In other words, take deep breaths and calculated endeavors...

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Mars turns retrograde less often than any other planet (about every 26 months), and he’ll be in reverse from September 9th until November 13th. This apparent backward motion is extra frustrating when the action planet is involved. It’s like when your car won’t start, so you step on the gas and flood the engine. With Mars in his home sign of hotblooded Aries, impatience will be a problem. Bear in mind that putting the pedal to the metal won’t help matters. Below, a few pointers.

DON’T: Beat yourself up for feeling sluggish. Take pent-up anger out on others. Become passive aggressive. Fall into compulsive behavior patterns.

DO: Slow down. Practice patience. Look before you leap. Reassess what you’re working on. Pick up old projects. Figure out what motivates you. Blow off steam with a demanding workout. Rediscover an old passion. Hook up with an ex, if you’re cool with the ramifications!

And remember, retrogrades aren’t the end of the world. We reconnect with the past during them. We try different approaches and gain perspective. We learn what needs to change. Plus, Jupiter and Saturn will finish their retrograde cycles on September 12th and 28th, so you’ll sense progress in at least one area of your life! Read on to find out how these planetary stops and starts will affect your sign…..

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VIRGO

August 23–September 22

Your ruler, Mercury, is zipping through Virgo and vibing with heavyweights Pluto and Saturn on September 1st and 3rd, so you’ll start the month off with stellar communication. You’re striving to become more and more authentic and to take what you have to offer seriously. Anything from an intense heart-to-heart to a creative writing project will get your juices flowing. If you’re not in the mood for company (a Venus-Saturn faceoff on the 2nd might make you a bit too self-conscious to enjoy yourself with others), lose yourself in an engrossing book or constructive navel-gazing. Your mood could swing the other way, since the Virgo sun is also chatting up Uranus on the 2nd, inspiring you to discover what you’re made of through stimulating encounters and events. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to stay out of your comfort zone and keep an open mind. Venus’s run-in with Mars on the 4th gives relationships an “it’s complicated” status, especially if you mix sex and friendship. If you’re satisfied with short-term sparks, consider going for it. You don’t have to put a lid on your feelings because the sitch is sticky. Already involved with someone? A conflict between keeping things light and getting hot and heavy calls for you to grapple with what’s really going on beneath the surface. Same goes for a squad skirmish. On September 9th, the sun shines his high beams on Jupiter — and you’re cordially invited to reach for the love and happiness you deserve. The planets want you to flourish, so bet on yourself and show off a little! Hours later, Mars makes a U-turn, causing you to circle back to old resentment, jealousy or pain. Fair warning: An ex could reenter the picture in the next nine weeks. Instead of pushing to get what you feel you need from another person, focus on confronting the dark matter being churned up in your psyche. And examine your hidden motives so you can avoid behaving compulsively. A sun-Neptune opposition on the 11th may muddy the waters in your interactions. Don’t get sucked into agreeing to something that’s not right for you. After Jupiter powers forward the next day, you’ll feel more hopeful about progress in your love life or on a creative project. You have a better understanding these days of what fulfills you. Now your enthusiasm can propel you to make more time for it. The sun and Pluto team up on September 14th, empowering you to convey your passion and personality in a big way. Consider this your green light to stand out from the crowd! Venus’s scuffle with Uranus the day after that ups the friction between your desire to let go and drift and your itch for adventure. Or maybe you want to help someone but aren’t sure if you’re seeing them in an accurate light. The Mercury-Jupiter spat on September 17th won’t make it any easier to calculate what you’re willing to risk. Fortunately, that day’s new moon lands in your sign, giving you a chance to start fresh. Set goals that you’re excited about for the coming year. Have you been neglecting or hiding sides of yourself? How can you express the whole, real YOU going forward? This is your annual opportunity to reinvent yourself — grab it! You might need to tread lightly in order to avert an argument in a close relationship when Mercury crosses swords with Pluto on the 20th, particularly if the topic of possessions, money or values comes up. Your financial judgment is influenced by overwhelming desires during this transit. Merc’s tension with Saturn on the 23rd hints you may doubt you have what it takes to get what you want. It’s good to view your prospects in a realistic light, but don’t second-guess your own worth. Saturn pivots forward at last on the 28th, renewing your determination to live a well-rounded life. You could feel ready to commit to a certain romance, hobby or other source of pleasure. And if you’ve struggled with a fertility issue, creative block or stalled love affair, Saturn’s reversal can help resolve matters. But the next day, Mars and Saturn fight, which might set up a push-pull in a close relationship. Maybe one of you is ready to dive deep into intimacy, while the other wants to wait and see. Or one part of you is zeroed in on a passion project or emotional issue, and another part isn’t so sure now about putting all your eggs in one basket. Remind yourself that you’re your own worst critic. Whatever you’re facing can empower you to understand and accept yourself.

LIBRA

September 23–October 22

When Mercury syncs with Pluto and Saturn on the 1st and 3rd, you’re down to self-reflect during this prelude to your birthday season. Gaining closure on the past will help you clear the decks for your personal new year, so don’t shy away from deep emotions that need to be resolved. Look back over the past year and process memories by writing in a journal, looking through photos or talking to someone close to you. Venus — your lovable ruling planet — goes toe-to-toe with Saturn on the 2nd, alluding to private insecurity that could prevent you from winning people over. Plus household obligations might cut into facetime with someone who can give you a leg up. Time to put those juggling skills to good use! That same day, a sun-Uranus encounter gives you an ideal excuse to free up space in your psyche or your personal life by releasing something or someone. Venus feuds with Mars on September 4th, which could trigger an argument. Likely subjects include what you want out of the relationship, who is getting more attention and whose desires are top priority. Spoiler alert: You won’t see eye to eye. Table the discussion for now if you’re craving peace and can’t manage to keep the fight clean and fair. Walk away when the low blows start. On September 9th, the sun teams up with Jupiter encouraging you to relish the comforts of home. You might be inspired to do something generous for a family member or housemate now. Soon after, Mars begins backtracking in your interpersonal angle, making you more susceptible to projecting your frustrations onto other people. Try to reel them in and conduct yourself in a straightforward way, or you might revive an old conflict. Consider how your relationships are going; if one is on the rocks, resist taking rash action. The sun and Neptune lock into a standoff on the 11th, coaxing you to tune into your needs and make time to rest and recharge your battery when you feel drained. Respect the mind-body-spirit connection and strive for a healthy balance of work and relaxation in order to nurture your overall well-being. As Jupiter resumes forward motion the next day, your underlying mood will start to improve, and you’ll gain an increasing faith that people want to be there for you. Has a domestic or family matter been in limbo since spring? It should start to move toward resolution soon. The sun’s harmony with Pluto on the 14th reminds you to keep seeking out peace and quiet if you want to transform your emotional state. Shine a light on your subconscious so you can deal with issues you’ve swept under the rug. It may not sound like much fun, but acknowledging an old pattern will empower you to change it for the better. Venus’s spat with Uranus the day after hints that someone could catch you by surprise — or you might hook up with a friend. If you can, enjoy the moment without reading too much into it. And if a person seems fickle or detached, give them space. Sex, sharing and interdependence can trip you up under this influence. Concentrate on fostering mutually beneficial bonds, learning from others and allowing them to be themselves. When Mercury spars with Jupiter and the sun gels with Saturn on the 17th, your mind may turn to keeping a good thing going. Nothing will make you feel more secure now than speaking your truth from a place of real self-knowledge. You may have a hard time getting strong feelings out of your head on September 20th, due to Merc’s entanglement with Pluto. Don’t force yourself to talk everything out, but do tend to what’s bubbling up inside you. Drumroll please…..on September 22th, the sun’s grand entrance into Libra marks the start of your birthday season! Now you’ll have the energy and impetus to focus on yourself for once and make a big impression if you choose to. This is YOUR time, so make the most of it. Mercury’s run-in with Saturn the next day may keep you from speaking your mind, and your family or roomies might judge what you have to say if you do pipe up. Look for constructive criticism you can use and lessons from the past that will help you hone current ideas. With Saturn turning direct on the 28th, bump self-care to the top of your priority list. This super-serious planet has been backpedaling since May, pushing you to mull over private feelings and memories. Those could come into sharper focus now, so you’ll benefit from extra TLC.

SCORPIO

October 23–November 21

September starts off with your ruling planet and Mercury joining forces in your communication and group zones, dropping hints that a deep convo with friends will allow you to get right down to the heart of the matter and unearth anything that’s bothering you. Need more incentive to bare your soul to people you trust? Merc’s alliance with Saturn on the 3rd ensures that meaningful interactions will sharpen your thinking. Plus, you might score a killer contact if you have a chance to do any networking. Venus’s faceoff with Saturn on the 2nd could make you think twice about exploring new pleasures. It’s fine to weigh risks, but don’t let negativity prevent you from enjoying more of what life has to offer. The sun connects with Uranus soon after, prodding you to be yourself and be open to meeting new people. A spirit of tolerance for everyone’s idiosyncrasies is essential, so don’t leave home without it! You might take on an unexpected role in a group or experience a surprising shift in a relationship now. Other individuals are likely to act as agents of change in your life. Venus’s tussle with Mars on September 4th generates friction between the appeal of newness and the need to proceed with caution. An exciting romance or other happy experience may suddenly call for baby steps, and grand plans could hit a roadblock, requiring rescheduling. See if you can find a way to methodically go after what you want rather than taking a risky leap of faith. When the sun syncs up with Jupiter on the 9th, you should be able to integrate seamlessly with others and learn from each other. Hours later, Mars goes into reverse in your productivity corner until mid-November, stalling progress — but offering you a chance to fix imbalances in your daily routine that make you less effective. If you’ve tried and failed to banish a bad habit, give it another shot! Examine, in scrupulous detail, the way you go about your day and what you’re devoting time and energy to. If what you come up with doesn’t jibe with what you want your life to look like in the future, let those incongruities motivate you to put corrections in place later in the year. Begin reworking your schedule now to include fewer time wasters and more stress relievers. The sun and Neptune go head to head two days later, obscuring your role in a group or leading you to sacrifice your desires in order to be there for a friend. As Jupiter turns direct on the 12th after a four-month-long retrograde phase, you’re encouraged to keep communication totally above-board and respectful. If learning opportunities dried up, your luck should turn soon. You might also continue to improve a sibling relationship or jumpstart a community effort. The sun meshes with Pluto on September 14, providing you with further incentive to reach out to people. Your encounters can have a powerful impact on your mindset, and you should feel quite capable of making a positive impression on a group. However, a Venus-Uranus clash the next day implies you won’t come across the way you intend to. The trick is not to be overly attached to getting a specific response. When faced with this planetary configuration, partnership isn’t the most reliable path to success. Relationship challenges can actually hinder self-promotion, and you might opt to switch up your strategy with someone to save face. Next, Mercury and Jupiter go at it on the 17th. Tempted to say too much or get ahead of yourself before you have solid info? Balance optimism with facts and you’ll fare better. The sun’s confab with Saturn that day also reminds you to speak thoughtfully and maturely. This is an excellent transit for team planning, effective collaboration and firming up your network of support. On September 20th, Mercury’s skirmish with Pluto can cause you to obsess over an interaction or idea. Before you speak, weigh the potential effect of your words and your silence. Keep quiet if chiming in could do more damage. When Mercury crosses paths with Saturn on the 23rd, you’re liable to judge your thoughts; try to use this subdued energy for introspection or private, serious study. And do your best not to get down on yourself. After four and a half months of traveling retrograde, Saturn powers forward in your thinking-and-talking corner on the 28th, gradually restoring clarity — and possibly nudging you toward a decision. If you’ve been ruminating over something that doesn’t stand up to scrutiny, this no-BS planet’s pivot will help you determine what’s real and doable and what’s not.

SAGITTARIUS

November 22–December 21

Set goals that boost your self-esteem and your bank balance on the 1st when Mercury teams up with Pluto. While you’re deciding what to aim for, consider the whole wealth of talents that can power your success. Venus goes up against Saturn the next day, which could stir up fears of not having what you need or not being enough. It makes sense to protect your interests, but don’t let worries hold you back. Luckily, the sun and Uranus click a couple of hours later, implying that a change in your responsibilities, routine, skillset or work ethic will help you shine. Breaking free of old habits can give you a sense of progress. To elevate your public or professional status or make headway with an objective, be willing to adapt to circumstances. A Mercury-Saturn meetup on the 3rd makes that a good day for career planning and talking to your boss. If you know you’ve earned a raise or promotion, make your case! Respect what you have to offer and get clear on what’s most important to you. On the 4th, Venus’s quarrel with Mars generates tension between your desire for commitment and closeness and your urge to explore other possibilities that might make you happy. There’s also the chance that you’re all in and your S.O. isn’t. Venus and Mars will definitely create sparks one way or another, and if you’re in a solid relationship, this dynamic duo will liven it up. Single? You might be irresistibly drawn to someone now. Make a point of showcasing your gifts on September 9th because the sun in your ambition angle is connecting with your ruler, Jupiter. Under this planetary map, you want to make a strong impression in a public or professional arena and have what it takes to shine. Shoot your shot! With Mars going retrograde that night, your love life, leisure time and creative ventures will feel the effects. This period calls for you to reconnect with your heart’s desires. If you’re involved in a romance that doesn’t seem to be heading anywhere, you might take a break or break up. You’re not meant to be chasing someone or something that doesn’t fulfill you; this is a time to discover — or rediscover — genuine sources of pleasure and passion. Although the sun’s position at the peak of your chart is inspiring you to pursue your goals, his opposition with Neptune on the 11th reminds you to keep a healthy work-life balance going. Maybe you feel unsure about your chances of success and need TLC from family or soul-soothing time at home before proving yourself. Or maybe you need to take care of a domestic issue that’s causing you to take your eye off the ball. After Jupiter wraps up its four-month retrograde phase on the 12th, money will start to flow more freely, maybe both in and out. You could start to feel more certain of your values and priorities. The sun and Pluto convene two days later, calling for you to channel your considerable energy into achieving goals that will reaffirm those values and priorities. Next, Venus tussles with Uranus on September 15th, and you’ll need to stay plenty flexible if your health, workload or some unavoidable circumstance threatens to curtail the joy you’re getting from broadening your horizons. However, your restlessness could very well push you to rebel against the status quo without a second thought — and that might not be such a bad thing! Talk to your squad to clarify what’s most important to you when Mercury’s tiff with Jupiter on September 17th threatens to inflate your thinking. Merc and Pluto have a similar dispute on the 20th, and you’ll need to watch out for a clash with a group or friend that day. There are bound to be differences among you, and you shouldn’t feel compelled to persuade anyone. Instead, seek people’s input on changes you might make to improve a situation involving finances, possessions or self-worth. But don’t let anyone’s words make you feel less than on the 23rd when Merc and Saturn cross swords. Saturn finishes his lengthy retrograde period on September 28th, which will help to stabilize your finances. If your confidence has been waning lately, take stock of everything you have going for you and build yourself back up with a serious pep talk. Mars hassles Saturn the next day, alluding to practical concerns that compel you to pull back on the throttle. You may not have the resources to do as you please and will need to adapt to reality. Or perhaps you’re lacking the confidence to follow through on a risk you were poised to take. Don’t put too much on the line when the moment doesn’t feel right.

CAPRICORN

December 22–January 19

What you learn on the first day of the month can feed into the personal transformation you’re undergoing. That’s thanks to a Mercury-Pluto summit which aims to help you fit the pieces of the puzzle together and find deep meaning in new knowledge and experiences. On the 2nd, Venus’s standoff with Saturn in Capricorn might cause you to crave companionship and at the same time seem aloof. Try to balance discipline and fun, and don’t isolate yourself to the point of loneliness when you’re feeling serious or shy. The sun’s meeting with Uranus that day stimulates your hunger for knowledge, travel and adventure. If — like many of us — you can’t leave town, simply exposing yourself to unfamiliar people, cultures, ideas and beliefs will pique your interest. Find clever ways to get out of your routine; you’ll enjoy looking at the world with fresh eyes now! Well-calculated risks can enable you to define yourself as an individual when Mercury and Saturn see eye to eye on the 3rd. Your courage, enthusiasm, wanderlust, and vision are all working in your favor. Cosmic lovebirds Venus and Mars square off on September 4th, triggering prickliness that can impact your rapport with another person. Keep a close eye on your underlying mood if you’d prefer to head an argument off at the pass. Your own subconscious emotions are likely to set the wheels in motion. See if you can figure out what you need — then ask for it. On the 9th, the sun’s chemistry with Jupiter in Cap multiplies the benefits of broadening your horizons. Seek out learning experiences that open your eyes to other aspects of the world and help you grow. At the very least, talk to a stranger! After Mars reverses course at the base of your chart that night for the next two months, you might get into a prickly mood. You’ll need solitude at times to process challenging feelings and behavior that are probably holdovers from the past. Try to turn pent-up anger into productive aggression that will push you out of a rut. Friction at home and delays involving your living situation could stress you out, and a regular self-care practice will prove invaluable. Neptune and the sun move into opposition on September 11th, throwing your judgment off momentarily. Don’t assume too much, or you might wind up feeling taken in. Lucky Jupiter powers forward in your sign on the 12th, and there may be no stopping you after that. At first, you’re liable to feel overstimulated. Then as the planet of expansion speeds up, your optimism about creating a bigger and better life for yourself will return. Maintain your focus on self-awareness and personal progress and strive to turn your high hopes into a feasible mission. Have you been reshuffling your aspirations since the spring? Refine your quest and pursue top-priority plans. Keep learning about yourself and testing the possibilities of your potential. Your belief in yourself can widen the scope of your identity and your life. The sun forms an alliance with Pluto on the 14th, keeping your inspiration going. You won’t change if you don’t push yourself beyond comfortable boundaries. Playing it too safe can cause you to miss out on growth opportunities. Venus and Uranus have a disagreement the day after that which may send shockwaves through your personal life if a flirtation or sexual encounter comes out of leftfield. Expect the unexpected and embrace the spirit of freedom. Resist the temptation to assume too much too soon. Infatuation and rebellion can blend into quite a plot twist under this influence. Mercury’s spat with Jupiter on the 17th can serve as a reminder that you don’t have all the answers. You could still stand to learn a thing or two from your superiors and elders. The sun’s confab with Saturn that day can give you a sense that your life is on track. Test yourself by doing something courageous and proving what you’re capable of. Try not to belabor a point when crafting plans or speaking to authority figures on September 20th. Mercury is throwing darts at Pluto, which could lead you to drive yourself crazy with tunnel vision. Merc and Saturn get into it on the 23rd, persuading you to slow down and think everything through very thoroughly. Your ruler gets back into gear on the 28th, clearing a path forward. Now you can start to assemble a game plan that’s more workable and foolproof. You probably discovered some flaws in the old one over the last five months. Soon you’ll be back on solid ground!

AQUARIUS

January 20–February 18

An urge to splurge could blow your budget on September 1st, when a full moon rocks your resources house and colludes with whimsical Uranus. You could also receive a sum of money, like a check you’ve been waiting for. If you’re trying to be careful with your finances, you’d be smart to avoid shopping that day, since need and want will be indistinguishable. A Venus-Saturn battle the next day can make you doubt your ability to do the work you want to do or make you hesitate to help someone. Listen to your reservations without letting them overwhelm you. The sun’s collaboration with Uranus hours later can have a positive impact on your mood or your personal life, and your best bet is to spend time alone or with someone close to you. Pay attention to the subtler nuances of what’s going on inside you or between you and another individual, searching for insights that will drive positive change. You might conquer your fear and open up to someone or delve into a project and see it through to the end, especially with Mercury and Saturn aligning the day after. But Venus and Mars fight on the 4th, grabbing your attention. It’s easy to see what could be improved, but the person on the receiving end of helpful suggestions may not appreciate having their shortcomings pointed out. Remember all the little things you like about someone, and volunteer those instead. The same strategy applies to self-criticism! On the 9th, the sun melds with Jupiter, suggesting that introspection and intimacy will teach you something about your true self and give you hope. This pairing makes it easier to accept who you are and give another person the benefit of the doubt. Mars goes rogue that night: Time to assess your course of action and examine how you make decisions. It’s also worth looking at how you communicate and process information, then asking yourself what should change. You’re apt to feel a little argumentative, so watch what you say (and post, tweet, text, email, etc.)! Try not to misdirect whatever anger you’re feeling. But do stand up for yourself if you’ve been biting your tongue for too long. The next couple of months are great for revising and rewriting, so you can still be productive even during a creative block. The sun gets lost in Neptune’s fog on the 11th, blurring the boundaries in an intimate relationship. If you’re tempted to give up a lot to be with someone, know that your self-worth might not be strong enough at this moment to make the best decisions. Don’t let fear call the shots when these two planets tango. With Jupiter powering on the next day after being in standby mode for the last four months, you’ll begin to feel more supported by the universe and willing to trust that everything will work out for the best. If you’ve been helping others, exploring spirituality or seeking closure, you’ll get back in the groove soon. A sun-Pluto summit on the 14th provides a chance to generate a powerful internal shift that helps you heal. So dig into your psyche, a close relationship or an emotional issue, fearlessly facing the intensity there. Venus and Uranus hassle each other the day after that, and as a result, your mood, family or living situation may mess up your vibe with someone. If you’re faced with interpersonal conflict, press pause and tend to what’s going on at home or inside you. And if you get pulled away from a date or social plans, stay flexible. It might be your own underlying urge for independence and change that’s affecting a relationship or your ability to get along with people. Be super honest with yourself about your true feelings. A sun-Saturn alliance on September 17th signals that wrapping up old business and putting the past to rest will be a boon. You’re in an extended phase of wiping the slate clean, releasing whatever is keeping you from being ready for the next chapter. Focus on understanding the emotional piece of this process. You might want to put the finishing touches on a passion project or confide in someone close to you about your private fears. When Mercury scraps with Pluto on the 20th, avoid fixating on the negative. Take in the big picture and accept that the truth is complex. Saturn inches ahead on the 28th, allowing you to get a spiritual practice back on track or to make peace with emotional baggage. If you’re playing a martyr or victim role somewhere in your life, work on setting firmer boundaries.

PISCES

February 19–March 20

September gets underway with a full moon in Pisces that brings out all the feels. If you’re on the verge of losing it (and even if you’re not), put yourself first and spell out what you need. Thanks to this lunation’s harmony with enlightened Uranus in your communication house, you should be able to get your message across loud and clear. Peace and quiet? A shoulder to cry on? Whatever will make you feel better, just say the word. And also pay attention to what — or who — is pushing you over the edge. This is the best moon of the year for you to release anything and anyone that isn’t serving your highest self. Onward and upward! The next day, a Venus-Saturn faceoff might pit personal pleasure against group obligations, or a romance might not get the stamp of approval from your friends. Don’t let peer pressure rob you of joy, but do listen to constructive feedback if it’s offered. On the 3rd, you can connect with someone who shares your interests or aims and might even meet a potential mentor or professional contact. Reaching out to others will help you firm up new goals, strengthen your resolve and build a team of supporters in your life. The Venus-Mars imbroglio of September 4th means the love or happiness you crave seems to be at odds with your personal values, financial strategy or core needs. You might question whether what you want is really good for you. Disagreements between these two planets can tempt us to go against our own best interests. They can also enhance the allure of something or someone, making it nearly impossible to resist. The sun’s vibe with Jupiter on the 9th fuels socializing and networking. This is a good day for group activities and meeting new people, so don’t go it alone. That night, Mars does a 180 in your worth house, after which you should devote a chunk of your attention to what you need and what you already have. Evaluate your financial strategy; balance your budget; get rid of some belongings; consider how your self-esteem influences the way you handle money and possessions; and examine how you convert personal values into priorities. Try not to get into arguments over these issues. And resist impulsive spending sprees. Do your best to keep expenses under control because an unexpected one could come up in the next two months. Your ruler, Neptune, casts its spell over the sun on September 11th, making it harder for you to see a relationship clearly or for others to see the real you. Your famous sensitivity may help you get on the same wavelength, but don’t lose track of who you really are while trying to be who someone wants you to be. You’re probably not up to asserting yourself right now, so put off confrontations and negotiations. If you feel a spiritual or artistic bond with another person, enjoy it without projecting into the future. Thanks to Jupiter’s pivot forward on the 12th, your faith in people and in the support you get from them will gradually return. The sun’s link with Pluto on the 14th underscores the value of connecting with people who have your back. Spending time with a friend can deepen your relationship, and you might meet someone who has a powerful effect on you. Relations on the job may hit a snag the day after that, though, when Venus and Uranus fight. Do your best to think on your feet and come up with innovative solutions to problems. Indecisiveness can make it more difficult to enjoy what you’re doing; building breaks into your routine could be the antidote. Mercury’s discord with Jupiter on the 17th could cause you to put someone on blast, and you’d do well to handle secrets with care. The sun’s chemistry with Saturn could save the day by reminding you that aligning your interests with those of others and building strong relationships is the smart move. You might even put your own needs aside and choose to be of service to humanity, thanks to this positive influence. But Merc’s quarrel with Saturn on the 23rd can prompt you to be selective, as you might feel judged by some people. If you’re trying to get to the bottom of a weighty matter, constructive feedback can help you fine-tune your thought process. Rallying the troops won’t be nearly as challenging once Saturn finally kicks back into gear on September 28th, after traveling retrograde for the past four and a half months. His reversal should also add up to group projects coming out of limbo sooner rather than later.

ARIES

March 21–April 19

Intellectual work, career planning and communication with coworkers all land in the plus column on the 1st, as mental Mercury in your efficiency corner clicks with Pluto. A Venus-Saturn opposition the next day may present a conflict between enjoying downtime and tackling responsibilities. Do what you can to find a balance between your inner and outer lives. Soon after, the sun and Uranus team up, highlighting the fact that working hard and being productive can change your finances and the way you feel about yourself. Try devoting a chunk of time to improving your physical health and performing necessary duties — and see if your self-worth increases. Merc meshes with Saturn on the 3rd, keeping your attention on what needs to be done. If you stay on task, you may earn kudos for your efforts. Consider all the little ways you can improve your health and daily life and feel more together. Hopefully you’ll get a sense that you’re making headway and the pieces are falling into place. A scuffle between Venus and your ruler the day after could create an internal conflict between the allure of nesting and your drive to get tons done. Or you may come on too strong and rock the boat in your family or home. Watching your tone and softening your approach will help keep the peace. It’s easy to overdo it with feisty Mars charging through your sign. Still, there are ways to let strong feelings out without destroying an underlying positive mood. When the sun forms a coalition with Jupiter on the 9th, an energy surge will enable you to accomplish plenty. You can check a major objective off your list now, so put your nose to the grindstone! That night, Mars begins backspinning in Aries, which inevitably means a loss in momentum over the next couple months. Don’t torture yourself over a lack of progress. You’re meant to slow down during this retrograde phase. The key is not to allow yourself to spiral into listless procrastination. Retrace steps you’ve already taken and plug in holes you find. Ask yourself what motivates you, and get in touch with neglected passions. Tap into your inner will. The fire deep down inside you requires plenty of stoking between now and mid-November, when Mars will power back on. Since the sun is going up against Neptune on the 11th, you’ll definitely feel less energetic that day and should give yourself a break. You might get down on yourself and shouldn’t let perfectionism deflate your spirits; “good enough” will do for now. With Jupiter picking up speed at the top of your chart on September 12th, you’ll soon feel more optimistic about your career track. A fresh infusion of enthusiasm and ambition might lead you to come on like gangbusters around higher-ups, though, so be careful if the planet of excess tempts you to go too far. Venus quibbles with Uranus on the 15th, causing pleasure, romance or creativity to wax and wane. If your confidence or finances are all over the map, that instability could dampen your joy for the moment. Use what you have going for you and don’t get too emotionally attached to specific needs. Flexibility will allow you to navigate life’s bumps and curves and still have a good time. You might even gain insight into what’s really important. Don’t dig in your heels when you’re talking to someone and strong-arm them into agreeing with you on the 20th, when Mercury battles controlling Pluto. A win might feel crucial, but working out a compromise will prove to be more of a success in the long run. Similarly, Merc’s quibble with Saturn on the 23rd hints that one person will assert authority over the other in a dialogue. It’s not easy to agree on goals in a relationship now, but this feeling will pass. Thanks to Saturn’s reversal on September 28th after four and-a-half months of traveling retrograde, you can start to formulate a clearer plan for progress in your life. Recognition should soon be more forthcoming. Plus, you’ll feel more and more sure of your prospects as you define success for yourself, rather than pursuing someone else’s concept of it. When retrograde Mars throws darts at Saturn the day after that, it would be a mistake to try to buck the system. Play by the rules, and if you encounter pushback, use it to shape and guide your actions instead of rebelling or giving up.

TAURUS

April 20–May 20

You might read something that has a powerful effect on your worldview on September 1st, thanks to a Mercury-Pluto confab. It’s a good day to play around with what would normally be a daunting mental task, because you might have a breakthrough. Venus and Saturn have a face-to-face scheduled the next day, and concerns about the future could prevent you from enjoying the moment. You may worry over interpreting words and intent. Instead, take a glass-half-full stance. Right after that, the sun and Uranus harmonize, which should free you up to be yourself and have a good time in whatever way you please. It’s exhilarating to express your feelings and individuality now. With change-loving Uranus barreling through Taurus, finding creative ways to motivate yourself will pay off. Merc’s alliance with Saturn on the 3rd makes that a great day to learn a fun skill or cultivate a different side of you and gain life wisdom at the same time. You’re in a phase of formulating your personal philosophy, figuring out how the world works and establishing rules to live by. Through humor, creativity and writing, you can put your own unique stamp on that process. When Venus and Mars square off on the 4th, your positive mindset and pleasant interactions could be undermined by unconscious aggression. Keep tabs on your subliminal motives that can cause you to indirectly sabotage something good. You may not want to start a fight, but your behavior could seem irritable somehow. Get out and play on the 9th, when the sun cozies up to Jupiter. An experience that thrills you and maybe even scares you a little will be the most satisfying. Mars is going off the grid at the end of your chart that night, prompting you to make a concerted effort to deal with any anger you’ve stuffed down inside you and confront any tendencies you might have to act against your own best interests. See if you can nip self-sabotage in the bud and get to the bottom of what motivates it. How can you fix the core issue? If it seems as if you’re spinning your wheels, stop and ask yourself what drives you. Your mojo will be deep underground during this retrograde period. Grappling with your most challenging emotions is what will enable you to harness the energy within them. If a good night’s sleep eludes you, double down on self-care and start a dream journal to process the contents of your psyche. You might get confused about friendship or fitting in with a group on September 11th, due to a sun-Neptune faceoff. If you’re longing for validation and not getting it, take the pressure off. Don’t focus too much on feedback. Boundaries may be a problem, so stay clear on who you are and what makes you happy. And don’t lose yourself by going with the flow. The next day, Jupiter turns direct after four months of backtracking, filling you with renewed belief in your vision. Keep moving forward into the future that you’ve dreamed of! On the 14th, a sun-Pluto collaboration can inspire you to go out on a limb, express yourself in a powerful way and have an adventure. Your drive to enjoy life can get you to break out of your routine and seek challenges that shift your outlook. Uranus in Taurus contends with your ruler, Venus, on September 15th, and your patience with a roommate or family member may wear thin as a result. You might also have a sudden urge to liberate yourself from the past. If you’re feeling rebellious, you might be able to release stuck emotions or an old pattern rather than overreacting to people in your environment. It’s possible that someone who’s known you for ages can’t quite accept the person you’ve become. If you’re restless despite an underlying desire for peace and comfort, get out and do your own thing instead of making waves. And skip a family event if you need space. A sun-Saturn link on the 17th offers you an incentive to work on finding your place in the world. You want very much to live life with a sense of purpose when these two planets join forces. A strong opinion about the appropriate way of doing something can overshadow important, smaller points, due to a dustup between Mercury and Pluto on September 20th. Avoid going to extremes. The upside is this: Critical thought can produce powerful knowledge now. Once Saturn pivots direct on the 28th, you’ll find it easier to turn your vision into a reality and make plans for the future!

GEMINI

May 21–June 20

Your ruling planet can convince you to get to the bottom of how you’re feeling on the 1st, thanks to his convo with deep Pluto. Talking to someone you trust or making time for introspection will be worth it. Venus goes head to head with Saturn the next day, making you more conscious of not getting what you need from someone or not having access to a particular resource. Try not to focus on the negative. Look for a compromise you can be satisfied with. Or stop trying to get water from an empty well and tap into your power to take care of yourself. Hours later, the sun-Uranus summit invites you to let go of the past and contemplate who you want to be going forward. This is an excellent time to stay home and sift through memories or mementos, if you want to understand what brought you to where you are now. Try to be conscious of what’s going on inside you and how you might be undermining yourself without meaning to. When Venus gets tangled up with Mars in your humanity house on the 4th, your personal desires may clash with teamwork. Maybe you want what you want very much and are pushing your friends as a result. Wait for the tension to pass if you can’t find some middle ground. The sun and Jupiter sync up on September 9th, dropping hints that unwinding with someone you feel comfortable with will nurture closeness, while reflection will help you feel more at peace with the point you’re at in your life. Mars shifts into reverse that night and will continue to backpedal for the next couple of months, which could introduce problems in your squad or an organization you belong to. Take your foot off the gas and assess where a particular friendship or group affiliation is headed. Avoid taking your frustrations out on others (and overreacting if they do the same!) Teamwork may screech to a halt, but you can take advantage of this pause by redoing steps you skipped. Don’t try to get everyone on the same page or take over and fly solo. Plan your next moves and hold off on executing them. It’s a good time to review your latest objectives and interests and reconnect with people. Tech issues are likely to trip you up, calling for loads of patience. On the 11th, the sun and Neptune lock into an opposition. If you’re feeling uncertain about your direction in life, you’ll be tempted to lay low and not take on any daunting challenges. Aim for some kind of balance between resting on your laurels and imagining yourself achieving what you’ve dreamed of. Jupiter resumes forward motion the day after that, helping you to feel more psychologically resilient. If you haven’t gotten the support you need or the help you rely on from outside, it should start to flow more freely soon. The sun and Pluto form an auspicious bond on September 14th. Thanks to that, downtime at home can replenish you, and private time with someone you’re fond of can bring you closer. Whatever is going on in the back of your head is likely to color your interactions when Venus feuds with Uranus on the 15th. Your conscious thoughts and speech aren’t aligned with subconscious impulses now, and unplanned words are apt to throw a curveball into a convo. A secret urge for freedom might lure you to flirt, which could cause trouble if you’re in a committed relationship and the object of your affection isn’t your mate! Seek out harmless excitement to keep boredom at bay. Mercury’s scuffles with planets in your depth-and-merging zone on September 17th, 20th and 23rd call for you to tread lightly in relationships. Someone could wound your pride by trying to change you. And if you’re obsessed with a specific attraction (or some other source of passion), it will be difficult to keep it under control. But you might glimpse a truth about yourself that teaches you to value your complicated human nature. Try not to expect a certain reaction from someone if you choose to express yourself. Welcome useful feedback, particularly if you’re discussing a creative project or piece of writing with a partner or trusted friend. After the 28th, you’ll begin to feel more empowered to deal with touchy stuff, courtesy of Saturn’s reversal after an extended retrograde period. You may be able to resolve matters related to finances, sharing, trust, intimacy or transformation and will feel more in control.

CANCER

June 21–July 22

When Venus in Cancer confronts Saturn on the second day of the month, you may be giving off a warm and charming vibe but getting the cold shoulder. Or perhaps you’re in an amiable mood, and others are being really difficult. Don’t take it personally if people are hard to deal with. There could be a lesson hidden in this momentary relationship challenge. Hours later, the sun sidles up to Uranus, favoring group communication, brainstorming and networking. Express your ideas and views and reach out to people who share your interests and objectives. There’s a decent chance that you’ll meet someone new, and it’s more likely to be a platonic connection than a romantic one. One-on-one dialogue will be productive on the 3rd, when Mercury and Saturn are in cahoots. You stand to benefit from another person’s experience — so ask questions that will help you learn. Honest, respectful, mature communication is the key to smooth relations. Everyday encounters will have a serious tone. If a DTR talk is overdue, here’s your opening! When Venus and Mars lock horns on September 4th, your desire to enjoy life will conflict with your drive to succeed, and you might also find it impossible to appease an authority figure. You probably won’t be too sure that day where a relationship is headed, so don’t hash it out then. The sun jibes with Jupiter on the 9th, setting the stage for lively, positive communication. Showing your real self can help you meet people who are good for you and also improve existing connections. Mars goes retrograde at the top of your chart soon after and will be backtracking until mid-November. It’s important during this period to keep frustration in check around authority figures. The source of your frustration will most likely be a lack of progress, but pushing to make more headway isn’t the answer. Ponder the direction you’re going in and evaluate which aims you should keep pursuing and which you should put on the shelf. Maybe there’s an old goal you want to dust off and start going after again. What does success mean to you? If your ambition is out of balance with other areas of your life, this is the perfect time to tweak it. Make sure you’re working smart, not just hard. The sun-Neptune opposition of September 11th can make you gullible; if you’re not sure what to believe, put off decisions and agreements. You’re in a curious mood but need to make peace with not having conclusive answers at the moment. With Jupiter finishing up its four-month-long retrograde phase on the 12th, your belief in people should start to revive, and relationship progress will seem more attainable. The sun’s harmony with Pluto two days later can enable you to form powerful connections with other individuals. Keep reaching out and listening closely. Under this influence, you might meet someone who has a huge effect on you and maybe even changes your life. Discord between Venus and Uranus on the 15th means you may or may not get what you want from friends or another group, and greediness or possessiveness could be disruptive. Group interests and friendship aren’t lining up neatly with your concept of what you need, so reaching agreeable terms with people won’t be a cinch. Money, possessions, priorities, values and sharing are a bit of a minefield. Try not to become impatient, expecting others to gratify your desires. If you can manage to be more adaptable when it comes to your personal demands, you’ll give people a chance to surprise you in a good way! On the 17th, a sun-Saturn collab facilitates honest communication and substantive dialogue. If you make a point of connecting with people, you might secure a mentor thanks to this planetary pairing. Mercury’s spat with Pluto on the 20th could translate to a power struggle that hinders communication. Or you might voice your innermost feelings and find someone’s reaction to be all wrong. It’s possible to have a sincere exchange that promotes progress in a relationship, so try your best to handle this transit wisely. Saturn has been off the grid in your interpersonal angle for the last four and a half months, compelling you to come to terms with the lessons you’re learning about relationships. On September 28th, he powers back on, which should help you take any knowledge you’ve gained and turn it into a potential plan for moving forward. Whether you’re meant to strengthen or sever a connection, soon you’ll notice the path is clearer.

LEO

July 23–August 22

You might be reminded of your obligations, taking some of the joy out of retreating from the world, when Venus crosses paths with Saturn on the 2nd. But getting the necessary stuff done will take some pressure off, allowing you to balance duty and relaxation. Later that day, the sun cooperates with Uranus in your ambition angle, enabling you to utilize your personal talents and resources to make progress toward a goal. You’ll probably have a strong urge for self-sufficiency and independence with this blend of planetary energy. Sound financial judgment, smart prioritizing and a strong work ethic all add up when Mercury aligns with Saturn on September 3rd, putting you in a good position to improve your security. Venus and Mars are locked in battle on the 4th, so you may be torn between a desire to drift and a drive to do something gutsy to propel yourself into the future. Empathy and altruism can mobilize you to go to bat for people who are not as fortunate as you. Have faith that it’s worth it to fight for justice. Venus sashays into your sign on the 6th and will linger there until early October. With the love planet gracing Leo for nearly four weeks, you’ll effortlessly turn on the charm and wrap people around your little finger. Your magnetism will draw others to you like moths to a flame, and you’ll generally be in a pleasant, sociable mood. You might win over your crush or cause someone you’re already with to fall for you all over again. Have fun with it! Mars heads into his two-month retrograde phase on the 9th, and if travel or education are on the agenda, you won’t be able to proceed as quickly and smoothly as you’d like. (No big surprise there, given the way this year has gone so far.) Do your best to take detours in stride and adjust to the pace. To avert heated debates, don’t try to convert anyone to your POV. It’s not as vital as it seems to sell others on your opinions. Instead, seek out a more well-rounded perspective. You’re in some danger of hitting people over the head with your passionate stance, so edit your words carefully. And keep impulses in check, as they can lead to iffy risk-taking. You might have luck revising something for publication, revisiting a place you’ve been or resuming an old course of study. Since the sun and Neptune are at loggerheads on September 11th, you may be sure of your bottom line and get thrown off-track by another person and their priorities. Postpone negotiations and binding commitments for the time being. The next day, Jupiter’s direct turn in your productivity corner could make you busier, and the silver lining is you’ll start to feel more efficient and capable of tackling what’s on your plate. Have you narrowed down your priorities recently because you bit off more than you could chew and got stressed out? Now you can move ahead with a more streamlined agenda. Venus’s tiff with Uranus on September 15th suggests you might be projecting a different image than you assume you are and you’re impatient to get results. A willingness to go with the flow will come in handy. On the 20th, Mercury’s argument with Pluto can make it difficult to wrap your head around a problem and assess what’s best. You could get hung up on details and start fault-finding. Your mind is moving quickly, but the need for thoroughness and correctness should persuade you to tap the brakes. Keep that enthusiasm for getting to the heart of the matter — but avoid overkill. And on the 23rd, when Merc bumps into Saturn, let realism refine your thinking, not rain on your parade. After Saturn edges forward in your productivity corner on September 28th, you’ll be motivated to resume a project you put on hold; get back on track with your wellness goals; or implement a new-and-improved daily routine. Saturn is teaching you how to run your life like a well-oiled machine. Efficiency and organization are what it’s all about now. However, the very next day, Mars and Saturn get into a skirmish that could stop you in your tracks. You’re all ready to take action, and the taskmaster planet says, “Not so fast!” Consider that a good thing, since doing your homework will up the odds that you’re taking calculated risks. Prepare, prepare, prepare. And if you’re defending your beliefs and principles or fighting for a cause, have plenty of facts on hand to back you up.