Feeling stressed? Maybe you raised the bar a little too high…or maybe you're trying to do everything alone (guilty as charged…right?). Instead of ploughing forward, suffering every step of the way, hit the brakes. Early this week, motivator Mars in ambitious Capricorn gets checked by free-spirited Jupiter in Libra, the sign of partnerships. Burning out can be averted by turning solo ventures into tag teams. Follow the rule of "opposites attract" and unite with a complementary force.
On Friday, Mercury is on the move — at last! Since the 30th of July, the planet of communication and data has been parked in analytical Virgo, making everyone fussy and perfectionistic at times. Normally, Mercury hovers in a sign for three weeks, but due to a retrograde from the 30th of August to the 22nd of September(sorry to remind you), the cosmic messenger hung in Virgo for longer than expected. Now, Mercury is moving on to Libra until the 24th of October, showering the world with peaceful, harmonious vibes. Libra loves to connect, especially in two-person pairings. This flirtatious, romantic period will be great for relationships, too. Time to make it official, stargazers.
Libra
September 23 to October 22
Should you stop being polite and start getting real? That's the dilemma early this week as candid Jupiter clashes with molten Mars. While it's important to speak from the heart, you don't want to bludgeon anyone with your truth hammer. If you're going to serve up a critique, do so compassionately — especially if you're dealing with a sensitive friend or a family member. Once those words are out, you can't take them back.
The gloves can come off this Friday, Libra, as unfiltered Mercury cruises through your sign until the 24th of October. The words coming out of your mouth could surprise you — you just can't suppress your authentic truth! And while you'll fire off some tweetable one-liners, you'll have more than just witty barbs to spout. During this cycle, you could type up a personal manifesto or a searing op-ed, or even shoot a viral video. Your leadership skills come to the fore so don't hesitate to hop into the top dog role. People will appreciate your energy and your fair-minded brand of direction. In all areas of life, Mercury in Libra makes you ultra magnetic. Make the first move in both the boardroom and the bedroom.
Illustrated by Lynnie Zulu.
Scorpio
October 23 to November 21
Don't be so quick to reward people with loyalty points this week. Even a sharp detective like you can be fooled by a smooth-talking charmer. If someone's pitch or proposition thrills you, run the background checks. You could discover some discrepancies that need to be discussed. And if all you get are vague "explanations" (or outright excuses), run in the opposite direction. Steer clear of gossipy types, too. Listening in on grapevine chatter could make you an accomplice to a messy situation that you shouldn't be a part of.
On Friday, Mercury weaves in Libra and your esoteric 12th house until the 24h of October. Your already-sharp intuition will be off the charts for the coming few weeks. Pay attention to subtle signals, like pregnant pauses and body language. What's not being addressed is almost more telling than the words coming out of people's mouths. If you sense something is amiss, conduct your own private investigation. What you turn up could surprise you — and even flood you with relief. The muse could drop by for a divinely inspired hang so don't overbook your schedule. When inspiration strikes, you'll want to hunker down in your woman cave and create, create, create.
Illustrated by Lynnie Zulu.
Sagittarius
November 22 to December 21
Money changes everything — especially relationships. This week, be extra sensitive about borrowing "a few quid" or getting tangled up in a group expense. With hasty Mars and optimistic Jupiter locking horns, you could overestimate your ability to repay the loan — or wind up saddled with the bill for an irresponsible teammate. Better to forgo a luxury or bow out of an activity than put your important alliances at risk. Meeting friends for dinner? Ask to split the bill.
You reap what you sow, Sagittarius, and starting Friday, all those friendly vibes you've been spreading around town are about to pay off! With superconnector Mercury spinning through your social 11th house until the 24th of October, your popularity could rise to Hadid sibling levels. Stop RSVPing "maybe" to all those events. Mingling is good for your love life and your career — it really is all about who you know for the next few weeks. Google, post, and swipe right: Amazing connections will show up both online and in real time.
Illustrated by Lynnie Zulu.
Capricorn
December 22 to January 19
Who's in charge here, anyway? Early this week, a power struggle could go down if you don't rush right in and take control. Before you have a meeting, google the people who are joining you. Enter the room confidently while remaining curious and aware of your presence. By matching the moods of others, you will put them at ease — a technique that does wonders for creating connection. And while you could find yourself seriously annoyed by red tape, this is the week to follow protocol instead of rebelling against the rules.
Stock your party clutch with business cards. From Friday until the 24th of October, expressive Mercury zips through your career zone, revving up your ambitious nature. Every moment is basically a networking opportunity now. Hey, you never know who might be ordering a dirty martini right next to you at the bar. Mingle at industry events, putting yourself in the influencer's direct line of fire. Not sure how to get your Bowie boot in the door? Volunteer at a fancy fundraiser, which has the added bonus of doing some good for the world. At work, offer to assist on a special project, even if it means putting in a few extra hours. Think of it as an investment in your future contact database!
Illustrated by Lynnie Zulu.
Aquarius
January 20 to February 18
You can't believe everything you read, Aquarius. This week, consider the source before drinking the Kool-Aid. From articles in the media to the latest self-help guru, you could easily get swept along in someone else's hype — especially early this week when hasty Mars and Jupiter fall into a complicated formation. But you're no spiral-eyed devotee, Aquarius. Even if you do feel drawn to a school of thought, it's always important to keep a sense of autonomy. Think for yourself and remain objective. There are many roads that lead to Mecca, not one "right" path.
Sitting still will not be easy starting Friday, as frenetic Mercury whips through Libra and your ninth house of travel and worldly adventures until the 24th. Should you find yourself pricing out Airbnbs, we wouldn't be surprised. Mercury favours shorter journeys, like weekend getaways and road trips. So, while you might not go backpacking through South America this October, spend your time off checking out new cities or exploring the natural wonders in your neck of the woods. Cross-cultural connections will be electric now, too, whether for friendship, business, or romance!
Illustrated by Lynnie Zulu.
Pisces
February 19 to March 20
Close the opinion polls, Pisces! While your friends will be happy to weigh in on your latest dilemma, their advice will never be unbiased. What they think is right for you is actually the remedy they need to apply to their own lives. And with stressful Mars and candid Jupiter all tangled up this week, you'll just wind up overwhelmed by all the "support." What would happen if you just let yourself sit with the uncertainty and indecision, privately contemplating it? If talking helps, discuss with a therapist or a neutral confidante who knows how to listen without telling you what to do.
Start practising that smoky cat-eye this Friday — and maybe a Halloween cheetah look while you're at it. You're in #MinxMode as flirty Mercury slinks through your erotic eighth house from Friday until the 24th of October. But, where to beam those seductive charms? Chasing after the elusive bad boy or girl is a no-win time suck. You need someone both sexy and stable. Don't judge a book by its cover. For all you know, that hottie in the Don Draper suit could be "tame in the streets, a tiger in the sheets." Already spoken for? Your urge to merge will intensify now. Discuss! Topics on the table could include cohabitation, travelling together for the holidays, or even getting engaged.
Illustrated by Lynnie Zulu.
Aries
March 21 to April 19
You're a passionate romantic, Aries, but here's a tough fact: Sometimes love is not enough. Without a shared sense of security and commitment, it's hard for you to relax and drop your guard. The same holds true for platonic partnerships: Exciting mind melds aside, are you actually heading in the same direction? Early this week, a clash between driven Mars and candid Jupiter calls for a check-in. Do your goals align? And if not, can you create a compromise? Some bigger concessions may be in order here. Tricky, but if you're invested in a shared future, bending a little is probably worth it. Just know where your bottom line lies. You can only be agreeable about an irreconcilable difference for so long. Be authentic instead of accommodating.
On Friday, expressive Mercury swoops into Libra for three weeks, which will help immensely with any negotiations. And if you can't see eye-to-eye, this social celestial cycle will illuminate more cooperative and compatible candidates for the role of your other half. Open communication is a must — you just can't work with the secretive types. Circumstances may push you to open up and voice your opinions this weekend — yes, even the ones that might divide you from your "other half." Dare to differentiate. This could actually create MORE chemistry that being agreeable ever has.
Illustrated by Lynnie Zulu.
Taurus
April 20 to May 20
Sleeping Bulls, rise from your sofas. A rousing alignment between energiser Mars and sporty Jupiter puts you on the wellness watch list this week. It's time to move your body — and get a legit fall fitness routine in gear. If 90-minute Spinning sessions or CrossFit cult status won't work with your schedule, don't worry. Shorter, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) has proven benefits, even for 20 to 30 minutes. To succeed at this mission, remove all randomisation from the process. Pick a minimum of three weekly time slots that you'll devote to exercise. If you belong to a studio, find your favourite classes and commit to being a regular. If you're already a gym addict, mix things up a bit to work new muscle groups. How about a belly dancing class to go with your weight-training regimen, say? Your energy levels will soar and so will your sex drive — always a plus for your sensual sign.
And if you need an extra boost, turn your workouts into an excuse to socialise. From Friday until the 24th of October, garrulous Mercury flits alongside the sun and Mars in your healthy living sector. Organise brunch-and-yoga dates (not necessarily in that order) and centre hangouts around physical activity, like nature hikes and dancing. With the fleet-footed messenger planet in this position, put a little sparkle in your step with these glitter gym shoes. Oh, the motivating power of fashion.
Illustrated by Lynnie Zulu.
Gemini
May 21 to June 20
Lasting love or just a fading autumn fling? Early this week, a befuddling mashup of lusty Mars and jump-the-gun Jupiter could scramble signals with someone you're drawn to. Real talk: People may send you mixed messages, but it's up to you to read between the lines. A "maybe" might as well be a "no" right now, Gemini, sad to say. But there's a reason for that: Some killer opportunities are percolating, yet if you waste time waiting around for an uncertain soul, you could miss out. Keep it moving, Gemini—and if that reluctant soul is meant to be in your life, s/he will give chase!
Be a full-on maximalist near the weekend, Gemini — and give zero fucks about what anyone thinks. On Friday, your cosmic ruler Mercury heads into Libra and your flamboyant fifth house until the 24th of October. Your bold statements could be wildly applauded. But you're not just here to be "the entertainment." Don't waste your gifts on an unappreciative — or undeserving — audience. Aim high with your efforts and target people who can help launch your dreams into orbit. This fame-boosting cycle can definitely raise your profile. Promote yourself strategically and ask your network to help spread the word of your latest offerings.
Illustrated by Lynnie Zulu.
Cancer
June 21 to July 22
Relationships are a two-way street, Cancer. But in the case of your generous sign, you sometimes give without receiving enough in return. Despite your kindhearted intentions, this lopsided dynamic can put a strain on your most important connections. You wind up resentful while the other party feels guilty — not exactly a win-win. Rebalance! It's not that you should Scrooge out, but practice some restraint when that impulse to do "more!" takes hold. And be more vocal about your needs. Maybe the takers simply need to be asked (lovingly) to pull their weight. Try that before assuming they won't be there for you.
Give your inner circle priority this weekend. With messenger Mercury weaving through your home and family zone from Friday until the 24th, you'll crave the company of people who know you best. You know, Cancer, the ones who let you drop your guard and love you unconditionally when you do. Is it time to bury the hatchet with a close friend or relative? Meet for brunch, or call a family meeting over the coming few weeks. Female friendships will be the wind beneath your wings for the coming few weeks. Lift the red velvet rope and let a few worthy contenders join your inner circle.
Illustrated by Lynnie Zulu.
Leo
July 23 to August 22
Set and forget? Not this week, Leo. An agitating alignment of Mars and Jupiter demands diligent attention to details. Give everything a thorough review before hitting send or walking out the door. Could you add one more flourish to make it pop? Or, would you benefit from the Coco Chanel principle or removing one accessory before calling the job done? Find the balance between cool sophistication and playful originality.
Flex your superconnector powers this weekend. The planets appoint you "crew glue" as Mercury swirls through your friendship zone until the 24th of October. For the next few weeks, you'll love playing entertainment director for all the amazing people you know and love. And take the pressure off! You don't have to spend hours decorating your apartment and whipping up a Michelin-rated dinner spread. A laid back hang at your favourite local bar will be just fine. Mingle with new people, too. This is the best time to dabble with DIY workshops, drop-in fitness classes, and other one-off activities that let you "try before you buy."
Illustrated by Lynnie Zulu.
Virgo
August 23 to September 22
Stand up for your values this week, Virgo, even if they go against popular opinion. This is what it means to be a leader, after all. And while it can be scary to be the first to step forward, you'll feel worse if you pretend to go along with something that just feels wrong — or even unethical — to you. Romantically, you might not see eye-to-eye with your amour du jour. Don't back down from your stand, but don't fall prey to stubbornness here, either. It might take listening to your S.O. for you to form a solid counterpoint.
Money isn't the root of all evil, Virgo — nor does it have to be a taboo topic. With expressive Mercury (your ruling planet) weaving through your finance zone from Friday until the 24th of October, conversations about cash will be downright illuminating. Your curiosity could lead to an income spike, so don't be shy about asking HR about positions opening up within the company. If you're ready to move on to greener pastures, let friends know that you're on the job hunt. With social Mercury in the mix, a lead could turn up via your friend circle. Even if you're happily employed, keep your CV freshly updated with these tips.
Illustrated by Lynnie Zulu.Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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