Cancer, September 2015

In our monthly horoscopes, we provide a more in depth look at what's happening in the sky. If you are not a Cancer and/or don't care about Cancers, you can read the rest of our monthly horoscopes here.

Do you ever wonder why astrologers call Cancer the moodiest sign? It's because the Moon, your ruling planet, changes signs very rapidly, about once every two days. To give you some perspective on how fast that is: The inner planets take a few weeks, but the outer planets take years—Pluto, for example, sometimes takes a decade! So what does this mean for you, Cancer? You get to be each of the other signs every month. That's a lot of feelings, changes, and experiences to go through. This month, we have some crazy stuff happening with the Moon: Eclipses! Which means that some crazy stuff will be happening to you, too.

Eclipses are truly magical, freaky, stressful, and eye-opening events. There's something about eclipses that makes the events taking place in our lives feel fated, like they're our destiny… but eclipses can also be painful times of loss (and the stronger you cling, the worse off you'll be). The losses are important; they make way for new things to enter our lives. That said, I don't know about you, but I don't really like giving something up until I know with what it'll be replaced. But, I guess it's that sort of insecurity that we all need to overcome.

Our first eclipse this month falls on September 13: the New Moon solar eclipse in Virgo, a sign that's famous for its purity and devotion to service. Virgo is also one of the most intellectual signs in the zodiac. Ruled by Mercury, the planet of communication and logic, Virgo is hyper-analytical and an excellent problem solver. Expect a lot of new information, messages, and communications to come your way during this eclipse. News concerning a sibling or a bestie may also come to light. Handle the situation gently: Eclipses can be super sensitive, stressful times. Saying I told you so is the worst thing you can do at this time! Issues in your local neighborhood or problems concerning your commute are also likely to pop up. We have another eclipse later this month, but let's get the mid-month news out of the way before we discuss the Full Moon lunar eclipse in Aries, which will take place on September 27.

September 17 will be exciting: Mercury, the planet of communication, turns retrograde in Libra, the sign of harmony and balance. Where, dear Cancer, do you find your center, your place of peace? Your shell, a.k.a your home—so, during this retrograde, expect plenty of news around your living situation, possibly concerning roommates or the actual structure of your house. Issues involving your family could also come up. Retrogrades are time to reconsider and renegotiate, so some changes will certainly be on the way. What went on for you last October, in 2014? This was the last time Mercury was retrograde in Libra. You may find that there is some correlation or connection between these two time periods.

A lot happens today! In addition to Mercury going retrograde, philosophical Jupiter will oppose dreamy Neptune today, so be prepared for some confrontations. You may have to examine an uncomfortable truth or confront some exaggerations in your life. Don't avoid a difficult conversation by ignoring the truth—and the truth now is that you want a safe, happy, and healthy home, with no assholes around to bother you. Well, maybe not that extreme… perhaps you can keep some people around, but heal your relationships and create better communication first.

Also on September 17, Saturn, the taskmaster of the zodiac, enters Sagittarius, an energetic Fire sign that likes to have fun, where it will stay in until December 2017. Unfortunately, Saturn's not so much about fun— Saturn wants you to work hard and behave conservatively. When it comes to your day job and your daily routines and rituals, you like to be able to roam; you like to be untethered and autonomous. This is something you and Sagittarius both totally vibe on, but stern Saturn isn't so sure about this kind of behavior. What about structure? Saturn will wonder as it considers you, little crab.

Embrace structure and act mature if you want to please Saturn over the next two or so years. It will be worth it. Start by getting a planner and then at least pretend to use it. Saturn in Sag will also address issues concerning your health and habits, so now is a great time to commit to some sort of fitness routine. Sagittarius is an energetic sign, and you'll be able to go super far with your gym-going efforts.

The Sun enters Libra on September 23, marking the beginning of autumn, as well as the fall equinox. Warrior planet Mars enters Virgo the next day, September 24, inspiring you to feel a little braver when it comes to communicating. But be mindful of your tone—Virgo can be a perfectionist, and you might go overboard with being a little too critical. Remember: You aren't the only one who has feelings.

September 24 will indeed be very intense around communication, and not just because of pugnacious Mars. We'll also have Mercury (still retrograde in Libra) squaring power planet Pluto, which happens to be residing in your opposite sign, Capricorn. Whenever we deal in opposites in astrology, we know that relationships—romantic or otherwise—will play a role in the situation. When this clash occurs with Pluto, you could find yourself involved with some major arguments or drama with someone who wants to hold onto power or manipulate you. The best way to deal with this situation is to bring in a third party, someone who can mediate and help keep things in check. Pluto turns direct the next day, September 25, so you should feel some forward movement with your partners figuring out what they want to do next.

Our second eclipse on the month is on September 27: a Full Moon lunar dclipse in Aries, an independent, sunny Fire sign. Full Moons bring illumination and culmination, and a lunar eclipse multiplies that energy by a ton. You'll be seeing shit you can never un-see, Cancer, specifically concerning how you want to be seen by others, what you want your legacy to be, and your reputation. Are you happy with your reputation, Cancer? I hope so. If you learn something you're not too happy about, I guarantee you: You will need that safe space we've been discussing through this whole horoscope.

If you haven't settled the drama in your personal, private, or home life, this eclipse will force something to change. This eclipse will also bring big changes in your professional life, a lot of which will feel like they're coming at you too fast. But no worries, Cancer: Yes, eclipses are terrifyingly intense (and often fun and inspiring, all at the same time), but when the dust settles, you'll be able to do your thing. Tenacious is probably the most overused word to describe you, but hey, it's true.

There's one little thing we haven't touched on yet: Venus. Venus has been retrograde since July 25, but she will finally go direct on September 6. For most of the summer, Venus has been retrograde in glitzy, glamorous Leo. Venus is the planet of love, beauty, and prosperity, so typically, lux Leo is a totally ideal placement for her. When she's retrograde, though, the vibe is wistful, deflated, and, in your case, broke. Yes, Cancer, I know you've been reading your horoscope, thinking, This is great and all, but if I had tons of money, nothing would be a problem. You might be a spiritual, empathetic Water sign, Cancer, but let's be real—you're materialistic as fuck. Well, not to worry! Things will improve after Venus goes direct on September 6—not just on the financial front, but also around your self-esteem and your confidence.

Every month your ruling planet, the Moon, goes through all twelve signs, giving you a chance to see, feel, and consider things in twelve different ways. This month, with the eclipses, you'll especially get to dance in Virgo's and Aries's shoes: How will you like it? Will you enjoy the down-to-earth, realistic sensibility of Virgo, and will you use the energy to strengthen your communication skills? Will you feel alive and free when the Moon's in Aries—capable of striking out on your own, living joyously and fearlessly? Make the most of this month, Cancer. September will be crazy intense but deeply transformative.