For All Signs: Mercury, ruler of business, communications, and everyday routines, will turn retrograde on August 12, 2017. The pre-shadow period began on July 24, 2017. Prior to the exact retrograde, Mercury gives the appearance of slowing its motion before becoming retrograde. Then the more obvious retrograde period appears to last about 3.5 weeks. Following the point that Mercury turns direct, there are still 2.5 weeks for the planet to catch up to its normal speed and position at the time it began decelerating. The truth of the matter is that the Mercury retrograde period has an additional 2.5 weeks on either side. Think of yourself as an astronomer, plotting Mercury’s normal forward position. Then you see it slowing to a point of changing backward. After it travels retrograde, then it slows to make a turn forward to retrace its steps (aftershadow). Mercury requires about 2.5 more weeks to return to its natural speed. The whole process requires a little more than 8 weeks.
Aries: You have enough energy to spare. Apply heavy muscle to exercise or a chore that needs to be done. Otherwise you may become snappy and are liable to pick a fight. Work with those who share your rhythm this week, or you may say things that you’ll wish you had not. We each have our own drumbeat and yours is no better or worse than anyone else’s.
Taurus: Your romantic side is cooperating well at this time with your nurturing side. This is especially good for female friendships. Make a date for lunch and reconnect with people you like. Communion with others will be pleasurable. Your heart will smile at the warm, fuzzy feelings.
Gemini: Your focus shifts to matters of home, hearth, and family. Things of the past may float up in your mind for reflection. If this occurs, ask yourself what you learned from the former experience. It probably would help you now. Family concerns may occupy your attention.
Cancer: Venus enters your sign this week and will be traveling “with you” through August 26, 2017. Her presence gives you an air of poise and people will simply like how you look. You may become interested in your personal appearance and make improvements in how you are seen. This is the time to try out new glasses, clothing and hair styles.
Leo the Lion: (July 22–Aug 22) The sun returns “home” to your sign this week. You likely will find it to be energizing. Now is the time to focus on new plans for this next year of your life. Take a fresh look at where you want to direct your energy. Don’t press your luck in the arenas of relationship(s). Maintain yourself within appropriate boundaries.
Virgo: Mercury travels slowly through your sign between now and the end of September. It will be going through its retrograde cycle before it moves along. Take care with any decision of importance because you likely will find reason to change your mind. New information keeps popping up to alter your direction. See the lead paragraph for more information.
Libra: This is a good time to experience a new type of activity with your lover or partner. Go somewhere different together. Make an effort to try out new restaurants or change the usual environment while you are together. Don’t just sit and watch TV, particularly if that is what you usually do. Go play!
Scorpio: Your energy is running high early in the week. You may want to demonstrate your skills and talents to others. Try to manage this without major display of ego. Avoid losing your temper lest you suffer the consequences. An authority figure might want to bring you down by the end of the week.
Sagittarius: You are working very hard to give birth to a child or a creative enterprise. The timing feels crucial. Only long-term persistence will yield results, so it is best to assess whether you have the will and the support to accomplish your goal. (Gamblers beware: Pay off your debts or things will go poorly for you.)
Capricorn: Changes may be occurring in your primary relationship. One or the other of you is probably trying to hang onto what is familiar. Changes and growth must be allowed to happen or the relationship will become stale. Let things flow naturally. Don’t jump to conclusions or make problems bigger than they are in the name of control.
Aquarius: You may be under pressure to follow through and display work that you have been doing since last fall. There is also a sense in which you have become bored with the project. Return mentally to the place you started to re-ignite your passion. This is probably not the best time to quit.
Pisces: You would be happy to take the first flight to Tahiti and never bat an eye over it. Short of that, you may be taking small mental breaks this week, with lots of daydreaming and drifting.
Make notes about those things you need to remember. The brain fog might drown out worthwhile information.
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. Website: http//www.horoscopesbyvivian.com
