Straight stars
> BY ROSE MARCUS
August 31 to September 6, 2017
We have arrived at the end of the month and the unofficial end of summer, but the stars aren’t on the finish-up. They’re on a major wind-it-up.
The sun is on task in Virgo, but Leo, the heart and centre, self-gratification archetype, is still calling the shots. Venus has recently entered Leo, Mars is well on its way, and Mercury retrograde revisits the sign as of Thursday. All three aim to play it up and make the most of it. Going live early Saturday, Mars trine Uranus launches the long weekend with a game-for-it, here-and-now, ready-set-go vibe.
Mercury is on the backup and Mars on the forward through Leo. Retriggering the sensitive degree of the August 21 solar eclipse, the duo will cross paths early Sunday. The two are a strike-it-hot or lighta-fuse combination. Mercury/mars can steam it up in a sexy-heart’sdelight or cash-in-on-it way. On the flip side, this fast-and-furious pairing can inflame a situation; ignite sudden aggression or violence; or produce an accident, revolt, sudden snap, or abrupt cutoff.
Aptly timed for the back-to-it routine, Mars leaves Leo for Virgo, while Mercury finishes retrograde on Tuesday but continues to act as an eclipse trigger through next Saturday.
The uncertain, revealing, or exposing effects of Wednesday’s full moon in Pisces can be felt as early as Monday evening. Situations are fluid and unfolding. Simplify, ease into it as best you can. There’s more promise or factors than readily apparent.
ARIES
March 20–April 20
What a difference a day can make! Off to on, minus to plus, Mercury’s backtrack into Leo on Thursday switches you onto a positive upswing. Mars, finishing up in Leo through next Tuesday, also places you on the side of great creative opportunity. Seize it when you see it. Both offer an auspicious backdrop for a fresh try or second chance, especially Saturday/sunday.
TAURUS April 20–May 21
You are about to hit a onetwo fast track. Recognize that no matter how or what the trigger is, this next week points you in the direction of best potential and optimal success, especially when you release, allow, express, free up, and/or take your best shot. Saturday/sunday: feel it, say it, do it. Tuesday/wednesday is also especially fruitful.
GEMINI
May 21–June 21
Mercury’s backtrack into Leo gives you one more good excuse to go all out before the back-to-it routine gets the better of you. The long weekend could spark something unexpected. Spontaneous or planned, a special event or get-together, a special someone, or a great conversation or score could make your weekend. Tuesday/wednesday: ease up, ease into it but stay alert, don’t lose track.
CANCER June 21–July 22
Look to Mercury/mars to spark new ideas, possibilities, and moneymaking avenues. It’s an ideal time to reinvent yourself, from the ground up if necessary. There’s no need to struggle at it. With such dynamic stars to assist you now, you could be up and rolling in a flash. Wednesday’s full moon challenges you to trust, to open up to possibility, to aspire higher.
LEO
July 22–August 23
Don’t you just love it when the stars conspire on your behalf? Have it your way, call the shots. You have a monopoly on the bright lights this long weekend. Fast on the pickup, quick on the comeback, Mars/mercury keeps you on a fresh and full battery charge. Stay ready to jump on it in a flash. Monday evening through Wednesday, keep it real.
VIRGO
August 23–September 23
Has the retrograde been doing you in? Mercury’s backtrack out of Virgo on Thursday can feel like something of a reprieve. Mars into Virgo next Tuesday pumps fresh air in your tires. You don’t have to wait, though. Mars/mercury could rev it up for you unexpectedly. Monday evening through full-moon Wednesday, one thing leads to another. Take it one step at a time.
LIBRA
September 23–October 23
Never a dull moment, always something on the ready; Venus, newly into Leo, and Mercury’s backtrack into this sign on Thursday provide a boost where you’ll appreciate it the most. Watch for Mercury/mars to strike flint this weekend. Tuesday/wednesday, keep it simple and open-ended. If you don’t have to, don’t. Let it unfold naturally. It’s easy to get confused or lose track.
SCORPIO
October 23–November 22
Can you one-up yourself? You bet. Aiming to get back at it? You’ll get a good jump-start this weekend, perhaps unexpectedly so. Mercury retrograde and Mars in Leo can make your next choice an obvious pick. A special event, anniversary, or reconnection can be the highlight of the weekend. Wednesday’s full moon exposes something opportune. Monday night and into Tuesday is staging.
SAGITTARIUS November 22–December 21
You’ll have no trouble making the most of it this long weekend. Enjoy it to the fullest! Mars/ Mercury retrograde could see you strike it hot in some unexpected way. Once the fire is lit, matters take on a life of their own. Late Monday through Wednesday, the stars shift gears. Stay open-ended or noncommittal until you have more to go on.
CAPRICORN December 21–January 20
With your lover, with loved ones, or on your own, it won’t take much to strike it hot this long weekend. If it worked well for you last time, try it again. You’ll get more out of it this time. Monday evening through Wednesday, go by feel. The full moon puts more on the to-do list.
AQUARIUS
January 20–February 18
Something special to look forward to? Venus, Mars, and Mercury retrograde in Leo aim to make the most of it. Whether disruptive, entertaining, or mesmerizing, someone special can claim your attention. Saturday/sunday fast-tracks a conversation, breakthrough, or course of action. One thing after another, Tuesday/wednesday piles on extras and requires more investment, safeguarding, or relinquishing. Simplify where possible.
PISCES
February 18–March 20
At work or at play, expect a full-to-the-brim, cash-in-on-it long weekend. Regarding health, wealth, and pleasure-seeking, Mars and Mercury retrograde are exceptionally revitalizing. Whatever fires up has a strong, go-the-distance life force to it. Monday night through Wednesday, the Pisces full moon has you on all systems go.