MOTHER

Is your do-it-all way exhausting you, Aries? Your “my-way-or-the-highway” M.O. is in need of a detour this week. As expressive Mercury goes retrograde (backward) into Libra, your seventh house of one-on-one relationships. This backward pull lasts until October 25. Relax your zeal to do everything (a trait of your sign), and don’t be surprised if you lose control of the wheel and run off the road. If you’ve been feeling that household and parenting duties are lopsided: Is it really because your partner isn’t pulling weight? Could it be that you're micromanaging how things get done? Maybe that’s the reason your partner or supporters have backed off, Aries. If you try easing up, you’ll be surprised by the result. Just because your partner does things differently than you (vacuuming, folding laundry, changing diapers—whatever) doesn’t make it wrong. It gets done, doesn’t it? Freeing yourself from playing overseer may produce startling results—and far less stress. The seventh house highlights commitments, and Mercury retrograde could make relationships feel strained or stagnant. But if you’re allowing your partner to share the load, you’re already removing rigidity from your emotions, and "assuming love," as this blogger writes about extensively. Put the focus on connecting with your partner. A date night is an obvious choice, but what about the other occasions? Instead of saving everything for that restaurant reservation, find time to bond every day. It could be a cup of coffee before the kids get up. Or having a conversation before you go to bed that isn’t “I’m beat, goodnight.” Time-in with your partner and there’s less chance to experience mixed signals from a lack of communication during this transit. Do the same with your kids—be clear about your expectations and let them know how it important it is for them to help around the house. Bonus: you’re teaching them responsibility and independence (the same you pride yourself on) for when they’re older and on their own. Here are some tips for getting kids to do chores without nagging them. If you’re expecting (especially your first), be sure to talk about how you’re both feeling about the changes that are coming. Include what you believe your roles should be during the birth and especially after delivery. One couple we know decided they would never be disappointed with each other—they’d avoid a common passive-aggressive trap of expecting each other to do something without ever articulating it. (Stuff like “why can’t he get up with the baby for once?”) Sounds like a good plan if you can stick with it. And then you really don’t have to worry about doing everything yourself!

Is there a doctor in the house? Meddlesome Mercury is retrograde (backward) now in Libra, your sixth house of health. Even your best efforts to stay healthy may be strained until October 25, while Mercury continues its reversal. Fill up the hand sanitizers, review hand-washing practices with the kids, but please, resist consulting Dr. Google for the slightest thing and turn off the news if the Ebola and Enterovirus paranoia is setting in. This doctor explains why parents shouldn’t panic and it’s pretty sound advice. Although it’s positively scary, we admit, to think about the families who’ve lost children to viruses. It’s hard NOT to worry a little, but a little perspective does help, as this CNN article explores. The CDC offers a great resource page on handwashing, as hygiene seems to be the best way to prevent viruses. Focus on the things you can control, Taurus. A key trait of your sign is common sense, and now is a good time to use it. Turn your energy to other wellness matters, such as your fitness routine. The Mercury retrograde in your sixth house may make you feel a little like you’re running in place, but hey—running in place is still exercise! Just because you don’t see or feel results instantaneously doesn’t mean you aren’t working toward your goals. With the limited time we have as parents, some days we’re lucky to get in a workout at all. Every little bit helps. While the retrograde may weaken your resolve, it can’t weaken your spirit! Find something that inspires you, especially if you’ve been phoning it in on a treadmill or avoiding exercise altogether. Yoga and Pilates are good to try now, and they can be as gentle or as rigorous as you like. Just find the right class for your comfort level. Exercise can help thwart depression, as The New York Times recently reported, so you have more incentive to set the alarm or sneak out in the evening. What you put into your body is equally important now. Organization is also a trait of the sixth house, so maybe it’s time to get meal planning on track. Or, if you’re one of those moms who has that down (we envy you!), maybe it’s time to mix things up—not that your family don’t love the same things over and over again. Consider getting them involved. That way you don’t have to think of everything. If they’re old enough to have smart phones, they’re capable of researching new recipes. Take them to the store to shop for the ingredients and then have them help prepare the meal. Maybe eventually they could take a night off your hands or your partner’s (depending on who does most of the food prep at your house). That leaves more time for the two of you to enjoy a pre-dinner glass of wine. Cheers!

Are you drama club president, Gemini, or just playing the part? This week, your theatrical side could flare up at the slightest provocation until October 25, thanks to your ruling planet Mercury gone retrograde (backward) in Libra; your fifth house of passion, expression, and creativity. But your thin skin and sudden penchant for taking everything the wrong way is going to become tiresome to those around you. You could overreact to the slightest thing your partner, your kids, or the other moms said. If you don’t catch yourself, you may actually create drama where none is warranted. The fifth house often gives us courage to say what others may only be thinking. But unraveling from the consequences—is that really how you want to use your energy? Here are some smart tips on how to stop being easily offended, from the Meant to Be Happy blog. Channel your efforts in constructive ways. If you’re expecting, this is a great time to decorate the nursery. You’ve probably had your eye on some unique decor, and a bold-modern paint color might finally lock into your consciousness. Check out these nontraditional nursery colors—no tired pastel Winnie the Pooh rooms here. For moms of young children, this is an ideal time to let your hair down and get in touch with your own childlike spirit. Get silly! And get messy. Since the fifth house rules creativity, dig into some art projects with them. Use some materials you find out in nature—acorns and different colored leaves if you live where autumn is in its glory now. There are tons of ideas on the Nurture Store site, even separated by age. A little one-on-one time with the kids on some art projects will go a long way, as relationships can be strained during Mercury retrograde. Be sure to time-in with your partner, too—especially if you’ve been in freak-out drama mode about the slightest things. A dressy date night is ideal. Maybe to go see a play where you can watch the professionals deal in drama on stage. If you can’t hit the town, a cozy at-home date will do. Spice it up with a makeout session and then maybe start planning a Kissing Bucket List.

Pour coffee into your World’s Best Mom mug, Cancer. You could use a reminder that you’re doing a great job now that signal-scrambling Mercury is retrograde (backward) in Libra, your fourth house of motherhood, until October 25. These next few weeks may cause you to feel unappreciated, perhaps more than usual. Sure Mother’s Day is far off, but why not take the time—right now—to celebrate you? For starters, communicate to your family that you need a little TLC. If asking for some attention isn’t your style, you can do it in more stealth ways. How about instituting a family game night? Or encourage everyone to the table for a game while you or your partner finish preparing dinner in the kitchen? That way everyone is already there when the meal is ready. Candy Land is a great one for the younger kids. Don’t be surprised, though, if the kids ask for dessert early—all those delicious-looking reminders on the game board! For the older kids, try one of these suggestions. With the kids not holed up in their rooms playing Minecraft before dinner, maybe they’ll want to help you make the meal. The Thirty Homemade Days blog has a great breakdown of appropriate tasks by age, plus recipes and tips for making it a positive teaching experience. Focusing on some family-friendly activities may help you overcome any tinges of uncertainty during this transit. A small seed of doubt in your mind over one little thing can grow, and you’ll drive yourself nuts if you don't have some distractions. Now is also a good time to loosen the strings on the Supermom cape. You don't have to do it all, or compare yourself to other moms you believe are better than you. This Supermom thing has gotten so out of hand that a hospital is even offering a class on how to move past it. This dad says every mom is a Supermom and we like his thinking, especially the idea that you have to change your definition of what a Supermom is to become one. No cape required!

Does your life need subtitles right now, Leo? Communication planet Mercury is spinning backward (retrograde) in Libra, your third house of interactions, until October 25. The likelihood you’ll experience static in conversations is high. Are you the mom who says, “Do I need to repeat myself again?” This week, the answer (sadly) is yes! Don’t assume everyone got the message the first time around—including your kids. If you feel like you’re talking to a wall, try one of these Dr. Sears techniques for getting kids to listen to you. This is also a good time to tweak communication with everyone at home. This resource from the University of Delaware is a soup-to-nuts primer on skills for you and your family. You’ll feel like an expert, but you’ll undoubtedly cross some wires because of the transit. Be patient. Accept that one-on-ones could be wacky and roll with it—even (if you can) find humor in it! Otherwise, you’ll dwell in frustration. While the world is out of sync with you, steal some solo time where there’s no possibility of being misunderstood. This is a great time to catch up on reading. Maybe you’ll finally finish that novel before your book club meeting. Get your hands on a real book and savor the pages late at night after everyone’s gone to bed. You can fire up your e-reader, but know that Mercury retrograde can scramble technology and going old-school may be the safer choice. And don’t waste a minute on a book that's hard to get into, as this blogger relates. Mercury retrograde in your third house also can cause hiccups in your non-verbal communication. Carefully review emails before pressing send. Think before you post and tweet. Here are five questions to ask before you post from Relevant magazine—we really like #4. If you simply must share, why not start a blog? Here’s a resource for getting started. Only, you may want to keep it in beta until after the retrograde, just in case!

Do you have to have it in every color, Virgo? The urge to over-indulge will be high now as meddlesome Mercury is retrograde (backward) in Libra, your second house of luxury and money. If you’re experiencing “OMG, I have to have it” with nearly everything you see, this is your wakeup call to dial it back. You can talk yourself into why you need that handbag in the three colors it comes in, but really—do you need three of the same handbag? Until the retrograde ends on October 25, your self-restraint will be low. This is a good time to consider what you need, in general, and if less is more. Your dollars might be better spent on experiences, not things. In the meantime, you can make small changes to your spending habits. The Mercury retrograde makes it a little harder to accomplish, but you can be proactive. Try a spending app like Level Money that takes a forward view, a smart upgrade from budgeting apps that track your spending AFTER the fact. Or ask yourself these questions before you shop, using a credit card sleeve. If you simply must have something, make sure it’s of good quality and will last a long time—that appeals to your sign’s trait of generally having good and practical taste. Pregnant Virgos, stock the nursery with a "quality over quantity" approach. A good starting point is to be selective with your registry—don’t clutter it. Even expensive items could be purchased by several friends pitching in. Choose the things you want; don’t assume people won't buy those high-ticket items. This is a great time to teach your children good spending habits, too—the best way, of course, is by example. But be honest with your struggles, too. They will appreciate your authentic feelings about spending and wanting. Here are some ideas for getting your messages across from The Huffington Post. With your savings, you may be able to look ahead as a family to a nice vacation, maybe in the summer. Or, splurge a little with a night out at your favorite restaurant. Create a family fund and put money in the fund every time someone does a chore, for instance. Before you know it, you'll all have earned a fun night out.

Eager to make a change? Hold off, Libra. Capricious Mercury is now retrograde (backward) in your Libra, your first house of appearance and image, until October 25. Any changes—drastic or subtle—should be reconsidered now. Flirting with the idea of bangs? Dying your hair lavender? Forget it or you may regret it! The transit strains all new initiatives. Hey, you may get lucky if you’re bold enough to go for it. But playing it safe is probably best until after the retrograde. Go for your tried-and-true now. There’s something to be said for staying in your comfort zone. That certainly doesn’t mean you have to be boring! Libra, your sign is known for having refined taste, so confidently ditch the yoga pants you’ve been wearing out of the house. Mercury retrograde is not an excuse to let yourself go! It’s a caution to slow down and do a cross-check before starting anything new. The same is true with your work: now isn’t the time to take a chance or “just do it.” If you're itching for a change, that time will come in a few weeks. For now, if you’re able, do your research, weigh pros and cons, and conduct your due diligence. The first house is all about first impressions. If you have a job interview or you join a new group, be wary that the retrograde can trip you up when putting your best foot forward. You may already be experiencing feelings of inadequacy if you have taken time off work to care for young children. We love this SAHM’s open letter to employers viewing her resume. Libra moms looking to re-enter the workforce or start up a business will do well now to re-establish connections, especially those online. One little caution: Mercury retrograde is famous for causing technology glitches, so tread carefully while you navigate. And watch what you post to social media and online forums—an online misstep can make or break an opportunity. This collection of tips for your online presence was written for college students, but it is 100 percent applicable to us AND to our children. The first house also rules self-expression, and during a Mercury retrograde, your words can be misunderstood IRL. If you're typically outspoken at meetings and gatherings, maybe take a backseat now. A benefit to doing that is you may hear others, learn something, or see people's true colors. For pregnant women, if you’re looking to unveil your birth plan, it’s best to wait till after the retrograde passes lest your wishes be misconstrued. Or, use this time to truly delve into the topic of what you want, instead of being led by your friends or what’s in Vogue, as this thought-provoking piece in Time explores. Make giving birth about your comfort and wishes, not about making a statement. Take that, Mercury retrograde!

Let’s let a little air out of those tires, Scorpio! Otherwise, like an overfilled set of wheels, you could burst at any minute. There’s good reason for it: temperamental Mercury is marching in reverse through your twelfth house of endings and closure. Until the retrograde passes on October 25, you may feel ready to do the work to move on, but also feel a little stuck. Accept that this challenge exists and it may frustrate you less. In other words, give yourself a break! You’re an intense sign, Scorpio, and we appreciate your zeal to wrap things up, but be patient. Instead of being able to “fix” everything right now, celebrate small accomplishments. Your first step is loosening up your grip, just a bit, so you can release the tension. You’ll feel a lot better if you stop running up against a brick wall, expecting different results. While you’re in this situation, explore what you’re facing and learn from it. Perhaps you are dealing with a loss, a miscarriage, or sadness over a goal you are no longer pursuing. You could even have ended a friendship or a romantic relationship and not processed it fully. Some feelings of sadness, anger, or regret could creep up on you at the least expected moments—seeing a toddler ramble down a sidewalk, a man at the grocery store who looks like your father, or all the happy-looking couples at the school fundraiser. Allow for the feelings to bubble up and you’ll have an opportunity to manage them. We like Deepak Chopra’s 7 Steps to processing emotions, which is simple and practical. You could even help your children apply the principles. Or, have them draw “happy trees and worry trees.” Slow down a little to make the time for this work. Going on all cylinders helps us forget (push away) our problems, but they will always catch up. Dealing with them head-on helps us heal faster and move on. During this transit, rest is important. Don’t be surprised if your slumber is interrupted, but do your best to get a good night’s sleep or to steal naps when/if you’re able. Your dreams may be vivid, so plumb them for hidden meanings. Jot down your dreams in the morning (or during a bout of insomnia), since the symbols may not be clear to you right away. Here are the meanings of common dreams, which may help get you thinking. And when you can, find humor in your days! Laughter truly is the best medicine—so here’s something to get you started.

The more the merrier, right? You love a spontaneous good time, Sagittarius, especially when fascinating new people are involved. But this week you may feel you’re surrounded by some Debbie Downers. Group dynamics are unpredictable as tricky Mercury retrograde backpedals through Libra, your eleventh house of groups and friends, until October 25. One minute you feel like whipping up a party and the next you're hiding in a blanket fort with your toddler, shutting out the world. This transit creates peaks and valleys in your social life. The best you can do is climb and slide down, like a game of Chutes and Ladders. If the playdate you put together unravels, just enjoy the time with your kids instead. If the friends who said they’d meet you at the park don’t show up, play and have fun anyway. If the party guest list has few RSVPs, make the food and the favors you want to make instead of wasting time chasing down those people. (But seriously, what’s up with that anyway? RSVPing is just polite! Though this post makes us consider there COULD be some reasons why you don’t receive your RSVP’s.) Still! If this sounds a little exhausting, we’re afraid to tell you it can be even more-so at work. Mercury retrograde in this zone of your chart can be blamed for teamwork falling apart, general non-consensus, controversy, and arguments. People you otherwise work with seamlessly could be difficult to pin down or they are unwilling to come to your way of thinking. Mercury retrograde is not always a good time to start anything new. Instead, chip away at what’s in front of you, best as you can. Avoid or eliminate more interaction than necessary on team-based projects. Of course, projects with pressing dealings may be impossible to put off, although Mercury retrograde may stall those projects anyhow. Make progress on what you can, especially parts you can do solo, and circle back with the group later. Often, some projects just need to simmer anyway. When you’re ready to jump back in at the end of October, consider these tactics for "unsticking" your project. Some good news: Mercury retrograde is a good time for reunions. A friend from the past could resurface, and so could a relative you’ve not heard from in years. Since the eleventh house is the astrological party house, why not throw a little gathering to bring the band back together? Keep the planning simple and don’t worry about who shows up (remember that RSVP thing). If you’re expecting, or have a friend who is, this is an ideal time to plan a shower—but stick to the research part only while Mercury is retrograde. A no-frills fiesta may suit you—make it about the people who come and not who can out-Pinterest each other's party favors and décor. Showers have come a long way and maybe the old way wasn’t so bad, compared to today’s “commercial carnival.” We can probably all agree diapers and onesies just about cover it when the baby arrives, so if you're the mom-to-be, keep your registry simple.

Don’t blink, Capricorn! You may miss something. Sneaky Mercury is moving backward (retrograde) in Libra, your tenth house of long-term goals, until October 25. For every stride you take, it may feel like you’re taking two steps back. This transit could make your professional life tricky, especially if you’re working toward a goal or trying to get ahead. This may be a better time to focus inward. Brush up on your skills: maybe take an online course or read a book on a business or industry-related topic. Or put more finishing touches on a project or presentation instead of going in for that killer pitch. Keep things close to the vest for a few weeks and they’ll be ready for prime time later this month, when Mercury goes direct (forward) again. If you were thinking of asking for a raise or a new work schedule, hold off on that too. Use this time to research what you want to ask for before making your pitch at the end of the month. If you’re expecting, this is a great time to make your lists and get everything organized. Again, do the work that you can control and the work that you don’t need others for now. With Mercury backtracking through your tenth house, decluttering is highlighted. Clear out a drawer, a closet, or a room and you’ll feel infinitely better. Bonus: you’ll make room for your new addition to the family or the new toys you seem to acquire at quite a clip if you have small children. It’s a good time to donate some of those, too. Get the kids involved, so they don’t just feel mad later when they find out you gave away the Transformers they haven’t touched for two years. Kids are generally agreeable to moving out the old once they understand it makes room for the new. Here are 21 great “Zen habits to keeping a simple home.” Employing just a few of these practices will make a difference. And you may reclaim your living space! The tenth house celebrates structure (and Capricorn, we know your sign loves order!), so organizational activities will motivate you now. Just don’t be discouraged if the process seems arduous—that’s the retrograde pushing against your efforts. Take your time, involve your family, and you’ll come out of the transit feeling lighter. You may discover that your kids don’t miss or need a lot of stuff anyway. One mom we know recently moved and her five-year-old played an entire day in their new, empty house with whatever he could find (boxes, packing tape, dust bunnies). He didn’t seem to miss his toys at all. Imagine!

Feel like just staying home? Nothing wrong with a little downtime, Aquarius. This week, Mercury, the planet of travel, technology, and communication, is retrograde (backward) in Libra, your ninth house of get-up-and-go. All desire to leave the city limits (or your couch) will be low—especially since Mercury retrograde can throw serious wrenches into your travel plans. You don't have to cancel anything, Aquarius, but if getting everyone corralled into the car for leaf-peeping and pumpkin picking is like herding cats, just get a local pumpkin and set up paints at home. Or, buckle them into the car and dial down the drama, including your own. Chances are good that once you get to the destination, you’ll all be happy, even if you nearly killed each other along the way. Certain precautions are wise to take now, such as double (or triple) checking your reservations, plans, itineraries—and packing lots of on-the-road entertainment. Don’t be surprised if the parking lot at the airport can’t locate your reservation, or the Groupon you bought has expired. Give the guy behind the counter a break, as Mercury retrograde can wreak havoc on technology and it may not be human error behind the problem. Traveling with children presents its own set of unique challenges, retrograde aside. Do what you can to prepare your kiddos for the journey. If you have some time leading up to your trip, check out these 20 ideas, mostly craft-based, that sound genius. Since your reliable iPad or smartphone might fail you during Mercury retrograde, pick up old-fashioned coloring books and paperback novels. If your calendar is void of trips now, it’s a good time to do things close to home that don’t require the juggling act of air or road travel. How about a nature hike with the family at a state park? Or a picnic and leaf-raking party in your own backyard? Here are some quick picnic ideas for busy families. The ninth house also highlights learning. A family outing to the local library could fill up an afternoon, depending on the attention spans of your children. Have them pick out their own books and, if they’re old enough, let them find some cozy corners to explore their finds. Got an iPad addict who thinks books date back to the Stone Age? Here’s a great post on 12 ways to get your kids to love the library. Treat yourself to a few titles, too—something other than a parenting book that transports you away from your everyday stresses!

Feeling a little paranoid, Pisces? This week, mental Mercury swims backward (retrograde) in Libra—your eighth house of secrecy and suspicion—until October 25. This cycle could feel downright draining if you let these feelings take hold of you, so catch yourself while you can. Listen, we can’t blame you—it’s hard to avoid news headlines that spread panic. (Hello, Ebola?) Even The Guardian asks if one of the world’s most respected medical journals went too far by suggesting that women freeze their eggs and feeding “infertility paranoia.” (Sidenote: a companion Guardian article on what causes paranoia is worthy of a read, too.) The eighth house rules intimacy and these anxious feelings could creep into your closest relationships. Do you wonder who your partner got a text from late at night? Before you freak, imagine finding out it was just a push notification of a ballgame score. Do you wonder why your partner hasn’t wanted sex? Maybe there are unresolved feelings to discuss that are preventing intimacy. Not everything has an ulterior motive behind it. Know that Mercury retrograde is stirring up your trust issues, and get the facts before you attack. Of course, if something isn't on the up-and-up and your suspicions are confirmed, Mercury retrograde could expose that. But maybe it's just time for a deeper dive you’re your dynamics, perhaps through couples' therapy or reading some good personal growth books. Check out His Needs, Her Needs for ideas on how to build a better marriage. Of course, it’s not all heavy stuff now, as the eighth house also celebrates mystery and sensuality. As a fantasy-loving Pisces you flourish when your imagination takes over. Instead of letting your mind wander to the dark places, guide it to the lighter ones. Get yourself to a yoga studio or try a Mom & Me yoga class to strengthen the bonds you have with your little ones. Remember, there's only one letter difference between "Mom" and "Om."