First things first: Mercury turned direct Wednesday night, but
it'll take a few days for the weirdness associated with retrograde to evaporate.
Go ahead and schedule appointments, but don't get the expensive repair job
done just yet. There's a good chance you'll be willing, even eager,
to spend lots of money on nonessential items while luxury-loving Venus in Aries
and lucky Jupiter in Sag trine on Thursday; maybe even acquire a major high-end
product when artistic Venus favors well-constructed Saturn in Leo on Friday. While
these astrological arbiters of consumer culture form a rewarding grand trine in
high-spirited fire signs, the present can look particularly rosy. However, a challenging
square to optimistic Jupiter from the wishy-washy Pisces sun this weekend might
rain on your parade. Don't forget to change to Daylight Saving Time this
Sunday.

Aries

Rams are rarely sensible about their love life, preferring to take a frisky, somewhat
risky approach. Therefore, it may come as a surprise that although romantic Venus
is in your sign, you could choose to embark on a more conservative route. Is it
age, fear or the recognition that you want this relationship to last longer than
15 fabulous minutes? That same safe-and-sane attitude can apply to other creative
endeavors, especially projects involving art. To protect, to preserve and, if
you're lucky enough to have a long run, to profit.

Taurus

Although Mercury is no longer in reverse, don't expect to see significant
progress with a career matter that's been stalled during retrograde. It
could take a few weeks before the details get ironed out to everybody's
satisfaction. But with aggressive Mars in your Aquarius midheaven pushing for
resolution, it's likely that negotiations will get rougher than they've
been. Soften the edge by applying some of the charm your Venus ruler has endowed
you with, or by upping the ante. Right now, you can afford to be generous.

Gemini

The trick ??? when it comes to maneuvering around the surprise sprung at work,
things can get quite tricky ??? is to ask an ally to present an alternative
solution that you know will satisfy a client or your boss. Since your Mercury
ruler is still finding its footing (it only came out of retrograde Wednesday night),
you might not be in a position to handle another challenge just yet. The same
tactic would work regarding a family matter: Let your partner deal with your parent's
request until you are on firmer ground.

Cancer

Hard work, plus some judicious flirting (or is it called pandering?), could earn
you a nice payoff while magnetic Venus at the apex of your solar chart forms a
rewarding trine to responsible Saturn in your house of money earned. Since Crabs
haven't received a whole lot of favorable financial forecasts lately, don't
let this opportunity to acquire and appreciate high-quality merchandise slip out
of your reach. A trailblazing artist might figure into this scenario, or, because
Venus is in Aries, a woman with balls.

Leo

Fire is your friend, at least until Venus leaves Aries on the 17th. Once the charmer
enters earthy Taurus, a sign as stubborn as your own, you're liable to encounter
mini-trials and -tribulations from the same women who are being affable right
now. So be sure you take advantage of any fortunate situation that pops up this
weekend, i.e., a chance to have the kind of fun only Lions, Rams and Centaurs
(your fellow fire signs) appreciate. How far over the top will you go? With circumspect
Saturn entrenched in Leo, not far enough to land you in serious trouble.

Virgo

If you feel you're getting in over your head and you're counting on
your partner to bail you out, stop deluding yourself this instant! Having high
hopes is one of the misfortunes that can befall the Virgin when the Pollyanna-ish
Pisces sun tests the power of expansive Jupiter in enthusiastic Sagittarius. One
way or another, this weekend it'll be easy to wind up in situations that
overwhelm as well as confuse you. Your rational Mercury ruler, stumbling from
its recent shift out of retrograde, might not be much help.

Libra

For some reason known only to Jungians, this time of year can be especially emotional
for you. Because almost all of the planets are located in the bottom half of your
solar chart, where your intuition and feelings are strongest, you shouldn't
count on reaching an intelligent solution to a troubling situation. Happily, this
week there are no new problems on the horizon, so feel free to go with your gut
reaction. If possible, try to include a well-respected colleague or a prolific
photographer in your plans. Everybody, including your partner, benefits.

Scorpio

Water signs like yours are particularly sensitive this week to the vibes being
emitted by the folks around you. That's because the empathetic Pisces sun
is absorbing the “the more the merrier” message that optimistic, openhanded
Jupiter is sending out. Such a rosy picture of the future could influence your
behavior toward a lover or another team player. If you're going to drop
your guard, think about the amount of financial help you're willing to offer.
It's one thing to be a supporter, another to play the Big Benefactor.

Sagittarius

The Sage is in the enviable position this week of not only being wise and witty,
but also looking quite attractive. Venus in your Aries house of romance, entertainment
and other creative pastimes has been adding to your allure. But since this astrological
asset might not last past St. Patrick's Day, make the most of the heat you're
emitting while you can. On the other hand, be careful not to go totally overboard
during the daydreaming, often deluded Pisces sun's challenge to your Jupiter
ruler. Something or someone can rain down on you and douse that fire.

Capricorn

This week, the tenuous affinity between Goats and Fish becomes rock solid as the
empathetic Pisces sun illuminates your house of communication. But if you want
to share some news you get, talking about your own good fortune is rarely easy,
and boasting about it is nigh impossible. However, while your heart is spilling
over with emotion, why not express those feelings through a poem or a collage?
For a few brief moments, before the sun moves on to fiery Aries, it won't
be hard to convey just how meaningful these emotions are.

Aquarius

Benefits that are obvious to everyone are being tossed around this weekend with
somewhat reckless abandon. However, while artistic Venus favors imaginative Neptune
in your sign, you should also keep an eye out for an advantage you could be offered.
Besides emphasizing your aesthetic sense, their favorable alliance creates the
right atmosphere for subtle romantic overtures. On the other hand, you might have
to contend with an urge to play rough while aggressive Mars is also in Aquarius.
Is it possible to have it both ways?

Pisces

Think glorious goodies. Not only because it's your birthday and birthday
presents are de rigueur, but because Venus in your house of assets and acquisitions
is the planet generous Jupiter focuses on this weekend. Beauty-conscious Venus
is also attracting the attention of well-established Saturn. Short as it may be,
their alliance can bring in high-ticket, long-lasting items. But perhaps the best
gift would be to see your favorite daydream come true Friday when Venus bestows
her blessings on your fanciful Neptune ruler. Oh, happy day!

Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers.