The Stars This Week: September 5-11, 2011

Ideas That Make a Difference

As communication planet Mercury enters hard-working Virgo on September 8, give your mind something practical and worthwhile to do. Then, on September 10, love planet Venus sextiles active Mars, when your attention turns toward your relationships -- you won't want to be alone! Finally, you'll enjoy plenty of deep, interesting conversations as Mercury forms a supportive trine to powerful Pluto on September 11.

September 8 (PDT) and September 9 (EDT): Mercury enters Virgo
On July 28, Mercury entered Virgo and made an immediate opposition to dreamy Neptune in Pisces; this aspect activated creativity and imagination. Mercury turned retrograde in this analytical sign on August 2, then re-entered Leo on August 8. Now direct -- and following a period during which you've hopefully conducted a thorough review of your life -- Mercury finally enters Virgo once again, where it will remain until September 25. Mercury is quite at home in its own sign, making this a potentially fruitful transit. Weigh all the pros and cons of your plans so you'll be able to figure out what's workable ... and if you're unsure about what to do, simply grab a notebook and make a list of your best ideas!

September 10: Venus sextiles Mars
Relationship planet Venus (in practical Virgo) and planet of action Mars (in protective Cancer) make a great team in this Earth/Water combo. Venus softens the rough edges of Mars, which itself provides a comforting shoulder to lean on. This is a wonderful day to spend with people you love -- or would like to get to know. Since Virgo loves to help and Cancer loves to nurture, this is also a perfect day to volunteer for the local food bank or a similar organization dedicated to serving others.

September 11: Mercury trines Pluto
Planet of communication Mercury (in analytical Virgo) supports power planet Pluto (in achievement-oriented Capricorn), creating a pleasant combination. Any Mercury-trine-Pluto aspect -- especially when both are in sensible Earth signs -- marks a smart time to sign contracts, sell ideas and products, or deepen your understanding of what's useful in your life. Your mind is sharp now, so apply your best thinking to whatever you want to accomplish!