Countdown to 2018! After a year of major upheaval and worldwide insanity, we won't be heartbroken to see 2017 in our rearview mirrors. Although astrologers and mystics never know exactly how events will play out, some of this chaos was to be expected. For one thing, 2017 was a 1 Year in numerology, a time where everything feels like the Wild West — uncivilised and OOC. It's also been the Chinese Year of the Fire Rooster — and male egos have certainly been strutting around on full display. But the Rooster also wakes us up! Activism and political engagement haven't been this strong for decades. This has also been a year of unprecedented takedowns of some of the most powerful, predatory perpetrators against women.
Since December is always a month for reflection, give your life a review. How did you grow through 2017's tumult? Where have you become stronger and more confident? Break out your journal (and your pussy hat...remember that?) and reflect. With Mercury retrograde pointing us to the past from December 3 to 22, this could be a deeply nostalgic month. Just heed the warning flags: Triple-confirm all your travel reservations and no rage-tweeting!
On December 19, drill sergeant Saturn switches signs for the first time in three years, leaving global Sagittarius and moving on to Capricorn, an earth sign that rules business, government economics, and, yes, the patriarchy. Saturn pulls no punches! This new, three-year cycle could force businesses to comply with environmentally sound policies. Our interest in government will expand and there may be emerging markets (wind and solar) that work with natural resources. Men may have another reckoning as Saturn clamps down on the toxic side of masculinity. While there might be more "law and order" in the land, by the time this cycle ends on December 17, 2020, here's hoping those rules are rewritten to benefit all people, not just a tiny percent.
P.S. Are you between the ages of 27 and 31? This might be the start or end of your Saturn return. Those born with Saturn in Sagittarius (16-11-88 to 12-2-88 and 10-6-88 to 11-11-88) will celebrate the end of their Saturn Return. People born with Saturn in Capricorn (13-2-88 to 9-6-88 and 12-11-88 to 6-2-91) your Saturn return is on! Over the coming three years you'll tackle some epic challenges that are meant to make you stronger, wiser, and a pro at adulting.
Sagittarius
November 22 to December 21
Can we get an amen, halle-fucking-lujah? Yes, December's starmap is that big of a deal — and you are going to love the news you hear. For one thing, it's Sagittarius season as the sun beams in your sign until the 21st. This is the time each year when the cosmos hit the reset button on your life, serving up fresh starts and exciting opportunities at every turn. Venus, the planet of radiant beauty and love, is on tour through Sagittarius until the 25th, making you hotter than fire. (So many hookups, so little time?) Love could get ring-shopping real for some Archers with the full moon on the 3rd!
On the 18th, the annual new moon in Sagittarius will be like a bonus New Year for you, so get your wish list ready. And while Mercury will be retrograde in your sign from December 3 to 22, you might not be able to fire off unfiltered commentary, but you will have a chance to reprise some of your greatest hits and reconnect with beloved people from your past. Mars in Scorpio and your nostalgic 12th house from December 9 to January 26 helps you make amends before 2017 ends — or clear frenemies out of your field for good!
But honestly, Archer, what is really thrilling about December is this: On the 19th, you are graduating from three, long, ass-kicking years in astrological boot camp. Saturn, the cosmic drill sergeant, is exiting Sagittarius and moving on to Capricorn, freeing you from his gruelling grasp. Since December 23, 2014, Saturn's been putting you through the paces, throwing down intense lessons that forced you to "adult." And fun — uh, what's that? You've been so busy working toward goals that you've had little time to play. But as you prepare to throw your cosmic cap and gown to the skies, you have to admit that you are fiercer, wiser, and more bulletproof than you've ever been. You won't host Saturn again for 29.5 years. Deep. Sigh. Of. Relief. On the 19th, Saturn marches on to his home sign of Capricorn, teaching you the basics of financial stability. You've never met a sale rack you didn't like, Sagittarius, but delayed gratification could become your new M.O. as your nest egg starts to grow! Sweet security. You could get used to that!
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Capricorn
December 22 to January 19
Toss a Yule log on the fire and kick back for a short-ish winter's disco nap. By day, you'll be a sleepy critter this December — at night, a roaring party animal. With the Sagittarius sun nestled in your dreamy, nocturnal 12th house until the 21st, you're at the end of your annual Zodiac cycle. Surrender to the holiday spirit, Q4 goals be damned. This is a time for recharging your batteries (but dancing 'til the world ends), giving away the stuff you've outgrown, and basically wiping clean the slate before Capricorn season begins on December 21. And this birthday is going to be a big one for you, wow. On December 19, your ruling planet — Saturn, the astrological architect — comes home to Capricorn for the first time since February 1991. Some signs quake in their combat boots at the thought of a visit from Saturn, but not you. This three-year cycle of growth, which lasts until December 17, 2020, will challenge you to level up in ways you never have before! (Music to your ambitious ears.) Check your ego at the door and let the masters take you under their tutelage. You may have to revamp some essential structures in your life so that you're working in smarter, more efficient ways. And, yes, Saturn in your sign can feel like cosmic boot camp at moments, but do the drills anyway. You'll be straight-up bulletproof when Saturn is done with you!
Do you need to make any amends before the year is through? Let's face it, Capricorn, 2017 wasn't the easiest time for you. There were moments where you were fully on and then lapses where you just needed to go inward and be with your feelings. From December 3 to 22, expressive Mercury will be retrograde in your 12th house of forgiveness, which provides an ideal window to extend the olive branch. But, as you gear up for Saturn in Capricorn, you might realise that rolling with a leaner, meaner squad is in your best interest. Say au revoir to the energy vampires and make more time for the unsung heroes in the Capricorn choir.
Love planet Venus spends most of the month in Sagittarius and your fantasy-fuelled 12th house before heading into Capricorn on the 25th. Don't get hung up on labels and rules until then — you'll only make make yourself feel claustrophobic. With lusty Mars in your tech-savvy 11th house from December 9 to January 26, you're total "click bait" on the dating apps. Repost your profile and take a chance with a Super Like or two. This experimental cycle could heat things up for coupled Caps. Could Santa have a new toy for your private gift exchange? (That's the, er, buzz, we're hearing.) With festive Venus wrapping the year in your sign, ring in 2018 in adventurous style, sequins required!
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Aquarius
January 20 to February 18
Who will be the Brooklyn Beckham to your Chloë Grace Moretz? Like the Aquarian screen queen, you may have your own romantic renaissance to celebrate before 2017 wraps. On December 3, the full moon in Gemini beams into your fifth house of true love. Keep swiping, single Water Bearers, because you could find your person within two weeks of this full moon. Coupled Aquarians could make things Instagram official or, since the fifth house rules fertility, have reason to start thinking up baby names...or band names! If you're enjoying your solo status, you could find a no-strings playmate to warm your bed when you're in the mood for company. The moon returns to Gemini on New Year's Eve, bringing another firework display to your love life. Don't even think about skipping the festivities, even if earlier in December, pyjama dressing has become a little too real for your life. A sparkly night on the town is what the love doctor ordered — and this year's midnight kiss will be a memorable one!
Your social calendar is going to be packed all month as the sun, Saturn, Mercury, and charming Venus dance through Sagittarius and your 11th house of popularity. And with motivator Mars in your career house from December 9 to January 26 you'll have to make appearances at company events, influencer parties, and other professionally elevating events. In your personal life, everyone wants a piece of your time, which means 'tis the season for the group hang. And with serious Saturn in the mix until the 19th, you could start a powerful tradition with your squad. Lean in to your humanitarian-slash-activist nature and rally everyone for a volunteer mission, throw a party to raise funds for a charity, or knock on doors for a female candidate running for office in 2018. People from your past could make a cameo as Mercury turns retrograde from December 3 to 22. Warning: This backspin could cause mixups with scheduling and technology! Triple-confirm all reservations — from the restaurant to the runway — and make sure to plug every commitment into your calendar the minute you accept the invitation. The new moon on the 18th could sound the call for some gadget updates. Try to hang on 'til the 23rd, when Mercury is back on track, before you pick your new devices. (Cracked screen, be damned!)
On the 19th, a major shift is afoot as your co-ruler, serious Saturn, changes signs. For the past three years, the tough teacher planet has been touring Sagittarius. You've learned who your real friends are and probably reclaimed some of the wackier (and most incredible) parts of yourself. Now, Saturn floats on to Capricorn and your soulful, transitional 12th house until December 17, 2020. This three-year cycle is here raise your emotional IQ and help you set better boundaries with everyone in your life. You'll need more chill time to create, meditate, and develop your inner world. Buy a journal and maybe a guitar. It's time to unleash the artist within.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Pisces
February 19 to March 20
Don ye now that power-dresser's apparel! The holiday party circuit is not only your playground this December; it's also a giant professional networking opportunity. With a celestial squad making moves in Sagittarius and your ambitious 10th house, you could take a huge leap up the ladder of success before 2017 is through. Deck the halls with LinkedIn invites, pitches, proposals, and power lunches. Even if you don't hear back from people until early 2018, your initiatives will have an impact. Reach out to colleagues from your past too! From December 3 to 22, Mercury will be retrograde, which could bring a successful second act with someone you worked with before. But this signal-jamming backspin can also ratchet up tension around the office. Keep those "authority issues" in check and make sure you're clear about all your deliverables at the office before you slip off for the holidays. You don't want to leave the team in limbo because you forgot to hit "Send" on that email with the proposal you worked on all quarter! The new moon on the 18th could bring word of an enticing opportunity. Score!
Holiday travel could take you further from home than expected this year. On December 9, adventurous Mars sails into Scorpio and your worldly ninth house until January 26. Don't turn down any offers to celebrate with friends in other cities, even if you do have to sleep on an air mattress for a few nights. But on New Year's Eve, the moon will hover in Gemini and your intimate fourth house. No matter where you're ringing in 2018, you'll want to be surrounded by a cozy crew of people who love and accept you unconditionally. Romantically, this Mars phase could rev up an attraction with someone from a totally different background than your own. Traveling can draw coupled Pisces closer during this seven-week cycle, especially if you're discovering a place together for the first time.
On the 19th, serious Saturn makes a move into Capricorn and your 11th house of technology and community until December 2020. After three long years of hustling, you may be feeling accomplished, but also a little lonely at the top. Teamwork can make the Pisces dream work now — provided you align yourself with people of integrity. Saturn demands strict criteria so take your time and test those waters slowly. If you're looking to make more bank, a technical skill could help you profit. Time to learn a little coding, Pisces? The geeks shall inherit the Earth!
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Aries
March 21 to April 19
Reclaim your time, Ram! With planets pulsing through Sagittarius all month, your indie-spirited ninth house is on fire. On an average day, no one tells an Aries where to go or who to see. But this month, you're exceptionally strong-willed in that department. We can't blame you! Creatrix Venus and the inspiring Sun are flowing through this enterprising part of your chart until Christmas. You have places to see and passion projects to launch! And with industrious Saturn wrapping up a three-year tour through Sagittarius on the 19th, your focus will get you to the finish line. You might need to take one big, bold risk, too, Aries — thankfully, that's something your daring sign lives for.
Are you in the traveling way? The new moon on the 18th whets your wanderlust. Being a spontaneous Aries, you could very well reroute your holiday celebrations in the last minute. Who says you can't get into the festive spirit under swaying palms?! But spring for the travel insurance and read all the reviews before you make your reservations. Mercury will be in a signal-jamming retrograde from December 3 to 22, which could create some blips with your planning. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. And do pack a date night outfit, no matter your relationship status. Vacation romances could heat up with Venus in Sagittarius until the 25th and coupled Rams should try to squeeze in a sexy little getaway before the year's end. Of course, your GPS coordinates don't really matter this month. From December 9 to January 26, lusty Mars will simmer in Scorpio and your erotic eighth house. What happens behind closed doors is sure to be spicy.
Career goals will top your 2018 resolutions. On December 19, wise teacher Saturn settles into Capricorn and enrols you in a three-year master class in being Da Boss. You're kind of a punk rock ladder climber, Aries. No, you don't buy into the whole corporatist thing. But hey, if you could strike it rich just being your original self like Aries Ilana Glazer, say, why wouldn't you? A leadership role or independent venture has your name written all over it. Ready, set, ascend, Queen! But patience, please. With Saturn, good things come to those who wait and hustle relentlessly.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Taurus
April 20 to May 20
Enchanté, Taurus! Your seductive powers shift into overdrive from December 1 to 25, as your ruling planet Venus joins the sun, Mercury, and Saturn in Sagittarius and your erotic eighth house. You'll have them before hello, with your magnetic allure and simmering mystique. But beam those charms selectively, Bull. Passion-planet Mars slinks through Scorpio and your committed relationship zone from December 9 to January 26 and makes you want to play for keeps. The trouble is, you could jump the gun. As a result, you may confuse a hookup for a happily-ever-after situation — especially while Mercury is in a signal-scrambling retrograde from December 3 to 22. To stay in Cupid's good graces, let your love interest(s) earn their loyalty points — ideally before any sequinned party clothes wind up in an impassioned heap beside the bed. A promising LTR prospect could appear near the new moon on the 18th. Partnerships of all manner, for that matter, could get real-deal serious around that time. You may be signing on a dotted line for financial purposes, too. But try to stall a few days so you can seal those deals at the most auspicious time — when Mercury turns direct after the 22nd.
Happily attached? Plunge in deeper! But first, make sure you talk through any sticking points. Mercury's backspin could churn up some old feelings of frustration or a bout of jealousy. While you shouldn't let the green-eyed monster hijack your prefrontal cortex, you might need your S.O. to give you a little more reassurance. Timing is everything for talks like these! Avoid texting during work hours and create a conducive atmosphere for a heart to heart — over a lovely dinner or while cuddling on the couch. Focus on the outcome you want to create instead of harping on what's missing. You and bae could have a big announcement to share over the holidays.
And now for some news you'll be happy to hear. One planet is leaving Sagittarius this month: taskmaster Saturn. For the past three years, the stoic planet has been bearing down on your eighth house of sex, intimacy, and investments. You've no doubt learned some crucial lessons in these areas, even if they came the hard way. Some Bulls weathered big breakups while others took serious steps like getting engaged or buying property. Maybe you discovered your sexual power in a more adult way than ever before. But this hasn't exactly been a light and fluffy phase. So much internal processing! Get ready to be a front-facing Bull again on the 19th, as Saturn soldiers on to Capricorn and your global, entrepreneurial ninth house until December 2020. This should be a much easier phase for you — and a lot more fun! Growth is the keyword now. Over the next few years, you will come into your own as a traveler, entrepreneur, even a teacher. If you've thought about going back to school, this Saturn cycle is an excellent time for study. Cross-cultural connections strengthen. Hello woman of the world!
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Gemini
May 21 to June 20
How lucky are you, Gemini?! December is bookended with two glowing moments for your sign, so break out your sparkliest everything and get ready to shine. On the 3rd, the year's only full moon in Gemini will light up the skies. All your hard work of the past six months could culminate in an amazing victory. Quick: Google yourself! Is there anything nefarious you need to take down? Influential people will be searching your name and this is your month to represent. The second Gemini moon of the month arrives on New Year's Eve, making you the darling of champagne rooms everywhere. Although this isn't a full moon, you'll still be in your indie-spirited element. Plan ahead and make this a special NYE by designing it around your desires. From a VIP penthouse party to a spiritual retreat in the jungle, if you could be anywhere this December 31, Gemini, where would it be?
Or maybe it's more about who you're ringing in 2018 with than your GPS coordinates. December's starmap is heavy on the relationship vibes as five planets hover in Sagittarius and your seventh house of partnerships. Among the pack are love planet Venus from December 1 to 25, and serious Saturn, who is wrapping up a three-year tour through this realm on the 19th. Twins could take a huge step with your other half, be it your bae, business associate, or bandmate. Have you known for a while that it was time to move on? There's a "make it or break it" energy afoot and this might be the moment where you spring free from a discordant duet. Your ruling planet, frenetic Mercury, will be retrograde from December 3 to 22, which could herald the return of an ex. Does this one deserve a second chance? You've been known to write people off a little too quickly at times. If that was the case, test the waters with a little reunion. But do keep the door bolted on past loves whose persistent (and unhealed!) troubles just drag you down.
You'll have your mind on your money after the 9th as motivator Mars cruises into Scorpio and your sixth house of work until January 26. With a little extra elbow grease, you can finish the year with a feather in your cap. But this Mars phase can be stressful, so don't let holiday celebrations derail your Pilates practice. Exercise will keep you sane as the year turns over! On the 19th, serious Saturn heads into Capricorn for a three-year tour through your eighth house of wealth. Between now and 2020, you could create some profitable income streams through royalties, commissions, even the purchase (or sale) of property! Or start establishing your credit with your first card. The key to avoiding debt is to pay everything you charge back within a month's time, though, Gemini! The eighth house is the erotic zone, too — in a playing-for-keeps kind of way. Relationships could deepen big time and you may entwine romance with finance by co-signing a lease (or mortgage) or otherwise pooling funds for a shared investment.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Cancer
June 21 to July 22
Who says you have to choose between naughty and nice? This month, you're feeling both. With a posse of planets in Sagittarius and your sixth house of service, your nurturing nature is front and centre, as per usual. Organise holiday gifting at the office or a pooled donation for Planned Parenthood or a hurricane relief charity like Real Housewife Bethenny Frankel's B Strong. Work will be busy and a little more demanding that you'd like this month. Aim to finish strong! Alas, that means you can't shift into a holiday headspace before you've dotted every "i." Persnickety Mercury will be retrograde from December 3 to 22, making it all too easy to overlook important details if you let go of the wheel. Make a task list and check it twice. Follow up to be certain that clients got your proposal and that your emails didn't land in anyone's junk folder.
Now for the "naughty" part. Frisky, adventurous Mars sails into Scorpio and your flamboyant fifth house from December 9 to January 26 and serves you a giant cup of courage. Like Cancerian style whiz Solange, you could rewrite the rules of fashion (hair sculpture, anyone?) in a fiercely, self-authorised way. (Just stick to temporary updates until Mercury retrograde ends on the 22nd.) If you're spotlight shy, let your work speak for itself. Be more forthright about promoting your efforts and make sure the boss is aware of your contributions. You could be pegged for a leadership role (and a salary boost) as a result of your proactivity.
Mars in Scorpio can make you fearless in the game of love. When you feel something, say something (because you can be kind of hard to read, Cancer). With romantic Venus hovering in Sagittarius from December 1 to 25, you might even find true love on a volunteer shift. Your sensitive sign isn't huge on casual dating, so this could be the idea scenarios for finding someone with the character and heart you need. Coupled Crabs, make a point of dressing up and going out together, and often. But the biggest relationship developments are likely to happen after the 19th. On that day, serious Saturn embarks on a three-year tour through Capricorn and your seventh house of relationships. You find your "person" during this time — or, if you already have, the two of you could make a milestone move together. If your duo isn't feeling dynamic, Saturn helps you go to work on it. After the honeymoon phase, even the greatest relationships don't run on auto-pilot. Give yours some care and feeding, Cancer, and watch it thrive again. If it's legit time to move on, Saturn can help you make the tough, but ultimately liberating, decision to set yourself free.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Leo
July 23 to August 22
Don ye now that velvet apparel! Five planets visit Sagittarius and your festive, flamboyant, and flirtations fifth house this December. You'll be swinging from chandeliers, making cameos under mistletoe — and snapping selfies every step of the way (please!). Amorous Venus is among the pack. Before the 25th, she could set a cross-cultural attraction in motion or invoke an epic vacation romance. Coupled Leos, try to slip off for a pre-holiday getaway, even if it's just a sultry night in a boutique hotel. A change of scenery is the ultimate aphrodisiac this month. New love or a major milestone like an engagement or pregnancy could arrive with the new moon on the 18th.
There's one catch, though: From December 3 to 22, messenger Mercury will be retrograde in Sagittarius, which could scramble Cupid's signals and your stylist's, too! Hold off on the tattoo or crazy undercut until January when you're 100% sure you want it. With Mercury in reverse until the 22nd, mixed messages could throw you off bae's trail or an ex could return, begging for a second chance. If it was just bad timing that kept you apart, cool. But don't invite a toxic lover back into your bed — even if it was the best sex you ever had.
If you need a distraction to avoid drunk-texting aforementioned ex, throw yourself into a home decor mission. From December 9 until January 26, motivator Mars crackles in Scorpio and your domestic zone. Host a holiday soiree at Chateau Leo and keep the spare bedding out for all the guests who could roll through. Or, if it's time to pull up the stakes, you could be paying rent in a new zip code come January. You could also get an early start on those work and wellness resolutions. On the 19th, a major shift is happening as taskmaster Saturn changes signs, leaving your romance house after three years and settling into a much more helpful position — your industrious sixth house — until December 17, 2020. This new cycle is all about establishing yourself in the work force and giving your body the nourishing love it needs. How to thrive? Humble thyself, pay your dues at the office, and let the gym be your chapel.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Virgo
August 23 to September 22
Settle back and enjoy the cozy vibes, Virgo. You're going to need that rest by the month's end! But, until the 21st, the sun is simmering in Sagittarius and your home and family zone. All you'll want to do is hunker down with your nearest and dearest. Warmhearted Venus is also in your nesting sector until the 25th, so you're more about decorating and entertaining than that long winter's nap. "Club Virgo" could be the lively hub of fun for your squad — and you'll happily step it up with your vintage ornaments, signature cocktails, living room dance parties, and home karaoke nights. Ready to relocate or find a new roommate? The new moon on the 18th could lead you in the right direction. But there's a catch: From December 3 to 22, your ruling planet, Mercury, is retrograde in Sagittarius, which could make it hard to get the clearest read. Visit prospective neighbourhoods during the day and after dark to see how safe you feel. And ask that applicant for references! The Mercury mayhem could also cause some friction with a relative. Yes, Virgo, it is probably still "too soon" to talk politics with the extended fam.
Don't log off your work email too soon! On the 3rd, the full moon in Gemini could bring an end-of-year career victory — one you've worked hard to earn. The moon returns to Gemini on New Year's Eve, so you might want to spring for some "strategic socialising." Sure, those VIP tickets are expensive, but if it means rubbing shoulders with the influencers, it's more of an investment than a splurge. After all, Virgo, it's all about who you know. And with Mars buzzing through your friendship house from December 9 to January 26, you will make connections at lightning speed. So many people, so little time! The Sun will be in your festive fifth house from the 21st on, so no matter where you're celebrating, you're going to be the life of the party. (Hence those disco naps we mentioned earlier.)
Now for the biggest news of the month: On December 19, mature Saturn moves into fellow earth sign Capricorn and your fifth house of love, creative expression, and fame. This three-year cycle will ripen your romantic potential, but you're likely to step into a more "adult" relationship instead of something that's wild and crazy fun. The heart wants what it wants, Virgo, and you should never act like chemistry doesn't count! But with Saturn here, make sure your head has an equal say. This Saturn cycle will groom you for a leadership role — one that's challenging, but also exhilarating. What do you want to be the queen of by December 17, 2020? Put your focus there and slowly begin your ascent.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Libra
September 23 to October 22
Wanderlust: activated! Sitting still is so not your jam for most of December. On the 3rd, the annual full moon in Gemini lights up your nomadic ninth house and sounds the call for a pre-holiday holiday. Why not hop on a plane and do your gift-shopping in a totally different zip code, Libra? (A road trip works, too.) You'll score points for originality and get a chance to check out an area that might one day become your new home — or home away from home. Then again, you might want to save your miles for New Year's Eve when the moon will be in Gemini again. Ringing in 2018 in Barcelona, Bali, or the Bay Area could be the perfect start to the year. But don't be hasty with any travel planning. From December 3 to 22, mobile Mercury will be retrograde, a pesky, thrice-annual cycle that has a rep for messing with scheduling, itineraries, and booking details. Read all those user reviews before choosing a hotel and spring for the travel insurance just to be on the safe side!
Don't sleep on the local scene! You'll be in perpetual motion even when you are at home base. Your ruling planet, enchanting Venus, is fluttering through your ultra-social third house until the 25th, accompanied by the sun for most of that journey. So many people, so little time! Reserve one-on-ones for your innermost circle and loop everyone else into group hangs. People will appreciate the semi-randomness of your gatherings and you could wind up playing matchmaker for a couple of your pals. (Hello, good karma points.) Mercury retrograde could reunite you with an important old friend, especially near the new moon on the 18th. When it comes to love, you aren't exactly in the mood to settle down. Swipe away on the dating apps and enjoy some playful messaging and coffee dates. Cupid's sampler platter awaits! Even coupled Libras should allow yourselves some harmless flirting — all good if you're up front about your status.
No slacking on those end-of-year work goals! Motivator Mars leaves Libra on the 9th and embarks on a seven-week tour through Scorpio and your income house. Over the past couple months, you may have dreamed up some savvy schemes for making money and making a name for yourself. Now, you can put those plans into a practical structure and even start profiting in early 2018. Who knows? Saving up to purchase your starter apartment could be on deck after the 19th as mature Saturn hunkers down in Capricorn and your domestic fourth house until December 17, 2020. On the 21st, the Capricorn sun will put you in a family-friendly groove. Just in time for the holidays, Libra, kick back and enjoy some sentimental moments with your nearest and dearest. Ahhh.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Scorpio
October 23 to November 21
Thought you'd kick back for a long winter's nap? Guess again, Scorpio! Sleep will be the last thing on your mind as thrillseeker Mars joins jovial Jupiter in your sign from December 9 until January 26. Mars visits your sign every 18 months (and Jupiter every 12.5 years), so take advantage of this ultra-rare cosmic combo, which is like Tesla rocket booster for your dreams. A passion project could take flight or you could finally get the courage to make a huge leap like applying to school, moving from New York to L.A. (or vice versa), or quitting your soul-sucking job to start your own company. Whatever it is, you're ready to leap, which is a big deal for your security-loving sign. Get ready: This cosmic combo will make you more visible — and people will be watching (and imitating) your every move. As the Zodiac's most mysterious sign, you're not always comfortable being in the spotlight, but hiding out behind the scenes could mean missing out on a major opportunity this month. Think of yourself as a role model and inspiration. Doing Scorpio means empowering other people to shine their lights!
Make a budget for upgrades — and check that list twice. The sun and decadent Venus spend most of the month in Sagittarius and your sensible-yet-sensual second house. The finer things are calling your name, but with Mercury retrograde from December 3 to 22, put them on a Pinterest board and shop around. Something better (or better priced) could pop up as you research. Hunting for more gainful employment? With festive Venus here, you could charm your way into a power lunch and interview after a great party conversation. Polish up all your profile pages, because people will be googling your name. The new moon on the 18th could bring word of a gig worth applying for, perhaps within the company at which you already work.
In love, you'll crave excitement one minute and stability the next, thanks to the somewhat awkward dance of Mars in your electrifying first house and Venus in your slow and steady second. Save your final rose for a cutie who has range! Dressing up and breaking dawn is great, but so is staying in all weekend. Mars in Scorpio could start a sexual revolution this December and you might actually prefer single status. Coupled Scorpios, break out of your stale routines. The adrenaline rush of a shared adventure will be an aphrodisiac! Partnerships of the platonic variety could get serious after the 19th when master-builder Saturn hunkers down in Capricorn and your third house of dynamic duos until December 2020. If you're willing to hustle, this three-year cycle could bring a tag team effort to new heights of success. Some Scorpios may be compelled to take on more leadership locally. Get involved! Like signmate Hillary Clinton, a political office may even call your name.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
You Should Actually Use Your Zodiac Sign To Determine Your Birthstone
Meet The 27-Year-Old Medium Who Does Readings For Lana Del Rey