The Summer Slump is Over; Opportunities Open Up This Month to Make Steady Progress

Now that Mercury and Mars are moving forward at last, the lazy days of summer are almost behind us. This month, there’s plenty of positive momentum (especially the first week of September) to push things out that have been on hold the last couple months. While it’s best not to over-commit or jump in too soon, it’s time to prepare for new beginnings this fall. 

By Lisa Lisa and the Star Jam*

VIRGO (Aug 23-Sept 22) Mercury, your ruler’s back on track, there’s a new moon in your sign this month, and you, more than any other sign, are poised for a fresh start. That creative project you’ve been pouring yourself into could suddenly take shape, and you can capitalize on it as long as you can keep your well-honed critic from questioning its viability. You’re also ripe for a raise or infusion of money; so go ahead, splurge on a practical tool that appeals to you, like a new laptop or cell phone. Come on, come out—it’s your birthday, time to celebrate.

LIBRA (Sept 23-Oct 22) There’s a potential for more cash flow this month, Libra. Here’s the deal: the more you allow for your emotions, the sharper the dream comes into focus. This is no fantasy. There’s terra firma beneath that new venture. The more you realize the value of your inborn talents, the more the outside world will recognize and reward you for them. It’s time to shift into a higher gear with your creative project(s) after a summer of idling. By month’s end, your focus is on tying up loose ends around an important relationship. You’re clear on your worth, and they see it. 

SCORPIO (Oct 23-Nov 21) A sudden shift in your intimate relationship opens up a new network of friends and collaborators. Your words have connectivity, and as you choose all the right key phrases, you’re optimizing your reach. A home improvement project that’s been stalled moves ahead, and you have the energy to see it through. Your charisma crackles, and you have everyone eating out of your hand. Amidst it all, just don’t let your popularity go to your head; remember to keep a collaborative frame of mind, and you’ll lengthen your winning streak. 

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22-Dec 21) Earth to Sag: You’ve been thinking so big lately that it looks like your head is in the clouds, but you’re not just daydreaming, you’re scaling up your plans. On a deep level, you’ve been unearthing hidden treasure from lifetimes of faith. As you articulate your aims and sharpen your career focus, you build a more sound financial structure on which to base your professional goals. A shakeup around your work routine is part of the scheme. You’re legitimizing your operation, setting the stage for an expansion that’s about to surface later this year. At the end of the month, the full moon shines its light in your house of kids and creativity. It’s all part of the plan.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22-Jan 19) Fresh air is stirring the curtains around the windows of your 9th house (house of higher mind), drawing attention to the horizon line beyond the fence. Your mind fixes on exploration, literal and figurative. Go ahead and follow those creative urges. They can inform your years-long process of self-transformation. Friends will be a great benefit to you all month, so let yourself lean on them. Your mantra should be: No one is an island. By the end of the month, you may feel your faith in humanity restored. 

AQUARIUS (Jan 20-Feb 18) All systems in your career engine are humming along quite well, with several opportunities to expand and shine. You may want to think about kickstarting a practical approach around investments and clarifying the “yours,” “mine,” and “ours” buckets.  While your public life is steady-as-she-goes, surprises could be in store for your domestic situation. Freedom may be your middle name this month, Aquarius, as change is afoot in the area of your chart that rules hearth and home. Maybe you’ll pick up and move, or maybe you’ll install a zip line from your balcony to the back 40. Either way, the shake-up will bring some needed upgrades once the whirlwind passes through.

PISCES (Feb 19-Mar 20) A light bulb turns on in your relationship sphere, inspiring a new mindset around what coupledom means to you. With a little help from your friends, single fish could find a more solid or suitable partner with whom you can travel and/or expand your horizons. Those already partnered may find a fresh way of being in a relationship that both frees your mind and introduces you to a wider, more sustainable network that supports your future goals. Toward the end of the month, you have the opportunity to give the heave-ho to a belief that may be a roadblock to greater abundance.

ARIES (Mar 21-April 19) With Mars, your ruling planet, green-lighted, Rams are back in action. You’re raring to get out there and meet friends and influence people. And with your energy returned, you’re itching to reset your routine, which must include a recommitment to your exercise and diet program. All the while, you’re uncovering hidden emotional reserves and tapping potential shared financial veins. If you’re in the process of reinventing how you make a living, don’t underestimate these discoveries, they can sustain you. A full moon in your sign later in the month shines the spotlight on you. The ball is in your court, now’s your chance to beam all your best traits out into the world.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) The Earth is moving in your house of identity leading to restructuring on the hallowed grounds of your life philosophy. A new perspective helps clear the way for your creativity to flourish and maybe even for romance to bloom. Astrological omens clearly state: Love is in the air. Bulls already coupled may stumble on an especially sweet patch in their committed relationship, while single bulls may prepare for a stampede of suitors. 

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) A revolution brewing under the roof beams turns over some fresh ground around the homestead. Twins, are you making plans to build your off-the-grid cabin? As your ruler, Mercury, shifts into forward motion, you wrestle with new ideas about what home and family mean to you. Whether you’re thinking about moving or repurposing an empty nest, a change on the homefront frees up space for you to take care of yourself and nurture your body. Scheduling a regular massage or hiring a personal trainer may help ease any transitions around your home life. Even better, book tickets for a getaway.  

CANCER (June 21-July 22) An unusual set of friends introduces you to new haunts and a different way of communicating, maybe even a new language. This fresh take on connecting spills into your most private relationship, which may have felt like an uphill grind for most of the year. This infusion lightens the load in the intimacy terrain, bringing a more detached approach, making it all seem more palatable. Those who say marriage is a lot of work are wise, of course. But this month, your work pays off and you enjoy a connection that’s not only deeper but hotter.  

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Earthly concerns take center stage as a new moon in your money house signals a reset around finances. This is really about valuing yourself. Ruled by the sun, you are a natural role model. So as you lift up your self-esteem, others take note and follow suit. Leos who work from home get a boost to spruce up their castle, creating a beautiful space that attracts abundance. Meanwhile, Lions’ summer hiatus around relationships is over. It’s time to take action in the one-on-one house. Toward the end of the month, pack your bags and set your sights on the blue horizon. Far from home, you may make important connections. While you’re away, keep your eyes and ears open for workshops or schools you might like to return to.  

If you know your rising sign, read that, too; it’s often relevant. 

*Lisa Awrey and Lisa Carroll

illustration by @boccaccinimeadows