Meaning the path of least resistance…

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As summer winds down, September serves up a miscellany of predicaments and smooth sailing. Some days will challenge us with tense squares and oppositions between the planets, while many days will feature flowing 120º trines. The trick is to recognize when you’re swimming with the current and milk those moments for all they’re worth! And when Mercury turns retrograde on the 26th, give people the benefit of the doubt and remember to laugh. Mercury is the Trickster, after all!

VIRGO

August 23–September 22

You’re on fire lately, with dynamic Mars cruising through your sign, but people might rain on your parade when Mars and Neptune go head to head on the 2nd. Don’t let anyone guilt-trip you or tempt you to go low when you’re taking the high road. Maybe you’re willing to meet others halfway, but you don’t get where they’re coming from. If you find you’re able to act on natural feelings of empathy and compassion, go for it. When Venus squares off with Pluto on September 5th, intense desire could tempt you to put your finances or self-worth at risk. Stop and ask yourself what this fixation is truly worth to you. Don’t give anyone or anything too much power. With Mars schmoozing Pluto the next day, rest assured you yourself have the power to change your life for the better. Acting on a strong feeling can result in a memorably rewarding experience. Next, a Venus-Jupiter meeting reminds you the best way to improve your finances and become self-sufficient is to work with enthusiasm and embrace responsibility. Also happening on the 6th: Your annual Virgo New Moon represents a fresh start that favors a definitive break with the past. What personal reinvention or project launch could you see flourishing in the next six months? Plant the seeds! That night, the Virgo sun clicks with Uranus, inspiring you to discover what you’re made of by welcoming exciting encounters and events. Unfamiliar experiences can bring fresh insights, so stay out of your comfort zone. The sun’s opposition with Neptune on the 14th generates confusing interactions, and another individual could really wear you down now. Don’t get sucked into agreeing to something that’s not right for you. After Mars gallops into your worth house that night, you’ll be motivated to use your resources in a more proactive way and will identify strongly with what you have and what you need. The drive to attain security can prompt you to pursue a gig that increases your bank balance, while the drive to have what you crave can send you on a shopping spree. Avoid fighting over money, possessions and personal values. Use the assets at your disposal to secure what you require. The sun meshes with Pluto on September 16th, and whether you’re expressing your emotions, your personality or your creativity, you can do so in a powerful way. Venus contends with Saturn the day after that, hinting that a burdensome workload, a tight schedule, fatigue or self-criticism may cramp your style, leading you to seem somber. Try not to get bogged down by practical concerns. If you’re enjoying an experience, disciplined thinking and determination can — strangely enough — help you keep the good vibes going. On the 22nd, the sun’s move into Libra marks the end of your birthday season and encourages you to get down to brass tacks. This is a good time of year to get your priorities straight. The Venus-Uranus standoff on September 23rd complicates communication; living in the moment can protect you from getting upset. If you accept that you don’t know what will happen, a flirtation or new interest can provide an exciting diversion. Just don’t try to categorize it! Mars and Saturn form a coalition on the 25th that will enable 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 has to be done. After Mercury does a 180 on the 26th, your financial judgment won’t be so sharp. Put off splurges and negotiations for a few weeks and go over your budget with a fine-tooth comb. Thanks to the chemistry between Venus and Neptune on September 29th, you’ll look at the world through an uncharacteristically rosy lens. Show your sentimental side and share warmth and affection with your nearest and dearest. It feels lovely to be on the same wavelength with people and to notice all the beauty and goodness around you. Your relationships are bound to get a boost from this transit. Hours later, a sun-Saturn alliance suggests your diligence can pay off financially or in the form of self-worth. You’ve been toiling away lately and should be proud of your productivity. A Venus-Jupiter tangle on the 30th might lead you to flirt with a colleague, do creative work or meet people who can teach you something useful. A positive attitude is the key to getting tons done.

LIBRA

September 23–October 22

If you feel like you’re drowning in work when Mars and Neptune face off on the 2nd, take a break and come up for air. This is an ideal transit for performing a selfless act that serves a higher purpose — without expecting any recognition. Humble service offers its own built-in reward. Creative inspiration could hit now, benefiting a project that calls for imagination. On September 5th, Venus in Libra skirmishes with Pluto, generating turbulence that you shouldn’t ignore. To restore your good mood, first face whatever is going on inside you, your home or your family. If you try to sweep a problem under the rug, you might relate to people in a rather destructive way. Luckily, Mars syncs with Pluto the next day, helping you to not only confront your emotions and behavior patterns, but change them. You might also make one last push to wrap something up or dive into a big domestic project. Plus, Venus and Jupiter are holding hands, bringing your passion and personality alive. Romance and other pleasures are favored, so reach for the love and happiness you deserve! You want a lot at the moment and might overindulge, but that’s hardly the end of the world. A sun-Uranus encounter could persuade you to retreat from the world that night — and maybe let go of something or someone to free up space in your psyche or your personal life. Look back over your year and ask yourself what or who would best be left in the past. On September 14th, a sun-Neptune opposition reminds you to honor the mind-body-spirit connection. Aim for a healthy balance of work and rest to foster overall wellness that day. Hours later, Mars charges into Libra for his biennial visit, firing you up to execute your personal agenda between now and October 30th. This can be a highly productive period where you further your own interests to a remarkable degree. But your drive might cause you to steamroll people, so work independently if possible. When you can’t, try to stay aware of the effect you’re having on those around you. Then on the 16th, the sun’s harmony with Pluto again favors introspection that will enable you to get a handle on old issues. It’s only when you bring contents of the subconscious into the light that you can transform them for the better. Your ruler’s clash with Saturn on September 17th could trigger a dip in your self-esteem. You may doubt what you have to offer and question whether your assets can provide you with the security you want. The upside of this transit: You can keep a shopping spree under control by realizing that what you covet doesn’t guarantee joy. Pick and choose rather than getting totally carried away. The sun arrives in Libra on September 22nd, marking the beginning of your birthday season! Putting yourself first comes more naturally now, and you’ll have more energy to focus on yourself. This is YOUR time of year for making an impression and zeroing in on who you want to be. When Venus and Uranus go toe to toe on the 23rd, closeness can get complicated. Rather than dwelling on something specific that you want from another person, give them the freedom to surprise you. A Mars-Saturn coalition on September 25th empowers you to take action that can bring you lasting satisfaction. This planetary pair wants you to live up to your potential. Go for it! You’ll prove something to yourself in the process. The next day, Mercury does a U-turn in Libra, making it harder to convey your message. Postpone big decisions, and instead, rethink personal choices and contemplate what you want to say when communication clears up in a few weeks. Try not to get too hung up on being misunderstood. Venus’s chemistry with Neptune on the 29th allows you to feel good about doing good. Put your talents to use doing spiritual work or creative work that benefits others. You also might be inspired to take better care of your body now, perhaps by cleaning up your diet or working out in the fresh air. The sun and Saturn enjoy similar chemistry hours later, which could spell a fun, romantic night. When Venus and Jupiter spar the next day, proceed with caution if you’re shopping on a tight budget.

SCORPIO

October 23–November 21

A Mars-Neptune standoff on September 2nd can lure you to sacrifice your desires for a friend. You’re trying to be a team player, but you’re also tempted to escape into purely personal pleasures. Can you identify an acceptable compromise? When Venus and Pluto fight on the 5th, a compassionate sacrifice could be a struggle, and releasing old love won’t be easy either. Try not to obsess over an attachment. Let your emotions flow through you instead of holding onto them. And remember how much jealousy hurts before you let yourself go there! Your co-rulers, Mars and Pluto, form an alliance on the 6th, signaling that group endeavors can impact your thinking. To shift your mindset, try acting on your ideals or pursuing a new goal or interest. Venus and Jupiter are also allied that day, giving you permission to sneak off for a private tryst or a moment of peace and quiet. If you’re in an introspective mood, ponder your relationships, questioning whether you feel nurtured and supported. A sweet gesture for a roomie or relative will go over well. The sun’s harmony with Uranus soon after encourages you to be yourself, be open to new faces and be tolerant of everyone’s idiosyncrasies. You might meet someone different, assume an unexpected role in a group or experience a surprising development in a relationship. On September 10th, Venus waltzes into Scorpio and will boost your beauty, charm and sociability for the next four weeks. Take full advantage by blocking off time on your calendar for your idea of joy — whether that means fun with friends, romantic dates or travel. And since you’ll be a magnet, drawing others in, make a point of spending time with people you want to attract. The sun-Neptune opposition of September 14th might generate confusion over your role in a group. Aim for a happy medium between standing out and fitting in. That night, Mars sneaks into your release corner, putting you on guard against self-sabotaging behavior in the next month and a half. Your best bet is to work on your own under the radar — possibly on something that benefits others. If you’re motivated by recognition, you could become frustrated. Content yourself with behind-the-scenes productivity! The sun’s vibe with Pluto on the 16th gives you incentive to reach out to people and express yourself. Your interactions can improve your attitude that day. Venus’s run-in with Saturn on the 17th can point to a blue mood, domestic problems or the past catching up with you. If unpleasant feelings get in your way, deal with them. But if unpleasant individuals get you down, nip it in the bud. Relating could feel harder, and time by yourself could help. On the 23rd, Venus’s encounter with Uranus alludes to unexpected flirtations. Someone new might show up in your life, or restlessness could interrupt an existing connection. Don’t hold on too tight to another person. Uranus encourages us to live in the present and look to the future with the expectation that change is inevitable. On September 25, a Mars-Saturn collab pushes you to sink your teeth into a private effort like a home project or emotional reckoning. Whether you’re tackling physical tasks around the house or grappling with a personal issue in your head, doing the work should bring success. Mercury does an about-face on September 26th, pulling much of your attention inward. In the next few weeks, you’ll glean more info from your dreams, intuition, imagination, memories and buried feelings than from the outside world. Tune out the noise and tune into your soul. When Venus and Neptune pair up on the 29th, you could be inspired to get dressed up; pour your heart out to someone; long for your crush; flirt shamelessly; and indulge in all the love, happiness, fantasy and creativity you desire. This transit may mean losing yourself in pleasure, changing your appearance or falling in love. Up to you! And the sun’s vibe with Saturn that day suggests real self-knowledge — which requires you to reflect meaningfully on the past — will give you a secure base from which to operate. Finally, on the 30th, Venus taunts Jupiter, luring you to enjoy the comforts of home. Whether you’re in the mood to gorge on good food, have people over or stay up all night binge-watching, your space is calling your name. Your family might be calling too. If you’ve been socializing up a storm lately, make time for relatives.

SAGITTARIUS

November 22–December 21

You’re reminded to strive for a healthy work-life balance when Mars and Neptune go head to head on the 2nd. Time with family or relaxing at home can replenish you when you’re not hard at work proving yourself. You might feel better after you get a domestic matter squared away, and then you’ll get back to chasing after goals. Don’t look at self-care and ambition as an either/or. You won’t hit all your targets if you run yourself ragged. Venus’s clash with Pluto on September 5th hints that financial pressure can interfere with group fun. Or a problem involving belongings, values, self-worth or money might spark trouble in your squad. Don’t fall into the trap of comparing yourself to others; it can turn your social life into a competition. When Mars and Pluto cooperate on the 6th, taking action to achieve an objective can make you feel empowered and reinforce your sense of your own strength. You’ll thrive on being around people that day, thanks to a Venus-Jupiter mashup. Be open to unfamiliar ideas and individuals because spending time with a wide range of humanity and exposing yourself to different views will help you grow. An adventure or learning experience with friends or new acquaintances will satisfy you, and professional networking should be a success. The sun and Uranus are also getting along famously that day, pointing to a change in your routine, skillset, work ethic or responsibilities that can enable you to shine. Breaking out of old habits will give you a feeling of progress. To elevate your professional or public status or make headway with a goal, be ready to adapt to circumstances. The sun’s standoff with Neptune on September 14th can make you unsure of your chances of success. Just as you did on September 2nd when Mars and Neptune went at it, find a balance between work and rest. Mars bursts into your network sector hours later, promoting teamwork in the six and a half weeks that follow. Join forces with people who share your ambitions and ideals, and coordinate your interests with those of others, in the spirit of cooperation. When the sun and Pluto vibe on the 16th, you can make a good impression and hopefully generate change in your income or self-worth. Make full use of your assets and reaffirm your priorities by channeling lots of energy into accomplishing something important to you. Venus tussles with Saturn on the 17th, and as a result, you could feel cut off from people or have trouble coming to grips with an ending. If you’ve painted an overly rosy picture, you might get a glimpse of harsher reality. Struggling with a mental block? Releasing an emotion could be the antidote. You might do a favor on a whim when Venus and Uranus face off on the 23rd. You’re motivated by selflessness but don’t want to feel too obligated, so make sure the choice is yours. Help someone out because you want to. Mars colludes with Saturn on September 25th, nudging you to circulate and team up with others, especially if you’re striving to manifest your ideas or improve your community. Mercury begins backtracking on the 26th, though, so crossed wires among friends or another group can cause misunderstandings. Avoid gossip, back up all your devices and postpone buying tech for a few weeks. You could get back in touch with an old pal and find yourself thinking about who you want in your inner circle. Social media will be a minefield, making it crucial to practice good netiquette. The simple pleasures of home and quiet time will hit the spot once again when Venus gels with Neptune on the 29th. Enjoy nesting — either alone or with someone you’re comfortable with — and relish relaxation. You might release an old love or heal a relationship wound under this influence. The sun and Saturn are also in cahoots that day, underscoring the ongoing effectiveness of collaboration. Firm up your network of support if you spot an opportunity. You might think too big or say too much when Venus and Jupiter scuffle on the 30th and should be careful not to sacrifice something for an undeserving person or give away a secret. But if you happen to be moved to do something generous and selfless for a cause you believe in, you have the green light to proceed.

CAPRICORN

December 22–January 19

You could veer off-track on September 2nd since Mars and Neptune will be at loggerheads. It’s perfectly fine not to have all the answers. Listen to your gut instincts and stand up for the underdog. When Venus annoys Pluto on the 5th, a need to be in control can affect your image and make it more difficult to win over higher-ups. Try not to focus too much on who is in the driver’s seat. Instead, show how well you can work with others. If you don’t have a great relationship with an authority figure, figure out how to improve it. There’s no question you know what you want; you just need to modify your approach so as not to ruffle feathers. The next day, a Mars-Pluto alliance endorses taking a chance in order to grow. Advocate for a noble cause, broaden your mind and pursue new experiences. Doing so can change you deep down. Venus harmonizes with Jupiter soon after, encouraging you to showcase your talents. Your cachet with people in power that day could help you to boost your income. So don’t hide what you have to offer the world. As the sun gels with Uranus hours later, your hunger for learning and adventure can propel you to venture farther afield. Break new ground in whatever way you can at the moment. Innovate to get out of your routine and see the world with fresh eyes. The sun and Neptune move into an opposition on September 14th, which might throw off your judgment. Don’t assume too much, or you could wind up feeling deceived. After Mars stakes his claim at the peak of your chart that night, your ambition will go into overdrive. You’re motivated to achieve big personal objectives over the next month and a half. Be careful not to step on toes in your climb to the top — Mars can veer from go-getter to warrior in a minute. Work solo if possible so you don’t have to answer to anyone. The sun forms an alliance with Pluto on September 16th keeping you inspired to spread your wings and test out different possibilities. Unfamiliar experiences, people, places and subjects can have a powerful effect on you. You won’t change if you don’t push yourself beyond comfortable boundaries, though. When Venus bumps into Saturn on the 17th, there’s a chance that limited self-confidence will make you feel less outgoing, or limited funds will prevent you from socializing to the extent that you hope to. Strict values can also keep you from enjoying time with your squad. It will take a little effort to get past this. Face reality and see if there’s a way to proceed in a modified form that you can live with. The Venus-Uranus opposition on September 23rd could tempt you to break off from a group and do what you want to do. You need a certain amount of freedom so you can get along with people without feeling perturbed by them. Mars-Saturn harmony on the 25th can help you make a smart move to achieve an objective. Concentrating on the precise gains you’re aiming for will enable you to take spot-on action. You’re willing to work hard and can prove yourself on a big stage now. On the 26th, Mercury goes off the grid, complicating communication with authority figures for a few weeks. Watch your tone, and review your goals rather than publicizing them. You might revise a business plan or rethink your career path, bringing them more in line with your current circumstances and identity. Thanks to Venus’s flirtation with Neptune on September 29th, you’re feeling sociable and can connect with people in an effortless, organic way. You can relate to practically anyone under this influence, particularly when you trust your instincts and read between the lines. Don’t be afraid to show your soft side; people are sure to be receptive. The sun’s collaboration with your ruling planet that day hints that making clever use of your gifts will enable you to shine — and in turn, strengthen your security. And when Venus jostles with Jupiter on the 30th, socializing can spur you to overspend. Or you could give more than your fair share while going along with group interests. You want to cooperate, but you should also keep an eye on your own bottom line.

AQUARIUS

January 20–February 18

A power imbalance could upset your equilibrium on the 2nd, when Mars and Neptune face off. If jealousy, competitiveness or possessiveness have crept into a relationship, try not to succumb. What will help? The fundamental faith that you are enough and can get what you need for yourself. When Venus battles Pluto on the 5th, holding on to old emotions can prevent you from taking a chance on someone new. Or perhaps you’re privately obsessing over someone or something that feels unattainable. If anything is keeping you from having the experiences you want to have, confront it. On September 6th, a Mars-Pluto summit doubles down on the theme that facing your demons will pay off. Empowering psychological transformation is possible, and if you get close to someone now, it’s bound to feel intense. Focusing on a passion project? Work hard and see it through. Venus and Jupiter vibe that day -- your cue to expand your horizons. The appeal of difference is irresistible, pulling you toward people, places, ideas and experiences that are foreign to you. Study an unfamiliar topic, talk to strangers, take a trip if you can. Branching out will open your eyes and change you, and it might even revitalize a relationship. The sun and Uranus hook up hours later, and your mood or personal life can reap the rewards. Pay attention to the nuances of what’s going on inside you or between you and another person, seeking insights that promote growth. The sun gets lost in Neptune’s fog on the 14th, blurring boundaries in a close relationship. You might not make the best choices for yourself and could give up too much to be with someone. Don’t let fear call the shots. Mars barrels into your expansion corner soon after, increasing your determination to explore new territory. You’re fired up to take risks, do something entrepreneurial and fight for your beliefs and principles. Your wanderlust is also liable to kick in. Channel energy into broadening your mind — seeking out people and adventures that will alter how you see the world. A sun-Pluto confab on the 16th nudges you to delve into an intimate connection, your psyche or an emotional experience without shying away from strong emotions. A powerful internal shift that heals old wounds is possible. When Venus and Saturn spar the next day, you might stop yourself from shining. Self-restraint could cancel out friendliness, particularly around authority figures. Be aware of how you present yourself, but don’t be too self-critical. Try polishing creative work or plotting how you’ll build up your reputation. The Venus-Uranus opposition on September 23rd hints an unexpected development in your home or a mood swing can make you forget about winning over higher-ups and improving your image for a minute. Go ahead and switch gears. Fortunately, Mars syncs with Saturn in Aquarius on September 25th, giving you tons of motivation to plan a bold move, take a smart risk, study hard, go on a life-changing trip or stand up for what’s right in a well-thought-out way. After Mercury shifts into reverse on the 26th, perplexing debates may come up, and you’d do well to look for a fresh perspective. This is an ideal time to weed out prejudices as you examine your views. Be patient with travel and education-related glitches in the next few weeks. A Venus-Neptune rendezvous on September 29th lures you to tap into hidden talents and work for the love of what you’re doing, not just for financial gain. You can make a good impression and perhaps score valuable contacts. Neptune invites you to go beyond money motives and honor the gifts you’ve been given. The sun collaborates with Saturn that day, helping you blend optimism about the future with the ability to plan. Learning, travel and other stimulating experiences will give you the sense that your life is on track. Test yourself by doing something courageous. Venus will egg on Jupiter in Aquarius on the 30th, emphasizing your longing to do interesting work and to carve out the position you want. You’re not inclined to hold back around your superiors now, so keep yourself in check if you’re about to sound smug. You won’t go wrong if you make learning a key component of your mission.

PISCES

February 19–March 20

Mars has a standoff with Neptune on September 2nd that makes it challenging for you to assert yourself if you need to. You could feel provoked to act and at the same time feel insecure about doing so. If you bond with someone, enjoy it without reading too much into it. Need space to process your emotions? Set some boundaries. Venus and Pluto tangle on the 5th, spurring a clash between your social life and personal life. Avoid emotional blackmail if you find yourself on either end of it. Although you’re craving closeness, an intense connection might cause trouble in a group. A changing friendship could pain you now. Mars and Pluto join forces on the 6th, favoring collaborations — especially ones that have a positive impact on others’ lives. Partner with someone or join a team effort; you can get a lot of mileage out of shared endeavors. Venus and Jupiter are also joining forces, hinting that intimacy will give you hope and might teach you something. Private time with a confidant or mate will soothe your soul and could feel freeing. Self-love comes easier now, as does giving somebody the benefit of the doubt. That night’s sun-Uranus conference facilitates one-on-one interactions. Talking to other individuals can give you info and insights. This is an opportune time to view a person or relationship in a different light. But when the sun wanders into Neptune’s fog on September 14th, it’s hard to see a relationship clearly and for others to see the real you. You have a gift for getting on the same wavelength with others, but don’t sacrifice part of your identity to be who someone wants you to be. Mars enters your depth-and-sharing house hours later, activating your libido and mobilizing you to take charge to satisfy intense desires. You could pursue a passion project, a lover or emotional transformation over the next month and a half. The sun’s vibe with Pluto on the 16th persuades you to keep connecting with people who have your back. Spend time with a friend, strengthening your bond. You might meet someone who has a big effect on you. Venus’s discord with Saturn the next day could cloud your mind with guilt, regret, misgivings or melancholy — and that might keep you from pursuing someone or something new. You shouldn’t ignore your feelings, nor should you let self-doubt take over. Instead of playing it safe out of fear, use lessons from the past to perfect your plans. On the 20th, Pisces hosts the full moon! You’re liable to be temperamental and shouldn’t hesitate to put your needs first, as long as you’re careful not to step on toes. Take your emotional temperature and consider what (or who) may need to exit your life for you to flourish. Lean on your squad for support. Venus challenges Uranus on September 23, which might bring a pleasant diversion. Think outside the box when it comes to what (or again, who) is beautiful and interesting. On the 25th, you’re empowered to experience cathartic closeness, emotional regeneration or success with a passion project, thanks to a Mars-Saturn alliance. Mercury goes rogue on the 26th, messing with communication in important relationships. You might reminisce about a past lover or reflect on a painful loss. Protect information you want to keep private, and probe your psyche for nuggets of truth. Restarting an investigation or research project in the next few weeks would be productive. When Venus and Neptune make music on September 29th, sampling a wide range of life’s pleasures will pave the way for a lovely escape and maybe even a transcendent experience. Relish unfamiliar joys and be yourself. New love and happiness can have a profound effect on you, but wait until you’re feeling more grounded before making any big leaps. The sun’s chemistry with Saturn that day will help you wrap up old business if necessary. Putting the past to rest will give you an edge. You’re in the process of clearing away anything that’s lingering in your life and preventing you from feeling ready for the next chapter. Focus on understanding the emotional component of this work. You could put the finishing touches on a passion project or confide in someone close to you about your secret fears. When Venus needles Jupiter on the 30th, if something seems too good to be true, it could be. Dial down your enthusiasm long enough to take a second look.

ARIES

March 21–April 19

Your ruler is at an impasse with Neptune on September 2nd, which could cause you to run out of steam. Aim for “good enough” and remind yourself that you can’t do everything all at once. Take some time off to unwind. Then when you get back on your grind, you’ll have a second wind. Venus runs into trouble with Pluto on the 5th, implying that you might wonder if you and your S.O. — or someone else close to you — are headed in the same direction. You might also be jealous of someone’s success or fixate on a goal. If you or another individual are trying to get the upper hand, compromise can restore the equilibrium. The next day, a Mars-Pluto coalition indicates that hard work is getting you on track and putting you in the driver’s seat. Since you need to feel like you’re being useful, let the spirit of service fuel your determination. Venus dovetails with Jupiter that day, favoring socializing and networking. This is a great time for group activities, so find ways to join in. You might meet someone who’s good for you, and your best strategy is to cast a wide net. Reply yes to a large (Covid-safe) gathering. Go on a date with someone you might normally overlook or sell short. You have a chance to expand the circle of people in your life and to connect with individuals you click with, so don’t fly solo! The sun meshes with Uranus that night, which implies that your hard work can pay off financially, and getting things done can make you feel good about yourself. Devote energy to tackling necessary tasks and improving your physical health. When the sun goes toe to toe with Neptune on the 14th, you might doubt your abilities and take the wind out of your own sails. Don’t let perfectionism deflate your spirits. After Mars crosses your interpersonal angle that night, start thinking about pairing up to increase your productivity. The next six and a half weeks lend themselves to conflict resolution, as you can get grievances out in the open and work through them. You might get into arguments if you fail to consciously direct this assertive energy. On September 16th, the sun’s chemistry with Pluto encourages more hard work and advocates for chipping away at a long-range goal to make significant progress. When Venus gets the cold shoulder from Saturn the next day, social obligations may interfere with alone time or couple time, or your squad may present some kind of obstacle. Maybe they don’t approve of your latest love. Or peer pressure could push you to choose sides. Try not to let groupthink spoil good feelings that you’ve cultivated. Venus and Uranus oppose each other on the 23rd, complicating sharing and closeness, especially if your finances or confidence aren’t rock solid. Don’t let worries over a power imbalance cause you to lose sight of what you can gain. You might score an unexpected bonus if you hang in there. You’ll get more done when you recruit others to join you on the 25th, since Mars is linked with Saturn in your network sector. Mercury turns retrograde on September 26, though, which can jam the signals between you and other individuals. Give people the benefit of the doubt instead of making assumptions. You might rehash old fights without reaching any new understanding. But reviewing your relationships and your agreements with others — spoken and unspoken — will be worth it. Then on September 29th, Venus and Neptune gel, generating a spiritual vibe. Themes of emotional healing and soulful intimacy move to the forefront, and your experience with this planetary energy is likely to be private. Closeness with another individual and quiet solo reflection can both soothe you, so sneak off and delve into deep feelings. That day’s sun-Saturn summit reinforces the fact that building strong relationships and aligning your interests and goals with those of others is keeping you going. On the 30th, a Venus-Jupiter scrimmage could inspire you to go out with your significant other along with your squad or his. Or you might circulate and meet people in the hopes of making a love connection. If you’re looking for new prospects, Jupiter reminds you that it’s a numbers game — and technology and social media can improve your odds.

TAURUS

April 20–May 20

A Mars-Neptune opposition on September 2nd can make marching to your own beat harder. A friend in need might keep you from whatever pleasures you’d planned for yourself. If compromise seems impossible, do your own thing without reacting to peer pressure. Venus’s scuffle with Pluto on the 5th means you won’t enjoy work as much if you don’t feel like it’s meaningful. Strong opinions can also get in the way of peaceful relations with colleagues. Embrace the concept that there’s more than one right way of doing things. The Mars-Pluto confab on the 6th prompts you to go after what makes you happy and jump into the swing of things. Expressing yourself confidently — especially if the point is to bring about change in the world — will be totally worth it. Venus teams with Jupiter that day, favoring cooperation. Blend self-assured ambition, humble helpfulness and energetic determination: a recipe for success! The sun’s harmony with Uranus hours later frees you to be yourself and to have fun in whatever way you choose. Conveying your feelings and individuality will be exhilarating and can give you a sense of progress. With change-loving Uranus slowly rolling through Taurus, experiment with different ways of motivating yourself. The sun’s faceoff with Neptune on the 14th can bring confusion over friendship or fitting in with a group. If you’re hoping for validation and not getting it, take the pressure off. You do you — and don’t focus much on feedback. With Mars darting into your efficiency corner that night and camping out there for the next six and a half weeks, you’ll be very busy with daily duties, job responsibilities, workouts and other necessary tasks. This is a period of hard work where the reward is productivity and usefulness. You might find it difficult to be a team player, so operate solo if possible. A sun-Pluto conference on the 16th can inspire you to go out on a limb, express yourself in a powerful way and have an adventure. Your drive to enjoy life spurs you to break out of your routine and seek challenges that shift your perspective. When Venus contends with Saturn the next day, your rapport with someone could suffer, particularly if you don’t agree on goals and aren’t headed in the same direction. Fixating on where a relationship is going might ruin the moment. If a person becomes bossy, that’s also likely to upset the balance between the two of you. Venus confronts Uranus in Taurus on the 23rd, so you may crave companionship, but you’ll also have an urge to swerve in a different direction. Allow for breaks and personal space so you won’t get fenced in and be tempted to make a quick getaway. If you require time off from closeness, say so as diplomatically as possible. Mars allies with Saturn on September 25th, pushing you to keep your nose to the grindstone so you can earn the success and recognition you deserve. Your efforts are getting you somewhere, and you feel it all coming together. However, with Mercury beginning to backpedal that night, try to edit yourself at work, as crossed wires on the job are common during this transit. You’re liable to overlook details, so be prepared to double back and correct yourself later. Luckily, this is an appropriate time to reapply for a position, revise a project, relearn a skill, revamp your routine and research a health issue. Venus dances with Neptune in your network sector on September 29th, dropping hints that a friendship might veer into romance territory. Or you might feel a deep connection with someone in your extended circle. This planetary pairing may spark a creative partnership or significant friendship. It’s easy to form bonds now, and tech is also ruled by that sector, making dating apps worth a try if you’re looking for love. A sun-Saturn meeting that day implies your hard work can earn you the recognition you deserve, so keep your shoulder to the wheel! When Venus and Jupiter skirmish on the 30th, you’re liable to set the bar high in a relationship. Pushing for too much too fast could backfire, but you’re not wrong to have clear expectations. You may be enjoying someone’s company so much that you want to make plans you can look forward to.

GEMINI

May 21–June 20

If you’re trying to accomplish something on September 2nd, you’ll probably feel like you’re spinning your wheels, due to the Mars-Neptune standoff. What can you do to center yourself? For starters, take the emphasis off bigger issues like your career path and life direction. Venus and Pluto get into a disagreement on the 5th that could set up a clash between fun romance and heavy commitment. If you’re feeling playful and lighthearted, but a relationship is getting intense, don’t try to control someone; look at what needs to change. Thanks to a Mars-Pluto alliance the next day, dealing with buried emotions, facing the past and working on your home can all bring results. Confronting — or partnering with — a relative or roommate will also prove productive. Venus’s chemistry with Jupiter that day feeds your faith in love and gives you the courage to be yourself. To release worries, play! Appreciate your own uniqueness and take a chance on something that could make you happy or help you grow. The sun’s summit with Uranus that night coaxes you to ponder who you want to be in the future. You might stay in and go through photos or mementos, thinking about how you got to this point in your life. Tune into your feelings, and identify self-sabotage you can work on. The sun and Neptune move into an opposition on September 14th that tempts you to lie low and avoid daunting challenges. Aim for a balance between resting on your laurels and imagining yourself accomplishing something you’ve dreamed of. After Mars lands in your joy zone that night, your zeal for doing as you please and going after what you desire will grow exponentially over the next month and a half. You’ll take great pride in creativity, generosity and anything that earns you a round of applause. Make time for fun; dating, games and sports are extra appealing during this period. On the 16th, downtime at home will replenish you, while private time with someone you care about can bring you closer, thanks to a sun-Pluto mashup. The next day, Venus’s scuffle with Saturn can make you question what you’re doing, and you might not buy into the premise that your efforts have meaning. Whether you’re trying to improve a relationship or your health or complete a project, it may seem like it’s not amounting to much. Maybe you feel fenced in by the rules of life and are questioning the benefits of doing everything by the book. It’s normal to consider how much you value someone or something now. When Venus opposes Uranus on the 23rd, you’re bound to get distracted, even if you’re enjoying what you’re doing. You could work against yourself if you don’t allow room for tangents and timeouts. On the other hand, a selfless impulse might lead to a loving gesture that serves the greater good. Mars and Saturn see eye to eye on September 25th, so if you take risks, they’re likely to be smart ones. Your pursuit of personal fulfillment isn’t selfish; it’s teaching you that striving to make your mark in the world is a lifelong journey. Due to your ruling planet’s retrograde turn on the 26th, you could become tongue-tied when you try to speak from the heart. In the next few weeks, you may reevaluate what fulfills you, rediscover an old source of pleasure and enjoy rereading and revising. Don’t be surprised if an ex springs to mind or pops out of the woodwork. Venus and Neptune mingle on September 29th, helping you to get along beautifully with higher-ups and colleagues. Being of service and doing creative work can give you a sense of purpose. Combining a positive work ethic and selfless devotion to a vocation can bring more meaning to your mission for success. That day’s sun-Saturn link gives you incentive to work on discovering your true place in the world. You don’t simply want to have a good time; you also want to live out your vision. It may not be easy to stay in the moment on the 30th, due to a Venus-Jupiter dustup. You’re craving an escape and may need a break from work. A change of scenery would do you good, but if you can’t swing a trip right now, at least switch up your routine to get a fresh perspective. A dose of freedom can help you tackle the tasks at hand with renewed enthusiasm.