Libra, October 2015

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

Writer, magician, and Libra T.C. Eisele writes in his book The Exalted Man: "We worship 'yes' and / Suffer 'no' ignoring the / Question of balance." Libra is the sign of balance, but in this day and age, somehow "balanced" and "harmonious" have become synonymous with "people-pleasing" or "pushover." Maybe it's because you are ruled by lovely Venus and because you're so charming that people are taken aback when you say no. You're no pushover, but if you've found yourself in a situation or two lately where you've had a hard time setting boundaries, remember: It's really okay to say no. If you forget, keep Eisele's haiku in mind—you can't find balance unless you can master saying no as confidently as you can say yes.

This question of balance, of being able to speak honestly for yourself and to find harmony, is a big one as October begins. September was filled with action—most notably an eclipse on September 27 that had quite an impact on your relationships, the effects you'll feel into the beginning of October. There's also a Mercury retrograde occurring in your sign, which began on September 17 and will continue until October 9. Mercury is the planet logic and communication, and a retrograde in your very own sign will find you examining how you express yourself. This, of course, leads us back to our original question: Are you saying no when you need to? There's a lot of tension and change in the air, don't feel compelled to be kind just to keep the peace. That's not true balance.

Venus enters Virgo on October 8, and whenever Venus (your ruling planet) shifts, so do you, lovely Libra! Virgo and Venus are a funny combination: Venus is the seductress, and Virgo is the virgin. Virgo is a grounded and practical energy; with Venus in this sign, you will likely value a date coming over to help you build a bookshelf way more than flowers or poetry.

Venus was in Leo (the sign before Virgo) for an extended period this summer. When Venus went retrograde on July 25, it briefly entered Virgo before reentering Leo on July 31. It stayed there, retrograde, until September 6. Venus rules love, beauty, and prosperity, and Leo is attention hog of the zodiac; when Venus is retrograde, it causes us to reconsider these areas in our lives. Venus retrograde in Leo led you to reconsider or reflect on what's valuable to you in your relationships, particularly friendships. You probably spent this period wondering if those close to you truly make you feel valued.

Do you like the people you surround yourself with? Or do you consider your lover a true friend? Maybe yes, maybe no—in any case, you would have learned a lot about these issues over the summer. You also dreamed up some new dreams and goals, and you likely got involved with a new club or clique, perhaps one you've been wanting to join for a long time but that you couldn't find a way to. Venus "clears its shadow" on October 9, which means there will be a brand new, fresh start for you around all Venusian themes (love, prosperity, harmony, all the good things).

Mercury goes direct in your sign on October 9 as well. Around this time you'll start feeling way clearer, as though a new chapter in your life is beginning—yay! You do still have one hurdle to jump over: Venus squares Saturn on October 19. Saturn is the planet of boundaries, which is something Venus does not like very much. Venus wants what it wants when it wants it, and hearing no does not make Venus happy (perhaps that's why it's sometimes hard for you to say it, hmm…).

A Venus/Saturn square is a restrictive vibe. It asks you to be conservative. Don't ask for much on this day, because you probably won't get it. Love can feel hard to come by, and you might feel a little less cute. This is, however, a good day to think about what your limits are in your relationships.

The New Moon in Libra on October 12 amplifies that fresh, new beginning vibe that you were enjoying so happily around October 9. In fact, this New Moon will be awesome for clearing the stressful vibe that arose from all the situations you had to deal with during Mercury retrograde. You may find that this New Moon brings some conversation or some clarity and helps you move forward.

A little bit of drama (which could be fun!) comes your way on October 16, when Venus in down-to-earth Virgo opposes Neptune in dreamy Pisces. Neptune creates haze, confusion, and illusions, but is also a very romantic and spiritual energy. Oppositions create confrontations, and because Venus is your ruling planet, we might say that "you" will find yourself opposite some nebulous, hazy, sexy, possibly-romantic-but-definitely-confusing person or situation. This is not the day to figure out "where" you and someone else are heading; however, it is an excellent day to get lost in each other's eyes.

We always consider what was discovered or developed during the time a planet first entered the astrological scene. Neptune was discovered around the time photography was developed—and we all know film, moving or still, can lie. Just like Méliès could create a fantastic scene that looked real, Neptune can conjure some whimsical scenes in our lives. But, logical Libra, please remember this on October 16: If it looks too good to be true, it probably is. Luckily, Venus, your ruling planet, is in discriminating Virgo that day. Virgo has an excellent bullshit detector (and you're reading your horoscopes in advance), so you're forewarned! Also, watch out for addictive behavior today: Don't put yourself in a situation where you might be tempted to do something that might not be positive for you.

The Sun slips into Water sign Scorpio on October 23. Scorpio is the sign of transformation, sex, and death. As a Water sign, its energy is enveloping—quite unlike you, Libra. Still, I think you will enjoy this intense, passionate energy. It'll definitely bring a different, darker, sexier vibe to your life. The Sun's passage through Scorpio will find you thinking a lot about intimacy as well as your financial or material needs. Have a friend you always need to pay for when you go out? Wish you could finally meet a partner who's able to go in 50/50 with you? Perhaps you're hoping for a raise? The Sun through Scorpio will be a great time to reflect on all these needs.

Luck will come your way when your ruling planet, Venus, conjuncts Jupiter (both are in Earth sign Virgo) on October 25. Jupiter adds blessings wherever it goes, so expect plenty of good vibes during this day—especially concerning your work/life balance. If you're hoping to improve your schedule in any way, today could be a great day to move forward on that. Perhaps talk to your boss about being able to come in a half hour later in the morning so you could hit the gym, or maybe get in touch with one of your teachers to see if you could get an extension on an important project.

Venus is in Virgo, the sign of the hermit, asking that you take better care of yourself, especially around getting enough sleep, down time, and alone time. Jupiter and Venus's meeting could also be a hugely spiritual occasion for you. If you meditate, pray, or practice any ritual magick, you could achieve some amazing results on the 25th. Plain old catching up on sleep is also an awesome way to use this transit—sleep in if you can! Recording your dreams and tapping into your intuition is also highly suggested.

The month ends with a Full Moon in Earth sign Taurus on October 27. Full Moons are all about balance, and this time around it will concern your material and emotional needs. The Sun's transit through Scorpio already has you examining your material haves and wants and figuring out if your partners are also putting in their fair share. Taurus is also ruled by lovely Venus, but it can be a little stingy—Taurus might not be the baby of the zodiac, like Aries, but they're still one of the "young," signs. This Full Moon might put you face-to-face with someone still stuck in their "terrible twos." As always with a Full Moon, it's important to find a middle ground or balance. You'll do well, especially if you can master the art of saying: "No!"