Firm up those Christmas travel plans and put all your important communications in writing. And do it quick! This Sunday, messenger Mercury turns retrograde in Sagittarius — the sign that rules travel and uncensored truth — until December 22. Take a deep breath. This news doesn't have to dampen your festive spirit. But to avoid any intergalactic Grinchiness, clear, kind, and compassionate communication is key. Make no assumptions! Did you actually request that extra day off from your boss? Are you sure it's cool with your sister if you crash on her couch? Err on the side of over -communicating, even if you annoy a few people in the process. But here's where we should all censor ourselves until the 22nd: Doling out unsolicited advice and backseat driving (especially on Twitter). Those truth bombs might be spot-on, but timing is so off.
Sunday also features a full moon in Gemini, the sign of #twinning. Pair up for the win this weekend. Two heads, hands, and hearts will be better than one. With this expressive full moon arriving on the wings of Mercury retrograde, Sunday might be the last chance we have for a few weeks to have a productive conversation about a tricky topic. But vibe it out, because it might be better to keep things light or follow social Gemini's lure and seek new friends for our end-of-year playtime.
Sagittarius
November 22 to December 21
You never get a second chance to make a first impression, Sagittarius. So, how do people see you? On Tuesday, an exact alignment of messenger Mercury and ambitious Saturn puts a little extra shine on your public image. Practise your elevator pitch: Can you sum up your strengths in one minute or less? Order sleek new business cards, plan a few perfectly pulled-together meeting outfits, and spring for styling supplies when you can't afford to show up with a messy topknot. You want your visuals to communicate "competent" and "capable" this week, Archer. Think of this as an investment, not a splurge.
Expect the unexpected starting Sunday as communication planet Mercury turns retrograde in Sagittarius until December 22. This is a bit of a double-whammy for your outspoken sign. You may swear you're expressing yourself clearly, so why does it seem like your message isn't landing? So. Frustrating. Even your best-laid plans can go astray due to timing, scheduling, and other people's shenanigans. To keep yourself sane, slow down, scale back, and be flexible about any last-minute changes that may occur. And wait until after the 22nd to make any major debuts or revelations. Sunday's full moon in Gemini, your partnership sign, brings a watershed moment in an important relationship. You can finally put your feelings on the table and figure out the right label or next level for the two of you. Don't recoil if your heart wants more: Commitment, with the right person, can be liberating.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Capricorn
December 22 to January 19
You can forgive and forget, Capricorn — but that doesn't mean you have to stick around and try to rebuild a relationship. On Tuesday, a sombre Mercury-Saturn union in your 12th house of endings could mean parting ways with a former BFF or close confidante. In the wake of a recent meltdown, you may feel hesitant to open up again after being hurt. Listen to that instinct, Capricorn. History can repeat itself. If this person is known for being insincere, protect your heart instead of risking a gut-wrenching second act. Even if you're dealing with a good person, ease back in slowly to honour your feelings.
Starting Sunday, your social butterfly side demands a break as outgoing Mercury turns retrograde in your house of closure until December 22. Hang up your wings and enjoy the rest. This is a time to turn inward instead of pushing ahead. Your hyperkinetic sign rarely unwinds enough to rest deeply, so try to see this three-week "forced slowdown" as a blessing in disguise. Pay attention to your dreams and little signs and omens that may bring things to light. Getting involved in a Christmas charity will be deeply fulfilling for you. And with Sunday's full moon in Gemini and your wellness corner, load up on preventative medicine to keep your immune system thriving. Think: citrus fruits, hot baths, lots of extra sleep. Get back on the workout wagon with some gentle exercise. It will help keep you grounded when family antics kick in.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Aquarius
January 20 to February 18
The best way to put out a fire? Prevent one from happening in the first place, Aquarius. On Tuesday, as expressive Mercury mashes up with strict Saturn in your 11th house of teamwork, brewing group dynamics could approach the boiling point. Don't ignore an obvious problem — even if bringing attention to it makes others uncomfortable. If you don't call it out it now, there could be lasting damage that affects everyone, not just the slacker or disruptor in the bunch.
Back up your data — and think about taking a little time out from social media. (Do you really need to know what your ex is doing for the Christmas holidays?) From Sunday until December 22, Mercury spins retrograde through your communal 11th house and puts all your alliances under the microscope. When you take off the rose-tinted glasses, who are the people who really have your back? This three-week reflection period helps you weed out those faux friends who drain your energy. In the process, you'll open up space for a new squad. Since retrogrades point us toward the past, you could also enjoy some happy reunions with friends from back in the day. On Sunday, the full moon in Gemini gets your heart going pitter-patter. Someone in the pack may be more than just a friend: Don't ignore any warm-fuzzy feelings. If it's not true romance, this could be the spark of a creative collab. Coupled Aquarians could have an exciting announcement to share within two weeks of the full moon.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Pisces
February 19 to March 20
Real talk, Pisces: How would you rate your job satisfaction, on a scale of one to ten? As ambitious Saturn connects to strategic Mercury in your career zone this Tuesday, you may see the need for some minor tweaks — or major changes! Do your days fly by in an energising buzz — or are you constantly stressed or bored as you count down the hours to the weekend? If you're in the latter category, it might be time to start circulating your CV and chatting up contacts at Christmas parties. But don't give up too quickly. This might be an opportunity to learn how to delegate or become better organised.
From Sunday until December 22, communication planet Mercury slips into a signal-scrambling retrograde through your career zone. Choose your battles, because you could butt heads with an authority figure or clash with a colleague. Streamline some end-of-year goals. What absolutely must be done before 2018 and what can wait until after the New Year? If you're stuck on a career plateau, ask a colleague you admire for a little mentorship chat or do a couple sessions with a career coach. And on your lunch breaks, check out books and webinars that bring strategies for success. Sunday's full moon in your home and family zone helps you get real with a relative before you get together for the holidays. Share what's in your heart, but if that's still unclear, sit down with a wise friend beforehand who can help you figure out how to express yourself lovingly.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Aries
March 21 to April 19
You have a point to make, Aries, but have you thought through your argument from every angle? On Tuesday, a powerful alignment of communicative Mercury and masterful Saturn will help you win over hearts and minds... if you have your facts and figures straight. Make your case airtight with supporting stats and studies. People will be eager to debate — and you'll be ready to show them the light. But know your audience, Ram: You may need to tone down some of your bluster. What seems like a spirited discussion to you could land as combative to a more sensitive soul.
On Sunday, Mercury — planet of communication and technology — flips retrograde in Sagittarius and your nomadic ninth house until December 22. To avoid unnecessary stress, double-check your receipts, leave for appointments (and airports) early, and take out travel insurance on any holiday getaways. This is an auspicious time to re-visit old creative projects. What have you cast aside that might be a forgotten treasure, but just needs a little dusting off and fixing up? If you're looking for extra help, Sunday's full moon in Gemini might reveal the perfect partner in crime. Bonus: Looking for a plus-one? They're probably standing in the most obvious place, like right in front of you.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Taurus
April 20 to May 20
Where is "this" all heading, Taurus? On Tuesday, communicator Mercury connects with reflective Saturn in your intimate eighth house and puts your relationships under the microscope. Is your booty call actually looking to have it all? Or maybe an intended short-term fling is really more than just a basic crush. The only way to know is to talk it out. Drum up the courage and you could end up with a long-term love match — or a pass to move on to someone who will give as good as they get. For attached Bulls, serious talks are in the stars: Whether for romance or finance, follow the urge to merge.
On Sunday, it's time to do some emotional housekeeping as messenger Mercury turns retrograde in your intimate eighth house until December 22. Things in your outer world may slow down — or even seem to backslide — but don't get frustrated. This is an opportunity to process some of those intense emotions that have been building up inside. Grab your diary and stay up late talking to wise friends. Once you know where you stand, you can air out those feelings like so much stale dust! Money might be stressing you out, but Sunday's full moon in your finance house boosts your confidence, if not your coffers. You might need to stop picking up the tab when others are slow to reach for the bill at happy hour. You're not being cheap — you're keeping things fair and square. Get ready to represent on the job! News about a Christmas bonus or a promotion could arrive within two weeks of Sunday's full moon.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Gemini
May 21 to June 20
Is it gonna be forever? On Tuesday, expressive Mercury and serious Saturn meet in your partnership house. Concerns could start churning about where a partnership is headed — with a love interest, bandmate, or business connection. Refocus! This doesn't have to go down in flames just because you've hit a point of conflict. Instead of fixating on where things are lacking, think about creative ways to co-create and give each other some room to breathe. Remember that you don't have to be joined at the hip to be a powerful pair.
Do try to get matters of the heart resolved before Sunday! That's when your ruler, communication planet Mercury, turns retrograde in your partnership house for three weeks. For the coming few weeks, certain interactions could feel like an endless game of telephone. Unless you need to express something now, hold off until later in the month. You'll thank yourself after the 22nd, when you've spared yourself the crossed wires and petty squabbles. And don't be surprised if an old flame reappears, since retrogrades rule the past. Go in with eyes wide open — or block that number if all you can see is more trouble. On Sunday, one is your magic number as the annual full moon in Gemini pushes you into the spotlight. Unleash a bit of shameless self-promotion. The brighter you let yourself shine, the easier it will be for the world to see you — and that could open some amazing doors over the coming two weeks!
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Cancer
June 21 to July 22
Load up on fluids and get plenty of rest. There's no better prescription than preventative medicine, Cancer — a reminder you'll get this Tuesday as mindful Mercury and cautious Saturn connect in your sixth house of self-care. And don't be laissez-faire about that muscle you pulled at the gym or a lingering sniffle. Schedule a massage or pop into the urgent care clinic to get it handled. Exercise is another great immunity booster. We know you're racing against the clock to wrap up 2017 duties, but trust us — those workouts will bring oxygen to your brain, making your thinking clearer and your days more productive.
Don't get caught spinning your wheels after Saturday when communicator Mercury turns retrograde in your work and wellness house until December 22. Mercury's backslide is yet another signal to slow down and make healthy living a top priority. You can forget where your limits lie, Cancer, but this forced retreat may be just what the doctor ordered to give you the R+R you need (but seldom take). Stay super organised on the job, because Mercury's backspin can put the devil in the details. Deploy some lifehacks, but remember: Not every task can run on auto-pilot. Triple check your work and touch base with teammates to make sure you're on top of all your deliverables. Sunday's full moon in Gemini helps you open up more space in your schedule. What can you let go of before 2017 is through? Remove at least one stressful, and ultimately unnecessary, obligation from your calendar and reclaim your time.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Leo
July 23 to August 22
Have you raised the bar a little too high there, Leo? Nothing wrong with being ambitious as you tear through those end-of-year goals. But this week's planets remind you that, despite your fierce lion's roar, you're still human. If you've been burning the candle at both ends, you could hit the exhaustion point. Assess your commitments: What can you scale back on or save for 2018? Go let your hair down with friends and have a cup of cheer. If you don't spend some time refuelling, you're going to need a major rest instead of a minor pit stop.
On Sunday, communication planet Mercury turns retrograde in Sagittarius and your fifth house of love and self-expression. You're a born romantic, but this forced reflection could provide you with answers from your past. What do you need to deal with before you can move on or really open your heart? You might need to make a "no contact" rule with an ex instead of trying to be friends and getting your feelings hurt (over and over again). Of course, with Mercury in reverse, an old flame could pop up under the mistletoe. Think very carefully before offering a second chance. In a relationship? Your romantic ride could hit a speed bump — which would indicate things you've swept under the carpet need to be dealt with, like, now. Don't resist: You could wind up in a much stronger place by the 22nd, when the retrograde ends. But take a breather from heavy interactions on Sunday and go where the people are! The full moon in Gemini and your free-spirited 11th house sets the stage for a memorable group hang with friends who love it when you do you.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Virgo
August 23 to September 22
Can't fight those feels any longer? You don't have to, Virgo, so stop trying. On Tuesday, mental Mercury and serious Saturn connect in your emo fourth house. What have you been bottling up? Alas, your favourite "Slay the Day" coffee mug or positive mantra Insta-feed won't do the trick. To get closure, you have to experience the full spectrum of emotions — and that includes anger and sadness. These feelings are important messengers, revealing what you're "so over" and what you need to leave behind as 2017 winds down. Ritualise this: Set aside an evening just for writing a diary, scream into a pillow, or have a purifying long cry in the shower. The sooner you deal, the sooner you'll heal.
Family: Is it the source of your greatest comfort — or just another "f word?" You may find yourself wondering starting Sunday, as communication planet Mercury turns retrograde in your domestic fourth house until December 22. Dealings with relatives — especially female ones — could be tense, which might give you second thoughts about your Christmas plans. The silver lining? This could be a key opportunity to resolve the feud before everyone gathers in celebration. If you're racing against the clock to finish an end-of-year project, Sunday's full moon in your career zone reminds you that you're the boss. Own it! Delegate some of the duties, and if you can't afford to hire assistance, try the barter system — or call in some favours.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Libra
September 23 to October 22
Early this week, it may be wiser to listen than to speak. As sober Saturn meets up with expressive Mercury on Tuesday, your words could come out the wrong way — no matter how carefully you rehearse your speech! Plus, there's something you still need to hear, Libra. Ask questions first. And while you may, indeed, have something serious to express, think twice before you put it in writing. A face-to-face discussion, where you can make eye contact and detect actual emotions, is the only way to go this week.
Also: How many combinations of capital letters, numbers, and symbols can you remember, Libra? Change old passwords before Sunday when Mercury flips retrograde until December 22. This time, the messenger planet backspins through your communication zone, which could put your sensitive data at risk. Protect your devices with an access code, and make extra certain to sign out of email and social accounts on public computers for the rest of the month. If you're going to upgrade to the iPhone X, hit the mobile store before Sunday. On Sunday, the full moon in Gemini activates your wanderlust. Although Mercury retro isn't the optimal time to book travel, you could get plans in motion for your 2018 winter break and then buy the tix after the 22nd. (Or just book with extreme care.) Thinking about some long-lost, long-distance connections? Ping your pal in Cape Town and your amiga in Argentina. Her couch awaits...
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Scorpio
October 23 to November 21
Hide your piggy bank on that high shelf, Scorpio. As impulsive Mercury and stern Saturn meet up in your money zone this Tuesday, you'll need to be more mindful with your moolah. Retail therapy can be a rewarding short-term fix — we so get it! But this cosmic combo is a reminder to save up your hard-earned cash for a more substantial purchase. Tuesday is a stellar day to make a splash on the job, even stepping into a leadership role where you see an opening. What achievements do you want to showcase? Don't be shy about tooting your own horn in the name of your Christmas bonus!
On Sunday, Mercury turns retrograde in Sagittarius, bamboozling your second house of work and finances until December 22. Things could get a little scattered as you wrap up those 2017 to-do's. Misunderstandings could crop up with coworkers, no matter how clear you think you're being. If something's important, put it in writing to keep a paper trail — and proofread a couple drafts before you press "send." And, once again, be super vigilant with spending. Make a list and check it twice before you do your Christmas shopping. One carefully curated gift can have a bigger impact than three random ones. Sunday's sultry full moon could bring an attraction that's been brewing to the boiling point. It's all or nothing here, so you'll need to decide which direction is best for you over the coming two weeks.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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