Rockie GardinerIf you know your ascendant, read it too.
GENERAL FORECAST: This week desirable Venus in sexy Scorpio runs the show on a number of levels. Starting with a rewarding trine to experimental Uranus on the 9th, the goddess goes on to test nebulous Neptune’s willingness to believe in one ideal or another — and to make a sacrifice. How the Columbus Day holiday plays out may not be apparent until the Aries full moon Tuesday cuts through the Neptunian haze. Should we still expect better information and greater clarification after Mercury flips from retrograde to direct on Wednesday?
ARIES (March 20–April 19)
It’s not that you’re under some sort of magical spell. Rather, Neptune’s wishful thinking is so pervasive right now that it’s coloring your dealings with a significant other. Too glamorous, too unsubstantial, too great a reliance on what you’re being led to believe instead of what some Rams are beginning to realize might be the real deal. Try to avoid any binding decision until the impetuous Aries full moon is on the wane and Mercury in your Libra complement has been out of retrograde for a few days. Say the weekend after this one.
TAURUS (April 20–May 20)
Someone’s show of faith and/or artistic contribution may be tested this weekend, when idealistic, illusionary Neptune forms a difficult aspect to your Venus ruler as it passes through your partnership house. Although you could be a part of the problem, the challenge focuses more on the nature of the relationship. Is there something you’re hiding from each other? And who is the more experienced manipulator? Whenever there’s a flurry of planetary action in suspicious Scorpio, these tend to be the questions interested parties raise.
GEMINI (May 21–June 20)
Taking a slow boat to China might be the answer to your prayers, but unfortunately the Columbus Day weekend isn’t long enough. Instead, find someplace else, even if it’s in a daydream, to go while the romantic Libra sun and imaginative Neptune are perfecting their rewarding air trine, and the high-spirited Aries full moon is fueling your sense of adventure. Although your Mercury ruler doesn’t come out of retrograde until next Wednesday, its impending forward flip might motivate movement of sorts.
CANCER (June 21–July 22)
All three water signs should be thrilled by what happens while lovable Venus in Scorpio and innovative Uranus in Pisces form a mutually rewarding trine to each other, as well as to your natal Cancer planets. That your moon ruler is approaching fullness could increase the emotional impact of that event. Therefore, if you’re a highly excitable Crab, if your shell isn’t hard enough to protect your tender heart, keep reminding yourself that retrograde Mercury is about to change direction. The ensuing confusion of that turnaround often results in a major misunderstanding.
LEO (July 23–August 22)
Lions born in July should pay attention to the machines that help them navigate through life — e.g., the wheels, phones, computers, cable systems, etc., that fall under Mercury’s bailiwick. As the Messenger prepares to turn direct midweek, these are the items that may mysteriously misfire. August birthdays could feel the effects of the switcheroo in their financial zone. You’re the cats who may have kept your cool during the markets’ meltdown, and now you’re poised to pounce on what you learned during the three-week retrogression.
VIRGO (August 23–September 22)
A connection between one of your talented allies and an attractive neighbor may be in the process of being forged right before your eyes. While it looks to be beneficial to everyone concerned, it wouldn’t hurt to watch out for the tricky twists and turns that sometimes follow your Mercury ruler’s change of direction. From the 15th until the Halloween treats have disappeared, be somewhat vigilant. Come Election Day, as Mercury exits sociable Libra, other developments can demand your undivided attention.
LIBRA (September 23–October 22)
A busy week, what with your amenable Venus ruler touching base with an innovative, hopefully helpful health-care worker, and then reaching out to a person of faith. If contact with an inspirational type leaves you cold, perhaps a person who’s able to transform you from drab to dazzling will fill the bill. Either way, it’s going to cost bucks. While Venus in your Scorpio money house ricochets from pillar to post, and the Libra sun is confronted by an aggressive Aries full moon, do not forget about Mercury’s turnaround in your sign.
SCORPIO (October 23–November 21)
Scorpions can become irresistibly attractive creatures when magnetic Venus is in your sign. So if you’re getting much more attention than suits your purpose — e.g., enough to blow your cover — do something so atypical that your fans will leave you alone. Too drastic? You could also claim that you were a victim of the lunacy emanating from the Aries full moon in your house of health. Or that Mercury’s flip from retrograde to direct threw you off course. Take a few days — i.e., until next weekend — to recover from your walk on the wild, and wet, side.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22–December 21)
Despite the ups and downs in mood and monies that many folks are experiencing, Archers might actually enjoy what happens during the fiery Aries full moon midweek. It’s the only lunation illuminating your house of romance, recreation and, yes, risk. Wouldn’t it be a shame to blow off what can be a welcome opportunity to let off some steam? Fire-sign full moons don’t come around that often; besides, this one is more inclined to include good friends than the Leo full moon in February. Or the couple-centered Sagittarius full moon during Gemini.
CAPRICORN (December 22–January 20)
Be prepared. Last week you were warned about the Aries full moon on the 14th. However, the very next day, Mercury retrograde changes direction in your Libra midheaven; the zone where your career and reputation reside, also where one parent (rarely both) tends to pop up. So, no matter how the week evolves or which of your well-laid plans is tossed to the wind, because you heeded this warning, you will not be thrown for a loop. Perhaps you’ll miss a step along the way, but an alert Goat can recover its footing before anybody notices.
AQUARIUS (January 21–February 18)
Expanding your education and/or seeking access to a promising, possibly life-changing experience seems to be the lesson the favorable Libra-Aries full moon intends to teach intelligent, occasionally ornery Aquarians. Even if the path isn’t immediately apparent, once Mercury is moving forward at a steady pace, e.g., approaching Halloween, the hassles associated with its change of direction should disappear. Meanwhile, don’t ignore sparks shooting from macho Mars in your Scorpio midheaven. The boss may be miffed!
PISCES (February 19–March 19)
Make it last. Whatever delightful surprise Venus springs on you while the goddess of love and beauty favors progressive Uranus in your sign should be worth including in your holiday weekend plans — despite a complication or two from your indecisive Neptune ruler. But if you’re not sufficiently pleased or if the questions raised make you too uncomfortable, feel free to cut and run. Because the Aries full moon on the 14th lands in your money house, there’s a good chance you’ll be footing the bill for one thing or another.
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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