2012 Love Horoscopes

Looking back on love

by Jeff Jawer

Passion takes a U-turn early in the year when active Mars shifts into reverse on Jan. 23 and backpedals in analytical Virgo until April 13. Romance may cool as we take a second look at our partners or potential objects of attraction. While this could take a little spice out of life, it's a great opportunity to unravel old patterns and deepen our understanding of how we connect with others.

After Mars shifts back info forward gear, love's leading lady, Venus, does her own pirouette, turning retrograde in Gemini on May 15 before moving forward again on June 27. This reversal in the sign of diversity can scatter attention as we wonder about old attractions from the past. Both of these cycles are about over-thinking relationships. Yes, there is much to be learned by shining the light of our minds into the recesses of our hearts, but too much conversation and nitpicking can take the joy out of any partnership. Deeper connections come with Venus' entry into sensitive Cancer on Aug. 7. But the road to romance is very bumpy around Aug. 15 before turning into a superhighway of amour when this love planet enters dramatic Leo on September 6.