By Charm Torres via chatelaine
October feels like season two of September. That is, we are confronted with the ways we fail and struggle. And the bulk of the work is not about how to not make mistakes but how to manage, process and recover from them.
A new moon in Libra conjunct Mars occurs on the 6th, creating potential friction and conflict in situations you thought were stable. Either way, something new is beginning and requires problem-solving. Venus enters Sagittarius on the 7th, providing a much-needed dose of optimism. Mercury in Libra finally moves forward on the 18th, mobilizing any stalled and delayed situations. A full moon in Aries takes place on the 20th, culminating anything that began back in April. The sun enters Scorpio on the 22nd, ushering in the longest nights in the north and the Halloween season. And finally, Mars also enters Scorpio on the 30th, strengthening the ways we show up and be brave in the face of conflict and challenges. Read your horoscopes for more insight on where to focus your energy for the next month.
Illustration, Kiki Ljung.
Libra
Sept. 23-Oct. 22
As the daylight in the north dwindles and diminishes, you’re tasked to challenge and interrogate the many ways you keep yourself small. What kinds of stories do you tell yourself about how you don’t deserve whatever good comes your way? You may be ultimately capable of supporting yourself. Still, the hard work lies in being brave and vulnerable enough to let others care for you.
Learn more about what it means to be a Libra.
Illustration, Kiki Ljung.
Scorpio
Oct. 23-Nov. 21
Language can sometimes limit the depth and immensity of your experiences. In a way, there are other ways to understand your feelings beyond words. Pay attention to how you process complex events through other means such as dreams, subtle omens, deja vu flashes and bodily sensations. There are many ways of knowing who you are.
Learn more about what it means to be a Scorpio.
Illustration, Kiki Ljung.
Sagittarius
Nov. 22-Dec. 21
Disappointments and rifts are part of relationships. The point is not about being impossibly perfect because everyone is bound to make mistakes one way or another. It is more about how you manage and process conflict with each other. This is the work. Learn how you personally respond to disagreements. Do you get defensive? Withdraw? Appease? Stay curious about whatever comes up for you. Don’t judge yourself too harshly.
Learn more about what it means to be Sagittarius.
Illustration, Kiki Ljung.s
Capricorn
Dec. 22-Jan. 19
Often, what you set out to accomplish does not always pan out the way you intended. What kinds of detours have you gone through that have become blessings in disguise? Let this moment affirm that just because you’re nowhere near where you want to be, does not mean you won’t arrive there. Do not let the urgency you feel rush situations that require a more deliberate and slower pace. Some things take time.
Learn more about what it means to be a Capricorn.
Illustration, Kiki Ljung.
Aquarius
Jan. 20-Feb. 18
In the world of algorithms, how are you committing to diversifying your sources of information? As much as the internet age has opened up access to an unimaginable breadth of knowledge, it also tends to flatten. Now more than ever, it’s vital that you maintain a critical thought process with popular culture. Question the experts and holders of power and the kinds of agendas they’re pushing.
Learn more about what it means to be an Aquarius.
Illustration, Kiki Ljung.
Pisces
Feb. 19-March 20
It’s normal to feel a sense of doom at the mortality and fragility of life. It’s highly possible that the romanticized past can no longer endure, and you have to make way for a new future. Nurse the grief that this brings up. It’s okay to mourn. In fact, you must. We have collectively experienced seemingly impossible changes, and unfortunately, our minds take a while to catch up. Don’t be so hard on yourself.
Learn more about what it means to be an Aquarius.
Illustration, Kiki Ljung.
Aries
March 21-April 19
Other people are going to test and clarify how you want to be loved. Not just romantic love, but all kinds of love. You may likely have allowed a lot of bare minimum expressions of care if you grew up being consistently disappointed by the people who were supposed to love you. Do not let this pattern continue. Do not let others’ incompetence make you believe you are unloveable.
Learn more about what it means to be Aries.
Illustration, Kiki Ljung.
Taurus
April 20-May 20
The backbone of society is maintained by a population of humans doing invisible and thankless work. In your life, how are you giving too much and not being recognized enough or at all? Do not underestimate the worth of your efforts just because they’re not outwardly celebrated by society. Your time and contributions are essential and important.
Learn more about what it means to be Taurus.
Illustration, Kiki Ljung.
Gemini
May 21-June 21
Practice creativity that does not depend on audience response. Allow yourself the awkwardness of fumbling and looking like a fool. See how you can connect to a well of inspiration when you’re not glued to the pressure of visibility. Not everything you create has to be shared. Experience the difference in investing in the process more than the outcome. Expand on what you think being creative is about.
Learn more about what it means to be Gemini.
Illustration, Kiki Ljung.
Cancer
June 22-July 22
Reimagine the kind of family you desire. It’s okay if you do not possess the blueprint because your childhood was not something you feel proud of. Or perhaps you are one of the lucky ones and grew up feeling loved. Either way, allow yourself to dream of a new kind of family structure that goes against what’s expected of you. It’s okay to desire different things.
Learn more about what it means to be Cancer.
Illustration, Kiki Ljung.
Leo
July 23-Aug. 22
Sometimes people from your past still linger because of history. Look closely at the people you keep because you can’t let go of your accumulated time together. Even if you’re not looking forward to the future; even if you’re no longer growing together, don’t stay in stagnant relationships just because you don’t want to waste your history. This is a disservice to everyone involved.
Learn more about what it means to be a Leo.
Illustration, Kiki Ljung.
Virgo
Aug. 23-Sept. 22
Unless you’re part of the wealthy 1%, chances are you have some kind of complicated relationship to money. This month ahead, figure out the psychological roots of your financial troubles. How can you improve your financial literacy? What do you need to learn more about? How can you build a sustainable livelihood? What kind of practical support do you need?
Learn more about what it means to be a Virgo.
