MONTHLY OVERVIEW:
September’s big news comes on the 10th, when transformational Pluto ends a five-month retrograde (backward) cycle in Capricorn. Many Goats have gone through an identity crisis of sorts this summer, questioning who you are and what you stand for—without much resolution. In some ways, it’s been good for you to step back and go through this process of self-exploration. It’s allowed you to shed layers of false selfhood, or to stop defining yourself purely based on your achievements.

Now, Pluto’s return to forward motion brings direction back to your life. Don’t rush into the rat race just yet, though. The Sun is in Virgo until the 22nd, your ninth house of travel and inspiration. With your nose to the grindstone, you could miss the big picture, or a captivating adventure that fills you with a sense of purpose. Besides, Mercury is retrograde from the 8th-28th. Productivity will come in fits and starts, and it could be hard to concentrate on work. Wait until the 22nd, when the Sun moves into Libra, your career sector. You can return to a more structured, goal-oriented approach later this month. Until then, bring a little joie de vive to the party.

LOVE & ROMANCE:
With love planet Venus in your eighth house of intimacy and joint property until the 20th, you could have the urge to merge in more ways than one. Talk about pregnancy, engagement or cohabitation are all possible. Start with a gentle, exploratory conversation (hint: leave the stopwatch and calendar at home). When Venus enters your travel sector on the 21st, a vacation could be just the romantic reboot you need.

Sexy Mars is in Cancer until mid-October, heating up your partnership sector. You’re definitely ready for more passion in your love life—on every level. If you’re single, take advantage of this confident surge to put yourself out there. While you’re normally a patient builder, during this cycle, you want it all to happen now. Mars heightens all sorts of tension (not just sexual), so you could find yourself anxious about “where this is going.” Warning: too much pushiness from either side will only create friction and power struggles, especially in early September.

At the beginning of the month, Mars will oppose powerful Pluto in Capricorn. You or your mate will be more concerned about keeping the upper hand than creating true partnership. You may fear that you’ll be dominated or consumed by someone’s neediness, or your own insecurity could turn you clingy. Step back and compose yourself instead of acting rashly. Your fears of “losing yourself” are largely unfounded and can be dealt with through direct but loving communication.

MONEY & CAREER:
Money and career are a bit of a wild card this month. From the 8th-18th, communication planet Mercury is retrograde in Libra, your career sector. It’s a good time to review goals, contact old employers and tweak a business plan. However, it’s not the best cycle for launching new projects. If you’re starting a new job during this cycle, be on your best behavior and get to know the office culture before coming in like gangbusters. Finances improve after mid-October, when lucky Jupiter ends a four-month retrograde in your money sector. Until then, be conservative with your spending and avoid offers that sound too good to be true.

Most importantly, use September to clarify your ideals and to discover your highest truth. With several planets traversing Virgo, you might sign up for seminars, go back to school, or take an extension course. Mid-month, Saturn will oppose Uranus, forcing you to really define what you believe and put it into words. Capricorn, what you say has a large part in shaping what you get in life. You are the author of your own reality, so speak what you want into existence. Don’t let fear of failure keep you in the shallow end of the pool. As the Buddha said, “There are two mistakes one can make along the road to truth…not going all the way, and not starting.”

HEALTH & FITNESS:
A spirit of adventure will keep you on the go this month. With the Sun in Virgo until the 22nd, then beauty planet Venus joining on the 21st, allow your active, outdoorsy side to emerge. Adding an international or multicultural twist to your menus and workouts will keep you motivated, too. Capricorn, you love history, so research lesser-known ingredients from various regions and experiment with those. Let your inner foodie be your guide.

If you’ve been overindulging, don’t be too strict with yourself. This month is about pleasure and savoring the moment, and sometimes a little hedonism can be healthy. You can be quite the disciplined monk when need be, so loosen up those rigid standards. When the Sun enters Libra on the 22nd, sticking to a structure will be easier. At that point, you can outline a few health goals for the rest of 2009. Until then, have some well-deserved fun.

Lucky Days: September 2, 27
Money Days: September 3, 21
Love Days: September 9, 14
Off Days: September 15, 25