FEATURE — Just ahead of a truly transformative week, this week begins with both Mars and Mercury changing signs.

While Mars has been in lockstep with Venus in recent weeks, it is now gaining distance and will enter the sign of Virgo on Monday at 5:40 a.m. MDT, where it will stay until Aug. 27.

Mars, the planet of drive, ambition and passion, energizes the sign it which it transits. In Virgo, an Earth sign ruled by Mercury and known for its reserved, industrious and analytical perspective, Mars boosts skills of refinement and precision. Self-discipline becomes easier and we are more likely to feel a desire to serve others and take pride in our work.

Just a few hours after Mars enters Virgo on Monday, it will form a harmonious aspect with the North Node in Taurus at zero degrees. This brings a major boost of stamina and determination to accomplish whatever lies on the immediate road ahead.

With the karmic North Node of the moon on the brink of leaving Taurus, this week is likely to serve as a launching ramp for the determined, pioneering spirit of Aries to take the wheel and steer us toward our destinies in a new 18-month cycle. Find out what this means for your sign in next week’s forecast.

Also changing signs on Monday is Mercury, which will enter Leo at 10:11 p.m. MDT for an approximate 2 1/2-week stay. Mercury in Leo ignites perspective with an increased exuberance and confidence. Focus zeroes in on goals, and we can be more persuasive and fixed in our opinion at this time.

However, shortly before Mercury enters Leo, it will stand in opposition to Pluto, which could prompt a battle of ideas, either internally with oneself or externally with another. This marks a great time for deep research or uncovering secrets. Be mindful of anyone trying to persuade you at this time; they might not have your best interest at heart.

So what does all of this mean for you? Find out below.

Aries
March 21-April 19

With your ruling planet Mars now entering your sixth house of health, work and your daily routine, this is a time when your workload may speed up and take center stage until the end of August, dear Aries. While your ability to pour your focus into your work increases, make sure you don’t neglect your health. Find a healthy outlet to express frustrations with co-workers or a project during this time. This also is a great time to start a new goal related to health, and you are likely to enjoy exercise more than normal.

As a shorter influence, Mercury’s move into your fifth house will have you thinking more creatively and will allow you to share your ideas in a clear and persuasive manner. Your hunger for mental stimulation is pronounced, and you may be drawn back to old hobbies. Already a natural risk-taker, Mercury in the fifth will bring a boost of confidence to any new ideas you’re bringing to the table.

Taurus
April 20-May 20

With Mars now entering your fifth house of creative self-expression, this is likely to be a uniquely inspiring time for you, dear Taurus. You have more energy now to devote to hobbies, romantic partnerships and children. Yet, since this is the house of fun, you may be more inclined to play than to see projects through to completion. Be mindful of spending or gambling, as this transit could influence you to go overboard.

As a shorter influence, Mercury will be transiting a part of the sky that for you deals with home, inner security and the past. Your power to concentrate and remember will be on high during this time, and you may find that you are thinking about home renovations or ways to make money at home. If you’ve been needing to have a heart-to-heart talk with a loved one, this is a good time to do it.

Gemini
May 21–June 20

This week should bring a change of perspective, as your ruling planet Mercury is entering your third house of communication, short-distance travel and learning, dear Gemini. Mercury is at home in the third house, which also is the house of Gemini. As such, the rest of the month should have you feeling more like yourself than you have in some time. You are more quick-witted and busier at this time, and your way with words shines through.

In the longer term, Mars is entering a foundational part of your sky that rules domestic affairs, family and inner security. Energy abounds on the home front, and you are determined to increase a feeling of security. You are more protective over your possessions now. There could be a tendency for past frustrations to surface, and it would be wise to let some of it rest in peace. Instead, fuel this energy toward home-related projects, and you may surprise yourself with how much you are able to get done.

Cancer
June 21–July 22

With Mars now entering your third house of communication, short-distance travel and learning, you are likely to feel a little more extroverted over the next two months, dear Cancer. This marks a good time to sell ideas, as you have an increased talent for articulating ideas during this transit. Intellectual pursuits are handled with more precision and focus. Mars in the third could also provoke some impatience, especially on the road. You may also feel a little more reactive than responsive. It’s a good time to take a step back.

With Mercury now in your second house until the end of July, financial issues are coming under the microscope. Use this time to take stock of your cash flow and consider how you might refine it. This could mean creating a budget or ending subscriptions you are no longer using. Communication could bring forth financial gain.

Leo
July 23–August 22

Mars is now leaving your sign and entering your second house of values, making the next few months a great time to earn extra cash, dear Leo. You are feeling energized now to take control of your finances and possessions. Just be careful not to over-identify with material possessions, as there could be a tendency to calculate self-worth through a monetary lens. Frustration could arise over shared resources. Not a good time to use a credit card, as you are likely feeling a bit more impulsive.

Through the end of July, Mercury will be in your sign, which offers brilliant clarity to issues you may have been turning in your mind since June. You have a way with words and could feel like you are able to speak things into existence. And though this transit could have you living in the head, you will be drawn to strike up conversations with friends and neighbors. Pay attention to what you are picking up from your environment, as your power of perception is at its peak.

Virgo
Aug. 23–Sept. 22

With your ruling planet Mercury now in your 12th house, this is a time to work behind the scenes on creative projects that deeply draw from the imagination, dear Virgo. While this is a time when you are less able to freely express yourself, you are feeling a deeper connection to a higher power and may even receive downloads from the beyond. Meditation could be especially beneficial. Be careful of anything to do with secrets, as something could be exposed now. You may require more solitude and silence during this period.

As a longer-term influence, Mars is now slipping into your sign, which is pushing you to stand your ground more than usual. Until Mercury moves into your sign at the end of July, you may be feeling an inner tug-of-war between wanting to retreat and asserting yourself in some area of life. It may be wise to wait until the end of the month before pushing ahead with plans or projects. Mars in the first house can indicate a tendency toward combativeness. It’s best to funnel this energy into personal passion projects.

Libra
Sept. 23–Oct. 22

With Mars now entering your 12th house of imagination and spirituality, your energy is turning inward, dear Libra. This is a time for reflection on goals, rather than attempting to push forward. You may feel a slight dip in energy or could experience some insomnia. Your subconscious mind is likely to feel hyperactive, making it a supreme time to keep a journal of ideas or dreams that emerge now, as they could point the way to a new project. If you’re feeling the need to rest, do not deny yourself.

As a shorter-term influence, Mercury will transit your 11th house of friendships and future endeavors. Mentally, you may feel at odds through the end of July due to Mars pushing you to retreat. However, this duo of energies may indicate that time with friends offers a feeling of rejuvenation and is exactly what you need on a mental and spiritual level.

Scorpio
Oct. 23–Nov. 21

With your ancient ruling planet Mars now shifting into your 11th house, areas of life related to friendships and future dreams are being energized, dear Scorpio. Collaborative efforts are put under the limelight now, and you are likely to lead rather than follow. This is a time for teamwork and you may feel drawn to humanitarian projects or serving others. You could become involved with a group or associate who helps you take the next step toward what you consider a dream.

Coinciding with this Martian energy in the short term is Mercury transiting your 10th house of career and public status, which further focuses you on the larger picture of your life’s mission. You are able to articulate your ideas to authority figures with precision. You are less inclined to engage in frivolous activities. Your mind is on achievement and accomplishing major goals.

Sagittarius
Nov. 22–Dec. 21

With Mars now stepping into your 10th house of career and public status, these late months of summer will be pushing you to take action on your goals, dear Sagittarius. Whether this is taking the next step in your career, receiving a promotion or initiating a new project, you will be pouring energy into your highest aims. A powerful time for self-employment or starting a business.

In the short term, Mercury is moving into a part of the sky that for you deals with beliefs, long-distance travel and your philosophical approach toward life. From now until the end of July, you are wanting to look at the big picture and will have scattered attention when it comes to the mundane. Your mental activity chases after what feels new, bringing out your adventurous, free-spirited nature.

Capricorn
Dec. 22–Jan. 19

With Mars now entering your ninth house, you are feeling energized in matters related to the broad outlook on life and long-distance travel, dear Capricorn. Up until the end of August, you have a taste for adventure and exploration. This influence sweeps in to break up any recent stagnancy and reawaken your curiosity for the unknown. This is a time to be bold and is beneficial for gaining higher education or reaching a wider audience. Be mindful of being overly opinionated during this transit.

Alongside this energy in the short term is Mercury transiting your eighth house of transformation and joint resources. You are more intuitive now, and it’s a good time to create a budget or develop a savings plan. Your thinking is drawn toward depth and deep research that burrows far below the surface. Likewise, you are more open to conversations that deal with intimacy.

Aquarius
Jan. 20–Feb. 18

With Mars now entering your eighth house, your energy is being redirected toward matters of joint finances, intimacy and self-empowerment, dear Aquarius. On the psychological level, this shift could intensify a draw toward uncovering life’s mystery. Some conflicts with a partner over shared resources or values could surface now. In some cases, this could indicate a time of endings or a deepening of intimacy. You are feeling energized to grow passive sources of income rooted in your talents.

In the shorter term and coinciding with this energy is Mercury entering your seventh house of partnership, which may come as a relief as you are more able to understand another person’s motives at this time. As such, this allows you to communicate in a more receptive way. You are more diplomatic and cooperative now.

Pisces
Feb. 19 – March 20

With Mars now entering your seventh house, your one-on-one partnerships are being put on the front burner, dear Pisces. Cooperation and collaboration are favored during this time, and you may find a reignition of romance with your beloved. It’s important to call on help from those you love if and when you need it. In other words, this is a time to voice your needs. Due to this vibrancy of energy, conflicts and resolutions are likely, and it’s better to attempt a responsive approach, as Mars can push us to be reactive.

Coinciding with this energy in the short term is Mercury entering your sixth house of health, service and daily routine. As the natural house for Mercury, this is a supremely beneficial placement that allows you to clear up the clutter of your life. Your thinking is more analytical and logical now, which allows you a reprieve from emotional dwelling. You are inclined toward refining your skills and checking off your to-do list.

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For a more specific outlook, read the forecasts for both your sun and rising signs. If you do not know your rising sign, use this online calculator.

It’s important to remember that astrology forecasts are not meant to be fatalistic. Rather they offer a window into current energetic influences, so we may work with them and help foster a more wise and loving spirit.

Ed. note: This information is composed by St. George News editorial staff for entertainment purposes only.

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