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Transits

September, 2007

** Note from Astrology.com:
--Free Samples: Relationship Potential Reading, Compatibility & Conflict Reading, Karmic Love Reading
--Free Fun: Celebrity Birthday of the Month, Your Heart's Desire Quiz, Astro-Beauty Quiz, Chakra Test
** All About Libra
** Your Starcast for September 23 to October 23
** Astrolesson: The Planets of Love, Venus and Neptune

Each year when the Sun enters Libra, the sign of the peacemaker, we are reminded of the importance of being good to each other whether to our mate, our neighbors or someone on the other side of the world. It's no wonder that Libra is the sign that represents relationships! This is no time to stay at home. Make sure you get out and socialize. Why not throw your own party? This is the perfect time to meet new people and meet-up with old friends. Who knows, someone may be just waiting for you to make the first move!

There is no better time to celebrate relationships. Why not start out with a free sample Relationship Potential Reading? Whether you want to know more about your current relationship or the dynamics between you and your latest crush, this reading gives you insight into the themes of your relationship. All you need is the birth information for you and that special someone.

Once you have the scoop on your relationship, go even deeper and check out a free sample Compatibility and Conflict Reading. Every relationship has its strengths and weaknesses -- that's what keeps things interesting! This informative reading helps you identify what's great about your connection, as well as where your relationship could use some work.

Has a stranger ever felt eerily familiar even though you just met them? With Venus recently retrograde, it's possible that someone from a past life may have re-entered your world, and your free sample Karmic Love Reading will help you find out if that's the case. Based on your birth date, this reading gives you a glimpse into the romances of your past lives.

Although there are exceptions, most Libras don't want to rock the boat. And speaking of boats -- big ones -- who could forget Libra Kate Winslet in her Academy Award-nominated role for best actress in 'Titanic'? She was born on October 5, 1975. Happy birthday Kate! Here's to smooth sailing in the year ahead. See what the stars have to say about Kate and a boat-load of other Hollywood hotties in our Celebrity Section.

Some people know how to ask for what they want from their mate. Others get an anxiety attack just thinking about mentioning their needs. How you present your desires can influence your relationship for better or worse. Take Your Heart's Desire Quiz and review some real-life situations to see if you know how to get exactly what you want from your relationship.

The elements: fire, earth air and water help to determine your personal approach to beauty and style. Let's face it, who doesn't think about those subjects when we're getting ready to meet-up with someone. Do you take your make-up with you wherever you go? Or, do you throw on the first garment you grab from your closet? Take the Astro-Beauty Quiz to see which elements rule your personal style.

But remember, life is not just about external beauty. How you feel on the inside is so important. Feeling totally energized or super tired, very confident or ultra sensitive may indicate that your energy centers -- or chakras -- are in or out of balance. Explore our Chakra Generator and find out how your vital energy sources are faring.

Keep reading for your Starcast, which will take you through the month's astrological events, and prepare you for all the ups and downs ahead. And be sure to check out this month's Astrolesson: Venus and Her Higher Octave Neptune.

Happy Birthday to all you Libras! Your grace and superb sense of fairness reminds us all to be mindful of not only our own needs, but others' also. Why not let them know how much you appreciate them - send your favorite Libra a free astrological e-card.

Libra is a smiling representative of the planet Venus -- the planet that represents love, beauty, harmony and cooperation. As such, those born under this sign are always ready to do what they can to smooth things over, make peace and bring warring factions together. It's not an easy job, but they're good at it -- really good. There's nothing a Libra wouldn't do to keep their loved ones happy. Better yet, they never barge through the door first, take the last piece of turkey on the plate or forget to write thank-you notes promptly. Call to mind all the Libras in your life, and you'll likely see that they're the people you think of first when you're planning a party -- or any social event, for that matter.

Contrary to popular opinion, however, Libras don't drift peacefully from one 'balanced' situation to the next. If they did, they'd never learn their real job: restoring balance. These diplomatic folks aren't born into perfect equilibrium; rather, they're born knowing how to fix the scales when they're out of balance. That makes Libras experts at bringing peace and harmony to any situation. It's not an easy task, though, so remember that they're often more tired and drained than they let on. Being born with the ability to see both sides of an issue isn't always a gift -- especially when someone needs an opinion.

If you are a Libra yourself, then, you need to realize (especially when it comes to relationships) that keeping the peace at all times just isn't always possible -- no matter how hard you try. Still, we can't do any better than you for a partner. You're devoted -- sometimes even to a fault -- and always willing to change your plans to suit what your beloved wants to do. Just be sure not to lose yourself (or your friends, who'll inevitably get tired of waiting around) in the process.

Libras are so lovely to be around, however, they'll never be alone -- not if they don't want to be. Indeed, this is as social a sign as there is, extremely well loved by one and all!

Learn more about peace-loving Libra, or look into any other sign at our Sun Sign Central.

Not a Libra? Look beyond your Sun sign and find out where the Scales might appear in your own birth chart with a free sample Astro Identity Reading.

Fairness, peace and justice for all is the theme this month as the Sun enters Libra, marking the Autumnal Equinox. Libra is the ultimate relationship sign making this solar period a great time to treat your mate with something special or, if single, to get out and socialize. Emotions take center stage with a strong full Moon in Aries on September 26. Then, Mercury enters the water sign Scorpio on September 27 intensifying all communications. September 28 marks Mars' transit into sensitive Cancer where it will make a home for the rest of the year because of its retrograde in November. Venus enters Virgo on October 8 giving you the opportunity to get back to some of the relationship projects you were contemplating back in July. Then on October 9 Jupiter squares Uranus, an aspect that has been around since January when the first square in this series began. Hopefully you have made changes in your social and economic life to allow for more freedom and independence. Why not institute something new in your important relationships with the new Moon in Libra on October 11. The Moon seeks nurturance and emotional contentment and in Libra it is time to make sure your relationships reflect a sense of ease and harmony. Yet, Mercury turns retrograde on the same day, so watch out for communication snafus. Love may come calling when Venus forms a conjunction with the South Node on October 15. Keep your eyes and ears open. Then on October 22, Saturn conjuncts the South Node when you'll be asked to take responsibility for how you hold yourself back. Isn't it time to live a happier and healthier life?

September 23: Sun enters Libra
Can't we all just get along? The Sun enters Libra, the sign of the peacemaker, marking the Autumnal Equinox. Represented by the scales of justice, we are all reminded now that it is important to keep a sense of balance and fairness. It's no wonder that Libra is the sign that represents relationships! What a great time to surprise your mate with thoughtful, loving gesture or, if single, to get out and socialize. This is a people-oriented sign, so what ever you do -- get off the couch, turn off the TV and meet new people!

September 26: Full Moon in Aries
An Aries Moon is fired-up and feisty and with the emotionalism connected with all full moons; you'll feel strongly about what you need or want. Aries is the God of War in mythology, and is also a sign concerned with self. At your best, you'll feel ready to take the initiative and act on your own behalf. At your worst, you'll be irritable and moody. Since courage is the hallmark of this moon, why not use this time to get a plan together to maximize what's great or to make changes that will make you feel more comfortable. Keep in mind that Mars, Aries ruling planet, is still opposite Pluto making this an unusually intense full Moon.

This full Moon will most affect those born Sept. 24-28, December 24-28, March 23-27 and June 23-27.

September 27: Mercury enters Scorpio
Do you need to solve a problem, find a solution or get to the bottom of something? Scorpio waters run deep, and Mercury's placement in the laser-like quality of this sign helps you sort through and think through just about anything. Pay extra attention to how you feel and what you intuit. Your hunches and instincts are in top form. Since words are colored by emotions and a fair amount of intensity during this Scorpio time, temper truth with tact in your conversations.

September 28: Mars enters Cancer
With the warrior planet Mars' entrance into the sensitive water sign Cancer, your actions are very much influenced by your emotions and desires for safety and security. Nurturing and protectiveness are keywords for Cancer. It is easy to see this in Cancer's symbol, the crab that moves sideways and has a hard protective shell. So, during this transit that will last through the rest of this year because of its retrograde on November 15, pay attention to your feelings, instincts and hunches as you move forward with your projects and plans. And most importantly, take your time and don't act on anything that doesn't feel right.

September 30: Mercury sextile Saturn
If you need to make a plan or organize an event, this is the aspect for you! Mental Mercury recently entered focused Scorpio and now forms its first major aspect with a supportive sextile to Saturn, which is currently in hard-working Virgo. Scorpio and Virgo are two signs that know how to get down to business, so there is little you can't accomplish now. Just remember that your plans may need some reworking once Mercury goes retrograde on October 11. Don't get too invested in a plan that doesn't give you enough wiggle room.

October 3: Venus trine Pluto
Because of Venus's recent retrograde period (July 27 to September 8), you've been here before. Starting on July 8 (at the first trine in this series between the planet of love and powerful Pluto) you began revamping and transforming your relationship values and needs. Perhaps you let go of some cherished ideals about a relationship, or maybe you simply changed the way you think about love. Whatever shifting and reshaping you've done, this theme finally comes to a close with the third, supportive trine between Venus and Pluto. This aspect is all about deepening your connections with others, as well as allowing your own heart to open more fully. As you reflect on the changes of these last several months, take a moment to truly appreciate how far you've come in your understanding of your own heart and your capacity to love.

October 8: Venus enters Virgo
You had a chance last July when Venus turned retrograde in this earthy sign to focus on the more concrete aspects of your important relationships. But just as you were getting your feet on the ground, the planet of love went retrograde into the fire sign Leo on August 8, reminding you that having fun is just as important as working hard. Now, as Venus reenters Virgo, you can get back to some of the relationship projects you were contemplating back in July. Virgo is not only the sign of work but is also the sign of health, making this a potent time to rate the state of your important relationships. What works? What doesn't work? You have until November 8 to answer these questions, and then Venus leaves this analytical sign.

October 9: Jupiter square Uranus
Since January of this year, when Jupiter and Uranus formed their first square in this series, you've no doubt made changes in your social and economic life to allow for more freedom and independence. By May, at the time of the second square that occurred with Jupiter retrograde, you had the opportunity to reassess and make further modifications. Finally! These two big planets square for the third and final time, and hopefully you feel good about your lifestyle choices. If not, your level of restlessness will be high. If you do, you are ready to take full advantage. This is what 'free will' is all about!

October 11: New Moon in Libra
A beginning, as all new Moons represent, in the relationship sign Libra gives you the opportunity to institute something brand new into your relationships. Do you need a date night? How about attending more social events? Have you and a good friend spent enough time together lately? The Moon seeks nurturance and emotional contentment; and since it's in Libra, make sure your relationships reflect a sense of harmony. But Mercury turns retrograde on the same day, so watch out for communication snafus.

This new Moon will most affect those born October 9-13, January 6-10, April 5-9 and July 7-11.

October 11: Mercury turns retrograde
Be forewarned if you are trying to keep a secret! As the planet of communication turns retrograde in Scorpio (the sign of the detective), there is little that will deter you from finding out whatever you put your fertile mind to. Willpower is in abundance now. As always with Mercury retrograde periods, double-check everything and get your ducks in a row. With this strong sign, be gentle with them!

October 15: Venus conjuncts the South Node
Have you ever met someone with whom you felt a connection but couldn't really explain what that feeling was all about? Welcome to your past, as the relationship planet connects with the South Node, a point that represents the past. Don't be surprised by an out-of-the-blue phone call from someone you knew long ago, a message in a bottle that washes up onto the shore, or a reminder of why you moved on from someone. Because this conjunction occurs in Virgo, the sign of health and work, pay special attention to any messages you receive concerning those areas.

October 20: Sun sextiles Pluto
Many people get ahead in this world not because they're more qualified, but because people like them. Opportunity is created in this sextile as Pluto in Sagittarius (with its strong beliefs, ethics and morals) loves what it sees in the Libra-Sun peacemaker personality. If you know how to play nice in the sandbox and share your toys, the Powers That Be will recognize you and make you an offer you can't to refuse.

October 22: Saturn conjuncts the South Node
Eclipses have occurred at the Virgo South Node over the past year, highlighting work, health and stress issues that have needed your attention. Now it is Saturn, the taskmaster's turn. What is Saturn's message? That it's time to take responsibility for how you hold yourself back, sabotage your best efforts or trash your health to the point that you can't do what you want to do. Does that statement sound harsh? With your Saturn reminder, the good news is that you get the wake-up call you need to live a happier and healthier life.

Enjoy the Sun's transit in Libra!

You may have seen Venus in the sky on occasion, but what about Neptune? Better known as the 'Planets of Love,' let's explore what these two lovely planets mean in our natal charts.

Venus rules how we love, and how we value things in our life. On the high end, Venus is compassionate, and on the mundane level it rules how we appraise, access and value things around us -- a good dinner, a new car and so on. The way in which we appreciate is also how we enjoy life, so Venus marks what we enjoy and how we like to spend our time.

For example, if Venus is in communicative Gemini in your birth chart, you are like to have much more fun with someone who will chat with you, rather than the strong, silent type. In contrast, a Venus-in-Pisces person is more concerned with feelings, moods and atmosphere. Sitting quietly watching a sunset is especially enjoyable, whereas the Venus-in-Gemini person will want to talk about the colors of the sky and what happened earlier in the day!

By transit, the sign that Venus travels through indicates a collective sense of appreciation and value. In Leo -- Venus's location through October 7 -- a sense of drama and boldness takes center stage. Venus's entrance into Virgo by October 8 begins a more earthy and analytical approach to relationships. During this time, you are more concerned with the practical components of your important relationships.

Whereas Venus represents personal love, Neptune symbolizes spiritual or universal love. Neptune is interested in finding the unity in life rather than what separates. It is said to be 'the higher octave of Venus,' and represents compassion, deep acceptance, universal love and union. Neptune always sees the whole picture, the ideal as it could be rather than how it is at the present. It is the planet of imagination and inspiration, and thus relates to film, music and the arts -- wherever the mind can soar. It also rules all things spiritual, whether formal religion or personal beliefs. It is easy to see why mystics are ruled by Neptune.

We all have both Venus and Neptune in our charts. Maintaining a healthy balance between the two is beneficial to all of your relationships -- including the one with yourself!

In the spirit of Libra's love of balance, learn about who you are at the core, and what you can do to help make the planet a better place with our online Astrology Lessons!