Tip of the Week:

Three times a year Mercury turns retrograde and the cycle last for about 3 weeks. This period can be frustrating, especially in the area of communications and technology of all kinds. However, the quality or lack thereof with Mercury retrograde, is subject to the sign it is in, and this cycle is one of the best. This cycle occurs in the sign of Gemini which is the most auspicious of all the signs as Mercury is the ruling planet for Gemini. Still, double check all correspondences, expect delays and be willing to tend to technical issues. Also, how Mercury retrograde effects individuals is personal, just like the weather. Some like it hot and sunny while others find this type of weather oppressive. So, the effect is relative. Making the most of how any planetary cycle effects us is ultimately personal. Astrology is a highly effective tool to measure these cycles for time duration and probable impact, and above all for how we can meet the cycles of life with awareness, attunement and vision for the sake of positive response. The exact dates for this Mercury Retrograde cycle are May 26th – June 19th.

Aries (Mar 21 – Apr 20)
The time has come to diversify. Perhaps it is your portfolio or simply new ways of looking at things. You want answers and are willing to go and get them. Your studies will deepen while Mercury turns retrograde and it could actually prove to be very advantageous. With major changes shaking your public and professional life, you are probably wise to be assertive especially when it comes to new training and skills. This is a good time to finish up unfinished business and to begin investigating the possibilities. This cycle will continue for several weeks. Complete projects, tie up loose ends and then play with options for new knowledge.

Taurus (Apr 20 – May 21)
How many talents do you have? A keen interest to add to your list is growing now. This may include clearing away some of the old to make way for the new. You want to improve and beautify who you are and what you have. Ideally you are open to new perspectives and even new philosophies of approach. Your confidence may not be as high as you would like, so focus upon how you can feel more secure. Exercise patience with your process yet do get started. Take an independent approach overall. Look to make changes on your own terms and time so that they are not forced upon you later. See the bigger picture.

Gemini (May 21 – Jun 21)
Your engines have been ignited. Your focus is sharp and you feel determined to get things done. Taking care of things close to home is part of the deal and this requires extra effort and discipline these days. This is a good time for research and concentrated studies. Fortunately, your energy levels stand to be running high these days. Use this wave to activate and take advantage of new opportunities. At deeper levels you are wise to take a clear and strong look at what you fear. Acknowledging fears and taking actions in positive, responsive ways are keys to overcoming them. Take deliberate action!

Cancer (Jun 22 – Jul 22)
Building upon new friendships and alliances continues. Your focus has been strong in this regard. However, you may also feel the desire to retreat a little. This could involve studies and learning on your own. Opportunities are knocking yet you must build your confidences to answer. Your ambitions are running high and the time is ripe to stimulate new opportunities. You may feel the need to gain more knowledge and training. If so, take action to get it and associate pleasure to the process. Ask for assistance as necessary and you will get it. Rather than avoid change, anticipate, accept and work with it.

Leo (Jul 23 – Aug 23)
Developing your career and other public and social interests is in focus. This includes building upon the quality of your connections and friendships. With Leo in your own sign, you are feeling determined to take strong strides and lead the way for yourself and others. This trend will continue for the next several months so take action now so you do not miss the wave. Be willing to reach out to others and gain fresh perspectives. Be open to incoming advice and especially your own intuitive guidance. Pay attention to what you can do to improve your professional and social standing and get focused.

Virgo (Aug 24 – Sep 22)
The time has come to gain more attention and respect. You will be determined to review your past for all your achievements. This is a good idea and once you do, intend to add to the list with all your new intentions. This is a good time to approach authority figures for favours and earned rewards. However, with Mercury retrograde, be sure to read the fine print before signing important contracts and deals. In fact, if you could wait a while it might be best. At deeper levels, you are wise to do the inner work of first identifying potentially limiting beliefs, perspectives and attitudes. Once you can target where and how you are experiencing blocks, follow through to clear them. Reach out to decipher how.

Libra (Sep 23 – Oct 22)
New social, cultural and possibility even spiritual interests are emerging. With some major changes brewing in your personal life, your public and professional spheres are also being affected. You are open to the possibilities and yet determined to break through to improve your lifestyle. Change is the law and it is pushing you to respond. What you once considered secure, respectable and worthy of your time and energy is progressively dissolving. This may include certain people in your life. Avoid judgment and reaction and set to the task of taking direct action.

Scorpio (Oct 23 – Nov 21)
Should I stay or should I go? These and other such considerations are pulling you in at least two directions. You want to learn, yet also to instruct. Above all, you want to experience new levels of personal power. Returns from the past are forthcoming. Acknowledge your past efforts to claim your rewards. If your track record is not as good as you would like it to be, take independent action with focus and determination to improve the situation. The point of power is ever in the moment and success can be measured by what you are doing now and how you feel about it. Forget about what you could, should and would have done and simply get going with what you can do now.

Sagittarius (Nov 22 – Dec 21)
Cultivating a new quality in all your interpersonal relationships is motivating your focus now. Be careful not to do and say things simply for the sake of acceptance. On the other hand, this is a good time to exercise a full measure of diplomacy. Avoid blunt or controversial dialogs, yet aim to be sincere. A pleasurable social cycle is upon you and this is a good time to actively engage. New love interests are also likely so if you have been waiting for such an opportunity this is a good time to receive it. However, opportunity comes to those who knock and make themselves available.

Capricorn (Dec 22 – Jan 19)
Taking a more deliberate look at the quality of your health is in focus now. Whether it is your physical, mental, emotional health or all of the above, the time is right to enquire. If you truly want answers you will get them. Keep an open mind and be willing to awaken to a health focus. High energy and spirits are the main goals and you do not have to become a competitive athlete to feel good and experience health. However, certain habits and appetites may be the source of unnecessary misery and suffering. Look to what these may be and aim to associate pain to them and how they are the source of suffering now and will be in the future. This technique is effective to breaking habits. Envision a healthier you.

Aquarius (Jan 20 – Feb 19)
A creative and playful cycle is upon you. Quality time spent with children and people you love will prove extra satisfying. Taking initiatives to begin new modes of artistic expression is also ideal. Reaching out to appreciate the creativity of others will also prove fun and inspiring. With so many deep changes brewing within you, balancing these with positive outer activities and attitudes is virtually essential for your overall state of balance. Gratitude and appreciation helps a lot as well. Let go of control and soothe inner fears if you are experiencing them by taking a more positive, proactive and playful approach.

Pisces (Feb 20 – Mar 20)
Staying close to home will prove extra satisfying for the next few weeks. You may want to check out places nearby, but this is not such a good time for long distance travel. You probably have work to do and with the right attitude you will have a lot of fun getting things done. With certain outer pressures and demands pushing you to focus, just do it. At deeper levels you may be wondering who you feel you truly are, what you want and need and what others or society wants and needs of you. In other words, positive meaningful contributions to the world are good for the soul and can prove effective in practical respects as well.