Where Is The Love?

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Try not to take it personally if you’re not feeling the love this month. Sociable, amorous, agreeable Venus will be retrograde from October 3rd until November 13th. Since she only shifts into reverse about every 18 months, you’re likely to notice the effects during this six-week backspin. Creative expression, relating, diplomacy and affection won’t come as easily, and people will naturally retreat and disengage. If you’re feeling disconnected, don’t forget that, ironically enough, you’re not alone. Everyone is experiencing this cosmic divide. To complicate matters further, Mercury will be retrograde from October 24th to November 13th, but at least the messenger planet’s time off the grid will seem like familiar territory. Three times a year, it causes miscommunication, impaired judgment, and travel and tech glitches. Don’t be too quick to write off these planetary slowdowns as bad news, though. Yes, they’re frustrating. But they’re also surprisingly beneficial in the long run. You’re not meant to forge ahead in every area of your life all year round. It’s good to pause and reassess. To pull back and listen to your heart and your gut. Exactly what might that look like for you? See below!

Read both your Sun sign and your rising sign (Ascendant) below. If you don’t know what sign was rising when you were born, you can calculate your birth chart here to find out.

You might question your attachment to specific belongings and also ask yourself if your priorities are fully aligned with your core values. Make a point of distinguishing between needs and wants and curb the urge to splurge when it arises if you’re on a budget. If you find yourself wrestling with fears around what you lack or what you stand to lose, focus on healthy self-care rather than reacting from a place of fear. Think back to October–November 2018, the last time Venus was retrograde in the same part of the zodiac. Do you remember what was going on then? If so, you can glean clues regarding the next month and a half. Mars does battle with powerful Pluto a few hours later, calling for you to balance personal pursuits with group interests. You might be immersed in something fulfilling, and if you encounter resistance, chances are you’ll choose compromise in order to lower the temperature. As the radiant Sun in Libra opposes stern Saturn in your relationship realm on the 4th, you’re compelled to face reality. Even if it seems like people are standing in your way, resist the impulse to project your frustrations onto them. You might try viewing this as a valuable test of your strength. Again, a mutually agreeable compromise can allow you to find some middle ground between your own priorities and your duty to someone else. Don’t let this bump in the road deflate your spirits.

Once a year, you’re gifted with a New Moon in your sign that fuels a fresh start, and this personal New Year occurs on October 10th. Take this opportunity to set your intentions for the months ahead. Although tweaks to your appearance would normally get a green light with this lunation, bear in mind that aesthetic Venus is backpedaling. Hold off on major beauty-related changes until she gets back in gear. But this is the perfect day to create a mood board, pinning looks that capture the image you want to project. Consider the vibe you’re giving off and how you’d like it to evolve. Do you exude confidence? Do you express yourself in ways that allow others to see the real you? If you’re tired of people-pleasing, it might be time to step into a bolder version of you. Later that day, a Venus-Mars scuffle could lead you to force the issue with other people if you’re not getting what you want or you’re feeling insecure. Your priorities may not align with theirs, but proactive teamwork combined with grounded diplomacy could produce results—as long as you don’t hold out for precisely what you desire. On the 15th, Pluto resumes forward motion after a five-monthlong retrograde, bringing your emotions to the surface. If drama is brewing, try not to react in the moment. Take slow deep breaths, making the exhale longer than the inhale. Your love life, your creative self-expression, your relationship with a child or the ways that you find joy in your life are undergoing a course correction—and hopefully, you’ll soon begin to feel better about your prospects. A Mars-Saturn alliance on the 16th implies that group activities, professional networking and camaraderie will be fruitful and can build a bridge between you and others. You might meet someone important through people you already know or get serious with a casual acquaintance. If you’re strategic and take the initiative, you could secure a mentor, form a partnership or make a valuable contact.

Retrograde Venus has the same run-in with Pluto on October 20th as she did back on September 15th when she wasn’t in reverse gear. This time around, your desire may be just as powerful but even more dangerous, since you may not know what you truly want. And if satisfaction feels more elusive, you could miscalculate the risk and the payoff. Hedge your bets. When the Sun exits Libra and segues into your worth zone on October 23rd, more of your attention will shift from who you are to what you have and what you want. You’ll identify with your possessions, personal values, material needs and financial status in the month that follows. Ask yourself whether your stuff is serving your needs or stressing you out. After mental Mercury begins to backspin in that part of your chart on October 24th, your financial judgment will be impaired, so continue to avoid spending sprees. The next three weeks are a good time to review your budget, assets, possessions, material needs, natural talents, earning potential, personal values and earnings. You might consider reallocating your resources or streamlining your finances in some way. Try to prepare for a shortfall in case a payment is delayed. Venus reverses into Libra on October 25th, coaxing you to ponder love and relationships. Ask yourself what or whom you no longer desire and what or whom you want to draw into your life. For a few weeks, you won’t feel as sociable as usual, but creative inspiration may strike. That night’s Full Moon makes the complexities of give and take readily apparent. You may be required to balance your needs with those of another individual. Letting go of something or someone can transform your emotional state. This lunation can bring a process of death and rebirth to a head and push you to rebound from pain, loss or crisis. A Sun-Pluto squabble on the 26th can put your values, finances or self-worth at odds with romance, pleasure or self-expression. Be willing to shift your priorities to suit the situation you’re facing.

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This backspin will certainly prompt you to ruminate over love and relationships, and it’s also useful to ponder the concept of self-love. Ask yourself what you believe you deserve and what you want to draw into your life. Think back to October–November 2018 (the last time Venus was retrograde in the same part of the zodiac). If you remember what was going on back then, you can glean clues regarding the next month and a half. Mars (your original ruling planet) goes toe to toe with intense Pluto (your modern ruler) on October 3rd, threatening to disrupt your mood or your home life. Facing the strong emotions churning deep inside you can enable you to find some sort of equilibrium. Acknowledge your private struggles so they don’t impact your outer life in a big way. Transformative change is possible. The vibrant Sun’s opposition with strict Saturn on October 4th could make you feel too sluggish to tackle burdensome tasks. Your energy reserves are limited, and you just want to unwind. But you’ll probably feel better if you chip away at something instead of avoiding it altogether. Try to stick to a regular schedule and get adequate rest so you don’t burn out.

A New Moon on the 10th sends mixed messages because even though New Moons signal beginnings, this one occurs in the last house of your chart, luring you to release something—or someone—that is past its expiration date. Next month’s New Moon will be in your sign, marking a big fresh start. So, now’s the time to wipe the slate clean. Seek closure and peace of mind now. This is a good day to begin a new spiritual practice, start a dream journal or perform a kindhearted act of service. With Venus backtracking in Scorpio, you may feel discontent and off your game. And it may seem like someone with the upper hand is going after your weak spot when Venus skirmishes with Mars later on the 10th. Instead of taking their behavior personally, concentrate on what you’re displeased with and what you can do about it. As Pluto resumes forward motion on the 15th after a five-month retrograde, you might find yourself grappling privately once again with difficult feelings or memories that are shaking your foundation. There IS a way forward, and Pluto’s U-turn should make it more apparent. If your family, living situation or emotions have been stressing you out, note that the path leads through that challenge, not around it. On the 16th, hard work will pay off in the form of significant progress and perhaps professional or public recognition, thanks to a Mars-Saturn coalition. Focus your efforts on top-priority tasks, and do what needs to be done with humility. Venus in Scorpio has the same spat with Pluto on the 20th as she did on September 15th, when she wasn’t retrograde. Again, privately process your emotions rather than reacting to outer turbulence. Family or domestic strife might be traced back to your own discontent, so deal with that first and foremost. The Sun bursts into Scorpio on October 23rd, marking the beginning of your birthday season. Now you’ll have significantly more energy and the perfect excuse to focus on yourself. This is your time of year for making a big splash and zeroing in on who you want to be. Just because you’re not feeling outgoing (looking at you, Venus retrograde) doesn’t mean you can’t savor the sensation of others revolving around you. Mercury shifts into reverse in your sign on October 24th, which could make you feel tongue-tied and misunderstood over the next few weeks. You might change your mind more often, but that’s okay. This is a good time for you to rethink personal matters. It would be worth your while to ponder the way you’re perceived and whether or not it reflects the real you.

Venus backs out of your sign and into your release corner on October 25th, and that move may dredge up old feelings and memories. You’ll probably be in the mood to lie low and reflect—possibly on past relationships. You can heal residual pain from a toxic tie and reclaim your heart. Letting go of lost love is a better use of this phase than reopening an old wound. That night’s Full Moon in your interpersonal realm could trigger a turning point in an existing relationship, pushing it to a breaking point or to the next level of commitment. If other individuals seem temperamental, do your best to balance your needs and feelings with theirs. Compromise can turn the temperature down. When the Scorpio Sun squares off with Pluto on the 26th, hassles on the home front could stress you out. You’re all set to do you during your birthday season, and then a relative or roommate goes on a power trip. Or an old issue resurfaces and tests your limits. If a conflict arises, you can prove something to yourself by not backing down. But if an underlying heavy mood is threatening to take the wind out of your sails entirely and you might feel like your light and dark sides are at war with each other, shift your focus away from external events may be and pay attention to what’s going on inside you.

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Take some time to reflect on the past and uncover where your heart lies—and admit where it no longer does. Think back to October–November 2018 (the last time Venus was retrograde in the same part of the zodiac). Do you remember what was going on back then? See if you can glean clues regarding the next month and a half. Mars faces off with powerful Pluto a few hours later, which could generate a heated debate. Avoid a stubborn stance. If you keep an open mind, there’s a chance you’ll learn something substantial. The radiant Sun’s faceoff with stern Saturn on October 4th threatens to dampen your enthusiasm, and you may find it hard to express yourself spontaneously. Perhaps you feel inhibited. Or you think you’re not being taken as seriously as you’d like to be. You’re working on becoming a more well-rounded person, and you have a significant contribution to make in the world. The challenge now may be this: How can you stand out for your uniqueness while also experiencing a sense of belonging with other people? Make a point of spending time with folks you have something important in common with.

A New Moon in your humanity house on the 10th is the universe’s way of telling you it’s time to grow your team, so get out and circulate a bit in the weeks ahead when you’re feeling up to it. You might join a group that reflects a new interest or goal of yours, attend an industry networking event or just enjoy socializing. In the process, you can make new friends and professional contacts. You might also consider the needs of people outside your own circles and spearhead a charitable endeavor. Later that day, a clash between Venus and Mars might give you an urge to take action if you’re feeling discontent. The problem is it’s hard to put your finger on exactly what you want while Venus is backpedaling at the end of your chart. Don’t let vague longings lead to ill-advised risks. As Pluto edges forward on the 15th after backtracking for the past five months, it can bump you out of the groove you’ve been wearing in your brain. Shift out of that all-consuming loop and start thinking along new lines. If much has been left unspoken, soon you may feel more empowered to put deep thoughts into words, speak about weighty matters or make an important decision. Mars cooperates with Saturn on the 16th, giving you momentum to push the limits of who you can be and what will make you happy. You’re poised to bet on yourself and venture into the unknown in an effort to grow. Novel experiences can reveal different routes to personal fulfillment. Venus has the same skirmish with Pluto on the 20th as she did on September 15th, and she wasn’t retrograde then. Again, be careful not to let private longing or dissatisfaction lead to an obsessive mental loop or destructive words. You might need a little time alone for quiet reflection. With the Sun sneaking into your twelfth house of release and retreat on the 23rd, you solar year is winding down. It’s appropriate to take a step back from the world whenever you have the chance in the month that follows, since the period before your birthday season is a time for rest and reflection. Take an honest look back at the past year, but reserve judgment. Without dwelling on regrets or self-recrimination, see if you can shine a light on ways in which you’ve worked against yourself. The point is to let go of old patterns and clear the decks for the fresh start you’ll want to make when the Sun blazes into Sagittarius in November. You won’t have a lot of fuel in your tank now, so do make time for relaxation. Even intrepid Archers need to recharge their batteries periodically. And with mental Mercury turning retrograde in that same zone on October 24th, you’ll become even more circumspect. You’re in close touch with your subconscious for the next few weeks and won’t have the easiest time engaging with the outer world. Pay attention to your dreams, as they can convey valuable messages. Meditation, journaling and introspection should be fruitful.

Venus reverses into your humanity house on October 25th, luring you to contemplate your various friendships and ties to groups. Your squad is bound to be out of sync for a bit, but you can use this time to get back in touch with a long-lost pal or weed out toxic acquaintances. That night’s Full Moon can bring a health matter to a head or trigger a work-related crisis. But it’s the best lunation of the year to quit a bad habit once and for all. If you routinely do something that undermines your productivity, wellness or quality of life, there’s no time like the present to stop. As the Sun spars with Pluto on October 26th, it will be especially hard to align the subconscious and conscious parts of your mind. They simply don’t want to work together now. Your intuition or imagination could be at odds with your more willful thinking. If you get into a power struggle with someone, recognize that an internal struggle is probably driving the external one.

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Are you maintaining any toxic ties that you should leave behind you? Think back to October–November 2018 (the last time Venus was retrograde in the same part of the zodiac). If you remember what was going on with you then, you can glean clues regarding the next month and a half. Mars opposes intense Pluto in your worth house a few hours later, complicating sharing. Financial matters or differing values can lead to conflict, and the stronger your urge to seize control is, the harder it will be to compromise. But compromise could very well relieve the tension in this situation. If you’re ultra-focused on a project or a personal issue and are determined to get somewhere, chances are you will. The radiant Sun in your ambition angle faces off with your ruling planet, serious Saturn, on October 4th, hinting that something may interfere with your ability to reach your full potential. Your family, domestic obligations, underlying melancholy, private insecurity or emotional baggage from childhood are possible culprits. If you’re honest with yourself, you probably have a sense of what will hold you back until you overcome it.

A New Moon lands in your ambition angle on October 10th, prompting you to formulate new goals, start a fresh chapter in your career, step into a higher-profile role, assume greater responsibilities or create a business plan. A promotion or some other type of change in your public or professional status might be just around the corner. People aren’t as available as you’d like them to be while Venus backs through your humanity house. And friendly vibes might even seem pretty scarce. But try not to focus on what you’re not receiving. Everyone is apt to feel like they don’t have enough of what they want now. Venus’s quarrel with Mars later on the 10th tempts you to take your frustration out on someone you care about. Instead of falling into that trap, investigate what you can do to get some of what you desire. Pluto wraps up his five-month retrograde phase on the 15th, so hopefully, you’ll start to feel more in control of your finances soon. Or you’ll feel your self-esteem coming back to life if it has waned lately. Your resources are gradually changing, and you could be experiencing anxiety around security, stability and self-sufficiency. Concentrating on how you can provide for yourself will alleviate some of your worries. A Mars-Saturn summit on the 16th implies that getting up the courage to face your fears will make you stronger and give you something to build on. You can blend intense focus and emotional restraint seamlessly now. And if you confront a psychological stumbling block, you’ll mature as a result. Retrograde Venus’s quarrel with Pluto on the 20th mirrors the one they had on September 15th when she wasn’t in reverse. Again, you priorities or values could be out of sync with group interests, or you might be measuring yourself against others. Don’t force the issue if you can’t get on the same page with people. After the Sun blasts into your humanity house on the 23rd, you’ll have more energy for teamwork and mingling in the month that follows. Despite relational Venus’s backspin, spending time with friends and staying in touch with the various circles of people in your life (when you’re so inclined) is likely to recharge your battery, so make the effort to maintain connections. After messenger Mercury shifts into reverse in your humanity house on October 24th, group communication could suffer as a result. Group gossip can be especially destructive, so do your best to ignore it. Even though there’s a strong chance over the course of the next three weeks that you’ll have misunderstandings with people, you could just as easily reconnect with long-lost pals. Give some thought to your friendships, your ties to various organizations and the team of support you have around you. You might end up reconsidering a particular affiliation.

Valuable Venus backs into your ambition angle on October 25th and remains in reverse for the next few weeks. If your heart is no longer truly invested in a certain aspiration, you’ll start to sense that. This is a good time to ponder your career path, your public image and your professional standing. If you’re not satisfied with any of them, ask yourself what you really want. Don’t take action just yet. Simply dig into your desires. That night’s Full Moon lights up your fifth house of fulfillment, and unforgettable, epic fun could follow. This lunation offers the perfect excuse to let your hair down and express your real self freely with people who appreciate you. A romance could burst into bloom—or blow over, if it wasn’t meant to last. The Sun’s skirmish with power-player Pluto on the 26th challenges you to somehow mesh with a group even when you feel compelled to protect your own interests. See if you can find commonalities while also making the most of your strengths. Finding a good fit with others can push you in a good way if you’re lucky.

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This retrograde period underscores the importance of loving what you feel called to achieve in the world. You might also consider your public and professional image and whether you’re getting the recognition you desire and deserve. Think back to October–November 2018 (the last time Venus was retrograde in the same part of the zodiac). If you remember what was going on back then, you can glean clues regarding the next month and a half. A few hours later, Mars moves into an opposition with powerful Pluto in Aquarius. Focusing on partnership will help if things get tense. Forget about trying to control people, interactions or your environment. If you can resist the impulse to get the upper hand, you’ll be much better off. Work with other individuals to bring about change. With the vibrant Sun in your expansion sector and serious Saturn in your mindset zone facing off on the 4th, pragmatism, negativity or fear could prevent you from broadening your horizons, which will limit your possibilities for personal growth. Pushing past the boundary in your head will energize you and might teach you something important. Do something you’ve never done or visit a place you’ve never been to before. Clipping your wings would be a mistake.

The New Moon on October 10th also favors fresh adventures. Have you been toying with the idea of taking a particular leap? A big trip, a course of study, an entrepreneurial venture, a publishing project—any of these enriching undertakings could be in the cards soon, and you’d be smart to embrace the unfamiliar. Later that day, a Venus-Mars squabble plays up the disconnect between your desires and what you’re currently doing. With Mars barreling charging through your relationship realm, it’s tempting to take your frustrations out on others and project the tension you’re feeling onto the. Make a point of consciously owning your own emotions now, especially if you’re feeling unfulfilled. Pluto’s direct pivot on the 15th after a five-month retrograde can motivate you to put positive changes in place. Your identity is slowly transforming, and you’ve probably gone underground in an effort to grapple with this intensely private process. You’ve internalized a lot and done some serious soul-searching. Avoid hasty decisions, but if something feels right, put the wheels in motion. On the 16th, a Mars-Saturn coalition persuades you to take equality seriously and work through interpersonal issues with mature communication and calm, direct action. You might join forces with people you know and form an enduring alliance. Venus has the same dustup with Pluto on the 20th as she did back on September 15th—only this time, she happens to be retrograde, complicating matters further. If you’re not happy with your public image or your relationship with a professional superior, you could be tempted to push for change. Try to be patient during this backspin, which is affecting everyone in one way or another. Maybe you’re not making the impression that you want to make at the moment, but this isn’t a time for forging ahead. For now, ponder your status and vocation rather than trying to transform them. Your drive to succeed will gain momentum after the Sun ascends to your ambition angle. Keep a high profile in the month that follows and don’t dim your light. You may have a chance to perform at your best in a public or professional arena and prove what you’re capable of. After messenger Mercury shifts into reverse in that part of your chart on October 24th, it will be more challenging to formulate and articulate goals. Instead of trying too hard to make your point with authority figures, spend some time reviewing your objectives and your professional path. You might research an industry or vocation or revise a business plan during the next few weeks. Do mind your words and tone when speaking with superiors.

After Venus backs into your expansion sector on October 25th, you may start to play it safer as your desire for adventure wanes. You also might yearn for a different time or place or question your faith. Contemplate what new experiences would make you happy, but don’t take action yet. That night’s Full Moon in your foundation house could provoke family drama or a crisis at Chez Aquarius. Your professional life and personal life (or your public life and home life) are probably a bit out of balance, so take time off to relax in your space. Tune into your emotions before they boil over. Look at how far you’ve come and notice how your emotional growth affects your ability to succeed in the outer world. When the Sun picks a fight with Pluto in your sign on the 26th, you might be your own worst enemy—or you might push yourself to greater and greater heights. In either case, the pressure you’re experiencing originates within you, and you have the ability to shine with remarkable intensity. One achievement can motivate you to keep upping your game, so you should welcome challenges. You might feel like you’re on a quest to prove something to yourself. But be conscious of power, control, intensity, obsession and destructiveness. People who have authority over you might be associating one of those things with you. Aim to shine bright without steamrolling. Show the necessary respect for a system or hierarchy you’re working within. And take the credit you’ve earned thus far—no more, no less.

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It’s normal to withdraw as your appetite for adventure wanes, and you might weigh the ways in which pushing boundaries, learning and having new experiences can potentially satisfy you. Think back to October–November 2018 (the last time Venus was retrograde in the same part of the zodiac). If you remember what was happening back then, you can glean clues regarding the next month and a half. A few hours later Mars faces off with intense Pluto in your subliminal sector, hinting that rumblings in your psyche or someone whose intentions you may not understand could impact your productivity or stress you out. It’s possible you’re undermining yourself, so tune into emotions you’ve stuffed down or motives you haven’t acknowledged. When you bring everything out into the open, you can harness its power. With strict Saturn in your worth realm, you might feel like you don’t have enough money, things, talent or confidence. When the radiant Sun opposes Saturn on October 4th, it could shine a light on fears of not being enough. Closeness or sharing can trigger insecurity and put your value—or values—to the test. Focus on your strength and your ability to take care of yourself rather than worrying about what you’re not getting or what you stand to lose. In doing so, you might build a bridge where you were about to put up a barrier.

A New Moon in your depth-and-merging house on the 10th may allude to a fresh outside resource such as a loan or grant, a new sexual relationship, a deeper level of intimacy in a current connection or a rebirth process after a loss, wound or crisis. Normally this lunation can indicate receiving money that’s owed to you, but with Venus in reverse, cash flow may be sluggish. On the flipside, it’s a good time to pay off debt if you possibly can. A Venus-Mars squabble several hours later could point out the frustrating disconnect between what you’re doing every day and what you want for your future. The current reality of your life is out of sync with your desire for freedom and newness. The fact that you don’t know how you’ll reconcile these two things is annoying you at the moment. Try to take comfort in knowing that many people are in a similar situation. Pluto wraps up its five-month retrograde on the 15th, which may trigger further rumblings in your subconscious. You could probably use some peace and quiet to soothe your soul. It’s important to forgive others and yourself, address troubling emotions, relinquish toxic patterns, process losses and identify ways in which you undermine yourself. On the 16th, a Mars-Saturn alliance reminds you that industriousness will help stabilize your finances, healthy habits will make you feel better about yourself and efficiency will give you a solid sense of what you have going for you. Your work ethic and self-esteem go hand in hand now. Venus and Pluto have the same battle on October 20th as they did last month, on September 15th. But that time, Venus wasn’t retrograde. During their second dustup, thwarted desires or more general disenchantment could reopen an old wound, stir up festering anger or cause you to obsess. Process your emotions instead of grasping for something that seems to be eluding you. If your feelings are painful, know they won’t last—and be gentle with yourself. A wave of enthusiasm for learning experiences could hit once the Sun sails into your exploration zone on October 23rd. Broaden your horizons in whatever way you can—possibly by taking a trip, signing up for a class, engaging with people who are different from you or exposing yourself to unfamiliar ideas and beliefs. Get out of your routine to get a fresh perspective on life. That being said, messenger Mercury begins backpedaling through that zone on October 24th, complicating much of the above! Be patient with delays and detours if you’re traveling or even if you’re staying put. During the next few weeks, you might be inclined to examine your beliefs, brush up on a subject you studied previously, revisit a place you’ve been to before and revise your vision of the future.

After Venus reverses into your depth-and-merging house on the 25th, some of your focus will shift to what you want out of your closest relationships. An ex might come out of the woodwork, but you probably won’t feel totally safe trusting closeness. Aim to understand and love yourself better, and try not to worry about what you’ve lost or what you aren’t getting from someone. That night’s Full Moon could trigger information overload and a frenzy of activity around you. You’re full of questions, but you don’t need to have all the answers. If big news arrives, mull it over rather than broadcasting it. Seek some semblance of mental equilibrium, maybe by venting to a confidant. The Sun’s dustup with Pluto on the 26th could mean your impetus to explore uncharted territory will be undercut by self-sabotage, strong emotions you can’t let go of or another person who’s working against you. Bravely forge ahead, despite the inner or outer resistance. Forward progress will strengthen your resolve.

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Delve into your psyche and try to understand—and love—yourself more fully. You might crave intimacy, trust and sharing but find it elusive. Or you might pine for an ex-lover and consider reconnecting. Don’t focus on what you’re not getting or what you’ve lost. Strive to know your own heart. Think back to October–November 2018 (the last time Venus was retrograde in the same part of the zodiac). If you can recall what was going on back then, you can glean clues regarding the next month and a half. When Mars opposes powerful Pluto a few hours later, doing as you please can conflict with your obligations to others. Maybe your friends aren’t on board with something or someone that makes you happy, but don’t kill your own joy. There’s a chance you’ll do something loving or creative that has a positive impact on people. The vibrant Sun’s faceoff with serious Saturn on October 4th pushes you to connect with others, especially if the work you’ve been doing on yourself has isolated you. A possible conflict between you and another person offers you an opportunity to shine a light on something about yourself. This is a time for you to come out from behind a wall and have a productive exchange. Dialogue can give you fresh perspective and inspiration. Maintain as much self-awareness as possible and understand that the gap between you and others can be bridged. Is it time for someone you’ve been dating to become your official plus-one? Or are you and your significant other ready to get engaged, move in together or exchange house keys? Maybe you’ve been looking for love and are on the verge of meeting someone with serious LTR potential.

In any case, a New Moon on October 10th encourages you to take things up a level in your one-on-one relationships. A creative or business partnership could also be in the works. As Venus and Mars argue later that day, you could feel like someone close to you isn’t giving you what you want. Or you might be trying to enjoy yourself, and your playful pursuits are pulling you away from someone. There’s also a chance you’ll boldly express yourself and fail to get the response you’re after. Don’t force the issue. Satisfaction is often elusive while Venus is in reverse. But Pluto shifts out of reverse on the 15th after a five-month retrograde in your humanity house, so you could start to get a friendship back on track soon. A challenging group effort can also start to come together. Team Aries has been evolving, sometimes in painful ways. But hopefully you’re learning which connections to fight for and which have run their natural course. Move beyond power struggles, competitive comparisons and gossip. Reconstruct a circle of people who have your back. Mars joins forces with Saturn on the 16th, encouraging you to bet on yourself and put a plan for personal fulfillment in place. Take your happiness seriously. Your agenda is linked with creativity, love, joy and self-expression. Life isn’t all about work. Pursue what completes you. On October 20th, Venus has the same run-in with Pluto as she did on September 15th, when she wasn’t retrograde yet. During this encounter, you might be frustrated about not getting what you want from someone or perhaps you’re ruminating over an old relationship. Strong, private desires might result in a blowup with other people and cause collateral damage. It won’t be easy to negotiate personal space or keep an even keel in a social setting. Don’t hesitate to disengage if emotional temperatures are running high. After the Sun plunges into your depth-and-merging house on the 23rd, you’ll have more energy for a close relationship, passion project or emotional issue. You could become more absorbed in your personal life and matters involving sharing, outside resources, investment, jealousy, sexuality, control, power and psychology. Whatever you feel invested in will draw your intense focus in the month ahead. Messenger Mercury goes retrograde there on the 24th, so you could resume a research project or an investigation of some kind in the next few weeks and perhaps uncover a secret. Private introspection will be worthwhile, whereas communication in an intimate relationship might result in crossed wires or feelings of mistrust.

After Venus backs into your interpersonal angle on October 25th, and you might grow nostalgic for a former S.O. or feel like people are pulling away from you. It’s not you. Everyone is feeling somewhat disconnected. Try to make the most of this phase by considering your bonds with other individuals and sussing out what you want from people. That night’s Full Moon could boost your earnings or tempt you to splurge. Tend to your own needs without infringing on someone else’s. Work on sharing control and rebalancing give and take. The Sun’s struggle with Pluto on October 26th suggests peer pressure will affect a close relationship or your psyche. Friendship or your place in a group could be at odds with the sharing and closeness you’re seeking. Don’t take anything too personally now. Other people have their own free will, and you can only be responsible for your own role in a situation. Still, if you’re up for a challenge, you might be able to change something that isn’t working.

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Reflect on your closest bonds and consider what you want from people. If others seem to be pulling away or withholding, try not to take it personally. Most people feel less connected when the love planet is in reverse. Think back to October–November 2018 (the last time Venus was retrograde in the same part of the zodiac). If you remember what was going on with you then, you can glean clues regarding the next month and a half. A few hours later, Mars goes head to head with intense Pluto in your ambition arena, which could pit your home life against your goals and require you to juggle. Mind your manners around higher-ups, since you’re in danger of damaging your reputation with moody behavior. Try harnessing those feelings to power a push forward in your career or to bring about change in the world. With the vibrant Sun in your productivity corner staging its own faceoff with strict Saturn on the 4th, your current efforts could be at odds with the necessity of finishing up something else. Past failures may be haunting your subconscious and draining energy from today’s endeavors. Pay attention to internal pressure, and take it as a cue to cut your losses in some way. Don’t forget to give yourself some downtime to recharge your battery. Balance is essential during planetary oppositions.

A New Moon on the 10th incentivizes you to get onto a new schedule, start a different exercise or diet regimen, make medical appointments, launch a job search, improve your time management or work ethic, adopt a pet, begin a work project, learn a skill, get organized, problem-solve or implement a positive habit. The point is to improve your wellness and productivity. In doing so, you’ll enhance your quality of life. Venus gets into a spat with Mars later that day, which might exacerbate tension between the emotional state you’re in at the moment and what you really desire. See if you can bridge that gap with self-care, especially if you’re not getting what you want from another person. Pluto gets back in gear on the 15th after a five-month retrograde, and this shift can trigger rumblings in your career or your overall life direction. If you’ve struggled to find your way at times, it may seem like more options are closing off than opening up. Pay attention to the gradual evolution of your ambitions and try to align yourself with that process. Recognize it as part of a divine plan for fulfilling your true purpose. Make peace with the fact that you can’t go back—only forward. A Mars-Saturn coalition on the 16th suggests that unpacking emotional baggage will help you to find closure. It’s a good time to complete a household project, work through a family problem or reorganize your space. The strife between Venus and Pluto that occurred back on September 15th resumes on October 20th, and this time around, Venus is retrograde to make matters even more complicated. Try not to allow jealousy, a power struggle or conflicting goals to cause trouble on a valuable relationship. Instead of reacting in the moment to any tension you’re feeling, accept that you may not get what you want just yet. For the time being, you’re better off reevaluating a connection than revamping it. Your one-to-one bonds become even more important after the Sun charges into your relationship realm on October 23rd, fueling partnership in the month that follows. You’ll draw energy from other individuals, so don’t stick to flying solo. You can learn about yourself through others and gain strength from them. Pair up and strive to be the best partner, companion or friend you can be. Messenger Mercury turns retrograde in that same house on October 24th, calling for you to review your unspoken agreements with others—and perhaps rethink the terms of a specific relationship. While you’re contemplating your close connections during the next few weeks, you might be inspired to get back in touch with someone you care about. An interpersonal issue may resurface, tempting you to rehash an old argument. You’re likelier than usual to misunderstand someone, so don’t jump to conclusions.

After Venus reverses into your efficiency corner on October 25th, ask yourself how you can get more satisfaction out of each day and whether your routine reflects how much you value your work, wellness and time. Taurus plays host to that night’s Full Moon, so your emotions are due to reach critical mass. Try to assert your needs without being a diva. Take a closer look at what’s pushing you over the edge. It could be time to drop it from your plate. Letting it go can clear space for something bigger and better. The Sun’s clash with Pluto on the 26th can make relating seem harder if you’re pressed to make headway towards a goal or to figure out what direction you’re heading in. But the energy you get from those closest to you might very well be what fuels you to keep aiming for success. If you’re struggling with a power imbalance, put compromise ahead of ego. Again, another person can motivate you to achieve more than you would if you were only pushing yourself.

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Think back to October–November 2018 (the last time Venus was retrograde in the same part of the zodiac), and if you remember what was going on with you then, you can glean clues regarding the next month and a half. When Mars moves into an opposition with intense Pluto on October 3rd, you’d be wise to avoid engaging in stubborn struggles. Be willing to see both sides and see if you can separate your ego from your views. Don’t make being right your main objective. On October 4th, the vibrant Sun’s faceoff with serious Saturn in your humanity house can make group relations challenging. Individual fulfillment and being part of a team don’t mesh easily now. While Saturn is in this part of your chart, you’re liable to notice the challenges of being a part of something beyond yourself. If you’re not feeling accepted, try not to project your frustrations onto people. Keep healthy boundaries that will protect you, especially if love and happiness are at stake. But bear in mind that constructive criticism can help you hone creative self-expression.

A New Moon on October 10th invites you to launch an initiative that allows you to enjoy life and express who you are in the coming weeks. You may jump into a new creative project, embark on a love affair, inject more romance into a current relationship, take up a hobby, carve out more leisure time and discover fresh avenues to personal pleasure. Start something that will lead to personal fulfillment—and be willing to take a calculated risk. Later that day, friction between Venus and Mars is likely to show up in your communication. Maybe you’re not thrilled with the work you’re doing or something about your daily life is bothering you. Those feelings could come out in your interactions with others. Before you use sharp words or an aggressive tone, try coming up with action steps in your head that will address the real problem. Starting on the 15th, Pluto will be getting up to speed in your expansion realm after five months of backpedaling. If you’ve lost sight of the big picture, it should begin to fall back into place soon enough. You may have had a crisis of faith and feel like you’ve lost the thread to some extent. But you’ll gradually become bolder about venturing out on a limb in a quest for powerful learning experiences. A Mars-Saturn mashup on the 16th suggests that a proactive mindset and direct speech can get you on the same page with people, possibly fueling a collaboration and enabling you to secure supporters. Be forthcoming with your ideas and ready to back them up. Venus and Pluto have the same squabble on October 20th as they did on September 15th. Only this time, Venus is retrograde. Again, if you feel like your work doesn’t have the meaning and depth that you want it to, you could feel disenchanted. That could make it more difficult to get along with the people around you, especially if you’re wedded to a specific approach. Don’t lose faith. Your current discontent can push you to gradually find answers. You’ll have more momentum to get stuff done after the Sun arrives in your productivity corner on October 23rd for a monthlong visit. Take pride in being useful and efficient instead of trying to achieve big goals that will earn recognition. Roll up your sleeves and get to work, tackling your to-do list, job responsibilities and wellness objectives. Messenger Mercury, your ruling planet, turns retrograde in the same part of your chart on the 24th. During the next few weeks, you may be called to revise your schedule, reorganize your workspace, double-check details, review your health habits, revisit an old problem in search of a better solution, relearn a skill, research jobs, and put your daily routine under the microscope. Be mindful of your words and tone with coworkers, as misunderstandings with them are a possibility.

Venus reverses into your fulfillment house on the 25th, bringing past paramours and previous sources of pleasure into the mix. If you’re not having enough fun and love seems out of reach, spend some time contemplating what makes you happy and where your heart lies. That night’s Full Moon in your subliminal sector could bring a secret to light or cause something to bubble up from your subconscious. Don’t push your emotions down inside you. Quiet alone time will allow you to process them and decompress. A healthy escape from the world may be in order now. On October 26th, the Sun squares off with Pluto, which could put pressure—internal or external—on you to know more in order to get something done. Even as a curious Twin, you might need to remind yourself that there’s nothing wrong with learning on the job. Practice makes perfect, not that you should aim for perfection. So, embrace the trial-and-error process. And if your current duties are preventing you from feeling free and empowered or they aren’t living up to your strong vision of the future, try diving in to the tasks in front of you anyway to give yourself a sense of forward momentum.

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But this is the perfect time to reevaluate what you want and what makes you happy so you can prioritize accordingly. Think back to October–November 2018 (the last time Venus was retrograde in the same part of the zodiac). If you remember what was going on back then, you can glean clues regarding the next month and a half. With Mars challenging intense Pluto in your depth-and-merging zone a few hours later, tension could arise in a close relationship. If you’re intent on getting your needs met, that could lead to some sort of struggle. Interdependence feels very complicated now, while self-sufficiency feels much more straightforward. Balance and compromise are key. The radiant Sun’s similar faceoff with serious Saturn on October 4th may call for you to juggle your personal and public lives or home and work. Maybe you’re striving to make a name for yourself, but you’re also inclined to lie low. Are you giving equal attention to the person you are out in the world and the person you are deep down in private? You’re sensitive to criticism now and could become deflated if there are too many hoops to jump through. Use the strengths that got you this far and be willing to work within a system or cooperate with an authority figure.

With a New Moon occurring at the base of your chart (the area that naturally rules Cancer issues like comfort) on October 10th, your living situation may be due to change. Or a development in your family may be on the horizon. Consider your emotional security and physical ease—and think what you can do to improve them. This is an excellent time for stepping up your self-care game, perhaps by adding a new ritual to your at-home routine. A relocation or renovation could be in the cards, but if you feel like redecorating, be aware that Venus retrograde messes with your financial and aesthetic judgment. Until Venus powers on in mid-November, play around with ideas rather than executing them. When Venus skirmishes with Mars a few hours later, if you feel like you’re not getting as much as you want out of life, you could become frustrated enough to do something about it. Methodical, confident, balanced action is the way to go. Use what you have at your disposal to attain fulfillment in whatever form is possible. With Pluto inching forward on the 15th after a five-month retrograde, issues involving sharing, intimacy, investing and trust can be brought into sharper focus. A close relationship, contract, loan, collaboration or private emotional matter could come out of limbo and start to metamorphose, but probably with some needed alterations. On the 16th, Mars joins forces with Saturn, hinting that playing the long game is more important than instant gratification. You can find a way to use what you have going for you to construct a solid career trajectory. Your master plan for success should contain action steps that gradually augment your security and your reputation. Stay disciplined, and keep your eye on the mark you’re striving to make in the world. A Venus-Pluto spat on the 20th echoes the one they had on September 15th when Venus wasn’t retrograde. If your heart’s desires aren’t being satisfied, your discontent could put pressure on a close relationship. You might be torn between your commitment to another person and your yearning for personal fulfillment. Take note if something needs to change, but don’t push for that to happen now while the planet of love and pleasure is in reverse. The Sun’s arrival in your fulfillment house on October 23rd will give energize you and inspire you to get out and enjoy life. Focus on what makes you happy in the month ahead. You’re in a creative, fun, generous, romantic mood and should carve out time for play. Messenger Mercury pivots retrograde in that house on October 24th, so for the next few weeks, you might feel less capable of expressing your heartfelt emotions and artistic sensibility. Try revising a creative project or rediscovering an old source of pleasure such as a neglected hobby. You might catch yourself reminiscing about lost love, but reconnecting with an ex can be complicated, as miscommunication and iffy judgment are trademarks of Mercury retrograde.

After Venus dips down to the base of your chart on the 25th, deep-rooted emotions, childhood memories and family relationships assume more importance. You might slip into old patterns, especially in your home environment. If you don’t feel at ease, ponder your décor and living situation, but hold off on making changes. That night’s Full Moon in your humanity house might spell squad drama or spur you to cut ties with a group. Or you might feel called to support a friend in need. Another possibility: You’ll enjoy an epic evening out with your favorite people. The Sun’s disagreement with Pluto on October 26th can throw a wrench in the works if you’re intent on doing your own thing. Try not to fixate on the response you get if you’re putting yourself out there—maybe by baring your soul or expressing your personality. Sidestep power struggles and don’t allow anyone to dim your light.

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Your relationships with close relatives or roommates can regress into old patterns now. Venus retrograde calls your attention to the image of love that underlies your life and provides your innermost foundation. Think back to October–November 2018 (the last time Venus was retrograde in the same part of the zodiac). If you remember what was happening back then, you can glean clues regarding the next month and a half. As Mars goes head to head with powerful Pluto in your relationship realm a few hours later, you could meet with resistance from other individuals. Try not to overreact to any pushback and remember you can only control your own actions. It won’t be easy to find common ground, but if you do, productive change is possible. Your ruler, the radiant Sun, moves into an opposition with serious Saturn on October 4th, hinting that a limited perspective or uncertainty about the future could cast a dark cloud over an optimistic mindset. Slow down and look at the big picture. If someone seems to be judging your views, take the opportunity to sharpen your thinking and perhaps learn an important lesson.

Let your curiosity lead the way when a New Moon lands in your thinking-and-talking corner on the 10th, coaxing you to gather information, interact with others, share your ideas and explore your environment. This can be a good time for meeting new people, learning, getting involved in your community, taking short trips or reconnecting with a sibling. You might soon book a quick getaway, tackle paperwork or sign up for a class. Several hours later, a Venus-Mars scuffle can prod you to do something to change your situation if peace is eluding you. While targeted action could make you feel better, be careful not to take your frustrations out on another person. Simply do what you can to improve your own mood and sense of ease. Pluto gets back in gear on the 15th after a five-monthlong retrograde, and this about-face can regenerate a bond and empower you to shift your relationship dynamics in general. Now you’ll start to see the way forward with someone or at least feel like you’re capable of changing the situation. Are you giving too much power away or projecting your most difficult qualities onto people? Pluto’s pivot compels you to face facts. On the 16th, a Mars-Saturn collaboration empowers you to align your drive with your knowledge of how the game is played. You’re capable of taking action that will serve a higher purpose, such as fighting for an important cause. Don’t limit yourself to simply gratifying immediate desires or executing your personal agenda. When it comes to pursuing your own goals though, know that Saturn can provide the pragmatism and discipline you need to make your vision a reality over time. On October 20th, Venus and Pluto resume their fight from September 15th, but this time, Venus is spinning retrograde. So, if you get into a conflict or power struggle, it’s likely to be a bit more complicated. You probably aren’t feeling completely relaxed, but try not to let your own unease bleed into a relationship in potentially destructive ways. If you’re craving peaceful solitude to center yourself, say so diplomatically. The Sun descends to your foundation angle on October 23rd, putting even more emphasis on family, home and feelings. In the month that follows, you’ll want to recharge your battery in familiar surroundings with people who really know you. Self-care might take the form of comforts like delicious food and cozy nights in. You might crave alone time to reminisce or to tune in to your private thoughts and emotions. But after messenger Mercury turns retrograde in that part of your chart on the 24th, you may have misunderstandings with relatives or roommates and catch yourself dwelling on the past more than usual. Although it’s appropriate in the next few weeks to examine aspects of your living situation, avoid making any major decisions in that area. Stick to safe bets like decluttering, hanging artwork or rearranging furniture for now. Quiet reflection can help you gain insight into your emotional state or patterns you’ve carried into adulthood from childhood.

With Venus backing into your thinking-and-talking corner on the 25th, you’re likely to become even more pensive and may start keeping your thoughts to yourself, even if they’re positive. It’s only natural now to ponder past relationships and rethink what you assumed you wanted. Musing about what love means to you can be a good thing. That night’s Full Moon in your ambition angle can push a big goal to fruition or signal a shift in your career path. Bring your A-game in public or in your profession—because you might find yourself in the spotlight. If you feel caught in the middle of emotional drama that’s swirling around you, your best bet might be to take a timeout rather than playing mediator. The Sun’s dustup with Pluto on October 26th can push you out of your comfort zone if someone exerts pressure on you. It could be as simple as having to leave the house to meet a personal obligation or as complex as having to mature for the sake of a relationship.

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