The planet of Love is here to hold us together…

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October looks to be one of the hardest months in what is obviously a very hard year. The Libra sun — who wants peaceful relationships and fair play — battles irritable, retrograde Mars in Aries and three dominant planets in Capricorn, while Mars throws shade at the Cap planets! To top it off, Mercury turns retrograde on the 13th, throwing communication, judgment, technology and travel (remember travel?) into disarray. Let’s thank our lucky stars that Venus in Virgo swoops in to calm everyone down. She’s here to remind us we need to help each other in whatever way we can, take good care of our bodies and appreciate the little things that bring joy to our day. With her on our side, we can manage to stay grounded, thoughtful and productive. Let’s get through October the same way we’re getting through 2020…by honoring that we’re all in this together.

LIBRA

September 23–October 22

On October 4th, Pluto powers back on at the base of your chart, stirring deep, dark feelings within you. Has your living situation, your family or very private emotions been stressing you out? Don’t try to circumvent the problem in order to restore a sense of wellbeing. Forward progress will require you to face it. When retrograde Mars and Pluto go at it on the 9th, the resulting turbulence underscores this theme. You’re in danger of projecting your own issues onto others, so do your best to deal with them and not to react if someone pushes your buttons. Your ruling planet is hiding out at the end of your chart from October 2nd to October 27th. During this phase, you’ll need more time to yourself and perhaps more behind-closed-doors time with someone special. Venus makes music with Uranus on the 10th, luring you to dive deep into your psyche for freeing revelations or cozy up to a person you care about in the privacy of your home. Surprising feelings are apt to pop up, and you’ll gain the most from this transit if you allow yourself to be vulnerable. Try relating — to others and to yourself — in a different way that doesn’t feel totally comfortable. On the 11th, the Libra sun fights with Jupiter and you might come on quite strong if you get a burst of confidence. It’s also possible that your underlying expectations (or your family’s) will push you to step out of the shadows and shine. Jupiter syncs with Neptune the next day for the final time. Their collaboration this year has highlighted the connection between your emotional security and your physical wellbeing. When you feel centered, safe and at peace, your productivity, health and quality of life flourishes. A positive home life and family support have been essential to you of late. Being understood and cared for — including, if not especially, by yourself — bolsters your ability to function day in and day out and to do meaningful work. The day after that, the sun and Mars face off, pitting your ego against others’ actions and motives or against the direction of a partnership. Try to be self-aware and not to feel threatened, as you or your perceived opponent could become highly reactive. That same night, Mercury reverses course in your worth house, messing with your financial judgment. In the two weeks that follow, you’d do well to review your budget, rethink money goals and chase down tardy checks. The sun’s spat with Pluto on October 15th suggests hassles on the home front could wear you out, or a personal matter might resurface and test your limits. Again, don’t dance around conflict; face it head-on. The new moon lands in your sign on the 16th, jumpstarting your engine and heralding your personal New Year! Set your intentions for the next 12 months. What do you want your life to look like at this time next year? You have the impetus to move into that future, thanks to the Libra lunation. On the 18th, private doubts or a serious mood could sap your vitality when the sun and Saturn quarrel. Self-improvement is a healthy aim, but self-acceptance is fundamental. Soon after, Venus goes head to head with Neptune, making it extra challenging to maintain firm boundaries. Don’t give up too much for someone; the temptation to get involved in a situation that’s not right for you looms large at this moment. The Mars-Jupiter scuffle of October 19th can push you to assert yourself in order to get your needs met close to home. You might retread old ground, wrestling with an issue related to family, tradition or the past. Be as honest, fair and direct as you know how to be, but don’t expect this to be settled in one go. Next, Venus syncs with heavyweights Jupiter, Pluto and Saturn in your foundation angle through the 24th, calling for you to retreat to a relaxing place where you can reflect on your relationships — past and present. Are they rooted in truth? Has a particular bond stopped serving your growth? See if you can gain perspective on your personal life through means such as journaling or meditation. You might realize you’re finally ready to let go of someone. Listen to your intuition! You should also be willing to take care of a loved one or let your guard down with a person you trust. After Venus breezes into Libra on October 27th, you’ll feel like your most beautiful, charming and sociable self during the three weeks or so that follow. So get out there (to the extent that you can) and dazzle people to your heart’s content. However, on the last day of the month, the sun has a showdown with the moon and Uranus that could make you uncertain of getting what you want from someone. Maybe you can’t make up your mind between holding onto what you’ve got and gambling on an unsure thing. You’re identifying closely with your money, belongings and needs now, and the concept of relying on other people or outside resources seems iffy. Be ready to ride out the inevitable ebb and flow. Changes in a relationship could shake your self-esteem. Remember you can’t control others. Their feelings about you and their behavior toward you don’t define you! If you’re ultra-focused on what you deem to be nonnegotiable, you might underestimate the value of what someone has to offer. And you should note ahead of time that sex is super emotional on this date, pretty much ruling out no-strings flings.

SCORPIO

October 23–November 21

After backpedaling for the last five months, Pluto edges forward on the 4th, enabling you to get out of the groove you’ve been wearing in your brain. Time to start thinking along new lines. A lot has been left unsaid! Soon you should feel empowered to voice your deep thoughts and discuss heavy subjects, and you might make a big decision. Mars and Pluto, your co-rulers, have a disagreement on October 9th that could lend you an overly critical tone. Neighbors, siblings, coworkers and others you cross paths with in your daily life are the likeliest targets. The upside? You’re driven to change something for the better. Your neighborhood and the people around you can benefit from your efforts. Venus is twirling through your humanity house, as of the 2nd, putting you in a more social mood. Her link with Uranus on the 10th hints you can easily meet new people. Even if you can’t attend sizable gatherings, you can connect with your various circles on social media and be open to introductions. A casual acquaintance or an online match could turn into a prospective partner, or you might start a friendship that surprises you. The sun and Jupiter square off the next day, pitting your subconscious mind against your conscious open-mindedness, optimism and future plans. Spend quiet time by yourself sifting through whatever you’ve been pushing to the back of your head, intentionally or not. Shining a light on these subliminal thoughts and feelings is apt to teach you something. Jupiter and Neptune vibe on October 12th for the final time, incentivizing you to keep seeking out learning experiences; outgrowing old thought patterns; finding different ways to express yourself; rising above preconceptions; improving sibling relations; welcoming fresh faces into your life; and striving to stay in touch with people you already share a high-quality connection with. Doing so will put the happiness you long for within reach. A positive attitude is directly related to your personal fulfillment this year. A sun-Mars skirmish on the 13th can tempt you to act on impulse. To stay out of trouble, stick to small, sensible actions like tidying your workspace. With Mercury turning retrograde in your sign soon after, you’ll start to feel tongue-tied — and possibly misunderstood. Rethinking personal matters and choices will be more worthwhile than trying to get your message across clearly. Internal pressure could stress you out when the sun clashes with Pluto on October 15th. If you’re going over and over something in your mind and feel like you’re getting nowhere, try letting go and accepting things as they are. Remind yourself, “That was then; this is now.” The sun and Saturn go at it on the 18th, which could cause you to keep beating yourself up over old mistakes. Aim for self-awareness and understanding, without putting a negative spin on introspection. It’s true that changes need to happen. But viewing personal growth as a positive will be much more helpful than torturing yourself. Venus and Neptune move into an opposition right after that, generating warm, fuzzy feelings. Those could easily blur the line between platonic and romantic, coaxing you to idealize someone. Be open to a spiritual connection or creative collaboration, and ask yourself whether a romantic bond is based in reality or illusion. You might be inspired to do something compassionate for a friend under this influence. Don’t get ahead of yourself when Mars and Jupiter wrestle the next day. The challenge is to combine productive action and optimistic thought. Thinking you can take on more could harm your efficiency, or a drive to do things in a specific way could lead you to preach to others. If you’re on a roll getting stuff done, you could veer off-course when something that’s not on your priority list diverts your attention. The ideal is for hard work to keep your spirits up. Venus gels with Jupiter that same day, reminding you to appreciate the friendly quality in your relationships. Enjoy meeting and getting to know people, and reserve judgment. Aim for learning and growth, and you won’t be disappointed. Spending time with lots of different people will make you happier than fixating on one person. Venus’s harmony with Pluto two days later might enable you to make powerful contacts and have deep conversations, so contact a friend, sibling or someone in your community for a bit of bonding time. The sun blazes into Scorpio on the 22nd, infusing you with vitality and launching your official birthday season. Now you’ll feel more outgoing and inclined to make a big splash. Start thinking about the year ahead and what kind of progress you want to make. A Venus-Saturn confab on October 24th calls for you to circulate and do some professional networking if you can. If you’ve put off having an important talk with a friend, you may feel like it’s now or never. But remember that Mercury is backtracking, which increases the odds of miscommunication. The sun in your sign goes toe to toe with the moon and Uranus on the 31st, and that could rattle your cage if you feel threatened. It’s hard not to take it personally if someone behaves erratically or suddenly needs space. Instability in a relationship is bound to affect you. Or maybe you yourself are restless and ambivalent and projecting these feelings onto another individual. Maintaining healthy boundaries will help you sort out your own role in the situation. Does it seem like someone’s forcing change on you? Embrace the element of surprise; you’ll feel freer if you do.

SAGITTARIUS

November 22–December 21

After Pluto wraps up his lengthy retrograde phase on October 4th, hopefully you’ll start to feel like you have a better handle on your finances or your self-esteem. Your resources are shifting, and focusing on how you can provide for yourself will alleviate some of your concerns around security and stability. When Mars and Pluto tussle on the 9th, an impulse to take a risk could override any desire you have to play it safe. Assess your core values and priorities before taking a leap to get what you think you want. You might be able to transform a hobby into a money making venture under this influence but will probably have to double back later to tweak something. Venus will be ensconced in your ambition angle as of October 2nd, allowing you to turn on the charm with people who can help you attain your goals. This is a good month for polishing your public image and making a favorable impression on higher-ups. If you have creative work to show off, the 10th is a good day for it, since Venus is schmoozing Uranus. Learning new skills and assuming new duties will also be to your advantage. Plus, you might gain more freedom to do the kind of work you want to do. The sun in your humanity house spars with Jupiter the next day, implying that overconfidence, greed or self-righteousness about values could prevent you from getting on the same page with friends or another group. The sun is egoistic, and when it’s in this part of your chart, the challenge is to be yourself and also play a cooperative role in a group. Can you maintain your individuality while being a team player? Jupiter and Neptune hold their final summit on October 12th. Since February, they’ve been underscoring the fact that financial security and strong self-worth give you peace of mind. The connection between material and emotional stability has become more apparent since these two planets began joining forces. The sun and Mars oppose each other the day after that, which could pit your personal urges against group interests. You’re in a social mood, but doing your own thing might make you happier in this moment. On the heels of the sun-Mars opposition, Mercury goes rogue at the end of your chart, turning your mind inward and convincing you that silence is golden. Listen to your intuitive inklings and file them away for later review; don’t try to make sense of everything you pick up on. The sun’s clashes with Pluto and Saturn on the 15th and 18th continue to make it difficult to find your place in a group and gel with friends. You could feel compelled to protect your own interests; see if you can find common ground while also maintaining your strengths. Finding a good fit with other people can push you in a good way. But don’t succumb to pressure to make things work if you know the cost is too high for you. And don’t try to keep up with the Joneses if you need to stick to a budget. Take the focus off of what you don’t have. Maybe you’re not lacking anything that’s truly necessary for you to participate. A Venus-Neptune standoff later on October 18th spans the peak and base of your chart, dropping hints that you may not know where you stand with your boss or someone else in a position of power. Your artistic achievements or savvy networking are helping to cast you in a positive light, but your ambitions may not be delivering the satisfaction you’d hoped for. Mars and Jupiter have a showdown of their own the next day that could trigger reckless spending if you’re chasing after pleasure and can’t keep your impulses in check. Pursuing what — or whom — you want can boost your confidence, but there’s a pretty good chance you’ll overplay your hand. So keep that in mind before you do anything, and see if you can act assertively without going too far out on a limb. Luckily, Venus is harmonizing with Jupiter around the same time. Concentrate on how you can help yourself to shine. It’s possible to help others through your work and fulfill your personal ambitions in the process. The quality of your efforts and your appeal with your superiors may be strong enough to earn you a raise or lead to an additional source of income. Venus’s chemistry with Pluto on October 21st will keep you on-track workwise. Putting your natural talents on display should eventually budge your bank balance in the right direction. Success isn’t all about elbow grease, particularly this month. You need to promote yourself, look the part, attract the right people and demonstrate individual style. Venus and Saturn present a united front on the 24th, indicating that solid PR will solidify your conviction that you can take care of yourself. Be sure to use your resources wisely — anything from a latent talent to an advantageous contact will prove useful. After the sun slips into your release corner on the 22nd, your energy may dip. Although this is your season to enjoy peace and quiet, a sun-moon-Uranus opposition on the 31st signals that you’ll be pulled into the real world by a quick turn of events like a health issue, an office crisis or the need to adjust your schedule. Juggling your workload and keeping up with changing circumstances could be a challenge; if you get stressed, take a breather to unwind. Sleep — and any other practice that soothes your soul — will replenish you. Then you can get back on your grind when duty calls!

CAPRICORN

December 22–January 19

Pluto pivots direct on October 4th after back spinning through Capricorn since May. Your identity is evolving, and you’ve probably burrowed underground to grapple with this private process. You’ve internalized a lot and done plenty of soul-searching. Now you’ll gradually get more motivated to make things happen. Avoid snap decisions, but if something feels right, you may put the wheels in motion. When Mars throws shade at Pluto on the 9th, domestic strife could arise, tempting you to tighten your grip. Remind yourself that being too controlling is stressful — for you and the people around you. Even if you feel provoked, you can channel this energy in a positive direction. Confront your feelings, release stuck anger and deal with the past if necessary. Since Venus is meshing with whimsical Uranus on October 10th, you could embark on a romance or discover a new pleasure or a fresh way of expressing creativity. You don’t know who or what will attract you now, and that’s half the fun. The sun is at odds with Jupiter in Cap on the 11th, calling for you to contend with an authority figure, a system you must work within or the height of your own ambitions. You want to shine, but Jupiter may be expanding your confidence to the point where it works against you. Given the growth spurt you’ve been experiencing, it would be a shame to hide your light under a bushel, so don’t swing to that extreme. The next day, Jupiter and Neptune resume their waltz, linking your growth with your ability to soak up spiritual truths and express empathy for others. Honor the tenet that we are all connected, and communicate with people in a manner that nurtures that unity. Your desire to learn is stronger than ever. The sun and Mars lock into an opposition on the 13th, which indicates underlying frustration — or domestic or family turmoil — could make it harder for you to achieve your objectives. Or you might shoot yourself in the foot by backsliding into regressive behavior. Hours later, Mercury goes off the grid for the next few weeks. Time for you to get back in touch with long-lost friends and contacts. Steer clear of group gossip and social media trolls, and be patient with technical difficulties. Triple-check what you’ve written before you post/email/text/tweet, etc. If there’s a misunderstanding in your squad, wait until next month to resolve it. The sun-Pluto squabble on October 15th can also make you your own worst enemy. But it might cause you to push yourself in a good way. Regardless, internal pressure is driving you, and you can make a major impression. You’re on a quest to prove something, so embrace challenges! Every time you achieve one thing, let it motivate you to keep aiming for another and another. Don’t take on an entire system, though; shift your way of working within it instead. You’re a natural when it comes to navigating bureaucracy and hierarchy and have the capacity now to pour strong feelings into constructive change. Saturn and the sun lock horns on the 18th, putting you at further risk of sabotaging yourself. Part of you is intent on proving yourself on a bigger stage, while part of you feels like you’re not ready. What can you do to prepare further? It’s sensible to put all the pieces of the puzzle in place and devise a Plan B. But don’t simply sell yourself short. When Venus wanders into Neptune’s fog that day, exploring unfamiliar pleasures could bewilder you. You might be attracted to someone and not know what to make of them. Or you might have a positive, but confusing, experience. There’s also a chance you’ll have a spiritual realization. You could feel compassion for people who are different from you and express how much you care. You’re open to the unknown under this influence — which can be good or bad. A feisty mood can propel you to aim your sights higher when Mars and Jupiter cross paths on the 19th. A flurry of domestic activity might spark restlessness, or discord at home might induce you to escape. You’re not feeling settled and can use that discomfort as motivation to seek adventure. Soon after, Venus-Jupiter harmony keeps the allure of newness and difference going. You’re bound to enjoy an array of experiences more if you have good company. Branch out if you want to learn, change and liberate yourself. Your relationships may benefit as well. Two days later, a Venus-Pluto meeting nudges you to keep exposing yourself to more of what the world has to offer. And on October 24th, Venus is in cahoots with Saturn, offering more incentive to savor fresh delights. Visit a place you’ve never been to before if you’re able to travel. Or go on a date with someone you’d normally say no to. Or follow some other tempting whim. Saturn’s sobering influence should keep you relatively safe even when you’re not playing it safe. It’s basically a win-win! On the 31st, a sun-moon-Uranus faceoff can generate friction between fitting in and standing out. You’re prepared to play nice with others but may have an urge to shoot off on your own tangent, leaving teamwork in the dust. Or friendship and romance could be a dicey combination. The sun’s current position calls for you to integrate and collaborate, while Uranus and the moon tempt you to shake things up and do as you please. If you see a way to amuse yourself and still cooperate, go for it. If not, you may have to march to your own beat for the time being. Fortunately, there’s loads of potential for spontaneous fun with friends.

AQUARIUS

January 20–February 18

On October 4th, Pluto’s U-turn could trigger rumblings in your subconscious, and you might need peace and quiet to soothe your spirit. Work on addressing troubling emotions; forgiving others and yourself; relinquishing toxic patterns; processing losses; and identifying the ways you undermine yourself. Mars provokes Pluto on the 9th, causing potentially destructive energy to rise to the surface and leak out in your interactions. Try to work through your own feelings rather than releasing them via abrupt words that can seem aggressive. Dealing with what’s churning inside you will make you feel better in the long run! With Venus sliding through your depth-and-merging zone from October 2nd to October 27th, your craving for closeness will surge, and a certain relationship could get more intense. Singles might want to spend time alone sifting through strong feelings or book one-on-one quality time with your VIPs. Venus’s vibe with Uranus on the 10th tells you what you’ll get from doing so: liberating insights into your past and the way you’re wired, or a new level of emotional intimacy. Let your guard down! You may be pleasantly surprised when you do. The sun and Jupiter do battle the next day, alluding to a possible problem with perspective. Unconscious expectations may interfere with your ability to broaden your horizons through learning, unfamiliar experiences and new people. You could get carried away by an urge for freedom and escape. Or your current view of the big picture may not jibe with a personal truth. Then on October 12th, Jupiter and Neptune hold the last of their three 2020 summits, giving you another opportunity to align your priorities and values with your spirituality and intuition. When you place your trust in the wisdom of your highest self, not your baser compulsions, you’ll know what is really most important in your life. Releasing what and whom you thought you needed is ultimately enriching you, not depriving you. Let your inner faith guide you to overcome your fears around what you lack and what you stand to lose. You’ll gain a kind of security that’s even more valuable than what you were coveting. The sun and Mars go up against each other on the 13th, which is bound to catalyze some frustration and agitation. If you get into an argument, it won’t be easy to reach an understanding. In addition, Mercury does an about-face at the top of your chart that day, messing up your communication with bosses and making it harder to articulate your aims. Career planning won’t feel straightforward either. It’s a good time to review your goals, reconnect with an old mentor or employer and revise a business plan. The sun and Pluto have a tense encounter scheduled for the 15th, pitting your impetus to explore uncharted territory against your intention to maintain a positive outlook. Self-sabotage, overpowering emotions that you can’t let go of, or someone who doesn’t have your best interests at heart could be at the bottom of this. Whether the resistance originates inside you or outside you, you’re capable of bravely forging ahead. Forward progress will serve to strengthen your resolve. Confront what’s really going on, because dealing with turmoil is the very thing that will enable you to get back to chasing after new experiences and knowledge. A sun-Saturn fight on the 18th can cause your enthusiasm for branching out and trying different things to be undercut by lingering doubts. You may need to conclude old business before you break new ground, but don’t allow skepticism to persuade you to give up. If the weight of the past tempts you to hedge your bets, try taking a calculated risk instead of charging full-steam ahead. An opposition between Venus and Neptune that same day implies that fear or insecurity may hold you back, keeping you from getting close to someone. But it’s also possible that your longing for intimacy will lure you to sacrifice a lot to be with them. If you’re way too aware of what you might lose, you may not gain anything. Aim for a balance of self-protection and vulnerability that feels good to you. Retrograde Mars throws down the gauntlet with Jupiter on October 19th, suggesting that a lively discussion can teach you something subtle, perhaps about yourself, while standing up for your ideas can grow your inner faith. You might not see eye-to-eye with another person, but tolerance for difference and a belief that we’re all in this together should raise the level of discourse. Be honest with yourself about unspoken expectations when Venus and Jupiter convene that day. Private time — on your own or with a confidant or S.O. — will have a restorative effect on you and may also free something inside you. A Venus-Pluto mashup on the 21st doubles down on the theme of powerful intimacy and psychological transformation. On the 24th, Venus’s vibe with Saturn can persuade you to get past your hang-ups and possibly close the book on an old relationship in order to enjoy an intimate connection with a partner or pal. Don’t beat yourself up for past mistakes; guilt doesn’t do anyone any good. Let go of whatever is weighing on your soul and welcome love into your life. When a full moon conjoins Uranus at the base of your chart on October 31st, a mood swing or sudden change in your family or living situation could throw you for a loop and require you to improvise. You might need to give yourself an out if you’re feeling restless. You’re focused on accomplishing your goals and making a good impression, but you need to face what’s going on in your private life or inside you. If you ignore such things, they have a way of intruding at inopportune moments.

PISCES

February 19–March 20

With Pluto powering forward on October 4th, a friendship or group collaboration should start to get back on track. The network of people in your life has been evolving, sometimes in painful ways. Ideally, you’re learning which connections are worth working on and which you’ve outgrown. Get beyond destructive power struggles and competitions and rebuild a team of true supporters. However, when Mars and Pluto disagree on the 9th, group relations can feel like a minefield. Disputes over belongings and money are bound to get ugly. Use everything you have going for you, particularly overlooked assets, to redress wrongs in the world. And tread carefully! Venus is making companionship a high priority and also making it fairly effortless to get along with other individuals, since your amiable mood will facilitate compromises. A romantic or business partnership should hum along nicey, and when Venus aligns with Uranus on the 10th, new faces might cross your path. Stay open to others if you’re looking for love and kinship. An impromptu conversation could bring you closer to someone, and you might change your mind about a person after seeing them in a fresh light. The sun and Jupiter scuffle the next day, which could cause that one-on-one closeness to compete with group socializing. Or digging deep into something in the moment could get awkward, as part of you is oriented toward the future. Or commitment might conflict with freedom and playing the field. But don’t shy away from intimacy and self-reflection; they’re worth plenty to you right now. Jupiter’s 2020 alliance with Neptune concludes on October 12th, and the mantra of this duo has been: Teamwork makes the dreamwork! Their meetings have encouraged you to keep growing your circle, learning from others and depending on them to inspire you. Surrounding yourself with people you respect and uniting to champion a cause you believe in has been a winning strategy. If you’ve maintained faith in humanity, hopefully that has made you feel less lost during this difficult year. A sun-Mars quarrel on the 13th asks you to balance your needs with those of another person and to meet them halfway when it comes to sharing, power and control. Give-and-take feel hard, as “mine” and “ours” seem to represent competing interests. Curb impulse spending if you’re trying to stick to a budget. Almost immediately after, Mercury goes off the grid, making travel even more tricky than it already is. Try to be patient and keep your sense of humor. This happens to be a great time to relearn something; for instance, you might brush up on a foreign language you learned in college. Just remember to download any apps before Mercury pivots on the 13th! Next, the sun goes up against Pluto on the 15th, which suggests peer pressure will impact an important relationship or your state of mind. You may not know who to trust and how much to share, but if you rise to the occasion, you can change something that’s not working. Loyalty scores extra points now. And when the sun challenges Saturn on October 18th, even though you may want to invest completely in one person or endeavor, the fear of ruling out other opportunities can make you hesitate. Perhaps you’re torn between intense intimacy with one person and the calmer feeling you get from keeping your options open. Venus comes face to face with Neptune soon after, adding to your confusion over relationships. Someone could misinterpret the vibe you’re giving off, or you might read them wrong. To avert disappointment, do your best to keep your feet planted firmly on the ground and to see people through a realistic lens. Self-awareness is everything when Neptune’s smoke-and-mirrors effect kicks in. Be proactive about maximizing the resources at your disposal when Mars bumps into Jupiter on October 19th. Doing so can benefit others and improve teamwork, whereas selfish actions will clash with altruism. Don’t push people to support your priorities, or you may wind up in hot water. Venus gels with Jupiter that day, reviving the part of you that wants to see people. You might meet someone who’s good for you, and your best bet is to cast a wide net. So consider saying yes to safe gatherings and dates with people you might normally swipe left on. If you truly want to expand the circle of people in your life, this planetary combo can help! Keep reaching out to people, because a Venus-Pluto mashup on the 21st can inspire you to bond with friends, collaborate on a creative endeavor or turn on the charm with an impressive contact. Venus gets along great with Saturn on the 24th, again enabling you to click with different people through your current crew or via social media or a dating app. Events can also be matchmakers now, but those options may be limited since so many things have been cancelled. If you’re already seeing someone, maybe it’s time to get to know each other’s friends better or to join a group as a couple. A disagreement can pop up out of nowhere when the sun faces off with the moon and Uranus on the 31st. Press pause and ask yourself if you really feel so strongly about this issue. It’s crucial to pick your battles. Petty arguments can all too easily hog valuable bandwidth! On the other hand, an intelligent debate could be educational and enlightening — and fresh insights may just push you out of your default mindset. Take things in without jumping to conclusions. You might meet someone unexpectedly, too. And if you’re rattled by nervous energy, a change of scene will be the perfect antidote.

ARIES

March 21–April 19

October gets underway with a full moon in Aries that could make you super moody. Put yourself first and ask for what you need before all those feels send you into meltdown mode. See if you can identify what or who is pushing you over the edge, because this is an appropriate time to release things you’ve outgrown. On the 4th, Pluto edges forward after spending five months in reverse, and this shift can produce tremors in your career or life direction. You’ve had trouble finding your way at times, and it may seem as if more options are closing off than opening up. Note the gradual evolution of your ambitions and do your best to align yourself with that process. Honor it as part of a divine plan for fulfilling your true purpose. With retrograde Mars in Aries needling Pluto on the 9th, your impulse to act could clash with the necessity of answering to higher-ups or working within a system. Proceed with caution around authority figures. But if you spot a way to bring about change, there probably is a course of action you can take, albeit a limited one. Choose to focus on progress itself, not the speed of it. Through most of October, Venus invites you to deal with practical matters in a relationship and to have some fun while you’re at it. You could also work on the relationship itself and attempt to solve any problems you’re having together. This transit encourages creative work and doing favors for people you care about. It also helps you enjoy your everyday life by appreciating the details you might normally overlook. A Venus-Uranus collaboration on October 10th signifies that much of the above can boost your self-worth. And some of it (e.g. creative work) might have a positive effect on your finances. Try using your resources in an unexpected way if you get stuck. One-on-one interactions are complicated by a sun-Jupiter dustup the next day. Perhaps going after your goals will cut into time with a partner, or you might seem patronizing, preachy or arrogant to someone. Aim for relating, not winning. There’s nothing wrong with high aspirations. Just be aware of how they impact your encounters. Jupiter and Neptune have their final meeting scheduled for the 12th. They’ve taught you that faith in your ability to contribute something significant to the world is the antidote to your existential gloom. Have regret, doubt or melancholy taken up space in your psyche? Hopefully you’ve found trusting in the universe and believing in yourself can provide relief. Continue to aim high and look down the road, but remember to relax your grip on the wheel and enjoy the ride. The next day, a sun-Mars showdown could trigger irritability and maybe even aggression. If you’re overwhelmed, step back and hit pause instead of overreacting in the moment. Mercury does a U-turn soon after, which could get you thinking about a past lover or wound. It’s an opportune time to resume an investigation or research project and reflect on private emotional matters in search of fresh answers. A sun-Pluto disagreement on October 15th implies relating will seem harder if you’re stressed out about the direction your life is headed in or whether you’re making headway with your goals. But the energy you get from the people closest to you can fuel you to keep shooting for success. It’s not easy to maintain an equal footing with the individuals in your life now, and career pressures might impact a particular connection. Try joining forces to work toward a common goal. You don’t want someone to wield power over you; try not to make this transit all about control. The sun’s discord with Saturn on October 18th offers a chance to examine your relationship with authority. Are you too reticent or pliable? Know your worth, and don’t accept a disrespectful dynamic. Your efforts to partner with someone could reach an impasse, and it may be hard to get on the same page. Perhaps you’re prepared to compromise but don’t relish the prospect of deferring to another person. Venus and Neptune go head to head later that day, bringing a touch of disillusion or sadness. If you’re enjoying being productive and useful, try to stay in the moment and keep at it. Mars provokes Jupiter on the 19th, and you might need to remind yourself not to overreach. You’re fired up to accomplish things that require confidence, which sounds like a positive. Be mindful of timing and try to assess risks as accurately as you can. Thanks to Venus-Jupiter harmony soon after, nurturing good relationships with colleagues will increase your odds of achieving what you hope to achieve. Your willingness to cooperate and play a needed role should get results. Combine self-assured ambition with humble helpfulness, and take pleasure in your work. Venus teams up with Pluto and Saturn on October 21st and 24th, underscoring the fact that your labors will pay off in the long run. Your creativity can earn kudos, and a crush on a coworker could turn into something more serious. On the last day of the month, your finances or self-esteem might swerve when a full moon hits your worth house. There’s also a chance insecurity will get in the way of sharing. Are you worried about getting support? Try to keep your expectations on a more even keel if possible. Don’t take what you’re getting or not getting from someone too personally. And if an urge for self-sufficiency makes interdependence nearly impossible, focus on your own needs for now. You can get back on course — and may do so in a more interesting way than if this bump never appeared in the road.

TAURUS

April 20–May 20

Starting on the 4th, Pluto will get back up to speed after five months of backpedaling in your outlook sector. If you’ve lost sight of the big picture, it should begin to fall into place soon. You may have experienced a crisis of faith and feel like you’re stuck. But you will rediscover your impetus to venture out on a limb and resume your quest for powerful learning experiences. On the 9th, a Mars-Pluto battle can lead to self-sabotage, and the more aware you are of your hidden motives, the easier it will be to avoid working against your own interests. If you’re willing to toil quietly behind the scenes, however, this can be a chance to make a difference in the world. Throughout most of the month, Venus puts you in a mood to enjoy life, indulge in romance, show off your creativity, express what’s in your heart and relish being yourself. She connects with Uranus in Taurus on October 10th, which means the pursuit of happiness can feel downright liberating. Sample new pleasures, take a chance on love, put a different side of yourself on display and seek amusements that excite you. Break out of old patterns and chase after a novel desire. The sun and Jupiter get tangled up the next day, implying that responsibilities will curtail freedom somewhat. The details of everyday life are competing with your urge to escape. You’re meant to devote energy to your job, to-do list, exercise and various duties, but part of you wants to break out of your routine and do something different, be somewhere else, maybe meet new people. Don’t let these longings prevent you from taking care of business. You don’t want to end up half-assing things because you’re too distracted to be efficient. Take breaks instead — and find physical outlets for restlessness. Jupiter and Neptune stage their final summit of the year on the 12th, linking your highest hopes to your bonds with other people. You’ve learned more when banding together with others than you have going it alone. Teaming up as activists for humanitarian causes has been a boon. Keep finding groups who share your ideals and striving to make the world a better place. When the sun and Mars scuffle the next day, repressed emotions could surface. Don’t sweep them under the rug or let them provoke ill-advised behavior like self-sabotage. Soon after, Mercury turns retrograde, which could lead you to reconnect with an ex-S.O. in the second half of October. You might also find yourself rehashing old disputes. Now’s the time to rethink the terms of a relationship and reflect on relationships in general. A sun-Pluto spat on October 15th can serve as a reminder that practice makes perfect. You might feel internal or external pressure to know more in order to accomplish something. But there’s much to be said for learning on the job. Don’t be scared of trial and error. If you’re wondering whether the work you’re doing will eventually make a difference in the world, shift your approach. Combining pragmatism and a strong work ethic with an empowering guiding principle is your best bet. Next, the sun and Saturn fight on the 18th, threatening your productivity. You’re determined to accomplish plenty but could lose steam if you start to doubt the point of everything. Stay modest and don’t become discouraged if someone senior to you thinks you have more to learn. Blending discipline and vision will increase your odds of success. Venus and Neptune go head to head after that, and you could get confused if the distinction between friend and lover isn’t clear. An attraction to a pal isn’t necessarily a problem. But be careful not to misinterpret signals or build someone up to be perfect. Escapist fun with friends is favored, so a girls’ night out may be the way to go. When Mars needles Jupiter the next day, operating quietly behind the scenes becomes incompatible with branching out. Isolation can irritate you and spark an urge to travel. If you’re doing humble work, you might aspire to try new things. Catch yourself in the act if you’re stuck in an old behavior pattern. Frustration can motivate you to break free and grow under this influence. On the heels of the Mars-Jupiter tussle, a Venus-Jupiter confab generates faith in love and the courage to be you. Impromptu playfulness is bound to feel invigorating, and pursuing pleasure will help you let go of worries. Revel in your individuality. Take a risk in pursuit of growth and happiness. A combination of optimism, joy and luck can reinforce your hope that anything is possible. Venus vibes with Pluto on the 21st, convincing you to keep having fun. A pleasurable experience can shift your whole outlook now. And when Venus sweet-talks Saturn on October 24th, simply having a good time can strengthen your faith in the future! Whatever fulfills you — a night out with your squad, a romantic date, playing with animals, getting into a creative project — you have the green light to go for it. A full moon lands in Taurus on the 31st, and as a result, you might get impatient with the compromises relationships entail. Restlessness may cause you to pull away from someone. If you have a yen for independence, take a breather. This lunation wants you to put yourself first! There’s a chance you’ll want to break up rather than call timeout, but with Mars backpedaling in your subconscious corner, you should postpone radical moves. You might have a revelation now about what needs to leave your life so you can continue to evolve as an individual. File it away for future use.