Drama and confusion co-lead the charge this week. Wednesday is ruled by Mercury, and Mercury Retrograde is in full effect now – as a consequence, today and the next two Wednesdays hold a premium on misunderstandings and mishaps. This week, all of that is mitigated somewhat by Mercury’s harmonious connection to Mars, as well as his not-so-harmonious connection to Jupiter, which can lend a lot of assistance even in tough positions. Both sources of aid will diminish in the coming weeks.

What’s more today’s likely to host a series of shake-ups, disruptions, and revelations for good or ill, what with the moon sandwiched between Uranus and the North Node. It feels kind of funny, because as a rule, the moon performs optimally in Taurus, a placid and fertile pasture as a backdrop for the day. Only with the current array around the moon, it’s like the pasture is also a hotbed of landslides, meteorite strikes, and suddenly-enlightened cows. Make of that what you will!

There is potential for relationship friction with Venus and Mars moving into a contentious square, both also ruled by retrograde Mercury. Venus is debilitated in a few significant ways, and may be feeling outshined and neglected. Mars is at the start of a long journey of self-reflection and retooling, one he probably doesn’t even know he’s embarked on yet. Don’t let a mountain become a molehill here, realize that a conflict may simply be a misunderstanding. Patience and understanding are strongly advised.

Thursday evening (9/15) is an opportunity to cut through to the source of any confusion, as the Moon in Gemini will make clear contact with Mercury. Because that is a two-way street, this may also be the source of a big miscommunication, so be vigilant about details. This bleeds into Friday (9/16,) as Mercury forms an antiscial relationship with Neptune that makes the facts even murkier. On the plus side, this connection should also be very good for delving into fantasy or working on the fantastical; potentially good juice for writers and artists, diviners and magicky-types, or just nerds who love to binge their fandom. Mars is with the moon here, and should be able to assist with empowering any or all of the above. Venus is also fully locked into its trine with the North Node here, meaning that manifesting aesthetic (creating art and craft) should flow more easily. The Sun in Virgo’s critical eye will also be on Neptune through the weekend, highlighting the divide between delusions and reality and possibly opening up questions around sense of self and closely-held ideals.

A dynamic configuration is active on Sunday 9/18) morning, as the moon creates a t-square with Mercury and Jupiter. The result may be a very industrious Sunday, primed for re-structuring and acquisition; possibly a good day for home improvement, wardrobe renovation, retail therapy, or for sweating it all out.

Monday (9/19) has more revelatory potential, as Venus locking in exactly on Uranus means that surprises and realizations around artistic sensibility, preferences, femininity, and the like are more possible. Could just mean a particular person coming out of the woodwork, especially with all the retrograde planets at play right now. The moon lends positive support here before moving into late Cancer on Tuesday (9/20,) where it will preside over a somewhat fraught early day before creating moods more mellow and celebratory by evening.

Until next Hump Day!