Praise the heavens! This Monday, the 25th of January, Mercury retrograde comes to an end, thank goodness. Since January 5, the planet of communication, information, and transportation has been stuck in a signal-scrambling backspin. Basically, this made it impossible to get 2016 plans into flight...or even see WTF our missions actually were. Worse yet, Mercury retrograde began its trek through Aquarius — the sign of technology and electronic equipment — from January 5 to 8. This doubled the impact of computer breakdowns, Wi-Fi outages, and gear going haywire. Then, Mercury dipped back into Capricorn, the goal-setting sign. Can you see what we're getting at here?
But all hope is not lost. From Monday until February 13, Mercury powers ahead through Capricorn, heralding the real resolution revolution. Ambitious plans can finally lift off. The coast is clear to sign important documents, too. And hey, maybe they do know you by first name at the Genius Bar or auto repair shop, but this week will mark your final visit — which might mean investing in a new model instead of trying to squeeze another dying breath out of that tired PC or old banger. One caveat: The shadow of Mercury retrograde lingers on until February 15, so it's still important to take precautions. Buy insurance on larger purchases and make sure all items come with a warranty or legit return policy.
Aquarius
The fog is lifting, Aquarius. Ever since Mercury turned retrograde on January 5, you’ve had a hard time seeing the forest for the trees. People have tested your boundaries and some have tried to take advantage of your kindness. If you had a few blue days, well, we wouldn’t be surprised. Happily, Mercury’s madness comes to an end this Monday, when the fleet-footed messenger planet shifts back into drive. No more excuses! If something — or someone — is toxic for you, it's time to cut them off. Having “just a taste” is only going to keep you stuck in a draining cycle. As for the people you love who have simply worked your nerves this month? Peace may come when you surrender and accept them for who they are. You can't change certain people — and if they need a therapist, help them research professionals instead of trying to fill in for that role. Is it time to hug it out with a frenemy? Mercury's U-turn helps you make amends over the next few weeks. Extend the olive branch and see what gives.
Sunday's quarter moon in Scorpio has you thinking like a tycoon. No more stalling on your 2016 career resolutions. The weekend will be ripe with opportunities for researching and strategic socialising. Find out where the influencers are partying and plant yourself there. With your Aquarian charisma and comedic chops, you'll have no trouble breaking the ice. Have you been working a little too hard for the money? Use Sunday to devise savvier systems and plan ahead so you can leave the office before 9 p.m. next week.
Illustrated by John Lisle.Photographed by Christine Hahn.
Pisces
Technical difficulties, begone! Ever since Mercury turned retrograde on January 5, you’ve been dealing with your share of meltdowns. If it wasn’t your laptop mysteriously erasing a document or Wi-Fi going down five minutes before you needed to submit a time-sensitive proposal, you may have butted heads with friends and considered defecting from your go-to crew. But no need, Pisces, because Mercury flips back into drive this Monday, uncrossing those wires and helping you mend fences. No more hours wasted at the Genius Bar — but maybe it's time to actually invest in a new computer, okay? With Mercury cruising ahead in Capricorn until February 13, your social life is on the fast track for expansion and you could be ushered into a new crowd. At work, joining or forming a team could bring major momentum and success.
This weekend, the quarter moon in Scorpio activates your wanderlust — and your lust in general. A change of scenery will rev your engines. Load up the carry-on bag and go explore new vistas. If you're in a relationship, make it a couples' getaway. Removed from the stresses of home base, you'll be able to relax into a romantic headspace. Heading out solo? A memorable winter hookup may be in the stars, so pack your good underwear.
Illustrated by John Lisle.Photographed by Christine Hahn.
Aries
Newsflash, Aries: the grass isn’t greener on the other side of the fence; it’s lushest where you water it. For the past few weeks, you’ve been looking for “hotter, stronger, faster” as Mercury retrograde backstroked through your 10th house of status and success. But your efforts to upgrade may have led to some misfires. Maybe you pushed people out a little too quickly or judged a good book by its misleading cover. It’s not too late to turn things around. This Monday, Mercury gets back on track, restoring your judgment calls. Dry clean that silk top and slip your arms into a blazer. Mercury's U-turn blesses you with killer career mojo until February 13 (and beyond). Keep your game face on at all times, because you could make a connection while waiting in line at the supermarket or for the lift. Award loyalty points to people who have had your back all along. How can you loop them into your profitability plan and reach new heights together?
Sunday's quarter moon in Scorpio turns your attention to amour. While a blazing attraction is important, you also need depth and loyalty. If trust issues arise, have a candid talk about the future. Worrying whether or not you're on the same page is too stressful. Better to know the truth so you can safely move ahead or cut your losses and move on. Coupled Rams could use more quality one-on-one time. Start Sunday off with breakfast in bed and see where the mood takes you.
Illustrated by John Lisle.Photographed by Christine Hahn.
Taurus
The truth has been stranger than fiction for the past three weeks as Mercury toiled through its first retrograde of 2016. Knowing what and who to believe has been a mindfuck and scheduling plans boiled down to a comedy of errors. Don’t give up on the human race! This Monday, Mercury busts a U-turn and ploughs ahead through your candid ninth house until February 13. The coast is clear to schedule conference calls, pitch meetings, and heart-to-hearts — although you should still deploy extra tact measures until the shadow of the retrograde fully passes on February 15. Cabin fever, begone! A stalled travel plan could get back in motion. Cast a wider net with all you do. The opportunities you seek could come through a long-distance connection or require you to hop on a plane for a combo platter of business and pleasure.
Sunday's quarter moon in Scorpio brings equilibrium to your love life and partnerships in general. How balanced is the give and take between you? If you haven't been pulling your weight, step up! Have you allowed your other half to slack? Meet for brunch to discuss a more equal share of duties. Of course, you do know that means that you will have to let go of some control, right?
Illustrated by John Lisle.Photographed by Christine Hahn.
Gemini
With Mercury retrograde in your sexual sector (the eighth house) since January 5, your mojo has taken on a mind of its own. This may have spawned a celibacy phase or led to a few sultry "did I really just go there?" chapters. As wild or boring as the 2016 ride thus far has been, you are ready for greater predictability. Fortunately, Mercury makes a U-Turn on Monday, restoring a little order to your court bedroom. With Mercury zooming forward through your erotic eighth house until February 13, you could still be unzipping and unbuttoning before Valentine’s Day rolls by. The question is, for who? Confusion about people's intentions starts clearing up. Is it true love or just a scorching-hot hookup? Is it time to get engaged or maybe just enjoy the dating process without a rush? Clarity is coming, so relax. If an ex returned since early January, you’ll know if reconnecting is “safe and non-toxic” — or the complete opposite.
And rather than ruminating over Cupid's game plan, Sunday's quarter moon in Scorpio activates your healthy living sector. If you must obsess, do it while vigorously pedalling that stationary spin bike or holding bow pose at hot yoga. Did an extreme exercise resolution wind up in a fail? Quarter moons remind us that moderation is key. Spend the weekend searching for studios that are upbeat, fun — and also social, since meeting interesting people is a high priority item for the Gemini agenda.
Illustrated by John Lisle.Photographed by Christine Hahn.
Cancer
You love them; you love them not. That assessment has changed hourly since 2016 began. With Mercury retrograde in your relationship house since January 5, your feelings ran as hot and cold as a Katy Perry song. An ex may have made a disorienting reappearance, throwing you off centre just when things were heating up with the new love in your life. Breathe easy, Cancer. This Monday, Mercury corrects its course, helping you figure out exactly what it is that your heart wants. Cue Cancer Selena Gomez, because that "Same Old Love" just ain't gonna cut it (sorry, Bieber wannabes). Mercury is the planet of communication, so use your words! People aren't mind readers, Cancer, and maybe, just maybe, you've been mad at someone who simply needs instructions spelled out clearly. Speak up and teach them how to treat you right. In an LTR? The lovers’ quarrels will subside this Monday, making it easier to strike a compromise. As for that sexting ex? You’ll have a clear view on how to categorise them before Valentine’s Day rolls around.
Sunday's quarter moon in Scorpio and your flamboyant, fashionable fifth house green lights a little image upgrade. No need to go extreme makeover here, but maybe do something different with your hair or add some colour to brighten up your neutral winter wardrobe. Work on your professional "branding," too. Some sleek graphics, new photos, or updates to your LinkedIn profile can take your work from "meh" to " magnifique ! "
Illustrated by John Lisle.Photographed by Christine Hahn.
Leo
Structure, order, routine: Not exactly a few of your favourite things, but when a Leo is ready to whip life into shape, look out, world! Unfortunately, with Mercury retrograde (backwards) since January 5, you've had a few extra challenges with these organisational missions. Arm yourself with the label maker, power drill, and Excel spreadsheets once again. Mercury corrects its course on Monday, giving you the green light to lifehack away. Besides cleaning up the chaos and making The House Of Leo run like a well-oiled machine, hop back on the wellness wagon. With Mercury speeding on course through your sixth house until February 13, prioritise regular workouts, schedule appointments like teeth cleanings and annual checkups, and set up conference calls to get colleagues aligned. Tension with a coworker clears up, too — hopefully BEFORE an actual crisis erupted. Regardless, Leo, it’s time to make nice.
Sunday's quarter moon in Scorpio shines its beams on your girl gang. Do you have enough support from the ladies in your life? Have you cast yourself in the Alpha role one time too many? You're a powerhouse, Leo, and you need friends who can deliver as fiercely as you do. Unfortunately, devotion like that doesn't come along every day. It may be time to reshuffle the decks and create space to nurture new connections — or explore new scenes where you can find your soul sisters.
Illustrated by John Lisle.Photographed by Christine Hahn.
Virgo
You’re so done with the drama, Virgo — and this week you can say that with conviction. On Monday, Mercury effectively ends a three-week retrograde in your fifth house passion, creativity, and romance. Your attempts to express yourself may have gone awry since January 5, leading to a quick delete of a Snapchat or Insta after the comments came rolling in (or didn't). But as of Monday, you can say goodbye to the creative blocks, awkward miscommunication, and confusing romantic situations. With Mercury powering forward through your fifth house until February 13, your unique and flamboyant traits will be celebrated. Standing out from the crowd could make you a bit of a role model, even — let those star qualities shine. But this time, aim for creative expression, not controversy. Mercury’s backspin may have summoned an old flame from your ex files too. A relationship that was going perfectly may have hit a speed-bump. Cupid is back in your corner as of Monday, so use this week to smooth ruffled feathers and figure out who's on deck to be your Valentine. Maybe it is the ex, or maybe you just need to create a blank space for someone new.
Sunday's quarter moon in Scorpio gets you thinking about your social schedule. Are you wasting time on filler activities that don't really make your soul sing? Bow out of these time-zappers and create space for things like workshops, yoga clinics, writing groups, band practice — something you really enjoy. And while you love having a bestie, has a friendship become a little too insular? Make space for new people, too, because one amiga can't be your everything.
Illustrated by John Lisle.Photographed by Christine Hahn.
Libra
All has not been quiet on the Libra home-front since Mercury turned retrograde on January 5. But this Monday, you can roll out the welcome mat once again. The messenger planet makes a U-turn and gets back on track; in fact, Mercury will speed ahead through your home and family sector until February 13. From hermit to hostess-with-the-mostest in 0.2 seconds: Why not? And with Mercury in gear, you can start actualising those home decor Pinterest boards. Break out the paint rollers, order the removable wallpaper and duvet cover. On the hunt for a new home (sweet home)? Spend time with the real estate section this week. Visit neighbourhoods during daylight hours and after dark to get the feel for their safety and sanctity. As much as you love a good party, Libra, renting a studio steps away from a bar will lose its cachet fast when the PBR-lit smokers interrupt your beauty sleep with their loud, 2 a.m. banter.
Money's on your mind this weekend as Sunday's quarter moon in Scorpio galvanises your second house of finance. A consumer of fine goods you most certainly are, Libra — but how about that savings plan? Sit down and map out a budget. Following the rule of "if I don't see it, I won't spend it" is wise, too, so have a portion of your earnings automatically transferred into a savings or investment account. This is easy to do straight from online banking. And focus on the income column, too. As every Libra understands, it's all about who you know.
Illustrated by John Lisle.Photographed by Christine Hahn.
Scorpio
Friends, foes, or frenemies? With Mercury retrograde in your social third house since January 5, you’ve had some filing issues with the people in your life. But that all changes this Monday as Mercury corrects its course, helping you clarify who truly has your back. And with Mercury powering forward through your friendship zone until February 13, a fresh crop of kindred spirits could come your way. Get out and dabble in new hobbies, extracurriculars, and local activities. Exploring new scenes can banish the winter blues. As for old pals who do make the post-retrograde cut? Maybe it’s time for a more formal collaboration. Partner up on a project, plan a party together, or start a meet-up group of your own. The coast is clear to shop for mobile gadgets now: from digital devices to ones that require a key in the ignition. If this purchase doesn't come with a warranty and return policy, however, wait until February 15 to make your final purchase, allowing the shadow of the retrograde to fully pass.
Treat Sunday like a one-day, one-person retreat. With the quarter moon in Scorpio hovering overhead, some productive "me time" awaits. Journal, meander, flow through the day without a hardcore schedule. Figuring out what makes you happy — and what just feels like a drag on your soul — will be on your mind, too. By the day's end, you could be registering for a workshop or retreat, and even writing a Dear John letter to someone who you're totally done with.
Illustrated by John Lisle.Photographed by Christine Hahn.
Sagittarius
Money’s been funny since Mercury turned retrograde on January 5. Maybe you even spent the last few weeks digging yourself out of a little hole. But #BrokeAsAJoke will never wind up as your official hashtag, Sagittarius. This Monday, Mercury does a 180 and powers forward through your financially savvy second house until February 13. That means you have a whole month to restore your inner rich girl to power. Get into action: Follow up on job leads, initiate projects and sales calls, and take a promising contact out for a power lunch. If talks about budgets turned into screaming matches for the past few weeks, take heart. By the weekend, you’ll be able to address that stack of bills without biting anyone’s head off.
Sunday's quarter moon in your 12th house of transitions rings the warning bell. Letting go is the way to grow, Sagittarius, so it's time to assess what's on your plate — and what's in your space. This weekend brings a long-awaited opportunity to build shelves, organise closets, and gather paperwork for your tax return. And also remove all that unused gear for good, never to be replaced with mindless impulse buys again. The muse will pop by, too, so keep your schedule light this weekend so you can get into creatrix mode when the divine downloads come.
Illustrated by John Lisle.Photographed by Christine Hahn.
Capricorn
Open mouth, insert wide-legged jeans? Misunderstood is feeling like your middle name lately, as communication planet Mercury’s been retrograde in your sign since January 8. Despite your best efforts, people are just not getting where you're coming from — and your comedic timing has been a little...off. Before you utterly lose it, here’s some good news: This Monday, Mercury does a 180 and drives in fifth gear through Capricorn until February 13. Lift the gag order! Your gift of gab is back with a vengeance and you'll have them at hello. All those eye rolls and unreturned texts you suffered through will be a thing of the past. Get ready for a popularity spike, in fact; you might not even know how to handle all the attention coming your way!
This weekend could bring shifts to your social circle. The quarter moon in Scorpio shines its beams on new groups and organisations of interest. You're a loyalist, Capricorn, and tend to roll with a tight-knit crew. But don't feel guilty about branching out. If you find an activity you love, you can always invite your old friends along later. Heading to a place where no one knows your history will be refreshing: You'll get to reinvent yourself and your image, like your late, great sign-mate, David Bowie.
Illustrated by John Lisle.Photographed by Christine Hahn.
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