Pro tip for summer slackers: Basic just won't cut it this week. Not with Monday's lunar (full moon) eclipse landing in Aquarius, the sign of innovation, collaboration, and unicorn-level creativity. What might be considered extra during an average week will draw high praise and adulation now. So, by all means do go there. And be on the lookout for your soul tribe. No matter how quirky your interests are, there are no doubt others like you. Lunar eclipses can speed up manifestation and the result of any action will come swiftly. Be mindful of your every move in order to reap good karma. These supercharged moonbeams also reveal things that are hidden in the shadows. Given that Aquarius is the sign of technology, don't leave yourself open for hackers and trolls. Change to a stronger password and make sure you log off sites when you step away from your computer. A virtual relationship could take off at warp speed. Connect to kindred spirits on social media and swipe your way into the arms of love.
Another reason to keep your tech in check? On Saturday, messenger Mercury turns retrograde in analytical Virgo. This signal-scrambling phase lasts until September 5 and makes it easy for information to get into the wrong hands. Think twice before you fire off a heated email or a racy Snapchat. Put protective cases on your mobile devices and triple-check that you're not leaving them on the seat of your Uber. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. And don't freak out. Mercury retrogrades are good for a few things — basically anything with the prefix "re." And since this one takes place in fussy, detail-oriented Virgo, use the next few weeks to research, review, and refine your plans and your work. You'll make everything stronger if you do.
Leo
July 23 to August 22
Are you in or are you out? It's decision time, as Monday's lunar (full moon) eclipse lands in your seventh house of commitments. No more waffling. If you need to sign a contract, say "yes" to the dress or put a deposit down for an event — and you feel like this is the right step for you — just do it. Still unclear? Then it's probably best to say "no," so you don't hold up other people's time. A relationship could hit a moment that might actually require an ultimatum. Mind-reading won't work here. But a straightforward, "Are we doing this?" will get you the answer you need. And if the answer is a "yes," get ready for a mind-blowing adventure, Leo, one that could lead to a walk down the aisle (or to the tattoo parlour), an amazing holiday, or the purchase of a love nest. Solo Leos could meet someone who has "missing puzzle piece" written all over them. While it's never advisable to rush, don't be surprised if things heat up faster than they usually do. Go with it!
Has money been burning a hole in your pocket? Don't blame it on your distressed denim. With bean-counting Mercury turning retrograde in your finance house from Saturday until September 5, you're going to have to keep a tighter rein on spending. Put yourself on a temporary austerity plan — with the exception of that birthday present you owe yourself. You'll be amazed by how creative and resourceful you can get when you are operating on a limited budget. Communications with coworkers could get a little choppy so go out of your way to be concise — and if you don't understand an assignment, ask for clarification to avoid a do-over.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Virgo
August 23 to September 22
Make some noise, Virgo! The squeaking wheel gets the oil as Monday's lunar eclipse lights up your work zone. An opportunity to advance your career could pop up out of the blue. Don't let it pass you by because you were too modest to speak up. If you've been hustling nonstop for the last six months, your efforts could pay off in a big way. Or, let this be your moment to step up to the plate and finish 2017 with a project that puts a feather in your fedora. (Hint: Add more creativity and soul to those goals.) The eclipse also brings a wellness wakeup call. If you feel sluggish, don't ignore it. Schedule those annual checkups and see what happens if you swap the coffee and frosés for something clean and green.
Every word counts starting Saturday, when your ruling planet, expressive Mercury, slips into a signal-scrambling retrograde until September 5. This one's a bit of a double-whammy, as Mercury will retreat through the Virgo zone of the sky until August 31. Trying to get your point across to people could be an ongoing exercise in futility. Save any sales pitches and big reveals until after September 5 — or make sure you've polished them to near-perfection before they make their debut. On the plus side, Mercury's backspin can inspire you to pick up a half-done project and work on it behind the scenes in earnest.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Libra
September 23 to October 22
Romantic developments come fast and furious this week, thanks to Monday's lunar eclipse in Aquarius pinging your flirtatious, flamboyant fifth house. Single Libras, get ready for Cupid’s arrow to strike. Enjoy the attention, but don't try to foist a label onto it immediately. This might just be a warmup fling or a holiday romance. Time will tell. If you're in an LTR, you could hit a romantic milestone, one that might involve apartment hunting, special pieces of jewellery, or pregnancy tests. But eclipses also reveal shadows. Have you been sweeping an emotional issue under the rug? Down the truth serum and discuss. The innovative Aquarius eclipse can help you create surprisingly good (albeit edgy) win-wins. Fame could also come a-knocking with this attention-grabbing eclipse. Nothing to prep for here, Libra. The camera loves you, baby.
Are you so over a certain situation? On Saturday, Mercury turns retrograde in your 12th house of healing and transitions, helping you dive in and deal. Devise your exit strategy and try to be levelheaded about it. On the other hand, what might be necessary is a good, long talk to clear the air. Surprise, Libra: You might get the apology you deserve...but also realise that you need to say
"sorry" for something, too. Do a closet inventory: A cluttered home can make it hard to concentrate. Bag up the things you know you'll never wear and see what you can sell online for fall wardrobe funds.
Scorpio
October 23 to November 21
Does your home feel like your haven, Scorpio? Without proper privacy, you can get hella cranky. This Monday's lunar eclipse in Aquarius will shine in your domestic zone and show you all the things you need to fine-tune. Maybe it's really time to move into your own place or maybe you just need to discuss sleeping schedules with your noisy, waiter roommate. Be honest about your needs. An excellent deal deal may fall into your lap (starter home, here you come!) or you could unleash some makeover magic on a neglected area of your crib. A powerful woman could also pop up this week, lending an assist that launches you to the next level of the game.
People from your past could also play a prominent role in the days ahead. On Saturday, messenger Mercury turns retrograde in your community-minded 11th house until September 5. Getting the band back together could turn into more than just a one-time jam session. A successful sequel could be born — even a profitable one. Be extra careful with your digital devices, since this retrograde hits your 11th house of technology. Keep the iced coffee far away from your iPad, check the Uber to make sure you didn't forget your phone, and make sure you're hitting "reply" instead of "reply all" when sending those private (or snarky) messages.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Sagittarius
November 22 to December 21
Handling too much by your lonesome? Monday’s lunar eclipse in Aquarius will reboot your (platonic) partnerships. Connect with likeminded people and focus on forging friendships with people who will genuinely have your back. Also, clear your social calendar to leave room for cultural activities. Within two weeks of the eclipse, you could locate your kindred spirits or tap into a juicy dimension of the local scene. An opportunity could pop up that requires you to commute between two cities. Explore, Sagittarius! The nomadic lifestyle could sate your inborn wanderlust — even if that means you have to update your mode of transportation.
On Saturday, messenger Mercury turns retrograde in your 10th house of career until September 5. An assignment you thought was complete could suddenly need revising — or there could be a change of guard at the office. Before you send off a presentation, give it an extra coat of polish — and ask a colleague to look it over in case you missed any salient points. How are your business alliances; have you and your colleagues been in sync lately? Nurturing professional relationships could move you up that ladder or bring a profitable tag team effort. Someone you worked with in the past could pop up on your radar. Explore possibilities because this could yield a sequel success!
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Capricorn
December 22 to January 19
Ready to make it rain, Capricorn? (When aren't you, if we're being honest?) Monday's lunar eclipse in Aquarius electrifies your second house of income and activates your earning power. A job offer could show up in your inbox or you could be contacted by a recruiter. Eclipses bring surprises, so you might even get word of some changes coming up at your 9-5. Stay two steps ahead of the game by finding out what the company's growth objectives are and, if interested, developing the right skill set to evolve with them. Not feeling it? Polish up your CV and LinkedIn profile, because the universe is lining up to assist you with finding a better gig. If all is status quo with work, this eclipse might inspire you to be a better money manager. How can you turn your hard earned coin into actual wealth? Set up a pension or consult a financial planner who can help you create a diversified portfolio of individual stocks, bonds, and mutual funds.
On Saturday, communication planet Mercury turns retrograde in your honest-to-a-fault ninth house until September 5. Your candid comments might be uttered in the spirit of friendship but…too soon? People will be ultra-sensitive for the next few weeks and it might not be the right time for a teachable moment. Instead, turn that energy towards your own self-development. A summer workshop — one that gives you skills for a side hustle, even — could be a fulfilling endeavour. Or revisit a place that holds special meaning in your heart. While Mercury retros aren't great for taking risky voyages, they are fabulous for a nostalgic return to your home base, university town, or honeymoon destination.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Aquarius
January 20 to February 18
You are literally sparkling this week— and it's not just your metallic makeup. Give thanks to Monday's annual full moon in Aquarius, which is also a game-changing lunar eclipse. The spotlight is shining on you, illuminating not just your talents but your hard work of the past six months. Are you ready to bust out of a restrictive relationship? Jailbreak, baby, it's time to move on. Or maybe you'll boldly lay out the terms that work for you. There are always compromises in partnerships, but this week you can also have plenty of things on your terms. One of your passion projects could finally get the green light or you could be vaulted into a leadership role at work. Buckle up and don't even bother pulling the emergency brake. Your rocket is lifting off and you're so much more ready for this than you realise.
Got secrets? We suggest you start spilling them, Aquarius, before someone else puts their spin on the story. From Saturday until September 5, mouthy Mercury will be retrograde (backwards) in your eighth house of mysteries, sex, and, yes, scandal. Certain matters should be kept private. Password protect your confidential documents and delete any messages or posts that could potentially come back to haunt you. An old flame could return, tempting you away from a healthier path. While this person may indeed be the best sex you've ever had, you could also get tangled up in a messy obsession. Pro tip: When the message comes in, ignore, delete, and block.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Pisces
February 19 to March 20
Light the bonfire, Pisces — and gather up some stuff you want to burn, like your ex's godawful band tees, the cards from a friend who betrayed you, or diaries you would never want a soul to read. This Monday marks August's first eclipse — a lunar (full moon) eclipse in Aquarius and your 12th house of endings. It's time to let go of things that no longer serve you, whether they're physical objects or limiting beliefs about yourself. There's something so liberating about permanently closing the door. Plus, a clean break heals the fastest. On the flip side, it might be time to extend an olive branch. Did you mess up with a friend? Write a letter asking for her forgiveness if she won't meet you in person. You might not get an immediate response, but if the rift can be healed, you could hear back from her within 2-4 weeks of Monday's eclipse.
Important people from your past could start popping up come Saturday, as social Mercury turns retrograde in your relationship house until September 5. Yep, Pisces, that Tinder date who bolted just when things started getting serious or even "the love of your life" could make a reappearance. Was it simply bad timing that short-circuited things? If so, it might be worth it to try again...but cautiously. You won't know for a few weeks if this is worthy of a sequel. Couples could see an uptick in lover's quarrels and common misunderstandings. Try to remember that you're on the same team! It takes two to tango, which also means you shouldn't blame yourself for the other person's misdeeds (a pitfall for your sometimes too generous sign). Hold them accountable for dealing with their B.S. It will make the relationship stronger.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Aries
March 21 to April 19
You are now entering the collaboration station. Group efforts get a major boost this Monday, thanks to the electrifying lunar (full moon) eclipse in Aquarius and your 11th house of teamwork and technology. Chill the bubbles. The magic you've been making for the past six months could hit a milestone worthy of celebration. Once you've downed a glass or two, get real about next steps. Should you carry on with this squad or do you need to branch out and explore other energies? Don't stick around out of habit or misplaced loyalty — especially if you're the star of the squad. You won't soar your highest while others are riding on your coattails, Ram. But, if you've truly found your dream team, pumping up your online presence could be the next logical step.
Starting Saturday, Mercury slips into retrograde until September 5, beginning the retreat through you sixth house of work and wellness. No more blowing off shifts or showing up late because you were laying by the pool. For the rest of the summer, you'll need to dot every "i" if you want to keep your professional standing in a proper place. Looking for a better gig? Someone you worked with in the past could have a promising lead for you. Don't try to be the gym class hero only to pull a muscle or get swept up in some questionable health fad like vaginal steaming when doctors say to have an orgasm instead!
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Taurus
April 20 to May 20
Game face: on! Your career could take a dramatic leap forward this Monday, thanks to the lunar eclipse in Aquarius and your ambitious 10th house. Meet the universe halfway and plant yourself strategically among the VIP influencers. Or make sure that key management is aware of your contributions. You can be slick about it, Taurus, sending out an email that innocently outlines your vision or dropping a humblebrag into conversation to pique curiosity. Ready to find a more fulfilling professional path? Eclipses can expedite change if you're willing to pounce. Check with corporate to see what new positions might be opening up in the autumn or, since Aquarius rules technology, wrap the summer with a short-term training to add a monetise-able skill to your CV, like social media marketing or Photoshop.
Starting Saturday, you'll need to guard your heart with greater vigilance. Communication planet Mercury turns retrograde in Virgo and your fifth house of love until September 5. This could seriously cross signals with your S.O. If a lover's quarrel heats up, do your best to not escalate it. Taking regular timeouts will be a relationship saver. Single? Slow down and assume nothing. You might be feeling "happily ever after" when bae is just looking for a season pass. An old flame could return to stoke the embers, but proceed with caution here, too. If a sequel is meant to happen here, you won't know for sure until after September 5.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Gemini
May 21 to June 20
No more faking it! This Monday's lunar eclipse in Aquarius activates your tell-it-like-it-is ninth house. Down the truth serum (and that shot of top shelf tequila, if it's gotten really bad) and have The Talk. While you shouldn't mince words, you don't have to destroy people's dignity during these discussions. Buffer your admonishment in a "praise sandwich," starting and ending with a genuine compliment. A thrilling travel opportunity could pop up near Monday and hell yes you should go, Gemini, even if that means taking a few more days off work. This eclipse could also draw support for work that you've published or an entrepreneurial venture. Keep going, because this side hustle could become something more serious in the days ahead!
This Saturday, you may have to call a house meeting as your ruling planet, expressive Mercury, turns retrograde in your domestic zone until September 5. Tension that's been brewing with a flatmate could flare up. Get in alignment about sleeping schedules, paying bills, and how to divvy up duties like unloading the dishwasher and scrubbing the tub. On the plus side, this retrograde could bring a reunion with an important woman in your life. (Time for some Gilmore Girls style bonding with your mum?) You might even resolve a long-standing conflict, although it might take a few discussions before you can put the issue to bed.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Cancer
June 21 to July 22
If the summer hasn't yielded much in the romance department, fear not, Cancer. This Monday's lunar eclipse in Aquarius and your erotic eighth house could illuminate a keeper — and someone who's as awesome in the sheets as they are on the streets. Eclipses speed up manifestations and someone you've been casually dating could sit you down to talk exclusivity within a month of the eclipse. Coupled Cancers could even put a ring on it, whether that's a spare apartment key or a princess-cut diamond engagement sparkler. But no settling, please! There's zero room for lukewarm feelings under these moonbeams. Lust and trust are the winning combination. Save your final rose for someone who arouses both.
You could also reconnect with an old friend group starting Saturday as social Mercury flips into retrograde until September 5. Revive your bond with a girls' trip or host a couple beloved pals on your living room floor. Just choose your words with care over the coming three weeks. Since this Mercury backspin takes place in your communication sector, it's kind of a double-whammy. Save any fiery messages to your Drafts folder. And no drunk — or drunk in love — Snapping! Anything dashed off in the heat of the moment could lead to regrets.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.Related Video
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