READER HOROSCOPES FOR JUNE 2017
Flipping the pages of your celestial fortune
GEMINI
Gemini season is upon us!!! Birthday behavior will be in full effect, so enjoy this month and all it has to offer. How do you see yourself developing in the next month, year, or five years? What do you want to achieve, and how can you make that happen? Use this burst of positive energy to fuel your ambitions because honey, the sky's the limit! In between all of the birthday partying you plan to do (you know you tend to need twice the celebrations - get it?), take some time to peel yourself away from the crowd and reflect on what this past year has brought. There have been many ups, most likely a few downs as well. But you’ve made it this far, and there’s no slowing you down now. Be bold, be serious about your dreams, and start taking concrete steps to reaching them! That means investing in yourself - whether it’s a side project that needs more time, a long-term endeavor that you’ve abandoned lately, or a relationship that you want to improve. The onus is on you to take control - it’s your life, after all! The characters in your lucky book this month may not always get along, but they are driven by their passions, and act accordingly. Wires may get crossed, accidents can happen, or the side project you invested time and money in may reveal itself to be smoke and mirrors - these are some unfortunate side effects of taking risks. But guess what? You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. And, in the end, even if it all goes up in smoke, you become stronger by learning how to rebuild. This is your time, Gemini, so go after what you want, and be unapologetic about it. You’ve got a pretty big crowd cheering you on, every step of the way.
LUCKY BOOK: Modern Lovers by Emma Straub
CANCER
Namaste, Cancer. Summer is nearly upon us, and you’re feeling extra motivated to get yourself in shape. Whether it’s inspired by the ‘beach body’ craze (any body at the beach is a beach body, FYI!) or you’ve just got some spare energy to burn, lean into that impulse and follow where it takes you! Putting in those hours of physical exertion - whether it’s on a yoga mat, treadmill, or the winding paths of your local park - will only make you feel stronger, healthier, and happier...and probably pretty sore, too. But good for you! This commitment to bettering your physical self will do wonders for helping you manage your emotional self, as well. While you have the time to let your mind wander while you work out, allow it to drift to your personal goals - and I’m not talking about how many pounds you want to lift. Where are you headed, and what’s driving you there? When is the last time you reevaluated what you really want? It’s crucial that you stop and reflect from time to time, keeping in mind that desires change, and that’s normal. If you’ve been pushing yourself lately, think about why that is. Are you keeping yourself busy to avoid thinking? Why? Use this month of recalibration as a reset - absent yourself from the whirlwind of rooftop parties and bar hops for a bit, and just let yourself rest. When is the last time you took an honest to God NAP? Yeah, thought so. Your lucky book this month follows a young man who, similar to yourself, is on a quest for knowledge - how does one achieve transcendence? Nirvana? The only way to find out is to seek it out - a journey that tests his physical abilities, but his emotional and spiritual grit as well. Take the time, put in the work, and then wait - with time, your answers (and rewards!) will come..
LUCKY BOOK: The Yoga of Max’s Discontent by Karan Bajaj
LEO
Thank you for being frieeeend, Leo! This month your social butterfly-ing is off the charts - everyone wants a piece of you, which is exactly how you like it! The summer season and hours-long group hangouts are exactly what the doctor ordered, so you’re in a good place. Listen to that feeling in your gut that tells you are exactly where you need to be - June very well may be the month of beneficial collaborations! Keep your eyes and ears open during your group conversations - you never know who may wind up being a fantastic potential partner for a joint venture. That said, you may prefer not to think about any joint venturing right now, due to a stalled project that’s been getting you down. A short story you can’t find an ending for, a relationship that refuses to be rehabilitated, a jewelry business that you are having trouble getting off the ground - whatever it is, it can be incredibly frustrating to devote time and energy to a project, just to have it stutter and stop before it even starts. Don’t avoid the issue, but don’t keep trying the same methods over and over again either. It may be time to seek out some help - might it be an emotional block? Is it time to seek out your old therapist, or maybe an acupuncturist? The point is, don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you find yourself needing a fun distraction between therapy sessions, your lucky book this month is about a pair of friends whose relationship takes a sharp turn one fateful summer. Young rich women in 1950s Houston, Texas, one of them gone off the rails and the other her self-appointed chaperone: what follows is a story that is sure to lend some perspective to the issues you’re facing. Sometimes, you really do get by with a little help from a friend.
LUCKY BOOK: The After Party by Anton DiSclafani
VIRGO
Summer is rapidly approaching - for most people, a time when responsibilities are slackened, the meetings end earlier, and the long, sunny days make for less work, much more play. But you aren't most people, are you, Virgo? This month, you're determined to make good use of your time and energy rather than while it away on the boardwalk or rooftop bar. The good news is, you'll start to see the returns from this burst of extra effort pretty quickly: if you haven't already, you'll start getting noticed by some important higher-ups, community influencers, maybe even a potential business partner or two. Your career is going places, so take advantage of that momentum! This means thinking more broadly about how you’re utilizing your position and whatever power you wield to make the world a better place. How can you contribute to the causes that are meaningful to you? Can you sacrifice your time? Resources? Money? The more successful you become, the easier it can be to hoard the wealth you accrue, but be warned: money is fickle, and has ways of making itself scarce - sometimes at the most inconvenient or unexpected times. The family in your lucky book know that well, having lost their riches in one fell swoop on a fateful summer’s day on Martha’s Vineyard. Shaken, bewildered, and grasping for steady footing, they undergo very separate journeys - the childrens’ distinct from the parents’ in order to make sense of their strange new world, and figure out their place in it. So keep making the boss moves you’ve perfected into an art, but stay ready at all times for the other shoe to drop.
LUCKY BOOK: Sons and Daughters of Ease and Plenty by Ramona Ausubel
LIBRA
Oh, lovely Libra, where will your spirit move you this month? The summer breeze has you feeling particularly fine, and that’s nothing to sneeze at. Feeling antsy and in need of a change of pace? Join a Capoeira class! Do you miss scintillating classroom discussions and writing important papers? Sign up for the community college class you’ve been eyeing for weeks now! Don’t let your nomadic spirit spiral into aimlessness - your open-mindedness is a gift; take advantage of it! Don’t settle until you feel, internally, that you’re in the place you want to be. What form that place will take, only your future self knows, but one thing is clear: you’re hungry for knowledge. You want to know more - about computer science, about birding, about the coasts of Santorini - it doesn’t matter what the topic (or the hemisphere), just that you find your passion and let it consume you. Throwing yourself into a brand new pursuit is one of the most sustaining and reliable pleasures of life; it can remind us of the wild curiosity we experienced for the first time as children, and it can teach us discipline and patience. But most of all, it will scratch the itch that’s been nagging you: the itch to simply know more. The authors of your lucky book know exactly how you feel - they wrote and illustrated an entire book that explores everything we don’t know about the universe. Quarks and neutrinos, black holes and Dark Matter: words we hear in physics class that vaguely ring a bell, but easily evade human understanding. This is the perfect downtime book for you this month as you embark on a quest of personal fulfillment via life’s classroom - but the best part is, there’s no test at the end.
LUCKY BOOK: We Have No Idea: A Guide to the Unknown Universe by Jorge Cham and Daniel Whiteson
SCORPIO
Scorpio, you siren, you. Do you ever tire of leaving broken hearts in your wake? Okay, maybe that’s an exaggeration, but the truth is, you’re quite the hot commodity this month, but something tells us you don’t exactly mind! Call it hormones, pheromones, or what have you, but the seductive vibes you’re giving off are driving your admirers wild - some you’re probably already aware of, some you may not be! You officially hold the crown in the kingdom of “leave ‘em wanting more,” but a little mystery never hurt anybody, now did it? On the contrary: this surge of power has awakened your artistic sensibilities, and your creativity is off the charts. NO matter your given field - photography, singing, comedy, acting - you’ve tapped into that elusive space where the magic is flowing and you’re on a high that feels as if it won’t end. Allow yourself to be fully submerged into that place of artistic nirvana while you can - because, as you know well, the muse will float away and the output won’t feel as effortless. And speaking of being submerged...your lucky book this month is a perfectly creepy read to keep you engaged, awake, and on your toes. The queen of intrigue is back with a thriller that follows the story of a small town grappling with two grisly murders that occur within weeks. Don’t stay up late reading this one - or do, if you’re the type to derive inspiration from unsettling dreams...and the satisfaction that comes from hoarding all of those unanswered texts...
LUCKY BOOK: Into the Water by Paula Hawkins
SAGITTARIUS
Happy June, Sagittarius! These longer summer days and balmy nights are incredibly restorative, after a rather stressful past few weeks. Now that some of the furor has died down, you have the mental real estate to take stock. Your relationships have been heavy on your mind lately - be they romantic, familial, platonic, or professional, it's important to recognize when your gut is telling you to pay attention. Trust your instincts. This month, you should have little trouble recognizing who is worth your time and who is a drain on your energy, and acting accordingly. Life is too short to spend it catering to people you know aren't good for you, whether out of respect to a bond formed in childhood, a friend in common, or simply an unhealthy infatuation. Make the conscious decision to choose quality over quantity - you may be surprised at how much easier it becomes to recognize your genuine attraction to the right people, and repulsion by the wrong ones. And if you're having trouble finding the motivation to sit with yourself and do this necessary emotional work, let your lucky book guide you. A hilarious and poignant memoir that explores the strange inner workings of a strict Catholic childhood, Priestdaddy is a great reminder of the necessity of intense self-reflection. Taking a step back to take stock of your history, your interactions with the people in your life, and most importantly, how you feel about how far you’ve come - it makes an enormous difference. Better yet, it can help you identify patterns you may have unwittingly established, and the best way to move forward.
LUCKY BOOK: Priestdaddy by Patricia Lockwood
CAPRICORN
Watch out, Cap! June is coming at you fast, and there’s no time to waste: only strategic thinking and maximum efficiency will get you through this month unscathed. Luckily, you’re already a practical thinker by nature, with a healthy amount of determination and ambition. These traits will come in handy when your responsibilities start to ramp up, and opportunities begin flying at you from all directions. It’s exciting to find yourself in such high demand, but this is when it’s most essential to keep a level head and practice the art of the “no.” Always, Cap, aim to work smarter, not harder. Utilize life hacks to maximize your time and energy, rather than spreading yourself thin in an attempt to be everything for everybody. Make a list of your priorities and passions, and don’t apologize for making those your focus this month. Some things will necessarily fall by the wayside, and that’s okay. Self-sustainability is the name of the game, so don’t feel guilty for looking out for #1. This goes beyond your work life, though: you should be taking precautions to keep yourself safe, in general! Your lucky book this month is an excellent guide to all of the strange quirks of human nature when it comes to keeping ourselves alive from day to day, like insisting on fat-free salad dressing but text while behind the wheel. Filled with eye-opening statistics and anecdotes that paint a striking picture of the need for more careful living, this is an excellent downtime read that will satisfy your need for concrete steps to leading a more responsible and efficient life.
LUCKY BOOK: Careful: A User’s Guide to Our Injury-Prone Minds by Steve Casner
AQUARIUS
Aquarius, where’s the party?! June is here and you’re ready to celebrate - good for you! Your festive spirit is incredibly contagious, which is probably why you’re finding that many old friends are popping out of the woodwork to extend invitations to hang out. People love to be around a welcoming and effusive spirit like yours, so revel in it! Make the very most of those day parties and parades, don’t be afraid to get a little loud and flamboyant! There’s a time for being a little over the top, Aquarius, and this is yours. If you find yourself drawn to experiences simply for the amazing story they’ll make in the aftermath, follow that impulse! You’re known for spinning some incredible yarns, but the stories that keep your friends and family the most rapt are definitely the ones that are based on 100% true events. And with the high you’re currently riding, who knows what adventures you’re liable to get into? Your lucky book this month is by an author who consistently tells riveting, eye-opening stories - a trait you both share! A deeply affecting story of a young couple in 1930s Austria desperate to be together in the midst of war, this novel will provide some much-needed balance to the endorphin-addled rollercoaster you’re on this month - while still keeping you on the edge of your seat.
LUCKY BOOK: The Lost Letter by Jillian Cantor
PISCES
Home is where the heart is, isn’t that right, Pisces? This month, you’re feeling every bit the domestic goddess: your plants are thriving, wardrobe cleaned out, bathroom sink sparkling. Or maybe none of those tasks are completed yet, but you’re counting down the minutes until you can cross them off your to-do list. Embrace the urge to beautify your space - you have to live there, after all! It’s absolutely in your best interest to take the time to make it look and feel the way you love; being in a space you don’t enjoy can negative effects on your mood and productivity, which makes total sense: if the first thing you see in the morning and last thing you see at night both make you say “Ugh,” how can you expect to feel anything but? But surrounding yourself with beauty and cleanliness (or otherwise, whatever you’re into!) shouldn’t only be for your home - this month, finding yourself in the company of powerful women you admire will be key. They say you are the average of the people you spend the most time with, so think carefully about who you are allowing to influence you every day. The company you keep - just like the furniture or framed art you choose - can make all the difference. Your lucky book this month is another kind of domestic tale - a hilarious, heartwarming story of a newly combined family trying to adjust to their new roles. A testament to the ongoing awkwardness of life, no matter what age you are, this novel is a great reward for finally building that Hemnes dresser - or an even better distraction from starting (don’t worry, we won’t tell).
LUCKY BOOK: The Awkward Age by Francesca Segal
ARIES
What a time to be alive, huh, Aries? The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and the Instagram stories are flowing! After the seemingly endless month of May, June is finally here in all of its glory, and you are ready to take full advantage. Get your calendar ready - you’re stepping back into your social butterfly shoes (or should it be wings?) and it is wonderful! Friends and family love to see you in your element, so don’t be surprised by all of the invites fluttering your way. But if your heart is telling you to hit the road, it may be best to put some of those brunch dates on hold - getting onto a bus, train, or place and exploring a brand new place may be exactly what the doctor ordered. Don’t be afraid to follow your heart - especially if it leads you to something you’ve never tried! Your lucky book this month may give you some inspiration, particularly if you’re the athletic type. You may have heard of ultimate frisbee before, but never like this. Told from the point of view of “one of the greatest athletes no one has ever heard of,” Ultimate Glory follows the journey of a young man who devoted his life to those moments when he is able to lose himself completely in the game. And although he went on to hang up his frisbee and pick up a pen, his sheer adoration for the sport, and his passion for making his dreams come true, are all the motivational fodder you need to get up and get going. Go on and seize the day, Aries - and maybe give seizing a frisbee a shot too! You never know!
LUCKY BOOK: Ultimate Glory by David Gessen
TAURUS
Well, Taurus, another birthday season has passed, and you’re another year older and wiser! The best part of aging: becoming more accepting of your personality quirks and eccentricities. Constantly trying to alter who you are is not only fruitless, it’s psychologically draining! That said, as summer plans begin to heat up and your various friend groups make half-baked travel plans you know will require some forethought, don’t ignore your desire to step in and make sure the itineraries are up to snuff. You get a lot of grief for being the self-appointed parent from time to time, but guess what? Someone has to do it! And if it’s you, so be it. Needing stability doesn’t make you boring; it makes you indispensable, and it also keeps you sane. Not to mention, it truly does help people have more fun. Of course, it’s important to keep in mind that the best laid plans have their way of going awry. No one knows this better than the poor families of your lucky book this month, who embark on what begins as a lovely cruise, only to devolve into the most harrowing vacation experience of their lives. It’s a heart-stopping, engrossing reminder of the inherent unknowability of life, despite our Plans B, C, D, and so on - but moreso, a reminder to treasure your loved ones every day, as life is completely unpredictable. Be sure to smuggle this one with you wherever you go, because trust me - once you start, it’s nearly impossible to put down.
LUCKY BOOK: Do Not Become Alarmed by Maile Meloy