On Thursday afternoon, the sun advances into task-oriented Virgo, and Mercury follows suit on Friday morning. These two planetary shifts put the end of summer and back-to-it routine to the forefront. Even so, the weekend is a good one for getting your fill of pleasure. Friday and Saturday, the transiting moon in hit-it Aries keeps the action going strong. On Sunday and Monday, Mercury, the sun, and Neptune are diffusing or confusing. These are ideal days to ease up on the throttle, tackle creative projects or solutions, watch out for your blind spots, and respond rather than push.

In the second half of July, Mars in Virgo forced things off the rails. Through most of August, Jupiter—the mobilize-it planet—has added volume. Now, Venus in Libra takes the helm, forming several dynamic aspects with Pluto, Uranus, and Jupiter between Saturday and Tuesday.

Regarding our private-life journey and also the political/social climate, Venus in Libra has two main concerns. First, money or an asset—what’s the cost and who pays for it? Second, the survival or sustainability piece. What or who lives on? Who or what gets cut? Can it continue? Should it?

Tuesday and Wednesday are productive days for working it out, thanks to Mercury in a reasonable dialogue with Saturn and Pluto. Tuesday evening, Mars enters Leo. Through the middle of October, Mars keeps confidence, creativity, and a sense of deserving going strong.

Aries
March 19 - April 19

The next few weeks take you through a more productive, get-at-it-and-improve-it cycle. Organization and efficiency are more easily achieved under the rays of Virgo. Friday/Saturday, get a jump on it and follow your gut instinct, but don’t race to conclusions. Through Monday, the hidden or budding is on hot brew. Tuesday/Wednesday, you’ll piece it together well.

Taurus
April 19 - May 20

What’s not yet obvious will be soon enough. By mid next week, you’ll have moved through plenty. Mercury in Virgo keeps you much quicker on the uptake. The stars put you on a good creative spurt too. Friday and Monday can dish up the unexpected. Don’t take unnecessary risks, but do take the ball and run with it.

Gemini
May 20 - June 20

If you haven’t felt in the mood yet, you will now. Or perhaps it’s necessity that forces you to get at those pesky clean-up projects—yourself included. Either way, use the rest of the month to get on with it. Thursday through Monday reveals what, where, why, and how. Tuesday through next Thursday are your best days to get a handle on it.

Cancer
June 20 - July 22

On Friday/Saturday, you could stumble upon a new solution or a good score, or find yourself heading in a direction you didn’t anticipate. The unexpected can be costly. Enjoy your weekend but play it safe, especially when behind the wheel. Watch for the next few days to offer you more reasons why, or why not. Tuesday/Wednesday sets you onto an improvement or financial upswing.

Leo
July 22 - August 22

Smarter, not harder—you’ll find you have a knack for it now. The sun and Mercury in Virgo help you to make better use of your resources. Friday/Saturday, you’re at the ready, fast with the comebacks, and game for it all. Sunday/­Monday, aim for the shortest route to the goal. Tuesday and Wednesday are productive days regarding work and working it out.

Virgo
August 22 - September 22

If you’ve been seduced by appearances or unwisely talked yourself into something, the next few days could be an eye opener. If, on the other hand, you’ve been working toward your well-being in earnest, the next few days could see a goal or reward take more tangible shape. What/who slips away now simply makes room for something more appropriate.

Libra
September 22 - October 22

Venus in Libra is a busy planet over the weekend and into the first half of next week. Expect one thing or another to keep you motoring along at a good clip. Twists and turns along the way are par for the course. Freedom and independence are your best choice; gift yourself with as much as you can get.

Scorpio
October 22 - November 21

The unplanned or unforeseen keeps you busy Friday/­Saturday. On Sunday, relax, slow down, take the easy way out. Monday’s jump-start gets things rolling in a way you didn’t anticipate. By Tuesday/Wednesday, things are looking good or sounding good. Monday through Wednesday are your best days to talk it up or glam it up. Mars in Leo helps you upgrade your reputation or professional profile.

Sagittarius
November 21 - December 21

What’s sitting on your agenda? It’s time to get at it. As the sun and Mercury make their way through Virgo, you’ll gain better results for your efforts. Unclear or haven’t figured it out yet? Watch for synchronicity or opportunity to point the way. Venus and Mars put you at a creative, financial, or social peak. Friday/Saturday, reward yourself. On Wednesday, make contact.

Capricorn
December 21 - January 20

Friday/Saturday can give you a run for it. Aren’t sure of where you’re heading or how to play it next? Open-ended or on chill is the way to play it through Monday. Progressively, the sun and Mercury in Virgo will help you gain surer footing. Wednesday’s news, conversation, opportunity, or plan is well timed.

Aquarius
January 20 - February 18

Time, money, or good reasoning could slip from your grip over the next few days. While romance can be sweet, know that physical and emotional susceptibility are also at peak through Monday. Friday/Saturday, go for it. Creativity, imagination, and spontaneity deliver the goods and then some. Wednesday/Thursday is optimal for talks, meet-ups, and making plans.

Pisces
February 18 - March 19

Friday/Saturday brings a fresh boost or challenge. The weekend’s indulgences or added expense could blow your budget or good intentions. When the urge strikes, give it a shot. Look beyond appearance, keep it real. Sunday/Monday exposes or reveals more. Creativity is in good flow. The eyes are the window to the soul—and they are also your mirror.