posted September 27, 2005 01:23 PM            

Every astrological month treats us to a new Moon and a full Moon, but this month is going the extra mile, turning those lunar delights into a solar eclipse and a partial lunar eclipse, respectively! Not to be upstaged, the rest of the planetary cast is also feeling feisty: Venus's move into Sagittarius will ensure that your romantic dialogues are nothing short of direct -- but with Mercury moving into Scorpio, they just might be communicated in a sultry whisper. Keep reading for all the details on four weeks of renewed friendships, exotic encounters and several pockets of indulgence too!

September 22: Sun into Libra, autumnal equinox

Once again, the number of hours we spend in light and in darkness is equal -- and the ability to find that same balance within is just as visible. Your quest, made possible by the Sun's current influence, is to bring the same balance into your life. You started this project on the 17th, with the full Moon's help. Now, for the next month, you'll need to perfect it, especially in the department of relationships, which will be absolutely primary. Don't be surprised if the ones you love are not just cooperative, but also quite obviously bent on attaining the same thing.

September 29: Mercury trine Neptune
With chatty Mercury in sociable Libra, you're already in the mood to talk -- you've been feeling this way for weeks. Your quest now is to find the one person you've been avoiding because, while you have something very important to say to them, you've held off for so long that you're embarrassed. Don't let anything keep you from getting in contact with them. If all else fails (and it won't) -- or if, for example, they're on the opposite side of the state, country or world -- call them. And don't stop dialing until you find them! You have an emotional memory to share, and there's no doubt that it will be well received.

October 1: Sun sextile Saturn, Venus opposite Mars
Two astrological teams are out to make this quite the memorable day -- and they've never failed to make that happen before. The Sun and Saturn, astrology's official authority figures, are set to meet up in an exciting, cooperative sextile. They're giving an automatic green light to all your dealings with higher-ups -- and if you're in a position of authority yourself, you'll also be quite benevolently inclined. Loving Venus and energetic Mars will form an opposition at just about the same moment too. Now, oppositions are typically acted out in one-on-one relationships. And while they're not famous for arriving with peace and harmony in hand, they are known for raising issues that absolutely must be addressed before such tranquility can come about. Add it up, and what you've got is a relationship issue (one you weren't expecting to surface at all) erupting without much, if any, notice. Fortunately, it can all be solved if you seek out the advice of someone whose judgment you completely trust. Give them a call.

October 3: New Moon in Libra, annular solar eclipse
New Moons come around once a month, giving us all the chance to make a brand-new start. But this is no ordinary new Moon: It's one of just two yearly solar eclipses, super-energized events with at least ten times the oomph of any other Sun-Moon meeting. This time out, you'll be dealing with an eclipse in partner-oriented Libra. It's a time of vision and insight, of striking new balance between your goals and the personal resources you've gathered around you -- really, a golden opportunity to make a productive, positive change in your relationship status. You may meet someone new who you're instantly comfortable with, make a change in a current relationship that will turn out to be good for both of you, or run into someone you've been involved with in the past and realize that your feelings haven't gone anywhere. Regardless, it's time to investigate your options with a happy heart.

This new Moon will most affect Libras born October 2-6, Capricorns born December 30-Jan 2, Aries born March 30-April 3 and Cancers born July 1-5.

October 5: Mercury conjunct Jupiter
Since ancient times, Mercury has proudly held the title of messenger of the gods. For obvious reasons, it's not an easy job; but if you've got wings on your head and your heels, you've definitely got the right qualifications. Today, this quick-witted, fast-moving guy will connect with Jupiter, who happens to be famous for generosity, benevolence and an all-out inability to just say no, regardless of the question. Put them together in a conjunction, and you've got the perfect astrological recipe for conversations at the kitchen table that go on well into the night -- or long-distance trips that include lots of interesting stops. Since these two planetary characters are in Libra, a sign that just loves relating on a one-on-one basis, you'll also have the chance to meet a host of exotic, interesting people, one of whom may end up becoming much more than a friend.

October 7: Venus into Sagittarius
After weeks of tiptoeing through subtle, sexy Scorpio, lovely Venus -- the planet in charge of our attitudes and behavior in romantic situations -- has opted for something a lot more direct: blunt, outgoing Sagittarius. If you've been playing games with a lover lately, like 'hard to get,' 'not sure I'm interested' or 'if you loved me, you would,' don't be surprised if one or both of you is suddenly far more interested in the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Venus is also in charge of finances, and Sagittarius is far from frugal, so you'd better keep a careful eye on your plastic. But if you're suddenly bitten by the travel bug, find a way to take a trip. It's prime time.

October 8: Mercury into Scorpio
Yet another cosmic costume-change will occur today, this one with the power to shake up your world in a very big way. Mercury, the ruler of all forms of communication -- from casual chitchat to meaningful glances to barely noticeable shrugs -- will sidle off into subtle Scorpio. For the next three weeks, this planet-sign combination will create the perfect astrological atmosphere for whispers, secrets and confidential exchanges of information. If you've got something to reveal, but you're not sure you want any more than an audience of one to hear it, pull them aside now -- while you're astrologically guaranteed that they'll be discreet.

October 13: Mercury trine Uranus
When cerebral Mercury connects with startling Uranus, anything is possible -- anything at all. On one hand, we're all capable of changing our minds at a moment's notice. On the other hand, then, receiving news that's anything but what we expected is the only thing we can possibly expect. Your best bet now is to be as flexible as possible, and to remember one very important fact: There really is no such thing as a coincidence.

October 14: Venus square Uranus
If you thought yesterday was surprising, you ain't seen nothing yet. Venus, the goddess of love and money, will connect with Uranus -- and Uranus is famous for being eccentric, unusual and extremely impulsive. Put them together, and several scenarios are possible. Love at first sight is first on the list, closely followed by an impetuous shopping spree or a wild night of indulging in whatever strikes your fancy. In short, if it feels good, you won't refuse it; you'll want as much of it as you can physically handle. Better hire a chaperone while you still have your wits about you.

October 17: Full Moon in Aries, partial lunar eclipse, Venus trine Saturn
It's time once again for the full Moon, that monthly opposition of the Sun and Moon that bathes our planet in lovely silver light, inspiring poetry, love songs and marriage proposals. This particular full Moon is supercharged, since it's also a partial lunar eclipse. In other words, if you're feeling it at all, you'll be feeling it to the nth degree. The good news is that loving Venus will be locked into an easy, reliable trine with sturdy, stable Saturn today, which means that promises made will be promises kept. Go ahead and let your feelings out, then, and don't be scared. It's all good.

This full Moon will most affect Libras born October 16-20, Capricorns born January 13-17, Aries born April 13-17 and Cancers born July 15-19.