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 email.

ARIES (March 20-April 18)

Venus, the planet of love and money, takes up residence in your fun, love and luck department. This puts Venus in Leo, the party sign of the zodiac. Go ahead and take a little gamble. Show others how creative you are. Mercury retrograde gives you a chance to look back and notice what you have accomplished over the past three months. If you made any mistakes, you can correct them. Mercury, the messenger of the gods, is retrograde in your house of home and family.

TAURUS (April 19-May 19)

Mercury is retrograde, and you have three planets in your communication department, which is ruled by Mercury. Remember, this department includes transportation, so you can expect delays. Sometimes missing objects turn up during Mercury retrograde. So not all is lost during this period. Spend time around the home front. You will enjoy your home and family time while sweet Venus visits that section of your chart. When communicating with people, speak clearly, and if you don’t understand something, ask again.

GEMINI (May 20-June 20)

Make a plan. Write down what you want to accomplish over the year. Discuss your ideas, hopes, wishes and goals. You may be surprised by the assistance you receive. Uranus, the planet of surprise, offers you a chance to join a group, club or organization. Your ruling planet, Mercury, is retrograde, so watch how you communicate. No need for mistakes. Speak clearly and ask questions when dealing with your finances. This is not a good time to lend money or cosign for a friend. Watch your spending.

CANCER (June 21-July 21)

Mercury is retrograde, and this slows things down. Expect delays and miscommunication for the next few weeks. Mercury will move direct on July 20. Do not launch new projects. Look back at what you have accomplished over the past three months. Venus travels to Leo today. Venus is love and money and Leo is the party sign. You could receive a bonus or increase in your earned income. You may decide to save a little more. Bargains are often found while Mercury is retrograde. Remain confident. You will be led in the right direction. Go with your intuition.

LEO (July 22-Aug. 21)

Venus enters your sign today. You are ready to party. Venus, the planet of love and money, enhances your personality. Your self-image sparkles. Expect delays. Mercury, the communication planet, is retrograde. With Mars in Cancer, your intuition is fine-tuned. Go with your feelings. You may be surprised when others share their secrets. Mercury retrograde is not the time to buy electronics. These are a few of the things I have experienced during Mercury retrograde.

VIRGO (Aug. 22-Sept. 21)

Venus takes up residence in Leo in your 12th house of dreams today. Go with your instincts. No need for confusion when you try to detail and analyze. Share your ideas with groups, clubs and organizations and your professional friends. Mercury, your ruling planet, just went retrograde. Do not launch new projects. Should you need to sign a contract, add a clause that makes it subject to change. Mercury retrograde can be described as Murphy’s Law or redo time. Anticipate delays.

LIBRA (Sept. 22-Oct. 22)

Change flows your way. Venus travels to Leo. Time to socialize. Venus is your ruling planet. Discuss your new ideas with friends in groups, clubs and organizations. Spend time with your family and get together with friends. New people could enter your life. You may notice a slowdown while Mercury is retrograde. You may encounter delays. Allow more time to reach your destination. Spend time alone this week. Give yourself credit for what you have accomplished over the past three months.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 20)

Slow down. Mercury, the messenger, is retrograde. You will face delays. Do not introduce new projects. Spend the next few weeks taking care of old business. Don’t get frustrated. Take baby steps but keep the energy flowing. You may be surprised by what you can accomplish. Your hard work pays off next month. Friends may show up late. That’s Mercury retrograde. Be cautious when you deal with finances. Mars, the planet of action and energy, is visiting the folks in the financial world. Don’t overspend. Hold up on vacation plans until Mercury comes out of retrograde.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 21-Dec. 20)

Hang out with residents of your fellow fire sign. Add a little time to your schedule. Venus, the planet of love and money, starts a visit to Leo today. You fire signs are ready to boogie. Talk about your vacations. Mercury is retrograde. You may encounter delays. Leave early for your destination. Your ruling planet, Jupiter, is visiting your financial departments for the next year. Financial odds are in your favor. Wait until after July 20 to make changes. Keep an eye on finances.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 21-Jan. 19)

I realize you are anxious to begin new projects. Just slow down while Mercury is retrograde. Use this period to look back at what you have accomplished over the past three months. Pat yourself on the back. Pay attention. Listen to what other folks have to say. Communications are not on the best wavelength. Check dates and times. Other folks make mistakes. New people enter your life. You may hear from old friends. I often hear from old clients while Mercury is retrograde. Good time to shop for bargains.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 19-Feb. 17)

Mercury is retrograde until July 20. Do not initiate any new projects. Avoid major purchases. This is miscommunication time. Expect delays. Give yourself extra time to get things accomplished. Search the bargains. Lost items may reappear while Mercury is retrograde. You could hear from people from your past. Look at what you have accomplished over the past three weeks. Work behind the scenes. Pay attention to your finances. Keep an eye on your credit card and bank statements.

PISCES (Feb. 18-March 19)

I realize you just want to swim around your own pond. Don’t get frustrated. Mercury, the messenger, is retrograde. You will find delays. Traffic will move more slowly. Remember to sign the check and stamp the envelope. I once forgot to write in the full amount on a check. The bank called and I told them it was Mercury retrograde. I often hear from old clients. Shop for bargains. Lost items show up. Something misplaced is found. Venus travels to your daily work department. You and your co-workers have fun. You may receive a little bonus once Mercury moves forward.