Libra, September 2016

September opens with Mercury, the planet of communication, retrograde in Virgo, wrecking your sleep schedule, making you feel forgetful, and screwing with your plans. However, Mercury retrograde does have some positive aspects—it's perfect for catching up on old projects as well as for taking time to reconsider your decisions, especially stuff that you've been dealing with since August 10.

September is a super intense month, thanks to two eclipses, the first on September 1 in Virgo and the second on September 16 in Pisces. Eclipses lead us to our destiny; during this time period, you will feel like things are "happening for a reason." Eclipses have a fated vibe to them.

Big reveals often happen during eclipses: Things that were hidden in the dark will come to light (so if you've been cheating or lying, try to clean up your act). You'll begin to see things in a new way, and if you're on the wrong path, an eclipse will set you on the right course—no matter how uncomfortable that may be. These eclipses will definitely expose some secrets or hidden things, and if you've been spending time or energy someplace that you've outgrown or somewhere that isn't right for you, expect that to change in a big way.

The September 1 solar eclipse in Virgo will activate a very psychic sector of your chart. You'll feel a deep desire to spend time alone—Virgo is associated with the Hermit card in the tarot, and you would certainly benefit from some solitude, meditation, and inner reflection at this time. Emotions you've repressed will bubble up: It's a great idea to have extra support around you at this time. Talking things out with someone else is a wonderful way to work through the many complicated feelings that will arise. If you're considering going on a silent retreat, or even rehab, this eclipse will lead you there.

The September 16 lunar eclipse in Water sign Pisces will activate the sector of your chart that rules your schedule and day job, as well as your health and habits. Major adjustments are likely to happen at your place of work or concerning the chores or tasks that you tend to on a daily basis. The first eclipse this month asks you to get in touch with your feelings—if you can't confront your fears, sadness, or secret desires, this second eclipse will slap some sense into you by revealing that stuffing away your problems can lead to addictions, unhealthy behaviors, or sickness. This is a powerful time to change your relationship to your mind and body, as well as to break bad habits.

These eclipses are the perfect time to adjust your schedule so that it works better for you. You're the sign of balance, Libra, and you need balance. Drop that extra class on your schedule if it means you'll have more time to focus on your other responsibilities or your own happiness (believe it or not, that's important), or ask your boss if you can come in an hour later or if you could work from home a day or two a week— or whatever it is that would better serve you.

Minor adjustments could have a huge impact on your emotional and physical health. Because Libra is the sign of relationships, you often don't have enough time to yourself—claim it! If you don't, you'll eventually burn out, and these eclipses will make sure you know just how shitty feeling burned out can be.

The eclipses aren't the only things you have to watch out for this month. We also have Saturn square (a very tense astrological aspect) Neptune on September 10. Saturn is the planet of reality, rules, and regulations, while Neptune is the planet of dreams, illusions, and delusions— when these two planets clash, things get stressful. Watch out for paranoia and anxiety. It's normal to feel not-normal during this time. Saturn is currently in philosophical Sagittarius, and Neptune's in dreamy Pisces, so you'll definitely find your mind wandering without really knowing where to go. Let yourself feel lost. Remember that nothing lasts forever—not even astrological transits. It's hard now, but you'll grow from this challenge.

Communication problems, differences in opinions, and nitpicking will flare up at this time. Don't engage with anyone who you tend to argue with. An agreement you've been hoping to make could be derailed, or people may not be living up to past commitments. Don't bother trying to find clarity at this time—instead, focus on being compassionate and taking time for yourself.

Now, some happy news: The planet of luck and abundance, Jupiter, enters your sign on September 9, where it will stay for the next year—wonderful! Expect to feel more optimistic and open-minded. Many new relationships will be coming your way— you're super charming to begin with, but Jupiter in your sign will make you the life of the party.

Mid-month will bring a big shift in energy, thanks to your ruling planet Venus (which is currently in your sign, yay!) challenging Pluto in Capricorn on September 11 and opposing Uranus in Aries on September 18. Changes you've been hesitating to make will be made by the universe if you're too wimpy to do it yourself, especially concerning your relationships, especially the ones that make you feel sane and comfy.

The vibe will be erratic, irritable and confrontational, but it will also be exciting. You'll make some risky moves, but Mars in Sagittarius will have your back when it connects with Venus on September 19—people will be available to lend you a helping hand, and some inspiring or affirming messages, news, or gossip will come your way.

The universe brings you a splendid autumn equinox gift on September 22: Mercury ends its retrograde in Virgo and the Sun enters your sign! How fantastic that you don't need to deal with Mercury retrograde bullshit during your birthday season, something you have had to over the past two years. Miscommunications, delays, and technical difficulties will not fuck up any of your plans this time around!

You're known as one of the most logical signs in the zodiac, but your intuitive abilities are also very strong. This will be especially true on September 23 when the planet of the mind, Mercury, will connect with the lord of the underworld, Pluto, in Capricorn. Pay close attention to the messages you get in your dreams around this day. Expect to connect on a very deep level with the people you're intimate with. You'll also be very perceptive about financial situations you have going on in your life, so if you have a "feeling" that you shouldn't lend a fuck buddy a precious vinyl, then please don't do it.

Also on September 23, your ruling planet Venus enters psychic Water sign Scorpio, which will again bolster your psychic abilities and create good vibes for you on the financial front—but only if you trust your intuition! Expect some lovely jewels, trinkets, and gifts to come your way.

Mars enters Capricorn on September 27! Mars is the warrior of the zodiac, and it will be activating the home and family sector of your chart as it travels through materially minded Earth sign Capricorn. Mars is an aggressive, confrontational energy, so if a fight has been brewing between you and your parents, roommates, or landlord, things could definitely heat up.

Capricorn is a very hardworking, practical sign, so Mars traveling through this sign will definitely inspire you and the people you coexist with to build a safe, productive home environment, whether that means physically sprucing up the place (Mars will definitely give you the muscle to move furniture around), or, on a more emotional level, perhaps encouraging you to express your concerns or pet peeves. Everyone deserves to have a peaceful home—and if you don't have one while confrontational Mars is in Capricorn, Libra, you will be very, very pissed.

Often in these horoscopes, we talk about things that are happening this month or in the near future or recent past; however, some planets take a very long time to do their work. One of these planets is Pluto. Pluto is the planet of death and rebirth, and it's been in Capricorn since late 2008 (and will remain there until 2024!), transforming your relationship to your family, your perspective of your childhood, and your relationship to your home on a deep, grand scale.

Pluto in Capricorn is deepening your understanding of what security or safety means to you. On September 26, Pluto will end its retrograde in Capricorn, highlighting these very private and personal themes for you, so definitely watch out for intense emotions concerning your home and family toward the end of the month.

September 26 is one of the luckiest days of the month for you, thanks to jovial Jupiter (the planet of luck) meeting with the sun in your sign, Libra. People will be very attracted to you today, and you'll really be in the mood to party. You'll definitely overindulge—but the next time Jupiter will meet the Sun in Libra will be 2028, so if you're going to live it up, it may as well be today!

September wraps up with a new moon in your sign, Libra, on the 30th. This is a fantastic new moon for updating your look, which is something you probably wanted to do anyway now that autumn is here. Every Libra loves makeovers, and a new season is a great excuse for one. This new moon will also bring a new beginning to your relationships. But don't expect people to change—this new moon is all about you evolving through getting deeper in touch with your feelings and desires. By helping you be more honest about what and whom you want in your life, this new moon will show you if your current partners can live up to your standards, and it will introduce you to new people you can learn from and partner with.

See you in October, Libra!