astrologifs

Astrology GIFS for the Week of March 21, 2016

Photo-Illustration: Hubble Telescope, Getty Images

Two weeks after the draining new moon and solar eclipse, we have an invigorating full-moon eclipse on Wednesday. In fact, there’s almost too much happening to report on this week. Spring has definitely sprung and we’re sure to be as lit up as the moon and the resurrected sun. This has its blessings and burdens.

In the blessings column, we can count on the illuminated Libra moon to restore balance to what’s gotten out of whack. It’s a process, however, and no one’s waving some celestial wand that makes stability happen instantly. Rather, the craziness we’ve seen in our politics, relationships, or at work gets put on notice. The arm-wrestling match between broad-minded Jupiter and conservative Saturn on Wednesday conveys a similar message. These two are considered the planetary “grown-ups” and having them at the heavenly table, even to tussle, means that we’ve likely reached a tipping point. We can count on some relief and order coming soon.

However, the big burden is that solid Saturn starts retrograding for five months on Friday. A retrograde planet is one that’s not quite working as it normally should. For Saturn, that means that we’ll have to do a better job of policing ourselves rather than relying on the authority of others. In other words, you’re less likely to receive external validation or permission when you can give it to yourself. Yes, with broad-minded Jupiter and conservative-conscious Saturn together, there’s a chance for more reasonable conversations to take place. Unfortunately, though, Saturn’s retrograde makes it clear that there won’t be a neutral referee to help out. So, we’re on our own, kids, but we have to believe we’ll be okay.

The planetary weather report: Use these guidelines to unlock the stars, not to be locked down by them.

The other blessing for this week rests with luxuriating Venus. Her face-off with jolly Jupiter on Good Friday bodes well for it being a good day for relaxing or recreation if you’re not observing the holiday. Keep your pleasures simple, however, since she also gets in a scrimmage with somber Saturn on the same day.

Read on for your sign’s Sky Code.

Aries (March 21 to April 19)

You might have trouble counting on the knowledge of once-trusted authority figures, including mentors. You might indeed know better than others on a particular issue — and that’s okay, even if it feels a bit scary. You may not have any problem feeling like you know more than your peers, but you shouldn’t shy away from respectfully challenging authorities. Your powers of perception are sharp now, so you are seeing what they possibly find hard to grasp. Take your time explaining your thoughts, and you may find others are more willing to hear you than you’d expect.

Taurus (April 20 to May 20)

Doubt might haunt you this week. Don’t let it. It’s fine to be skeptical or critical of someone’s ideas. However, doubt casts a very different shadow from skepticism. At least when you’re skeptical, you’re not simultaneously interrogating your right to question something. It’s likely that you’re not owning up to some feelings about someone else’s achievements, so you’re side-eyeing your own. You don’t have to become wrapped up in a scarcity panic. There’s enough to go around, and you will surely get your turn.

Gemini  (May 21 to June 20)

You most likely can count on your friends and loved ones to have your back when you’re in trouble. However, you might encounter a new friend or colleague who also comes through when you’re in a bind. This probably happened because you’ve had the audacity to be authentic and fair and he or she recognizes that. Remember that if you’re tempted this week to be petty or to abuse your power over someone who’s been less than loyal. Two wrongs don’t add up to a right — still.

Cancer (June 21 to July 21)

Let the Leos have “Hakuna matata” as their catchphrase, yours is “Delegate.” In order to get yourself or your work to the next level, you can’t be a solo operation. You’ll need to be sure that other folks can step up to the plate when necessary, both at the office and at home. This might be unsettling for those who are used to you fitting snugly in one role while they’re in another. But that’s their problem. Your task is to have the clarity of mind to let go of what’s holding you back.

Leo (July 22 to August 21)

You will likely have to eat your share of humble pie, mostly because you’re not where your ego demands you to be. No worries, because you can and will get there. With steely Saturn moving backward by retrograde, you need to review and rework some of your plans. One starting place might be counterintuitive, initially — chill out. Don’t rush to figure out why you’re not making progress on a goal at the pace you desire. You’re likely attempting to advance something that’s not firmly set up yet.

Virgo (August 22 to September 21)

As you return to center from extending (and perhaps overextending) yourself to others, your mind will likely drift toward getting your finances back on track. It would be best to start with scrutinizing the ways you’re losing money rather than putting pressure on yourself to earn more. For instance, if you tend to go the quick and easy route with your taxes, have a talk with your accountant about what deductions you can claim. You might be leaving behind more ways to save money than you ever would have guessed.

Libra (September 22 to October 21)

All eyes might be on you for keen judgment and decision-making, whether it’s your responsibility to make any calls or not. In fact, initially, you might freak out from the pressure of having to decide anything for anybody, even yourself. However, you’re actually able to look at things more fairly and realistically than most. You don’t have to fall into the trap of deciding anything for anyone if that’s not your job. Your recommendations, on the other hand, have more weight because you likely have considered multiple options and perspectives.

Scorpio (October 22 to November 21)

Although you tend to believe that you’re better off on your own, you could use some help right now, if rightly offered. Throwing just your energy at a problem won’t make it scoot. It’s time to call on the advice of a friend or to join a class or group that can provide structure for achieving your loftier goals. It might require more of an investment of your time and money than you’d like, but the long-term gains for improving your finances and career standing make it worth it.

Sagittarius (November 22 to December 21)

You probably won’t feel on solid footing at the start of the week. Going back to the drawing board is never easy. However, this is where you’ll have to muster up more of your storied enthusiasm for life. Start small, with the little things about what you do that make you swoon. Then before you move on to the BIG ideas, connect to the passion you share with the people involved, including those who might benefit most from the finished product. Over the weekend, keep that softer, more humane touch with the people who matter most in your personal life, too.

Capricorn (December 22 to January 20)

Having faith in what you perhaps think is your destiny or “inevitable” isn’t enough now. It doesn’t matter whether you believe in a higher power or not. What does matter is that you’re in touch with a motivating power (or person) that makes you reach higher. Perhaps you’ve had reason to doubt that faith recently. Connecting more with your home base, whether that’s your actual family or other people who make you feel safe, is what’s going to anchor your ambitions for the rest of the season.

Aquarius (January 21 to February 18)

You’ll have to be more vocal about what you think, and this might sprout some discord between you and some friends or associates. You can do your best to say what you feel as politely as possible, but there’s only so much you can do to sugarcoat the truth. No one likes to deal with tension among those they care about. But you also don’t want to spend time with people who can’t fully accept you as you are.

Pisces (February 19 to March 20) 

Your impulse to ditch work and let off some steam is wiser you might think. You’re attempting to figure out your limits — what you can let drop and what you need to keep rocking steady. You’ve probably been juggling way too many plates. Of course, if you blow off too much, you could wind up messing up a project … or worse. However, the potential benefit is that you might get a better sense of how to properly prioritize your energy. Ultimately, a little laziness can show you how to work smarter.

Samuel F. Reynolds is a professional astrologer in New York City and the founder of the Zodiac Lounge.

GIF reporting by Leah Rodriguez.

Astrology GIFS for the Week of March 21, 2016