Rockie Horoscope

July 11-17, 2008
Although the damage inflicted by the Mars-Saturn conjunction may have peaked by Thursday, there's a chance that the aftermath might be constructive. And since Mercury has finally finished its extended transit of Gemini, you could be thinking more with your heart and soul, qualities of the caring Crab. On Saturday Venus starts her vacation in luxurious Leo, three plus weeks of fun, frolic and ego gratification. A good time to take yours. Rebels, reformers and libertarians are encouraged to do their "thing" on Monday while the Cancer sun rewards Uranus in Pisces. Power to the people!

Aries Rams born in March may notice that they are finally free of the Mercury retrograde hassles now that the Messenger has crossed into Cancer. Rams born in April are still playing host to the little guy since it continues to transit your third house of communication and commuting. A bit more patience might be necessary before the phone line is clear of static and the delivery arrives at the door. Starting this weekend, every Aries can enjoy the pleasure of having Venus in luxurious Leo, a friendly fire sign that knows how to have a good time.

Taurus Anticipate more bizarre behavior from your buddies as they become more inventive. The annual trine aspect between the Cancer sun and Uranus in the sign of the Fish accentuates the individuality of each of those characters. Put them in a group and you'll be amazed at what they'll create for your and/or their amusement. Despite the high cost of gas, a road trip (the sun is in your third house) is worth considering. It could be the answer to whatever problem the difficult Mars-Saturn conjunction is causing at home or with a loved one.

Gemini The future is now. If you've been stuck in the past, unable to shake the sense that history is repeating itself, blame your Mercury ruler for spending so much time, much of it retrograde, in Gemini. Now that the Messenger is in Cancer, the news it conveys could be brand-new, or new enough to engage your interest. By Tuesday, when Mercury aligns with take-action Mars, you might be sufficiently prepared to make the first move. Helping you decide: a rewarding trine from innovative Uranus in your career house to the Cancer sun in your money house.

Cancer Easy come, easy go. Entering your sign as we speak, verbal Mercury, encouraging you to articulate your feelings, especially those that can leave you bereft when desirable Venus exits Cancer on Saturday. While the trade-off might not be to your liking -- Who doesn't like being loved? -- the addition of logical Mercury, even when it's in an emotional sign like yours, will help you address the problem exacerbated by Mars' merger with Saturn. For some Moon Children: car trouble; for others: the crash of an expensive electronic device.

Leo Lions born in July get a big boost in popularity -- as if they need it -- while lovable Venus makes her debut in your sign this weekend. Eventually everyone will benefit from the goddess' presence since she'll be bestowing blessings until August 5. Because it falls under murky 12th-house business, when your sun ruler trines unpredictable Uranus on Monday, you might not know why you suddenly have access to somebody else's resources, a.k.a. "other people's money." For some, it could be karmic payback; for others, another sweet mystery of life.

Virgo A good deal of how this week will play out depends on how much more organized you've become while systematic Saturn has been transiting your pragmatic earth sign. The meeting between the experienced general and Mars, the gung-ho soldier, on the 10th could lead to a bold, well-constructed plan or a mish-mash of a disaster. If eager Mars flashes a green light while Saturn puts up a stop sign, more than confusion will ensue. But if you combine the two forces, you can accomplish whatever you set out to do. Don't be too hasty.

Libra Summertime fun begins in earnest when your Venus ruler leaves sentimental, family-centric Cancer for playful Leo on Saturday. While the goddess dances through the sign of self-expression, it'll be easy to let your creative juices flow freely, also a lot easier to show off beyond the limits set by Libran propriety. Although you might no longer be in the mood for it, there's an outside chance that one of your career accomplishments is about to receive recognition, if not by the public at large, then by co-workers or other animal lovers.

Scorpio It's primarily Scorps born in mid-November who are likely to receive significant benefits from the Cancer sun's rewarding trine to eclectic Uranus in late Pisces. They should be willing to try something new, especially when making music, playing in water or chasing after an atypical (for them) romantic prospect. But if you're not one of the chosen few, you could still have an interesting time this weekend by heading out to an unfamiliar location, cooking with exotic ingredients or betting on a long shot. Break out of your rut.

Sagittarius A disconcerting situation taking place where you or a close relative resides, i.e., Uranus in your Pisces home base, attracts compassionate concern this week from the Cancer sun. Whether other resources are offered, such as a lump sum of money, depends in part on how rattled you appear. Sometimes a cup of tea and a few cookies will suffice; sometimes you need to leave the scene as quickly as possible. Either way, the positive effect of this rewarding connection won't last long. Use it or lose it.