Libra, 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 Libra and/or don't care about Libras, you can read the rest of our monthly horoscopes here.

It's almost your birthday, Libra! Your scales have been quivering all summer. Venus, your ruling planet, has been retrograde since July 25: As a result, you may have felt a little out of whack, nostalgic, and sensitive, which really isn't like you. You might be the sign that rules relationships, but you can be one cool and logical Air sign bitch—you leave sentimentality and longing for the past to the Cancers and the Capricorns of the world.

Anyway, retrogrades are not the monsters some people make them out to be, but they're not business as usual, either. This Sunday, September 6, Venus goes direct in Leo—yay! Leo is a passionate, warm Fire sign that rules the heart. Love, affection, appreciation are all important themes tied to Leo, as is performance and attention. Again, Leo rules the heart—and, girl, how the lion's heart ached when Venus, goddess of love and harmony, was retrograde. When Venus is retrograde in Libra, we find ourselves wondering if we're truly appreciated and special. The funny thing is, you probably accomplished a lot this past month. You know you're unique, creative, and awesome, but this deflated vibe of Venus retrograde has left you wondering if you're becoming jaded when it comes to success or—gasp—happiness.

You're not jaded, Libra, but a few things must shift around, namely your crew (if your friends can't be your cheerleaders, they have to go) and your vision for your future. Don't feel guilty, or like a quitter, for dropping some plan or dream. If it doesn't fit you anymore, that's that. You'll dream a new dream, I swear! The last time Venus was retrograde in Virgo and Leo was summer 2007. Have you noticed any situations from that time period repeating, wrapping up, or getting addressed in some other way this summer?

September 1 kicks off with Venus retrograde in Leo meeting with Mars, also in Leo. Mars and Venus are two of our favorite lovers in the zodiac, so you'd imagine that their meeting would cause things to become raunchy and exciting—especially in a sign like Leo, which loves drama. Leo is a proud sign, and when Venus and Mars come together, there is often a feeling of self-satisfaction in the air. Not so much when Venus is retrograde, though. Perhaps you, too, will move backward right out of a partnership, fling, or project?

Venus finally shifts direct on September 6, ending a summer of revision and reflection around love, beauty, and prosperity. The Sun and Venus are always very close together—which makes sense, considering that the Sun rules our ego and Venus rules pleasure. This Venus retrograde was especially important for you socially: It likely caused you to reconsider friendships and/or the organizations you belong to. I hope you learned a lot this past month about whom you want surrounding you and cheering you on as you chase your dreams, both old and new. We want all Libras to have cheerleaders as supportive as Venus is of the Sun! If you don't have that, perhaps it's time to find new friends.

September is an extremely busy month: Not only does your ruling planet go direct, but we also have two eclipses. Metaphorically speaking, eclipses are like giant magical portals. They flush out what needs to go, and they suck new people, experiences, and things into our lives. Eclipses can be very shocking and revealing—can you imagine living at the dawn of humanity, seeing the light of the Sun blocked out by the Moon? Pretty terrifying, I'd imagine! Eclipses put us on new and unexpected paths, and they often leave us feeling like our destinies are unfolding—or at least, that we've just witnessed an interesting display of perfect timing or coincidence.

September 13's solar eclipse in Virgo will be very revealing. You'll finally become cognizant of ways you've been manipulated—whether it's by a gas lighting partner or a beauty product you've been duped into purchasing for years. Today brings a new beginning and an opportunity to break free from your previously unseen chains. Virgo is the sign before yours; as such, it represents the hidden and unknown. We could say that Virgo is behind your back—but maybe, Libra, we've got it all wrong. Perhaps you are the one who turned your back on the quiet, humble Virgin? I mean, what stylish, social Libra wants to hang out with the weirdo virgin? Channel Virgo's energy and embrace your inner awkward teenager during this solar eclipse; doing so will bring you psychic dreams, awakened spirituality, and peace and quiet. Tonight's inspiration will help you ensure that your busy social and work schedule allows for enough downtime.

September 17 is the busiest day of the month—this time period probably won't be one you forget soon. Mercury retrograde begins in your sign, inviting you to slow down and get reflective. I know that you've done this already all summer, but apparently you're not ready to move on with your life yet. Reach out to old crushes and exes. Be gentle with yourself regarding your past decisions. And, most importantly, use every opportunity to blame Mercury retrograde for your Libra-lateness issue.

Also on the 17, taskmaster Saturn enters Sagittarius, where it will stay until 2017. Expect a loosening up around finances and material woes in your life, but some more structure and responsibility around the way you communicate. Gossip is not allowed for the next two years—it will really, truly, deeply bite you in the butt. The last big thing to happen on September 17 is that Jupiter opposes Neptune. People are full of shit today. Fantasy and will reality clash, but after the solar eclipse, you're all about keeping it real and rooted, so that shouldn't be too much of a problem.

Venus in Leo will trine rebel Uranus in fiery Aries on September 22, bringing some much-needed fun and flirtation. Your partners will be acting weird but possibly awesome, with electric Uranus hanging out in your opposite sign, Aries. Venus is direct and happy in fun-loving Leo, so today could be an excellent day for a date or a makeover. Uranus rules electronics and Venus rules love—perhaps buy a new vibrator or give online dating a try?

The Sun enters your sign on September 23, officially kicking off Libra season and your birthday month. The whole world will be thinking about Libra things—like whether or not it's fair that they didn't get the seat on the train or if their friends are jealous of them. (Just kidding, people are thinking about deep things too, like justice and cooperation, both very important themes ruled by Libra!) The next day, September 24, warrior Mars enters Earth sign Virgo, bringing a sense of precision to how we tackle our problems. However, Mercury squares power planet Pluto today as well, a combination that's totally mentally draining. Don't schedule any interviews, tests or even dates for September 24. When Mercury and Pluto square off like this, we may also find ourselves a little paranoid. But remember that Mercury is retrograde—do you really want to get caught looking through someone else's phone? Plus, Pluto turns direct the next day, so anything that's been hidden from you should make its way out organically.

You are the sign of balance, Libra, and September brings the equinox, a magical time of harmony between night and day. This summer was rocky; while this September is very eventful, hopefully you'll find some peace. The glyph for Libra is the sun setting over water. Perhaps celebrate September 27's Full Moon lunar eclipse in Aries by enjoying a sunset? This Full Moon is super powerful, cleansing your relationships and blasting the doors wide open so you can really see what's going on with the people you have in your life. Your definition of independence and freedom will alter, and you'll have to let go of selfish habits or selfish people. It's all very deep stuff, so definitely try to find a lovely sunset under which you can soak this all in.