Ready to bring some order to your court? Taurus season begins this Wednesday, as the sun settles into the astrological bullpen until May 20. After four weeks of fiery, frenetic Aries ruling the skies, we'll all be relieved to feel the earthy stability Taurus provides. Get life back into a grounded groove. Simplify, systematise, and work from a budget. This is a time for decadence, but also discernment. Enjoying sensual delights like amazing food and wine, luxury splurges, and legendary loving should be more of a "quality" than a "quantity" thing.
Keep a healthy balance of work and play. Like bees buzzing from flower to flower, there are ideas to pollinate and plans that could use some productivity. But sitting at our desks all day is not the only way to hit those benchmarks. On Friday, motivator Mars moves into social Gemini until June 4, reminding us of the importance of a robust contact database. Strategic socialising can lead to cooperative ventures. Gemini is the sign of the Twins, after all, so embrace the power of partnership if you're struggling to get ahead as a solo act.
Taurus
April 20 to May 20
Wake up, sleeping Bull. Taurus Season starts this Wednesday and it's time to celebrate! The last four weeks have been a time for inner reflection and tying up loose ends. Necessary steps, but ones that may have left you feeling a little "meh" about everything. Not anymore! With the sun’s move to your sign until May 20, your joie de vivre returns along with your can-do spirit. Though you love the comfort of your routines, the next four weeks are a time for trying out the new. Shake things up, Taurus, and deviate from your norms. Hanging out with different people can draw out new and undiscovered parts your personality. Dabble and experiment: If it's not "you," just move on to the next thing.
Fiery, motivated Mars blazes into Gemini from Friday until June 4, heating up your second house of work and cashflow. Your Taurean hustle will be legendary for the next six weeks and if you apply enough elbow grease, you'll have an impressive feather for your cap by June. This industrious and ambitious groove might be more of a necessity than a choice: Mars in your work house can add a little stress like shortened project deadlines or an additional set of responsibilities. Hello, pressure! But you’ll get it done, no doubt — and position yourself to get that raise you deserve. Here's how to negotiate that (and fierce Mars will buoy your confidence). Just make sure you set boundaries, like saying no if a coworker tries to dump their job on you. And call in backup when you get overloaded. It's your birthday month and you need a balance of "work" and "werk!"
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Gemini
May 21 to June 20
Stop! Don't hit "yes" on that RSVP…yet. With the sun shifting into Taurus and your sleepy 12th house for a month this Wednesday, your social butterfly wings are starting to droop. Go ahead, be the friend that cancels on plans. Better that than forcing yourself to be "on" when all you want is to fall asleep watching Netflix. Recharge your batteries now, because on May 20, Gemini season begins and you'll want to be fully energised. This annual pre-birthday retreat helps you take stock of what you’ve accomplished this past year and figure out what you've outgrown. Reflect and be honest with yourself. Are you hanging on to some old baggage out of fear or guilt? If a relationship or habit no longer supports you, commit to letting go. This could get emotional, so line up your support squad to hold your hand for a minute. Or work with a pro healer or therapist who can deftly guide you to the light. This is also an ideal time to detox if you've been OD-ing on smoking or soul-sucking conversations with negative people. Bye!
But forget about disappearing altogether, Gemini. Take your disco naps, then go right to "hair and makeup." Passionate, charismatic Mars moves into your sign from Friday until June 4, training the spotlight directly on you. Mars only visits your sign every other year — and this motivating boost can get your passion projects and personal ambitions launched into orbit. Pitch, perform, present! You'll be charming and outspoken — a winning combination. But with Mercury still retrograde until May 3, be careful not to steamroll people by coming on too strong. You love a debate, but fiery Mars could add more heat than you expect. Know your audience — and the difference between "assertive" and "aggressive." You don’t have to hammer home anything; you’ll exude so much confidence and can-do spirit that people will take you at your word.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Cancer
June 21 to July 22
As much as you love your cosy comforts, it's starting to get a little claustro in that shell of yours. On Wednesday, the sun swoops into Taurus and your 11th house of teamwork and community. To say you'll be a social butterfly is a bit of an understatement. Unclasp the red velvet rope and let some new friends into your circle. Float around a few new scenes, online and IRL; try a new dating or friend app or head to a meetup. The 11th house is also the techie zone, so geek out and learn a new software or sign up for a workshop on marketing your work through social media. There's strength in numbers, so think "crowdfunding" if you need to raise money for a business idea (that app you know would be genius) or a good cause. You could be a philanthropic force for good in the coming four weeks.
But just because the invites are flooding in doesn't mean you should say "yes" to them all. That could lead to burnout after Friday, when motivator Mars goes into nap mode in Gemini and your 12th house of healing and rest until June 4. While you may want to pull an all nighter to get a project finished or stay up for the after-after party to celebrate with your friend and her band, listen to the Sandman's sound advice, too. With Mars in the 12th house churning up subconscious thoughts (even anxiety), you could toss and turn once your head hits the pillow. There could be some buried feelings you need to parse through — with your journal, compassionate friends, and a great therapist, even. Or some actual healing, like getting your thyroid checked or following these science-backed tips for sweeter slumber. Meditate, go screen-less before bed, and stay off the phone with those tortured types before nodding off. This Mars cycle can make you wildly creative too. Follow the muse and sign up for guitar lessons or that weekend painting workshop at a yoga studio — or spa!
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Leo
July 23 to August 22
Limits? What are those? This Wednesday, the sun beams into Taurus and your house of professional honours for a month. The question becomes, "How high can you go?" This is no time to dim your lights or hide your ambition. But the key to success lies in focusing; not spreading yourself too thin. Identify one or two key goals, then, make a bold leap in that direction. Work alongside masters or hire a coach who can help you polish your skills. A leadership role could be too enticing to turn down — say yes to success. If you find yourself in the position to grant someone an opportunity, give first dibs to the “little people” who helped you ascend to your throne. These loyalists are the ones to keep in your royal court — and help launch toward finding success in their own right.
And don't worry about being lonely at the top. From Friday until June 4, go-getter Mars is tearing it up in Gemini and your 11th house of teamwork and technology. Expand your network both online and IRL. Scout out talented collaborators. That's easy for gregarious you. But try not to take over every group you're a part of. This Mars phase calls for consensus so you may have to dial back those "my way or the highway" impulses and be more democratic. Fielding input from other people might be frustrating, but it's better than struggling alone. Even if you don't wind up together, form a mastermind group for ideas and supporting each other's visions. There's strength in numbers now!
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Virgo
August 23 to September 22
Can you see the forest for the trees, Virgo? Being so damn detail-oriented does come in handy for your sign, but then there are moments when that narrow focus blocks out the bigger picture. On Wednesday, the sun shifts into Taurus and your visionary ninth house for a month. Instead of sweating the small stuff, widen your scope and expand your worldview. Until May 20, your job is to soak up as many new experiences as you possibly can. Travelling could be part of the mission so set your sights on distant lands. (These mind-blowing Airbnbs might just get you inspired.) If you’re unable to trot the globe, schedule some day trips and an overnight stay in a nearby town. Fresh scenery can do wonders for your POV. Thinking of a permanent relocation? Widen your search radius and explore cities with affordable housing and budding art scenes. You never know…
On Friday, go-getter Mars blazes into Gemini, firing up your 10th house of career, and lofty ambitions through June 4. Take advantage of this motivating lift — Mars only visits this zone of your chart every two years. Reach a little higher than you think you can achieve. You may be surprised by how easy it is to hit that mark. Polish up your professional presentation, too, from your work wardrobe to your business cards and website template. Set up power lunches and performance reviews. This is your moment to wow the VIPs. Be warned: Mars in your career house can ratchet up responsibility but also stress. A client or boss could get ultra demanding and you may have to practise some diplomatic boundary setting. But burn that midnight oil if it means levelling up. In some situations, it will be worth it to show and prove.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Libra
September 23 to October 22
Turn up the volume on those seductive cues. This Wednesday, the Sun slinks into Taurus and your erotic eighth house for a month, and you'll have them long before hello. An easy lure won't interest you though, nor will a mere notch on your bedpost. With your eighth house ablaze, you want way more: deep conversation, soul-nourishing intimacy, and mind-blowing orgasms. Save your final rose for someone who can meet your criteria. You're better having no one (or one of these) than than the wrong one. In a relationship? Try adding a couple experimental moves to your boudoir playbook like these games. Outside of the bedroom, your bond could deepen, too. Before May 20, you may start hunting for a shared apartment or plan a bigger vacation that you'll take as a pair.
More incentive for a getaway comes on Friday, when energiser Mars sails into Gemini and your ninth house of travel, learning, and worldly expansion until June 4. Scoping out new corners of the globe could be your spring obsession, whether you're looking for a new place to call home or having your own Eat, Pray, Love awakening. Fierce, independent Mars buoys your courage and your curiosity. If you've hit a wall with work, start exploring special training programmes or even applying to night school or the open university. Got something to teach or write about? This is a stellar time to develop a workshop or publish a blog or book. Or maybe it's time to let your entrepreneurial side take the wheel. Get a business plan going and that side hustle could soon become a full-time gig — with you as the signer of your own pay cheques! Get moving on plans over the coming six weeks while the momentum is so fierce.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Scorpio
October 23 to November 21
High standards? Always, Scorpio. But have you elevated your criteria to a level that no mere mortal can reach? Maybe so. On Wednesday, the sun beams into Taurus and your seventh house of relationships until May 20. Dial down the perfectionism and figure out which flaws are just "adorable quirks" and which are legit deal breakers. Not every disruption is actually a red flag. If your walls can’t come down completely (that takes years of work), try lowering just a drawbridge. Invite your S.O. or a potential partner into your inner sanctum one step at a time. Attached? Your relationship could deepen over the next four weeks. Make sure there's a healthy balance of give and take, which might mean that you do less and spell out clear ways that your partner can do more. For best results, ask lovingly.
More action on the relationship front arrives Friday, when lusty Mars zooms into Gemini and your erotic eighth house until June 4. Under this spell, your romantic life could get pretty steamy. A mysterious type could draw you in, but be careful about getting sucked into any games of "sex, lies, and Snapchat." These could turn into exhausting obsessions once the adrenaline rush wears off. Transparency is a quality you should insist upon now, both for business ventures and pleasures of the flesh. Mars in Gemini can make you jump to the jealous or possessive side, so be wary of the green-eyed monster. All the same, if you can’t have it all, you won't be interested. Coupled Scorpios could hit a make it or break it moment. If you're both "all in," you might even have an announcement to make by June 4.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Sagittarius
November 22 to December 21
Newsflash, Sagittarius: After an indulgent monthlong spell, you're ready to run on cleaner fuel again. This Wednesday, the sun blazes into Taurus until May 20, awakening your wellness warrior. You won't have energy for that bike ride if you're sleep-deprived and hungover. Get back into fighting shape, Archer — in a way that works for you. Moderation is key. Find cardio classes that are fun and upbeat. Don't underestimate the power of preventative medicine. Try holistic regimens like massages, acupuncture, and Epsom salt baths (great for clearing your energy field and helping you sleep soundly).
On Friday, get ready for a double-dose of well, everything. Passionate Mars sweeps into Gemini and your partnership house until June 4. You may love your alone time, but Mars is working his magic to make dynamic duos look mighty alluring. Pair up for pleasure, work, and creative collaborations. Just don't rush to declare anyone your "missing puzzle piece." Impetuous Mars can also make you a tad overeager and you don't want to wind up stuck with something (or someone) you settled for. Existing partnerships will get a boost of energy, but Mars can also rev up combativeness. Easy with that temper, O Fiery One, because relationships can only withstand so many lovers' quarrels. Learning to compromise without selling out on yourself will be the big lesson here. Know your bottom line but also be willing to flex in the name of love. Negotiate until you find that win-win, which will probably happen after Mercury ends its retrograde on May 3.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Capricorn
December 22 to January 19
Next stop: hair and makeup! The camera's going to love you, Capricorn, at least for the coming four weeks. From Wednesday until May 20, the sun will sweep through Taurus and your fifth house of glamour, love, and celebrity. Posting selfies from your bedroom after you watched a makeup tutorial is great, but this solar surge wants you out of the house. And like it or not, the spotlight is coming for you, so you might as well be ready for your close-up. Once Mercury turns direct on May 3, you can deploy the boldest of makeover magic, like getting a wrist tattoo or dying your hair rose gold. Say yes to parties, red carpet events, and somewhat random dates if you're single. Even if you don't meet The One on the first right swipe, you'll be getting back into practice. Coupled Capricorns will enjoy a romantic renaissance, one that could evolve into a more passionate plan involving a summer trip, engagement rings, even babies!
But all play and no work just ain't gonna happen in the life of an industrious Capricorn. On Friday, motivator Mars plants in Gemini and your work and wellness zone until June 4. You'll feel fired up about professional projects and spring training plans. Just don’t go overboard. Mars can exacerbate your perfectionist tendencies, causing undue stress. Don’t set yourself up for really difficult goals and then get an injury — or eat too little and crash halfway through the day. At work, simplify for sanity's sake. Try monotasking instead of flipping between email, PowerPoint, and Word. You'll complete everything faster that way. Tackle a bad habit that's been bringing you down, like falling asleep in front of the TV, stealth smoking, or negative self-talk. Replace those deep inhalations with yoga or think about joining a cycling or hiking group for your social fix. Pacing yourself while staying committed to your goals is the key to success now.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Aquarius
January 20 to February 18
To hibernate or circulate? That is the question this week. You'll find yourself pulled in both directions, so make sure your schedule has room for disco naps and epic nights of dancing. On Wednesday, the sun hunkers down in Taurus and your domestic zone until May 20. Even social butterflies like you need QT in the cocoon. Your flat may be your favourite hideaway for the next four weeks. You’ve been going, going, gone this spring — and at speeds no one can keep up with. But now you can pause, unplug, and recharge yourself. Turn Chez Aquarius into the idyllic nest you’ve been craving. Invite your pals over for some in-person face time, and show them you’re as incredible at hosting as you are at everything else. Voila!
And yes, get out and play too! From Friday until June 4, high-octane Mars zooms through Gemini and your fifth house of passion, glamour, and romance. Wild child, thy name is Aquarius. Flirt up a storm. (Hey, who says you can't sext and nest simultaneously?) Dress up for important events like your friend's EP release party or a fancy dinner date. This is the excuse you need to break out all those maximalist styles you keep ooh-ing and ahh-ing over while surfing fashion blogs in your PJs. Milestone topics could be on the table for coupled Aquarians, like moving in together, getting hitched, or even making babies. For a change, you won't get cold feet from these discussions; in fact, they'll kind of turn you on. Whether you actually act upon them or not is another story, as Mars can be more of a firecracker than a fire-starter. But you have six weeks of this Mars phase to work that out. You could also birth a new idea, as this transit is chock-full of artistic and expressive fire. Make way for the muse!
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Pisces
February 19 to March 20
Take a pause from ogling the travel sites, Pisces. Your escapist urges are put on hold starting Wednesday, as the sun sails into Taurus and your locally-grown third house until May 20. The fun is happening in your own front garden now — finally! Don't miss out on the tulip fests, trivia nights, and film festivals trying to find your bliss in another postcode. If you've been walking around the neighbourhood in your dark sunnies, take them off and make eye contact with people. Neighbours could become good friends now. Instead of chatting for ten minutes by the elevator, extend a dinner invite. Play entertainment director for your existing squad. Book a table at a new restaurant that just opened or try out a different bar for your casual drinks night. You could fall in love with your neighbourhood all over again. If you’re eyeing a new car, this is a good week to get a test-drive in. If possible, wait 'til Mercury turns direct on May 3 to make that ride your own.
Home life also comes into focus on Friday, when energetic Mars zips into Gemini and your domestic zone until June 4. The urge to change your home could strike — anything from redecorating to relocating, in fact. But hang on before you start swinging hammers or tearing out cabinets. Mars can be hasty and you want to make sure you actually have the motivation and the budget to take these projects from start to finish. Maybe a few small upgrades like these are all you need to make your space feel like new again. Mars can stir up friction, so you and your roomie or S.O. may not agree on the decor, location, or even estate agent. Even if you're staying put, you may need to hash out new house rules to keep the peace. Watch your temper when talking to family. Sure, they love you unconditionally, but that doesn't give you the right to vent your frustration on them.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Aries
March 21 to April 19
Polish off that last slice of birthday cake. Aries season is winding down as the sun moves to Taurus on Wednesday, helping you get your block heels back on solid ground. Your focused groove returns so you can tackle all the big ideas you dreamed up since March 20 and turn them into something tangible. Profitable, too, as Taurus governs your second house of finances. The next four weeks are prime time for setting up savvy money habits for your next year on Earth. Pay off bills and trim back some of that excess spending by only going shopping with a list and avoiding those impulse grabs while you're waiting by the register. Focus on your income column, too. Talking about money isn't taboo now, it's the way to uncover opportunities that are sitting right under your nose.
Red-hot Mars, your ruling planet, shifts into Gemini this Friday, setting your house of communication ablaze until June 4. Your gift of gab is back in a big way, so say it loud and say it proud. One catch: With mouthy Mercury retrograde in Aries until May 3, you'll also want those bold statements spellchecked, proofread, and edited to make maximum impact (and avoid an accidental drag). Have a cause you want to promote? Get on social media and rally support. Or get to work on that blog, podcast, or media project. Mars is the warrior planet and his tour through contrarian Gemini could make you extra argumentative and confrontational. If you want to get into a heated debate, make sure your sparring partner can take the heat. Otherwise, hurt feelings — or burned bridges — can ensue.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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