Until the 22, the Sun continues to put a spotlight on your solar eighth house--a transit that began in September. Personal transformations, personal power, and intimate matters fulfill you most during this cycle. There may be a strong focus on other's money, such as the resources of a partner, through inheritance, banking and loans, or taxes. You are more intense in your mood and disposition, and perhaps even secretive, at this time of year. You are more willing to recognize the darker and more challenging aspects of your own personality, and more apt to see these things in others. Emotions tend to run deep right now, and you don't much like losing or feeling powerless. This can be a determined and personally powerful time of year if you apply the energy of this transit constructively.

From the 22, with the Sun spotlighting your solar ninth house, your focus turns outward, away from the more personal concerns that have occupied your thoughts in the last months. More than any other time during the year, you are feeling most adventurous and willing to take a leap of faith. This is a cycle in which you seek a higher meaning to your life, and/or seek out new experiences that take you beyond the here and now, and beyond the mundane details of day-to-day life. Anything that broadens your experiences attracts now. A lack of superficiality finds you straight to the point, interested in the truth of things. It would be wise for you to consider scheduling a vacation, adventure of sorts, or a course that expands your mind. These don't have to happen now, but taking the time to recognize your needs for escaping the daily grind, taking a few risks, and feeding your spirit for self-expression through some form of adventure or higher learning, will help you to feel good about yourself. The only caution with this cycle is that you could lose touch with managing everyday affairs and important details.

Venus continues her trek through your partnership sector until the 8. During this cycle, your emotional health depends largely on how meaningful your relationships are, whether these are social or romantic ones, or both. A partner may be enjoying an increase in income or other forms of personal success. Your focus is on giving to a partner. Smoothing out your close personal relationships is what makes you happy during this cycle. You have a greater need than usual for contact and exchange with an intimate partner. If single, you are more willing than normal to enter into a committed relationship. In general, you are adaptable when it comes to your affections right now, and very willing to meet the emotional needs of important others in your life.

Venus journeys through your intimacy sector from the 8. Intimate connections can be especially rich and meaningful during this cycle. Your magnetism revolves around mysterious fascination rather than outgoing charm. Intensity appeals in your relationships. This can also be a time in which you discover untapped resources or talents, as you are discovering the beauty in your own depths. It’s a good time to work out money problems or other issues of sharing with a partner. You may get the backing you need now--financial or emotional.

Until the 16, Mercury transits your solar eighth house, and you take a keener interest in all that lies below the surface during this period. Mystery and intrigue appeals to you. Your mind may be working like that of a detective, uncovering information and analyzing motives. This is a period of strategizing. Mulling over shared resources and finances, or negotiations involving them, could also figure now. From the 16, Mercury moves through your solar ninth house. Transits of Mercury point to current areas of interests and where our thoughts are for the time being. You take more interest in the bigger picture rather than details during this period. Educational or philosophical subjects could interest now. Decisions made now are more inclined to take into consideration morals and ethics--not only practical concerns.

Mars continues to animate and energize your solar fifth house. During this cycle, you are likely to exert a lot of your energy and initiative into actively pursuing a rewarding love life, social amusement or hobbies, activities with children, and pleasure in general. You have a likeably competitive, more energetic and pleasingly assertive temperament during this transit. However, in some cases, you may be coming on too strong or aggressively, or meeting with aggressiveness in romantic relationships. There is a stronger desire to take part in creative endeavors, athletics, risk-taking pursuits, and perhaps some gambling if inclined.

Until the 23, the Sun illuminates your solar seventh house, your house of partnerships. Close relationships with others, negotiations, compromise, and one-on-one dealings all are in focus during this cycle. This is the time of year, however, when vitality may be at a low--when you are more likely to catch a cold or to need more sleep, for example. Chances to improve or attract a close partnership abound, however. It's time to compromise, negotiate, and perhaps let a partner take the lead for a while. Sometimes this transit indicates meeting with authoritative or even bossy people. You are willing to adapt and accommodate. Improving relationships fills a deep personal need and leads to fulfillment.

From the 23, the Sun energizes your sector of transformation, change, sexuality, personal growth, regeneration, others' money and resources, addictions, and taxes. As a result, this is not the most gregarious of months for you. You take a step back, focus on intimacy with a partner, or simply retreat a little from the hectic pace of life. This is an excellent time to create a budget or financial plan, or to rid yourself of bad habits that undermine your sense of personal power and self-mastery. All that is deeply personal comes into focus now. Intimate matters are especially important to you during this cycle. Just how well you are handling your life comes up for inspection. Your self-mastery skills and psychological predisposition matter to you more than usual. This is the time of year when you are most desirous of change on a deep level. Clearing out psychic "junk" or ridding yourself of bad habits may be part of the picture now. You are more willing than usual to explore life's secrets. This cycle brings greater in-depth understanding and an inclination to delve beneath the surface of matters to get to the bottom of them. Research uncovers new material that allows you to develop a better overall picture of the year's events. This is an especially introspective cycle during which you have the chance to truly uncover your personal strengths and talents. On a more practical level, you may be dealing with joint finances and shared resources now more than usual.

Venus continues to journey through your work and health sector until the 14. This is a good time to promote good feelings and peaceful energy on the job. Some laziness is possible now, as you tend to associate pleasure with work, or perhaps you are socializing more than usual on the job. You have good team spirit right now, and you are more tactful, accommodating, and obliging with your co-workers. Some people obtain a pet during this cycle. Love affairs may occur on the job, or attractions figure strongly now. Still, you are less inclined to fall in love for the sake of love itself during this cycle. Your tendency is to consider whether it is clever to do so. You're most successful doing tasks that involve cooperation and team harmony, design and creative work, and/or the personal, human side of things. A pleasant break from routine, even a short vacation, would be good for you now.

Venus moves through your partnership sector from the 14. During this cycle, your emotional health depends largely on how meaningful your relationships are, whether these are social or romantic ones, or both. A partner may be enjoying an increase in income or other forms of personal success. Your focus is on giving to a partner. Smoothing out your close personal relationships is what makes you happy during this cycle. You have a greater need than usual for contact and exchange with an intimate partner. If single, you are more willing than normal to enter into a committed relationship. In general, you are adaptable when it comes to your affections right now, and very willing to meet the emotional needs of important others in your life.

Until the 10, Mercury continues to transit your work and health sector. Your approach to work during this cycle is pleasant, happy, and logical for the most part, unless you allow worry or scattered energy to enter the picture. You might also enjoy analyzing different health or nutrition programs. You are inclined to want to learn new work skills, or to improve your skills and output in terms of work. There is likely to be more activity, movement, contact, and communications with co-workers now. You tend to take more interest in organizing your working environment--and this is an excellent time to do so, as you are especially objective and intelligent when it comes to getting a handle on your daily affairs and all of the "little things" that contribute to a feeling of efficiency and competency. Watch, however, for tension or idle chit-chat interfering with your work output this month.

From the 10-28, Mercury enlivens your partnership sector. During this time, the desire to bounce ideas off a partner or close friend is very strong. Communication becomes especially important to you. You feel attracted to intelligent people with whom you can communicate well and exchange ideas during this cycle. You know how to relate to others and you do it in a natural and warm manner. You tend to seek chatty and restless friends who stimulate your curiosity and mentality. You may attract a younger person into your life. From the 28, Mercury transits your solar eighth house, and you take a keener interest in all that lies below the surface during this period. Mystery and intrigue appeals to you. Your mind may be working like that of a detective, uncovering information and analyzing motives. This is a period of strategizing. Mulling over shared resources and finances, or negotiations involving them, could also figure now.

Mars continues to animate and energize your solar fourth house until the 16, energizing your domestic life and relationships with family. This might express itself as more activity on the home front. You could literally apply your energy to working around the house, for example. Or, you might find that there is a lot of hustle and bustle in your home. Energized interaction with family is also very possible now, and this can be positive or negative, depending on how the energy is handled! You are slightly more defensive and certainly more protective than usual during this period. You might engage in arguments with, or on behalf of, those closest to you.

Mars activates your solar fifth house from the 16. During this cycle, you are likely to exert a lot of your energy and initiative into actively pursuing a rewarding love life, social amusement or hobbies, activities with children, and pleasure in general. You have a likeably competitive, more energetic and pleasingly assertive temperament during this transit. There is a stronger desire to take part in creative endeavors, athletics, risk-taking pursuits, and perhaps some gambling if inclined.

From the 22, the Sun illuminates your seventh house. At this time of year, you have a greater need than usual to be with a partner. Bouncing ideas off someone helps you to better understand yourself. A partner provides a mirror for your own self-discovery. Now is the time to realize your own potential through a significant other. During this cycle, you focus on balancing your personal interests and objectives with your social life, or with those of a partner. The emphasis is on "us" rather than "me". You need the energies, companionship, and support of other people, and they may also seek out your support and companionship. It's important to include others rather than to go solo for the time being. However, bending too much to the will of another is not advised either. Social interactions of a personal, one-on-one kind are emphasized. Circumstances are such that your diplomacy skills are required. Your popularity is increasing, and is reinforced by your own ability to cooperate and harmonize. Your ego and pride are tied up in how you relate to others now. This may be an especially busy time for people who consult or work with clients one-on-one.

Mercury is retrograde from September 7-29 this month. All Mercury retrograde cycles particularly affect you in terms of communications in general and job or health-related communications because Mercury rules these areas of your life. Occurring in your solar sixth and seventh houses this time, extra care should be exercised when it comes to negotiations, work, and one-on-one communications. Be as non-judgmental as you can with a partner and with co-workers. There may be the need to revisit old issues in a partnership, or there could be some communication problems with a partner. An ex-partner may resurface during this cycle. Misunderstandings with your partner now can do serious damage if you (or your partner) focus on words said instead of meanings behind the words. If you need to talk through problems, do your best to be as non-judgmental as possible, and don't over-react to what your partner has to say either. Mixed messages coming from a partner, or a disappointment, could occur now. You may not be as good at mediating disputes for the time being, but it's a good cycle in which to improve your negotiation skills. Re-thinking a partnership or a job is possible now, but you should avoid jumping to any premature decisions. It would be wise to be especially clear when it comes to communicating with partners, co-workers, and superiors, or take this time to re-examine issues rather than communicating about them prematurely.

Saturn opposes Uranus this month, and occurs in your solar sixth and twelfth houses. This long-term transit has been in effect since November 2008, and is renewed this month. A real feeling of restlessness is in the air now. Attempts to assert our individuality, freedom, and originality undermine our feeling of groundedness and security. Yet, we are not satisfied when we conform. There may be sudden and unexpected twists that force us to do something different or free ourselves from old habits. Adjusting our plans is in order, and striking a balance between convention and innovation is the challenge. Setbacks tend to be temporary and often lead to new, more creative paths or solutions. Ambivalence is likely and could color many of our interactions. It can be challenging to make one particular decision and stick to it. For you, health and work-related matters are the issues involved with this tug of war between innovation and tradition. Work commitments are plenty, and you may be working so hard that you forget to take care of your need for relaxation, down time, and spiritual renewal. The desire for a richer and more fulfilling spiritual life is strong, but you need to find a balance with daily commitments, which tend to be over the top right now. The desire for more freedom to explore can also be interfering with your commitments. Health issues might be involved.

Venus journeys through your work and health sector from the 20. Establishing a happy and harmonious work environment through friendly relations with co-workers or tidying up your work area comes into focus now. Romantic and social activities may revolve around your working environment. You are generally well liked and respected socially on the job right now. Some laziness is possible now, as you tend to associate pleasure with work! Perhaps you are socializing more than usual on the job. You have good team spirit during this cycle, and you are more tactful and obliging with your co-workers. You are less inclined to fall in love for the sake of love itself during this cycle. Your tendency is to consider whether it is clever to do so! You're most successful doing tasks that involve cooperation and team harmony. You could find that your talents or skills are especially appreciated. Romantic and social activities may revolve around your working environment.

Mars continues to move through your solar fourth house this month, energizing your domestic life and relationships with family. This might express itself as more activity on the home front. You could literally apply your energy to working around the house, for example. Or, you might find that there is a lot of hustle and bustle in your home. Energized interaction with family is also very possible now, and this can be positive or negative, depending on how the energy is handled! You are slightly more defensive and certainly more protective than usual during this period. You might engage in arguments with, or on behalf of, those closest to you.

The Sun illuminates your sixth house from the 22. During this cycle, you take more pride in the work you do and in your health routines than any other time of the year. You are sorting through the experiences of the last several months, separating the worthwhile from the worthless. This is a good time to build your skills, to get organized, and to attend to your health and wellbeing. It’s a great time to make improvements to your regular routines. Your self-esteem and your ego are tied up in the work you do and in the services you give. Details are more important to you now. It's time to bring order to your life by focusing on the little things that make up the whole. This cycle presents an opportunity to get rid of what doesn't work in your life, while also discovering what does. You could seek distinction and strive towards perfection in your work. Efficiency should be your goal now. Your physical health, as well as the relationship between your body and your mind, are in focus.

Last month, two eclipses occurred, and this month, there is one more. (Usually eclipses occur in sets of two, but this time around we have three). A Lunar Eclipse occurs on the 5th at approximately 14 degrees Aquarius. The effects of eclipses stay with us for as long as six months, and they reveal main areas of focus for this half-year period. A general rule of thumb regarding eclipses is to avoid major decision-making in the week before an eclipse. This is because new information that could change our perspective often is revealed in the week after the eclipse. Therefore, major decision-making is best avoided from July 30th-August 6th.

The Lunar Eclipse on the 5th stimulates your solar eleventh house. Surprises surrounding long-term goals, friendships, and group affiliations may be in store. Something that has been "in hiding" or brewing under the surface of things comes to light, or there is a significant fruition or culmination. This could manifest, for example, as a situation that tests a friendship, a culmination or fruition of a casual relationship, you could be called upon to perform a humanitarian gesture, a friend may experience a little crisis and ask for your help, you could suddenly find yourself around many people, perhaps after a period of relative solitude or private time, and other such possibilities.

Venus graces your solar fourth house until the 26. During this cycle, you are especially fond of the life of the home and family. You are more receptive and gentle on a romantic level, and tend to be sentimental or nostalgic now. You may particularly value the aesthetics in and around your home during this period. If things are out of whack on the home front, you will do whatever you can to create a peaceful and stable atmosphere. Loyalty and sensitivity in your relationships are more important to you than typically. You might focus on ways to earn money in or from your home. This is a calming influence--a time when simple pleasures most appeal.

Venus graces your solar fifth house from the 26. Your popularity is on an upward trend during this cycle as others find you especially attractive and friendly. You may have the desire to dress well and in good taste. There is strength in your feelings of love and the power of attraction, which may open the door to new romantic relationships. Yet, you are not aggressive in your approach to love. Instead, you attract more if you allow yourself to be pursued during this cycle. Conditions are highlighted in connection with young people, and quite possibly a female child--a stronger bond could be formed during this period. You are feeling inspired creatively and romantically and you express your loving feelings quite openly now. Creative self-expression of any kind is favored at this time. You will also thoroughly enjoy artistic, musical, or cultural events and activities, especially in the company of a loved one. At this time, you instinctively know how to place yourself in the best light in order to make a good impression on others. Any love affair begun now will be characterized by good cheer, having fun, and a fair share of emotional drama!

Mercury transits your work and health sector from the 2-25. Your approach to work during this cycle is pleasant, happy, and logical for the most part, unless you allow worry or scattered energy to enter the picture. You might also enjoy analyzing different health or nutrition programs. You are inclined to want to learn new work skills, or to improve your skills and output in terms of work. There is likely to be more activity, movement, contact, and communications with co-workers now. You tend to take more interest in organizing your working environment--and this is an excellent time to do so, as you are especially objective and intelligent when it comes to getting a handle on your daily affairs and all of the "little things" that contribute to a feeling of efficiency and competency. Watch, however, for tension or idle chit-chat interfering with your work output this month.

Mercury enlivens your partnership sector from the 25. During this time, the desire to bounce ideas off a partner or close friend is very strong. Communication becomes especially important to you. You feel attracted to intelligent people with whom you can communicate well and exchange ideas during this cycle. You know how to relate to others and you do it in a natural and warm manner. You will seek chatty and restless friends who stimulate your curiosity and mental abilities. You may attract a younger person into your life.

Mars continues to energize your solar third house until the 25. Your communication style tends to be sharper, more direct and to the point, and it may be hard for you to bite your tongue when you see something that is amiss in your environment! As long as you direct these energies toward challenging mental tasks or work and avoid rushing and pushing your way through traffic, or provoking arguments over trifles, this position can be highly stimulating (instead of stressful).

Mars energizes your solar fourth house from the 25, energizing your domestic life and relationships with family. This might express itself as more activity on the home front. You could literally apply your energy to working around the house, for example. Or, you might find that there is a lot of hustle and bustle in your home. Energized interaction with family is also very possible now, and this can be positive or negative, depending on how the energy is handled! You are slightly more defensive and certainly more protective than usual during this period. You might engage in arguments with, or on behalf of, those closest to you.

This month, the Sun energizes your sector of transformation, change, sexuality, personal growth, regeneration, others' money and resources, addictions, and taxes. As a result, this is not the most gregarious of months for you. You take a step back, focus on intimacy with a partner, or simply retreat a little from the hectic pace of life. This is an excellent time to create a budget or financial plan, or to rid yourself of bad habits that undermine your sense of personal power and self-mastery. All that is deeply personal comes into focus now. Intimate matters are especially important to you during this cycle. Just how well you are handling your life comes up for inspection. Your self-mastery skills and psychological predisposition matter to you more than usual. This is the time of year when you are most desirous of change on a deep level. Clearing out psychic "junk" or ridding yourself of bad habits may be part of the picture now. You are more willing than usual to explore life's secrets. This cycle brings greater in-depth understanding and an inclination to delve beneath the surface of matters to get to the bottom of them. Research uncovers new material that allows you to develop a better overall picture of the year's events. This is an especially introspective cycle during which you have the chance to truly uncover your personal strengths and talents. On a more practical level, you may be dealing with joint finances and shared resources now more than usual.

Venus continues her trek through your partnership sector until the 15. During this cycle, your emotional health depends largely on how meaningful your relationships are, whether these are social or romantic ones, or both. A partner may be enjoying an increase in income or other forms of personal success. Your focus is on giving to a partner. Smoothing out your close personal relationships is what makes you happy during this cycle. You have a greater need than usual for contact and exchange with an intimate partner. If single, you are more willing than normal to enter into a committed relationship. In general, you are adaptable when it comes to your affections right now, and very willing to meet the emotional needs of important others in your life.

Venus journeys through your intimacy sector from the 15. Intimate connections can be especially rich and meaningful during this cycle. Your magnetism revolves around mysterious fascination rather than outgoing charm. Intensity appeals in your relationships. This can also be a time in which you discover untapped resources or talents, as you are discovering the beauty in your own depths. It’s a good time to work out money problems or other issues of sharing with a partner. You may get the backing you need now--financial or emotional.

From the 3-22, Mercury transits your solar eighth house, and you take a keener interest in all that lies below the surface during this period. Mystery and intrigue appeals to you. Your mind may be working like that of a detective, uncovering information and analyzing motives. This is a period of strategizing. Mulling over shared resources and finances, or negotiations involving them, could also figure now. From the 22, Mercury moves through your solar ninth house. Transits of Mercury point to current areas of interests and where our thoughts are for the time being. You take more interest in the bigger picture rather than details during this period. Educational or philosophical subjects could interest now. Decisions made now are more inclined to take into consideration morals and ethics--not only practical concerns.

Mars animates and energizes your solar fifth house from the 7th. During this cycle, you are likely to exert a lot of your energy and initiative into actively pursuing a rewarding love life, social amusement or hobbies, activities with children, and pleasure in general. You have a likeably competitive, more energetic and pleasingly assertive temperament during this transit. However, in some cases, you may be coming on too strong or aggressively, or meeting with aggressiveness in romantic relationships. There is a stronger desire to take part in creative endeavors, athletics, risk-taking pursuits, and perhaps some gambling if inclined.

This month, the Sun illuminates your seventh house. At this time of year, you have a greater need than usual to be with a partner. Bouncing ideas off someone helps you to better understand yourself. A partner provides a mirror for your own self-discovery. Now is the time to realize your own potential through a significant other. During this cycle, you focus on balancing your personal interests and objectives with your social life, or with those of a partner. The emphasis is on "us" rather than "me". You need the energies, companionship, and support of other people, and they may also seek out your support and companionship. It's important to include others rather than to go solo for the time being. However, bending too much to the will of another is not advised either. Social interactions of a personal, one-on-one kind are emphasized. Circumstances are such that your diplomacy skills are required. Your popularity is increasing, and is reinforced by your own ability to cooperate and harmonize. Your ego and pride are tied up in how you relate to others now. This may be an especially busy time for people who consult or work with clients one-on-one.

Venus continues to journey through your work and health sector until the 22. This is a good time to promote good feelings and peaceful energy on the job. Some laziness is possible now, as you tend to associate pleasure with work, or perhaps you are socializing more than usual on the job. You have good team spirit right now, and you are more tactful, accommodating, and obliging with your co-workers. Some people obtain a pet during this cycle. Love affairs may occur on the job, or attractions figure strongly now. Still, you are less inclined to fall in love for the sake of love itself during this cycle. Your tendency is to consider whether it is clever to do so. You're most successful doing tasks that involve cooperation and team harmony, design and creative work, and/or the personal, human side of things. A pleasant break from routine, even a short vacation, would be good for you now.

Venus moves through your partnership sector from the 22. During this cycle, your emotional health depends largely on how meaningful your relationships are, whether these are social or romantic ones, or both. A partner may be enjoying an increase in income or other forms of personal success. Your focus is on giving to a partner. Smoothing out your close personal relationships is what makes you happy during this cycle. You have a greater need than usual for contact and exchange with an intimate partner. If single, you are more willing than normal to enter into a committed relationship. In general, you are adaptable when it comes to your affections right now, and very willing to meet the emotional needs of important others in your life.

Until the 16, Mercury continues to transit your work and health sector. Your approach to work during this cycle is pleasant, happy, and logical for the most part, unless you allow worry or scattered energy to enter the picture. You might also enjoy analyzing different health or nutrition programs. You are inclined to want to learn new work skills, or to improve your skills and output in terms of work. There is likely to be more activity, movement, contact, and communications with co-workers now. You tend to take more interest in organizing your working environment--and this is an excellent time to do so, as you are especially objective and intelligent when it comes to getting a handle on your daily affairs and all of the "little things" that contribute to a feeling of efficiency and competency. Watch, however, for tension or idle chit-chat interfering with your work output this month.

From the 16, Mercury enlivens your partnership sector. During this time, the desire to bounce ideas off a partner or close friend is very strong. Communication becomes especially important to you. You feel attracted to intelligent people with whom you can communicate well and exchange ideas during this cycle. You know how to relate to others and you do it in a natural and warm manner. You tend to seek chatty and restless friends who stimulate your curiosity and mentality. You may attract a younger person into your life. From the 28, Mercury transits your solar eighth house, and you take a keener interest in all that lies below the surface during this period. Mystery and intrigue appeals to you. Your mind may be working like that of a detective, uncovering information and analyzing motives. This is a period of strategizing. Mulling over shared resources and finances, or negotiations involving them, could also figure now.

Mars continues to animate and energize your solar fourth house this month, energizing your domestic life and relationships with family. This might express itself as more activity on the home front. You could literally apply your energy to working around the house, for example. Or, you might find that there is a lot of hustle and bustle in your home. Energized interaction with family is also very possible now, and this can be positive or negative, depending on how the energy is handled! You are slightly more defensive and certainly more protective than usual during this period. You might engage in arguments with, or on behalf of, those closest to you.

The Sun illuminates your sixth house this month. During this cycle, you take more pride in the work you do and in your health routines than any other time of the year. You are sorting through the experiences of the last several months, separating the worthwhile from the worthless. This is a good time to build your skills, to get organized, and to attend to your health and wellbeing. It’s a great time to make improvements to your regular routines. Your self-esteem and your ego are tied up in the work you do and in the services you give. Details are more important to you now. It's time to bring order to your life by focusing on the little things that make up the whole. This cycle presents an opportunity to get rid of what doesn't work in your life, while also discovering what does. You could seek distinction and strive towards perfection in your work. Efficiency should be your goal now. Your physical health, as well as the relationship between your body and your mind, are in focus.

Mercury is retrograde from September 7-29 this month. All Mercury retrograde cycles particularly affect you in terms of communications in general and job or health-related communications because Mercury rules these areas of your life. Occurring in your solar sixth house this time, extra care should be exercised when it comes to work, health matters, and daily routines. Be as non-judgmental as you can with co-workers. Re-thinking the suitability of your job is possible now, but you should avoid jumping to any premature decisions. Work-related mess-ups can frustrate you. Double-check your work. It would be wise to be especially clear when it comes to communicating with co-workers and health professionals; or take this time to re-examine issues rather than communicating about them prematurely.

Saturn opposes Uranus this month, and occurs in your solar sixth and twelfth houses. This long-term transit has been in effect since November 2008, and is renewed this month. A real feeling of restlessness is in the air now. Attempts to assert our individuality, freedom, and originality undermine our feeling of groundedness and security. Yet, we are not satisfied when we conform. There may be sudden and unexpected twists that force us to do something different or free ourselves from old habits. Adjusting our plans is in order, and striking a balance between convention and innovation is the challenge. Setbacks tend to be temporary and often lead to new, more creative paths or solutions. Ambivalence is likely and could color many of our interactions. It can be challenging to make one particular decision and stick to it. For you, health and work-related matters are the issues involved with this tug of war between innovation and tradition. Work commitments are plenty, and you may be working so hard that you forget to take care of your need for relaxation, down time, and spiritual renewal. The desire for a richer and more fulfilling spiritual life is strong, but you need to find a balance with daily commitments, which tend to be over the top right now. The desire for more freedom to explore can also be interfering with your commitments. Health issues might be involved.

Venus journeys through your work and health sector from the 28. Establishing a happy and harmonious work environment through friendly relations with co-workers or tidying up your work area comes into focus now. Romantic and social activities may revolve around your working environment. You are generally well liked and respected socially on the job right now. Some laziness is possible now, as you tend to associate pleasure with work! Perhaps you are socializing more than usual on the job. You have good team spirit during this cycle, and you are more tactful and obliging with your co-workers. You are less inclined to fall in love for the sake of love itself during this cycle. Your tendency is to consider whether it is clever to do so! You're most successful doing tasks that involve cooperation and team harmony. You could find that your talents or skills are especially appreciated. Romantic and social activities may revolve around your working environment.

Mars animates your solar fourth house from the 11. You have more energy at your disposal for domestic projects or activities. Because your actions are governed by your instincts during this period, you may be especially defensive and protective. You may work hard at making yourself feel more secure, and you may be called upon to take charge on the home and family front. You may have more energy to invest in homemaking, house repairs, re-decorating, or family activities. In fact, if you are feeling very restless, moody, or defensive during this period, it would be a good idea to do any of these things! You may have an increased desire to rule the roost, and if this transit stimulates conflict or disputes, it is likely to be family-related--you may have arguments with them, about them, or on their behalf. You may also encounter opposition from career-related matters or people. You may get worked up about old angers or regarding emotional issues from the past that are resurfacing now.

The Sun illuminates your fifth house this month. After a period of “nesting”, you are coming out of your shell, ready to perform and to express yourself creatively. This is a very playful period of the year, when you are inspired creatively and emotionally. After a period of self-protectiveness, you are now more spontaneous and more willing to take risks. You take more pride than usual in your creations, your love affairs, your children, and your hobbies. Pleasure and amusement play an important role in your search for freedom of self-expression now. Show off your best colors! You want others to take notice, and you are more sensitive to whether people appreciate you. More than any time of the year, this is the cycle in which you focus on having fun, enjoying romance, and expressing yourself creatively. Your hobbies, leisure time, moments spent with children, gaming time, and so forth, all come into focus at this time of year. This is a cycle in which you find joy in expressing who you are--when your "inner child" comes out to play. This is a time when you are more flirtatious than usual, and when you might take a few risks in life--not only gambling with games but with life itself. You might be a bit of a showman at this time. You are likely feeling good in general, and you tend to spread the joy.

Last month, two eclipses occurred, and this month, there is one more. (Usually eclipses occur in sets of two, but this time around we have three). A Lunar Eclipse occurs on the 5th at approximately 14 degrees Aquarius. The effects of eclipses stay with us for as long as six months, and they reveal main areas of focus for this half-year period. A general rule of thumb regarding eclipses is to avoid major decision-making in the week before an eclipse. This is because new information that could change our perspective often is revealed in the week after the eclipse. Therefore, major decision-making is best avoided from July 30th-August 6th.

The Lunar Eclipse on the 5th stimulates your solar eleventh house. Surprises surrounding long-term goals, friendships, and group affiliations may be in store. Something that has been "in hiding" or brewing under the surface of things comes to light, or there is a significant fruition or culmination. This could manifest, for example, as a situation that tests a friendship, a culmination or fruition of a casual relationship, you could be called upon to perform a humanitarian gesture, a friend may experience a little crisis and ask for your help, you could suddenly find yourself around many people, perhaps after a period of relative solitude or private time, and other such possibilities.

Venus plays in your solar third house until the 9, indicating a more light-hearted, curious, and intellectual approach to love and pleasure, as well as a more easygoing communicative style. During this cycle you are especially charming in your communications with others. Your words are soothing, and you tend to use words to smooth over problems that you see around you. You are mostly cheerful in your approach to others, and perhaps somewhat intellectual. Essentially, you are quite companionable during this cycle. You enjoy talking about what interests you, and you see value in the exchange of ideas. Sometimes this transit brings benefit through siblings, communications, or short trips. Good companionship is as equally important as romance to you during this cycle. You prefer an intellectual, communicative, and witty partner just now, and your powers of attraction are increased through expressing these types of qualities. You are most attracted to wit, cheerfulness, and verbal rapport, and you are especially good at mediating conflicts now. If you were to begin a romance or friendship during this cycle, it would likely be quite light-hearted.

Venus graces your solar fourth house from the 9. During this cycle, you are especially fond of the life of the home and family. You are more receptive and gentle on a romantic level, and tend to be sentimental or nostalgic now. You may particularly value the aesthetics in and around your home during this period. If things are out of whack on the home front, you will do whatever you can to create a peaceful and stable atmosphere. Loyalty and sensitivity in your relationships are more important to you than typically. You might focus on ways to earn money in or from your home. This is a calming influence--a time when simple pleasures most appeal.

Until the 12, the Sun illuminates your solar seventh house, your house of partnerships. Close relationships with others, negotiations, compromise, and one-on-one dealings all are in focus during this cycle. This is the time of year, however, when vitality may be at a low--when you are more likely to catch a cold or to need more sleep, for example. Chances to improve or attract a close partnership abound, however. It's time to compromise, negotiate, and perhaps let a partner take the lead for a while. Sometimes this transit indicates meeting with authoritative or even bossy people. You are willing to adapt and accommodate. Improving relationships fills a deep personal need and leads to fulfillment.

From the 12, the Sun energizes your sector of transformation, change, sexuality, personal growth, regeneration, others' money and resources, addictions, and taxes. As a result, this is not the most gregarious of months for you. You take a step back, focus on intimacy with a partner, or simply retreat a little from the hectic pace of life. This is an excellent time to create a budget or financial plan, or to rid yourself of bad habits that undermine your sense of personal power and self-mastery. All that is deeply personal comes into focus now. Intimate matters are especially important to you during this cycle. Just how well you are handling your life comes up for inspection. Your self-mastery skills and psychological predisposition matter to you more than usual. This is the time of year when you are most desirous of change on a deep level. Clearing out psychic "junk" or ridding yourself of bad habits may be part of the picture now. You are more willing than usual to explore life's secrets. This cycle brings greater in-depth understanding and an inclination to delve beneath the surface of matters to get to the bottom of them. Research uncovers new material that allows you to develop a better overall picture of the year's events. This is an especially introspective cycle during which you have the chance to truly uncover your personal strengths and talents. On a more practical level, you may be dealing with joint finances and shared resources now more than usual.

Venus continues her trek through your partnership sector until the 23. During this cycle, your emotional health depends largely on how meaningful your relationships are, whether these are social or romantic ones, or both. A partner may be enjoying an increase in income or other forms of personal success. Your focus is on giving to a partner. Smoothing out your close personal relationships is what makes you happy during this cycle. You have a greater need than usual for contact and exchange with an intimate partner. If single, you are more willing than normal to enter into a committed relationship. In general, you are adaptable when it comes to your affections right now, and very willing to meet the emotional needs of important others in your life.

Venus journeys through your intimacy sector from the 23. Intimate connections can be especially rich and meaningful during this cycle. Your magnetism revolves around mysterious fascination rather than outgoing charm. Intensity appeals in your relationships. This can also be a time in which you discover untapped resources or talents, as you are discovering the beauty in your own depths. It’s a good time to work out money problems or other issues of sharing with a partner. You may get the backing you need now--financial or emotional.

From the 9-29, Mercury transits your solar eighth house, and you take a keener interest in all that lies below the surface during this period. Mystery and intrigue appeals to you. Your mind may be working like that of a detective, uncovering information and analyzing motives. This is a period of strategizing. Mulling over shared resources and finances, or negotiations involving them, could also figure now.

Mars continues to animate and energize your solar fourth house once again this month, energizing your domestic life and relationships with family. This might express itself as more activity on the home front. You could literally apply your energy to working around the house, for example. Or, you might find that there is a lot of hustle and bustle in your home. Energized interaction with family is also very possible now, and this can be positive or negative, depending on how the energy is handled! You are slightly more defensive and certainly more protective than usual during this period. You might engage in arguments with, or on behalf of, those closest to you.

Until the 13, the Sun continues to spotlight your work and health sector. You take more pride in the work you do and in your health routines than any other time of the year. You are sorting through the experiences of the last few months, and discovering what is worthwhile and what is worthless. This is a good time to build your skills, to get organized, and to attend to your health and wellbeing. It’s a great time to make improvements to your regular routines. Your self-esteem and your ego are tied up in the work you do and in the services you provide. You may be drawn into some form of service that will bring deep personal satisfaction. At this time, you seek perfection and distinction in your work and this quality might eventually bring you a more mature position. This cycle presents an opportunity to get rid of what doesn't work in your life, while also discovering what does. More than any time of the year, you are conscious of your mental and physical health, daily routines, everyday working life, and your working methods.

From the 13, the Sun illuminates your seventh house. At this time of year, you have a greater need than usual to be with a partner. Bouncing ideas off someone helps you to better understand yourself. A partner provides a mirror for your own self-discovery. Now is the time to realize your own potential through a significant other. During this cycle, you focus on balancing your personal interests and objectives with your social life, or with those of a partner. The emphasis is on "us" rather than "me". You need the energies, companionship, and support of other people, and they may also seek out your support and companionship. It's important to include others rather than to go solo for the time being. However, bending too much to the will of another is not advised either. Social interactions of a personal, one-on-one kind are emphasized. Circumstances are such that your diplomacy skills are required. Your popularity is increasing, and is reinforced by your own ability to cooperate and harmonize. Your ego and pride are tied up in how you relate to others now. This may be an especially busy time for people who consult or work with clients one-on-one.

Venus continues to move through your solar fifth house until the 6. This is an expressive period for the goddess of love! It's natural for you to turn on the charm. You are especially attracted to aesthetic forms of recreation. You feel a little more playful now, and love matters tend to be laced with a touch of drama. That shouldn't be a problem--in fact, you kind of like it that way for the time being. Creative crafts or hobbies appeal. More loving and appreciative relationships with your children may also figure now.

Venus journeys through your work and health sector from the 6-31. This is a good time to promote good feelings and peaceful energy on the job. Some laziness is possible now, as you tend to associate pleasure with work, or perhaps you are socializing more than usual on the job. You have good team spirit right now, and you are more tactful, accommodating, and obliging with your co-workers. Some people obtain a pet during this cycle. Love affairs may occur on the job, or attractions figure strongly now. Still, you are less inclined to fall in love for the sake of love itself during this cycle. Your tendency is to consider whether it is clever to do so. You're most successful doing tasks that involve cooperation and team harmony, design and creative work, and/or the personal, human side of things. A pleasant break from routine, even a short vacation, would be good for you now.

Until the 22, Mercury continues to transit your work and health sector. Your approach to work during this cycle is pleasant, happy, and logical for the most part, unless you allow worry or scattered energy to enter the picture. You might also enjoy analyzing different health or nutrition programs. You are inclined to want to learn new work skills, or to improve your skills and output in terms of work. There is likely to be more activity, movement, contact, and communications with co-workers now. You tend to take more interest in organizing your working environment--and this is an excellent time to do so, as you are especially objective and intelligent when it comes to getting a handle on your daily affairs and all of the "little things" that contribute to a feeling of efficiency and competency. Watch, however, for tension or idle chit-chat interfering with your work output this month.

From the 22, Mercury enlivens your partnership sector. During this time, the desire to bounce ideas off a partner or close friend is very strong. Communication becomes especially important to you. You feel attracted to intelligent people with whom you can communicate well and exchange ideas during this cycle. You know how to relate to others and you do it in a natural and warm manner. You tend to seek chatty and restless friends who stimulate your curiosity and mentality. You may attract a younger person into your life. From the 28, Mercury transits your solar eighth house, and you take a keener interest in all that lies below the surface during this period. Mystery and intrigue appeals to you. Your mind may be working like that of a detective, uncovering information and analyzing motives. This is a period of strategizing. Mulling over shared resources and finances, or negotiations involving them, could also figure now.

Mars continues to animate and energize your solar fourth house this month, energizing your domestic life and relationships with family. This might express itself as more activity on the home front. You could literally apply your energy to working around the house, for example. Or, you might find that there is a lot of hustle and bustle in your home. Energized interaction with family is also very possible now, and this can be positive or negative, depending on how the energy is handled! You are slightly more defensive and certainly more protective than usual during this period. You might engage in arguments with, or on behalf of, those closest to you.

The Sun illuminates your sixth house from the 12. During this cycle, you take more pride in the work you do and in your health routines than any other time of the year. You are sorting through the experiences of the last several months, separating the worthwhile from the worthless. This is a good time to build your skills, to get organized, and to attend to your health and wellbeing. It’s a great time to make improvements to your regular routines. Your self-esteem and your ego are tied up in the work you do and in the services you give. Details are more important to you now. It's time to bring order to your life by focusing on the little things that make up the whole. This cycle presents an opportunity to get rid of what doesn't work in your life, while also discovering what does. You could seek distinction and strive towards perfection in your work. Efficiency should be your goal now. Your physical health, as well as the relationship between your body and your mind, are in focus.

Mercury is retrograde from September 7-29 this month. All Mercury retrograde cycles particularly affect you in terms of communications in general and job or health-related communications because Mercury rules these areas of your life. Occurring in your solar sixth house this time, extra care should be exercised when it comes to work, health matters, and daily routines. Be as non-judgmental as you can with co-workers. Re-thinking the suitability of your job is possible now, but you should avoid jumping to any premature decisions. Work-related mess-ups can frustrate you. Double-check your work. It would be wise to be especially clear when it comes to communicating with co-workers and health professionals; or take this time to re-examine issues rather than communicating about them prematurely.

Saturn opposes Uranus this month, and occurs in your solar sixth and twelfth houses. This long-term transit has been in effect since November 2008, and is renewed this month. A real feeling of restlessness is in the air now. Attempts to assert our individuality, freedom, and originality undermine our feeling of groundedness and security. Yet, we are not satisfied when we conform. There may be sudden and unexpected twists that force us to do something different or free ourselves from old habits. Adjusting our plans is in order, and striking a balance between convention and innovation is the challenge. Setbacks tend to be temporary and often lead to new, more creative paths or solutions. Ambivalence is likely and could color many of our interactions. It can be challenging to make one particular decision and stick to it. For you, health and work-related matters are the issues involved with this tug of war between innovation and tradition. Work commitments are plenty, and you may be working so hard that you forget to take care of your need for relaxation, down time, and spiritual renewal. The desire for a richer and more fulfilling spiritual life is strong, but you need to find a balance with daily commitments, which tend to be over the top right now. The desire for more freedom to explore can also be interfering with your commitments. Health issues might be involved.

Venus continues to transit your solar fourth house until the 12. Domestic relationships and the home environment tend to be harmonious and peaceful during this cycle. You may have a desire to decorate your home with good taste and quality. An inner sense of peace and security prevails. Your affections are strong but you don't wear your heart on your sleeve just now, preferring quiet moments with loved ones.

Mars animates your solar fourth house from the 27. You have more energy at your disposal for domestic projects or activities. Because your actions are governed by your instincts during this period, you may be especially defensive and protective. You may work hard at making yourself feel more secure, and you may be called upon to take charge on the home and family front. You may have more energy to invest in homemaking, house repairs, re-decorating, or family activities. In fact, if you are feeling very restless, moody, or defensive during this period, it would be a good idea to do any of these things! You may have an increased desire to rule the roost, and if this transit stimulates conflict or disputes, it is likely to be family-related--you may have arguments with them, about them, or on their behalf. You may also encounter opposition from career-related matters or people. You may get worked up about old angers or regarding emotional issues from the past that are resurfacing now.

The Sun illuminates your fifth house from the 12. After a period of “nesting”, you are coming out of your shell, ready to perform and to express yourself creatively. This is a very playful period of the year, when you are inspired creatively and emotionally. After a period of self-protectiveness, you are now more spontaneous and more willing to take risks. You take more pride than usual in your creations, your love affairs, your children, and your hobbies. Pleasure and amusement play an important role in your search for freedom of self-expression now. Show off your best colors! You want others to take notice, and you are more sensitive to whether people appreciate you. More than any time of the year, this is the cycle in which you focus on having fun, enjoying romance, and expressing yourself creatively. Your hobbies, leisure time, moments spent with children, gaming time, and so forth, all come into focus at this time of year. This is a cycle in which you find joy in expressing who you are--when your "inner child" comes out to play. This is a time when you are more flirtatious than usual, and when you might take a few risks in life--not only gambling with games but with life itself. You might be a bit of a showman at this time. You are likely feeling good in general, and you tend to spread the joy.

Last month, two eclipses occurred, and this month, there is one more. (Usually eclipses occur in sets of two, but this time around we have three). A Lunar Eclipse occurs on the 5th at approximately 14 degrees Aquarius. The effects of eclipses stay with us for as long as six months, and they reveal main areas of focus for this half-year period. A general rule of thumb regarding eclipses is to avoid major decision-making in the week before an eclipse. This is because new information that could change our perspective often is revealed in the week after the eclipse. Therefore, major decision-making is best avoided from July 30th-August 6th.

The Lunar Eclipse on the 5th stimulates your solar eleventh house. Surprises surrounding long-term goals, friendships, and group affiliations may be in store. Something that has been "in hiding" or brewing under the surface of things comes to light, or there is a significant fruition or culmination. This could manifest, for example, as a situation that tests a friendship, a culmination or fruition of a casual relationship, you could be called upon to perform a humanitarian gesture, a friend may experience a little crisis and ask for your help, you could suddenly find yourself around many people, perhaps after a period of relative solitude or private time, and other such possibilities.

Venus plays in your solar third house until the 18, indicating a more light-hearted, curious, and intellectual approach to love and pleasure, as well as a more easygoing communicative style. During this cycle you are especially charming in your communications with others. Your words are soothing, and you tend to use words to smooth over problems that you see around you. You are mostly cheerful in your approach to others, and perhaps somewhat intellectual. Essentially, you are quite companionable during this cycle. You enjoy talking about what interests you, and you see value in the exchange of ideas. Sometimes this transit brings benefit through siblings, communications, or short trips. Good companionship is as equally important as romance to you during this cycle. You prefer an intellectual, communicative, and witty partner just now, and your powers of attraction are increased through expressing these types of qualities. You are most attracted to wit, cheerfulness, and verbal rapport, and you are especially good at mediating conflicts now. If you were to begin a romance or friendship during this cycle, it would likely be quite light-hearted.

Venus graces your solar fourth house from the 18. During this cycle, you are especially fond of the life of the home and family. You are more receptive and gentle on a romantic level, and tend to be sentimental or nostalgic now. You may particularly value the aesthetics in and around your home during this period. If things are out of whack on the home front, you will do whatever you can to create a peaceful and stable atmosphere. Loyalty and sensitivity in your relationships are more important to you than typically. You might focus on ways to earn money in or from your home. This is a calming influence--a time when simple pleasures most appeal.