Mercury retrograde is like middle management suggesting that we review our mistakes and glories in hopes of future improvement. But one minute ago may as well be 100 years ago for all we can do to change it. The only difference is the intensity of feeling. A minute ago still glows, or stings. Ten minutes, a day, a week, a century... fading is the life cycle of feelings. Play with pacing. Try to clip through the bad ones, savor the good.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Talking satisfies a strong urge for self-expression, which is why most people would rather talk than listen. For this reason, listeners have a distinct advantage. The instinct to observe is rarer than the instinct to be observed. They can learn more from each interaction. You'll find great advantage by being a listener now.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). The most effective attraction secret isn't expensive; it doesn't take special talent or rely on being born with certain features, either. The more present you are, the more attractive you are. That's it! Tune in; be grounded; pay attention; and listen. It's simple and hugely effective in creating love in your life.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). What you say you want to do and what you actually do can be two very different things. As you try and execute your goals, you'll be fighting with a childish and unmotivated version of yourself. In order to move forward with grace, it will help to find out what this child in you wants and integrate some of that into the plan.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Many things are worth the wait. However, it's easier on the mind to know how long that wait is going to be. Also, progress reports will satisfy a need to know that things are on track and make waiting bearable. Use these tips this week. At times, you'll be waiting, and at other times you'll be the one they're waiting for.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). There are challenges ahead. This is not a prophecy but a reality. There are always going to be challenges ahead. It's why savoring the peaceful hours that this week provides is crucial. Happiness is to be tasted and enjoyed, not left on the table to get cold. Take what's yours or it will be wasted. Eat it while it's hot.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Neediness is anti-charismatic. You're far from needy; you hardly even like people sometimes! Don't let the occasional introverted mood stop you from connecting, though. An introverted mood can be good for networking. Your social reservations make you more attractive and more apt to uphold healthy boundaries.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). When the world doesn't seem to fit, there are those who, instead of molding themselves to fit in, will get busy molding the world instead. Most of what is here, after all, started in someone's imagination. This week you'll envision the world that suits you. Instead of settling into the system, you're more likely to shake it up.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). It is natural to resist change, even when it's the change you want, one that's clearly for the better. Notice this reticent part of you without interfering or negating it. Thank your inner resistance for the opinion, and move forward anyway. This part of you will eventually lose strength and get with the program.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). If you still feel some regret for what you did, don't worry. In time that pang will fade to a pinch then a ping and then to nothing at all. Now, regretting what you didn't do... well, that's a different story. But there's good news there: It's not too late. Get on it now!

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). The same thing that keeps us from drifting out into nothingness also makes it hurt when we fall. All the best relationships are complicated, and gravity won't be the only love/hate dynamic in your week. There will be others keeping you grounded — or are they just preventing you from flight?

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You know what it's like to be possessed by a task. Sometimes the task sneaks up on you and by the time you realize its scope you're already in too deep. This week's job has no such sly seduction. You see what must be done, and you know it will take all you have. Time to gulp a big breath and go under.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). It may occur to you, when everyone is looking at you with question marks in their eyes, that you are the only one with a plausible map here. To empower the others, you must describe the destination in better detail — most importantly why it is worth working toward. Then the mile markers you share will make sense to all.

THIS WEEK'S BIRTHDAYS: Revving up and winding down are crucial moments in life. It's important that what you use to lead yourself into and out of the main action is healthy, because you'll use these methods, tools and rituals again and again. There will be some relearning around this that will make a remarkable difference in your success this year. You'll finally achieve something you've wanted for years now. A void will be filled. You'll feel more whole, peaceful and centered than you ever have.

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