Horoscopes for September 29 - October 4, 2008

**If you know your Rising Sign, read for that as well**

ARIES: The New Moon in your opposite sign is forcing you to examine what you’re getting out of a certain situation that your partners are not. The next two weeks are good for taking stock of characteristics that need some minor adjustments in order to work for the good of all involved. If you’re looking for ways that other people are getting all the credit for something you feel belongs to you and you alone, you’re sure to find evidence all over the place. The more you can share this spotlight, the more you’ll benefit. Make some room for the rest of us.

TAURUS: It’s about what’s actually happening. Anything you’re seeing just because it’s what you want to see could come back to get you in all the wrong ways as soon as next week. Right now you’re being well supported by planets that represent Meaning and Foundation. This puts you in a place where you’re able to make sense out of what you do encounter in ways that bring you a new level of stability. With Mars joining Venus in your opposite sign, these lessons are likely coming from your closest relationships. Look for any opportunity to rise to the occasion, and try to get there before something forces you to.

GEMINI: You’re well supported by planets in your fellow Air signs – energy that’s likely bringing new and interesting beings and situations into the picture. Share your ideas with as many people as you can and allow yourself to be curious about what they’re coming up with as well. Right now it’s all about brainstorming and firming up details without jumping into the actual process. Use this week to come up with plans A, B and C and you’ll be more prepared than ever before in mid-October, when it’s time to start making stuff happen.

CANCER: Being ruled by the Moon, Cancer is a special sort of sensitive to the “fresh start” energy of any New Moon – use today’s in Libra to commit to your most intimate partnerships. Mars joins Venus in Scorpio – a move that’s likely to bring the shadow side of all our relationships to the forefront over the coming weeks. Understanding the entirety of a union – both the dark and the light – will bring a new level of comfort when all is said and done, and this is what you’re always looking for. Know that you’re ready to handle whatever pops up with energy and grace. It’s all about building up your calm and capable side.

LEO: The focus is on what you need to change in your relationships. Remember this as confrontations arise and you’ll be well prepared to handle the growing pains. Look especially for situations where you feel others are putting you up on a pedestal. If you’re trying to live up to someone else’s unrealistic expectations, you’re likely heading straight towards disappointment for the both of you. Mars joining Venus in a challenging sign can represent force as well as pure, unadulterated energy. Concentrate on finding creative solutions to any misunderstandings and you’re likely to create an undeniable passion as well.

VIRGO: By the second week of a Mercury Retrograde phase, you’re all about adjusting to the circumstances. This time around you’re having more intense feelings than you’re used to, but are more than able to make room for them as long as the intention is there. The good news is that this week there should be a lot less to react to. Keep moving forward and you’re liable to find pleasure in places that usually bring a challenge and a half. Your Mercury Ruler colliding with the Sun early next week will bring the ruminations back to overdrive. In the meantime, make it a point to think less and simply appreciate what you do have.

LIBRA: The New Moon in your sign happens once a year, right around your Birthday, bringing the gifts of fresh chances and brand new starts. This week shows you the first steps in a cycle that’s all about overcoming challenges with your usual diplomacy and an added dose of authority as well. Venus, the planet that rules you is up to lots of activity for the next two weeks, bringing plenty of celebration and to-do. Play up your differences, take advantage of any new opportunity, and remember to keep your daydreams in check.

SCORPIO: Mars joins Venus in your sign on Thursday, bringing another kind of energy into the mix. Look for increased motivation, heightened action and even more opportunities to improve your relationships. Mars, the God of War, also has the reputation of being angry or even vengeful. Make sure you keep a lid on any fighting words, and remember that the more attention you can pay to your own situation, the more you’ll be able to right things for those close to you as well. Expect this theme to last through the end of the month, and make a note to look back and compare where you are now to where you get by then.

SAGITTARIUS: The more you notice the good stuff, the more good stuff there is to see. Today’s New Moon in Libra brings brand new beginnings for all of us, especially where relationships are concerned. Those of you looking to connect should keep your eyes wide open, and those of you who are quite attached should find fresh ways of working out old kinks. Venus approaches your Jupiter ruler this weekend with nothing but nice things to say. Take advantage of this energy as much as you can, but remember it's constantly changing. Wait until the end of the month to make any permanent commitments.

CAPRICORN: Pluto will be making the grand entrance into your sign for a 20-year stay at the tail end of November. In the meantime you’re all about preparing for that time which will be forcing you to take charge and command the power you deserve. Make it a point to get out and about this weekend when Venus points her grace toward big luck Jupiter in your sign just before the Moon too moves into Capricorn. This is weather that could bring the circumstances you’ve been searching for. Play hard.

AQUARIUS: Mars and Venus teaming up in a challenging sign during the Mercury Retrograde could be conjuring shadows, bringing up things you thought were long forgotten to mess with your social life. Don’t let this energy shut you away from the rest of the world. Remember that it’s just the weather and you’ll be able to coast past any drama with ease. Today’s New Moon in a fellow Air sign is all about a breath of fresh air. You’ve been feeling stuck or stifled, but this is the week you let yourself break past what you now realize are entirely self-created boundaries.

PISCES: Look for fresh starts all over the place beginning as soon as today’s New Moon. Mars joining Venus in Scorpio, a fellow Water sign, amps your energy, giving you the gumption you need to get to work on your current projects. Take as much time out as you can for creative play this week and you’re sure to find even more ideas you can use. Activity between Venus and your Neptune ruler next week could bring the kinks into the spotlight. Wait until then to iron out the details. Whatever is being put on the table now should reap plenty of recognition right around November’s Full Moon.