Increase the peace! Venus, planet of love and harmony, resumes direct (forward) motion today. Relationships have been rocky for many people since Venus slowed into retrograde (backward) motion on May 15. This cycle, which happens every 18 months or so, can cause our love lives to hit a speed bump. Couples can argue or have second thoughts about their commitments. And since retrogrades bring back the past, more than one ex may have been circling, angling for a second chance.

Venus is in Gemini (and will be until early August), the sign of communication and kindred spirits. During Venus retrograde, it was probably hard to see eye-to-eye with your usual compadres. Bickering flared up over philosophical and creative differences. Gemini also rules technology, so if you noticed issues with your gadgets, computers and communications overall, this is why. (It was sort of like a simulated Mercury retrograde—not surprising, since Mercury rules Gemini.)

Now that Venus is direct, let the collaborations begin again! You may need to have some cleanup dialogue to restore harmony in a rocky relationship. And is that ex worthy of a second chance? You'll know soon enough. Interestingly, we noticed an upswing in Facebook and blog posts about "friend breakups" during this Venus retrograde. Now that righteous anger will subside, perhaps giving you a more generous perspective on the matter. Have you been too harsh? Tuck your tail between your legs and call up your bestie. Venus direct will help you put this all behind you soon enough.