Hey, hey! August is off to an ambitious start, astrologically speaking. And a certain Jenner sister already launched her Kyshadow Kit, like, a week ago.
But no need to develop entrepreneurial inadequacy. (Repeat after us: "When I compare, I despair.") Instead, lean in to motivator Mars. From Tuesday until September 27, the planet of drive and motivation cruises through Sagittarius, driving up our venturesome instincts. Get rolling on your business plan or enroll in specialized training to lock down bankable skills. Sagittarius is the global traveler of the zodiac, and this Mars cycle could spur an international adventure. Oh, the places you could go...
Also on Tuesday, 2016's only new moon in Leo brings even more #fire. But sorry, the meek shall not inherit the Earth this week. Nope, with a theatrical Leo moon electrifying the skies, the showponies and entertainers will slay. This is a new moon, though, so huge results aren't bound to show up overnight. These lunar beams encourage us to develop our hidden talents and share the ones we've been quietly rehearsing with the world. Or, just get started on a creative path like learning some chords on the guitar. Be daring with your style; make the first move on a date. Fierceness will light the way to good fortune.
It all gets a bit tamer on Friday, when amorous Venus flutters into virtuous Virgo until August 29. Forget PDA or getting lit so you can declare your sloppy sentiment! Keep a privacy policy in place, because the magic is more modest now...on the surface, at least. (Visualize Virgo Beyoncé closing that partition.) Love affairs will require more structure and stability with Venus here. Hash out labels — or agree not to label things. Analyzing the romance can be kinda fun — as long as you don't over analyze it!
Leo
July 23 to August 22
Happy cosmic New Year! This Tuesday the annual new moon in Leo rocks the skies, refreshing your internal browser. Make a wish list, set intentions, and map out personal goals you’d like to achieve by the corresponding full moon in January 2017. We don’t have to remind you to dream big, Leo. What's next for you? Visualization is a powerful form of manifestation. You don't have to know how to make it happen; just get a picture of where you'd like to land six months from now. Then, get into action. The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
Also on Tuesday, passionate Mars crackles into fellow fire sign Sagittarius, igniting blazes in your fifth house of love until September 27. This could also be a bonfire of vanities, so to speak, as this is the fashionable, fame-obsessed house of the chart. No apologies for wanting even more attention, Leo. Go maximalist with your style (a pink lion's mane, maybe?), set up a photo shoot, and fire up the dating apps. Not that you'll have to rely on them. IRL connections could heat up quickly, too. With Mars pouring you a cup of courage, bare your soul to the one you adore. Don't downplay your desires. This is an "ask, believe, receive" phase for your love life. Fame could come from this Mars phase, too, so be ready to promote your talents at every turn. Focus on providing instead of just getting applause, and you'll be a fan favorite.
Book that sugar scrub and seaweed-wrap treatment, and start scouring for signature fall pieces. This Friday, decadent Venus heads into Virgo and your luxe-loving second house until August 29. Less is more, so save up for one keeper in each category (leather jacket, denim, ankle boots) instead of cluttering your closet with trendy sale items that won’t last a year. With her co-pilot Mars sailing alongside Venus in Virgo, you could feel a lot more traditional about love. Slow down and give the stable ones a chance to win you over. Turns out, they’re not all as boring as you think.
Illustrated by John Lisle.Photographed by Christine Hahn.
Virgo
August 23 to September 22
Spruce up your space — or find a more fitting place to hang your fedora. From Tuesday until September 27, energizer Mars flows into your domestic fourth house, inspiring you to make your home feel like a sanctuary. Work from a plan before you start swinging hammers or hiring movers! Impulsive decisions are the pitfall of a Mars cycle, and you don't want to get in over your head with a "basic renovation" that winds up doing structural damage to your apartment. (Gulp.) Warning: Although you love them, family could severely work your nerves now. Female friends, too. Stop making sacrifices — and vocalize your limits — before you implode! Fortunately, Tuesday's new moon in Leo and your compassionate 12th house helps you deliver your words diplomatically. Remember, Virgo: We train people how to treat us. If you've been over-giving with clenched teeth hidden behind a smile, how were they to know how pissed off you've been? This new moon shines a light on helpful people like mentors, coaches, and consultants. Reach up the ladder for support, and you’ll quickly catch your stride!
On Friday, radiant, romantic Venus makes her annual stopover to your sign, cruising through Virgo until August 29. Your magnetism hits new milestones, so save your final rose for the crème de la crème. You'll need passion in major doses now — and tons more space. You might just prefer to stay single during this adventurous Venus cycle. Regardless of relationship status, delve into independent pursuits and creative hobbies; then, watch the followers line up.
Illustrated by John Lisle.Photographed by Christine Hahn.
Libra
September 23 to October 22
Flex those social-butterfly wings. On Tuesday, excitable Mars moves into your outgoing, expressive third house until September 27. Appoint yourself "crew glue" for your stellar squad, bringing together all the fabulous people you know. You're the perfect person to get the summer-into-fall entertainment schedule underway for your friends. Warning: You could easily overbook yourself with eager Mars here. Opt for group hangs whenever possible — and save the one-on-ones for your innermost circle. Also on Tuesday, the new moon in Leo connects you to kindred spirits outside your existing contact list. Get out and explore new scenes. You could discover an amazing workshop, fitness studio, or local group that's been sitting right under your nose.
On Friday, ardent Venus glides into your enchanted 12th house until August 29. This could make the rest of the month feel kind of like a fairy tale. You’ll shamelessly rock the rose-colored glasses, but don't ignore any red flags that are waving. Sticking your head in the sand won't make bae's problems go away. If it’s time to call it quits on a not-quite-fulfilling relationship, start saying those teary goodbyes. Some Libras could decide to take a short break from the whole dating scene, so you can reboot and reconnect to your own power. Fear not: On August 29, Venus will cruise into YOUR sign, and you'll get some action after all.
Illustrated by John Lisle.Photographed by Christine Hahn.
Scorpio
October 23 to November 21
Happy news for your bank account arrives this Tuesday, when your co-ruler Mars moves from Scorpio into Sagittarius and hunkers down in your income zone until September 27. Alas, this means bidding the red planet adieu — along with all the sizzle and spark it's brought to you in 2016. (Mars toured Scorpio from January 3 to March 5, then again from May 27 until August 2.) But you're ready to shake off some of the intensity and get yourself back in a grounded groove. Better still? Tuesday features a new moon in Leo and your 10th house of success. Slip on the power suit and pursue those ambitious goals! Projects you start this week could bring you major bank by early 2017.
Romantic Venus is on the move this Friday, flowing into Virgo and your lighthearted 11th house until August 29. Your love life is one area where you should absolutely not be goal-oriented now. Instead, chillax and focus on flirty, fun times. You might finally enjoy being the swinging single girl about town. Building a friendlier rapport with a love interest or S.O. can strengthen your bond in a stress-free way. And when you're not even looking, a soul mate could arrive via the introduction of mutual friends. That said, the 11th house is the tech sector, too, so there's nothing wrong with reposting that dating profile to see who swipes right.
Illustrated by John Lisle.Photographed by Christine Hahn.
Sagittarius
November 22 to December 21
Ready, set, expand! For the second time in 2016, go-getter Mars is burning it up in Sagittarius, making you an unstoppable force of nature. You'll host the red planet from Tuesday until September 27, which will basically make you feel like you can take on the world. Again. This is actually a sequel to Mars' first tour of your sign, which lasted from March 5 until May 27 — and included an agitating retrograde that started on April 17. If this year has been full of starts and stops, we wouldn't be surprised. But now it's all systems go for Archers, so get back into action. And don't be surprised if epic opportunities just land in your lap, as Tuesday also features a new moon in Leo and your horizon-broadening ninth house. These lucky breaks could involve traveling, studying, or sharing your expertise. You could launch a successful startup or create major buzz with a media project. One thing's for certain: It's time to leap.
After Friday, power-couple fantasies could come to life as romantic Venus flows through your prestigious 10th house until August 29. You’re not usually one to judge a book by its cover. But for the coming month, you wouldn’t mind if your arm candy looked polished and came with a storied résumé. From the boardroom to the bedroom and back again? A coworker crush could heat up, while coupled Archers could collaborate on a business project.
Illustrated by John Lisle.Photographed by Christine Hahn.
Capricorn
December 22 to January 19
Have you fulfilled those #BeachGoals yet, Capricorn? Enough stalling! This Tuesday, ambitious Mars goes on sabbatical, decamping to your 12th house of escape and rejuvenation until September 27. Before you apply for another freelance assignment or even catch another damn Pokémon, put your swimsuit and towel in a tote bag and go! Trying to level up to your usual ambitious standards during this Mars cycle will be nothing short of an exercise in futility. This time out is meant for recharging batteries, so you can kick some serious ass when Mars heads into Capricorn from September 27 to November 8! Plus, you could use a little more creative inspiration now. Soak up the arts, music, and all the other good stuff the kids in the underground scene are brewing up. With Mars here, however, your psychic channels are open...maybe a little too wide. Be selective about who you spend time with because you’ll absorb every mood in the room. Reach up, too: An incredible mentor awaits, your own personal Yoda who can help you use The Force.
Tuesday also arrives with a new moon in Leo and your intimate eighth house. An undeniable connection could heat up now, or you could meet a shimmering prospect who has “The One” written all over him or her. Pace yourself: If the bond is legit, it will develop organically over the next six months. Already attached? This new moon intensifies your urge to merge, so start talking about "what's next" with bae. And that might be planning your next big couples' getaway. From Friday until August 29, amorous Venus floats through Virgo and your ninth house of travel. How about making that beach escape a vacation for two? A change of scenery could bring romance for untethered Capricorns. Close to home, cross-cultural connections will heat up, too. #LoveWins
Illustrated by John Lisle.Photographed by Christine Hahn.
Aquarius
January 20 to February 18
Collaborations are what your team-spirited sign lives for. Well, as long as the other people involved are suitably wild, witchy, or weird. Good news, Aquarius! From Tuesday until September 27, white-hot Mars blazes a trail through your 11th house of community and brings the social excitement you've been craving. Joining forces doesn't mean giving up your identity, Aquarius. Think of your squad as a "collective" where everyone gets to shine. And feel free to don the entertainment director's hat, organizing end-of-summer fiestas for your ever-growing friend group. The 11th house is the tech sector, too, and you could really make a splash online now. Become a YouTuber or Instagram star, or start developing a legit site of your own.
One-on-one partnerships heat up, thanks to Tuesday's new moon in Leo. Since you can't clone yourself (yet), try pairing up with someone who brings a complementary skill set. This could have "dynamic duo" written all over it. On Friday, amorous Venus slinks into Virgo and your intimate eighth house until August 29. Elevate your standards, because nothing short of a soul mate will do. Spice up the pillow talk and go play out a fantasy. (Maybe one of these?) Talks could even turn to pregnancies, proposals, or other more permanent arrangements. But if you’re with the wrong one, you won’t be able to stick it out for much longer. Prepare your exit strategy and slip off before the month is through. #ByeBaeBye
Illustrated by John Lisle.Photographed by Christine Hahn.
Pisces
February 19 to March 20
It's your time to be a #GirlBoss, Pisces. From Tuesday until September 27, swaggering Mars heads into your 10th house of ambition and powers up your career mojo. This momentum has been building all year, but slowed a bit when Mars went retrograde on April 17. Well, Pisces, those economic downturns are in your rearview mirror now. Use this week to rewrite your goal sheet and radar in on a few ambitious milestones you want to crush before 2016 is through. Mars now makes you unstoppable...and utterly fearless in the face of competition. Climb the ladder, but be strategic! Digging your heels into the wrong person's back is not the move; you need allies for your ascent. Are you working from a savvy plan? Tuesday's new moon in Leo activates your efficiency zone and helps you think practically and creatively. You’ll feel a stronger connection to work now — and maybe even the motivation to find a more satisfying job. Don’t be the office martyr! If you need some support staff or more pay, this new moon is the time to put in requests.
On Friday, Cupid comes a-calling when amorous Venus moves into Virgo and your relationship house until August 29. Passionate partnerships are a right swipe away, but be selective! There’s no need to rush into anything before you’ve sampled all your options. If you’re in a relationship, this Venus phase brings a scintillating reboot. Take a break from the Netflix queue and work the cultural-activities circuit. A pair of tickets here, a restaurant opening there — dressing up and enjoying the scene together will make you feel all couple-y again.
Illustrated by John Lisle.Photographed by Christine Hahn.
Aries
March 21 to April 19
It's a choose-your-own-adventure kind of week, Aries. Visualize passport stamps, Croatian castles, and cliffside houses overlooking azure seas. On Tuesday, your cosmic ruler Mars bursts into Sagittarius and your globetrotting ninth house until September 27. Wanderlust will be insatiable now. You could even travel for work or to explore a course of study. (Semester abroad...or a season-long stint in the London office?) Long-distance connections heat up both for business and pleasure. Speaking of which, Tuesday also features the annual new moon in Leo and your romantic, fame-fueled fifth house. After flying under the radar for most of the summer, you're ready to be noticed! These moonbeams greenlight a couple's getaway, so begin planning. Or, you might even go next-level with a proposal or pregnancy! Single? Sparks could fly with a cutie from a different culture; long-distance relationships may also heat up. Projects you begin this week could bring you serious cred by early 2016.
Amorous Venus heads into Virgo from Friday until August 29, helping you attract a more stable mate. Be selective: It’s better to have no one than the wrong one. Coupled Aries could get on a fitness kick together. Bring on the buddy workouts, and then enjoy an Iron Man in bed. Ready to rekindle your radiant glow? Hop on the healthy-living bandwagon and make green your new black. Keep your options as close to “all natural” as possible, from your beauty regimen to the groceries you slip into your eco-chic reusable bag.
Illustrated by John Lisle.Photographed by Christine Hahn.
Taurus
April 20 to May 20
Your summer is about to get seriously sexy, Taurus. Would you have it any other way? On Tuesday lusty Mars moves into your seductive eighth house, making you a fearless player in the game of love. Embrace the pleasure principle and spice up your bedroom activities. Under this intense spell, you'd prefer one soul-deep connection. The mysterious type could win your final rose. Already attached? Your relationship could go through some tests between now and September 27. Emotions will run hot, and you could find yourself in the grips of the green-eyed monster. But your loyal partner can't fix this for you. Work through insecurities with a therapist or by starting a meditation practice (or both). Bringing your most mature self to the relationship will light the eternal flame of love. Talks could even turn to cohabitation with Tuesday's new moon in Leo and your domestic fourth house. If you're hunting for a new address, start scouring the real estate listings. You could find the perfect place to hang your hat!
On Friday, romantic Venus — your cosmic ruler — zings into your festive, flamboyant fifth house until August 29. You're the life of the summer soiree scene now! Dress up, close down the clubs, and dive back into the dating pool, because this Venus phase sparks a romantic renaissance. Stylistically, the rest of August is ideal for updating your 'do, overhauling your wardrobe, and promoting your creative work. Maximalism is the way: When in doubt, add an accessory or funky flourish like this.
Illustrated by John Lisle.Photographed by Christine Hahn.
Gemini
May 21 to June 20
Relationships have gone through their trials and tribs in 2016, making it hard for you to tell where people's affections really lie. (And let's not even talk about your own hot-and-cold feelings...) But clarity is in your crosshairs this week, as fast-moving Mars pulses through your partnership zone from Tuesday until September 27. Step 1: Kick the commitmentphobes to the curb. Step 2: Stop waffling about that wonderful person who has most of the qualities of your ideal mate. Give this a legit try, Gemini — that's the only way you'll ever know its true potential. Mars can add stress, intensifying lovers’ quarrels for coupled Gems. Get your true feelings on the table instead of pretending to be cool. A passionate discussion could be a heart-opener, but don't talk about important issues when you're seething with anger. Another way to stay balanced during this Mars phase? Get a hobby. Tuesday's new moon in Leo awakens the dabbling dilettante in you. Take guitar lessons, learn how to brew your own kombucha or beer, or get obsessed with a new form of dance. Kindred spirits flock to you, ensuring that you won't be alone even when bae is busy.
On Friday, aesthetic Venus ambles into Virgo and awakens your domestic instincts until August 29. Mix up a signature cocktail and send out the house-party invites! Feathering your nest — and inviting friends over to admire your killer decor — will make your summer complete. Coupled Geminis could be making a spare key, or even co-signing a lease, in the days ahead. Gather your girl gang regularly, too. Not only will they buoy your confidence in the dating game, but they could wind up playing matchmaker for you.
Illustrated by John Lisle.Photographed by Christine Hahn.
Cancer
June 21 to July 22
Flex! This Tuesday, energizer Mars powers into Sagittarius and your healthy-living zone until September 27. You'll be pumped to get back into great shape. Mars is the warrior planet, so try a workout with a little fight to it like kickboxing or MMA. Work gets busy, but also stressful, which should be more incentive to blow off steam with some roundhouse kicks and uppercuts to the bag. There's also a new moon in Leo on Tuesday, which electrifies your income zone. You could be handed a plum assignment or get word of a job opening. Apply for the gig, Cancer, even if it's a little bit out of your wheelhouse. New moons are moments for starting fresh and stretching. You'll have this dialed in before 2016 is through.
On Friday, Venus swipes right for love — or a few epic adventures in the dating game. Until August 29, the planet of amour will buzz through Virgo and your flirty third house. No, you won't have the longest attention span nor the patience to put up with anyone's bullshit. But enjoy a sampler platter of amorous options now, because every date is basically "field research" in your quest to find The One. If you’re in a relationship, mix up the mundane with some fun, shared adventures. You can wait until September to meet the parents or start apartment-hunting. Road trip to a festival together instead, or take that trip to Cuba. The couple that plays together slays together.
Illustrated by John Lisle.Photographed by Christine Hahn.
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