Rockie GardinerIf you know your ascendant, read it too.
GENERAL FORECAST: Ah, the poetry, the hyperbole when Mercury and idealistic Neptune trine this weekend. Can the critical Virgo sun burst the bubble when it squares resentful Pluto this weekend? Or will the fanatics take charge during Mars’ supportive trine to Neptune’s faithful flock? Great for football fans and Emmy nominees. The sun enters Libra Monday at 8:45 a.m. PDT/11:45 a.m. EDT, the moment to try the fresh egg-equinox experiment again. Venus enters Scorpio on the 23rd; Mercury turns retrograde at 22 Libra on the 24th.
ARIES (March 20–April 19)
Can’t faith move mountains anymore? Why not give the concept the old college try while your single-minded, crusading Mars ruler favors idealistic, imaginative Neptune? Feel free to enlist the help of a significant other, e.g., your lawyer, before Mars exits the sign of the Scales on Oct. 3 to delve into intriguing, often inexplicable Scorpionic mysteries. For a wider base of support, turn to a group of like-minded associates with technical skills. They could help make what you envision visible to the skeptics.
TAURUS (April 20–May 20)
With your Venus ruler nestled in your Scorpio marriage house, you should be able to endure, possibly even bypass, the usual annoyances that’ll arise while Mercury is retrograde from Sept. 24 to Oct. 15. Be sure to use this time to work out differences with co-workers and service providers; just don’t sign anything legally binding until Mercury is done reviewing and revising. Even if you’re in a committed relationship, Venus in sexy Scorpio can be the magnet drawing attractive, artistic people to your house.
GEMINI (May 21–June 20)
Remember these dates: Sept. 24, when your Mercury ruler goes retrograde, and Oct. 15, when it turns direct. Since precious little progress will be made during those three weeks, consider disconnecting from your typical workday routine. That is one way to avoid the ensuing delays and hassles. Because Mercury flips in your Libra house of recreation and entertainment, you can focus instead on opening nights, the new TV season or the playoffs. What are the chances of tracking down an ex-lover and rekindling that romance? Too risky?
CANCER (June 21–July 22)
The changing of the seasons seems to affect cardinal signs like yours more than the rest. Nevertheless, Crabs mourning the end of summer, their season in the sun, can take heart that after affectionate Venus enters your Scorpio house of pleasurable pursuits on the 23rd, you have four weeks to knock yourself out before the goddess moves into your workplace. In the interim, matters at home may need more attention, since Mercury retrograde will have you reviewing decisions you’ve recently made for another month. No major purchases before then.
LEO (July 23–August 22)
Is now the time to pay the piper? Lions who have been playing fast and loose or having fun with someone else’s funds may have to pony up when their sun ruler and subversive, subterranean Pluto square off this weekend. Secrets tend to surface when Pluto’s chains get rattled. Mercury retrograde in your Libra house of communication and education can hinder rather than help the research process. Retrograde doesn’t support smooth trips or vehicles to take them in; so no buying cars or bikes until mid-October. Okay?
VIRGO (August 23–September 22)
Read for Gemini for the timetable. Although Mercury is your ruling planet too, the Messenger’s latest retrograde takes place in your Libra house of assets, acquisitions and attitudes, not your recreation area. If you change your mind about a purchase or re-evaluate its worth, so be it. No reason to fret because your original decision didn’t work out to your satisfaction. However, if something major, like a bank error, cannot be easily fixed, try to maintain a semblance of Libran equilibrium. Do not go off half-cocked.
LIBRA (September 23–October 22)
It’s been six years since Mercury last went retrograde in Libra, so you might not know how best to handle the delays and disappointments that usually occur. Be cool. Let the information concerning your life and the conversations about your intentions or desires drift in and out like a breeze. Avoid getting hung up on any one idea or position; chances are those will change, perhaps more than once, by the time Mercury enters Scorpio on Election Day. Except for revising your guest list, the prognosis for a happy birthday looks good.
SCORPIO (October 23–November 21)
First comes love; then comes … not marriage as much as a boost to your libido. Affectionate Venus enters Scorpio on the 23rd; 10 days later your horny Mars co-ruler comes across. Because it’s been two years since Mr. Macho last visited your sign, take time to appreciate the benefits and make the most of the opportunities he brings. You could fill the days in between arrivals worrying how Mercury’s retrograde trip affects you. But until Mercury finally arrives in Scorpio on Election Day, its message might elude you.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22–December 21)
Besides attending gala events celebrating the new season, for the next few weeks you Archers get to spend time with some of your more compatible companions. Going to a Libra birthday party is a sure way to put a smile on your face and come away with a terrific story to dine out on. Although they may not be your bosom buddies, Librans approach life with an attitude similar to the philosophical Sag’s. Therefore Mercury retrogressing through this intelligent air sign would be a good time for both party animals to support a common cause.
CAPRICORN (December 22–January 20)
Patience may be the key to heaven; however, for the next few weeks it can also be your key to the executive suite. While Mercury drifts back and forth through your Libra career house, try to exercise not your better judgment, but your ability to bide your time. That’s because what you think you know could be reversed shortly after Mercury, direct as of Oct. 15, leaves “fair and balanced” Libra for surreptitious Scorpio on Election Day.
AQUARIUS (January 21–February 18)
Flirt. Simple and to the point. While vivacious Venus commandeers your Scorpio midheaven, you could try reasoning with employers, community leaders and other people who can affect your career and reputation. However, logic won’t get you what you want as much as a knowing look, a suggestive smile or a well-timed compliment would. You don’t have to follow through, but for the next few weeks, certainly while retrograde Mercury favors imaginative Neptune in your sign, you can fake it. If you’re Sarah Palin, until the election is over.
PISCES (February 19–March 19)
Mercury changing direction in your Libra house of other people’s money suggests that information and paperwork relating to mutual funds, mortgage and inheritance matters won’t be coming forthwith. Take the retrograde time frame (Sept. 24-Oct. 15) into consideration when scheduling meetings and making plans. However, this is not the time to shut down your active imagination, not while your Neptune ruler finds favor with folks willing to share their resources with you. Just not their money, not yet.
Curious about the future? Order a personalized Transit Forecast (30 to 40-plus pages) detailing the major themes and issues that will arise over the next 12 months. Send name, date, time and place of birth, with a check or money order for $40 plus $3.50 s&h, to ROCKIE GARDINER, 6701 Colbath Ave., Valley Glen, CA 91405.
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