astrologifs

Astrology GIFs for the Week of June 6, 2016

Photo-Illustration: Photos by Getty Images, Hubble Telescope

The iconic Sun and lover-girl Venus find their way into conjugal bliss right at the top of the week. Traditionally, this superior conjunction between the two means that Venus leaps into the bosom of the Sun to be reborn a few weeks later in the night sky as a calmer evening star.

For us, this is a moment to refresh our own powers of connection and attraction. Like Venus, we can soak up the Sun’s radiance to shine more, whether that comes through pushing ourselves a little harder at the gym or planning a revitalizing and romantic getaway.

Unfortunately, it’s not all peaches and cream since Thursday there’s a touchy face-off between fast-moving Mercury and prickly Mars. Think twice before you respond to that incendiary Facebook post or answer an annoying work email. However, the upside of this feud is that it initiates action on plans or discussions left over from last month.

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

Overall, the first-quarter moon has enough kick to provide momentum for projects or relationships that need it. Although the Mercury-Mars snafu requires us to slow our roll, there’s no reason why we shouldn’t shift into high gear after. The rebirth of Venus smooths out the jerkiness of the swing, fortunately.

Read on for your sign’s Sky Code.

Gemini  (May 21 to June 20)

Although you lose some of the playfulness you’ve felt recently, you don’t have to fear losing your vim and vigor. Perhaps the hardest part will be figuring out how to best use it, especially at work. You’re more likely to fidget a lot or fuss with things, mostly with the excuse that you’re fixing something. That can be true if you find something truly worth fixing, like addressing a balance sheet that’s way off or cleaning a fridge full of rotting takeout. Look for something to do that’s worthy of your extra energy.

Cancer (June 21 to July 21)

In some cities, whenever a company builds an eyesore skyscraper, it also has to commission a public-art project. A similar policy should exist for you whenever you complain. Your issue might be fair and accurate, but you’d also do well to do or say something that adds beauty or creativity to the mix. This is mostly to keep your spirits up. A buildup of carping during the week might leave you restless and on edge by the weekend. Keeping your energy balanced will smooth the edges and help you find the wherewithal to tackle more constructive, yet relaxing, tasks.

Leo (July 22 to August 21)

One oft-ignored aspect of your sign’s powers is that you can be extremely rational, with a low tolerance for BS. Like the Sun, your sign’s ruler, your light is no fan of anybody’s preference for shadiness. You will likely do a good job of reminding folks of that! However, you can reveal your truth in the spirit of drama or love. Drama promises flashy excitement and demonstrates your power. However, love readily gives that power to another and quiets excitement to foster long-lasting intimacy. Shine in a way that reflects what you want in your life.

Virgo (August 22 to September 21)

Embrace your work as if you’re a great artist, regardless of your current occupation. Your attention to detail allows you to successfully wed inspiration and intuition with genuine creativity, even if you’re only color-coding your Google Docs. Shift gears after Thursday to put less emphasis on the inspiration and more on perspiration, whether that’s to work out issues at the office or to practice your right hook in a boxing class. Avoid giving critical feedback as you might deliver it with more edge than you intend.

Libra (September 22 to October 21)

If you need to make an important purchase and you haven’t done your research, it’s time to start. Being an informed consumer will make it easier to come to a decision. You’ll have a better chance of trimming down your choices after Thursday. Then use the moon’s waxing power to negotiate a sweeter deal and fuss over the details. Haggle if you can, and don’t be shy about it. If you do it with grace and style, you might not only have fun, but also walk away feeling like everyone’s gotten a fair bargain.

Scorpio (October 22 to November 21)

If you keep a cool head, you have a better chance of saving some money or scoring a deal. You’re restructuring your overall financial picture, but that kind of activity is more of a character builder than it appears on the surface. You want to be disciplined, and that’s about more than just increasing your pay or reducing your debt. You have to listen to your inner voice without becoming too swept up by your fears. It’s about finding a graceful balance between your changeable passions and your daily reality.

Sagittarius (November 22 to December 21)

You have a strong need to please and raise the spirits of others. However, you might try too hard. So if you see a joke doesn’t land the first time, don’t feel obligated to rework it or, worse, explain it to smooth things over. Move on to something else and ask, if you’re unsure, how you could help someone out of his or her doldrums. You’re likely more suited for that than you think, once you know what needs to be done. Unfortunately, that’s the hard part.

Capricorn (December 22 to January 20)

You might like to think that work is the cure for all ills, but it’s really not. Focus on making new connections rather than keeping your nose to the grindstone. It will probably lead to clearer thinking about your relationship to everything in your professional life — from co-workers and clients to how your office space affects your overall mood. They say it’s not what you know, but whom you know. That’s only half right, when it’s even true at all. It’s about how the “whom” and the “what” blend, not either/or.

Aquarius (January 21 to February 18)

You might be lulled into thinking that work and fun are polar opposites. That’s a false dichotomy on so many levels. First, you’re likely to find fun tidbits in your work, whether that’s learning interesting things about colleagues or adding your own creative elements to a new project. You also have to remember to create fun outside your work life. Pleasure can fuel your professional life and vice-versa. However, if you go out for a purely romantic or social outing, it’s okay to leave the work for later, especially this weekend.

Pisces (February 19 to March 20) 

You’re likely to feel a pull toward greater comfort and security, but that doesn’t mean you have to shutter the windows and crawl under the covers. A creative project or entertaining close friends at home will bring fresh energy into your environment and create treasure troves of pleasure and familiarity. This leads to the confidence you need to extend your reach during next week’s second Sagittarius full moon of the season. Think of this as a week to plant your feet firmly on the ground before you leap higher and farther.

Aries (March 21 to April 19)

Your nerves might still be pretty raw from last week, though you also have a strong desire to connect and be social. This might require you to be highly selective about your hangout companions. Choose those who know you well and with whom you can let loose without apology or caveat. Shopping might also be an area where your patience could be short. Better to get it out of the way before Thursday’s match between sharp-tongued Mercury and belligerent Mars. Otherwise, you might end up spending more energy than money.

Taurus (April 20 to May 21)

Your ability to earn more cash is enhanced with this week’s “superior” conjunction between money-magnet Venus and the illustrious Sun. Perhaps your first impulse would be to blow through some dollars, especially on something that’s very tantalizing. You might even feel pressure to do so from a dear friend or significant other. Hold off on splurging, as you’re likely to draw a better deal during next week’s full moon. Explore your options rather than take off with the first thing you see.

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 June 6, 2016