Every year the sun in Libra (September 22 – October 23) asks us to bring our life into balance: balance our needs with those around us, bring our body into balance, balance our work and personal life, check the equilibrium of all our relationships, work for equity and social justice. And then, when the Sun enters Scorpio on October 23, take this newly balanced life inside: go deep, get real, look under rocks, investigate, face life, death, and the chthonic realms as we do in a playful format on Halloween, and get ready for the long winter.
But we’ll have to find our balance with more consciousness this year. Venus, Libra’s ruler, is facing some steep challenges this fall. Venus is in Scorpio, retrograde from October 5, square Mars and opposes Uranus all month. Mercury walks through Scorpio and intensifies the challenge October 8-October 29. We need to wrestle with our most petty, most possessive, meanest scorpion sting; forgive it, give it a safe place to vent, but don’t let it run the show.
To do this we can tap into Scorpio’s highest note, the willingness to really look with honesty, to focus, go deep, and use our intelligence and perception. Let’s be brave enough to face the shadows with bravery, whether we’re searching our politics, our love life or our soul’s journey.
Aries (Mar. 21-Apr. 19)…Be gentle with your normal straightforwardness as the situation and other people’s motivations are unusually complex. Drop assumptions, and look behind the screen. Be steady in the face of conflict around October 10 and 29; encourage diversity rather than impose will.
Taurus (Apr. 20-May 20)…In this complicated month, illusions, delays, mixed messages from others can get in the way of accomplishments that are so close you can almost taste them. Stay on target, don’t drop the ball, don’t get caught in other people’s earthquakes; instead engage your steady persistence.
Gemini (May 21-June 20)…Watch your mischievous streak, for you may be tempted to pour oil on the fire, say just the wrong thing at the wrong time. If your nervous system resonates with other’s tensions, take time alone to listen to your own rhythms and needs — and your innate wisdom underneath your anxiety.
Cancer (June 21-July 22)…Be safe, not suspicious. Old family stories may be activated in your psyche, casting their shadow on your present romances and creative process. Heal the past, but make a concerted effort to see present interactions as they are, not as they were.
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)…It’s important that you speak up and say what you see this month, not as an opinion, but as your experience. Do not try to please others or control the situation; just speak your truth and speak up for others who can’t — even at home and with beloveds.
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)…This month be careful with your material resources: your money, your body’s energy, and your stuff. Just make sure the inflow and outflow match. Keep your thoughts balanced and your words on track. Know when to rest, to take a moment alone and tune in within.
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)…Doors open, but look before you walk through; people’s motivations are very complex. They have resistance that is not about you at all, but may temporarily complicate the situation. Get people talking about their inner motivations and have patience; invite them to do the right thing.
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)…You can see clearly what’s going on around you; you see through the surface pleasantness to the squirrelly psyches beneath. Just because you see it doesn’t mean you have to say it; timing is everything. Guide people around the worst swamps and focus them towards a positive target.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)…It may not be your risks but those of the people around you that provide adrenaline. Be a healthy (not codependent) friend for those in need, and back burner your issues for the moment. Attend to relationships October 10-15. Feel the energy turning your way after October 27.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan.19)…Shine and share your personal efficiencies/gifts at work, and avoid any power struggles. Take the high road around jealousy and territoriality in your environment. Feel spirit with you, for you’re never alone when you tap in to the soul’s depths; others notice and warm themselves around you.
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)…What are you learning this month? All of life is higher education. Your soul learns from odd experiences, and questions arise that encourage you to research what you know and deepen your understanding. After October 23, this new understanding can expand your work.
Pisces (Feb. 19-Mar. 20)…Notice the quality of energy between you and others in the unspoken communication. Think about what you intend in any relationship, and make sure that the signals you send by body language and action match your intent, and watch misunderstandings clear up. After October 22, reach out through newsletter, resumé or social media.