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It's Mercury Retrograde Time in September and October
by Guest astrologer: Alicia Katz Pollock

This September, the inner planets Venus, Mars and Mercury travel together in Libra, inspiring positive social connection. Jupiter in Capricorn trines with Saturn in Virgo, and is considered a strong, fortuitous foundation.
While Mercury is retrograde from Sept. 24 to Oct. 15, avoid any heavy conversations about your relationship, as communicating accurately and for the highest good will be challenging.

Aries (March 21 - April 19)
You're going to find it tough to delegate right now. Are you guiding those around you to a higher goal, or are you trying to force others to adopt to your own views of how to get it done? In other words, it's not them, it's you. The best thing you can do is to give the other person your full commitment and loyalty, and you'll get the results you're after. Reflection and behind-the-scenes activity will help you strike a balance.

Taurus (April 20 - May 20)
Time to chill out. You can quit wondering if people think you're pretty, or if they like you. They don't. Just kidding! In fact, they think you're beautiful inside and out, and they're glad to have you in their lives. It's your own insecurities that are keeping you from really seeing that about yourself. The finger of God is going to point to you in mid-September, and you'll have some indisputable proof. If you can fall in love with yourself, in October when someone heaven-sent turns their attention your way, you'll be able to let your defenses down.

Gemini (May 21 - June 21)
Gather as much information as you can about an emotional situation and help people talk about what they are feeling. This is a time for you to listen to what everyone else is saying and feeling, and to shift your attention away from yourself. Your opinion doesn't matter right now! You may feel like you're compromising yourself by not speaking, but your contribution will be for the highest good. In fact, as you successfully help those around you share their insights, you'll grow and evolve.

Cancer (June 22 - July 22)
Right now you need to nurture and be nurtured, and to safely and freely express your emotions. If you have scars that have never healed, you've got people around you to support you. However, the key word here is "safely." You are not free to unload your pain on anyone, and especially not to be passive/aggressive. Life isn't fair. This is a time for integrity, honesty and mature judgment. Once you let go of this baggage, your relationships with your loved ones will no longer be a struggle between your head and your heart.

Leo (July 23 - August 22)
In September, your feelings of alienation and isolation will cause you to want to make a commitment, but reflect deeply before you act. Be careful not to over-express your emotions - you may actually cause drama where there needn't be any! Your passion for what's possible can cause you to not see the situation for what it is: a normal natural cycle that ebbs and flows. Use sound ethics and maintain your dignity as you proceed. Ironically, at the end of October you may find yourself in the opposite situation, looking for breathing room.

Virgo (August 23 - September 22)
In September, Uranus in Pisces will oppose your Sun conjunct Saturn, so a storm is coming. If you haven't yet learned your lessons in living, look out for lightning strikes that will in turn split your life into pieces and force you to grow and change. If you have already been working on getting your life in order, then you're going to see a rainbow now that your storm is ending. An issue to pay special attention to: Do you always have to be right? Equality, compromise and appreciation will go a long way toward deepening your relationships.

Libra (September 23 - October 23)
The first few weeks of September will be the perfect time to gab, scheme and dream with your best buddies. Commiserate, solve each other's problems, bask in the love of your friends. Let those conversations steep like a warm cup of tea in your hand for a few weeks until October's Mercury retrograde is over, though - if you wait patiently until you've become infused with your ponderings before sharing your plan, you'll be able to present a refined, articulate proposal that will inspire those around you.

Scorpio (October 24 - November 22)
Have you seen the Austin Powers movies? Every time he says, "Do I make you horny, baby?" and grins with those awful teeth, I simultaneously cringe and crack up: how can a man so out of touch be such a powerful object of desire? Your autumn will be kind of like that - you're looking for someone to slather, but you may misread the situation, or your passion will turn off the fireworks instead of igniting them. And getting jealous won't help things, even if the pathos is fun.

Sagittarius (November 23 - December 21)
Pluto has been in Sag since 1995, and it finally will leave you alone this November. But on its way out, it will knock you around just a bit more. Pay close attention to detail and have an open heart during this last opportunity to learn and grow. On September 19 and October 16 you'll actually experience moments of complete inner peace and stability. Savor those epiphanies and carry those experiences with you.

Capricorn (December 22 - January 20)
Although you're usually most comfortable behind the scenes, the second week in September brings you an unusually auspicious opportunity to bestow your talents to help a cause succeed. Volunteer your time. Offer your advice. Bring stability to a chaotic situation. While you'll have to let yourself be noticed, bask in the appreciation because you will really make a difference during an important time.

Aquarius (January 21 - February 19)
Normally you cherish your eccentricity, but this autumn you find yourself affecting aloofness when you'd rather get to know others better. Be yourself - your creative spark is not only inspirational, but will help you break through your habit of feeling alienated. At the end of October, clear the air with your mother - if you're carrying baggage from your childhood that's keeping you from being authentic with people, this is the perfect time to let go and escape your limits. In addition, take on two daily actions, one for your health and one for the environment.

Pisces (February 20 - March 20)
Uranus in Pisces continues to be an overwhelming healing influence in your life. The winds of change continue to blow, and you have years to go. Change is what you make it, and every problem is an opportunity. This season these changes will directly influence your relationships, so bring intention and dignity to your own transformation.

Alicia Katz Pollock is the artist and visionary behind Wandering Star Astrology Chart Jewelry, and the media director for the Oregon Astrological Association. Her astrology necklaces and bracelets are wearable, readable, mathematically accurate horoscopes, and are found at www.wstardesigns.com.