To meet the objective or get the message across calls for more than the usual effort thanks to Mars in opposition to Saturn on Thursday. By Friday, the Aries moon has a clearer shot; the day is built for better speed. I suspect many of us will have already signed off on the workweek.

At peak on Saturday but keeping us well covered for the long weekend, Venus trine Neptune sets a delightful backdrop for sailing, romance, a spiritual retreat, and/or for enjoying your pleasure. Check out movies, clubs, the music or arts scenes, or relax right where you are. Creativity and inspired moments are also on ready tap. Sunday’s new moon in Taurus continues the easygoing pace.

Victoria Day marks the start of Mercury retrograde (6:50 p.m. PDT). Lasting to June 11, the Murphy’s law cycle occurs in the sign of Gemini this time. The typical targets are where this one aims: communications, information, news sources, media, paperwork, commerce, trading, and transportation. Mercury retrograde can also produce labour strikes; surprise repairs or added expenses; or price, fee, interest rate, or market fluctuations. Plans change; minds do too. Reconnecting with people and places is a fun part of the cycle. If a conflict arises with a friend, sibling, agent, or other key person, it is because things need to be said. Part of the problem with this Mercury retrograde can be attributed to selective intake of information, omissions, opinion versus or mixed with fact, shutting down, or tuning out.

Aries
March 20 - April 20

It’ll smooth out as of Friday. Venus/Neptune and Sunday’s new moon can produce a refreshing change-of-pace weekend. Monday night could cause confusion or dissipation. Just when you think that you are on the move-along with a plan, idea, or conversation, Mercury retrograde produces a glitch. A revision or backtrack could help you to pick up what you missed previously.

Taurus
April 20 - May 21

Payday or not, you are over the crunch as of Friday. The Aries moon makes for a faster, more natural move-it-along. It’s a weekend to relax, enjoy, and take it as it comes. Saturday’s Venus/Neptune and Sunday’s new moon in Taurus set the dial on romance and pleasurable pursuits. Keep open-ended Monday. Mercury retrograde could bring a change of mind, heart, or plans.

Gemini
May 21 - June 21

Thursday calls for an extra push. By Friday you’re through the turnstile and feeling good about it. Venus/Neptune makes for a much lighter feel through Saturday. Pleasure comes in all sizes. Romance and/or a great escape top the list. Monday, take time out for a personal catch-up. Stay alert, retrace your steps, conversations, or thinking. You could forget to do something.

Cancer
June 21 - July 22

It can take some added pondering or patience to work it out, but keep at it Thursday/Friday and it’ll lead you toward a fresh or new direction. Venus trine Neptune makes for a feeling-mighty-fine Saturday. Easygoing is the best way to play it through Monday. Once Mercury turns retrograde, you can feel less clear about plans or people. Don’t overlook details or signals.

Leo
July 22 - August 23

By Friday it’s out of the way or it’s getting there. The weekend is built for comfort, not for effort. Although Monday can come and go without too much to report, Mercury retrograde begins. Don’t assume you are on the same page or that things will go as expected. Unexpected changes, expenses, or complications are typical of the cycle. Reconnections are the fun part.

Virgo
August 23 - September 23

What’s coming along easily and what’s not? Should you stay, stick with it, or go? There are pros, cons, and extras to consider. Thursday urges or forces you to work through it. Friday speeds up the process. Coast, enjoy, indulge, and give yourself permission this weekend. Mercury retrograde, starting Monday night, can produce delay or second-guessing. A rethink will lead to a clearer perspective.

Libra
September 23 - October 23

If you can’t figure it out, let circumstances play it out. Thursday’s Mars/Saturn and Mercury’s retrograde cycle, starting Monday night, aim to do just that. If there isn’t enough substance or worth in it to make the grade, it’ll be a no-go. Sandwiched between these two transits, Saturday’s Venus/Neptune sets you up for an easy, peaceful, and/or soothing go of it this weekend.

Scorpio
October 23 - November 22

Past Thursday, you’re on the upswing. Friday’s a full-steam-ahead, get-on-it day. Treat yourself to the spa or just hang out right where you are; you should have no problem getting full value out of this relax and unwind weekend. While Mercury is retrograde, keep tabs on your talk. Have another look-see and watch for a missing blank to fill itself in.

Sagittarius
November 22 - December 21

You could feel pushed or feel the need to exert more force, but to your advantage, Mars/Saturn also helps you cut to the chase. Friday, strike while it’s hot. Take charge, make them love you, make them want you. Cozy up with family or the one you love this weekend. One way or another, Mercury retrograde, starting Monday night, puts you back in touch.

Capricorn
December 21 - January 20

Thursday can produce frustration regarding work, repairs, or a health issue, but Friday’s stars offer fresh respite. Sympathy and comfort are on ready tap. Movies, music, or time spent with a friend or one you love can be a great healing balm this weekend. Starting Monday evening, Mercury retrograde can derail you again.

Aquarius
January 20 - February 18

When the rationale doesn’t cut it, let the feel of it provide your best compass point. By Friday, the work runs smoother; problem-solving is a breeze and most activities should move along well. Home’s the place to be this weekend. Mercury retrograde, starting Monday, can toy with communications or plans. The cycle is one of mixed messages.

Pisces
February 18 - March 20

By Friday, the pressure lifts and the brakes come off. Venus trine Neptune sets you up for a romantic, peaceful, or indulge-yourself weekend. Quality family time is also rewarding. Starting Monday night, Mercury retrograde will keep you busy with family, home, visitors, or home moves. Expenses and repair bills can add up.