eager to learn — you might just score a mentor in the process.
On Friday, Venus moves on to your 11th house of teamwork until July 12, bringing creative collabs galore. Joining forces with other brilliant minds is the best way to be seen and to extend your reach. Romantically, this Venus phase is playful and experimental. Some Virgos will prefer single status, so they can enjoy Cupid’s sampler platter for a few weeks. Digital dating could bring a lucky swipe, so tap those apps. If you’re in a relationship, smooth-talking Venus makes it easier to talk about edgy topics now, whether you’re suggesting a three-month backpacking tour through Asia or the threesome you’ve always fantasised about having. But this weekend’s Saturn-Neptune clash will make you super sensitive, so enjoy the discussion but don’t push too far past your comfort zone just yet — not until you’ve considered how this could impact you both from every angle.
Photographed by John LisleIllustrated by Christine Hahn.
Libra
September 23 to October 22
The truth shall set your heart free this week, Libra. With your ruling planet, diplomatic Venus, winding down a three-week tour through your “call it like I see it” ninth house, you’d be doing everyone a disservice by censoring yourself. Before Friday, bring up that neon-pink elephant that’s been making mischief in one of your closest relationships. For best results, however, use “I” language instead of flinging accusations. For example, “I am craving more affection” will probably go down better than, “You aren’t affectionate enough.” See the difference?
On Friday, Venus moves on to Cancer and your future-focused 10th house. Time to set some #LoveGoals instead of just drifting randomly. What would you love to co-create with a partner (current or to come) before 2016 is through? Maybe it’s a trip to Cuba or finding the perfect cohabitation station to move into together. Single? Consider writing a vision statement about what your ideal relationship would look like. Where would you live, how much time would you spend together, what would you enjoy doing? Words can be powerful manifestation tools! Also this week: Don’t make promises unless you’re sure you can keep them. A clash between uptight Saturn and go-with-the-flow Neptune could make you a little too optimistic about time. If it’s a “maybe I can swing it,” you better just say no. That way, no one will be disappointed — and you’ll save yourself some stress!
Photographed by John LisleIllustrated by Christine Hahn.
Scorpio
October 23 to November 21
The week is off to an intense start — just the way you like it, Scorpio — as amorous Venus rounds out a tour through your seductive eighth house. But you could get a little too fixated on trying to figure people out. Are your feelings reciprocated? Are they really who they claim to be? Don the detective’s cap and do a little independent investigation. But stop short of any “invasion of privacy” tactics, like reading their emails and texts to other people. If you have to go there, Scorpio, this is probably a connection you shouldn’t waste your time on.
On Friday, the vibes get so much lighter as Venus moves to Cancer and your ninth house of truth and travel until July 12, making it easier to just ask direct questions. (So simple, yet so obvious...) This is a stellar time to take a couple’s vacation.
Keep your wallet on lock this weekend! With a tangled angle between status-loving Saturn and no-limits Neptune, money could burn a hole in your pocket. If you’re going to splurge, save the receipt!
Photographed by John LisleIllustrated by Christine Hahn.
Sagittarius
November 22 to December 21
How fair and equal are your relationships, Archer? Until Friday, Venus is hovering in your opposite sign, Gemini, reminding you to bring better balance to all your closest connections. Could you be a better listener? Do you need more from a friend or love interest? Practice the art of making clear requests — before you feel pissed off, resentful, or hurt. Don’t worry about rocking the boat. Better that than capsizing it by waiting too long to speak up. On Friday, Venus heads into Cancer and your erotic eighth house until July 12. Summer sexytime? Yes, please, and you’ll take yours with a soulful or spiritual connection. Don’t underestimate the quiet ones: Still waters run deep!
Bring more flow to your weekend instead of trying to control everything. Stuffy Saturn — which is parked in Sagittarius from December 2014 until December 2017 (so sorry) — gets a wake-up call from emotional Neptune, reminding you to use heart and intuition instead of just your head. As a fire sign, it’s easy for you to get fired up and anger is sometimes the first emotion you’ll experience. Instead of exploding on people, blow off steam with a workout. Then, grab your journal and go find a quiet place to write. (How about the beach or at a giant park?) Tap into other feelings, like sadness or desire. A helpful woman, friend or fam, can provide comfort and support. Open up!
Photographed by John LisleIllustrated by Christine Hahn.
Capricorn
December 22 to January 19
With the pressure to perform at a high level, life’s been feeling like a game of thrones lately. But here’s the real question: Are you putting out a competitive vibe? In your efforts to be the polished, perfect superstar, you may have unconsciously alienated your key supporters. While we’re not suggesting you dim your lights, try to be a little (okay, a lot) more accessible this week. As your ruling planet, “I’ve got my shit together” Saturn, gets checked by beautiful-mess Neptune, discover the richness that can come from dropping your guard. Every post doesn’t have to be a promo piece; in fact, revealing your process, messy as it may be, can inspire friends, family, and coworkers to be more supportive. Honestly, Cap: Aren’t you tired of being everyone’s rock and provider? As you step back, you’ll see who steps up — and you may be humbled by how much you’ve underestimated some of the people in your life.
One person in particular could shine brighter than a pavé diamond near the weekend — a beam that’s impossible to ignore. On Friday, love planet Venus cruises into Cancer and your seventh house of relationships until July 12, helping you attract people who can go the distance — essential Capricorn criteria, since you don’t waste time on anything temporary. If you’re already in a relationship, spend more time in the couple bubble. Leave room for spontaneity when you’re hanging out with bae. That walk along the beach isn’t just a chance to bond over how many steps your Fitbit is counting for the day (ahem). If you relax, it could turn into a romp in a secluded cove or a heart-opening conversation about how much you love each other. Cue the awwws.
Photographed by John LisleIllustrated by Christine Hahn.
Aquarius
January 20 to February 18
Although you can be everyone’s favourite flower-crown donning festival unicorn, when it’s time to get down to business, you can shapeshift from slacker to life hacker with jaw-dropping precision. Until Friday, decadent Venus gives you the hedonist’s hall pass, lingering in your fifth house of glamour, celebration, and over-the-top expression. If you have a statement to make — especially while the cameras are rolling — do it during the weekdays. You could literally change people’s lives with your live-out-loud (and proud!) stance. Then, just before the weekend, Venus switches gears, heading into your sixth house of healthy living and efficiency until July 12. Keep on doing you, Aquarius! Just do it in a more balanced and orderly way. You need clean fuel to keep running like a machine, so add green smoothies to your menu to counter the wine slushy intake. (And try these cauliflower recipes!) Embrace kinetic energy: Moving your body actually builds momentum. To combat fatigue, start walking more, then build up to a fun cardio class or yoga in the park. Venus governs love, so who knows? You could meet your summer fling on the outdoor track or inspire bae to do some buddy workouts with you.
Near the weekend, money could get funny within a group, so be crystal clear about where you stand on shared expenses. If you’re invited to a friend’s birthday dinner, but only have a set amount in the budget, have some real talk before you arrive so she knows you just can’t splurge for her birthday bonanza. (Bring cash to make the process of paying for your part easier.) Staying true to your values and commitments can be challenging this week, especially since “just this once” Neptune throws shade at structure-junkie Saturn, dulling your willpower. If you’re trying to form a new habit, make your social plans accordingly. Hang out with people who won’t shame you because you’re sipping water at the club or refusing to support a company that harms animals in its practices.
Photographed by John LisleIllustrated by Christine Hahn.
Pisces
February 19 to March 20
Quiet hours are still active, Pisces — at least until Friday. With cosmic creatrix Venus flowing through your soulfully sentimental fourth house, revel in your sacred alone time and spend a few more nights in journaling, relaxing, and making your art. Then, on Friday, bam! Venus heads into Cancer until July 12, changing out of her flowy maxi-dress and shimmying into a maximalist, printed cutout jumpsuit. Large doses of attention are coming your way. This can be equal parts dazzling and disarming for your sometimes-private sign. Tear a post from Pisces Kesha’s Instagram diary and refuse to be silenced by haters. The bolder you are, the more you’ll see people’s true colours. Don’t run from this, because the supporters who step forward will make up for the insecure critics a hundred times over.
Summer lovin’ could happen too fast during this Venus cycle, too! Let yourself be swept off your statement sandals before July 12. But give yourself regular reality checks so you don’t fall off with the other areas of life, like, oh, your career. With Friday’s tricky angle between your ruling planet Neptune in your house of self-expression and taskmaster Saturn in your success zone, you could feel the burn of being too chill about your ambitions. Don’t let the competition creep up and gain the edge (or worse, steal an opportunity from under your nose). Stay in the game, Pisces, and send those sexy Snapchats after the five o’ clock whistle blows.
Photographed by John LisleIllustrated by Christine Hahn.
Aries
March 21 to April 19
Distracted dater alert! With love planet Venus in Gemini since May 24, your attention has been here, there, and everywhere. Not exactly a recipe for romance, right? Even if you were focusing on work and friends instead of checking out the spring season eye candy, your love interest might be feeling a little...unimportant. When Venus decamps to Cancer and your slow-jamming fourth house from Friday until July 12, you'll be able to remedy that. Trade the frenetic pace of early spring for a cozy, intimate groove. Spend more time nesting, cuddling on the couch, and enjoying comfortable silence with that special someone. Your GFs could play matchmaker, even accidentally, introducing you to a nice guy or girl who gives you serious butterflies. This Venus cycle could inspire a decorating spree, so start trolling Pinterest for bookshelf and bedding inspiration along with DIY tutorials.
Keep the tissues handy near the weekend. Although you can be as unbreakable as Kimmy Schmidt, that tough-girl stance is not doing your personal life any favours. On Friday, “never let them see you sweat” Saturn gets checked by weepy Neptune — and your mask of cool could melt. Embrace the ugly cry or just let people peek behind the curtain of the Aries Empire (Fempire?). You put so much pressure on yourself to be strong, Aries, but don't confuse strength with impenetrability. People will be happy to let you lean on them; they just need you to give them the cue.
Photographed by John LisleIllustrated by Christine Hahn.
Taurus
April 20 to May 20
Choose quality over quantity this week, Taurus, whether you're sifting through the racks of a sample sale or figuring out where to go for your summer vacation. Ruling planet Venus is nestled in your house of practical magic until Friday, helping you hone in on objects — and relationships! — that will stand the test of time. Find out what people's values are. If you're in a relationship, have a heart-to-heart about finances. Get clear about who's paying for what and how much you each actually have to spend on your shared indulgences.
On Friday, Venus moves to Cancer and your third house of communication, making it SO much easier to have talks like these. After you tackle money, how about moving on to the next difficult topic...sex. Share what turns you on — and what turns you off. Don't clam up, worrying you might "offend" a love interest with your preferences because, hello, the carnal act is supposed to be pleasurable! Still wondering what turns you on? A boundary-pushing mashup of Saturn in your erotic eighth house and Neptune in your experimental 11th encourages you to do your research this weekend. Pillow talk could turn to fantasies, but don't pressure yourself to act them out. Discussing them alone can be pretty hot whereas living them out can get complicated. You want to be sure you're ready to handle all that.
Photographed by John LisleIllustrated by Christine Hahn.
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