For the week of May 8th thru the 15th, be sure to read your Rising Sign as well:

Aries

Realize that when Mercury is square Mars, as it will be for most of this coming week, we’re all at risk for foot-in-mouth disease. Or text rage. It just pours right out. Unless you’re ready for a lot of sass and disrespect, best to avoid anything righteous or controversial. Usually when Mars is in Pisces, as it will be after Tuesday, we just don’t want to deal with all that contention. Even if you feel you need to get in that last word, this is normally supposed to be a time of quiet withdrawal from the world. Perhaps with some Lost Weekend elements thrown in as well, what with all these retrogrades we’re having. We can’t escape, but we can take breaks as needed. One thing that may become apparent as all these planets shift, is that we most probably won’t be going back to what once was. Not entirely. The retrogrades compel us to reevaluate our goals, our hopes and our wishes, so we will ask ourselves, Where am I going to go from here? Think of the next few months as something of a cooling off period from those things we have outgrown any way, and are no longer valid for the person you are now becoming. 

Taurus

With Venus stationing retrograde this week you may find yourself even more tempted than usual to spend lavishly on special treats that you think will make your life more comfortable and pleasant. Frivolous purchases and decadent chocolates will continue to be difficult to resist. However, what will become more apparent as Venus turns on her planetary heel, is the understanding that what you are seeking to fulfill is not to be found outside yourself, in things, but within, in your own heart. The old refrain: we search the whole world over for the secret to happiness, only to return home to find that it was waiting for us all along, right here. It is also good to remember in this extraordinary time not to allow defeat or frustration to change your resolve or commitment to your goals. Think of this time as a temporary time of withdrawal, that also allows you to gain some perspective. There may be unavoidable delays and obstacles preventing you from moving forward as you might like. However self-respect, doing the right thing, and valuing the contributions that you have and can still make, will serve you well in the long run. 

Gemini

With Mercury square Mars for most of the coming week, it would be wise to avoid any subjects or situations that could be potentially contentious. Sometimes this can feel unavoidable. Just be forewarned that many will be on edge this week, and with Mercury coming home to Gemini on Monday, it will be all that you can do to keep things to yourself. There has been a lot on your mind, and you have plenty to say. But stirring the pot, could prove to be regrettable. And once you put it out there, there’s no taking it back again. One thing that is becoming apparent to a number of people these days is that things are not as clear as we might like them to be. The next few months can be a period to consolidate or reconfirm what you already believe, or it can be an opportunity to hear and listen other points of view. As Saturn stations this week, many will be thinking about rules and laws of behavior: are the rules too oppressive and limiting? Or should they be more firmly enforced? The answer to many of the questions and quandaries that may arise at this time are not as black and white as they seem.

Cancer

As we begin this week we are moving away from an emotionally laden Full Moon, where feelings rise to the surface demanding to be paid attention to. What also rises to the surface are feelings of uncertainty and ambiguity. This is something that will be prevalent throughout much of this year. And living with uncertainty can be uncomfortable. So we are inclined to fill in the spaces with our own narratives and stories. Just realize that these are also going to be evolving over time. Be open and willing to change your mind and your perspective as a result. One thing that can happen when Saturn stations retrograde is that we give ourselves permission to say No when we need to, to retreat from obligations, commitments or contracts that prove to be more than we had originally anticipated. It may also feel for many that circumstances beyond your control are preventing you from taking the reins of your life and destiny into your own hands right now. Therefore focus on those things that you do have control over, and use the next few months for self-improvement, and serious inner work. 

Leo

It is difficult for any of us to feel as if we are fully in control of our lives these days. And as so many of the planets are stationing retrograde this week, it can feel as if so much is being taken away. However, if you use this week well, you might just be in position to realign yourself with a deeper sense of purpose and understanding of your role in the scheme of things. We all have a destiny that we are trying to fulfill. And there is even a purpose to that which seems so insensible right now. The more in tune you are with that inner purpose, the more empowered you will then feel. And having that sense of empowerment also gives you the strength of your convictions, and the ability to set limits and boundaries wherever and however they are needed. Be willing to say No when you need to, and build up the ramparts that have been breached in any way. This is not necessarily a time for you to take on more obligations or commitments, but it is a time to be clear about what your expectations are of others, and they of you. 

Virgo

Now that Mars is moving into Pisces after Tuesday, people are going to be seemingly more difficult and contentious than usual. And in ways that can sometimes be unfathomable. And annoying. This may be particularly so this week, but the general annoyance can last for weeks. Especially if others are not cooperating, or doing what they are supposed to be doing. And it will be hard for you to keep from having to let them know. However, unless you are ready for a heated debate, you may want to avoid touchy subjects. Everybody is going to have an opinion this week, and there’s simply no avoiding them! Use all that Mars in Pisces to tackle a project that requires a lot of physical or mental energy and try to avoid unnecessary debates. But don’t take on overly involved projects or lengthy obligations that you’ll later regret. Be willing to set limits on how much or what you are willing to do. But what with all these planets stationing retrograde this week, this would be a good time to tackle those projects that you had put on the back burner and have been neglecting. Maybe you can finally get it over and done with, once and for all!

Libra

You may find through your conversations with others that your point of view may be evolving: there are always two sides to a situation, and things are never quite so black and white as they seem. One thing that is becoming more and more evident, is that there are some things that just don’t seem to have any answers at all. Living with that sense of ambiguity may leave us all feel like we are floundering about without a plan. However this time of uncertainty also allows us to explore those things that are most meaningful, and do bring a sense of purpose. Allow yourself to gravitate towards those things or activities that bring you happiness and inner satisfaction, recognizing that these are less likely to be found without, than they are to be found within, in the quiet stirrings of your heart and mind. And if you can’t make your mark as readily as you might like in the outer world, work on the skills, talents, or disciplines that you would like to see improved. Rather than looking for applause or recognition, pay attention to those things and activities that bring an inner sense of confirmation and accomplishment. 

Scorpio

We’re all going to be hard pressed to keep our opinions to ourselves. Just make sure that whatever battles or arguments you wish to make are valid and based on facts. And recognize that if an argument can stand on its own merit, there isn’t very much you need to add. As Mars moves into Pisces this coming week, see if you can channel some of this Martian energy and fight the good fight through some sort of enjoyable physical activity: walk/run about the block; dance in the living room; rock it out on the terrace; follow along with some Rhumba videos. Express yourself! In addition to rocking it out, also consider what home-improvement projects you might want to take on. With all of these planets stationing retrograde this week, a lot of our attention is being turned inwards, and having a strong foundation in your life is going to be something you will need going forward. Think in terms of making reparations where needed. This can be literal as in making much needed repairs, or repairing family relations, or something else that needs tending to in your personal life. Any reparations made now will be appreciated later on. 

Sagittarius

As your ruling planet, Jupiter, slows for its retrograde station next week, you may find yourself anxious to fulfill certain goals and objectives. Planning on taking an on-line course? Becoming more informed on a particular subject? Further expanding your horizons in some way? Just realize that you may not be able to follow through with these objectives until later on this year. In the mean time see if you have all the resources (time and money) that will allow you to do so, and make sure also that this is precisely what you want and/or need to do. And make sure that you have all the information that you need. Any prerequisites that you need to take care of first? What details are there that you don’t want to overlook? Is there any paperwork that needs to be filed? What about doing the research? This is one of those times in which we are both optimistically wanting to create some sort of plan for the future, but also being reminded of all of the particulars that will need to be attended to first in order for that plan to take shape. 

Capricorn

This coming week your ruling planet is coming to a standstill in preparation for its retrograde phase that will last through September. In July it will return to your sign for some unfinished business, but in the mean time it is asking you to slow down and pay attention to some particular areas of your life. One thing that may become apparent this week are the difference between those things that you desire and would like to have, and those things that you truly need. Things like safety and security will be foremost in your mind over the next few years, and having some sort of surety in your life will make all the difference. Saturn wants you to pay attention to those things that you really do truly value, and what and where you want to put your full attention. So you may ask yourself, where exactly do you want to invest your valuable resources, time and energy? Think in terms of what will bring the greatest rewards in the long term.  

Aquarius

On March 22nd Saturn dipped its toe into your sign, giving us a preview of what is to come for the next few years. This week Saturn will station for its retrograde phase, during which it will briefly return to Capricorn for some unfinished business. This retrograde phase also gives you permission to set better boundaries and limits with yourself and others. This is where you have been and continue to be aware of what you are or are not willing to tolerate from others. And what exactly your expectations are and should be going forward. The next several months are also a good time for any self-improvement regimens: strengthening, restoring, rebuilding are key to this time. Release any self-destructive tendencies  or habits; and promote activities that will restore your confidence in yourself. You will find over the next several months, that issues or things that you’ve been avoiding, can no longer be ignored. 

Pisces

Three planets are stationing retrograde this week, including your ruling planet, Jupiter, which was almost, but not quite, poised to dive into Aquarius. By the time it actually does so, it will bring Pisces on something of a profound and healing journey. But until then, there are still some loose ends that need to be tied up first. And part of that will involve reacquainting yourself with your deepest hopes and wishes. If you were to ask yourself, what a more ideal life might look like for you, you may come to realize that what used to be important to you, is no longer valid for the person you are becoming. In some way it could also feel as if you are coming to the end of a phase in your life. Not quite yet. But soon. It may begin with a vague feeling of discontent. Or the recognition that in some ways you are outgrowing certain parts of your life. This is a process of peeling away the layers, releasing the last vestiges of what once was, and might be holding you back from what could be in the future.