Chris Bangle

Aries

Eureka! A stroke of genius hits on Monday as the moon and Uranus link up in Aries. Leave room in your schedule in the early part of the week for spontaneity and ingenuity. Having a lighter load also allows you to daydream and gives you time to sketch up, mock up, or otherwise test-drive your vision. Don’t be afraid to play and even get a little messy. As Edison said, “To invent, you need a good imagination and a pile of junk.” Flirt alert! Venus shakes her tail feathers in Gemini and your effervescent third house until June 2, giving you a case of romantic ADD. Your attractions could range from the buttoned-up broker to the bohemian beekeeper. This is the perfect time for speed dating or getting your online profile reposted with some new pics. In a relationship? The couple that plays together stays together. This Venus phase is all about field trips. Hit the road to visit friends in another state–but leave room for unplanned stops to check out roadside attractions (or unscheduled makeout sessions). You’ll enjoy traveling in the figurative sense, too: Taking a workshop together, like home-brewing or comedy improv, gives you new common ground to grow deeper roots. And, since the third house also rules communication, you’ll discover new ways to get your point across. Hint: Think less talking and more listening. Thursday’s solar eclipse rocks your money house, getting you fired up about finding new revenue streams. If you’ve been coasting or wearing budgetary blinders, look out! You could get a not-so-happy wakeup call about the importance of staying on top of your fiscal affairs. But this new moon is definitely an economic stimulus for you. Whether you’re carving out a role at your current job, changing your daily workflow, or circulating your resume, you’re ready to take on a new challenge and keep a positive cash flow AND keeping yourself interested in what you’re doing. Be patient. It could take up to six months to manifest the seeds you plant today. Circle November 17, the date of the full moon in Taurus and your manifestation celebration.

Aquarius

Monday’s meetup of the moon and revolutionary Uranus finds you craving change, but it could also find you butting heads with a friend, colleague or sibling whose vision doesn’t gel with yours. Your kneejerk reaction is to go AWOL, but this is SO frustrating for other people. They feel stonewalled and forced to swallow the very words that could help work things out. Before you bolt, make an effort to communicate. You might have to carve out individual sub-domains, but a compromise CAN be reached. Your love life gets a happy boost from Venus, which tours your romance house from May 9 until June 2. Bring your creativity to the fore. Plan some dates that revolve around adventure, like joining a hiking club, crewing a sailboat together, or taking an outdoor photography class. Single? You could meet someone at a party or through a mutual friend’s introduction. Larger-than-life personalities are attractive, but while these peacocks are fun to observe, question whether they’re able to do more than just preen for admiring onlookers. You want to be part of a power couple–provided the other half isn’t a narcissist–so make sure that person with impressive creds can also be intimate and cares about what’s best for you too. Beautifying Venus also brings a wave of makeover magic. Your yoga-pants days are numbered, Aquarius, so start mixing in more dress-up occasions. People are drawn to the polished, together-looking you, plus you’ll feel better about yourself, which naturally makes you more attractive. Your sign loves bright colors and bold patterns and there were plenty of those sent down the runways for this spring. A hairstyle upgrade will have the most dramatic effect, so head to the salon! A change could come to Chateau Aquarius on Thursday. You might invite in a new roommate or revamp the layout of your home, turning the office into the guest room or reconfiguring your bedroom to create space to exercise. Looking to make a move? The U-Haul could arrive sooner than you think. This eclipse can help you find new digs in an unexpected hood and speed up your departure. This eclipse also marks a new chapter in your relationship with a close friend or relative. Are you longing for a deeper bond or lamenting the fact that you’ve grown apart? Kickstart a closer connection by scheduling some dinners together. Creating more regularity in your interactions builds closeness. By November 17’s full moon in Taurus, you’ll be as thick as thieves.

Cancer

Heavy is the head that wears the crown. As the workweek kicks off, you could be feeling like you’ve taken on too much responsibility and thrust yourself into a position that feels like it’s verging on martyrdom. It’s lonely at the top. Tune in to your desire for greater freedom and camaraderie. If you work for yourself, check out co-working spaces or shared offices (outside of your home or the local coffee shop) so you can get your people fix while still being productive. When it comes to love, you’re happy to gaze through your rose-colored glasses. It could be easy to get romantically swept away, but keep at least one foot planted in the reality zone. By the same token, this flowy Venus phase can actually do wonders to melt the ice of your shy reserve. You might finally make eye contact and say hello to you-know-who. And for someone whose boundaries are as impenetrable as The Great Wall Of China, it’s a huge relief to drop your guard. This is also a time for release a relationship that’s sadly “so done.” You gave it your all, Crab, but you can’t let sentimentality get in the way of good sense. Take the next few weeks to cry, burn pictures, and, if necessary, shake a fist at the skies shouting, “Whyyyyyy?” Coupled? Venus can revive the fantasy element of your relationship, making you feel like you did when you first started dating. Some of your buried issues could surface, ready to be cleared. A session with the couples’ therapist or spiritual adviser would be money well spent. Why suffer when you can sort it out then hug it out? If you feel like you’re failing at something, it’s probably because you’re trying to pull it off solo or you’re working with the wrong people. This could be the time to break away from a group that was incredibly helpful in your journey but whom you’ve outgrown. The solar eclipse flips on the searchlight, helping you find the right collaborators. You could finally locate your true tribe, tapping into a group of kindred spirits. While you might not become an overnight insider, start breaking the ice now. You’ll feel like family six months from now if this is truly a meant-to-be crew. The eleventh house rules the Internet, and this eclipse could spark some exciting online developments. While you might not officially launch until the full moon in Taurus on Nov 17, get plans in motion. Becoming part of an online community could bring new opportunities your way. Select WordPress themes, set up your affiliate site or e-commerce software, and interview graphic designers–or learn how to DIY.

Capricorn

Stress alert! Pressures from family or roomies make you wish you could throw a hobo bag into an Airstream trailer and drive off into the sunset–solo! A demanding relative may need to be given the “here’s the deal, sweetie speech, but try to wait until Wednesday when your diplomacy returns. Before you say anything, examine your own actions: Have you been pulling your weight around the house? Consider creating a chore chart to re-divide the duties appropriately. Ready, set, detox! Venus in your sixth house of health helps restore your natural glow. Remember that real beauty starts on the inside, so make part of your regimen some nutritional supplements (especially antioxidants) and drinking more water and eating less junk food. Cupid’s arrows land like a bolt from the blue on Wednesday the 9th! The solar eclipse in your fifth house of romance brings major developments for your love life. Feelings that have been developing for someone in your inner circle could take you by surprise this week. The strong friendship you share is a great foundation for love, and if your gut says go for it, it’s worth exploring. Work out in your cutest Lululemon leggings and keep the earbuds cranked down: You could meet someone at the gym or on the hiking trail or outdoor track. Coupled? Share your health kick with your honey. Juice together in the morning, support each other’s wellness goals by adding more activity dates to the calendar. There could be a little extra drama to deal with, especially if the lustier aspects of your bond have fizzled out. Rather than trying to hop in the sack to revive it, work on strengthening your emotional bond. If you’re feeling bored or want more affection, say so! People aren’t mind readers. This eclipse could herald a pregnancy, perhaps an unexpected one. If you have kids, they may demand some extra attention from you. While you want to champion your brood, make sure you aren’t spoiling them. Fame could come your way too as the spotlight suddenly beams on you. Even if you’re in the early stages of developing an idea, it will still create a buzz. Like Michelle Obama, you’re a modest celebrity. You’re more of an inspiration than anything, so as long as you add a “you can do it too!” message to your platform, people will see you as a role model rather than an untouchable.

Leo

Open mouth, insert Manolo. You’re prone to tactless blurts on Monday and Tuesday. While it’s always best to be truthful, your honesty packs a little too much of a punch. Have a heart, even if you’re “so over” hearing someone’s rants and complaints. You’ve been known to dwell in drama yourself, so if you can’t be compassionate, be quiet. You could burn bridges by being too harsh or hardcore with your advice. With Venus moving through your tech sector, dot-com dating deserves another chance. Refresh your profile and post more down-to-earth pictures instead of another series of glamour shots. You could also find love by being a “joiner.” Group activities can widen the dating pool. Try a discussion group, drumming circle, community-action organization, or a self-development seminar. Anything that has to do with expanding your intellect or making the world a more kumbaya kind of place will open the door to amour. Coupled? Do more social things together. Join a co-ed sports league, take a self-dev seminar together, host a game night with your different groups of friends. Who knows? You might score some extra square footage in heaven by playing matchmaker for a couple of your pals. An unexpected opportunity could crop up for your career. You might be tapped for a leadership position or get a chance to work with an A-list client. It’s not as if you haven’t been working hard for this, Leo, but it feels great to have your efforts recognized. Then again, your passion might take a hard left from your former path and lead you in a totally different direction. The eclipse can bring a mentor, business coach, immersion program or another helpful person–most likely a man or a tough-as-nails woman. Aid can come from high places; you might just discover that someone powerful is in your corner. Showing your allegiance and dedication over the next six months will do wonders to boost your standing. It really is all about who you know, but sometimes you have to work your way up the ladder, showing and proving. Download Drake’s “Started From the Bottom” and make it your personal power anthem.

Libra

Help…air! Early in the week you feel the urge to break away or get a little more freedom in your closest relationships. Why? The moon aligns with renegade Uranus reminding you that “we” doesn’t have to erase your individual identity. But rather than declare mutiny on a business partner, BFF or amour du jour, bring up your needs and desires. Take responsibility for your people pleasing and willingness to accommodate. But if you’ve been losing yourself in the bond, it’s definitely time for to change your tune. An unexpected attraction could take you by surprise midweek, as love planet Venus cruises into your expansive ninth house until June 2. Keep an open mind if the sparks start to fly with someone who breaks from type. Cross-cultural love affairs could sweep you off your feet. If you’re dating online, expand your search radius. Love is not geographically ordained, so you shouldn’t be either. This Venus phase heralds vacation romances, so even if you’re traveling for work, pack a flirty number or two. Perhaps that beachside makeout session will only be a memorable moment…or maybe there’s more to it than that. If coupled, this is a stellar time for traveling with your sweetie. Bring back the magic with some Paris-in- the springtime action or do something you’ve always dreamed of, like sailing up the Dalmatian coast or checking out the underground scene in Sao Paolo. Thursday’s solar eclipse in Taurus hurls you into a chamber of secrets. You could be privy to some closely guarded information. Keep it in the vault, Libra, as you are being put through a kind of loyalty test here. Prove yourself trustworthy and a relationship could become incredibly serious. The question is, do you WANT to be that close? A new investment opportunity could knock, one that could reveal major profits six months from now, during the full moon in Taurus on Nov 17. Or someone could decide to put dollars behind your dreams. If you’re shopping around a project or looking for work, don’t rule out working with an agent. Though you’ll have to give away a piece of the action, you’ll have a much bigger pie to slice up. This eclipse also brings sexy back in a major way. Sleep no more, libido. Sign up for that Burlesque 101 class if you need a kickstart. Dancing around in marabou slippers and feather boas can have a surprising effect on you…

Gemini

Monday’s moon-Uranus meetup could hook you up with an eclectic and even eccentric bunch who live on the edge. You love these fringe-y folks, even if you only dance on the periphery of this crew. Let them be a source of inspiration for you. Simply being in the presence of people who are passionate about a principle, project, or ideal makes you feel more alive. You could even form your own likeminded group as a result, either online or in real time. If nothing else, it feels good to know that you are not alone! Beatific Venus beams into Gemini from May 9 to June 2, making you the zodiac’s It Girl or Guy. Charm and magnetism? You’ve got both in spades now, which draws fascinating new people into your orbit. You could audition for an acting role, shoot a series of video blogs, or pitch a reality TV show about your life. Although you love the idea of being admired, the idea of being pinned down isn’t so appealing. This Venus phase might find you in the single-and-loving-it mode. You get to make your own rules and not have to answer to a soul? It’s hard to argue with THAT. Coupled Gems might need, as Virginia Woolf wrote, “a room of one’s own” for the next few weeks. Nudge your partner to pursue an independent interest to give your more space and solo time. Absence will certainly make YOUR heart grow fonder. Venus in Gemini is like having a personal cosmic stylist at your behest. Revamp your look by mixing pieces from your vast collection with a few trendier updates. You’re tempted to go edgier, but hold off “liberating yourself” of inches of hair or getting a spontaneous tat. Such impulsivity could lead to regret a few weeks from now, so test-drive a temporary version before committing. If the look sticks after June 2, bring on the clippers, needles and ink. Thursday’s solar eclipse in your house of completions helps you release a stuck situation for once and for all. It’s like ripping off a Band-Aid: Once the initial ouch is over, you can focus on the healing. The twelfth house can also reveal magically meant-to-be and fated connections, like someone with soulmate potential. Is this the real life or is it just fantasy? You could be caught in the landslide trying to figure it out over the coming six months. If nothing else, this person will be a supernova-size muse for you. You’re never quite so creative as you are when you’re consumed by lust-slash-love.

Pisces

Count your pennies, Pisces, and review bills with a fine-toothed comb early in the week. With the moon-Uranus meetup on Monday, you can’t afford a bad case of sticker shock when a forgotten charge comes through. Stay in the black by planning ahead and projecting, or take on a side job to close the gap. You could also hit on other inventive ideas for making money, perhaps through an online shop or a marketable skill. It’s worth investigating. Venus moves into your fourth house of femmes, making you crave the company of the ladies in your life. Having strong female friendships is also good for your love life. It takes the pressure off your honey to be your “everything,” and women friends’ support buoys your confidence, and there’s no greater turn-on than someone who loves herself. While YOU might not be the traditional type, you could fall hard for someone with strong family values. Don’t rule out the divorced dads…if they’ve walked down the aisle once, statistics show they’re more likely to do it again. Venus brings out your DIY doyen, and you could give La Martha a run for her money. This is a great week to host a dinner party or invite over your crush du jour. Prep for the warming season by firing up your test kitchen. Check out Yvette van Boven’s “Home Made Summer” for a dreamy strawberry shortcake recipe, jam recipes galore (Melon Jam with Tarragon?) and of course, the requisite festive drinks. Is two your lucky number? Thursday’s solar eclipse spawns a partnership that just might take you by surprise. But keep your romantic fantasies in check: This is more likely a creative collaboration than a dangerous liaison. In general, beware of trying to do it all yourself. Since you can’t clone yourself (yet), look for kindred spirits who share–or complement–your skill set and can help you expand productivity. There ARE others like you out there…at least a couple of ‘em. Someone close to home could reveal hidden talents that are in sync with yours. You might even join forces with the competition! This eclipse is the start of a six-month uptick in your social life. Is there a group you’d like to become a member of? Break the ice this week by proving that you are dedicated to their mission. Be patient with the process. It could take till the corresponding full moon on November 17 to feel like you fully belong.

Sagittarius

Color outside the lines early this week. Monday’s moon-Uranus meetup makes you playful and more than happy to stay up past your bedtime on a school night if it means having fun. Friends will gladly accompany you to experimental dance workshops and shamanic drumming circles–and this could bond you for life. Venus tours Gemini and your seventh house of commitments until June 2, and her enchanting beams bring you a whole lot closer to the one you adore. Talk could turn to engagement or cohabitation, and some Archers might even put a ring on it. If a relationship has been idling in the “extended courtship” phase, start dropping hints and asking leading questions. Knowledge is power and can spare you wasted time when you know that someone is “not really into settling down.” Of course, if he is, then you’d best make sure that YOU are sure! Remember: after a certain amount of time, relationships require you to generate, not just sit idly by and wait for the magic to happen. Find a structure that you can share with your sweetie, like collaborating on a business idea or joining a summer sports league as a couple. Warning: Venus will be opposing your sun, so if you’re irritated by the way your honey is treating you, don’t be too quick to play the blame game. Stop trying to fix him (even by being overly helpful) and just trust that he can work it out on his own. New work is on the horizon and could flood into your world fast and furious with the solar eclipse. You’ll feel like you hit the motherlode in some ways but also like you’re being swept up in an current that’s moving too fast for you. This is a great opportunity to restructure the way you do your job. You just can’t do it all by yourself, so look into delegating, outsourcing, or hiring a virtual assistant: It’s time to work smarter not harder. Wean yourself from the addictive “security tasks” that put an adequate amount of money in the bank but will never make you rich. If you need to do some training or work with a coach, consultant, or branding expert, now’s the time to go full force with that. By November 17 you could be rocking a whole new position, commanding bigger fees from prominent clientele, or even signing your own paycheck.

Scorpio

Go…team! On Monday a moon-Uranus meetup encourages you to collaborate in the name of making your work more enjoyable and innovative. Put together a think tank of your best and brightest colleagues or, if you don’t have any who fit the bill, draft a couple savvy friends. You want to know what they really think, so be sure you create a truly safe space for them to speak their minds. These folks know what your stinger feels like, Scorpio, and might fear retribution if they dare to criticize. It can be helpful to ask open-ended questions instead of “Do you like this or hate it?” On Wednesday, loveplanet Venus grooves into Gemini and your eighth house of erotic charms—your favorite place for Venus to be! She’ll hang there till June 2, giving you nearly three weeks of seductive chills and behind-closed-doors thrills. Be careful not to get drawn into a dangerous liaison with someone who makes you feel like a puddle of melted butter in his presence. And if his relationship status reads, “It’s Complicated,” run, don’t walk to the nearest exit. If you haven’t been feeling like your fine self, Venus brings some rescue remedy. Reconnect to your body; make sure you’re getting enough rest. There’s nothing sexy about a sleep-deprived Scorpio… Scale back your schedge to allow more time for shut-eye and you’ll feel that libido return. Being comfortable in your own skin is a prerequisite to inviting someone else close to you, so reinvigorate your body with some sensual Gabrielle Roth or S factor dance classes). Single? This Thursday’s solar eclipse could provide motivation to get back out on the dating scene again. Coupled-up but taking your love for granted? The eclipse might stir up renewed interest in your amour… Don’t let this turn into a “don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone” situation. Do some damage control and make amends for slacking, STAT. The eclipse could also bring a brand-new business partner or creative collaborator. Out of the blue, you’ll decide to turn a solo venture into a tag team effort as you realize that this person’s skill set perfectly complements your own…. And because he or she actually finds the drudgy tasks interesting, you’re freed up to work on the things you love. You may have to sort out some legal matters–but remember that “the person who’s her own lawyer has a fool for a client!”

Taurus

Forgive and forget? Not if you’re sweeping things under the carpet. You were a little too quick to hug it out recently, and Monday’s moon-Uranus meetup could bring a final round of putting up your dukes. Getting closure brings an opportunity to cut a toxic person out of your life for good–important if this person is on a self-destructive path or hell-bent on trying to manipulate you. If you need to make amends, extend the olive branch on Monday, but then step back. Even if he or she doesn’t accept it, you’ll feel better knowing you tried. Makeunder magic time! Your ruling planet Venus decamps to Gemini and your second house of simplicity from May 9 until June 2. Less is more when it comes to your personal style and wardrobe now. Your go-to black, white, and colorblocking (especially in the season’s emerald green, a great color for your sign) will become staples again. This gives you a chance to play with fabrics, cuts, and textures. No need to overhaul your wardrobe: accessories are where it’s at. Invest in a sandal with unusual detailing on the heel or a cool, ladylike pair of pumps that make every outfit rock. Romance-wise, this shift of your celestial ruler Venus can cool things down a bit. The love planet is downshifting into your second house, so embrace the Slow Love Movement. Tapping the brakes means boosting the sensuality. Hold hands, linger in courtship rituals, taste every bite of that pasta and wine you share. SIngle? Let yourself be wooed by an old-fashioned type, provided he has a LITTLE bit of edge. The big news is the solar eclipse in Taurus, a huge life reset for you! There hasn’t been an eclipse in your sign since 2002, and this one gives you a major glimpse into your own hidden powers and potential. A six-month go-get-’em cycle is beginning, and it requires you to step out of the comfortable, secure realm and develop your gifts. Enroll in a class, work with a coach, become part of an mastermind group. People may want to put dollars behind your dreams, but make sure that you retain majority stake. After all, this is your baby! This eclipse might reveal where you are unfulfilled or feeling out of sync with your true purpose. Instead of getting bummed out, map out a six-month action plan. You could have a new certification, move to a new home (or part of the world), or get your business off the ground by the full moon in Taurus this coming November 17. Remember: The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

Virgo

Repeat after us: change is good. Monday’s meetup of the moon and Uranus gives you the courage to transform an area of your life that’s been stuck in the grey zone for far too long. You wanted to stick it out, see what happens, yadda yadda. But is this waiting game starting to take a toll on your emotional and physical health or blocking the progress you’re ready to make? Get off the fence and get into action, Virgo. Making a choice can be scary but it also means that things will start to MOVE already! Need help getting motivated? Find a supportive community who will hold your hand as you jump over the scary hurdles. Charming Venus beams into Gemini and your career sector until June 2, blurring the line between business and pleasure. Forget about that Real Housewives marathon that’s queued up on your DVR. Meet a client for Happy Hour, head to the networking event. Strategic socialzing will boost your career AND can help you break the ice with the bigwigs (a drink is a lot easier than cold-calling his secretary!).Romantically, this Venus phase is about future planning. What’s ahead for you and your boo? Time to talk turkey. Map out shared goals, from how to save up for that epic vacation to paying for a new roof to when you’ll have kids. This businesslike Venus phase could also help materialize a shared business idea. Carve out your respective roles clearly to avoid friction in your love life. SIngle Virgos will be drawn to the more traditional types. Sparks could fly with an older, more established type, possibly someone you work with. Before you cross that line, though, make sure your bond is solid. The last thing you want to do is create an awkward scene at work. The solar eclipse could bring opportunities farther away from home than expected. From long-distance love affairs to developing a global client base, you need to widen your search parameters. But don’t try to conquer Rome in a day. You have six months to s t r e t c h yourself into this new terrain, but make the first move this week. Peruse the travel blogs, change the “distance from my hometown” setting on your dating profile from 10 miles to 100 (or more), start making plans to visit your sister across country. You could also be inspired to sign up for something that helps you grow in a profoundly soulful way, like working at a rainforest reserve or with an impoverished community or joining a healing circle with a Peruvian shaman. If it has an earthy or service based component to it, it will be right up your alley. This eclipse also illuminates opportunities for entrepreneurial growth. You may see an exciting new way to become your own boss or expand a business that you’re already working on. Who knows, Virgo? Six months form now you might be signing your own paychecks!

 Paul Rand

Steve Jobs

Aries

Tis better to give than receive, Ram… or is it? Mars and Saturn retrograde square shoulders and face off in your second and eighth houses of money all week, bringing some tension to your economic equations. You may find yourself wanting to draw back from any partnerships that have financial components to them, and/or create clearer agreements around what each of you contributes. Likely discussions include which bills you cover, and how much you’re both really responsible for. The idea of being dependent on another person never really appeals to you and your independent sensibilities, but on the other hand you also don’t mind being spoiled a little (it’s nice to be queen for a day, no?). That being said, watch any tendencies to take more than you give. You could wind up feeling permanently indebted. This week, it’s time to settle any scores that are out of balance. If you can’t pay it back in kind, work the barter system, offer helpful services, or create a payment plan. The kind of clarity you’re looking for is of the black-and-white variety, not in fifty shades of grey. Fortunately, Mercury enters the equation on Wednesday, moving into Taurus and your money-earnin’ second house for a two week stay (May 1-14). With silver-tongued Mercury in this position, you’ll have an easier time raising the awkward and often taboo topic of the almighty dollar. Are you in debt or trying to figure out how to get square with the IRS with that extension you filed? Mercury will help you create a rock solid payback plan. Even if you don’t have any outstanding debts, this two-week Mercury phase will give you a chance to recalibrate your budget and start socking some money away for that round-the-world trip you’ve been longing to take. In the market for a new job or a steadier stream of income? Time to shop yourself around, or if you’re an entrepreneur, go ahead and create a new client package that allows you to work with people on a longer, committed contract basis. Sign ‘em on for six months instead of the one-offs, Aries, building your business this way will save you time in the long term. Did the planetary pileup in Aries leave you with some brilliant business ideas last month? Mercury’s here to help put your vision into a practical plan. This two-week phase is all about project management: ask yourself what budgets, resources, and people power do you need to pull them off? However, with the Mars-Saturn faceoff, don’t rush to the bank to take out a startup loan. You might get some funding through Kickstarter or through an investor…but again, it’s oh so important that the terms be spelled out clearly and that you keep a majority stake in your own enterprise! On the personal frontier, Mercury’s move out of Aries and into Taurus helps you slow down into a sensual groove. You’ve had a little case of relationship ADD, making it hard to focus on another since April 13 (the date Mercury went into Aries). Or, you may have found yourself drawn to the very types your mama warned you about: those irresistible bad boys who have the attention span of a gnat. Mercury influences your social interactions and suddenly, you could go stone cold for the players. Give the “nice guy/girl” a chance to woo you. Security and consistency are underrated but oh-so-necessary in long-term love. Use this time to get grounded. Book a massage, a mani-pedi, or other sensual treats that get you out of your head and back into your body. You might grab that bottle of warming oil and head to the bedroom with your boo to rub each other the right way. Cook together with friends, linger over luxe brunches, or treat yourself to a signature accessory (just as Aries Sarah Jessica Parker made her Carrie necklace a signature what trend will you set?). On Thursday, the quarter moon in Aquarius helps you recalibrate your role in a group setting. While there may be no “I” in team, losing your identity to a collective is a no-go for you, Ram. Carve out a niche for yourself, perhaps taking on a coordinator role. Or step back if you’re carrying too much responsibility, a noteable Aries pitfall. While you’ll have to give up a measure of control, delegating can bring mega relief. Also, networking and joining a networking group (both online and in real time) is a great way to get your message out to the masses. Tweet away!

Aquarius

The pull between your personal life and your career could leave you feeling stretched thinner than the fabric or an Alexander Wang T, Aquarius. And while you certainly look gorgeous in a classic white tee, it’s no way to live your life. Something’s gotta give in order for you to find the right balance again. It’s a rare sight to behold, but there’s a lightning bolt temper lurking behind your laid-back entertainer’s persona. And it’s threatening to strike this week if you don’t do some damage control fast! The main issue here is managing people’s expectations. You’re a super achiever and a people pleaser rolled in one, and as such, the people you work with may have come to believe that you will just handle everything, no problem. (And hey, you told them you would!) But seriously? You’re probably doing way too much in way too little a time period. Time to recalibrate and change the game plan. Better you should disappoint people than to leave them in the lurch. The sooner you speak up, the sooner they will be able to come up with a Plan B. The same holds true with relatives and roomies. Have they come to expect a little too much of you? Hang up the superhero’s cape and get everyone aligned on working together. Heck, post a chore chart on the wall if you must. Also, do you have enough space for yourself? Mars can throw some tension into your living situation and this week it’s enough to find you considering a move or at least a reconfiguration of your current space. You need a private zone to retreat to. That might even mean renting a little work studio outside of your home. Your inner circle will be a big focus for you from May 1-1, as Mercury tours your family-friendly fourth house. Mercury is the planet of communication so you’ll find it easier to hash things out with them or finally address that topic you’ve been avoiding and hoping would just work itself out (it won’t.). You’ll be longing for the company of your supportive peeps too, making it prime time to reconnect with old friends. On the home front, your wheels of inspiration might start turning as you putter around Chateau Aquarius. You could take on a DIY household project (painting and hanging chandeliers anyone?), work on your garden (it is planting season after all), or even just change the sheets out from plain old cotton to high end linen. The fourth house also rules women. Bang that gong and get those ladies together for a soulful BYOB dinner, or regular walks in the ‘hood. You might also jump start a business collaboration with a close female friend in your life. Thursday’s Aquarius quarter moon gives you a hall pass to be completely self-absorbed for the day. Between the demands of your work and your peeps, what about Numero Uno? What will make you happy? Where do you want to travel next, literally or figuratively? You might prefer your own company above everyone else’s for the day as you daydream about a bright and inspiring future. Also make sure that your soul feels in alignment with the direction of your career. If it’s carrying you away from your happiness and fulfillment rather than towards it, recalibrate. Are you getting the credit you deserve for your work? Some Aquarians might even work with a publicist now to make sure you properly angle your message and get your due props for all the efforts you’ve been putting in to make your mission major.

Cancer

Afraid that if you step out of the spotlight you’ll fade into the background, Cancer? This week Mars opposes Saturn in retrograde, forcing you to sort out just how you manage in groups. You’ll want to strike a balance between being a team player, and not losing your well-defined edges in a crowd. So how do you go about evaluating your level of involvement? Start by investigating to see if there is room for you to take the lead. See if people are receptive to your creative ideas. And then put it to the test by taking the reins as an inclusive, magnanimous leader. This standoff could also put the demands of friends at odds with both your love life and your creative ambitions. As you forge compromises, don’t forget who keeps you warm at night, Crab. Your friends could also help you make a comeback from the effects of a bad romance, by rallying around you and dragging you out of the house. Don’t resist! Alternately, if you’ve put too much pressure on your relationship to be your everything, Mars will remind you of the power of being friends with your lover, and having fun together, within a group. Be forewarned though, this aspect might have you searching for a new shared social circle, as your friend groups may clash. Innovative couples might try out a workshop together–anything from cooking classes to communication intensives will do, and can introduce you to other couples who share your mutual interests. Thankfully, Mercury moves into Taurus and your eleventh house from Wednesday through May 14, sharpening your logical mind, while cooling your emotional nature. Once again, you’ll have room to think rationally, and your social organizer skills will be in rare form. What could you rope your crew into: caravaning to a music festival, creating a giant piece of community art for an installation, renting out an 8-bedroom beach house (and DO make sure you have your own room, Cancer)? Take the helm on planning and give everyone something major to look forward to. Your techie nature is awakened too by Mercury’s “geek is chic” tour of this part of your chart. Take command of your web presence and learn the fundamentals of Photoshop, WordPress or another software skill that can even spell money in the bank. Has an e-commerce idea been ruminating in the back of your mind. Do more research into it now. Setting up shop could be easier than you think, and if so, it wouldn’t hurt to see what kind of passive or extra income you can make this way. Thursday’s quarter moon in Aquarius and your eighth house gives you a moment to draw back and check in with yourself. You haven’t had much space to retreat into your shell with all the social energy buzzing around. But if you don’t give yourself a little time to draw back you could easily wind up burning out. Before the week is through make sure you’ve had one night for unstructured me time, even if you’re just lounging on the couch re-watching Season2 of “Girls.” Pass the popcorn!

Capricorn

Are you getting lost in the shuffle, Capricorn? There may be no “I” in team, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your identity. Red-hot Mars faces off with your ruling planet Saturn this week, pushing you into the limelight. Forget about going along to get along. You need to let people know where you stand on matters, dare to dissent, or shake up the status quo with completely original ideas. If you’re not getting enough time in the spotlight, perhaps it’s time to branch off and develop a solo project on the side. If you don’t tend to your individuality you’ll wind up resentful and grumpy and might even go mutinous on the team. There’s competition in the air this week too, which can create tension under this challenging opposition. Although you might have a sense of loyalty it turns out others in a group are happy to go for the brass ring even if that means pitting themselves against everyone else. The whole thing will feel a little Hunger Games-ish, so pack your bow and arrow! Being the nice guy/girl could leave you a little too defenseless. Forget about killing them with kindness and instead bring your A Game and let your great work speak for itself. The cream always rises to the top, which is exactly where you’ll end up. Romantically, Mars snaps you out of the lather, rinse, repeat mode. While Internet dating can serve up some interesting prospects, opt for the face-to-face meetups for now. Plant yourself among eligible options–and yes, this will require you to go out of your comfort zone. Forget about your go-to hangouts and get creative. You could meet someone while out dancing or carousing with the culture vultures at an art opening or indie show. If it makes you mildly uncomfortable, that’s your cue to say yes and give a new idea a go. Your creative, romantic side will get a boost from Mercury on Wednesday, which tours Taurus and your 5th house until May 14. Feel free to take more chances with your personal style: add more bright colors, get an edgy haircut like an asymmetrical bob or a shaggy layered look. Or maybe even go for a bright red buzzcut like retro Capricorn icon Annie Lennox if you’re ready for an extreme makeover. It’s also a great time to work on a project, join (or start) an “Artist’s Way” group if you need motivation and support, or take a weekend painting workshop or computer graphics intensive. Mercury also green-lights promotional efforts, all the world’s your stage this week so get on the soapbox and sell people on your great ideas and inventions. Romantically, you’re a fearless flirt during this two-week Mercury stint. Take the lead in all things amorous, even if you do so in a cleverly seductive way that leaves them eating out of the palm of your manicured hand. Inventing a project that you can link up with you-know-who on is one idea that could bring major sparks. Coupled? Go public! You and your arm candy are the pair that inspire awe, and a little bit of jealousy now. Dress up and paint the town crimson as a twosome. Is that babymaking music we hear on your iPod? The desire to procreate could strike, and talks could turn to family planning. If you have kids, be playful together and really enjoy your offspring. Think: family field trips, hosting an all-ages party at yours, or gathering up the troops and going on a weekend trip. Thursday’s quarter moon falls in your second house of finances and calls for a budget review. Has a group expense gotten unwieldy? Are you setting aside enough for a personal aspiration and investment? If you’ve been stretching beyond your means or just plain spending a little too much on dinners out, get things back into a manageable place. Tighten your belt but don’t cut off circulation. If you starve yourself of luxury and pleasure, you’ll only binge later. Trim back impulse buys and cancel unused subscription services so you have enough saved up for a bigger purchase–a high-end indulgence that will stand the test of time. With the weather warming, you can also merge your social life with outdoorsy adventures, bringing the bonus of a stress-reducing workout to boot. Plan hikes, bike rides, or strolls through the park in lieu of indoor (and expensive) activities. You’re an earth sign after all, and Mother Nature provides the perfect playground for the natural (wo)man in you.

Gemini

Mutiny on the bounty? A tense opposition of Mars and Saturn retrograde could have you dreaming about jumping ship this week, especially when the details of a project or work undertaking seem to overwhelm you. Breathe, Gemini, breathe. Mars can make one rash and rebellious and the last thing you want to do right now is adhere to protocol, learn the rules or follow any kind of structure. (Do you EVER really want to do that? Sigh). Before you go (wo)man overboard, consult your tribunal of wise advisors. Meditate. Go for a soul-searching walk in the park to check in with yourself. Are you really “so done” with this or just baffled by the challenges facing you? As the expression goes, “wherever you go, there you are.” Quitting on this one could simply mean picking up and reinventing it somewhere else. It might be smarter to stay put and see if you can work through the kinks, with the help of your supportive peeps, of course. How about pinging them this week to see if they will lend an assist? In no way is this a sign of weakness, Gemini. Also, surrendering PART of the duties (not all of them) to another capable ally can get you back to the business of happily doing what you do best in an area where you shine. Fortunately, your creativity will be amped up from May 1-14 when your ruling planet, Mercury, moves into Taurus and your fantasy-fueled twelfth house. With the productive Bull’s energy ruling this part of your chart, it’s no wonder Geminis are such whizzes at turning completely offbeat ideas into tangible realities. The dreamy influence of Mercury will make you a bit of a ringmaster now, so don’t take down the Big Top before you’ve paraded your circus of ideas before people. The world is more receptive than you think to your visions now. The twelfth house also rules forgiveness, making it the right time for clearing the decks and making amends. You may indeed realize that it’s time to move on from certain friendships and social allegiances. Toxic peeps begone! PS: forgiving doesn’t mean inviting trouble into your life or putting on the blinders to someone’s unhealthy influence. It simply means accepting that people are doing the best they can with the tools they have. You are, however, allowed to put up boundaries and choose who is in your inner circle. A spring cleaning of outgrown friendships is now nigh, sad though that may be. Don’t worry. On May 14th, Mercury comes home to Gemini, quickly filling your calendar with exciting social events and new opportunities. You may need more time in solitude while Mercury is in Taurus for the next two weeks. It’s totally fine to pull a disappearing act, just be sure to give people a head’s up. Change your email autoresponder so you don’t feel pressured by people to write them back immediately, and bow out gracefully of any plans you need to cancel. Ducking into your cave and working on a creative project could consume you. You could (finally) finish that screenplay, create a series of paintings based on a single color, or lay down those tracks you’ve been humming to yourself in the shower. In addition, if you have some mourning to do, this Mercury phase helps you release…finally! Go into the woods for a primal scream, do some intensive therapy sessions, try hypnosis or EMDR. Romantically, Mercury can have you wearing those dangerous rose-colored glasses. You’ll have a fantasy-fueled couple weeks for sure, but you might also labor in delusion about your crush du jour. Enjoy the daydreaming, but make sure you’re giving yourself reality checks at the same time. In other news, the “a-ha! Moment” you’ve been searching for could come Thursday near the quarter moon in Aquarius. Go long, Gemini! Taking a day trip or pinging contacts in other parts of the world will get the wheels of innovation rolling. There’s nothing like a getaway to bring you perspective. Could you hop a quick flight this weekend to visit friends in another city? You’ll return home with a remarkably fresh perspective. If you can’t leave home base, do your best to get out into nature. Fresh air, budding trees, spring flowers: this renewal energy reminds you of life’s amazing ability to regenerate. As you are part of this same universal system, you have the power to move on, reinvent, and begin fresh cycles for yourself season after season.

Leo

The demands of your work life continue to pull you away from home and family this week as Mars and Saturn retrograde form a tense opposition. Oh the guilt! As a loyal lion, you feel a sense of duty to be there for your peeps. But you simply don’t have the space for handholding, coddling, or being codependent now. Maybe that’s a good thing! Just as baby birds are being nudged out of their nests, your absence could give your loved ones wings. They aren’t as helpless as you might worry they are. Have a little faith and they’ll probably impress you. When you ARE home, however, don’t just lock yourself into your office area with your laptop. Giving your crew your undivided attention, if only for a short while, lets them know they are seen and loved. It’s quality over quantity, but make it a rich experience. Warning: A female relative or close friend may be the loudest complainer in the bunch. Although she might need a little extra support right now, don’t let yourself be guilt-tripped into sacrificing your own life goals to be at her beck and call. Besides, you are needed among the movers and shakers now. Your career is center stage of your life this May, and public recognition for your efforts is finally coming your way. Speaking of which, be careful not to be too heavy-handed in your dealings with other. We know you were meant to rule the world, but acting like a military dictator will only create an uprising of rebel factions. Bring some of that family-oriented energy into your work life. Show up with cupcakes and coffee or a healthy snack to share during that 3PM meeting. Send a handwritten thank you card or flowers to a new client or someone who helped you out with a deal or professional move. You’ll catch more flies with honey than with vinegar! Communicator Mercury enters Taurus and your ambitious tenth house from May 1-14, bringing even more energy to your career and long-term aspirations. This Mercury cycle helps you streamline your goals so that you don’t wind up spreading yourself too thin, a noted Leo pitfall. Instead of being the juggler with ten pins in the air, prioritize the top mission and put your all there. Concentrated focus could bring prosperity and a promotion your way. The tenth house also rules men, so the fellas will play a starring role in your social life over this two-week phase. Light a cigar, pour yourself a whiskey (and make it neat), and join the proverbial boys’ club. You won’t feel the restrictions of any glass ceilings now (they’re no match for your shattering roar and confident swagger). This is also a great time to socialize in an elite environment. Apply to be a member of a prestigious group, join a high-end club (even a fitness club) to make contacts in a more relaxed environment. Beware snobbery though! You run a little risk of judging a book by its cover and social status during this Mercury phase. It takes all types to make the world go ‘round and not everyone can be a tycoon, Leo. Treat “the little people” with the utmost respect. Your love life will come back into focus this Thursday during the Aquarius quarter moon in your seventh house of relationships. Have you been neglecting a partner as you race between work obligations and home duties? Or has your love life fallen by the wayside? Make time for a coffee date or send a couple winks to online cuties. Plan a date night or a commit to a firm weekend “just the two of us” moment. Above all, socialize without an agenda this weekend, kick back and enjoy yourself.

Libra

Still digging in your heels, Libra? That stubborn stance gets a major challenge this week, courtesy of a Mars-Saturn faceoff. We know you love doing things “the way you always have.” Your sign is not quick to change especially when you’ve found a comfortable (and decadent) groove. But this week is not about staying in “your lane.” Turn on the blinker and merge, baby. And while you’re at it, how about stepping on the gas too? Mars is in your eighth house of transformation and wants you to be a bit more daring, living on the edge and dancing with the “danger” of change. No, this doesn’t mean being destructive–unless of course that means excising bad habits, toxic people, and eternally stalled situations from your life. You can definitely say a final farewell to an energy zapping vice this week…and quit it cold turkey, at that. Shared resources also come into focus under this Mars-Saturn faceoff. Rather than dipping into your own coffers, consider the possibility of having someone else put some dollars behind your dreams. What’s nice about the shakeup of this planetary opposition is that it can force you to turn your attention towards new possibilities. Look out for tectonic shifts in your income streams though. A reliable client or income stream may draw back a little, forcing you to find another source of cash. Or you may get notice of a fee increase (your rent might be going up or your kid’s daycare could be raising their fees). Approach these changes with pragmatism, Libra, necessity is the mother of invention after all. How can you make your money work harder for you? Two words: passive income. You might look into a side business, selling products through an affiliate website or a network marketing model. When you truly believe in a brand, you can hawk it like nobody’s business. Do you have advice that people would clamor for? You might hire yourself out as a consultant for a few hours here and there. From May 1-14 Mercury brings sexy back, moving through Taurus and your sultry eighth house for two weeks. Drop that neckline, raise that hemline, and dab some perfume behind your ears. You’re quite the provocateur now. But you’re also craving a deeper kind of love. Save the final rose for someone who hits it on all levels: mind, body and soul. Your attraction to the bad boy types might intensify too and you’ll have to be careful not to get swept up in a distracting obsession. Sure, the chase and seduction is fun, but the reality of being in a relationship with someone like this is a totally different story. If you’re already attached, Mercury helps you kick things up to new levels of intimacy. Much as you love the idea of being a “seen and be seen” couple about town, you’ll have more fun behind closed doors now. Ooh la la! On Thursday the quarter moon in your house of fame gives you an opportunity to spotlight your latest ideas and efforts. Promote away as the workweek wraps, you could be the topics of major buzz! This is also a day for balancing your romantic aspirations against a reality check. That Big Love you’re craving: does it only exist in fairy tales? To some degree yes, so cut your sweetie (or future partner) some slack! You may realize that you’ve been a bit of a diva in relationships lately too. While it’s nice to have the red carpet rolled out, people do not exist solely for the purpose of wooing you. Bring back some balance. If you want something, give it away. How can YOU creatively express your affections this week? Think flirty notes in pockets, funny haikus left on mirrors, or booking a night out for your beloved doing their (not your) favorite thing. Remember, generosity begets generosity.

Pisces

It’s fun to dream about the future, but what about the here and now? This week, Mars faces off with Saturn, bringing you back to the moment. Keep on planning for the long-term, but rather than waiting for that “someday maybe” or the big “if” to make you happy, what can you do NOW to unleash your bliss? Shocker: this could be a simple as re-framing your outlook on your current circumstances. Perception is reality after all. And with Mars in your house of communication, your words have major power. You might even try declaring this a No Complaints week. The more you dub something hideous, awful, dramatic, torturous, and untenable, the more it lives that way in your reality. Can you “bless this mess” instead, Pisces? What did you learn from the “negative” experience? Make a gratitude list, even if the only thing you can find to be thankful of is that it revealed what you DIDN’T want. Hey, that’s mega important to know! But surely you can find something nice to say. Vocalizing your appreciation for the little things is a magical elixir. Also, when you tune in to your present day life (instead of wringing your hands about tomorrow), you start to see beautiful opportunities that you overlooked. New friendships perk up this week, perhaps even with a neighbor or coworker, or someone else you breeze by every day. On Wednesday, Mercury joins Mars in your third house of communication and local activity too, heating up action close to home between May 1 and 14. Remember: the more you water your own grass, the greener it gets. If the culture is a bit lacking in your immediate ‘hood’, turn on the proverbial hose. How about starting up a group or event that serves the need in the community? A local restaurant or bar might be more than game to give you a venue for your vision, and in turn, you’ll bring new customers in to support a neighborhood biz. A win-win indeed. Some Pisces might be pondering a move to a more culturally appropriate landscape for your interests. Make like Magellan and go exploring. Before you scope out real-estate listings, spend some time hanging out in different ‘hoods’ to see which captivates you the longest and where you feel most at home. Spend some time networking online, too. Shout out your online friends on Twitter (a loyalty-building act), send someone a virtual high five by sharing his link. This could bring you a bevy of new contacts–and, if you’re single and looking, fresh dating options. No need to go ring-shopping this week though. This lighthearted Mercury phase is more about flirting and experimenting. Try on a few new types for size before you declare anyone a perfect fit. On Thursday, the quarter moon in your house of boundaries and completions forces you to deal with that pile you’ve swept under the rug. Denial ain’t just a river in Egypt (as you’ve learned many times). But just because things have gotten a little messy doesn’t mean all is lost. Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater, Pisces. While some adjustments are definitely in order, and you may even have to cut something (or someone) loose, there is lots of promise ahead for this endeavor. Are you holding a grudge? Forgiveness may be the key to blasting through a barrier. No, you don’t have to invite any toxic people back into your life. But accepting that they’ve done the best they could with the resources they had can give you some peace and closure. Move on instead of endlessly trying to “work on it” with an incompatible person, situation or aspect of your endeavor.

Sagittarius

Just the facts, Sagittarius. Tell-it-like-it-is Mars in Taurus faces off with Saturn retrograde, insisting upon a reality check. What you imagine might be happening may not line up with what is actually going on. Saturn is well into its three-year tour of Scorpio and your twelfth house of fantasy and illusions (it entered Scorpio last October 5). This is not an easy journey for you, as you’ve had to face down some of your deeper fears and anxieties ever since. But there’s also a tendency to go into crisis mode far too quickly now, or even let your fantasies spiral you too far away from the realm of what is doable. As a result, you could feel stressed, exhausted, or on an emotional rollercoaster. Fortunately, Mars barrels into the mix, insisting that you step off the ride and get grounded and centered. The best way to do that right now? Begin with the physical. Daily movement for a minimum of twenty minutes is a must (preferably longer). Getting your eating on track helps you stay centered too. You might even track this in a mobile app or diary. Pay attention to how your mood and energy levels feel after you eat certain foods. You might discover a sensitivity to gluten, dairy, eggs, or another substance. If needed, get a food allergy test done by a doctor or work with a nutritionist to develop a plan tailor made for your bod. Consider entering the realm of “plant medicine” too. You might check out flower essences or aromatherapy tinctures to rebalance your frazzled nerves. This healthquest becomes all the more intriguing when messenger Mercury blazes through Taurus and your sixth house of well being from May 1-14. You could find yourself fascinated with reading all the information you can get your hands on about nutrition and exercise. Social Mercury will shine the spotlight on physical fitness too. Change your standing cocktail hour to a meetup for yoga and raw juice mocktails. You might think about growing your own food too. Do you have outdoor space to work with? Plant a garden of your favorite salad fixings and herbs to bring the fresh food and live enzymes to your plate all summer. No outdoor space? There’s plenty of “indoor gardens” to be had, so play around with terrariums, window boxes, and hanging planters of herbs. The sixth house rules service too, so how about volunteering for a community garden? You’ll make new friends and keep your ‘hood thriving. You might even head up that initiative, getting a local business to donate a small segment of their parking lot to a neighborhood planting project or commissioning the city to let you and a local nonprofit turn an abandoned space into a food source for the community. This Mercury phase brings some order to your court too! Streamline, systematize, get your messy areas into shape. Run the paper shredder while you’re watching The Real Housewives then recycle the “confetti” of your old bills and other things that are just taking up space. You might even get crafty during this DIY Mercury energy and repurpose and upcycle. Try making your own laundry detergent (http://manvsdebt.com/dirty-laundry-experiments-with-homemade-laundry-detergent/) or creating art out of old book pages, or even DIY-ing your own light-up headboard (http://www.abeautifulmess.com/2012/12/diy-light-up-headboard.html)! On Thursday, the quarter moon in Aquarius brings a planetary PSA: Embrace the power of partnership! Joining forces with another go-getter helps you gain ground. Although it takes guts to share the glory, you’ll actually make it to the finish line a whole lot faster if you work the buddy system. This is a great day for promotion and publicity too, especially using social media. Lift your nose from the grindstone and let the world know what you’re up to.

Scorpio

Feeling torn, Scorpio? This week Mars faces off with retrograde Saturn in Scorpio pulling you back and forth between what you want versus what “they” want. You’ve got an agenda and plans, and as it turns out, so does everyone else. This revelation might have you s t r e t c h i n g big time to find compromise. Keep in mind that in strong winds, the trees that bend survive while the trees that don’t break. You might feel friction in your professional partnerships, as someone’s persistent agenda may put pressure on you to buckle to their way of doing things. Remember that the best way to “win” a power struggle is to not engage in the first place. Pull back and give this person some space. If the idea is sketchy, s/he’ll see it fall apart on its own, without any interference or advice from you. But alas, you might just have to compromise a little more than you prefer this week, Scorpio. (Bend like an oak…remember?) Pull back and look at the big picture. Sabotaging a strong relationship is probably not worth proving a point in this instance. Letting one battle go does not mean losing the war either. On the flip side, Mars can you make you incredibly passionate about other people’s ideas. It’s fine to be a cheering squad, but don’t abandon your own vision in the process. Fortunately, Mercury brings some healing salve this Wednesday, when it decamps to Taurus and your diplomatic, cooperative seventh house. You won’t get so up in arms about compromising midweek, in fact, your mantra may switch from “give me a chance” to “give peace a chance.” Romantically, Mercury in Taurus can be great for your love life, ramping up your urge to merge. Discussions could turn to long-term commitments, which you’ll be happy to nudge along to a deeper level. Brainstorm: how can you join forces with another to make your individual lives easier? Sharing is more than just caring now; it can actually save you time and money. Socially, Mercury anoints you the party planner and organizer. How about throwing a Derby party to fete the spring in style? Think: ginormous hats, macarons, and mint juleps. You might even get your amour in on this one, using it as a chance for merging your respective groups of friends into one. On Thursday, the quarter moon in Aquarius focuses your attention on your inner circle. Are the people you count as your BFFs supporting you in the way that you need? You might need to send out clearer instructions or make more obvious and vocal requests. It’s not just anyone who has the privilege of seeing you drop your guard, and you really need to know that you’re safe doing that. If a friend has been a little too advice-y or critical lately (when all you want is a compassionate sounding board), have a heart-to-heart about your hurt feelings. This doesn’t have to turn into a major drama, Scorpio. She was probably doing what SHE thought was helpful. Don’t get too up in arms. As for friends who are drifting into the energy vampire category? As the week draws to the close, you might consider booting them from your close-knit cabal, or moving them out of the VIP room. Once you do, another star player from Team Scorpio could emerge as your newest confidante.

Taurus

If you turn the “m” in me upside down, you’ll get “we.” This week is all about finding the balance between being a free agent and working the buddy system. Mars in Taurus will oppose Saturn retrograde in Scorpio all week ping-ponging you between control and cooperation. You can be a devoted partner, Taurus, making sacrifices and standing by your peeps through thick and thin. But you can also swing to the opposite extreme by being fussy and demanding in the “I want what I want when I want it” kind of way. This week, strive for a healthy middle ground. If you’ve lost yourself in someone else’s orbit, you definitely need to pull back and find your own center. What are you passionate about? And more importantly, can you even remember? You’re not abandoning your loved ones by pursuing your own dreams, Bull, it’ll only serve to make you more grounded and supportive in the long run. Coupled Taureans, take heart, if a relationship is flatlining or going through one of its less-than-thrilling phases, Mars will help you pump up the passion factor. Look out though! Your mind could meander and your eyes could wander, especially if you’re having a flirty attraction with someone other than your beloved. Enjoy the spring fevered banter, but take care you don’t cross any lines. It’s easy to get swept up in the thrill of “new relationship energy” but breaking your code of honor to someone else will only bring you crashing down from the romantic high. Of course, your sign does tend to stick around (stubbornly) long past the expiration date at times. Have all your friends been pleading with you to dump a negligent loser…and you know in your heart it’s time? This is the week to remember that YOUR happiness is the only thing you hold sway over. If you know you’re walking down a dead-end street, the Mars-Saturn opposition spins you 180 degrees. U-Turn! Thankfully, this all is made easier by mental Mercury, the planet that governs your communication and thought processes. From May 1-14, the speedy messenger planet moves through Taurus, clarifying what’s best for you and sharpening your vision about the future. No more delusions or denial, Bull! Things become remarkably black and white during this two-week phase. And just what is best for you AND other people? Being self-directed (not selfish or sacrificial) is the name of the game. In many cases, it’s simply a matter of speaking up for yourself and negotiating better terms. People are not mind readers and while you may have dropped copious clues since April, until you come right out and make a clear request, you will never get a yes or no answer. With Mercury in Taurus you could find yourself speaking in public, standing up in front of a group to vocalize your opinions, writing a memoir or posting in a public forum. This is a good time to work with a speaking coach, take a Toastmaster’s workshop or sign up for that improv class. Use these two weeks for self-development, research, dabbling and exploring new ideas, but don’t commit to anything long-term just yet. You are too “mercurial” now, and what interests you one minute could bore you the next. On Thursday, the quarter moon in your tenth house reminds you that “it’s all about who you know.” Advancing your personal and professional goals can also be a matter of aligning with the right people. Give your network a once-over. What are the attitudes and views they have about money and success? Are they in healthy relationships? Surrounding yourself by people who are in it to win it will be the wind beneath your wings. No, that doesn’t mean you have to ditch your struggling pals (unless they are bringing you down), just make sure you have a healthy infusion of people who you consider “way-showers” and guides. This may require some networking. Try out industry groups–ones where you have to get your “suit and tie” on–or socialize strategically. Joining that country club for a couple months might give you the in you need.

Virgo

Details, details. It’s so easy for you to get swept up in them, Virgo, losing sight of the big picture in the process. This week, temperamental Mars faces off with a stern retrograde Saturn blasting through the drama and bringing it to the surface. Mars is occupying your ninth house of vision and truth, pushing you to take the high road and rise above the petty squabbles. Put an end to gossiping, sniping and spreading rumors. You’d call it “venting” or “getting a second opinion,” Virgo, but this habit is far more insidious. Your words have power and when you “speculate” about another you plant a negative thought in people’s minds about that person. If you’re going to call it like you see it, make sure the person you’re talking about is in the room to defend him/herself. Otherwise you risk shooting yourself in the foot, getting a reputation as untrustworthy. Be, as Four Agreements author Don Miguel Ruiz says, “impeccable with your word” this week. Of course that doesn’t mean you have to sweep B.S. under the rug! Communication planet Mercury shifts gears into Taurus from May 1-14, dousing you with truth serum. You cannot tell a lie during this two-week phase. The best way to handle conflict now is to bring issues out into the open, and be proactive and solution-oriented with them. You’ll have to take care to use extra tact, of course. Mercury also brings mental clarity, allowing you to see what’s really going on beyond all the smoke and mirrors. You may simply decide to remove yourself from a situation that’s too mired in confusion and red tape. This Mercury phase helps you stretch beyond familiar territory too. Your interest in other cultures continues to percolate and you could make fast friends with someone from a different background or with a radically different upbringing than yours. If you’re traveling, say “Aloha!” to strangers, you could make friends and contacts in many new ports. Got a few vacation days to cash in on? Plan a trip to meet them friends in Maui, or book that trip to visit your friend in her new London flat. It’s also a good time to feed your entrepreneurial appetite and develop a business idea or expand the one you already have. You might even take a course to help learn something that is missing from your biz equation, like rounding out your social media knowledge with a subscription to Laura Roeder’s Social Media Marketing, or jumping into Ramit Sethi’s Earn 1K class. On Thursday the quarter moon in your sixth house of efficiency helps to bring more levelheaded clarity to the mix. Just the facts, Virgo: that’s your mantra. You’re able to pull back and get down to brass tack, at last! Do you need to simplify an undertaking? Trim away excess and go for minimalism–this brings the wow factor. Also, it’s important that you incorporate some stress-reducing measures. You can really get yourself into quite a spinout worrying and stressing about the what-if’s and what others might think. Devote the rest of the week to health and healing. Go for regular walks throughout the workday (fresh air is medicine!), dedicate five minutes a day to a breath and meditation practice, eat clean and green, dab lavender oil on your temples, and steer clear of stressful people. That’s not so hard, now, is it?