October Says It’s Time To Wrap Things Up

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From February 2012 until March 30th of this year, Neptune was traveling through Pisces, the sign it rules. For the past six months, the planet of healing spirituality, escapist illusions, fanciful dreams and divine discontent set up shop in Aries, giving you a glimpse of what’s in store for you over the next fourteen years. On October 22nd, Neptune backs into Pisces, where it will remain until January 26th, so you have three months to wrap up a particular chapter of your life. Since Saturn made the same move on September 1st, returning to Pisces for one final encore that lasts until February 13th, you may already have an idea of where you have some more work to do. For more clues, check your horoscope!

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.

Your ruler, desirous Venus is in your retreat corner, putting you in the mood for downtime and perhaps private time with someone special. But her opposition with disciplined Saturn in your productivity house on October 11th means you also have a job, to-do list or daily responsibilities that may prevent you from unwinding as much as you want to. Take breaks between getting stuff done. Or tackle a task or two really efficiently, then relax. You might also choose the most creative challenge and work on it somewhere peaceful. Another possibility: Let kindhearted compassion inspire a thoughtful gesture. Venus saunters into your sign on the 13th, gifting you with a whopping dose of je ne sais quoi. You’ll have no trouble drawing people to you, as you’re exuding charm and have the law of attraction on your side. Venus has a gift for making you feel extra attractive and pleasant, which can lead to flirtation, romance and socializing in the next few weeks. When Venus faces off with ethereal Neptune hours later, rose-colored glasses won’t do you any favors. Keep people off pedestals and enjoy connecting on an authentic spiritual, creative or romantic level. It will feel good to show you care, but resist the temptation to save someone who needs you. The trick now is to stay on equal footing in relationships. Soon after that, powerful Pluto gets back in gear after a five-month retrograde and pushes your feelings to the surface. If drama arises in your personal life, wait it out rather than reacting. Your love life, a budding bond, your creative expression, your relationship with a child or the ways you find joy in your life are undergoing a course correction. Venus has an exciting rendezvous with unpredictable Uranus on the 14th that can inspire you to try something new and attract positive attention with your charisma. You might be drawn to someone unexpected, flirt with a variety of people, show a different side of yourself or enjoy an impromptu eye-opening experience. You’ll be enticed by uniqueness in others, and vice versa. That night, a Venus-Pluto confab alludes to powerful attraction, deep love or profound pleasure. Your desire is strong and can lead you to have a truly fulfilling experience, so follow your heart. You’re pushing yourself to get ahead as the Libra Sun challenges expansive Jupiter in your ambition angle on the 17th. You can make considerable progress, but overconfidence may lead you to come on too strong with anyone who has authority over you, and overexuberance might cause you to set unattainable goals. If you can find the right balance, your energy and motivation will be assets. On October 21st, the New Moon lands in your sign, coaxing you to reboot your life in a meaningful way. This is your annual invitation to reinvent yourself in whatever way you choose. Embrace the spirit of change! After Neptune reverses into your sixth house of work and wellness on October 22nd, you’re meant to contemplate the quality of your everyday life. Neptune will remain retrograde until December 10th and will leave this part of your chart for good on January 26th, 2026. Are you eating a nutritious diet that provides you with sufficient energy to be productive? Do you get enough exercise to feel strong and not stressed? Do you feel useful at your job? Does your everyday routine reflect what’s most important to you? Are you in denial about any health issues? Do you have a sense of your higher purpose that inspires you? Don’t push for perfection or overnight success. Take things one step at a time. That night, the Sun zips into your worth zone, turning another portion of your focus towards what you value. Examine your relationship with money and material goods, for instance by asking yourself if your belongings are serving your needs or weighing you down. Are you using everything you have? What is most important to you? Do your financial strategy and allocation of resources reflect those priorities? The Sun’s scuffle with Pluto on October 24th can put your values, finances or self-esteem on a collision course with romance, pleasure or self-expression. You may feel like you’re risking a lot, and your needs aren’t aligning with your wants. Deal with your emotions and be willing to adjust your priorities to suit the situation you’re facing. When go-getter Mars joins forces with Jupiter on the 28th, you could hit pay dirt. Lobby for a promotion and raise. Or put your talents to excellent use and soak up the accolades that follow. With the right strategic move, you can make major headway in your career. Once Mercury segues into your thinking-and-talking corner on October 29th, the pace of your thoughts, speech and everyday interactions is bound to pick up. You’ll start to think more about traveling, connecting with people and learning as much as you can. That afternoon, Mars and Saturn form a coalition that enables you to work with what you have—and go after what you need—to get the job done. Figure out what’s most important, and do what needs doing.

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It seems like you can’t please anyone if you do what you think you should do, and you can’t let loose and be yourself if you choose to socialize. But there’s a good chance you’ll learn something about yourself by spending time with people, so don’t shut down. Venus slips into your retreat corner on the 13th, dialing down your sociability and luring you to tune into unspoken desires in the next few weeks. You might spend time alone processing a heartbreak and finally close that chapter. Or you could savor private time with a loved one, connecting on a deep level. You’re likely to crave escapist pleasures but could also put someone else’s wants before your own. That night’s Venus-Neptune standoff coaxes you to let go of illusions and make sure you’re not being a martyr. If you’d like to help people, selflessness shouldn’t have invisible strings attached. You’re in a vulnerable position and might be tempted to get into a situation that’s not right for you. It’s challenging to maintain healthy boundaries now. Ask yourself whether you’re sacrificing too much for the wrong person. With your ruler, powerful Pluto, wrapping up his five-month retrograde hours later, deep, dark emotions and memories you’ve been struggling with privately can start to shift. And if your family or home life has been a source of stress, the way forward should soon become more apparent. Getting past your inhibitions can bring a rush of closeness on October 14th when Venus clicks with revolutionary Uranus in your intimate, intense eighth house. Divulging a secret will feel liberating, and if you’re alone, imaginative or intuitive meanderings can elicit a sudden insight. Either way, getting closer to another person or to your own truth requires you to surrender control and go with the flow. However, that night, a Venus-Pluto encounter coaxes you to enjoy downtime by yourself or quality time with someone special. Either can be emotionally transformative. Taking care of a loved one or doing something for the greater good would also be cathartic. On the 17th, a Sun-Jupiter squabble creates tension between the need to unwind and reflect and the drive to expand your world and embrace the future. Socializing will feel relatively stress free, so make a point of spending time with friends. The New Moon of October 21st nudges you to start a regular spiritual practice, seek peace and quiet to unwind and begin to let go of something that has you in its grip. Neptune backs into your fifth house of personal fulfillment on October 22nd for its final three months there in your lifetime. Your lens on love, happiness and self-expression has changed in the last several years. If you found you were yearning for the unattainable and suffering from divine discontent—a signature side effect of this idealist planet—now hopefully you’re seeking satisfying experiences from a more realistic angle. That’s not the same as giving up on your dreams. You’re giving yourself a better shot at attaining them. Make sure you’re not trying to save someone or waiting for someone to save you. If you’re harboring illusions about what or who feeds your soul, brings you joy and deserves your whole heart, now’s the time to let them go. Make space for the real deal! That night, the energizing Sun arrives in Scorpio, kicking off your birthday season and infusing you with vitality. For the next month, you have a green light to be self-centered in a good way and make a big impression. You’re radiating confidence, and it’s your turn to be the central focus. The Sun’s dustup with Pluto on October 24th suggests hassles on the home front can wear you out. You’re all set to do you, and then a relative or roommate goes on a power trip. Or an old issue resurfaces and tests your limits. You may have a fight on your hands, and by not backing down you can prove something to yourself. Ignoring the fact that something isn’t working can do more damage. You’re better off facing your feelings. Whatever the challenge, you can come through it stronger. But you have to go through it instead of sidestepping it. An alliance between bold Mars in your sign and lucky Jupiter in your exploration realm on October 28th removes roadblocks to progress and puts you in the fast lane. Whatever you’re doing, the universe is daring you to really go for it. Now’s your chance to take a smart risk that will allow you to learn and grow. Your initiative and optimism can propel you into the future, and you’ll have the wind at your back. Mercury zips into your worth zone on the 29th, which should get you thinking in terms of brass tacks. Part of your attention will be directed toward your finances, possessions, resources and values, and you might find yourself talking more about what you have and need. Hours later, Mars forms a coalition with Saturn, empowering you to take action that can bring you lasting satisfaction. This planetary pair is pushing you to live up to your potential, and it will be worth your while to make a concerted effort. You can prove something to yourself in the process.

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You want to stand out and look good, but something is weighing you down. Your personal life and mood can naturally affect how you present yourself. It’s hard to show the world a happy face when you’re struggling with something inside you or at home. Deal with what’s bothering you instead of focusing on public image. With Venus waltzing into your network sector on the 13th, you’ll feel even more up for socializing and feeling in sync with others. You can make new friends and contacts by attending big gatherings and mingling, plus you’ll feel your best when you’re around plenty of people. Hours later, a Venus-Neptune faceoff puts you at risk of romanticizing a friendship or becoming disenchanted with a group. A reality check may be necessary if lines get blurred. Be receptive to a soulful connection or a creative collaboration, but make sure any sparks of attraction have an undercurrent of authenticity, not illusion. A kindhearted gesture could also be in the cards. Open your heart without closing your eyes. Soon after that, intense Pluto gets back in gear after a five-month retrograde, which could nudge you out of the groove you’ve been wearing in your brain by obsessing. So much has been left unspoken, and soon you may feel more empowered to put your deep thoughts into words. You could also feel ready to make a decision. Venus’s chemistry with whimsical Uranus on the 14th could once again introduce an amorous vibe with a platonic pal. Or maybe you’ll meet someone new through people you already know. If you’re joined at the hip with your significant other, you might want to hang with friends now. When Venus clicks with Pluto that night, you’re likely to form powerful connections, so reach out to people. You could gain valuable information through networking, or a social interaction might change your mind about something or shift your overall mindset. With the self-assured Sun in your humanity house battling excessive Jupiter in your sharing sector on October 17th, you could end up imposing your will on others in an effort to get what you want or need from them. Be ready to take it down a notch if people aren’t as forthcoming as you’d like. Cooperation and compromise may be taxing, but they’ll alleviate friction. The New Moon of October 21st coaxes you to expand the circle of people in your life. You might make new friends, join an organization and connect with kindred spirits who share your aspirations, interests or ideals. Neptune backs into your foundation angle on the 22nd for its final three months there in your lifetime. Look at your family or home with fresh eyes and contemplate what makes you feel nurtured, comfortable and secure. You could play around with different ways of decorating your space rather than pulling up stakes and moving. Water can be very soothing now, so make it an integral part of your daily self-care practice, whether you’re staying hydrated with a big bottle in your favorite color, taking aromatherapy baths or listening to the sound of waves on a white-noise app as you fall asleep. It could be time to set better boundaries with your parents or to process emotional residue from childhood—possibly with the help of a healing professional. After the Sun leaves your humanity house that night, its next stop is your twelfth house of release and retreat. You may notice your energy flagging in the month ahead as your solar year draws to a close. Sagittarians like to stay active, but this is the season to downshift and check in with yourself. You might start skipping social plans so you can recharge your battery and reflect on the past year. Internal pressure could get to you when the Sun feuds with Pluto in your third house of cognition and communication on the 24th. If you’re going over and over something in your mind and feel like you’re getting nowhere, do your best to let go and accept things as they are. Adopt a mantra that makes you feel more empowered such as, “That was then. This is now”. Motivator Mars syncs up with Jupiter on October 28th, playing up the benefits of partnering with someone else in order to increase your odds of success. A person you trust might lend their wisdom and cheer you on or pitch in to further your efforts. If you’re flying solo, you can find the courage to face your fears or confront another psychological challenge. You’ll learn something about yourself and fortify your inner reserves. Both private emotional processing and physical intimacy can feel freeing now. After Mercury skips into Sagittarius on October 29th, you’ll be gifted with a silver tongue and quick thinking and might be extra restless. That afternoon, a Mars-Saturn collaboration encourages you to sink your teeth into a private effort like a domestic project or emotional reckoning. Whether you’re tackling physical tasks around the house or grappling with a personal issue in your head, putting in the work should yield results.

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But Venus’s standoff with your ruling planet—serious Saturn—on October 11th suggests you might feel obligated to play it safe. You could talk yourself out of taking a chance, hold back when meeting new people or decide you need to stay close to home. It’s fine to reality-check the risks you’re contemplating, but don’t overthink everything if you’re on the brink of discovering new pleasures. Venus dances into your achievement arena on the 13th, coaxing you to polish your public and professional image and perhaps dress for the part you want to play. For the next three and a half weeks, your appeal with higher-ups will receive a boost, and you can easily show how well you work with others. However, Venus and elusive Neptune go head to head that night, hinting that you may not know where you stand with your boss or someone else who’s in a position of power. Your creative work or savvy schmoozing will help to cast you in a positive light. But your ambitions may not deliver the satisfaction you’d hoped for when these two planets face off. After Pluto wraps up his retrograde later that night, you could start to feel more in control of your finances. Or perhaps you’ll feel your self-esteem coming back to life if it’s waned. This heavyweight planet is generating some anxiety around stability, security and self-sufficiency. Your resources are starting to shift gradually. Focusing on HOW you’ll provide for yourself (not IF) can alleviate worries. Be open to new ways of accomplishing what you want to when Venus makes music with change-loving Uranus in your productivity corner on the 14th. The more flexible you are in your approach to goals, the more likely you are to earn rave reviews. Be spontaneous, not stubborn, and you’ll polish your public image or create favorable circumstances in your career. Venus’s meeting with Pluto hours later can enable you to charm power players or do creative work. Either might have a positive impact on your finances. You might meet someone who’s in a position to help you augment your income, so stay visible. The confident Sun’s clash with expansive Jupiter in your relationship realm on October 17th suggests your focus on goals could have an effect on a close connection. It’s also possible that your drive to shine could cause you to expect too much from another individual. Make sure you’re not trying to get more than your due. The New Moon at the peak of your chart on October 21st coaxes you to set new goals, begin a new leg of your professional journey, assume new responsibilities or take on a leadership role. On October 22nd, Neptune backs into your third house of thinking and talking for its final three months there in your lifetime. Your mindset is shifting again, and you may feel like you’re on a different wavelength when trying to communicate with people. If you’ve been operating under false assumptions, that could dawn on you (probably not for the first time), prompting you to review your choices. It’s a good time to reread, rewrite, revisit a place you’ve missed, reconnect with an old neighbor or retread old ground with a sibling. If someone has misunderstood your words or intentions, those crossed wires could come to light and require untangling. After the Sun soars into your humanity house that night, you’ll have more energy for socializing and networking. By being yourself around others, your identity can dovetail with group interests in the month ahead. Find a role in team efforts that’s a good fit for you and give your ideals free rein. The Sun’s skirmish with Pluto on the 24th challenges you to somehow mesh with a group even when you’re compelled to protect your own interests. See if you can find commonalities while also maintaining your strengths. Cooperating with others can push you in a good way if you’re lucky, but don’t feel pressured to make things work if you know the cost is too high for you. Mobilizing Mars forms a coalition with Jupiter on October 28th, making it easier to band together with people. Keep trying to join forces, because there’s strength in numbers. Networking could pay off in the form of a useful contact or savvy mentor, and you’re bound to learn something from your cohorts if you stick to being a team player. And if you spot an opportunity to help others, jump right in. Once Mercury retreats to your subliminal sector on October 29th, you’ll be less communicative and more prone to mulling matters over privately. You could get lots of studying done in a quiet setting or retreat from the world to meditate and reflect. Mars is in cahoots with Saturn that afternoon, giving you extra incentive to circulate and collaborate, especially when it comes to manifesting your ideas or improving your community.

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Or maybe you’re not as worried about what you think you lack as you are about what you think you might lose if you invest in a relationship. If there’s a power imbalance between you and someone else, you’re likely to feel it acutely, especially if you’re uncertain of your ability to take care of yourself. But after Venus dances into your expansion realm on October 13th, the appeal of difference grows. You might get into a long-distance relationship or find yourself attracted to a person who’s not your usual type. And if you have a partner, traveling or learning together can be a great bonding experience. When Venus gets lost in Neptune’s fog that night, exploring unfamiliar pleasures could become confusing. You might be drawn to someone and not know quite what to make of them. Or you might have a positive experience that’s rather disorienting. Although it’s possible to feel taken in if something or someone is misrepresented, you can also have a spiritual revelation. You might feel deep empathy for people who are different from you and express how much you care. You’re unusually open to the unknown, which can be a good thing or a bad thing. Avoid hasty decisions and actions when Pluto resumes forward motion in Aquarius later that night after a five-month retrograde phase. Your identity is transforming, and you’ve started to burrow underground in order to grapple with this very private process and do some soul-searching. Soon, you might feel ready to put the wheels in motion, making changes that feel right to you. A happy encounter between Venus and your ruler—whimsical Uranus—on October 14th can inspire you to date outside your comfort zone if you’re single and enjoy a trip or spontaneous adventure with your significant other if you’re in a relationship. You might notice unexpected chemistry with someone. Say yes to liberating pleasures. As Venus harmonizes with Pluto that night, you’ll want to venture out into the world. Expanding your consciousness through experiencing difference will make you stronger and wiser, so don’t gravitate to people who are similar to you, seeking a sense of validation. Aim to interact with a broad swath of humanity instead. The radiant Sun in your exploration corner spars with excessive Jupiter in your efficiency corner on the 17th, so your drive to branch out could be thwarted by everyday responsibilities and commitments. But your enthusiasm for travel, learning, adventures and unfamiliar people can fuel you to pack more into your schedule. You might find the energy to do it all. The smartest strategy would be to complete the essentials on your to-do list before you take on the world. A New Moon on the 21st can spark your wanderlust or inspire you to take a leap of faith. You could launch an entrepreneurial endeavor soon, apply to a certification program or grad school, register for a class or plan a big trip. Neptune reverses into your worth house for its final three months there on October 22nd. If you’ve been deceiving yourself in any way, you can get your head out of the clouds and mull over how best to proceed. It’s important to accept what is and forgive yourself for mistakes that may have been driven by fear and insecurity. If you’re owed money, you might resubmit invoices and chase down payments. You could also find a creative way to recoup your losses. This is a good time to consider your personal values and your attachment to belongings from a spiritual standpoint and perhaps reshuffle your priorities. Your ambition heats up when the Sun ascends to your achievement arena that night, persuading you to make your mark on a public or professional stage. This is your month to keep a high profile and show the world what you’re capable of. The Sun’s scuffle with Pluto on the 24th can make you your own worst enemy. Or you may push yourself to greater and greater heights. In either case, the pressure you’re experiencing originates within you, and you have the power to shine with noticeable intensity. One achievement can motivate you to keep upping your game, so you should welcome challenges in a quest to prove something to yourself. Motivated Mars collaborates with Jupiter on the 28th, suggesting that your willingness to work hard and serve a useful purpose will help you to rise in the ranks. Keep approaching goals with a positive attitude and stay open to helping colleagues—or welcoming their assistance. With Mercury darting into your humanity house on October 29th, some of your attention shifts to making fresh contacts and connecting with your crew. You can present something to a group, talk things over with friends and do some professional networking. That afternoon, make a savvy move to accomplish a goal when Mars aligns with Saturn. Focusing on the exact gains you’re aiming for will enable you to take targeted action. You’re willing to put your shoulder to the wheel, and opportunity will hopefully follow.

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You’ll be more inclined to spend quality one-on-one time with people who are special to you than spread yourself thin at big gatherings. But that night’s Venus-Neptune tug-of-war suggests that a lack of clarity about what you need—or a fear of what you lack or might lose—will affect closeness. If you’ve given your heart to someone who drains you or causes you to doubt your worth, reevaluate the relationship as it really is, not as you wish it were. Be careful not to lose yourself in another person, Pisces. Pluto shifts out of reverse later that night, generating rumblings in your subconscious. You need peace and quiet to soothe your soul. Work on forgiving others and yourself. Relinquish a toxic pattern. Process a past loss. Identify the ways you undermine yourself. Dare to share your private feelings with someone when Venus makes magic with revelatory Uranus on October 14th. Don’t hide who you are. You need to open up in order to feel understood. Sex is likely to be an emotionally revealing experience, making it extra important to trust the person you’re with. If you don’t have a partner, carve out alone time for introspection or talk to a person who’s known you forever. The goal is to know yourself better and to get out of an old emotional pattern that’s stunting your growth. Venus gels with Pluto that night, so intimacy and introspection will provide profound pleasure and therapeutic relief. Sex can be especially intense, and letting go of past pain would also be powerful and transformative. A quarrel between the vibrant Sun in your sharing realm and expansive Jupiter in your fulfillment house on the 17th hints that it may be difficult to achieve the right amount of togetherness in a close relationship. You could go overboard in expressing your individuality or trying to maximize romance or joy, and you may have to dial down your expectations of a particular connection. Your urge to be yourself with someone isn’t wrong, but you may need another outlet for your intensity if you don’t get the response you’re after. On the other hand, a New Moon on October 21st hints that a new level of intimacy and depth is within reach. You might also dive into a passion project or a private transformation soon. Your ruler, ethereal Neptune, backs into Pisces on the 22nd for its final three months in your sign. Although you may feel like you’re making less headway with your aspirations, it’s a good time to step back and get some perspective. You may be so enmeshed with cherished dreams that it’s difficult to judge whether they border on fantasy. It’s possible to identify so strongly with what you yearn for that separating fact from fiction becomes a challenge. The next seven weeks will give you enough distance to view the big picture. You might contemplate the image you’re projecting, the direction you’re heading in and whether you’re giving up too much for something (or someone) that isn’t all you’ve imagined it (or them) to be. Practice maintaining healthy boundaries and making the impression you want to make. You’ll feel freer after the vibrant Sun soars into your exploration realm that night, lighting the way to a broader range of life’s possibilities. Do what you can to broaden your horizons in the coming month through travel, education and new experiences. Interact with people from different backgrounds and draw energy from the sense that we’re all connected. Stay out of your comfort zone, seeking the unfamiliar instead of the tried and true. The Sun’s dustup with Pluto on October 24th could mean your impetus to explore uncharted territory will be undercut by powerful emotions you can’t let go of, self-sabotage or another person working against you. Bravely forge ahead, despite the inner or outer resistance. Forward progress will strengthen your resolve. Motivating Mars in your intrepid ninth house is daring you to chase after new experiences. As the red planet plays nice with courageous Jupiter in your fifth house of personal fulfillment on October 28th, you won’t hesitate to follow your heart and do what makes you happy. If the spirit moves you, be a passionate activist, pursue your creative vision or explore a connection with someone who’s a real change of pace for you. With Mercury marching into your ambition angle on the 29th, you’ll shift some attention to your goals and career. You can formulate fresh objectives, articulate your aims to higher-ups and craft a game plan for success. When Mars collaborates with Saturn that afternoon, you’re motivated to study hard, fight for what’s right in a systematic manner or plan your next bold move. You might take a smart risk that teaches you a lot.

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Or you might withdraw into your own head and have trouble being present in the moment. Savor small victories and simple pleasures rather than despairing over so-called failures. Cut your losses, and appreciate what’s right in front of you. Venus saunters into your interpersonal angle on the 13th, creating harmony in your relationships. You could feel more in sync with your significant other and more comfortable expressing affection for people. If you’re searching for a long-term connection, Venus can increase the chances of clicking with someone in the next few weeks. But that night’s Venus-Neptune opposition can cause you to idealize a person you’re drawn to. Plus, someone could misinterpret the vibe you’re giving off, or you might read someone inaccurately. If you’re harboring illusions about self-sacrifice, saving someone or being rescued, challenge yourself to look at the relationship more clearly. You could enjoy a beautiful romantic, spiritual or emotional experience. Self-awareness will enable you to put it into context. After Pluto resumes forward motion in your network house that same night, you could start to get a changing friendship or a challenging group effort back on track. The circle of people in your life is starting to evolve, and hopefully you’re figuring out which connections to fight for and which have run their natural course. Move past power struggles, competitive comparisons and gossip. Build a team who has your back. An attraction might take you by surprise when Venus meshes with unpredictable Uranus on October 14th. You could look at a person you already know in a different light or meet someone new. A friend, neighbor or sibling might be involved. Couples can come to an understanding after an honest conversation that reveals previously unspoken truths. It will feel good to get things out in the open. Venus gels with Pluto hours later, emphasizing the value of putting together a circle that supports you. Connect with people who have the power to help you and nurture relationships with individuals who want the best for you. This is a good time for professional networking, socializing and negotiating. Discord between the confident Sun in your interpersonal angle and expansive Jupiter on October 17th could spell a flare-up between you and another person. Your family or home life might conflict with a relationship, or your current quest for peace and comfort may affect your connection with someone. Focus on understanding what role you tend to play and what effect you have on others. What makes you feel secure or insecure in your relationships? With a New Moon rising in your opposite sign on the 21st, a new plus-one (romantic, creative, business or platonic) could be waiting in the wings. Or you could take an existing relationship to the next level soon and make a serious commitment. Elusive Neptune backs into your subliminal sector on the 22nd for its final three months there, beckoning you to tune into private feelings you may have suppressed—possibly including melancholy, regret, guilt, self-doubt, longing, confusion, disappointment, alienation, emptiness and spiritual questioning. But healing, release, forgiveness, closure, psychic intuition, spiritual awakening, creativity, dreams, empathy, selflessness and a sense of oneness with all of life have also been themes. If you’re afraid of falling into the abyss, trust in the divine order of the universe. That night, the Sun plunges into your merging-and-depth realm, narrowing your focus and propelling you to go all in on psychological growth, a passion project or a close relationship. In the month ahead, you’ll thrive when you allow yourself to live life on an emotional level and dig for the riches within you or in an intimate connection. A Sun-Pluto skirmish on the 24th hints that peer pressure will affect a close relationship or your psyche. It may be difficult to gauge who to trust and how much to share. If you’re up for the challenge, you can change something that’s not working. Your ruler, bold Mars, forms a coalition with Jupiter on October 28th, which can mute any worries in your head and spark a surge of confidence. You’ll be able to get the support you need and will have the courage to get closer to someone. Or you might confront something within yourself and become more comfortable in your own skin and more optimistic about the point you’re at in your life. After Mercury sails into your exploration corner on October 29th, a wider range of possibilities can capture your attention. You’ll start thinking bigger and more philosophically, making the days ahead an ideal time for discussing abstract concepts and studying subjects you’re curious about. You can learn a lot from travel and conversations with people whose beliefs differ from your own. That afternoon, Mars aligns with Saturn, empowering you to experience cathartic closeness, emotional regeneration or success with a passion project.

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Or maybe you’re expressing your creativity or feelings and getting the cold shoulder. Venus pirouettes into your productivity corner on the 13th, encouraging you to play nice with colleagues, do creative work and help people you care about. That night, Venus goes head to head with nebulous Neptune, which could cause you to become disillusioned or deflated momentarily. A tinge of sadness, doubt, regret or guilt may spoil your pleasure, but try to stay in the moment and keep doing what you’re doing. Later that night, intense Pluto shifts into first gear after a five-month retrograde. If you’ve started struggling on your career path, it may seem like more options are closing off than opening up. Pay attention to the evolution of your goals and understand that you only move forward, not backward. Align yourself with the slow shift that’s taking place. Venus’s harmony with inventive Uranus on the 14th implies that you might tap into a new talent this week while working on a creative project. Getting along with colleagues and enjoying what you’re doing will make you feel good and might make a difference in your earning power. You might take a gig that pays less than you wanted for the chance to work with people you like or to work on something fun. When Venus vibes with Pluto that night, work that serves others or utilizes your creativity can give you a deep sense of purpose. The confident Sun’s clash with expansive Jupiter on October 17th suggests the reality of your schedule, your energy level or your responsibilities will be influenced by the breadth and optimism of your mindset. The likeliest scenario: You’ll take on a lot and attempt to do it all. Prioritize tasks wisely, and resist the impulse to overcommit. Consider saying no to something if the costs outweigh the benefits. On October 21st, a New Moon in your sixth house of work and wellness encourages you to launch a job search, learn a new skill, change your schedule, start a different diet or exercise regimen or adopt a positive habit. With elusive Neptune backing into your humanity house on October 22nd for its final three months there, it’s time once again to review your friendships and ties to groups. Weed out unhealthy dynamics like codependency. Did a particular circle of people once seem like a natural fit for you and then you drifted apart? If you feel taken advantage of, misunderstood or out of sync with people, you might pull back and suss out the problem. Ask yourself if the relationships in question are based on the actual people you’re dealing with or the version of them you were drawn to initially that may not be entirely real. If you’ve been helping others, make sure you haven’t fallen into a martyr/victim trap. Allow yourself to gravitate to people who genuinely share your ideals and support your growth. Once the vitalizing Sun sets up shop in your interpersonal angle that night, your one-on-one connections will really start to fuel you, so don’t keep flying solo. Reach out to other individuals and feed off each other’s energy. Devoting time and focus to personal bonds will be worth it. The Sun’s spat with Pluto on the 24th can make relating seem harder if you’re pressed to make headway with goals or sort out your life direction. But the energy you get from those closest to you could very well be what drives you to keep aiming for success. It’s challenging to stay on equal footing with the individuals in your life now, and career pressures might impact a bond. Or you or the other party may feel compelled to push a relationship forward. Putting your heads together to work toward a common goal would be a positive outcome. You don’t want someone to wield power over you, but try not to make this all about control. On the 28th, as assertive Mars cooperates with hopeful Jupiter, a positive attitude, an open mind and honest communication are all favored. If you’re trying to work through a conflict, you can resolve your differences pretty easily if you’re coming from a place of respect and seeking mutual understanding. Cooperation will help you to see the glass as half full. With messenger Mercury darting into your eighth house of depth and merging on October 29th, you can zero in on a passion project, a private emotional matter, an investigation or communication in a close relationship. You’ll be laser-focused on what matters most to you rather than scattering your attention and trying to multitask. That afternoon, Mars joins forces with ambitious Saturn, cueing you to collaborate with other people instead of attempting to go it alone. You’ll accomplish more when you team up.

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Tension could arise between your parents or between you and an authority figure. You’re craving peace and quiet, but you sense there will be consequences if you slack off. Venus dances into your joy sector on the 13th, luring you to get out and play. For the next few weeks, you’ll feel more creative, romantic and fun-loving. Make time for friends, dates or whatever makes you happy. That night’s discord between Venus and confusing Neptune hints that you’ll have temporary trouble aligning personal fulfillment and group interests. You might feel disillusioned with people, especially if you try to please everyone. The line between platonic and romantic could also be blurred, and you could misinterpret signals if you’re seeing someone through an idealistic lens. Escapist fun with friends is favored though, so you could end up having an epic night. Soon after that, Pluto shifts into first gear after a five-month retrograde in your perspective zone, so the big picture will begin to fall back into place. If you’ve had a crisis of faith or feel like you’ve lost the thread, you’ll become bolder about putting something on the line in order to have powerful learning experiences. Venus’s flirtation with carefree Uranus on the 14th can inspire spontaneous generosity, affection, romance, creativity and play. On the flipside, an attraction or fun experience could come to you out of the blue, bringing a dose of excitement. You need to shake things up, so skip go-to pleasures and enjoy life in an unexpected way. Anything from an artistic endeavor to a crush will get your juices flowing. That evening’s Venus-Pluto confab also invites you to get out and have a good time. You could have a transformative adventure or experience deep love that changes how you see the world. Overspending is a danger on October 17th when the energizing Sun in your fifth house of personal fulfillment battles excessive Jupiter in your fiscal second house. If you’re trying to stick to a budget, keep your urge to splurge in check. Distinguishing between needs and wants will help you to manage your resources better. Your confidence is intersecting with your drive to express yourself and be happy, and you’re inclined to live life to the fullest now. A New Moon on October 21st can point to a new chapter in your love life, a new form of creative expression or a new hobby. With Neptune backing into your ambition arena on October 22nd for its final three months in that part of your chart, a goal you’ve been chasing may start to feel empty. Or maybe a status you’ve aspired to no longer seems authentic. Try to accept that you can’t see the path ahead of you quite clearly. The more you remove your ego from the equation, the more receptive you’ll be to your true calling. You feel like you’re drifting, but you need to lose what’s false before you can find what’s real. After the Sun charges into your efficiency corner that night, you’ll have even more gas in your tank to get stuff done. Juggle work and play, taking care of business when you need to. This solar cycle is about putting your nose to the grindstone, not striving to make a name for yourself. So, stay humble and take pride in a job well done. As the Sun clashes with Pluto on the 24th, you could feel pressure—internal or external—to know more so you can accomplish what you’ve set out to do. But there’s nothing wrong with learning as you go. Don’t be afraid of trial and error. Practice makes perfect! If you’re questioning whether the work you’re doing will ultimately make a difference in the world, try shifting your approach a little or funneling your efforts in another direction. Combining pragmatism and a strong work ethic with an empowering guiding principle would be a winning strategy. Go-getter Mars joins forces with Jupiter on the 28th, implying that keeping your shoulder to the wheel can improve your finances and/or your self-esteem. Aim to make the most of all the talents and skills you have up your sleeve. Adhering to healthy habits can also make you feel better about yourself now, so do what you know is good for you. Mercury sails into your interpersonal seventh house on the 29th, opening up dialogues with other individuals and enabling you to hash out issues in close relationships. As Mars forms an alliance with Saturn that afternoon, staying on your grind will enable you to attain the success and recognition you deserve. Your efforts are getting you somewhere, and you’ll feel it all coming together.

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Try to avoid putting up barriers between you and simple pleasures. After Venus slips into your foundation angle on the 13th, the comforts of home and family become more appealing. Socializing may take a backseat to self-care and nesting, although you could also switch into entertaining mode and enjoy hosting get-togethers or houseguests. Cozy and familiar feel good, so you’ll want to hang with your family, roommates or people you’ve known for years. Venus opposes chimerical Neptune that night, warning against putting authority figures on a pedestal or entertaining thoughts of effortless success. If you can make peace with where you are at this moment in your life without losing sight of higher aspirations, you’ll be ahead of the game. Bonus: You could do highly creative work while you’re at home. Soon after, powerful Pluto plows forward after a five-month retrograde, bringing issues around intimacy, trust, sharing, investing and merging into clearer focus. A close relationship, outside resource or private emotional matter should come out of limbo and start to move ahead soon, but perhaps with a necessary change. You can get unstuck from lingering emotions and revel in a new sense of freedom when Venus embraces revolutionary Uranus in your release corner on the 14th. Is it time to let go of an old love, become more independent from your family or liberate yourself from your backstory in some other way? If you’re in a relationship, revealing private thoughts and personal secrets can bring a rush of closeness. That evening’s Venus-Pluto harmony suggests time at Chez Cancer—either by yourself or with someone you’re close to—is likely to be restorative and enjoyable. Intimacy and introspection can both feel rewarding. As the vibrant Sun spars with expansive Jupiter in your sign on the 17th, part of you is content to hole up at home, and another part of you is driven to venture out into the world. With some of your attention directed inward, you may find yourself reminiscing and reflecting more than usual. But Jupiter is pushing you into the future and inspiring you to break new ground. You may be grappling with a choice between safety and risk, and your family or your roots might play a role in this tension—either motivating you or holding you back. Be true to yourself, and choose whatever serves your growth. The New Moon of October 21st could spell an imminent change in your home life or your family, and you might take action to improve your living situation or enhance your emotional wellbeing. Neptune reverses into your exploration corner on October 22nd and will spend three months there before moving on for good. Your take on what’s real and true might be thrown off, so look before you leap. Your spiritual beliefs, worldview, personal opinions and visions of the future have been in flux, but hopefully, you’ve made peace with this liminal space of not having all the answers. Rather than focusing on your own vulnerability, tune into the oneness of all living beings and practice compassion. You’ll want to get out and have some fun after the Sun shows up in your playful fifth house on October 22nd. This is your time to enjoy life, show off a little and generally do as you please. You’re meant to express your personality and experience pleasure, so do something creative, be boldly original and welcome more love and happiness into your life. The Sun’s spat with Pluto on the 24th complicates your inclination to do as you please and be yourself if someone close to you thinks you owe them. Conversely, you might apply pressure now if you’re not getting what you want from a partner. Sidestep a power struggle and aim for constructive change. Closeness with a good friend or significant other can be a source of strength. You don’t have to give up who you are or give up on a relationship when the going gets tough. What can you do to transform things for the better? Brave Mars meshes with Jupiter on the 28th, clearing any obstacles in your path and firing you up to take a chance that will lead to growth. Follow your heart and make a bold romantic or creative move. If it makes you happy and excited, go for it! After Mercury darts into your efficiency corner on the 29th, you’ll be in a more serious frame of mind and can tackle detailed mental work. Draw up meticulous plans, use critical thinking to solve problems and focus on the tasks at hand. When Mars and Saturn see eye to eye that afternoon, if you take risks, they’re likely to be smart ones. Rest assured your pursuit of personal fulfillment isn’t selfish.

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It might feel like someone is cutting you off or withholding what you want. But this planetary opposition can compel you to do a better job of balancing give and take. If one door closes, find another way to draw in what you need. Venus waltzes into your third house of thinking and talking on the 13th, making it easier for you to express how you feel. Your pleasant mindset can inspire you to socialize, flirt and articulate warm, fuzzy feelings. That night, a Venus-Neptune standoff can allude to a yearning for escape, and you might attribute more meaning to a conversation or encounter than it merits. But a natural, empathic connection is possible. And an aesthetic, cultural or spiritual experience could be transcendent. Show kindness and compassion, especially if truth or justice are at stake. Powerful Pluto wraps up his five-month retrograde soon after that, which could regenerate a relationship, help you to see the way forward with someone or enable you to shift the dynamic between you and others. If you’re giving your power away or projecting your own dark side onto people, something needs to shift. When Venus clicks with impromptu Uranus in your network sector on October 14th, your best bets for meeting new people are large gatherings, technology, friends and the circle of people you already know. Start swiping, mingling and working your contacts if you’re interested in making a match of some kind. A frank dialogue or a pleasant feeling of camaraderie between you and someone you care about could stimulate your connection. Venus meshes with Pluto that night, hinting at deep, emotional dialogue or an intensely flirtatious conversation. Letting another person know how you feel about them can have a powerful effect on your relationship, and expressing positivity will feed your good mood. A disconnect between your ruler, the vibrant Sun, and philosophical Jupiter in your subliminal sector on October 17th suggests that your mindset and speech may run counter to your intuitive understanding of things. Rational thought could clash with intuition, or your spiritual inclinations may not mesh with your daily right now. Pay attention to what you’re saying. Your words could be influenced by unconscious beliefs. On October 21st, a New Moon encourages you to gather information and learn. You might begin a writing project or change your mind and start thinking along new lines. Neptune backs into your depth-and-merging zone on the 22nd for its final three months there, which may put a close relationship in limbo, stall an outside resource or lure you to process an emotional matter. If you’re confused over sharing and intimacy or you’re recovering from a loss, a wound or a crisis, ease up. You may not have enough clarity to move forward, but you can probe your psyche and sift through what you find there. After the Sun sinks down to the base of your chart that night, home sweet home will be calling your name. You want to be in a comfortable setting, either unwinding solo or with people who get you. You’ll thrive on all things familiar in the month that follows, so you might devote more energy and focus to family or housemates. And at times, you’ll want to shine a light on private feelings, thoughts and memories so you can take stock of where you’re at in your life and how you got here. The Sun’s run-in with Pluto on the 24th 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 calling on your inner strength for the sake of a relationship. If you’re stressed, your feelings might come bursting out, particularly if a forceful individual is influencing your mood. Make sure you’re not blaming another person for your own challenges. Acknowledge your emotions before pointing the finger. Problem solve rather than attempting to get the upper hand. Does a relationship dynamic need to change? What can be done to accomplish that? It feels much easier for you to move past whatever’s been bothering you after proactive Mars links with Jupiter on October 28th. You might join forces with a relative or roomie on a domestic project or a worthwhile endeavor. Your family and people you live with should be supportive now, so let others do for you. Expressive Mercury dances into your joy sector on October 29th, bringing out your sense of humor, creativity and playful side. Your mind wants to be entertained, and you might read and write for pleasure more. Thanks to that afternoon’s Mars-Saturn encounter, confronting what’s inside you is bound to be worth the effort. You can gain assurance that private fears and other emotional challenges really are surmountable. This planetary pairing can also enable you to focus on a household project or relationship issue requires your attention and energy now.

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