A rare bit of good news is attached to Friday the 13th this year: both Mercury Retrograde and Venus Retrograde come to an end within hours of each other, according to Cosmopolitan UK. The publication reports that the overlap of the two retrogrades, which it describes as frustrating and at times immobilizing, is finally over. The relief is said to bring clarity to close relationships and to the ability to express oneself. The article also notes that Friday the 13th itself has a reputation for being an exceptionally magical day marked by intuitive breakthroughs.
Cosmopolitan UK traces the reputation of the number 13 to older traditions. For millennia, the article states, the number was revered by many cultures around the world because it corresponds to the average number of lunations in a year and the average number of menstrual cycles a person experiences annually. It was celebrated as a day to honor the Goddess, and people who have periods are said to experience heightened intuition during their cycle and a strong connection to other realms. Through these associations, the number 13 is tied to magic, creation, manifestation, and the birthing of new life and new desires and visions.
The publication attributes the day's unlucky image to centuries of distortion by patriarchal leaders and religions acting out of fear of collective feminine energy. It states that false narratives and fearful myths about Friday the 13th were concocted to exercise more control and to divorce feminine people from reclaiming their own power and agency. According to the article, this is why many people consider the day unlucky, though it argues the day is not unlucky at all.
With the retrogrades ending, the article says people are ready to decide who and what from their past is worth keeping and which connections to close for good. It then describes how this energy is expected to manifest for each zodiac sign. Aries is done dealing with a lack of reciprocity and is ready to speak its truth, with a new contract or positive financial development possibly ahead. Taurus is prioritizing peace and setting boundaries around daily commitments, confronting relationships where generosity is taken advantage of. Gemini is in a season of saying yes to whatever and whoever brings happiness, with a possible romantic breakthrough or renewed creative commitment.
Cancer has experienced healing in a close, private relationship, with renewed security and a possible creative renaissance. Leo has spoken its truth and is seeing the ripple effects in communication with chosen family, siblings, best friends, and extended family. Virgo is practicing what it preaches, with delayed contracts and negotiations picking up speed. Libra has been through a trying retrograde that felt like a mini identity crisis and is ready to debut a more authentic self.
Scorpio is more aware of who and what have been holding it back, having done inner work that allows new growth and momentum toward a fresh start. Sagittarius has taken inventory of friendships and belonging, with some friendships ending while others are fortified. Capricorn has felt directionless and stuck but is ready to change career directions, accept a promotion, or make meaningful progress on long-term goals. Aquarius felt unsure and stuck and responded by returning to school, booking travel, or honing a skill, and now feels ready to speak its truth.
