Stop, tune in, and have a good look around. And while you’re at it, get all yogini and take a few cleansing breaths. After a manic month in Aries — that also included a retrograde until May 3 — mental Mercury moves on to stable, sensible Taurus. Sweet relief! With the messenger planet in the Bull’s pen until June 6, we have a chance to get our bearings again. This is an excellent time for practical planning and budgeting and all the things that make us feel like we have our Vans on solid earth. This phase is both sensible and sensual. Slowing down helps us appreciate the touch, taste, and texture of things. Choose quality over quantity!
But forget about falling back into sleep mode. Gemini season begins on Saturday and things start buzzing again. This social solar cycle lasts until June 21 and is an excellent time for networking, pairing up, and giving joint ventures a go. No need to search high and low for your “twin,” though! Locally grown options are the best when Gemini is ruling the skies. Not feeling the choices in your post code? Become a regular in a nearby area or give the bi-city lifestyle a legit try.
Taurus
April 20 to May 20
Cat got your tongue, Taurus? Not after Tuesday when messenger Mercury grooves into your sign until June 6 — the second visit of 2017. We wouldn't blame you for bottling up. Mercury visited Taurus from March 31 to April 20, but turned retrograde on April 9. Suddenly, crystal-clear communications turned uncomfortably awkward and you couldn't read anyone's intentions anymore. WTF?! Shake it off, Bull. You get a blessed do-over now. Ask for second chances; set up heart-to-hearts if you need to make amends. (And just say, "I'm sorry," not the 2017 Excuse of the Year, "It wasn't my fault.") Are you ready to show the world a new side of yourself? Update all your profiles and give your style a spring refresh. With Mercury in your sign, you could nail a signature look for spring. How about upping your floral dress game with toughed-up combat boots, say?
Squeeze in the last drops of celebration before Saturday. That's when Taurus season 2017 comes to an end and the sun moves on to Gemini and your pragmatic second house until June 21. After a month of hedonism, you'll be ready to embrace this dose of practical magic. Streamline, simplify, and be more of a minimalist. During this budget-savvy solar cycle, you might need to tighten your belt a bit. Start by shopping in your own closet and build from there. Friends who understand the meaning of comfortable silence are you best companions now. Romantically, everything feels more sensual — and even a little old-fashioned. What's the rush anyway, right?
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Gemini
May 21 to June 20
To sleep, perchance to dream, Gemini? This Tuesday, your celestial ruler, mindful Mercury, slips into Taurus and your enchanted 12th house. Until June 6, your imagination will be supersized. Channel that ability into creative projects, the planning of fantasy dates, and a meditation practice. But don't let thoughts run away from you unchecked! You could be a little, er, paranoid over the coming three weeks. And while gut feelings are good alarm bells, they don't reveal the whole truth. If something feels off — or on! — investigate thoroughly and get the facts before you react.
Everything is illuminated on Saturday, when the sun sails into your sign and kicks off Gemini season until June 21. After a foggy, unfocused four weeks your desires become sharp and clear again. Better still? You won't be the least bit shy about asking for what you want and need. A little more breathing room might be one such request — especially if certain people have become a little too needy of your time and attention. Birthday time is when you get to do you. And you'll need lots of room to explore your independent interests...without anyone slowing you down.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Cancer
June 21 to July 22
So many people, so little time! Your popularity gets a giant spike this Tuesday, as social Mercury cruises into Taurus and your ultra-social 11th house. By June 6, your friend circle could grow exponentially — both online and in the non-virtual world. Follow fascinating people on Instagram and explore new scenes. An arts or activist group (or both rolled into one) can be your new playground. When was the last time you googled yourself? You could wind up in some influential people's searches over the coming few weeks. Take down those tipsy tweets, snarky drags, and blurry photos - and freshen up your feeds with things worth bragging about!
Despite the unavoidable buzz of your social life, you'll also feel the lure of your cosy shell starting Saturday, when the sun drifts into Gemini and your dreamy, transitional 12th house. These four weeks leading up to Cancer season are some of the sleepiest times for you each year. Declutter, detox, and decompress. The more you let go of, the lighter and more awake you'll feel. You'll wear those rose-coloured glasses unapologetically, too. In your case, this can be a good thing, as it can help you drop your fierce guard. Just be careful not to confuse a fantasy with the real deal.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Leo
July 23 to August 22
Ambition is in your cosmic DNA, Leo (cue makeup mogul Kylie Jenner). Shout your dreams from the rooftop! It's time to clue the world in on your latest developments. From Tuesday until June 6, communication planet Mercury cruises through Taurus and your 10th house of success. Having raw talent or a great CV is essential. But without proper promotion, how will people know what you're capable of? It's not bragging if you spell out the benefits you'll provide. Turn the spotlight onto others: What's in it for them? And hey, Leo, maybe you've gone too far with this modesty schtick. Not speaking up could mean getting passed over for an opportunity. Overworked and underpaid? Read these tips on asking for a raise which will inspire you to ask for what you're worth.
Spruce up your web presence along with your professional image. On Saturday, the sun sails into Gemini and your 11th house of community and technology until June 21. People will be googling your name and you want to represent! Your social life heats up now too, so much so that you could be overwhelmed with all the invitations and requests for your time. Organise group hangs and experiment a little. Who knows? Your buttoned-up mortgage broker friend might just click with the festival-hopping music blogger you adore. Stranger things have happened. Activism also calls your name — find your tribe through a shared cause.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Virgo
August 23 to September 22
Double tap that Duolingo app! Your ruler, expressive Mercury, sweeps into your worldly ninth house from Tuesday until June 6. A chance to travel could pop up out of the blue. Find out friends' festival schedules and think about organising a long weekend away with your favourite free spirits. Your mind is hungry for new material, so go on an educational journey by signing up for a webinar or a weekend retreat. Multicultural mingling will add new dimensions to your world. Practice those conversational foreign phrases — maybe with an online "pen pal" via Skype!
While your suitcase will be in heavy rotation, so, too, will your laptop bag. This Saturday, the sun sweeps into Gemini and your 10th house of ambition until June 21. Set your sights on success! You may need to streamline your goals, especially if you've spread yourself too thin. You're a giver, Virgo, and the ultimate supporter. But your squad will understand if you need to pull back and focus on your dreams for a minute. Men may play an important role in your advancement over the coming month. Explore synergies with the helpful guys in your life. If the guys in your office keep taking credit for your work, a read of Feminist Fight Club can help you hold your own around the "bro-propriators." Power: reclaimed!
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Libra
September 23 to October 22
Are you in or are you out? And are they, Libra? Talks could turn to ultimatums this week as messenger Mercury heads into Taurus and your "all or nothing" eighth house until June 6. Suddenly, laid-back you wants everything refined and defined — but not if that makes you feel confined. If you're going to commit, your heart and soul must be in it. Otherwise, it's better to bounce now and avoid further entanglements. But don't just ghost on people, Libra. Your sign is famously allergic to conflict, but you're also a stellar negotiator. Broaching tough topics could bring about surprisingly good solutions. This seductive Mercury cycle makes you quite the siren, too. Spice up the sexting and pillow talk — and with digital Mercury in the mix, you might even try some new toys.
Wanderlust strikes on Saturday when the sun boards a flight to Gemini Land and your travel-obsessed ninth house until June 21. Scout out destinations — domestic and abroad — that you're dying to visit. You might even travel solo as a rite of passage or jump into a healing retreat in the Amazon jungle. Cross-cultural connections heat up, no matter your Google Earth coordinates. You could be drawn to an activist mission that centre around the concerns of POC or a charity that addresses global crises like refugee rights.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Scorpio
October 23 to November 21
Let's make a deal! This Tuesday, verbal Mercury swings into Taurus and your relationship house until June 6, making you a charming negotiator and a shameless flirt! But beam those seductive powers selectively. You're bound to attract some keepers — or draw them back into your world. Mercury already visited Taurus from March 31 to April 20, but the retrograde from April 9 to May 3 may have short-circuited a promising connection. Did you ghost a good one (or vice versa)? A second chance may be in store...just don't invite a toxic troublemaker back into your life, even if the sex was fire!
On Saturday, the sun shimmies into Gemini and your erotic, esoteric eighth house until June 21. This is the part of the Zodiac wheel associated with Scorpio energy, so you'll totally feel in your element for the coming four weeks. Break out the tarot cards and the book on tantra. All things mystical will call your name now — or in a deeper way than they usually do. Relationships intensify under this solar charge, but your jealous streak could also show up. Try to keep the green-eyed monster from taking hold of your brain, especially if you don't have proof that something shady's actually going down.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Sagittarius
November 22 to December 21
Details, details! The devil — and a chorus of angels — can be found there for the next three weeks as mental Mercury camps out in Taurus and your fastidious sixth house until June 6. You're a big-picture person and a visionary. But when it comes to fussing over the little things, you've been known to rush through and even get a little (ahem) sloppy in your haste. Slow down and obsess over those finer points. And if that level of perfectionism makes you clench up, outsource to someone who is proudly anal. Getting the job done right could pay off in public praise and even a promotion at the job.
Partnerships become even more potent starting Saturday, as the sun swings into Gemini and your seventh house of partnerships for a month. Let go of that stubborn independence, Archer! You'll have much more fun collaborating, especially if you find people who can pick up where you leave off. Gemini is your opposite sign, so expect to click and clash with the people who love you most. They might hold up the mirror in uncomfortable ways, but try to hear their feedback as loving advice instead of a teardown. If you're the one doling out wisdom, make sure to wrap your words in a compliment sandwich!
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Capricorn
December 22 to January 19
A picture says a thousand words, Capricorn. And with messenger Mercury heading into your glamorous, amorous fifth house from Tuesday until June 6, you want to represent in a way that draws attention. The right attention, that is. What is the Capricorn “brand” all about, if you will? Take time to write a list of your top five values like, loyalty, originality, sophistication, etc. Then, streamline everything from your wardrobe to your Wordpress templates to make sure they reflect these qualities. This isn’t an overnight job, so take your time. These words can help you make more curated choices. You’ll also be a bit of a love magnet for the next three weeks. Look up from your mobile devices while you’re out and about. The slings of Cupid’s arrows or the spark of creative synergy could happen anywhere from the Pilates studio to the subway platform!
Speaking of that Pilates studio — or the gym, outdoor track, whatever — you get a wellness wakeup call on Saturday when the sun zips into Gemini and your healthy living zone until June 21. Make movement more of a priority and see how you feel when you dial down your caffeine and sugar intake. If you’ve been sleep deprived, get more shuteye! Even gyms are offering napping classes. Rest restores your radiance and your productivity, Capricorn. Good thing since work is also going to be quite busy for the coming four weeks!
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Aquarius
January 20 to February 18
Friendly Aquarius, you can never have too many BFFs. And for the past month, your popularity just keeps skyrocketing. The trouble is, your inner circle may be feeling shortchanged. This Tuesday, social Mercury slips into your intimate fourth house until June 6, giving you a chance to reconnect with your closest crew. Family, too! When was the last time you visited home or had an uninterrupted, three-hour heart-to-heart with your sis? These relationships feed your soul, Aquarius. You don’t have to let new friendships die on the vine. Maybe turn them into happy hour group hangs, but give your innermost circle one-on-one privileges.
And leave some whitespace on the calendar for love! On Saturday, Gemini season begins as the sun swings into the sign of the Twins — and activates your flamboyant, romantic fifth house — until June 21. A late-season rush of spring fever will wash over you and one person could really give you the butterflies. Don’t be too quick to declare your undying loyalty, though. Dating around can be fun, if only to build up suspense. If you’re already attached, fill the shared calendar with fun playdates. Hit a festival together and find ways to merge your friend groups more regularly. Co-hosting a Memorial Day jam could be an ideal bonding experience.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Pisces
February 19 to March 20
C'mon out of that cocoon already, Pisces! Your social butterfly wings start flapping at a faster BPM this Tuesday as curious Mercury zips into Taurus and your playful third house. While it's fun to be a regular at a few haunts, mix things up! The local scene could deliver a fresh bounty of cultural entertainment, from hidden galleries to yoga studios to weekend artists' markets. Nothing like that happening in your 'hood? Start it up yourself, Pisces, maybe with the help of a couple girlfriends. A local business might be keen to collaborate with you on a co-hosted event. And who knows? They might be willing to split profits from the bar — a nice way to build your summer festival funds.
On Saturday, the sun nests in Gemini and your domestic zone until June 21. While you'll need your RDA of friend time, homebody time is important during this four-week cycle. But that doesn't mean you have to be all by your lonesome at Chez Pisces. Host a dinner party or discussion group on pillows in your living room — or maybe a slumber party with your four favourite people of 2017. Does your space feel like enough of a sanctuary? Add relaxing touches to your bedroom like an aromatherapy diffuser or white noise machine if you live above a neighbourhood bar. You can improve the quality of your slumber, if not the quantity.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Aries
March 21 to April 19
Pass the lozenges and praise the Throat Coat tea! Ever since Mercury popped into your sign this past April 20, you’ve been talking a blue streak. (And one that might have left you profusely apologizing for a blunder while the speedy planet was retrograde until May 3. FML!) Exciting as it’s been, the idea of a silent meditation may seem kind of appealing on Tuesday, when the messenger planet settles into Taurus and your serene second house until June 6. Along with quiet contemplation, work and money become your focus now. Radar in on professional growth opportunities and do what it takes to show and prove — even if that means hustling to pay your dues. Plan to spend more time in nature, too. Maybe it’s time to join that cycling club or move your yoga practice to the park!
If you’re actually going to go dark on social media, do it before Saturday! After that, there’s going to be some wind beneath your social butterfly wings, as the sun heads into Gemini and your curious, communicative third house for a month. Resting your vocal chords? You’ll still have a way with words and you could churn out some amazing blog posts or write a few chapters of your future novel by June 21. Flutter around and check out new scenes. Although you’re the truest original, there might be a kindred spirit or two on the planet. P.S.: With locally active Gemini on the job (also the sign that rules mobile devices) for four weeks, your peeps might be sitting at the neighbourhood bar or checking you out on Instagram.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?