photo: cgmethven

“Just do it” is one of most commonly repeated brand slogans. Its ready adoption into pop culture is a reflection that every now and then everyone seems to need a bit of a nudge. We need that fire in the belly, a push to go after a goal. Sometimes we just need that reminder to have the courage to go after what we want.

Astrologically, that message is reflected during the time of the month when the Moon is in assertive Aries, as it is today. So, take a risk that safely moves you slightly outside of your comfort zone. Exert your will and “just do it.”

photo: cgmethven

The Moon’s in move-ahead Aries today. As it unites with energized Uranus, a streak of rebellion and doing it your own way comes to the forefront. Accomplishment is the name of the game. Not only because of the willful Aries Moon but also because of the connective trine between assertive Mars and probing Pluto.

There’s energy available to create something powerful or do something that has great meaning. A tense alignment between expansive Jupiter and restrictive Saturn delivers an essential lesson. It serves as a reminder of the importance of finding balance between being optimistic and realistic.

photo: cgmethven

Gracious Venus begins her six-week retrograde phase today. When the planet of love appears to be in backward motion, we have an opportunity to reflect upon and reassess our relationships. We can see not only which ones work and which ones don’t, but also why.

During this time, don’t be surprised if old friends or lovers reappear in your life—this is a common occurrence during Venus retrograde. Also important is to put off making big-ticket purchase until after June 27, when Venus turns direct. Otherwise, you may very well regret what you bought when you notice your tastes have changed.

photo: cgmethven

Heightened sensitivity and an easier ability to tune into other people’s emotions are on tap when the Moon is in Pisces. The alignments it makes with powerful Pluto and wise Chiron further enhance the Piscean urge to help others. Given that messenger Mercury also harmoniously aligns with both Pluto and Chiron, words and thoughts take on special healing powers.

If friends have been emotionally under the weather, today’s a good time to connect with them. Be sure to be diligent in all you do: the Sun’s connection with serious Saturn is a reminder that cutting corners isn’t always prudent and can have cause stress down the road.

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The Sun unites with optimistic Jupiter, making everything seem within your reach. And with Mercury making a friendly trine to Mars there’s an alignment between your thoughts and actions. This can help you pursue a goal that provides you with an opportunity for growth and learning.

Just be aware that while the Sun/Jupiter energy is great for inspiring wisdom and broad vision, it can also push you beyond realistic limits if not kept in check. This is especially true today as the Moon is in dreamy Pisces. This infuses a tendency to want to gloss over the parts of reality that seem harsh and less than ideal.

photo: cgmethven

Innovation and uniqueness are rewarded today. Not only because the Moon is in eclectic Aquarius but also because the Sun aligns with avante-garde Uranus. Powerful Pluto makes a friendly sextile with wise Chiron, helping you to learn from past experiences in a profound but supported way. While around-the-house Sunday tasks may need to be accomplished, you’d rather be doing something else that seems more exciting.

See if there’s a way to make mundane tasks more interesting by approaching them differently. Shake up your routines. As the Moon nicely aligns with social Venus and constructive Saturn, spending time with friends may feel especially nurturing later on.

photo: cgmethven

As the Moon moves into Aquarius today, it’s as if you suddenly changed from a telephoto to wide-angled lens. Your perspective pulls back and you see the big picture. Yet, you’re not even limited to seeing things from one perspective. Rather, it’s as if you are walking around your subject, snapping photos of it from different angles.

Much of the focus when the Moon is in Aquarius is to identify patterns, to see how everything fits together. Given the its friendly sextile to eclectic Uranus, out-of-the box thinking and out-of-the blue experiences may be common fare today.

photo: cgmethven

With the Capricorn Moon in accord with the luminous Sun and expansive Jupiter, there’s a sense of seriousness and a dedication to practical goals. And with that, work seems less arduous and more interesting. Later in the day when the Moon goes “void” the energy turns to one that feels more diffuse.

This is reinforced by the sweet sextile between mental Mercury and dreamy Neptune. This alignment inspires a poetic quality to thoughts and dialogues. If linear thinking seems too much of a struggle, then just go with the flow of the more lyrical and rhythmic mental energies.

photo: cgmethven

Mercury enters the earthy sign of Taurus today, where it will reside until May 24th. During this time communication takes on a more practical tone. The earth signs–Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn—jive most readily with this slow-flowing pace of communication. The Moon is in dedicated Capricorn today making work and productivity the golden ticket to a sense of peace and happiness.

That’s not to say that the day doesn’t have twists and turns. It will, given the Moon’s alignments with erratic Uranus and intense Pluto. Be open to the unexpected and know that some deep feelings may come to light.

photo: cgmethven

The desire to do things differently colors the day as assertive Mars aligns with innovative Uranus. Remember that just because something is alternative doesn’t mean it can’t also be highly effective. Later, the Sagittarius Moon opposes social Venus. Balancing your need for variety while keeping your sights set on the bigger picture can help relieve potential tension.

When the Moon harmoniously trines mental Mercury, clear thinking and a desire to express yourself take center stage. This is the last day of Mercury’s current passage through Aries. So don’t be surprised if words and thoughts occur at a rapid pace.