Hump day lands with more than a smidge of niggle and snark trailing. Even as Venus prepares for her meeting and rebirth through the heart of the sun. Even as the fresh fire of Aries dries up all the rain, if not the tears. Even as the Leo moon bolsters hearts and tosses manes. Grumpy doesn't begin to describe it. Lingering irritation, frustrating limits and finally tumbling out hard truths could all make their needling presence felt today, as Merc and Mars square off from their corners of the zodiac.

Who is this dark creature that lives inside us as a voice of caution and naysaying? Why it's as much a part of us as our capacity to dream and create, lurking side of stage and tangled in the curtains.