Raise your hand if you need a break from warmongering autocrats and fear-inducing headlines. Ever since January 28, celestial soldier Mars has been stormtrooping through combative Aries, raising the collective blood pressure of the world. (Is it any coincidence that January 28 is also the day Trump tried to push through his Muslim-banning executive order? These astrologers thinketh not). Mars' biennial visit to the Ram's realm has lived up to its forceful reputation. And we are so over it! Thankfully, this Thursday, March 9, the red planet floats into calmer waters, dropping anchor in Taurus until April 21. While Mars in Taurus can bring some raging bull moments, this phase is far more peaceful and grounded. Taurus is also the sign that rules ethics, bringing a fierce retribution for the "alternative facts" and shady business that Mars in Aries swept under the rug.
Speaking of ethics, Sunday's full moon in Virgo brings another finger wag from the stars. Integrity, honesty, and a deep sense of service are what this lunation is all about. Look within: Are you playing fair or cutting corners? Grabbing more than your share of the pie while others around you struggle? This full moon reminds us that no one really wins unless everyone is taken care of. Practice random acts of kindness and follow the words of departed Virgo Mother Teresa who said, "Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier."
Pisces
February 19 to March 20
Those social butterfly wings of yours are fluttering non-stop, Pisces! And they’ll continue to do so the next six weeks, thanks to energiser Mars moving through your garrulous third house. New friends, insider invites, and creative collaborations will pop up at every turn. Not sure where to start with the inbox influx? Just click those ruby slippers together. There's no place like your hometown between now and April 21. Give the local bars, yoga studios, and other offerings some love. Supporting small businesses is what keeps the character alive in your postcode. Hit up industry events to boost your skills — and fill your contact database with promising names. Since Mars can be rash, be mindful of what you say, text, or post on social media right now. You can still be clever and make your point without dragging anyone in the process.
This weekend, the moon shifts into Virgo and your seventh house of committed partnerships — turning full on Sunday. Consider this another cosmic call to add a plus-one to your invitations. No matter your romantic status, take time to clarify your relationship wish list. The eye-opening Pisces solar eclipse on February 26 helped you figure out what you need to be happy. With that picture in mind, you can start drawing in relationships to achieve your goal. No more making excuses for shoddy treatment. Healthy partnerships are grounded in mutual respect. Say 'bye to that bad romance, flaky friend, or shady business partner. If, however, the moon confirms that you’ve found someone truly worthy, put a ring — or some ink — on it!
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Aries
March 21 to April 19
Horns down, Ram! This week, your goal is to stay focused and lock that laser vision onto work and finances. Your cosmic guardian Mars moves through your money sector until April 21, the time is ripe to turn those brilliant ideas of yours into cold, hard cash. Sell things you don’t use anymore on consignment, DIY some artwork for Etsy, or develop your own side hustle. Point is, your brain plus your follow through will net you some more earnings. You’ve enjoyed hosting the red planet in Aries since January 28, a time that was rich for brainstorming and getting yourself into the public eye. But as Mars moves on to pragmatic Taurus, the rubber meets the road. Roll up your sleeves. Over the coming six weeks, you'll manifest results through hard work and tangible action — and your wallet will thank you!
The moon is hanging out in neat freak Virgo all weekend — swelling into a tide-turning full moon on Sunday. Clean up in aisle Aries! Organisation is the name of the game. Unleash some decluttering magic on the messiest areas of your life. Streamline everything, from your bedroom closet to your Inbox. Clutter prevents your genius from flowing as it should. Take a few hours — or the whole weekend — for this mission. Create a new org system, with shelves, folders, and better storage. If you've veered too far into maximalism, start your donation piles. Virgo rules natural health, so overhaul your wellness plan while you’re at it. If you have a bad habit you need to kick — like social smoking that's turning into a daily break time habit or skipping lunch while snacking on Percy Pigs — the full moon will lend a vitality-boosting hand. Lace up those running shoes and add more greens to your plate. Tack on that annual checkup with the doc and gyno and you’ll be completely sorted.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Taurus
April 20 to May 20
Mojo rising! This week, passion planet Mars moves into Taurus until April 21, charging you up with self-confidence and motivation. Put this inspired phase to good use and tackle your to-do list. Not your daily task agenda, but the file full of your goals, hopes, and yes, 2017 resolutions. Remember, you have the whole year to achieve them! Whatever is in your crosshairs, aim for big and bold. Mars only pops by your sign once every two years — a motivated cycle that brings your dreams to life. So what game-changing opportunities do you want to attract, Taurus? A new career path, a hotter love life, relocation to the London office? The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Start walking!
This weekend, the moon shifts into Virgo, heating up your fifth house of glamour, romance, and star power. On Sunday, it becomes a full moon, amplifying your creative expression even more. The red carpet has been rolled out for you, Taurus. What talents do you want to showcase and promote over the coming two weeks? A spring makeover can also help you turn heads — but stick to fierce-yet-temporary updates while beauty queen Venus is retrograde until April 15 like these to-die-for looks from Pat McGrath. With hot and heavy Mars in your sign, spring fever could strike before the equinox. A new face could rouse your libido over the coming six weeks. Or, if you’re attached, you could feel a renewed lust with your partner. One more Venus retrograde PSA: Slow your roll with any new romances and proceed with caution if an ex pops up before April 15. Sure, those sweet nothings sound good, but actions speak so much louder that words (even when it comes to pillow talk).
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Gemini
May 21 to June 20
Ohmmmmmm, Gemini. With super-intense Mars moving into Taurus and your 12th house of healing and transitions until April 21, finding your little patch of peace is a must. This cycle demands that you take a long, hard look at your life. But not without compassion for your own humanity! Some things must be released over the next six weeks, kindly, and gently. Own up to your part in untenable situations — including relationships — that you may be clinging on to. The red planet gives you the warrior magic you need to evolve through the tough stuff — even if it’s on the more serious side, like beating an addiction or parsing through an unresolved emotional issue. Your creative talents could draw major attention now. The 12th house rules film: Maybe it's time to star in that indie production or shoot your own music video? Working behind the scenes could also yield a masterpiece by April 21.
This weekend, the Virgo moon shines a spotlight on your domestic sector — especially as the moon turns full on Sunday. Hang that patterned temporary wallpaper, or DIY a reclaimed wood project. Whatever you do, make it splashy and stunning — and avoid search result TMI with these helpful decorating sites. You’re a visual sign, Gemini, so pay attention to what’s in front of you. Organise clutter into boxes and pack away, sell, or freecycle art that is no longer your style. If you’re eyeing a move, you could find the perfect Chez Gemini in the listings while scanning apps over brunch. Over the next two weeks, feel out new neighbourhoods — and do so during the day and night, both walking and driving. You may just fall in love. This full moon might also bring closure to a family feud, with the help of a powerful woman in your life. Stop spilling tea and break bread instead.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Cancer
June 21 to July 22
Next stop: The collaboration station. This week, motivator Mars darts into Taurus and your 11th house of teamwork until April 21, building momentum for shared missions. Bring on the pep talks to inspire and revive your squad. A good mind meld can get everyone excited to work together again. Or, start casting for your dream team. Inspiring, brilliant, and sympatico peeps could turn any project you’re labouring over into pure gold. Just make sure your fellow teammates can keep up with you! You’ll be rarin' to go and super ambitious to boot. Since the 11th house rules technology, increase your fan following on social media. Who knows, Snapchat celebrity status could be yours this spring. The connections you make now could help with crowdsourcing your latest innovation down the road.
This weekend, take a look at your inner circle, Cancer. A Virgo full moon fires up your outgoing third house this Sunday. If your crew has gotten too cozy, break up the clique and plan a brunch that mixes old and new friends. If it's time to say "Bye, Felicia" to a person you've outgrown, this lunar lift will help. You'll be a total scene-stealer this weekend and ready for new terrain. Check out a food festival or that cool artsy cinema you’ve been eyeing. Feed your mind while your social calendar fills up. Engage in life-changing conversations with a local action group or think tank. Sign up for a workshop. You may also want to find ways to get more involved in your local community — painting a mural, plant a P-patch, or building a playground in a low-income part of town. Looking to make a joint venture official? Kindred spirits pop up everywhere you turn. The full moon also rules transpo, so if it's time for a new bike or car, let the test drives begin!
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Leo
July 23 to August 22
Rise and shine, Leo! Your corner office awaits — maybe in the comfort of your own home or in a windowed high-rise with city views. Whatever your vision of a dream career may be, it's time to pursue it. Until April 21, action planet Mars muscles through Taurus and your 10th house of success, helping you shoot straight to the top. This is not the time to hold back. Unleash your competitive spirit and pitch, perform, and present. Let that Leo fierceness out and take a risk or two. Remember: Life is too short to pursue a path that doesn’t thrill you. If it makes you think, “Meh,” then do a hard pass. Pursue your passions and pretty soon, you’ll be the one calling all the shots.
Money matters are on your mind this weekend, as the Virgo moon shines in your financial sector. And with Sunday’s full moon, that light is especially bright. If your funds aren’t stretching far enough, look to see where you're bleeding green. Consider having a portion of your salary auto-transferred into savings and a pension — and see if your company has a matching programme for that which doubles your investment. This lunar lift encourages you to invest in yourself: Update your skills and polish up all your professional profile pages. While you’re at it, give your work wardrobe a little refresh and maybe try a session with a career coach who can help you create a plan. Stuck in a soul-sucking gig? While it’s never a good idea to quit without having something lined up, circulate your CV! A new job or a position could emerge over the next two weeks.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Virgo
August 23 to September 22
Wanderlust, activated! If your bag isn’t already packed, start pulling together suitcase essentials. For the coming six weeks, travel plans could arise at a moment's notice with adrenaline junkie Mars driving through your jetsetting ninth house for the next six weeks. Is it time to give your frequent flyer miles a workout? How about scoping out the music scene in Berlin, or the yummy grub in Belfast? If you’re unable to jet too far from home, opt for a six-week staycation of sorts. Play tourist and go to all those local museums, theatre performances, and festivals you'd normally skip for "the usual places." Diversify your friend portfolio while you're out and about. This Mars phase is all about multicultural mingling. Virgo entrepreneurs and writers will also feel an extra boost of momentum. While you love to plan (and plan and plan), it's time to take the plunge! You're never really "ready," but you have to start somewhere!
Sunday's full moon in your sign could bring epic rewards — especially for your efforts of the past six months! Consider this your second call of the week to prioritise your path to happiness. The moon, in fact, will be hunkered down in Virgo all weekend, energising you all the while. Cancel any distracting plans and focus instead on you. Have you gained traction on your New Year’s resolutions? (Remember those?) How are your personal projects faring? The moon’s glowing beams will light the way over the next two weeks. Like it or not, the spotlight will be on you. You might as well make a serious statement. You’ve earned those bragging rights, Virgo, so sing your own praises loud and proud — please, don’t waste a minute wondering about what anyone else thinks.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Libra
September 23 to October 22
Your powers of seduction are revving up, Libra. Rowr! Along with a lingerie shopping spree, light a candle — or three. With fiery Mars moving into Taurus and your mystical, sexual eighth house until April 21, your interest in the esoteric is heating up along with your libido. Getting in touch with your inner witch might even be a form of self-care. Or pick up a few crystals that call to you and a deck of tarot cards for some divination nights with the girls. That discerning eye of yours will come in handy as lusty Mars turns up the heat on a current crush. Things could go from flirty to OMG in the next six weeks. The eighth house also rules financials, so get to work on those tax returns and get a pro's help if you have some write-offs this year. This current Mars cycle could bring with it an unexpected payout — and someone could step up to put funding behind one of your big ideas.
Need closure? This weekend, the moon shifts into Virgo and your 12th house of completions — blossoming into a full moon on Sunday. Let go, Libra. And do so with love. If you're holding on to something (or someone) out of fear of guilt, it's time to detach. By moving on from this unfulfilling obligation, you’ll create space for an upgraded option. Has romance run its course? Take a cue from signmate Gwyneth Paltrow and "consciously uncouple." Single? You could get swept off your feet by someone dashingly mysterious. Don't get too carried away: This lunar glow can tint everything rose. Advance slowly and don’t put anyone on a pedestal. The Virgo moonbeams nudge your farther along on a spiritual quest. Over the next two weeks, you could meet an important guide or mentor. Just remember to always be your own guru!
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Scorpio
October 23 to November 21
Hello, heat wave! Your closest relationships could blaze from tepid to scorching as lusty Mars shifts into your partnership sector for six weeks. You’re an attraction powerhouse by nature, Scorpio — but now you'll be utterly magnetic. Forget quick moments of intrigue; you’re eyeing connections with LTR potential. If you’re seeking a soulmate, an attractive "opposite" could fit the bill while Mars hovers here until April 21. Or, you could radar in on someone who can go toe-to-toe with you in every respect: a fiery, but totally sexy, match! Already attached? The celestial lineup could make you a bit impatient with your mate, especially with Venus retrograde until April 15. To preserve the peace — and your relationship — balance the "me time" with the "we time." You'll need equal doses of both.
Two’s company, three’s a party? This weekend, the more the merrier, as the Virgo moon lights up your ultra-social 11th house, then turns full on Sunday. A viral tweet could make you an online sensation; and your popularity is rising in real time too. Devote the next two weeks to building bridges and collabs with people who share your vision. Have world events left you feeling helpless or dismayed? This lunar lift ignites your activist spirit — and could inspire some Scorpios to get into politics. You can also support causes right from your phone with these apps. If you’re still searching for your tribe, this moon could show you the path to kindred spirits — maybe at a SXSW panel discussion or performance. A collab may get the official stamp, launching a team effort into production. If you’ve been working on a digital launch, the next two weeks are go time! The stars are pushing for a good “click-through” rate, whether it’s for dating, sales, or your blog.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Sagittarius
November 22 to December 21
Lean into those lifehacks. Action star Mars zooms into Taurus and your savvy, systematic sixth house until April 21. Overhaul your organisation and fire up some healthy habits once again. You’ll be one busy bee now — and with everyone wanting your time and attention, you’ll need to be as efficient as possible. Consider hiring an assistant to help with paperwork and errands, or investing in affordable, organic meals through an online delivery service. If only you could farm out your workouts — or maybe not. With your wellness corner activated by Mars, you could discover activities that you actually love, like rock climbing or trail hiking. Download a workout app for a quick, at-home sweat-a-thon. The tricky part will be finding the time for your self-care routine. Consider your physical and mental health a non-negotiable part of your calendar. The more energised you feel, the more productive you'll be.
This weekend, the moon shifts into Virgo and your ambitious 10th house turning your attention to your major goals. This isn’t blue-sky dreaming; the 10th house is where you zoom ahead to the finish line. On Sunday, the moon will be full in Virgo, setting things further into motion. Think back to last September, Sag. Projects you launched then may now come to fruition. The two weeks that follow a full moon are the harvest period, so get ready for some noteworthy professional growth. If you’re hoping to take your job and shove it (nicely), the moon will help you exit without burning down your LinkedIn network. A new leadership role could pop up with your name on it. Don’t let impostor syndrome get the better of you — you can do the job and then some. Whatever you don’t know, you’ll learn along the way!
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Capricorn
December 22 to January 19
Let the good times roll! Energiser Mars zips into your festive and flamboyant fifth house until April 21. Step away from your laptop and let your playful side take the lead. You'll still be plenty productive while having fun along the way. Romance is highlighted during this six-week cycle. Let your locks down and share your lighter side. This will bring benefits to your relationship. If you’re already attached, you could hit a bold new milestone during this Mars phase. (Ring? Baby? Both?). Try not to go forth guns a-blazing though. Mars can make the best of us rather impetuous, and you want to consider all your options before diving in all the way. But if you've thought it through, don't let analysis paralysis hold you back. No matter your relationship status, it's your turn to make the first move.
Grab that weekender bag. The moon is hanging out in Virgo and on Sunday will be full in your ninth house of travel and independence. You’ll feel the desire to expand — combined with optimism and can-do energy. Throw caution to the wind and take a risk in the name of personal growth. Big or small, your leap will help you break free from the repetitive same-old, same-old. Travel could pop onto your schedule in the two weeks following the full moon. Make sure your documents are up to date because you may go further from home than expected. Or hit the "book now" button on a travel hotspot like these that won't break the bank. If you’re stuck within city limits, try something metaphysical or stoke your intellect with TED talks or town hall lectures. Workshops and online courses can inspire new possibilities — you may even find the inspiration to start a new venture.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Aquarius
January 20 to February 18
Party at Chez Aquarius? With lively Mars camping out in Taurus and your home and family zone until April 21, your casa could become the spot for memorable gatherings, cosy dinner dates, and good times with your nearest and dearest. Consider hosting an old-school salon with like-minded spirits to talk about arts, books, politics, and more; or maybe a wine-tasting party. Just know when to kick everyone out. Mars can be an agitator, stirring up conflict and tension in your castle. If so, take plenty of timeouts and create more privacy at your pad. (And we're not just talking about locking yourself in the bathroom.) Collaborating with women can be especially fulfilling during this cycle. Watch that you don’t get caught up in any cliques, however, as the rules wouldn’t work for your indie spirit.
This weekend, the moon tucks into Virgo and your intimate eighth house. Your big priority? Squeezing in prime bonding time with that special person. Cancel your lukewarm RSVPs and promises for group drinks and give your BFF or love interest your undivided attention. On Sunday, the annual Virgo full moon puts a key relationship in the limelight. Is there a joint business venture you’ve been pondering? Are you in talks to take your relationship to the next level? La luna wants you to hash it all out in explicit detail over the coming two weeks. Research every aspect so that you can feel confident moving forward. With your seductive charms reading off the charts, this lunar lift could deliver a sultry surprise — one that comes with passion and a commitment. Score!
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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