PISCES HOROSCOPE

As a Pisces, you tend to go full apocalyptic when things don't go your way. It comes from being born under the last sign of the Zodiac. Once things have begun to devolve then nothing short of a complete flooding of the earth will do. It's your way of wiping the slate clean and starting again. Thankfully the First Quarter Moon in Sagittarius on August 31st brings a more optimistic perspective. Yes, things may be terribly wrong, but instead of shutting the door and assuming the worst, try reaching out. You may find that the other party still cares about how things turn out.

It's funny how people can be right, but in the wrong way. It's like the teacher who was so dreadful that you'll always remember him as a shining example of what NOT to do. On August 23d you'll see how a disparaging critic, unforgiving parent, or harsh boss serves a higher purpose in life and that's to wake you up to the wonderful gifts you possess. This is when you'll realize that you'll never win this person's approval and that trying to please him diminishes you; while rejecting his negativity forces you to assert yourself and do what you've always known you were capable of doing.

An extraordinary conjunction between Venus and Jupiter in the zodiac sign of its exaltation marks this as a special time for love and romance. This could be when you and that person you've been gazing at from across the room finally meet or this is when a relationship you had all but given up on suddenly shows renewed signs of life. A conjunction between the benefics in Cancer always refreshes, restores, and replenishes anything worn and dry. Moreover, both Venus and Jupiter are named after the Greek deities of fertility so if there was ever a time to conceive then August 12th is your day!

It may feel like someone has totally turned their back on you when Mars begins its tour of duty in Libra on August 6th. This could be someone you felt beholden to or relied on financially. Chances are there's more going on than you know. Perhaps this person is dealing with the stress of a deal not coming through, a broken contract that’s left them hanging, or an unexpected severance. Instead of feeling betrayed, you might try reaching out to them to see what’s going on. Maybe there's a way you can help. And if not? Then at least find a way to end matters amicably.

If everything you do is wrong then why was the person you're seeing drawn to you in the first place? Being the love of their life doesn't mean it's OK for them to give you a hard time. It’s a conversation worth having while Venus squares Saturn and your Ruling Planet Neptune on August 1st. These harsh planetary aspects show there's a lot of psychological baggage being projected on to you. Now you can carry them if you want or sit down and help this person unpack. You're there if they're interested in helping themselves but you won't being doing anyone's emotional homework for them.

Tired of the bickering? It's a question worth asking on July 23d when Venus in Gemini forms a square to Mars in Virgo. This is a “sibling aspect” where the two planets carry on like brothers or sisters fighting over the TV remote. You can treat this like another round of kicking each other under the table or you can press the pause button and ask what's up? Unpacking a history of resentment with a loved one isn't easy but it's a good time do it. After years of squabbling, you may discover you're finally in the headspace to resolve differences once and for all.

Mercury retrograde in that part of your solar chart that pertains to work may feel like a backwards slide at first. You might be asked to return to a previous position temporarily or to take on additional responsibilities without extra pay. It makes sense that you’d feel exploited, but your willingness to pitch in could also win the gratitude of the person you're helping out or impress a superior who's been looking to work with someone like you. In any case this retrograde will result in an advance which only goes to show that sometimes you have to step back in order to leap forward.

It's going to feel like the rug's being pulled out from under you when Uranus enters Gemini on July 7th. Something you relied on – like a person, place, or thing – has suddenly been removed and you could find yourself at a loss as to what to do next. Most people would go back the way they came and try to recover what they had but that won't be happening with you. The best thing to do is move forward. It may look like everything's topsy-turvy now, but it won't for long. In fact you're entering one of the most emboldening periods of your life.

Ruling Planet Neptune retrograde on July 4th shows you experiencing a case of cold feet regarding a certain venture or progress. It's surprising given that weeks ago you were quite excited about moving forward, but now you're scrambling for the nearest exit. It may look like you're bailing on something without cause or reason, but being a Pisces you can usually tell when something's gone south. The difference this time is that you're not as confident following your instincts and that's because Neptune's reversing direction in a sign you're not used to. Rest assured you're making the right move even if others say you aren't.

The Mercury/Neptune trine on June 28th will feel quite different from the Mercury/Neptune trines of the past 13 years. Those trines occurred in water signs which are psychic in nature. Being a water sign you're used to perceiving feelings and images that make no sense to you but are deeply meaningful to others. A Mercury/Neptune trine in fire is more intuitive. It quickens the pulse of your extra sensory perception so that you respond immediately – like a game show champion during the lightning round who correctly answers one question after the next. It's more hurried than you're used to, but you'll grow to like it.