For All Signs: From January through mid-July, we have a series of retrogrades that impede general progress. It feels almost like the cosmos is playing some sort of joke. From Dec. 21, 2013 until Jan. 30, 2014 we had Venus, goddess of love, retrograde. Then Feb. 6 brought us a new Mercury retrograde that continues through Feb. 28. Mars turns retrograde March 1 through May 19. We must consider the pre-shadow and after-shadow energies that are felt as each planet slows to its point of turning in the opposite direction. The whole thing makes me think of our stymied Congress. Every potential move forward is met by an opposing force. An amusing cosmic joke of the first order might occur in which Congress somehow moves forward and makes progress with all these retrogrades. Wouldn't that be a kick?
Aries: This is a goal-oriented week and you may feel some underlying anxiety about outcomes. Maybe a shallow case of nervous jitters will be helpful. The truth is that both the Sun and Mercury (retrograding) are on your side and will help you to meet new people, as well as improve on current relationships.
Taurus: You have been through a whirlwind of intensity. That takes energy, whether or not it appears so. Take a break. You need a breather. Don't allow yourself to be drawn back into the fray. Declare your independence (at least for now).
Gemini: Mercury has moved backward into Aquarius for a four-week stint. Interests in publishing, the law, philosophy and travel may resurface in your life for a time. As is often the case with Mercury, you may be required to perform a "re-do" in any of these areas.
Cancer: You are in a jovial mood, but take care that you don't promise way beyond what you can deliver. Circumstances will flow favorably between you and your children or a lover. Follow the yellow brick road for the present. It is leading you in the right direction.
Leo: Your attitude of peace will make all the difference in a major change occurring in your job and/or physical health. You can smooth a potential disaster into a simple problem to be solved so long as everyone cooperates.
Virgo: You need to go back and start over with good health routines. Clean out old paper accumulations — you know, the stacks of stuff that you never seem to get finished. It will clear your mind.
Libra: New Year's resolutions concerning health and fitness are going well. Keep it up! You will prevail in almost any competition. This is a good time to make adjustments in your life routines.
Scorpio: Give special attention to intuitive hunches this week, particularly if they seem to fall into your mind unbidden. Try to distinguish between true intuition (knowing without obvious cause) and the wishes or wants of your small ego self. Be still and listen to your thoughts carefully.
Sagittarius: This is a time in which your exuberance and enthusiasm may carry you farther than you really intended to go. You will certainly have more energy to do whatever you choose, but take care that you don't promise way more than you can deliver. Your warm and generous heart will have a heyday.
Capricorn: This week, a seemingly minor situation enters your picture and may cause something akin to a meltdown. Of course, you will hide it because you can't allow others to see you out of control. Take a couple of mental health days. You are overcooked.
Aquarius: You may be surprised to find that your attitude toward a purchase you have been considering has changed. Somehow you begin to see through your practical mind. It was the idealistic dreamer in you that was drawn toward it in the first place. Let it go for now.
Pisces: During this week, your creative mind is really active. Do what you can to concentrate on producing this artistic work. It can be in any type of media, such as writing, drawing, painting, poetry and/or music. Don't put your product or yourself down. You have a knack for dipping into the collective unconscious.
Are you interested in a personal horoscope? Vivian Carol may be reached at 704-366-3777 for private psychotherapy or astrology appointments. (There is a fee for services.) www.horoscopesbyvivian.com.
