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 19)

Allow for delays while Mercury is retrograde. Give yourself a little more time to reach your destination. These are a few of the mistakes I make during Mercury retrograde. I do hear from old clients and old friends. I also find a few bargains. Today, Mars hooks up with Pluto. Your career department takes center stage in your tenth house. During the next three weeks, the sun shines bright in Sagittarius. This puts the spotlight on travel, education and the beliefs that guide you.

TAURUS (April 20-May 19)

Venus and Pluto are working together today in the ninth house of travel and education. It’s a good day for you to travel for business or education. Mercury is retrograde and you can expect delays, so call the airport and check your reservation. Friday is not a good day to take a gamble as the sun squares off with Mars, the red planet. Keep your words on the tender side on Sunday. Do not share secrets. Lady Luck takes center stage on Monday as Venus gets together with Mars. Have fun.

GEMINI (May 20-June 20)

While Mercury is retrograde, give yourself a little extra time. You may experience delays. While the sun and Mercury visit Sagittarius in the seventh house of relationships, people close to you may have more influence than usual. It is okay to listen to others. On Sunday, keep your words soft and tender when Mercury squares off with Mars. Play it cool. No need for harsh words. On Monday, Venus cozies up to Mars, and that make the folks on the home front happy. Family members are all smiles.

CANCER (June 21-July 21

Play it cool with relationships this week. Venus and Pluto get together. It’s a great day for business. On Sunday, you may have a little trouble with communication when Mercury and Mars square off. Mercury retrograde creates miscommunication. Your relationships, both business and personal, are happy when Venus works with Mars. On Wednesday, you may notice folks are a little bullheaded when the moon visits Taurus. Take care of unfinished business while Mercury is retrograde. You have an opportunity to correct any mistakes. Cross every T and dot every I. Look for bargains. You may be surprised by what you find.

LEO (July 22-August 22)

Venus and Pluto will be holding hands in the daily work department. Sounds like a good day for business. Chat with the boss today. Keep your words soft and tender when Mercury squares off with Mars. Things should be light and playful on Monday. Mercury, the messenger, is retrograde. Work behind the scenes. Keep new ideas to yourself. Do not reveal any secrets. The sun shines bright in Sag, your space of fun, love and luck. Show others how creative you are. Have a little fun.

VIRGO (August 23- September 21)

While Mercury is retrograde for the next few weeks, it is a good time to get creative. The sun and Pluto operate today in the fifth house of fun, love and luck and children. Show your inner child. Take a run around the playground. Lady Luck rules today. Look back over the past three months. If you need to make any corrections, you may do so while Mercury is retrograde. Allow yourself extra time to reach your destination. Mercury, your ruling planet, controls communication and transportation.

LIBRA (September 22- October 22)

Your ruling planet, Venus, holds hands with Pluto, Mr. Power and Big Business, today in your fourth house, the space of your roots, home and family. You could make an important decision, which could be followed up by the last week of December. Venus gets together with Mars on Monday. You get your own way. Now smile and show your charm. People notice your work skills as well as your social abilities.

SCORPIO (October 23- November 21)

I know your theme this month may be “hurry up.” Well, chill out. Mercury is retrograde, so expect delays. Mercury is in charge of communication and transportation. Take care of business. Now, take a few steps back and open your eyes. You may see that you are gaining ground even though you did have a few delays along your journey. Play it cool when the sun and Mars square off Friday. Hold your temper. Remember, Mercury retrograde means you may have to redo a few things. Keep your secrets to yourself. Make sure your communication is based on facts should you face a challenge. Hang out with Sagittarius friends as they celebrate their birthday month.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22- December 20)

Venus and Pluto hold hands today in your second house of earned income, what you value and self-worth. While Mercury is retrograde, take a look at how you value your money, how to maximize your money and how you spend your money. Play it cool over the weekend. Watch what you say. If you find yourself getting angry, think before you speak. Once the words flow out, you cannot take them back. People can forgive, but they may not forget. Happy days are here on Monday when Venus hooks up with Mars. Could mean a bonus. Folks in authority take notice.

CAPRICORN (December 21-January 20)

Mercury is retrograde, so you probably have encountered a few delays. Your month begins and ends with Venus and Pluto in your sign. Venus is very successful when she visits you. Pluto is power and big business. With Mercury retrograde, keep your business to yourself. It is not a good time to share secrets. Wait till Mercury moves forward again on the 13th. Monday will be a nice time to make travel plans for the holidays. Venus winks at Mars.

AQUARIUS (January 19-February 17)

With Mercury retrograde, spend time working behind the scenes. Pay attention today. Venus is hooked up with Pluto in an exact aspect. You will have a hint of what to expect as the month moves forward. Keep your words soft and tender. No need for careless words over the weekend. Venus will work with Mars on Monday. Your social skills and common sense flow smoothly. You are known as the genius of the zodiac. Mercury moves forward again on the 13th. Expect delays until then.

PISCES (February 18-March 19)

You have not enjoyed the delays you have encountered during Mercury’s retrograde period. Just get in touch with who you are. I know your feelings are deep. Establish long-term goals. Work on what you want to do. Think twice while Mercury is retrograde. Put your plans in order. You need a plan to reach your goals. Venus and Pluto hold hands. Mercury will resume his forward motion on the 13th.