In the stars
Libra Sep 24 - Oct 23
If September’s work-fest had you approaching burnout, your birthday month recommends light exercise of the Venusian kind: power flirting, bending over backwards to keep the peace, wrist-to-lip reps with a weighted champagne flute … Venus, planet of love and money, graces her favourite playstation - your sign - for most of October, and when she’s happy everyone benefits. With articulate Mercury also in Libra, you can make a difference by speaking out for what you believe in. According to Libran author Ursula Le Guin, change often begins in art, and very often in the art of words.
Scorpio Oct 24 - Nov 22
In the final stage of this year’s journey to Scorpio rising, if October 8’s full moon brings pressing issues to a head, it is a blessing. Really. Because any discontent with current conditions is heaven-sent to fuel the change you know is necessary – during which you should never underestimate your own extraordinary resources. Venus smoulders into your sign on October 24 and is more drawn to soul food than eye candy, which is closely followed by Scorpio sun and new moon combining your archetypes of lover and warrior into one dynamic superpower, standing up for who and what you love.
Sagittarius Nov 23 - Dec 21
Indecision isn’t your favourite mood improver, but adaptable is the new smart. If this month switches agendas, then remember that as a mutable sign, flexibility’s your forte: especially with Venus and Mercury polishing your negotiating skills. Saturn’s been pressure-testing the shelf life of long-term associations, and this month Uranus presses delete where necessary on those you’ve outgrown. As October restocks your social networks with some inspiring new friends and influential connections, let Sagittarian Edith Piaf’s Je Ne Regrette Rien encourage you to choose what’s important now rather than what you loved in the past.
Capricorn Dec 22 - Jan 20
As dwarf planet Pluto emerges in early October from five months of introspective soul-searching in Capricorn, it’s apparent some retrograde delays have worked in your favour. With this month’s astral emphasis on art, glamour, cruising, schmoozing and networking, if some old threads fray, honestly, isn’t it better that way? But Pluto’s volcanic move from dormant to active doesn’t come unencumbered, and if vivid emotions bubble up alongside buried brilliance, keep trusted sounding boards close. Your mentor planet Saturn accelerating on October 23 is an excellent time for upgrading social networks and technologies.
Aquarius Jan 21 - Feb 19
Aquarians adore playing provocateur, but this month it’s much more profitable to adjust your peoplepleasing smile and be the person who others will want to work with. Aiming for resolution rather than a win will ensure you’re the winner anyway. The exception? The pyrotechnic full moon on October 10, when the sky’s the limit. As Saturn moves forward in your sign during this month’s final week, community and group endeavours get a reboot, along with opportunities for aligning with people and organisations supporting the changes that you want to see in the world.
Pisces Feb 20 - Mar 20
October arrives with persuasive salespeople making grand and possibly inflated claims. Before you fall for a slick sales pitch on something that sounds a lot more promising than it actually is, weigh the numbers, time and energy required against your existing obligations. Resist the rescuer role, because Neptune retrograde can drag you under trying to fix someone else’s problems. As late month Jupiter dances backwards into Pisces, chances for growth don’t disappear but they do change form, so let October’s creative genius help reframe anxiety into courage, loss into possibility, and isolation into community.
Aries Mar 21 - Apr 21
With the Venus vibrations of your opposite and complementary sign on the zodiac wheel making this month the high season for all things stylish, artistic, affectionate and fun, why not step out of your comfort zone and try something you have never done or even thought of before? Then carpe diem on October 10, when the year’s only full moon in your own passionista sign makes self-promotion the name of the game. October’s overall invitation to Aries is to keep refining your own personal inventory of ‘what else to let go’ so you can fully share your trail-blazing contributions with the world.
Taurus Apr 22 - May 21
As your ruling planet exits the sector of healthy pleasures for the sign of decadent delights, exercise the awesome technology of the Taurus mind by exploring the concept that less is preferable to more of those Venus sports you adore. While other star signs hate retrogrades, you know how to make them work. And Uranus reversed in Taurus makes this month about the prefix re: reviewing what’s worked, rectifying what hasn’t. Renegotiating what needs resolving. Refraining from excess. Remembering what’s important, restoring relationship balance, reclaiming your joie de vivre.
Gemini May 22 - Jun 22
Mars motivating your mojo, Venus sweetening the social scene, this month’s cosmic cocktail of sun, Venus and Mercury making you mischievous as monkeys and cute as new boots: so far, so fabulous. Though attracting so much pleasurable attention also requires being mindful about boundaries.
It’s virtually impossible for you Twins to focus on one single thing, and your prima planet Mercury in the sign of considering both sides of a question won’t make decisions any easier. When offered an either/or choice during October, consider looking for a third option which might be just the right fit.
Cancer Jun 23 - Jul 23
This month is about love. In all its many-splendored contradictions and practical applications: romantic love, family love, everyday love, tough love, tender love. If you’re stuck in too comfortable a groove, Mercury and Venus, two luminaries of persuasion and charm, recommend expanding your romantic palette. Novelty’s known to release a dopamine rush, so ignite fresh magic by doing something surprising and unexpected around full moon. October’s also about money: what you own and what you owe. When October 25’s new moon eclipse highlights shared finances, investigate whether combining funds could increase your income.
Leo Jul 24 - Aug 23
Balance is the buzzword for this month, as in equalising your life in the spotlight and also replenishing downtime out of it. The potent full moon on October 10 is your personal power point for a significant rerouting of the way you decide to live from now on. Be prepared for anything-goes Uranus to pop a proposal that could be life-changing. When the dramatic new moon eclipse on October 25 pumps up your wild side, the competition could really heat up. Unleash Leo fierceness if you will, but for the best results why not share the stage so that others can also shine their light.
Virgo Aug 24 - Sep 23
Might you have judged something too hastily last month? Mercury’s October transit reminds you that there are two sides to every story. Even if you agree to disagree, a willingness to hear someone’s point of view can invite unexpected solutions. Stylist Oscar Wilde once described making a good salad as knowing exactly how much oil to mix with your vinegar, and a liberal dose of compliments could lubricate this month’s exchanges.
And while Venusian values are ascendant, why not place something beautiful on your work desk: a flowering plant, healing crystal or calming piece of art. AWW