The week kicks off with a leap day — and how fitting that is! The stars are spurring us to spring into action and leap into new terrain. It starts on Monday with a quarter moon in daring, expansive Sagittarius. These moonbeams help us look ahead and see where we could afford to stretch out of our comfort zones even more. There's always further to go, right? But the huge gust of wind beneath our wings comes on Saturday, when go-getter Mars zooms into Sagittarius until May 28! Leaping isn't even an option after this; it's a prerequisite. And it's anybody's guess where we'll land, since this jet-setting zodiac sign rules international travel, higher education, and entrepreneurial ventures. Paris in the springtime? Penn State for the summer semester? Parked in the executive seat of a kitchen table enterprise? Mars lays down the gauntlet now: Go big or go home. P.S.: Mars will visit Sagittarius for a second time from August 3 to September 27, so what you initiate now could take off even more then!
Messenger Mercury is also on the move this Saturday, leaving logical Aquarian's brainy terrain and winding into dreamy, esoteric Pisces until March 21. Instead of computer codes, we'll shift into (Pisces) poet Saul Williams' "coded language." Words won't tell the whole story now, so pay attention to body language and the messages in music, art, and what's not being said. Tap the subconscious; summon your charitable spirit and the muse. There could hardly be a better time for starting a meditation practice, doing community service, or diving into an art project. Pisces rules the after hours clubs, so don't be surprised if the best ideas come in the night, even in your dreams. In the words of Williams, "They are the seeds of light planted in the sky / But the night and skies are meaningless to their unearthly eyes."
Pisces
Summon your inner Sheryl Sandberg, Pisces, because the stars are calling your business maven out to play. It begins on Monday with a quarter moon in Sagittarius and your ambitious 10th house. It's easy to just show up at work, go through the motions, meet friends for drinks, repeat tomorrow. Pull yourself out of that habitual groove and think ahead. How can you position yourself as the boss' darling, or make moves that set you up as the CEO of Pisces, Inc.? You're in a career growth cycle in 2016 and the momentum increases majorly on Saturday when make-it-happen Mars also moves into your professional zone until May 28. (Then again for a rare follow-up visit from August 3 to September 27!) When it comes to achieving your goals, Mars makes you unstoppable, and utterly courageous in the face of competition. Climb that ladder, but play the political game instead of trying to win at any cost. Digging your heels into the wrong person's back is not the move; you need allies for your ascent!
After Saturday, you'll work your magic on the main stage instead of behind the velvet curtain. Social Mercury makes its annual stopover to Pisces and puts you in the spotlight until March 21. You'll be attracted to new concepts, people, and projects. Dabble but don't overload yourself with commitments. Your opinions could change hourly and you don't want to sign on to anything unless you're sure it is truly your jam. Be more outspoken about your ideas and opinions — people will love hearing what you have to say.
Illustrated by John Lisle.Photographed by Christine Hahn.
Aries
It's a choose your own adventure kind of week, Aries — and oh, the places you will go! Monday's quarter moon in Sagittarius will give you holiday brain, but you might not be able to take the holiday quite yet. Plan a smaller trip before March is through, like an overnight with friends in a cabin or a weekend visit to your girl who just moved to Manchester. On Saturday, however, you'll be thinking "passport stamps" when your ruler, fiery Mars, whips into Sagittarius and your worldly ninth house until May 28. This 12-week phase could expand your reach big time — globally, even! Work your international status, whether you're hopping a flight avec passport or connecting to collaborators in different counties and countries. The ninth house also rules education and entrepreneurial ventures. Enroll in school if that will bump you to a higher pay grade or get to work on your business plan. Got an idea for a book, documentary or style blog? Mars is in your publishing zone now, so strike those keys while the iron is hot.
Your squad could lend a serious assist before Saturday, so open up to them about your latest goals. Someone "random" could read your timeline post or see your Snapchat and step in with an amazing offer. Over the weekend, Mercury moves on to Pisces and your dreamy, esoteric 12th house until March 21. You'll need more alone time to meditate, work on personal projects, and be with your thoughts. You'll also be damn near psychic, so trust your intuition and research if anything feels wrong — or right!
Illustrated by John Lisle.Photographed by Christine Hahn.
Taurus
Spring awakening, anyone? With planets pulsing through your erotic eighth house this week, you're ready to bare your soul and then some. But who is worthy of such gifts? Monday's quarter moon calls for discernment. You're a loyal traditionalist, Taurus, and you like to invest for the long haul. If it feels like you're "the serious one" in your relationships, friendships, and business alliances, even, something is definitely off. Either you're dealing with the wrong people or you're putting the cart before the horse. Take an honest appraisal because you might need to do some casting for the role of your other half. On Saturday, spicy Mars moves into your seductive eighth house, bringing sexy back big time. Mars makes you assertive — and fearless. Embrace the pleasure principle and spice up your bedroom activities, or bump up your sex number a couple of digits with some memorable encounters. The eighth house also rules lump sums of cash and shared finances. Take a job that pays commissions or learn how to invest. This could really pay off, even if the bonanza doesn't come overnight. Got a business idea brewing? Someone could put dollars behind your dreams; or, you could set up a Kickstarter page and crowdfund one of your best ideas yet.
Save a few squares on your calendar for your social life. From Saturday until March 21, extroverted Mercury parties in Pisces and your 11th house of friendship and groups. Check out new crowds and activities, but don't get locked into a membership too quickly as you'll want to flow freely between scenes. Play entertainment director for your existing crew. What can you whip together that no one has done before...but that many of you have always wanted to experience? Play outside of the box.
Illustrated by John Lisle.Photographed by Christine Hahn.
Gemini
How balanced are your closest relationships, Gemini? Monday's quarter moon in Sagittarius helps you assess. Maybe you're wishing for more from a certain connection — or maybe your other half is asking you for it. Fine tune because a little extra effort from one (or both!) of you can do wonders. Have you exiled someone to the doghouse a little unfairly? If their "crimes" don't fit the punishment, consider extending a second chance. Your love life heats up even more on Saturday when white-hot Mars changes signs, moving into Sagittarius and your partnership zone until October 26. Take command of your romantic future. Impatient Mars waits for no one, so kick the commitment-phobes to the curb and stop waffling about that wonderful person who has 13 of the 15 qualities you hope to find in a mate. You’ll never know how good a relationship can be until you actually give it a try. Mars can add stress too, intensifying lovers’ quarrels for coupled Gems. More physical activity is the answer so go out dancing, hit that SoulCycle class together, and get Olympian in the bedroom.
Business partnerships hit their stride after Saturday too, especially as messenger Mercury moves into your 10th house of success until March 21. Stay focused on the long game. You might even write up a mission statement together or chart out shared goals for the rest of 2016. Even if you work as a solo star, Mercury's got your back. Make friends in high(er) places now because showing them what you're capable of (even if you have to volunteer some "sweat equity," unpaid) is an investment in your future success.
Illustrated by John Lisle.Photographed by Christine Hahn.
Cancer
How flexible are you, Cancer — like, in every way? Monday's quarter moon Sagittarius and your sixth house of efficiency could reveal where you've grown a little too rigid with your routines. A punishing work schedule or fitness regimen is not the only way to see results. Pare down because if you lifehack and simplify — oh, and outsource too — you can spare yourself energy-zapping stress. Kill the perfectionism, too. This quarter moon reminds you that when you compare, you despair. Focus on being the best you for your current phase of life. And if you find that you're in over your head, there's no shame in stepping down for a while so you can learn the ropes without all the pressure. As you stretch your body, your mind responds in kind.
On Saturday, whip up the avocado face mask and give your juicer permanent placement on your kitchen counter. Motivator Mars blazes into Sagittarius and your sixth house of healthy living until May 28, sounding the call for self-care. You’ll feel driven at work, but responsibilities can add pressure. Movement is a must to keep stress at bay (uh, did we mention that flexibility challenge?). With messenger Mercury moving into your outdoorsy night house, spending more time in the fresh, spring air will buoy your spirits. Travel will do also do the same, so reconnect with your pals in Nashville, TN, Oakland, CA, and Austin, TX and get a visit on the books for the spring!
Illustrated by John Lisle.Photographed by Christine Hahn.
Leo
Netflix and chill? Make that IMAX and climax, Leo. Planets are turning up the heat all week and your spring awakening is officially underway. The first hit comes during Monday's quarter moon in Sagittarius and your fifth house of amour. You could find yourself evaluating your feelings about a certain connection. Are they hovering near lukewarm? If so, what can you do about it? Adding a little more excitement and unpredictability to the equation might help, so plan a weekend trip together or go somewhere different than "the usual place" for your dinner date. If you've known for a while that it's time to bolt, gently extract yourself this week. The bodice-ripping adventures really kick in on Saturday when firecracker Mars embarks on a 12-week tour of your passionate fifth house. Take the lead in love, Leo! Playing coy has never been your style and with Mars pouring you a cup of courage, you can officially bare your soul (and more, up to you). If you've been avoiding the whole dating and hookup scene, your boycott ends Saturday. You'll be in demand, Leo, but hold out for someone who worships you. Fame could come from this Mars phase, too, so be ready to promote your talents at every turn. As long as you focus on entertaining people or providing something useful for them, you'll be a fan favourite.
Sweet-talking Mercury is also giving you some sugar this week. Until Saturday, the communication planet is lounging in your romantic relationship house, helping you talk twosomes. Then, from Saturday until March 21, Mercury moves on to Pisces and your intense, erotic eighth house. Spice up the pillow talk and try out some new seductive moves. But turn on those charms selectively because the people you attract will be in no hurry to leave, like maybe ever.
Illustrated by John Lisle.Photographed by Christine Hahn.
Virgo
Helpful is your middle name, Virgo, but are you empowering your squad or enabling them to get a little lazy? Monday's quarter moon helps you find a healthier balance between giving and holding back. Rough as it is to watch your squad struggle, in some cases, that's the only way they'll grow. See what happens if you hang back a little instead of rushing to Google solutions to their issues, trash your sleep schedule analysing issues until 4 a.m., or otherwise rushing in for the save. You may be surprised by their actual strength — and their ability to change when they do their own heavy lifting.
On Saturday, energiser Mars moves into Sagittarius for 12 weeks, lending its mojo to your domestic fourth house. If your space needs some sprucing up, you’ll be on a serious mission. Maybe it’s time to rent that Zipvan and relocate? Mars could hasten your departure to your new digs. Family, however, could become the new F-word here and there, stressing you out with their demands. Harness Mars’ warrior energy and stand up for yourself. Just don’t burn any bridges by letting anger overtake you. Setting healthy boundaries is a must! Thankfully, Mercury the negotiator heads into your diplomatic seventh house from Saturday until March 21. Tackling tough topics, working out compromises, and letting people know where your limits lie can be done with love and compassion now — to other people and yourself.
Illustrated by John Lisle.Photographed by Christine Hahn.
Libra
Real friends, fake friends, or straight-up frenemies? Monday's quarter moon in your house of friends calls for sorting and maybe some re-categorisation. Open-hearted Libra, you are generous of spirit but sometimes love isn't enough. If people aren't reciprocating your warmth and positive energy, shuffle them to the back burner. Then, bring your attention to people who not only want what you have to offer, but who also give as good as they get. Don't know anyone who fits the bill? You will soon. On Saturday, your social butterfly side takes a turn at the wheel when excitable Mars moves into Sagittarius until May 28. Let the power networking begin! Your contact database is literally about to explode! Warning: Your tendency to overbook yourself could flare up too, especially with all the killer invitations coming your way. Opt for group hangouts when you can and save the one-on-ones for people who have made it to your innermost circle. If you do have a stellar squad, appoint yourself "crew glue" now and get the spring and summer entertainment schedule underway. Festival season is coming...
Organising your life become more imperative for work this week, too. From Saturday until March 21, Mercury zips through your daily work zone, demanding focus. The trouble is, distractions — especially coworker chitchat and that stream of Kimoji-fueled texts from your girls — will be everywhere! Close some screens and stay on task while you're in the office. Your diligence pays off in the next couple weeks but slacking could bring demerits.
Illustrated by John Lisle.Photographed by Christine Hahn.
Scorpio
Your money mojo is heating up this week, Scorpio! On Monday, the quarter moon in your finance house helps you balance your budget. Are you burning more than you're earning? There's nothing wrong with enjoying the now, but your sign does best when you have a security blanket, too. Start tucking aside a little each paycheque — having it auto-transferred to a savings account is best if you don't want to zap it all at Zara. There's more news for your bank account on Saturday when your co-ruler Mars follows the quarter moon into Sagittarius until March 28. You’ve hosted Mars since January 3, which has no doubt stirred up some major momentum — and some stressful randomisation since you may have spread yourself too thin. After Saturday, you can relax a bit and get into a practical planning groove. And, most importantly: How can you monetise all those brilliant ideas you've drummed up since January? P.S.: Mars will slip back into Scorpio again from May 28 to August 3, and then revisit Sagittarius from August 3 until September 27. Profiting from your personality and passions will be the theme for most of the year!
Romance heats up this weekend as Mercury does a costume change, shedding Aquarius' athleisure and donning Pisces' pretty, sparkly tutus and tiaras. How this translates into the Scorpionic idea of seductive glamour is your call, but suffice it to say, you're totally into turning heads until March 21. Take more risks in the game of love. Your mysterious allure can be intimidating, so observe your prey, and then make the first move. Creatively, you're on fire, and you could see your name in lights if you take the leap and self-promote now.
Illustrated by John Lisle.Photographed by Christine Hahn.
Sagittarius
Bigger, stronger, faster? Absolutely, Archer. But before you shout "Supersize me!" to the universe, take the first half of the week to review your game plan. Monday's quarter moon in Sagittarius lends you its balancing beams. This is a week to be daring but not impulsive. What you say yes to always comes with a measure of responsibility. As someone who is no stranger to getting saddled with too many commitments — and let's not talk about the accompanying stress — you need to be picky about where you put your time and energy. There are epic opportunities coming your way, so saying no to the "just okay" ones keeps the door open for situations that will rock your world. And those could start flowing in on Saturday when go-getter Mars gifts you with its presence until May 28! Mars brings surges of momentum and buoys your courage big time. The red planet only visits your sign every other year (the last time was September 13 to October 26, 2014) so you want to capitalise on its energy by going after opportunities that are in line with your happiness. You'll have two visits from Mars this year to boot — the sequel drops August 3 to September 27, bringing another boost to what you start this spring. One catch: Mars is also retrograde in your sign from April 17 until May 29, which could stall plans. Get dreams in serious motion this weekend.
Essential to your sanity through this frenetic-yet-exhilarating Mars process is having a solid home base. Living out of your suitcase is fine some of the time, but you also need a solid sanctuary for recharging between adventures. With thoughtful Mercury retreating to your domestic zone from Saturday until March 21, set up château Sagittarius so it works for your current life plan. You might have to kick out a hellacious roommate or relocate to a neighbourhood that cuts your commute time in half.
Illustrated by John Lisle.Photographed by Christine Hahn.
Capricorn
Spring cleaning starts now, Capricorn. On Monday, the quarter moon in your 12th house of transitions makes the sight of clutter impossible to bear. There are certainly compelling reasons like these for making your home more minimal. You don't have to trash everything in a moment of F@&% it all fervour. Some things can go, others can be grouped and organised by season. Tucking stuff behind doors and cabinets instead of leaving it all on display is an instant sanity saver. Ikea run, anyone?
The muse is in the house this Saturday, so get ready for a rush of divine inspiration. Momentous Mars moves into your dreamy, creative 12th house until May 28, calling forth the artiste in you. Keep your days more open and flowy rather than rigidly scheduling each minute. The best ideas will come when you’re relaxed and receptive. And sometimes that means doing things that don't have an apparent purpose or profit margin, Capricorn. The value will reveal itself in time. With Mars here, your psychic channels are open. Be selective about who you spend time with because you’ll absorb every mood in the room. Reach up, too: A incredible mentor awaits, your own personal Yoda. With messenger Mercury flowing into your chatty third house for two weeks on Saturday, your social life also gets a boost. You could find your tribe at a meditation circle, yoga studio, art class or while volunteering at a charity function.
Illustrated by John Lisle.Photographed by Christine Hahn.
Aquarius
Are your #SquadGoals aligned with your #AquariusGoals? Monday's quarter moon in Sagittarius and your social networking house helps you rebalance. Taking one for the team isn't always a good thing — not if you have to sacrifice your core needs and values. This week, speak up in groups, and make sure your needs and opinions are part of the equation. Your role within a crew may need to evolve so you can find a better fit. Give that a go before you just bail because people may be more willing to negotiate than you realise. On Saturday, fiery Mars follows on the heels of la luna, blasting into Sagittarius and your 11th house of teamwork until May 28. You love collaborating with other great minds, and the next 12 weeks will bring plenty of opportunities to blend your talents. This is a stellar time to launch a blog or develop an app, website, or other digital initiative. One caveat: go live before Mars turns retrograde on April 17, or develop and test for a June launch.
Until Saturday, you'll host messenger Mercury in your sign, so use this week to get your ideas, opinions, and projects into the zeitgeist. Pitch, perform, present — people are listening! On Saturday, Mercury moves on to Pisces and your sensual-yet-sensible second house. You'll be more in touch with your feelings and tuned in to subtle cues. This is the perfect time to pick a signature spring scent or update your sheet set. Just make a budget because retail therapy splurges could cut into your rent money if you aren't careful!
Illustrated by John Lisle.Photographed by Christine Hahn.
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