The first weekend of summer arrives with contrasting energies: a forceful
opposition between militant Mars in Aries and Jupiter in diplomatic Libra that
fuels expectations of enterprise and expansion, along with a Venus-Saturn-Mercury
stellium in patriotic Cancer that reinforces traditional values and caution.
On Monday, Mercury and Venus conjunct and cross over to Leo. They'll ride in
tandem until July 10, when the Messenger slows down so it can turn retrograde
on the 22nd. Be on the safe side; start your pre-Mercury retrograde to-do list
ASAP.

Aries

Push can come to shove while headstrong Mars in Aries provokes a response from
optimistic Jupiter in your house of allies. No matter if the arrangement seems
mutually beneficial to the people involved, some family members will be against
it. The chances of reaching an agreement depend more on how patient you're willing
to be than on your determination to beat down the resistance. Also, try to understand
that family tradition is important and that it wouldn't hurt – e.g., you won't
compromise your integrity or individuality – to pay it lip service.

Taurus

Your need to flee the scene may be strong, but this isn't a good time to slip
away. Since your affectionate Venus ruler and sobering Saturn are joining forces,
responsibility for a soul sibling or a close neighbor can weigh heavily on your
heart, your shoulders too. If money is involved, expect to encounter regulations,
restrictions or roadblocks in both the gathering and the dispensing of it. No
matter how sad or frustrating the situation, remember that the Cancer new moon
on the 6th will bring positive elements, other caring people.

Gemini

The purely pleasant association with amiable Venus that you and your Mercury
ruler are enjoying may take a downturn while heavy-duty Saturn joins the duo.
If you're depressed for no obvious reason, blame sad sack Saturn. Your annual
run-in with the planet of “No!” may also result in a disappointing
financial outcome or more work and worry than the object of your efforts is
worth. However, there's an outside chance you'll be rescued by an unexpected
gesture of good will from your boss or a powerful person who is not the typical
authority figure.

Cancer

The cautious Crab may feel trapped between the alternatives offered by an aggressive
employer and an enthusiastic parent, unable to decide whether to pick one over
the other or skedaddle away from both. The opportunity to make this critical
a choice between career and family probably won't repeat for another six years,
so take all the time you need. But if it comes down to attending a birthday
celebration, even a major one, or taking on a challenging assignment, remember
that you can always invent a reason to get together and eat.

Leo

A good deal of karmic debt gets paid back while Mercury, Venus and Saturn meet
in your 12th house of cosmic consciousness and past lifetimes. Chances are you
won't know that the books are being balanced or, just as likely, cooked! Still
and all, keep an eye out for a forward-looking financial opportunity from prosperity-minded
Jupiter. But if it seems too much like pie-in-the-sky, opt for a joint venture
backed by trendsetters, inventors or New Age promoters. Putting your paws on
other people's money is the better bet.

Virgo

Whatever colleagues and casual acquaintances are planning can take a back seat
to the potentially rewarding experience expansive Jupiter offers as July begins.
Difficult as it may seem to pull out of a group project, keep the prospect of
gaining a personal advantage uppermost in your mind. Soon enough, generous Jupiter
will exit your Libra money house, taking easy opportunities for growth and success
with it. This is also the time to support a partner's out-of-the-box idea or
unusual career choice. Beneficial for you both.

Libra

You might have as fortunate a stroke of luck around your birthday, but right
now, while the Cancer sun and beneficial Jupiter in your sign align, it is your
career and reputation that are attracting attention. What follows from all this
noise should sustain you through the rest of the summer, but as Leo begins,
there may be further obstacles to overcome. These can be similar to the snag
you may run into while your Venus ruler meets Saturn this weekend. Will you
suddenly become a prudent, practical person?

Scorpio

The teacher with a devoted following, the young chef with a growing reputation,
the caregiver who actually cares – they are the sort of people who can influence
what you do this summer. Whether you also embrace their commitment to service
and try to be the best you can be depends in large part on whether there's a
big enough payoff in the end. Not only of money: Boosting your reputation at
work or adding luster to the family's name are benefits you can't put a price
on. It's also important to cultivate the good will of your peers. Aren't we
the busy bee?

Sagittarius

Pressure from a partner can affect your decision about a career matter; however,
the sun's provocative square to your Jupiter ruler also works both ways. His
or her career could have a marked influence on your relationship. And if the
issue doesn't relate to the career sphere, then either person's parent might
be the one twisting the screws this week. Interdependence, co-dependence, interference?
Call it what you will. Just know that once the July Fourth holiday is history,
a new phase of the relationship, mutually supported by both parties, begins.

Capricorn

What has transpired during the past two years, while your Saturn
ruler traveled through your empathetic Cancer complement, reaches its conclusion
in the next few weeks. For a preview of how this phase of your life ends, whether
with a bang or a whimper, take a look at what happens and how you feel when
expressive Mercury and appreciative Venus merge with Saturn this weekend. The
new moon in your marriage house on the 6th brings a fresh perspective about
some time-honored, traditional values.

Aquarius

The rewards trickle in slowly – e.g., a compliment on a hidden talent, appreciation
for a charitable act you didn't mention – until July 2, when the Cancer sun
beams directly on your Uranus ruler. (FYI: Uranus is the planet that accounts
for a high TV-Q rating! Ask Oprah and Ellen, the Aquarians.) Assume that you'll
star in the Fourth of July weekend festivities and plan accordingly. Even if
you're working hard, since romantic Venus enters your Leo marriage house, you'll
make time for serious canoodling.

Pisces

Once again the Fish and the Water Bearer are on track, each enjoying the benefits
provided to and by the other. This reciprocity should be self-evident when the
nostalgic Cancer sun trines independent Uranus in your sign over the July Fourth
holiday. Lovely cherished memories, but interesting and exciting alternatives
as well. The watery Cancer new moon on the 6th reinforces the sense that all
things are possible, especially when it comes to recreation and romance. No
sign does summer romance better than Pisces.

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