Clapbacks are a-coming this week, so think twice before spilling any of that piping hot tea. From Monday until March 31, sharp-tongued Mercury jackknifes through fierce Aries, turning us all into firecrackers. Statement sneakers will wind up in mouths — and said mouths will write cheques that asses can't cash. To avoid falling into this quicksand, think (and think again) before blurting, tweeting, texting, or firing off what might soon become an alternative fact. The first response may be the truest response, but could it be worded a little more, erm, diplomatically? And Mercury in Aries can rouse our argumentative sides. People who are normally too shy to share their opinions will be handed a cosmic cup of courage. Now this we would like to hear! Some savvy and spirited debates could get everyone thinking.
Thought you'd just go with the flow this weekend? Sorry, not happening. On Friday, the easy, breezy Pisces sun gets checked by strict Saturn, insisting that we make — and keep — our plans and promises. Think twice before you bail on a good friend who you promised to meet for that panel at SXSW or help move into her new apartment. If you're tired or PMS-y — or enthralled by a shockingly good Tinder date — at least make an appearance. Nurture those loyal bonds because they will be your anchor in the days to come.
Pisces
February 19 to March 20
Birthday season wages on for one more week! But as you indulge and pamper yourself, be mindful of your money. From Monday until March 31, Mercury orbits through your budget-conscious second house. If you've been quick on the draw with those credit cards, time for some self-control. Can you truly afford that new handbag, your fifth red lipstick, or another pair of ballet flats? If so, how about matching every shopping pound with an investment into your long-term savings? If that £200 was put into your ISA, it would grow in value in a matter of years. And that means a bigger shopping budget in the long run, Pisces!
You'll have every reason to flaunt your victories as Friday sweeps in with some well-deserved success. But err on the side of modesty. With the Pisces sun getting checked by low-key Saturn on Friday, you could rile up competitive vibes, especially if you're not sharing the spoils. You don't need to downplay your immense talent, but how could you empower other people with your win? Cheer on a friend with a "you can do it" pep talk; even take on a mentee. When you're a benevolent leader, no one can rightfully begrudge your success! On that note, have you been giving an authority figure a hard time? Put yourself in their shoes near the weekend and you might see them in a more compassionate light.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Aries
March 21 to April 19
Clarity, thy name is Aries. On Monday, quick-witted Mercury moves into your sign until March 31, clearing up the fog that's enveloped you for the past few weeks. Finally! An onslaught of bright ideas flow in, all worth noting for future reference. Speaking your mind is a must while Mercury occupies your sign. But try to keep that assertiveness from veering too close to aggression. Delivery is everything if you want your message to be well-received. If you're too harsh, you'll lose the sensitive souls out there — and that won't help you in the long run. A little tact can prevent ruffled feathers. And while you'll bring plenty of mic drops, make sure you also listen to other people.
Now who's sensitive, Aries? Thanks to Friday's tangled angle between the sun and tough-love Saturn, even well-intentioned advice could feel like a harsh jab. Don't let constructive criticism leave you curled up in the foetal position. Feedback, even the kind you don't want to hear, is necessary for growth. We all have to sometimes take our lumps and hear things we don't like from time to time. (And here's how to handle it like a pro!) If you feel what you're dealing with is too big or too difficult, take a deep breath and walk away for the weekend. This mini-break will refresh your mind and creativity, allowing for some proactive solutions to emerge.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Taurus
April 20 to May 20
Make way for the muse! On Monday, mindful Mercury slips into Aries and your dreamy, imaginative 12th house. You'll download divine inspiration while you daydream — and even during your sleep. Keep a capture tool on the nightstand so you don't lose those gems. Creative Bulls could have an artistic awakening. Whether you're painting, taking photos, writing, or turning your home into a Pinterest masterpiece, this celestial setup is prime for creation. Feeling blocked? Take time to quiet your busy mind. Convince yourself to start meditating if you aren't already or deepen your practice by adding in yoga. Since the 12th house rules helpful people, a great coach or therapist can act as your own personal Yoda. Whatever you do, don't bury your feelings. This Mercury cycle is meant for feeling and healing.
Don't forget the fine art of adulting near Friday. A clash between the swaggering sun and authoritarian Saturn could make everything feel a little Lord of the Flies. While everyone is going rogue or fighting over resources, you may have to be "the responsible one" in the group. Everyone's insecurities will be on full display and the slightest grievance could turn into a mega power struggle. If you can't keep the peace, duck out until things calm down. The silver lining of this struggle? Taking a break from one group opens up space in your calendar to nurture other (and possibly more fulfilling) bonds.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Gemini
May 21 to June 20
They love you, they really, really love you, Gemini! On Monday, social Mercury — your ruling planet — heads into Aries and your ultra-popular 11th house until March 31. Your Queen Bee status is on the rise, both online and IRL. Warning: You could quickly overload trying to schedule face time with your sprawling squad. And those Snapchat stories only go so far with keeping friends updated on The Fabulous Life of Gemini. Opt for group hangs — and don't worry about curating the perfect guest list. Random synergies will delight you. (Who knew those two would hit it off?) With your tech-savvy 11th house fired up, here's another question: Is there an app for that? This Mercury cycle could inspire you to develop a digital product, launch a YouTube show, or cue up posts for your blog.
Halt before signing on any dotted lines near the weekend. On Friday, the sun in your ambitious 10th house clashes with critical Saturn in your partnership zone. A relationship (or contract) may be careening forward at warp speed, throwing you off centre. Are you rushing into this out of FOMO? Hit the brakes! Research your decision and run the background checks on prospective collaborators. You could be overreacting, but you'll sleep better knowing you did your due diligence. If nothing else, taking time could help you negotiate better terms. Remember, Gemini: The way you begin a situation dictates the way it will play out.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Cancer
June 21 to July 22
Game face: On! Your career gets a cosmic lift this week as expressive Mercury barrels into your success-driven 10th house until March 31. Work the room! You've got all the charm you need to woo the higher-ups and position yourself as an influencer. In addition to the standard industry events, use your free time to socialise strategically. Plan brunch with pals to team up on a project. Set up drinks with prospective clients and collaborators. Since the 10th house is the masculine zone of the chart, the fellas may be your biggest supporters. But don't forget to vote with your pound and support your sisters by shopping at these women owned businesses.
On Friday, the idealistic Pisces sun gets a nudge from hardworking Saturn, intensifying your hustle. Don't throw your hands up in despair if results are trickling in at a slower speed. Instead, use elbow grease — and some DIY lifehacks — to keep muscling through. If that means working a few hours over the weekend, so be it. By taking matters into your own hands, you're shifting into an active position. Next step: Ditch the perfectionism and embrace the learning process. Take note of how far you've already come. Making a list of your progress in the past six months will buoy your confidence.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Leo
July 23 to August 22
The travel bug strikes again, Leo! Restless Mercury heads into your ninth house of travel until March 31, activating your jet-setting ways. Pack your carry-on, slip those deluxe sample beauty potions into your bag, and be off. If a jaunt across the world is a pipe dream, opt for a road trip or a spontaneous trip to Bath or Paris or Amsterdam. Back at base, this Mercury phase wants you to mix and mingle with people from diverse cultures. Lifelong friendships could emerge. And those expats in your life? Maybe it's time to call your amiga in Argentina or your best girl in New York and see if they'll host you for a week. A cross-cultural fling could turn into a major spring romance. Flirt without borders, Leo!
Avoid the obvious near the weekend — and reach higher than the lowest hanging fruit. Just make sure you don't set the bar so high that you run out of steam. Your ambition is, as always, admirable. But thanks to a tangled angle between the sun and drill sergeant Saturn, an overarching plan could get complicated fast. Unexpected twists and turns could leave you stuck holding the bag — or worse, wasting money you didn't have in the first place. Start with a clear and doable plan before diving into action. Run it by a few pros, like your parents or friends who have "been there, done that." Their sage wisdom can help you refine your dream into something that's actually doable.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Virgo
August 23 to September 22
Purrr, Virgo. You'll shift from maiden to minx this Monday as flirty Mercury smoulders in your seduction zone until March 31. You'll woo with your words (a Virgo gift) and some naughty pillow talk. And don't underestimate the power of body language. During this soul-stirring cycle, you'll be drawn to the mysterious. But jealousy could also flare, so feelings and intentions should be openly discussed. Don't downplay your desires. If you're looking for eventual marriage and babies, why fake being the laid-back, hookup queen? Thanks to your honest admissions (along with a few flirty texts), a simmering attraction could turn into a real deal dating situation. Some lucky Virgos could see a ringbox (or put a ring on it) before the month is over.
Dial back the tough love near the weekend. You only want the best for your squad and when a red flag pops up, you sound the alarm. But with Friday's wonky connection between the sun and stern Saturn, you could alienate people with preachy advice or unfair labels. If you think you see something suspect, don't rush to judge! Instead, ask questions. You may discover that your friends are already on the road to savvy solutions. When it comes to your own issues, take a time-out from asking the peanut gallery for input. Spend time with your diary, go on reflective walks (by yourself), and just sit with the question. Rushing for resolution never brings the right answer. Stop trying to control the outcome and let your heart have a say.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Libra
September 23 to October 22
Did Cupid make a lame effort last month? No need to curse the cherub's name. This week, he's shooting some golden-tipped arrows your way. (Better late than never, right?) From Monday until March 31, charming Mercury cruises through your relationship house. You'll be quite the smooth-talker — and basically fearless about asking for what you really want from people. Single? Start casting for a partner who fits the the long-term category, not "fun for the night." (Maybe someone who will tag team the endless queue at IKEA while you fetch items for the trolley.) This Mercury cycle could reveal a complementary force for a professional project or creative collaboration. But lawyer up, Libra. If money is involved, you need to protect yourself and preserve goodwill with an official contract.
Just before the weekend, you could find yourself stuck in a series of fits and starts. On Friday, the ambitious sun locks horns with taskmaster Saturn, stalling momentum. Expect a "one step forward, two steps back" kind of weekend — but don't ignore the silver lining. Are you rushing forward without a solid plan? While the delays and hiccups won't be fun, this is your chance to put a sounder structure in place for the mission. Beyond a great concept, figure out how much time, money, and people power will actually be required to pull it off. Don't resist, Libra: This process will bring you major relief and could show that your dreams are more doable than you believed.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Scorpio
October 23 to November 21
Break out the glue gun and organise those Pinterest boards. From Monday until March 31, crafty Mercury sails through your DIY zone and could turn you into an Etsy queen. Before loading up on supplies, begin with an organisational mission. Arranging closets and bookshelves can be an art form. (Colour-code hangers and alphabetise those shelves!) The sixth house is your wellness zone, inspiring you to overhaul your self-care routines. Download fitness apps and overhaul your grocery list. With the temperatures creeping upwards, take workouts al fresco. Add social Mercury to the mix and it's group yoga on the beach or a hiking meetup. So motivating!
Near the weekend, don't dish it out if you're not feeling strong enough to take it — and that includes Twitter drags and "constructive critiques" of friends' lives. Friday's clash between the ego-driven sun and critical Saturn could make you too thin-skinned for the role reversal. On the flip side, someone's well-intentioned advice could hit below the belt. Perhaps she doesn't realise that she's offending you with her suggestions. (As if you needed any more unsolicited dating tips!) Don't get defensive, but draw your boundaries, letting her know that if you want advice, you'll ask for it. But this could leave you questioning the alliance. If she's a repeat offender, you might examine why you keep her around. Could she be a reflection of your own inner critic? Be nicer to yourself and your social circle will upgrade in kind.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Sagittarius
November 22 to December 21
You're ready for spring blossoms this week — especially when it comes to a budding romance! This Monday, cosmic coquette Mercury zips into Aries and your fifth house of playful passion until March 31. During this cosmic coming out party, your calendar will be chock full of playdates. Book a private karaoke room with pals (or screw up the courage to belt one out on the main stage), culture vulture your way through restaurant openings, record release parties, and early 2017 festivals. Single? You might need a hand massage after all that right swiping. Since you'll make regular cameos on friends' Insta feeds (and possibly even in the media), give your spring wardrobe a maximalist update. Pink is the colour of love, so rock this on-trend hue liberally. Since romantic beauty queen Venus is retrograde until April 15, hold off on hair chops and tattoos — and think twice about picking up a flirtation with that heartbreaker!
There's nothing quite like family drama — careful not to let it mess up your weekend! On Friday, the Pisces sun in your emotional fourth house clashes with constraining Saturn. You could find yourself stuck in that same dead-end argument with a relative. Break the unhealthy loop! Take a time-out from Trump talk and stake out common ground. Instead of twisting the knife, how about preparing a meal together (after a Master Chef Junior marathon)? Or, give yourself the cool-down break you needed. Skipping one Sunday dinner for the sake of harmony will not be the end of the world. Just remember to come back eventually!
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Capricorn
December 22 to January 19
Roll out the welcome mat! With social butterfly Mercury flapping through your domestic zone from Monday until March 31, you'll be the host with the most. Before you start mixing your signature cocktail, do a thorough home decluttering. Toss these space-hogging items from your kitchen. Swap your winter wardrobe for spring, wash your windows, and air out the rooms. Old friends and relatives could roll through town, so set up the spare bedroom (if you have one) or check your air mattress to make sure it's leak-free. When you're out socialising, turn your phone to silent. Live Tweeting and Snapping your way through the night could interfere with your ability to hold a quality conversation. Stay tuned for important female figures entering your life before March 31. These could be bonds that you nurture for a long time!
On Friday, the sun in your mentally-clarifying third house can help you radar in on why something is bothering you. But you don't want to get stuck in complainer mode — or worse, turn your entire squad against the offending party (who might actually be someone you want to maintain a friendship with in the future.) Smiling and pretending everything's fine won't help you fix this either. Take the nudge from your ruler, solution-oriented Saturn, and seek proactive solutions. Set up time over the weekend to clear the air or clean up that messy area of your life. This could all be one big misunderstanding. And, uh, maybe your apartment isn't actually "too small," once you unleash some closet organisation and savvy storage solutions.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Aquarius
January 20 to February 18
Social butterfly? You're more like a buzzy hummingbird, flapping your wings in a rapid blur. From Monday until March 31, social Mercury whips through Aries and your communication corner. Effervescent conversations with witty new friends will buoy your spirits. Appoint yourself the entertainment director and fill your crew's calendar with fun outings: road trips, dance classes, progressive dinners. Messenger Mercury will bless any writing or multimedia plan. Get those blog posts drafted, sign up for a poetry class, or even start a podcast. Are friends always coming to you for advice on a certain topic? Consider starting a blog or even designing a workshop (hello, side hustle income) to pass on your wisdom. Hey, Aquarius, is it time to get teacher training certified? Enroll!
Monitor your bossy streak near the weekend. On Friday, the strong-willed sun clashes with unyielding Saturn and you might find yourself barking orders instead of saying, "pretty please." You have a vision and a really solid one, at that. But don't throw a tantrum if no one wants to jump in the sandbox with you. Perhaps these aren't the right partners for the project — and maybe it's one that you need to get started as a solo mission. Trust in the universe instead of forcing anything. This could be your cue for some weekend social expansion. New scenes await!
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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