Get your family’s horoscopes for the week ahead! A horoscope for your child AND for you. Whether you’re pregnant, already a mother or both, we’ll tell you what the planets have in store, and how to create a star-powered week for yourself and your family.

Week of Monday, June 8, 2015- Sunday, June 14, 2015

ARIES KIDS

Oh, the power of words. With talkative Mercury retrograde (moving backward) in Aries’ third house of communication, he may have got his “mords wixed” quite a bit during the past several weeks. Thankfully the planetary pullback in this area of his chart that affects verbal and written word (and also tech gadgets and travel) comes to an end on Thursday, June 11. Hopefully Little Aries didn’t ruffle too many feathers or suffer through exchanges that were too humbling. If he had a hard time zipping lips and some harsh words escaped his lips, encourage him to circle back to make amends with an apology, a sweet note or other gesture that fits the situation (ice cream date?). Smoothing things over may give Little Aries a useful life tool—the sign of the Ram is known for brash tendencies, after all. We really love this blog post from the mom over at Cuppacocoa on a more effective way to get kids to say “I’m sorry” that isn’t what we typically see (or do!) with them. Wee Aries, who may not yet have the gift of gab, was probably trying REALLY HARD to be understood during the retrograde. That furled brow and red face? Yep, she’s trying to tell you something (and probably not that she needs a diaper change LOL). You could try giving baby sign language a go now. Also, if you wisely resisted routine change-ups during the retrograde, you can confidently try some now and encounter less resistance. We’re not promising Easy Street—Wee Aries may really like sleeping in most mornings and not be on board with your plans for going out. Baby steps, right?

ARIES MOMS

You can stop holding your tongue now, Aries mom. And you can let out a hoo-ray for the end of Mercury retrograde in Gemini, your third house of communi-cay. The official wrap party comes Thursday (June 11) when Mercury turns direct after moving backward in this area of your chart since May 18. Is that an audible sigh we hear? We thought so. Holding back the volcano can be difficult for an Aries under normal circumstances—let alone a retrograde, which is notorious for mucking up thought and speech and even our gadgets and travel plans. So give yourself a pat on the back if you didn’t act on all your first instincts and thoughts—especially the ones you had around THAT person. The year’s third (and final) Mercury retrograde won’t occur until September 17 (and it will be in Libra, your seventh house of partnerships). So enjoy the break. In fact, if you delayed any big project deadlines or important appointments, schedule them between now and mid-September. And consider Mercury retrograde a reminder, Ram, that it’s never a bad practice to watch your words.

ARIES MOMS-TO-BE

Add an errand to your day, appointments to your calendar, and feel confident you can achieve everything on your to-do list, Aries mom-to-be. On Thursday, meddlesome Mercury turns direct after moving backward (retrograde) in Gemini, your third house of local travel, since May 18. If you felt like you were swimming against the tide, it wasn’t just because you’re moving slower these days thanks to your growing plus-one. Mercury retrograde jams our communication channels and messes with the gadgets that help us live seamlessly. If you padded your daily itinerary to counter a string of late arrivals, you no longer need to do that. If you kept forgetting things you didn’t write (or type) down, you may feel mental sharpness begin to return. And the technology you’ve come to rely on? It should become reliable again. You may also move ahead with formalizing documents or agreements later this week. Mercury’s next retrograde is months away (September 17-October 9, in Libra, your seventh house of partnerships), so you have plenty of time to get your affairs in order, especially if that precedes your due date!

TAURUS KIDS

Make new friends, but keep the old. Little Taurus has been learning that collecting new cronies is fun, but that longtime ones are gold. On Thurdsay, clever Mercury ends its retrograde (backward shuffle) in Gemini, your Little Bull’s second house of security. This is the second of three retrogrades this year (the next one is in September), cycles that cause static in communication mess with technology and thwart our ability to seamlessly get from Point A to Point B. For Little Taurus, the challenge may have been most realized in dealing with friends. It can be hard to watch children navigate the complicated social web of making and keeping friends. Sometimes we step in to protect. Taurus is a sign known for being determined, so your best efforts to help him avoid a sticky situation may not have worked. But maybe that was a good thing—Little Taurus does need to learn for himself, right? You can always be there for hugs if his ego gets wounded. Check out the Learning to Get Along series by Cheri J. Meiners—encouraging words in book form may resonate with Little Taurus better than your own right now. For Wee Taurus, you may have avoided thrusting him into new activities but he could lead you into a new place now (if he’s walking) or clap with glee if you whisk him from a quiet library children’s room to a bustling coffeeshop for another cup of much-needed Joe. The effects of a Mercury retrograde can take a little time to wear off, so don’t be surprised if Wee Taurus got comfortable with a more cautious or quiet routine. Take your cues from him and you’ll both be happy campers.

TAURUS MOMS

Take yourself off hold, Taurus mom. On Thursday (June 11), communication planet Mercury moves forward after a three-plus-week backspin (retrograde) in Gemini, your second house of work, money and routines. We hope the retrograde wasn’t too detrimental to your best-laid plans. If you wisely held off asking for a raise, signing contracts or entering into financial agreements (including opening new investment accounts), you can freely do so now without worrying that you’ll miss the fine print. Of course, it’s always good to READ those clauses. But a forward-moving Mercury in this zone of your chart makes it less detrimental. If you wanted to change routines, especially with your kids, you can give that a go now, too. The next retrograde won’t come until September 17 (in Libra, your sixth house of organization), so you have a three-month stretch during which communication, travel and technology should resume normal activity.

TAURUS MOMS-TO-BE

Press play, Taurus mom-to-be. Chances are you’ve been on “pause” since meddlesome Mercury turned retrograde (backward) in Gemini, your second house of daily habits, finance and work, on May 18. The good news is the backstroking ends Thursday (June 11). With the quicksilver planet moving direct in this area of your chart, you can assume the biggest snags are behind you. If you held off starting new projects or ventures, and time is of the essence (e.g., your due date is approaching!), you can get cracking now. Try not to feel too discouraged if your endeavors take a little longer to race down the runway before taking off—retrogrades can leave some debris in their wake. But once you have a clear path, you’ll be cruising. If you deepened your practice in meditation or yoga during the retrograde, continue. It will help keep your nerves calm and prepare you for the next retrograde when it arrives in the fall.

GEMINI KIDS

Marching to the beat of a brand-new drum? Expressive Mercury wraps up its second of three retrogrades this year on Thursday (June 11). Since May 18, Mercury retrograde has been interfering with communication, technology and mobility, and this one occurred in Little Gemini’s sign, his first house of identity and appearance. Your clever Gemini may have taken scissors to her wardrobe to make her clothes her own, perhaps prepping for a future episode of Project Runway Threads. Geminis strive for originality, and a retrograde in this area of their chart may have had older Gemini kids experimenting in big ways: piercings, temporary hair dye, body paint, anything the other kids AREN’T doing. Your Gemini may have found new ways to express himself verbally, perhaps with a vlog or a YouTube channel, acting in a school play, or wanting to Skype with Grammy every day. You’re probably used to picking and choosing where you direct your Gemini child’s energy. And while you don’t want to quash his spirit, these past weeks may have worn you OUT! Take solace in knowing that the erratic energy is about to die down. Circle back with Gemini, too, on things you put off, like her request to do an overnight with a new friend or the make-up she asked you to buy for her. Consider, too, where you might be able to say “yes” instead of “no.” We like this Abundant Mama post on the topic. Wee Gemini hears a lot of no, too, but for a good reason: you want to keep him safe from the wall outlets, the stairs, the dog food bowl, etc. etc. A simple reframing of your sentence could help you save that “No!” for the really important stuff, and help you connect better with him on the day-to-day stuff, like this Regarding Baby blog post explores. Bonus: you may get better cooperation in return!

GEMINI MOMS

Take a step forward, Gemini mom. And then another and another, because clever Mercury (your ruling planet) is ending its tricky retrograde on June 11. Mercury has been backstroking through your first house of self and new beginnings since May 18. Now you can resume birthday month festivities unencumbered—Mercury retrograde is no longer around to trip up communication, travel and technology. If you forged ahead, we aren’t surprised, since Geminis aren’t big on waiting around. But hopefully, you used the time productively to tie up loose ends or to repair (or finally sever) a relationship. You may also have done your homework on something important or interesting to you (a new hobby, perhaps) and now you’re ready to act on it. Do so bravely and without reservation after Thursday now that the cosmic tides are going your way.

GEMINI MOMS-TO-BE

Turn off the hold music, Gemini mom-to-be. (Unless you were totally into to that elevator version of Lionel Richie’s “Endless Love.”) Your call is about to go through to the cosmos, thanks to the end of Mercury retrograde this Thursday. Since May 18, the communication planet (and your ruler) has been reversing through Gemini, your first house of self and identity. If the past three weeks had you experiencing hiccups in travel, technology and interpersonal matters, things should smooth out now. When retrogrades aren’t making things difficult, they’re actually quite good for allowing you to immerse in research. And what mom-to-be doesn’t have some of that to do? Strollers, carseats, maybe even a new set of wheels—now’s the time to act on the information you soaked up. You no longer need to weigh the pros and cons, or read any more reviews ’til your eyes close and you drop your phone onto your face. It’s decision-making time!

CANCER KIDS

What makes someone tick? Little Cancer got a crash course in that over the past three weeks while meddlesome Mercury sailed backward (retrograde) in Gemini, her twelfth house of subconscious cues. Relief comes Thursday (June 11) when the retrograde ends, after mucking up communication, technology and travel. For Little Cancer, this planetary pullback probably gave her new perspective on the people close to her. She may have discovered a different side of a relative, maybe one who is struggling with an illness or going through a life change, like a divorce. She could have seen an ugly side of a friend, one who borrowed and didn’t return a treasured item or said hurtful things. And still she may have tried on some of those dark emotions, starting a rumor about a friend, taking something that wasn’t hers, hiding something important from you. While these experiences are part of growing up, they can be intensified during a retrograde—especially for an emotional Little Cancer already well-stocked in the “feels” department. Did the bullying side of your Crab come out? Mean behavior starts a lot earlier than we assume, according to this Wall Street Journal piece. Teaching empathy seems to be the way to counteract it—and Little Cancer will definitely be a willing participant now. For Wee Cancer, you can help teach him how to be good when others are not (lots of practical ideas in this Parents post). Steel yourself against that “one kid” you’re not able to avoid. And teach your Crab ways to scurry away from them, lest they fall into a typical trap of their sign (insecurity) and play Monkey-See, Monkey-Do with the kid throwing sand—the WORST!

CANCER MOMS

When it rains, it pours, as the saying goes. Well, Cancer mom, your storm should be subsiding as soon as Thursday (June 11), when meddlesome Mercury retrograde ends, and the communication planet turns direct (forward) in Gemini, your twelfth house of hidden meanings. During this retrograde, which began May 18, you may have been blindsided with some information or learned something that gave you a bout of shock. Now that you’re able to process it—and return your jaw to a closed position—it’s time to deal. Watch that you don’t bury your head in the sand on this one—classic side effects of a twelfth house transit are denial and avoidance. This one isn’t going away, so it’s better to confront and be done with it…and feel proud that you did.

CANCER MOMS-TO-BE

Rip off the Band-Aid, Cancer mom-to-be. Meddlesome Mercury ends its retrograde (backward motion) through Gemini, your twelfth house of healing, on Thursday (June 11). Since the retrograde began on May 18, Mercury has tripped up communication, technology and local travel, and taxed your capacity for forgive-and-forget. Releasing a grudge has been especially hard during this uber-sensitive cycle. This week, calm is restored, and your outrage can subside. Now it’s time to pick up the pieces. Since retrogrades are famous for bringing back people from our past, perhaps this was just what you needed to close a chapter or free yourself from a heavy burden with someone. With all that you have to look forward to, why not wave goodbye to those toxic ties?

LEO KIDS

Parental controls in place? Little Leo probably left you with a digital hangover for the past three weeks. Since May 18, Mercury has been retrograde (backward) in Gemini, Leo’s eleventh house of technology. Retrogrades are notorious for signal scrambling not only technology but written and verbal communication and travel. On Thursday, Mercury resumes forward motion once again. What’s left in its wake is your Lion’s new online footprint. He may have asked (or not) to create profiles on sites you didn’t know existed—it’s hard to keep up, WE KNOW! This Common Sense Media post, “15 Apps and Websites Kids Are Heading to After Facebook”, sums it up really well. Your best strategy is to set limits, lock down privacy and keep tabs, because let’s face it: the toothpaste is out of this tube! Our kids are already more tech savvy than most of us, and the future IS online. (We included lots of resources for managing your child online in Little Leo’s kidscope when the retrograde began, in case you missed it: http://www.momstrology.com/weekly-mom-kid-horoscopes-may-18-24. Although Wee Leo is too young to want to set up her own Instagram, you could decide if you want to do these things for her. One study, by Gerber, showed 40 percent of Millennial moms have set up social accounts for their babies. Check out this Slate post about a study that suggests this train isn’t going to be stopped, but insists it’s “going to be okay”. We hope they’re right!

LEO MOMS

Confidently insert yourself into any situation, Leo mom. On Thursday, communication planet Mercury ends its retrograde in Gemini, your eleventh house of collaboration. This backward spin that began on May 18 probably derailed your social interactions, the technology you use and even your travel plans. If you instinctively decided to take a low profile in social situations, especially ones with other moms, good for you! If you ignored the signs and pressed ahead into controversial conversations, you may have some damage control to do now. Help everyone forget about that time (or two) that you put your foot in your mouth at a light-hearted social gathering, or voiced an uncomfortable political opinion. Oops!

LEO MOMS-TO-BE

Memories are short, so let’s just move on, shall we? Since May 18, Mercury has been retrograde (backward) in Gemini, your eleventh house of technology. You may have emailed, posted or Tweeted something that makes your cheeks a little pink to think about now. We have two pieces of good news for you: first, the retrograde ends Thursday (June 11), and second, everyone will forget that post because they’re already on to talking about what someone else just posted. Go forward into your feeds with caution now. This LifeHacker post includes examples probably more cringe-worthy than yours, plus ideas for how to avoid missteps in the future. Think, too, about how you want to present your new baby to the world, if at all! Yes, you have a choice.

VIRGO KIDS

Peace accord: incoming! This week, the stage is set to smooth things over with daddy or another male authority figure in Little Virgo’s life. On Thursday, meddlesome Mercury turns direct in Gemini, Virgo’s tenth house of fathers and important men. Since May 18, Mercury retrograde (backward) has made relationships harder to gel, mesh and click. Retrogrades are blamed for tripping up communication, technology and travel. If Little Virgo and her daddy, uncle, teacher, coach (whomever) clashed during this period, now’s a great time to get back to normal. It may take a little time, but healing comes if harsh words were exchanged or feelings were hurt. If Little Virgo and her dad clashed over rules or parameters, compromise can be found now. We like this post from Aha! Parenting that addresses “bad” behavior and how to deal with it (the gist is, your child isn’t being bad on purpose, but having a hard time, and this piece explains how to avoid power struggles). Little Virgo’s tenth house also rules ambition, and she’s up for a challenge now, especially with Mercury sailing direct. A hands-on collaborative project might provide the perfect opportunity to bond and reconnect. Plant an herb garden, make and deliver homemade cookies to a local firehouse or think of something fun to do together. On the flip side, if the retrograde brought up a situation that you feel is toxic between Little Virgo and another person, maybe it’s better to back off or sever ties altogether, if you can, like with a pushy coach or a caregiver that just isn’t the right fit. Wee Virgo may be ready to put daddy back on a pedestal. Hope you enjoyed the extra attention, Mom! If dad’s ego felt a little bruised by the snub, he’ll see now it was just a phase and they’re buds again. Start searching for some cute matching shirts for them for Father’s Day (June 21 in the U.S.) like these!

VIRGO MOMS

Pick up the pace, Virgo mom. If you slowed down during Mercury’s backspin (retrograde) in Gemini, your tenth house of long-term plans, we understand. Pushing against the tide probably felt futile. Since Mercury turned retrograde on May 18, you may have felt like you were spinning your wheels on a lot of projects and with most of your responsibilities. The good news is it ends Thursday (June 11), and you will feel the wind in your sails again. Now you’re getting somewhere! But try not to freak out about what backed up and push yourself to make up for lost time. Virgo, your sign can be a little neurotic, so don’t go overboard. Instead of multi-tasking, try to tackle one item at a time and you’ll be crossing things off that list before you know it. Ah, serenity!

VIRGO MOMS-TO-BE

Can you finally relax, Virgo mom-to-be? We think so—clever planet Mercury ends its retrograde in Gemini, your tenth house of ambition, on Thursday (June 11). Since May 18, the planet’s backstroke in this area of your chart has wreaked havoc on your communication with men in your life, very likely the father-to-be or maybe your own dad. You can’t blame the flare-up you felt on hormones alone, it’s Mercury’s meddlesome influence. Thankfully it subsides by the end of this week. If you felt at all like your mate wasn’t pulling his weight—putting together nursery furniture, reading the baby books, massaging your feet on-demand—you’re able to communicate clearly now what you want. Or you may see he is trying, and maybe has even done other things you hadn’t even thought of (e.g., research on car seats or a new family vehicle). Your best strategy is to leave nothing unsaid. Express yourself, mama-to-be.

LIBRA KIDS

Reason returns to Little Libra—within reason, of course (kids!). Little Libra may soon be making better choices, now that Mercury moves direct in Gemini, her ninth house of morals and ethics, on Thursday (June 11). The meddlesome planet has been pulling back in this area of her chart since May 18, which may explain a few things. Retrogrades (backward motions) trip up communication, technology and travel. Little Libra may have exercised questionable judgment or gotten herself into a little bit of trouble. You may have been left wondering “how in the world?” and “didn’t I teach her better than that?” Yes, you did, but Mercury retrograde is a powerful cosmic occurrence—and it’s a great opportunity for a life lesson. Turn it around on Little Libra. Instead of maybe just executing a punishment for an infraction, use it as a teaching moment. Here are 10 ideas from Aha! Parenting for guiding without penalizing—worth a try if it avoids snot, tears and whining! She (and you!) may be better prepared for the next Mercury retrograde, which will be in her sign, September 17-October 9. Wee Libras can now go back to mingling with the masses. If, during the retrograde, you shielded him from those kids whose behavior you deem questionable for fear he’d emulate them (and pick up bad habits), you can worry a little less now. You may want to continue to limit the exposure to those kids, just in case, but you can be sure Wee Libra will be more likely to follow YOUR guidance versus being led down a path with a little monster.

LIBRA MOMS

Pull up anchor, Libra mom. Mercury ends its retrograde (backward movement) in Gemini, your ninth house of expansion, on Thursday (June 11). If your movements have been thwarted or slowed since the retrograde began on May 18, you are about to quicken your steps, or at least get them back to a pace you’re comfortable with. Mercury retrogrades can crimp travel plans, interrupt technology and communication. If you showed up for an appointment on the wrong date or time, that’s Mercury retrograde for you. Still, it’s never a bad practice to double-check appointments and travel plans, so maybe you come out of this retrograde resolved to manage your personal calendar fervently. Since retrogrades also bring back people from our past, hopefully one of the upcoming appointments on your calendar is a meet-up with an old friend.

LIBRA MOMS-TO-BE

Sign on the dotted line, Libra mom-to-be. If you waited to ink a deal during Mercury’s retrograde in Gemini, your ninth house of horizon expansion, good for you! Not only did you have more time to think about what you want, you know what you DON’T want. The retrograde that began on May 18 ends Thursday (June 11), and while there can be some residual energy that lingers, you can confidently move forward with contracts and commitments, amended with revisions, of course. Since retrogrades also foil travel plans, we’re hoping you didn’t hit any skids with your babymoon if it occurred in the past three weeks. But if you didn’t pack your bags and go, now is the perfect time to do so!

SCORPIO KIDS

Bye-bye, indecision! Little Scorpio may have stressed and buckled under the pressure of having to make choices recently. Since May 18, clever Mercury was retrograde (backward) in Gemini, his emotional eighth house, making feelings oh-so complicated. Scorpios inherently have an intensity volume set on high, so this retrograde could have exhausted both Little Scorpio and probably you. If you foot-tapped or snapped waiting for him to answer a million of your questions, relief comes as Mercury turns direct this Thursday (June 11). Little Scorpio will start to relax and confidently articulate what he wants. Giving him fewer choices hopefully was a successful strategy you tried. It may not be a bad idea to continue with that tact, considering Scorpios have a tendency to over-think. This New Yorker piece, “When It’s Bad to Have Good Choices,” makes us think we could all use fewer options. Continue to give Little Scorpio time to figure out what he wants, and also the space to process his thoughts, which can come at him fast and furious. We know one mom of a Scorpio who put a big piece of sanded plywood in his room so he could work on a puzzle at his leisure. Wee Scorpio also calms with Mercury turning direct in Gemini. If you felt your baby was starting to push your buttons, she was. And how you reacted? She took note. Decide how you’ll address any of her envelope-pushing tactics— such as pulling the cat’s tail. Wee Scorpio also will have an easier time making choices now; she may even seem less “picky.” It’s a good time to resume introduction of new foods, especially ones with different textures.

SCORPIO MOMS

Patience restored! Your mettle was tested repeatedly since May 18, as communication planet Mercury moved retrograde (backward) in Gemini, your eighth house of intensity and transformation. The planet turns direct (forward) this Thursday (June 11), bringing back rational thought and peace of mind. Retrogrades are famous for driving spikes into communication, travel and technology. If you leaned back on commitments related to finance (real estate in particular) you may now lean in. Intimacy misfires with your S.O.? History. Don’t read anything into them either, Scorpio. A Friday night date to reconnect, doing something you both love, could lead to a natural bedroom romp that isn’t forced and is exactly what you both need. If sex isn’t a good elixir, some gentle yoga may suit you, too.

SCORPIO MOMS-TO-BE

Plant some seeds on any earth you scorched, Scorpio mom-to-be. You’re almost out of the woods on this Mercury retrograde (backward motion) in Gemini, your ruling eighth house of transformation. Retrogrades wreak havoc on communication, travel and technology. This one began May 18 and it ends Thursday (June 11). And while there may be some residual energy, you can expect your intensity to subside somewhat (you ARE a Scorpio, after all, and intensity is your trademark!). Your approach to everything comes with a side dish of chill, at least. This serves you well, as you have a lot on your plate with the impending delivery of your newborn. Take things as they come, and handle them with grace. You’re only going to have more new experiences coming at you very shortly, so practice now how to keep your needle out of the red.

SAGITTARIUS KIDS

One-on-one is fun again. Little Sagittarius may have felt the strain of relationships while thoughtful Mercury was retrograde (moving backward) in Gemini, her seventh house of partnerships. Mercury retrogrades snag communication, technology and travel. Mercury’s reversal began on May 18 and will thankfully end this Thursday (June 11). It may have knocked Little Sagittarius off-balance in her dealings with friends. Words may have been misconstrued or taken out of context, especially if delivered over a device where tone can be misread. Your Sagittarius may also have been subject of some bullying or pressure at school or in a social situation. Because retrogrades can bring back people from the past, perhaps she reconnected with a long-ago friend, causing ripples in her current posse. Help Little Sag try to smooth things over, if the friendships are worth it. If your child dealt with any social shakeups, you might visit the stopbullying.gov site for ideas. You could also check in with how things are handled at Little Archer’s school, so you can reinforce what’s happening there or get the school administration to take stronger measures. Wee Sagittarius may have been working hard to find his place among all the inhabitants of your household—among siblings, but also adults and even family pets who receive a share of your attention. A Sag of any age does not like to be ignored, and he probably let you know that with loud singing or banging on pots and pans. While he may chill out a little with the retrograde ending, this is partly your Wee Sag’s personality, and it’s probably BIG. Give him a chance to have the spotlight regularly. It may not be too early for music or drum lessons!

SAGITTARIUS MOMS

Two’s company again, Sagittarius mom. On Thursday, communication planet Mercury ends its retrograde (backward spin) in Gemini, your seventh house of one-on-one relationships. If you experienced some interpersonal misfires—on the romantic, business or friendship front, you’ll find yourself shooting on target now. Timing and wit are restored. Ah, right where you like to be. Patch up any rips that occurred during the past several weeks (the retrograde began May 18) and you’ll be back to feeling like all is right with the world. Don’t forget about the kids! If you felt at all like you weren’t connecting, plan some one-on-one together time (do it with each kid separately, if you have more than one child). A time-out to do something fun may help you reconnect faster than just talking it out. Thankfully though, clear communication is restored, so you can expect fewer misfires there, too.

SAGITTARIUS MOMS-TO-BE

Put down the matchbook, Sagittarius mom-to-be. If you set metaphorical fire to anything that got in your way since May 18, your rampage ends this week. For the past three weeks, Mercury was retrograde (backward) in Gemini, your seventh house of partnerships. This Thursday, this challenging period ends, and harmony returns to your closest relationships. Thank goodness, since you have enough to think about with your baby on the way. Let the situations resolve themselves amicably or go your separate ways. Some duos just don’t work, no matter how good they look on paper or how hard you tried (probably more than the other person). If you made a snap judgment or rash decision, you may want to go back and revise if you can. Take a humble approach. With your gift of gab restored, you can probably talk yourself into (or out of) anything.

CAPRICORN KIDS

Next stop: cooperation station. Little Capricorn choo-choos to the ultimate destination on Thursday: the end of Mercury retrograde (backward) in Gemini, his sixth house of tasks and daily routines. This retrograde that began on May 18 threw a wrench in communication, travel and technology, causing Little Capricorn to dig in his heels about, well, pretty much everything, right? With Mercury turning direct (forward) this week, you can expect wheels to turn a little more easily. If everything was a fight, it won’t be any longer. This doesn’t mean Little Capricorn will suddenly acquiesce to your every desire—wouldn’t that make things easier?—but you will see him return to his traditionally grounded ways and be WAY less resistant to change, requests and rules. (Capricorns aim to please, under normal circumstances!) The retrograde may have tested your limits, but it also let Little Cap stretch himself as a negotiator, lobbyist or campaigner. If he’s typically known for being a “good little soldier,” then this boundary pushing was a healthy exercise and you both learned something. Capricorns love a challenge, so if the real-life lessons are lost on him (hey, he’s a kid!), channel his energy into something productive. Anything that fosters competition or requires skill to move from one level to the next is ideal. Wee Capricorn spent the retrograde loving her Mommy & Me or a Daddy & Me time. If her mood was off, you may have assigned it to teething or a growth spurt. It could actually have been Wee Cappy trying to let you know, “Hey, I’m bored!” and “Let’s do something else!” While baby’s attention span is short, she does crave stimulation and you’d be smart now to keep a steady stream of interesting toys, games or errands.

CAPRICORN MOMS

Sick of dodging puddles? Don’t worry, Capricorn mom. You’ll take sure-footed steps again on Thursday (June 11) when Mercury ends its retrograde (backward) spin through Gemini, your sixth house of wellbeing and organization. It was a tough stretch since May 18, as Mercury retrograde mucked up communication, travel and technology for you. All the maneuvering you did wasn’t just exhausting, it caused you to overanalyze until you taxed every last brain cell. Take a breather now while Gemini moves direct in this area of your chart. Check out the gym again—you know, the place you give money to every month? Or, just get your feet moving with a good head-clearing walk as often as you can. If you want extra motivation, get yourself a fitness bracelet or charge up the one that’s been sitting in a drawer for months.

CAPRICORN MOMS-TO-BE

Ready for a new attitude, Capricorn mom-to-be? While Mercury was retrograde (backward) in Gemini, your sixth house of efficiency and organization, you may have jumped off the rails, as mightily as you tried to stay on them. You went from green juice to where-are-the-cookies or suddenly thought exercise wasn’t worth it if you’re going to gain weight by being pregnant anyway. On Thursday (June 11), when Mercury turns direct in this area of your chart, you get your wake-up call. It’s so unlike you to throw caution to the wind with your wellbeing and routines, but Mercury retrograde may have shaken up even the most steadfast Capricorns. Now you can get things the way you want them, and confidently maintain a regimen throughout the rest of your pregnancy. Of course, Caps are known for falling prey to rigidity, so do remember that this is life. Give yourself a break once in awhile. One or two cookies won’t kill you. Think: moderation, not deprivation.

AQUARIUS KIDS

Confidence returns for Little Aquarius this week, and frustration begins to subside. On Thursday (June 11), clever Mercury ends its three-week retrograde (backward) stretch in Little Aquarius’s fifth house of creativity. Retrogrades can tie up communication and drop wrenches into travel plans and technology. This one, which began May 18, may have caused Little Aquarius to eschew activities he typically loves. He may have been unusually hard on himself, setting skyscraper-high goals or imposing impossible expectations on himself. On the one hand, you love to see Aquarius striving to be his best. On the other, you don’t want him to set himself up for failure or disappointment. Now that’s he’s come down from the emotional rollercoaster, opportunity exists for him to learn from any tough experiences. Whether it’s biting off what he can chew, setting mini goals or finding the enjoyment in an activity without worrying about perfection, he’s ready to grow from it. Check out this Scientific American piece, “Getting It Wrong”  for a perspective on this. Encourage Aquarius to return to an abandoned activity to give it one last shot. We all get into a funk about the things we like, and kids are no different! A good sci-fi movie or book may also help him escape and give him some mental R&R. Wee Aquarius hopefully had a chance to get her hands messy during the retrograde. Exploring with new materials, especially ones with interesting textures, really interested her. If you’re not the sort of mom that’s going to allow Play-dough in your house, consider setting up a table outdoors for messy play, or containing it to the bath tub (shaving cream is a great one there). One mom we know got a long, shallow under-bed container for that “moon sand” stuff—to be played with only outside. This, of course, assumes Wee Aquarius is finished putting things in her mouth. If not, there are tons of edible recipes. Check out one of these from the Hands On As We Grow blog.

AQUARIUS MOMS

Wake up, daydreamer! Clever Mercury ends its retrograde (backward) motion through Gemini, your fifth house of passion, on Thursday. The quicksilver planet has been pulling at your heart since it went rogue on May 18. Retrogrades cause ripples in communication, technology and travel and they also reveal people from our past. For you, this may have been an old crush, an ex, or someone you dated a few times, way back, who you suddenly couldn’t stop thinking about. If you hit “The Google” or search boxes on social media sites, hopefully your curiosity was sated. Now is the time to dust yourself off and decide what you want to do with your PI findings. Mercury is the messenger planet, and maybe this was a strong signal to bring more passion and romance into your current love life. Who says that those carefree, red-hot moments have to be a thing of the past? Sure, it might take something more—a lot more—to pull off spontaneous sex after kids. But it’s not impossible. With Mercury direct, bring back those lovin’ feelings.

AQUARIUS MOMS-TO-BE

Passion project: complete? Hopefully you had a chance to tie up loose ends and finish a task or a creation during Mercury’s retrograde (backward) turn in Gemini, your fifth house of creativity. Feeding your artistic desires is important now. When the retrograde ends this Thursday (June 11), you could have a strong impulse to complete any projects you started. You need to free up time for other things now, Aquarius mom-to-be! What you didn’t start during the retrograde (which began May 18) can definitely be put on the front-burner now that Mercury is direct in this area of your chart. So if you have designs for the nursery, a long list of shopping to complete or you haven’t set up a registry, get on it!

PISCES KIDS

Tissue box emptied out? Tears were likely flowing for Little Pisces while expressive Mercury was retrograde (backward) in his fourth house of emotional foundations since May 18. On Thursday, this teary-eyed cycle comes to an end. Retrogrades are notorious for toying with communication, technology and mobility. For Little Pisces, already a well of complex feelings, this could have been too much to bear. You glanced into the rear view mirror and saw Pisces looking out of the window with serious contemplation. You checked on him watching a Disney cartoon and saw eye water falling during a tender scene between the characters. Things that you would just roll past, he clung onto like they had meaning and importance. Careful here, as you don’t want to downplay or discount your Fish’s feelings. Support him, even if it’s just a squeeze and passing a tissue, and give him some space to work it out. A journal is a great way to do this; even the youngest Fish just learning to make letters might find solace in putting pencil to paper. Display any art he made during the retrograde—instant gallery! See how it compares to the newer work he’ll do post-Mercury retrograde, and you may gain some insight into your little dreamer. Some QT with you or another parent or grandparent may also help him recalibrate. Same for Wee Pisces, who want to cling to your shirt a little longer than maybe you can stand. If you normally put your baby down for naps and night alone, she may protest still, as the effects of the retrograde fade. If you had a beach day recently, the water probably played to her senses and not only helped calm her but turned her into a beach baby! We know where you’ll be spending a lot of your time this summer. Stock up on sunscreen!

PISCES MOMS

Domestic peace accord! Pisces mom, order is restored with communication planet Mercury ending its retrograde in Gemini, your fourth house of home and family, on Thursday (June 11). Retrogrades jam signals in not only interpersonal ties, but also technology and travel. If all your moves felt like they met resistance since the retrograde began (May 18), you will start to feel you aren’t pushing so hard anymore. Because the fourth house also rules women, you may have had a tiff with a sister, your mother or another prominent female in your life. Now that the dust has settled, you can circle back to smooth things over or at least talk it out. With Mercury direct in this area of your chart, you can also get back to matters of the household: repairs, renovations or redecorating. Doesn’t that sound more fun?

PISCES MOMS-TO-BE

Your house is your home, Pisces mom-to-be. And you can see that more clearly now that clever Mercury turns direct in Gemini, your fourth house of home, after a three-week retrograde (backspin) in this area of your chart. Retrogrades are best known for pulling snags in your communication, technology and travel plans. While in Gemini (since May 18), a magnifying glass was on your surroundings. If you felt uncomfortable and just couldn’t relax at home, that feeling will fade now. The gifts from a retrograde are often discovering what you want to change. So maybe you’re ready to jump on purchasing that new sofa (maybe not the white one, though) or getting serious about looking for a new pad in advance of your due date. Chances are good you’ve done some homework to get to this point—retrogrades are great for research—and now it’s time to act on the results.