Scopes

ARIES (March 21-April 19)
Letting go of the things you don't want will make you lighter, Butterfly, but not wiser. That would be too easy. Now letting go of what you're afraid to lose changes the equation. You can be wiser, stronger and lighter all at once.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20)
Though the turbulence of life is a natural force that sometimes can't be avoided, it can be ridden out with varying degrees of grace. (Just ask United Airlines!) The trick is not to resist -- and not to go limp, either. Remain flexible and aware, (and keep that cellphone handy to record something viral.) 

GEMINI (May 21-June 21)
If the chase is exhausting you, (and in these heels, how can't it?) it's time to slow down and switch tactics. Leave the heavy lifting and fancy footwork to your quarry, Artemis. Set yourself a trap and lay the bait the way only you can. You'll need your rest for when it comes time to spring it.

CANCER (June 22-July 22)
What works for the mind will work for the body, and what doesn't, well, doesn't. The way to health and well-being is in good communication with your body. Ask what it needs. Invite it to make requests. You might get some sass from your ass, but that's not surprising.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22)
Responsive devotion is in season for you. Your reactions will be swift and most telling. Dropping into autopilot to make fast decisions is a bumpy ride to a new destination. You may be surprised by what you find out about yourself along the way.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
The planets revolve around the sun. The waters run to the sea. And the gravity of your own attractions pull you. It is the natural order of things and futile to resist. What can I say, Diana? You are a part of the cosmic forces that shake us all. Shake it!

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23)
If you are going to make a mistake, make it on the side of vigilance. This is a time to weigh your words, remain consistent in your message and tone, and respect the ripple effect of your actions. You will be heard, and you will be worth hearing.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21)
You need to express yourself, but you're not sure to whom. When in doubt, tell it to the diary or bounce it off your most trusted sounding board. Even a stranger works as a practice audience. Discretion can be undone with a few words. The opposite cannot happen. Only hardware can be unscrewed.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
What's next? That's a good question, but not one that leads to a lot of fun. To get the fullness and richness of your life, don't ask "What's next?" Ask, "What's now?" Pain and pleasure can bring you  into the fullness of the present. But you should probably choose the balance that suits you best, Kinkyboots.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
Give individual attention. Though you may not be able to deliver what's needed for the glory of the team, you will be able to serve the very specific needs of individual members, including yourself. Cheerleaders are good for the crowd, but you aren't a faceless font of encouragement. One-on-one time with you is valuable.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
Things are unbalanced in your life now; it's true. Yet there is no need for an extreme move. The redistribution of energies will happen naturally. It's easy to think it big, efficiently sweeping actions, but letting this one settle out a bit will help you make a better, if smaller, changes.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20)
Just as tattoos are difficult to remove from the body, it can be challenging and painful to get rid of ideas and designs that have been imprinted strongly on your mind. Pressure and time will imprint upon you, but you are not beholden to wear the marks of what shoved you around.

Back on the horse.

My name is Lilith. I am not supposed to be this.

Once I was a demon. I nested in the trunk of a tree in Inanna's garden, and gathered my young beneath my shadow. I was the screech owl, the night bird, the wind that brings spirits of disease.

Once I was a wife. My husband and I were scratched from the same mound of dirt, and I climbed atop him only to be told my place was beneath. Unable to find an arrangement as equals, I left him and his garden and let his God make a lesser person to be his lesser companion.

At some point I started murdering children. By my very existence, I harass virile boys and bring about nocturnal emissions. My stories are all of devouring newborns or raping men in their sleep, but never both. I show one face at a time.

The moon rules the night and I shall rule the moon. There are no men here to seduce or entrap, no children to suck the life from. There aren't even women. Just pieces of women, ideas of women. Fractured, shattered women who are discovering their cracks and seams and going mad that they cannot change.

None of us can change who we are.

My name is Hagar. I am a slave.

I have always been a slave. Even when I was a wife of Abraham, mother to his firstborn son, I was given to him to make a child by Sarah, the first and favorite wife and my mistress. Sarah hated me after throwing me into her marriage bed to keep her husband from straying from it. As soon as I conceived, she asked permission to punish me. The father of my unborn child granted it. So I fled into the desert to escape her, but eventually came back to deliver Ismael, son of Abraham.

The favorite wife is the great beauty, of course. But she cannot have a child until the absolute last minute of her story, when she is old and long past her days as Pharaoh-bait. Only through the intervention of God, and according to some unbelievable prophecy, will she pop out the son that will actually inherit the blessings and legacy of his father.

But once that child is born, there is no reason to suffer the slaveborn firstborn and his mother anymore. It is blamed on my son, of course, making a child's joke about the infant who would supplant him. Sarah demanded we be cast out and cut off from Ismael's inheritance, and Abraham bent to the will of his favorite, and now fertile, first wife. In other versions of the story, it is a test of Abraham's faith in God to abandon mother and son in the middle of the desert. The favorite wife does not survive either, I hear, her value all used up in bringing about the favorite son and getting rid of any other claimants to Abraham's blessing.

A great people are named after my son, Ismael. My story is used to defend slavery, praise survival, and celebrate motherhood.

I want to burn the whole motherfucker to the ground, but there just isn't enough oxygen in the atmosphere to get the job done.

My name is Rahab. It means broad.

I ran a brothel in the walls of Jericho. That's how I met the Hebrew spies Joshua sent into my city. The Hebrews sacked and massacred Sihon and Og, and despite the strength of our walls, I feared Jericho would be next. Instead of handing the spies over to the guards, I hid them and negotiated for my family's survival. When the Hebrew army came and the walls fell, my family was spared.

I am praised for living by my faith and being justified in my works of delivering the entire population of Jericho over to be murdered.

I don't know how to feel about that.

My name is Salome. It means peace.

My mother Herodias was the granddaughter of Herod the Great and was a child when her father was executed and she was married off to one of his other sons. After I was born, she decided to divorce him and marry his brother Herod Antipas, the tetrarch of Galilee. This fouled up previously laid marriage plans and started a war that Herod lost.

Divorce was rare and scandalous, and royal scandal was as good as celebrity gossip got in Galilee. Even John the Baptist, a man who didn't actually want to help bring about a new kingdom but prophesied that someone was coming who would, decried my mother to his flock. Herod Antipas had John arrested, for either or both of those statements.

At his birthday feast, I entertained my stepfather and all his generals by dancing for them. This pleased Herod, and he made a big deal about promising to give me anything I wanted. I'm not a politician, so I asked my mother what I should do. She told me to ask for John the Baptist's head on a platter. Since I loved my mother and trusted her instincts, I did.

Now it's my fault. Not my mother and Herod Antipas for upsetting tradition and remarrying each other, not The Baptist for talking shit in public about the tetrach's new wife, not Aretas IV for taking back his daughter Phasaelis who was married to Herod before he divorced her to marry my mother, and then invading Herod's holdings in response. Despite the rich tapestry of history, I have been cast as the cold-hearted, (but not calculating. I am popularized as being stupid,) seductress who lures men to their doom.

I am uncomfortable in my skin. Dancing is awful now.

I am Yael. My people are Kenites.

After twenty years of oppression by the Canaanites, Deborah the Prophetess of Israel mounted a rebellion. She sent Barak to lead his army to Mount Tabor, while she planned to draw General Sisera to the River Kishon. Barak refused unless she accompanied him. She consented to his revised plan, but declared the glory of victory would belong to a woman because of it. As Deborah prophesied, the armies met near the river and Sisera's nine-hundred iron chariots were mired in the mud and his army slaughtered. Sisera fled on foot, and while his remaining soldiers were hunted as far as Harosheth of the Gentiles, he hid himself among the Kenites on the plain of Zaanaim.

I took him into my tent and got him a blanket, some milk, and a safe place to sleep. And then I hammered a tent peg through his temples.

The Song of Deborah is one of the oldest parts of the Bible. In it, I am extolled above all women for murdering a man in his sleep. And I would do it again, because being the right woman means betraying the right people.

Judith ripped me off. Apocryphal bitch.

I am Ruth.

Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there will I be buried. May the Lord do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you.

Goddammit, Naomi! Where are you? I won't leave you here.

I am Mary.

We are Mary.

Horoscopes BurlesqueBitch November

Aries
(March 21 - April 19)
An air of excitement and newness comes on this month, courtesy of the moon and Neptune, the most sensitive planets in your chart. Sometimes the most exciting adventures are the ones we don't plan. Your romantic life may benefit from this chill vibe; your wish COULD be your partner's command, if you ask nicely. Or chat up an attractive stranger and see if there's a love connection. 

Taurus
(April 20 - May 20)
Come one, come all: It's a "more's the merrier" at Chateau Taurus! The moon is in Cancer, your gregarious and expressive third house, and when it syncs up with party-loving Neptune in your social sector on, you'll be game for everything. Just one caveat: moon-Neptune connections don't offer much in the way of self-discipline, so stay mindful. It'll be easy to overdo it. 

Gemini
(May 21 - June 20)
The month begins with the moon camped out in your luxury-loving second house, and you'll only have a taste for the finer things. But when the moon makes a harmonious angle with motivational Mars and snuggle-bunny Venus in your domestic fourth house, the last thing you'll be interested in is getting out of your jammies and going anywhere. Enjoy the simple extravagance of staying in and catching up on craft/paperwork or binge-watching your favorite series. 

Cancer
(June 21 - July 22)
It's your time to shine, Calypso. With your celestial ruler, the moon, in your sign as the month begins, you'll be in your element. This is the time to drop your inhibitions and go for it! Your fearlessness could inspire your friends, too. And with la luna synced up with creative Neptune in your travel zone, you could take your show on the road. Platonic lines could be mutually crossed, or you might meet an engaging new person through a mutual friend. 

Leo
(July 23 - August 22)
What's it gonna be, Kitty? In or out? You could go either way, thanks to the moon in your twelfth house of rest and fantasy synced up with starry-eyed Neptune in your sultry eighth house. Follow your heart and don't worry. If you feel like you need a nonjudgmental ear or shoulder to lean on, turn to your sweetie or close friend. It's okay to be the one who needs a little support now and then.

Virgo
(August 23 - September 22)
The moon spends the first of the month in Cancer, your group activity sector, and your mantra is the more's the merrier. Whether you're playing host, being a guest or hitting the town, your companions will share your festive spirit. This rare connection amps up your mojo in a big way! It won't take much for sparks to fly. Don't be shy about expressing yourself. 

Libra
(September 23 - October 22)
With the moon holding court in your tenth house of status and public image, you won't shy away from the spotlight. As a Libra, you know it's more fun to share than hog the glory. Round up some friends and organize a coat drive or volunteer at a soup kitchen over the upcoming holiday season.

Scorpio
(October 23 - November 21)
With the moon hunkered down in your worldly ninth house as the month dawns, that heart-shaped arrow might be aimed at YOU. Travel is in the cards, so don't reflexively say no to a adventure out of town. That could be just the spice you need. A friendship could suddenly offer a benefits package, or you could bump into a stranger and talk all night. The farther you venture from your comfort zone, the better. 

Sagittarius
(November 22 - December 21)
With Neptune camped out in your domestic fourth house, you might prefer to stay in—with a few close friends, with or without little ones in tow. Attached Archers can strengthen their bond discussing your goals and desires with your mate. Single? Follow up on a simmering work flirtation, or treat yourself to an upscale brunch with a well-heeled friend. And definitely talk to strangers!

Capricorn
(December 22 - January 19)
This month, the moon makes a favorable angle with love planets Venus and Mars in your ninth house of travel and adventure. Can you and your sweetie head out on a spontaneous romantic road trip? If not, park in front of the computer and start researching some dream winter getaways (close to home or, say, Santorini). Single Goats could catch a vibe with someone who's not your usual type. Don't overanalyze this: just go for it!

Aquarius
(January 20 - February 18)
The month heats up in the romance department, as the moon forms a harmonious angle to love planets Venus and Mars in your seductive eighth house. Anytime is sexytime, Aquarius! Because those planets are in analytical Virgo, you could find yourself fixated on processing your emotions. While it may be tough to get clear answers about your love life, you should be able to puzzle things out when it comes to your career or money. 

Pisces
(February 19 - March 20)
That passionate moon forms a supportive and sex-positive angle to lovebirds Venus and Mars in your relationship zone. This is just the kind of cosmic influence that could lead to a spontaneous proposal or the urge to make a baby. Single Pisces should get out there and work it! You wouldn't want to miss this golden opportunity to meet someone with potential.

October Horoscopes, BurlesqueBitch

Aries (March 21 - April 19)

This might actually feel like the end of a major life chapter and the beginning of a whole new act. The stage is set for some deep soul-searching. If you're still searching for an answer, you need to make some changes, stat! Change can be scary, but once you're through it, you'll wonder what took you so long. Go ahead: Face that blank canvas with courage and passion. 

Taurus (April 20 - May 20)

Friends you normally find fun and exciting could drain your batteries. Steer clear of the drama queens and divas in your circle. You might be happier on your own—perhaps even by taking a little getaway. Inwardly, you've been going through a profound process of expansion and spiritual growth. But before you can ring in the new, you need to release the old.

Gemini (May 21 - June 20)

Even if you've hit some professional roadblocks recently, you're closer to your goals than you think. This is an ideal opportunity to get to the heart of the issue and see what's holding you back (or see why you THINK you're being thwarted). This month could bring change to a friendship or an exciting chance to collaborate with someone you admire. 

Cancer (June 21 - July 22)

Careful what you wish for! If you've been talking about a spontaneous trip somewhere (to your college roommate in Venice Beach or maybe with your S.O. to Venice, Italy), be prepared to put your boarding pass where your mouth is. You only live once, Cancer, and opportunities like this don't come around every day. If you can't get out of Dodge, there are plenty of ways to quell your thirst for exploration.

Leo (July 23 - August 22)

Your generous nature could slip into spendthrift terrain if you're not careful, Leo, so set some limits before you leave the house or log on to your favorite e-commerce sites. The moon is also firing up your seductive eighth house, and you might not realize just how strong your mojo is. Be mindful of the effect you're having on others, who could mistake your friendliness and exuberance for something more. 

Virgo (August 23 - September 22)

A key relationship comes under the famous Virgo microscope, and might lead to the kind of change you've been hoping for! A shift is possible, but it takes two to tango! This is a perfect time to initiate a dialogue about your individual needs and, specifically, how to maintain your independence while still being part of a team. Maybe one of you needs to loosen your grip—or go more all in. The key is finding a compromise that works for both of you.

Libra (September 23 - October 22)

As the cosmic queen of the balancing act, you understand better than anyone that negotiation and sticking to a schedule are the keys to success. But a faceoff between the moon in your organized sixth house and indie-spirited Jupiter could bring out your inner wild child—you know, the one who'd rather blow off her duties and have a long, Bellini-fueled brunch with her squad. And yet, your wiser self knows you'll only wind up scrambling to make up for lost time later. How's this for a Libran compromise: Get up a little early, do your errands, squeeze in some exercise and meet the crew for happy hour instead. 

Scorpio (October 23 - November 21)

Make sure you're actually voicing your inner truth and not responding to something external. Because the moon is locked into an opposition with freedom-loving Jupiter in your social network zone, you could be overly sensitive to anyone you sense is trying to label or limit you. Of course you're entitled to your opinions, but you don't have to get into a "me against the world" mindset to be true to your ideals. Instead of pushing someone away, why not invite him or her (or them) to join you on a weekend adventure? 

Saggitarius (November 22 - December 21)

As much as you love your family, you might feel like they're suffocating you, thanks to an opposition between the moon in your domestic corner and freedom-seeking Jupiter in your tenth house of career and public life. You want to be there for them, but under this cosmic influence, it's far more important for you to assert yourself and your individuality—and right now, you can't seem to reconcile the two. No worries, Diane! This isn't an all-or-nothing, permanent situation. Do your own thing, and soon you'll be out of the pressure cooker. 

Capricorn (December 22 - January 19)

Craving some ch-ch-changes, Cap? More than anything, you're aching for new experiences and a change of scenery—and woe to the person who dares stand in your way! You don't have to drop everything to hop on the next plane to Phnom Penh, however; local adventures will suit you just fine. The point is to bust out of your routines and let your environment and companionship stimulate you. It'll do wonders for your work productivity as well.

Aquarius (January 20 - February 18)

Hang on to your wallet, River, and clasp your credit cards for dear life! If you're having a tough time controlling your impulses, do a little soul-searching to get a handle on what that urge is REALLY about. Could you be feeling lonely or sorry for yourself? (Or coveting thy neighbor's fall wardrobe?) Don't do anything you can't undo. Try to distract yourself with hobbies and good company until the feeling passes.

Pisces (February 19 - March 20)

You'd bend over backward for the people you care about, but sometimes, Pisces, it's a better idea to stand up straight and put your needs first. When a discomfiting situation arises, find a loving but firm way to say, "I'd prefer not to." Life is too short to suffer for a paycheck—or for others. Ready or not, Pisces, it's time to live your dreams.

How am I still alive?!?!

Aries (March 21 - April 19)

The limelight is seeking you out, Gorgeous! Seize this moment to shine in the public eye. Keep things in perspective though; don't neglect to share center stage.

Taurus (April 20 - May 20)

Looking for a straight answer? It's all about asking the right questions, Bullady. Before you launch an interrogation, try to identify exactly what you want. The time is now to get your plan into motion.

Gemini (May 21 - June 20)

Put yourself at the top of your priority list, Gems! Your rising popularity is about to surge off the charts. Conserve time and energy and meld your one-on-one visits into a social gathering. This phase may also inspire you to join forces for creative or professional purposes.

Cancer (June 21 - July 22)

Stock up on tissues, Big Red. Your nurturing nature attracts people in need, but don't let them drain you dry. Offering an empathic ear is generous, but you're not obligated to listen for hours on end.  

Leo (July 23 - August 22)

Kitty, make sure nothing gets in the way of your dreams. You may have been talking a good game, but you need to kick it into high gear. Be careful not to be short or pushy with people. Mind your manners, even if you're in a rush.

Virgo (August 23 - September 22)

Get it, girl! Your can-do attitude soars off the charts during this uber-efficient year. Reach out to the important people in your life. You've got a heart of gold, Virgo, but don't forget to dole out some loving for yourself. 

Libra (September 23 - October 22)

A simmering conflict could transform into a full-on boil, prompting you to officially remove yourself from the posse. But don't despair, Liza. Keep your wits about you and you'll uncover just the right crew for you.

Scorpio (October 23 - November 21)

Make love, not war, Lola. Focus your mojo on someone you can forge a real connection with. Don't settle for second best. Ambition is coursing through your veins so put it to good use and be more competitive.

Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21)

The moon lights up your partnership house, helping you forge synergistic ties. Where could you and a powerful plus-one be even better as a duo? Remember, Hera, people can't read your mind. 

Capricorn (December 22 - January 19)

It's prime time to bring your sizzling fantasies into the real world, Hilde. If you don't have someone to share your sultry desires with (yet), channel that energy into a sexy workout with burlesque, or a salsa dance workshop. 

Aquarius (January 20 - February 18)

Shine like the supernova that you are, Ariel. Time to take the bull by the horns and go after what—and who—you want. Whether it's jumping back into the dating pool to maximize your odds or reviving the magic with your sweetie, go big or go home.

Pisces (February 19 - March 20)

Mars has a tendency toward impatience, Pearl, so resist the temptation to take shortcuts. Sprinting out your front door or throwing down on the mattress without stretching is just asking for a pulled hamstring.

Now with less accuracy!

Aries (March 21 - April 19)

Get out of your head, Aries.  If you feel like you're spinning your wheels, talking it out can help propel you forward. Stop overthinking and allow others to offer fresh perspectives. The limelight could also be seeking you out, so seize this moment to shine in the public eye. Mars' influence gives you an extra shot of moxie to face any lingering fears. Keep things in perspective though; don't neglect to share center stage.

Taurus (April 20 - May 20)

Looking for a straight answer? It's all about asking the right questions, Bull. Before you launch an interrogation, try to identify exactly what you want. Mars brings an aggressive energy to the mix, especially if your private space isn't being respected. It will take some restraint to keep your cool, Taurus, so focus on creating new agreements. The time is now to get your plan into motion.

Gemini (May 21 - June 20)

Put yourself at the top of your priority list, Gemini. You're hungry for fresh inspiration, so sneak away to explore the fashion district or your favorite indie bookstore. Your rising popularity is about to surge off the charts, Gemini. Conserve time and energy and meld your one-on-one visits into a social gathering. This phase may also inspire you to join forces for creative or professional purposes.

Cancer (June 21 - July 22)

Stock up on tissues, Cancer. Your nurturing nature attracts people in need, but don't let them drain you dry. Offering an empathic ear is generous, but you're not obligated to listen for hours on end. From snagging that promotion to expanding your client base, income-strengthening opportunities are yours for the taking if you put forth the effort. 

Leo (July 23 - August 22)

Up, up, and away! You'll make sure nothing gets in the way of your dreams. Use the red planet's potency to take bold action. You may have been talking a good game, but you need to kick it into high gear. If you're on a mission, don't invite others along for the ride; they'll only slow you down. Be careful not to be short or pushy with people. Mind your manners, even if you're in a rush.

Virgo (August 23 - September 22)

Get it, girl! Your can-do attitude soars off the charts during this uber-efficient year. Hone in on the power players in your circle, the ones you can learn from, or who will open helpful doors. Reach out to the important people in your life. You've got a heart of gold, Virgo, but don't forget to dole out some loving for yourself. 

Libra (September 23 - October 22)

Motivator Mars barrels into your eleventh house of collaborations, giving you the urge to merge. There's one caveat: be selective! A simmering conflict could transform into a full-on boil, prompting you to officially remove yourself from the posse. But don't despair, Libra. Keep your wits about you and you'll uncover just the right crew for you.

Scorpio (October 23 - November 21)

Make love, not war, Scorpio. Focus your mojo on someone you can forge a real connection with. Don't settle for second best. You're primed to scale that ladder several rungs at a time, thanks to motivator Mars zooming into your career sector. Ambition is coursing through your veins so put it to good use and be more competitive, Scorpio. 

Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21)

The moon lights up your partnership house, helping you forge synergistic ties. Where could you and a powerful plus-one be even better as a duo? Focus on making your current alliances feel balanced and harmonious, too. Remember, Sagittarius, people can't read your mind. 

Capricorn (December 22 - January 19)

It's prime time to bring your sizzling fantasies into the real world. If you don't have someone to share your sultry desires with (yet), channel that energy into a sexy workout with burlesque, or a salsa dance workshop. Warning: Mars' energy is intense so careful not to push your partner into commitments that she isn't quite ready for. Turn up the pressure and you may actually put out the fire.

Aquarius (January 20 - February 18)

Shine like the supernova that you are, Aquarius! Toss away any ideas about hanging back and waiting to be wooed. Time to take the bull by the horns and go after what—and who—you want. Whether it's jumping back into the dating pool to maximize your odds or reviving the magic with your sweetie, Mars demands action. Go big or go home.

Pisces (February 19 - March 20)

Chateau Pisces beckons, thanks to the moon burrowed in your domestic fourth house. You're in the mood to do some serious nesting, perhaps puttering around the kitchen, decorating your space or gardening. Mars has a tendency toward impatience so resist the temptation to take shortcuts. Sprinting out your front door or throwing down on the mattress without stretching is just asking for a pulled hamstring.

Burlypicks Finals 2016 Horoscopes

Aries (March 21 - April 19)

Get out of your head, Aries. The moon is in your communication house, urging you to express yourself verbally or in writing. If you feel like you're spinning your wheels, talking it out can help propel you forward. Stop overthinking and allow others to offer fresh perspectives. Reach out to someone you believe you can trust but who doesn't know you very well, like a new friend, colleague, or neighbor. They'll be able to give you genuine objective feedback. Just don't get offended if you don't like what they have to say. Also this year, welcome to the world of high definition! Firecracker Mars grooves into your passionate fifth house of creativity and glamour, pushing you to put yourself out in the world in all your extroverted Aries glory. The limelight could also be seeking you out, so seize this moment to shine in the public eye. Mars' influence gives you an extra shot of moxie to face any lingering fears. Keep things in perspective though; don't neglect to share center stage.

Taurus (April 20 - May 20)

Looking for a straight answer? It's all about asking the right questions, Bull. Before you launch an interrogation, try to identify exactly what you want. If you can't define your desires, how do you expect others to know what you need? Once you're clear on your goals (and the steps to get there), you'll be able to show people precisely how they can pitch in. Also, go-getter Mars decamps to Leo and your domestic fourth house, shaking things up on the homefront. You'll discover a newfound drive to upgrade your decor and spend more quality time with your loved ones. That said, Mars brings an aggressive energy to the mix, especially if your private space isn't being respected. It will take some restraint to keep your cool, Taurus, so focus on creating new agreements. Got a vision for a home-based biz or an entrepreneurial idea directed at the ladies? The time is now to get your plan into motion.

Gemini (May 21 - June 20)

Put yourself at the top of your priority list, Gemini. If you need to reschedule commitments to follow your whims, so be it. (Just don't generate bad karma and leave a loved one high and dry.) You're hungry for fresh inspiration, so sneak away to explore the fashion district or your favorite indie bookstore. Your rising popularity is about to surge off the charts, Gemini. As go-getter Mars blasts through your friendship zone, you'll find yourself on everyone's VIP list. As much as you love being at the center of the action, there's only so much of you to go around, though. Conserve time and energy and meld your one-on-one visits into a social gathering. This phase may also inspire you to join forces for creative or professional purposes.

Cancer (June 21 - July 22)

Your heartstrings are getting pulled, Cancer, so stock up on tissues. Your nurturing nature attracts people in need, but don't let them drain you dry. Offering an empathic ear is generous, but you're not obligated to listen for hours on end. At a certain point, you could veer into enabling. Take a step back and let people sort it out on their own. Point them in a helpful direction if you know of any good resources, but remind yourself that they'll eventually discover the right path. Cha-ching! From snagging that promotion to expanding your client base, income-strengthening opportunities are yours for the taking if you put forth the effort. Pull the reins when it comes to spending, though, because your appetite for retail therapy could be strong. Keep your plastic at home, and only opt for items that can stand the test of time.

Leo (July 23 - August 22)

The more the merrier! Got a project to tackle? Enlist the help of friends and thank them with dinner or a round of drinks on you later on. Keep your dancing shoes (and business cards) at the ready, too, as you could be invited to a slew of parties and gatherings. You'll command the crowds with your witty bon mots, and make some great connections. Up, up, and away! You'll make sure nothing gets in the way of your dreams. Use the red planet's potency to take bold action. You may have been talking a good game, but you need to kick it into high gear. If you're on a mission, don't invite others along for the ride; they'll only slow you down. Still, you'll need to practice patience during this restless cycle. Be careful not to be short or pushy with people. Mind your manners, even if you're in a rush.

Virgo (August 23 - September 22)

Get it, girl! Your can-do attitude soars off the charts during this uber-efficient year. Hone in on the power players in your circle, the ones you can learn from, or who will open helpful doors. Invite one of them out for lunch in return for some feedback about an idea you're developing. Reach out to the important people in your life. You've got a heart of gold, Virgo, but don't forget to dole out some loving for yourself. Letting your own needs take a backseat to others' is a recipe for burnout. Balance your commitments to get in some extra R&R. Mars energizes your creative side, making now the perfect time for nurturing your inner artist.

Libra (September 23 - October 22)

A person with different life experience can open your eyes to exciting possibilities you hadn't considered. The ninth house rules long-distance travel and connections. Accept an invite to a friend's country house or pack up and caravan it to the beach. Fire off an email to a faraway contact to initiate a reunion. It could lead anywhere, like a co-created business idea or a week together on the beaches of Bali. Motivator Mars barrels into your eleventh house of collaborations, giving you the urge to merge. There's one caveat: be selective! As much as Mars energizes, it also aggravates. A simmering conflict could transform into a full-on boil, prompting you to officially remove yourself from the posse. But don't despair, Libra. Keep your wits about you and you'll uncover just the right crew for you.

Scorpio (October 23 - November 21)

The Gemini moon electrifies your sensual eighth house, setting your connections on fire. You'll have no qualms about playing the tease, but be aware of other people's limits. While you may see no harm in lightly flirting with someone else's sweetie, not everyone will agree. Make love, not war, Scorpio. Focus your mojo on someone you can forge a real connection with. Don't settle for second best. You're primed to scale that ladder several rungs at a time, thanks to motivator Mars zooming into your career sector. Ambition is coursing through your veins so put it to good use and be more competitive, Scorpio. Mars can also crank up the stress levels. If you're drowning in to-dos, stay sane by hiring an assistant or outsourcing the less important tasks.

Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21)

The moon lights up your partnership house, helping you forge synergistic ties. Where could you and a powerful plus-one be even better as a duo? Focus on making your current alliances feel balanced and harmonious, too. Remember, Sagittarius, people can't read your mind. Be explicit and straightforward about what you want, so there's no ambiguity. By the same token, ask thoughtful questions so you can meet their expectations as well. Make the most of this cycle and sign up for that training workshop, hire a life or business coach, or finally book that overseas adventure you've been dreaming of. Heads up: Mars serves you a whopping dose of truth serum, so think before you speak, Sagittarius.

Capricorn (December 22 - January 19)

The moon in your self-care sector helps you establish a healthier groove. Steer clear of mood crashers like caffeine and sugar, or heavy brunch fare. Bypass the elevator and take the stairs, and give yourself mini-breaks with a brisk walk around the block. Purge the noise in your head onto paper, or cleanse your mind with meditation. This lunar energy also helps you get organized. Tend to those nagging details or go on a massive decluttering spree. It's prime time to bring your sizzling fantasies into the real world. If you don't have someone to share your sultry desires with (yet), channel that energy into a sexy workout with burlesque, or a salsa dance workshop. Warning: Mars' energy is intense so careful not to push your partner into commitments that she isn't quite ready for. Turn up the pressure and you may actually put out the fire.

Aquarius (January 20 - February 18)

Shine like the supernova that you are, Aquarius! The moon lights up your fifth house of fame and self-expression, encouraging you to let it all hang out. Polish your public image, from adding bold new pieces to your wardrobe or set, to upgrading your online presence with new headshots, (or selfies. No shame in your game.) Heads up: a few people lingering in the wings might initially see you as a threat. Be proactive and share the spotlight with them. Give credit where credit's due and welcome their input. It takes two to make a thing go right, Aquarius. Toss away any ideas about hanging back and waiting to be wooed. Time to take the bull by the horns and go after what—and who—you want. Whether it's jumping back into the dating pool to maximize your odds or reviving the magic with your sweetie, Mars demands action. Go big or go home.

Pisces (February 19 - March 20)

Chateau Pisces beckons, thanks to the moon burrowed in your domestic fourth house. You're in the mood to do some serious nesting, perhaps puttering around the kitchen, decorating your space or gardening. Connecting with family and close friends who love you will soothe your soul. Save the mingling and parties for another time, unless you're gathering with familiar faces. If you must head out into the big bad world, bring along some creature comforts. Your work life also may explode with activity, underscoring the importance of balanced meals and physical activity to carry you through this stressful period unscathed. Mars has a tendency toward impatience so resist the temptation to take shortcuts. Sprinting out your front door or throwing down on the mattress without stretching is just asking for a pulled hamstring.