Rockie Horoscope

Jan. 25-31, 2008
Faithful readers already know that Mercury turns retrograde on Monday, the 28th, in Aquarius, the sign of satellites, sociopolitical concerns and the New Age. The Messenger will be retrograde until February 18; however, after it goes direct, it doesn't return to 24, the degree at which it flips, until March 9, the Sunday Daylight Saving Time begins. Instead of thinking in three-week increments -- the usual length of a messed-up retrogression -- consider planning six weeks ahead so you're more likely to make real progress. On the 30th, militant Mars turns direct at 24 Gemini, the degree it occupied way back in mid-September. Mars went retrograde in mid-November at 12 Cancer (a mere one degree away from the USA and George W.'s natal sun) and doesn't get back there until April 4. I'm not sure what all this means, only that it's relevant. Stay tuned.

Aries

Starting on the 28th, Mercury pulls its retrograde routine in your Aquarius house of high hopes, good intentions and the groups you hang with. Watch out for a built-in margin of error; the customary retrograde mess can make you as misinformed as an independent Arian gets. But don't let that keep you from enjoying the emotional and financial stability offered by Venus' favorable trine to time-tested Saturn. These benefits should also help smooth the rough spots caused by your retrograde Mars ruler's change of direction next Wednesday.

Taurus

"The more things change, the more they remain the same." Sound familiar? Whether in English or in French, that old saw need not apply to you or describe what'll happen when your Venus ruler, tightly wrapped in the arms of possessive Pluto, enters Capricorn's corporate world. After the freedom afforded during Venus' transit of Sagittarius, will you still be able to go where you want to go? This week, restrictive Saturn favors staying put, but Venus' merger with lucky, farseeing Jupiter next Thursday should open doors. To the casino?

Gemini

If a financial matter recently passed you by, take heart. You could get another crack at it while your Mercury ruler revisits the topic during this retrogression. Foreign investments, tax breaks, the small print on an insurance policy? Detail-oriented Mercury will be re-examining that section of your solar chart until March 9, something to consider before filing your tax return. Twins born in mid-June may feel out of sorts when acidic, infectious Mars in late Gemini changes direction on the 30th. Bundle up, and no reckless behavior.

Cancer

Anticipate receiving more monetary rewards from a partnership arrangement as appreciative Venus in your Capricorn marriage house confirms the good fortune Jupiter bestowed on you last week. Only this time around, cautious Mercury will have just turned retrograde. If legal agreements must be reviewed, or financial participation determined, be aware that you may have to wait another three weeks, until Mercury is direct again, before the business end of the negotiations is completed. Not so for the creative side.

Leo

The days are definitely getting longer, so if you do fall into a midwinter funk, don't use sunlight-deficiency syndrome as an excuse. In fact, there's precious little, save for Mercury turning retrograde in your Aquarius house of partners, to bring you down. Lots of activity in your house of creativity might be somewhat stressful at the moment, but the potential for success is enormous. And energetic Mars turning direct in your house of friendships and social commitments after two months in abeyance suggests that the party is just beginning.

Virgo

No doubt, despite its being retrograde the past two months, having irritable Mars in your career midheaven has presented its fair share of problems. However, run-ins with the boss and communication crises could end after Mars goes direct on the 30th, but by then your Mercury ruler will be retrograde. How much damage can the Messenger do as it swings back and forth in your Aquarius house of work and health? Enough to make your daily duties, e.g., ordering your vitamins, walking the dog, getting along with the hired help, more problematic than they've been.

Libra

Mercury turning retrograde in your Aquarius house of children and other creations may be annoying, but the delays caused by the change of direction will eventually benefit your current work in progress. Incidentally, along with traveling and communication, Mercury also represents young people. Don't take the typical retrograde hassles too much to heart, because while the little guy remains in a compatible air sign, it won't have much of a negative effect on another air sign, such as Libra. The same goes for Mars in airy Gemini flipping on the 30th.

Scorpio

As sensitive to nuances as a Scorpion claims to be, will you feel any different when your Pluto co-ruler enters Capricorn Friday night after spending 12 years in Sagittarius? How about next Wednesday, when your Mars co-ruler faces forward after being retrograde since November 15? Will you wind up in the same situation you were in mid-September, when Mars was at the same degree of Gemini it is this week? Are these too many questions to ask while Mercury is preparing to turn retrograde Monday afternoon?