Peggy Allison is the author of The Fundamentals of Astrology: A Comprehensive Guide for the Beginner. She is a professional astrologer who lives on St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands and prepares personal astrological charts. Contact her at 340-774-2932, 340-513-3755, or through her e-mail.

ARIES (March 20-April 18)

Time to take control. You can do this without being aggressive. With Mercury, the messenger of the gods, retrograde, it is time to look back over the past three months and correct any mistakes you may have made. Mercury is retrograde for three weeks about every three months. Get ready to move forward in the next three weeks. You can put the final touches on old projects. Go with your intuition this week.

TAURUS (April 19-May 19)

With half the planets in your relationship department, it is time to get out of the bullpen and join up with your friends. You may find Mercury’s retrograde period a time to meet up with folks from your past. Join a group. Get involved with club members. Your social life is in the spotlight. You may find an object you misplaced over the past few months. Use the next few weeks to correct any mistakes you may have made. Search for bargains.

GEMINI (May 20-June 20)

Keep your new ideas to yourself. Spend the next few weeks working on those ideas. Mix the old with the new. Career opportunities appear. The folks in authority have you in the spotlight. While Mercury is retrograde, you have a chance to spend time by yourself. Work on old projects. Correct any mistakes you may have encountered over the past three months. Keep communication open. You have an opportunity to patch up an old misunderstanding with a co-worker. Re-establish a good relationship.

CANCER (June 21-July 21

With half the planets in your space of knowledge this week, take the opportunity to gather information. While Mercury is retrograde take the time to look back over the past three months. Check the details. Use the information at a later date. Review what you accomplished. Meet up with a few old friends. Mercury causes delays. Everything slows down

LEO (July 22-August 21)

While Mercury is retrograde, you can anticipate delays, misunderstandings and miscommunication. Write down times and dates. Get the facts. Recheck your data. Shop sales. Hunt for bargains. You may be surprised by what you discover. Explain a few of the facts when you chat with friends. No need for misunderstandings. Sometimes you do not have to search for misplaced objects. They just show up when Mercury is retrograde.

VIRGO (August 22- September 21)

With Mercury, your ruling planet, retrograde, give yourself a chance to look back. Notice what you have accomplished over the past three months. Give yourself credit. Shop the stores. You may find a bargain. Correct mistakes and move forward. Jupiter’s energy is on your side this month. Jupiter is providing growth, luck and opportunity for your career. The folks in authority are taking notice of you. Go ahead and detail and analyze. Your friends may assist you.

LIBRA (September 22- October 22)

You may encounter a few delays. Decisions could be put on hold. Now, chill out. You may feel a little magic in the air, thanks to Neptune, the planet of dreams. With several planets in your house of daily work, you are being noticed. You will receive recognition for what you have accomplished during this retrograde period. I often hear from old clients while Mercury is retrograde. My friends and colleagues tell me they also hear from people from their past. Sometimes old friends are your best friends.

SCORPIO (October 23- November 20)

Notice what comes up when you add a little social networking to your agenda. Old friends can reappear when Mercury is retrograde. Pay attention. Focus on serious matters. Several planets are parked in your house of fun, love and luck. With Mercury retrograde, it is not a good time to launch new ideas. Put finishing touches on old projects.

SAGITTARIUS (November 21- December 20)

Your home front takes center stage while five of the 10 planets visit that house. Use the energy to spend time with family. Mercury’s retrograde period allows you to kick back and relax. Review your accomplishments from the last three months. Make whatever changes are necessary. Mercury retrograde is often referred to as re-do time. Look for delays. Keep an eye on your spending. You often find great bargains while Mercury is retrograde.

CAPRICORN (December 21-January 19)

Expect surprises while Uranus visits your home front. Uranus is where events occur suddenly. Know your limits. I realize you are on a roll with Pluto in your sign. You are eager to chat with siblings and folks in the neighborhood. Share your knowledge. You can expect delays while Mercury is retrograde. Be careful to get all the facts. You are the worker of the zodiac. Shop for bargains. Spend time by yourself. Know when to say no. No need to get angry.

AQUARIUS (January 19-February 17)

I realize Mercury is retrograde, but it is time for you to set a goal for the next year. Make a plan to reach the goal before your next birthday. Mercury gives you an opportunity to look back and reflect on what you have accomplished. Take a little time to shop for bargains. Years ago our astrology club needed a tape recorder. Mercury retrograde. I found a tape player at a great price. But the owner said it was not marked correctly and offered to split the difference. We did and still got a terrific bargain. True story.

PISCES (February 18-March 19)

The sun sends a wink to Pluto and Saturn on Friday. Share your knowledge. When Mercury is retrograde you can expect delays. On Monday, keep your words on the tender side while the moon and Mercury square off. On Wednesday, take a deep breath. You don’t want to make a snap decision. Share your sweet words and ideas.