Beware not to overdo. You could get a little too anchored to your environment and, unlike a balloon going up and up, you become a prisoner of gravity. It is important to allow chance and change into your life.

Professionally, an earthy person can be a mover and shaker: you can move mountains where other people are stuck living in the clouds of their daydreams. What better time than Mercury in Taurus for laying the financial groundwork and then nurturing your efforts, like plants in a well-tended garden.

When it comes to relationships, Mercury in Taurus can be very sensual. This is Mercury, after all, so we are literally talking about the ability to seduce with your words and the quality of your voice. Does your voice exude the sexiness and charm of Barry White? Are your words sincere or do you just fling them out there in any way, shape or form, without any thought at all to their delivery?

People will take their time to decide anything under the spell of this Mercury transit. So if you want to capture hearts, you have to work on stimulating the senses with your soft words, gentle touch and displays of appreciation. Slow down the pace and take the time to listen to what others have to say right now. Your mind can wander, but at least look like you’re paying attention. Why? Because people happen to consider a good listener sexy. Make them feel like you’re interested in what they have to say and you’ll be sure to rock their world by putting the spotlight and attention right on them.

No matter what this Mercury transit is ideal to create specific goals and focus your conversations on building a solid foundation.  For a goal to be a goal, and not a wish, it must be specific and mapped out so you have something practical to strive for. Channel your inner Bull to get things done and see what tangible results you can manifest!

Affirmation: “I’m grounding my dreams in reality. Mercury is there to help me take my goals to the next level and spring them onto the world!”

Cosmic love!
Zuri ♥

Image: David Castillo Dominici / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

“Should I go or should I stay?” That is the question. If you feel like the Universe is pulling a Dr Doolittle by making you feel torn on which way to go, then this is the Moon to work through it or at least to shed light on your dilemma. A Scorpio Full Moon acts like a powerful truth serum, peeling away the exterior of any situation to reveal the secrets buried within.

So let’s look at some possible scenarios, shall we? At work, you may be giving it your all, but you just aren’t getting what you need out of the arrangement. If you take time to contemplate the situation, this full moon does brings enlightenment, revealing that while some things might be quite good, you still aren’t getting a lot of the things important to you feeling emotionally or financially fulfilled moving forward. This Scorpio Full Moon advises you to at least look at other options and be open to a rebirth somewhere else.

Feelings are definitely more intense during the Scorpio lunar phase and any emotions that have been simmering beneath the surface flow outward. Explore whether or not you are getting fulfillment from your relationships. Scorpio will ask, “Are you with the wrong person, the someone who can’t give you what you need? Really, has it been over for months, even years?”

Just like lunar phases, relationships change because the people in them do. And sometimes, the Scorpio tendency is to hold on long after a situation is good for us. If you open up and talk about your needs, any relationship can be saved. But your partner will need to put in the effort and learn how to show how he or she loves you if they want the relationship to grow + transform. Remember being in like and feeling alive are also important ingredients to maintaining that passion and spark. If you aren’t getting that support and the love ultimately fades out like a candle flame, Scorpio reminds you that this cosmic journey does brings healing and completion, so you can close the door on what no longer works and find love again.

With the Full Moon sitting opposite the Taurus sun, think about where you are being stubborn and not allowing change and where movement must flow to bring you happiness. Tap into the power of the Scorpio Full moon to release your grip on jealousy, power struggles or any habitual behaviors that stunt transformation and new beginnings. Allow the Scorpio waters to spiritually cleanse out the junk and emotionally strengthen the way for a better tomorrow.

Affirmation: “Whenever I am at a crossroads, I can tap into the power of the Scorpio full moon for inner strength and change. Transformation is mine to embrace, through baby steps and taking action towards bigger and better decisions. I release my past and what does not serve my soul’s growth.”

Cosmic love!
Zuri ♥ 

Image Credit: digitalart / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

You can’t see the New Moon in the night sky, but it’s there resonating with new beginnings and new ways to achieve abundance. Today is the first step on the path towards gaining financial mastery. Now you can plant the seeds of intent and cultivate your own garden for a richer harvest.

Taureans prize their sense of security, and for many a secure financial situation is a comfort zone, and this is something this lunar light inspires you to strive for too. You’ll accomplish a great deal if you take the bull by the horns and begin by ‘fixing’ (Taurus is a fixed sign) a budget. Don’t feel that budget needs to be a ‘four-letter word’. It won’t be if you set realistic goals and stick to them with a resilient attitude. And don’t ignore the need for the nice little things that make you happy either.

The sign of Taurus represents exquisite taste, so think about how you can get the same quality on a shoestring budget. It’s likely that your profits increase as the Moon’s light does, but do watch your spending after the Full Moon. Why? Because as the Moon gets smaller and smaller, it disappears from the cosmic sky just like the funds in your bank account would, if you’re not mindful of the decisions you make.

For the icing on the cake, this lovely New Moon conjuncts Jupiter on Sunday, bringing an energizing spirit of optimism as you begin to accumulate your nest egg. It helps you start afresh and build a new life on your New Moon resolution. With the light of this new moon, you can definitely bank on your success if you build anything on a stable foundation + exercise patience while you watch it grow.

Affirmation: “I AM ready to take the budget bull by the horns and create a plan! I don’t doubt that I can do it because I have the strength to succeed and reach my goals with stubborn conviction.”

Cosmic love!
Zuri ♥ 

Have you felt like your life’s been a soap opera lately? Oh, I know I have. Now that we’re out of the Aries Sun cycle, and entering a more grounded four weeks of Taurus energy, I’m sure we can all relate in a been there, done that kind of way.

In Taurus, the Sun gives us practical doses of reality like the highs of happiness to the lows of troubled waters. It’s how you react to the ebb and flow of life and roll with the punches that determine your long term potentials for success. Ride the waves of change with patience and know that you’re on the yellow brick road to growth and ultimately going on to something or someone better and greater.

Now that the Taurus Sun’s in residence until May 20th, there’s a synchronous happening within spring’s growth season when tiny shoots of plants rise onward and upward, maturing within the fertile soils of Mother Earth. Do you feel it? Can I hear an amen on that?

What do we have to grow and nurture this month? What poverty consciousness are we leaving behind for more abundant thinking? The Sun’s in an opportunity aspect with Neptune in the first week. Here are the dashes of ESP for your listening pleasure, as you understand and manifest in the physical through intuition and imagination. The Sun trines Mars, and adds a pinch of assertiveness. April ends with the Sun trining Pluto, just in case a pinch wasn’t enough. Let’s call this one a tablespoon of jet fuel to propel your fast track towards great achievement and the extra catalyst for making solid changes.

You’ll be busy with all of the above until about mid-May when the Sun conjuncts Jupiter. Now we are talking over the top juicy optimism. You’re now on the other side of the troubled waters. You’ve made wise changes and good luck is yours for the asking.

Then there’s some of you still living on the adrenaline fumes left behind from the Aries sun cycle. So, let’s suppose you are really into life recreating art. It’s on with the show, the drama and dramatizing, ‘earthquakes’ and emotional seismic tremors that keep you on your toes and in the center of the action. Life can be soooo booooring when there’s rock-solid earthiness, right? But, sometimes starring in your own daily soap opera has physical ripple effects that aren’t so pretty.

Just think about how much rocking your foundation can take before it weakens, or bring new sags and wrinkles from the worry and stress. If you’re not careful, Taurus-Venus-like beauty turns into a beast. People begin asking you if you’d like to take advantage of your AARP discount, and you are only 27 years old. Now, do you want to think a bit more about making self-care a priority, and cancel your drama series?

Do yourself a favor and detach from the crazy. Practice self-care with some feel-good activities that re-energize your root chakra and bring you back to balance. Connect with Gaia, the Goddess of the Earth, to stabilize your thoughts, and seek action that makes you feel secure, prosperous + safe. Whether it’s yoga, massage, Reiki or getting in touch with the beauty of nature, your body and sanity will thank you for it.

Affirmation: “My heart and mind are open to growth and I am ready to take advantage of the Taurus sun’s opportunities!”

Cosmic love!
Zuri ♥

Expressive Mercury in fiery Aries doesn’t do anything subtly like hint and hope someone gets it. It’s the type of energy that knows what it wants. In other words, how can you get what you want if you don’t know what that is? Goals can only be achieved by taking decisive action and without them all you’ve got are wishes and that simply won’t cut the mustard.

Let’s say you’ve been struggling with your weight and whenever you pass by your local gym, you think: “I’d really like to drop fifteen pounds”. It’s just a wish until you take action on the desire to get in better shape, right? If fiery Aries is anything it is direct and specific. In Mercury, it calls for action. Are you up for the challenge to change your thinking in a way that empowers and inspires movement? Now that Mercury’s hanging out with kick butt, warrior Aries, you can courageously affirm: “Today, I start a diet and exercise program,” and make it happen by teaming up with a personal trainer or taking a few spin classes every week. If you actually do, you’ve done something that could easily result in being a couple of dress sizes smaller. But, Aries does require that action step to get to where you want to be. Mercury will challenge your old limiting beliefs about what you can’t do and push you to try new things that can lead to better results, if you’re ready for it.

What about relationships? When Samantha broke up with her boyfriend, her famous parting words were: “I love you, but I love me more.” So think about your needs and whether you are standing up for them while Mercury makes a transit through “I want it yesterday” Aries. What do you say if you are ready for a commitment and have been waiting, waiting, and waiting for a person who is still unsure of their feelings? Impatient Aries may just serve as a wake up call that enough time has passed + you’re done waiting. It’s time to take the ram by the horns and ask yourself the hard questions: If they are unable to decide then just what action are YOU taking? And have you made any progress getting there? You have the right to ask, because you need to make your plans to move forward, with or without them.

Affirmation: “My words resonate with confidence. I am at no loss for words, but what I say is kindly spoken. It is okay to say no. I channel my inner Samantha Jones to inspire my mission and attain my goals.”

Cosmic love!
Zuri ♥

Sounds ominous? Not really. And there is a very good reason for that. More information comes to light through each backward and forward motion, revealing more stuff than was there previously. As with all retrograde planetary influences, as icing on the proverbial cake, you can correct errors and make amends. Your mission is to avoid ignoring the problems (this time perhaps) when they resurface, and let Pluto do its transformational thing that it does best. The idea here is not to avoid the psychological healing that’s needed to move forward emotionally. Pluto represents a dynamic opportunity to go within, to travel to the inner plane for peace of mind.

Let’s talk about ‘smoldering’ Pluto because retrogrades tend to push things inward temporarily. Anger is a good candidate for that as in: “Of course I’m not mad”, (inside I’m seething, but I’ll be lovely and sweet to the person I am maddest at). When this is applied to someone special in your life, ask yourself: Are you running an honest relationship? And is this good for the inner you; to withhold the fact that something bothers you a whole, whole lot? Anger is okay. The problems come when we express it inappropriately. It’s often the result of withholding it until it explodes, or worse allowing it to keep imploding and create more complications.

The Pluto retrograde combines deep thought and granite determination that shouldn’t be stuffed inside when in retrograde motion, as sometimes happens when a planet changes direction. The Pluto days can be power days if we use them right. Here, use the energy for all it’s worth: transform and overcome limitations, cleanse and heal, and eliminate the old to make way for the new. The planet Pluto, itself, highlights core issues that you can now approach in a deep meaningful way. You reclaim old and embrace new power that leads you forward.

For example, look at where you have given up power. You can learn from the lessons of the Pluto retrograde to create self-protective ground rules. Think about relationship control issues. In an unequal partnership someone else makes all the decisions in a my-way-or-the-highway type of arrangement. Since two people, not one, make a relationship isn’t it time for new ground rules? Take back your power and show them they’re not the boss of you. Make your decision to choose what you want with a calm air of authority: “You decided without me. I will decide what I want without you.” All it takes is the courage to know what you want and the strength of will to choose.

Pluto tends to bring tough issues to the surface so they can undergo purging and cleansing. Your own particular encounter during the retrograde may not be control issues, and it may not be the first time you’ve been made aware of a situation that needs to change. It could be a deja vu experience going back to 2009 continuing to encourage your growth so your life is richer and more solidly built (ala Capricorn’s earthy sign). You will know it when it emerges.

Affirmation: “I accept Pluto’s mission and create a better existence. I embrace the transformation, growth, refining  in mind, spirit and body.”

Cosmic love!
Zuri ♥

At work think ambition and what can put you in first place. With Aries energy you aren’t the only one affected here. You can expect that your competition is going to be out there in full “rah-rah for me” mode too. Don’t let anyone stand in your way. You’ll get 100 percent of whatever you are committed to producing.

If you’re on a mission for success you’ve got to dress for it. Tap into the power of the Aries new moon to broadcast how suited you are for the position you want. Similarly, if you crave respect in general it’s not the time to adopt the stance that casual Friday lasts from Monday through the next 30 days.

The time period between the New Moon and Full Moon is dynamic because of the aspect connections between the Sun, Uranus, Mars and Pluto. The chemistry can be immediate for singles seeking love. Gazes connect for an instant, which might be the entire extent of the relationship. In other words, you may not have found your twin flame or your soul mate but you do ignite a few sparks that set the scene for lust or a casual fling.

Although the Aries moon can be a burst of hot, go-go-go impatient energy, think about the message you want to send when you’re dressing for new romantic encounters. Do you really want to advertise: “I’m hot, hot, hot” in more ways than one or that your hormones are bubbling? Potential love takes time to grow, so keep your emotions in check while getting to know someone new. Don’t leap into anything new solely based on physical chemistry.

On the other hand, fires burn strong in already established relationships and couples feel young and vibrant again. It’s Spring: celebrate your bond but don’t forget to add a bit of spice!

Affirmation: “I feel renewed buoyancy and am as confident inside as I look outside. I am in full bloom. Professionally, I am going to be a huge success and there are limitless possibilities. Watch out world, because here I come!”

Cosmic love!
Zuri ♥

It is officially Spring and the start of the astrological new year. The Sun begins to melt the winter ice from your veins as it lifts your spirits and sparks the flame of passion to act on your ideas.

According to astrologer Isabel M. Hickey, wherever Aries is in your astrological chart is where you begin attunement with the seasons, expressing much of your Self in the way you think and act. This would explain why Spring always feels like an auspicious new beginning.

At work you may already feel a sense of something beyond with future-oriented Uranus’ long-term transit. Now’s the time to visualize higher realms and you’ll find the effort to get there is nothing short of exciting. With both the Sun and Uranus in Aries individuality operates in full force and if it doesn’t, are you really being true to your identity? Could it be that you feel stifled? If so, you have an amazing opportunity to do something about it now.

If you are single, Aries courage fuels immediate action. The love of your life won’t be led to your door like the set of footprints you’d find at a dance studio. You have to do the legwork by getting out there to make it happen and then believe that person WILL materialize when the timing is right. For everything there is a season and this Spring plant those seeds in your subconscious and stay open to the opportunities that grow from your fertile soil.

For people in relationships the Spring equinox represents radiant happiness and love fulfillment. After a long winter we all need the warmth of reassurance and the Aries Sun shines down the possibilities for fresh starts, fun adventure and creativity that lie ahead. While hearts may beat harmoniously, and there are many ways in which you are alike, you are also individuals, a very Aries/Uranian concept: “I love you for being you.” If Mars in Virgo has your flaw detector working overtime there could be a bit too much focus on everything someone does wrong. Shift the energy from the negative to the positive to bring out the best in your partner. A compliment a day keeps stress away, and may even lead to a few in return.

Affirmation: “A sunny sense of well-being fills my soul now. Spring is the time for growth and nurturing so life springs forth in a positive way. My Life is a delightful adventure.”

Cosmic love!
Zuri ♥

Photo: Andy Newson / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

This is an almost half-century old idea, but worthy of exploring under the light of a Full Moon in Virgo — it’s about the Moon and feeling overweight.

From the New Moon to the Full, the Moon increases in light, growing bigger. From the Full moon phase to New, the Moon decreases in light.  Now, if we are attuned to cosmic energy, the idea is that we could lose more weight if we started a diet at the latter phase.

This perspective comes from astrologer Ivy Goldstein-Jacobson who observed that among her clients those born during the first half of the phase tended to be more ‘well-rounded’ while those born during the Full moon were thinner.

A diet started at the New Moon phase, the natural starting place for beginnings, actually resulted in less weight loss and sometimes gain, even if the person watched calories. But, start at the Full Moon and you may lose, and do so safely, in the remaining two weeks.

The Virgo Moon is extra-beneficial because diet is important to those born under this sign. Virgo represents things like gardens (fresh vegetables and fruits).  Just ponder these old adages and you’ll get the idea.  ”An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” “Turn over a new (salad) leaf.”

Starting a diet under this Moon, you aren’t inclined to reach for comfort foods. The healthy motivation encourages exercise, because Virgo is a sign that likes to keep busy and looks for ways to purify the body. Virgo really enjoys making people over, so why not encourage someone to team up with you? You’ll choose the right words (Virgo/perfectionist).  And not to worry Virgo because even if you don’t get it right the first time there’s another Full Moon, and another, and another.  It’s worth a try don’t you think?

Affirmation: “I tap into the power of the Full Virgo Moon to create better health, and make positive choices that support my body’s weight loss goals. I shed the pounds effortlessly, revealing my new radiant and beautiful self.”

Cosmic love!
Zuri ♥

For couples, this is a generous Venus energy inspiring gifts of love, and that means freely giving affection, cuddling and hugging.

Single? Sexy singles are ‘too sexy for their shirt’ with this sensual energy. It’s not about cleavage or thigh-high skirts either. It emanates from inside. It is an unexplainable aura or glow that comes through and you definitely can’t buy that. It’s all you, baby.

The workplace mellows when Venus is in Taurus, and it might be just the thing to enhance management’s patience and provide a few weeks respite from ‘ASAP’, and ‘I need this yesterday.’ Don’t be surprised if your boss appears less stubborn and you find out that they actually can use the word ‘yes’ in a sentence that involves you in some way.

At home could it be a coincidence that Venus in Taurus appears around the springtime of the year, stirring desires to be surrounded by greenery and flowers? Even Mother Nature is inspired and the outdoors begins to bloom. What can you beautify and redecorate?

This is a lovely energy, but as the saying goes: too much of a good thing can also be a bad thing. Taurus can love so much it becomes jealousy and possessiveness on steroids. Bear in mind if you don’t use the energy, someone else might and direct it at you. You may see it rearing its ugly head in the workplace or in personal relationships. It’s what prompts the need to keep up with the Jones’s and outdo them at every turn. These habits of over-spending and one-upping others can be broken if you’re ready to course correct under the Venus in Taurus transit.

Affirmation: “My outer world is an extension of the beauty and love I feel inside. When I have confidence, it inspires trust in not only myself, but in other people.”

Cosmic love!
Zuri ♥