MOTHER

You’re oh-so alluring this week, Aries. You’ve got magnetic mojo now, thanks to both the Sun and seductive Venus settling into sultry Scorpio on October 23, your eighth house of intimacy and bonding. Use your irresistible charms this week to get what you want. Focus your energy toward those who deserve it, namely your kids, your partner, and those who reciprocate the love. Leave the energy vampires in the dust behind you (check out this excellent post on The Daily Love blog on how to rid yourself of toxic people. If you’re a mother, you may have to start by absolving yourself of maternal guilt. The Dirt and Boogers blog offers a few ideas (and links to some social media for others). It’s also helpful to not compare yourself to other mamas or mamas-to-be (check out our post on 5 Ways Moms Can’t Do It All—And Should Be Proud They Can’t! The cosmos also feature a solar (new moon) eclipse in Scorpio on the 23rd, helping you forge closer bonds with your inner circle. This eclipse highlights new beginnings, with an emphasis on love. Sexy feelings may be super-powered now. Make intimate time for you and your partner and you’ll have spectacular results. Tender moments could go a long way now, so take time for the little things, like a love note in your partner’s work bag or surprise tickets to a show. Pregnant Aries will want to be sure to have lots of date nights planned, with whatever kind of sexy-time suits you. All the registry talk and birthing classes may have pushed romance from your minds, but the passionate eighth house energy helps bring it back. One shadowy side to the eighth house is that feelings of jealousy can crop up, so you’ll want to be mindful of that, if you catch yourself reading into your S.O.’s texts or even getting a little paranoid. While you're hopefully more relaxed, your mind will be open to possibilities—new personal projects to focus on in the coming weeks. Adding to this week’s hopeful new energy, Mercury ends its though three-week retrograde slowdown on October 25. Any strain in your one-on-one relationships will hopefully be eliminated now (see your Momscope from last week for more on the retrograde. Enjoy the sweetness!

One plus one equals love! This week, two is your magic number, Taurus. That’s because the radiant Sun and love planet Venus move into Scorpio, your seventh house of relationships, on October 23. Also that day, a solar (new moon) eclipse joins the Sun and Venus here, setting you up for a new partnership cycle, or for single bulls, a new relationship, that will cozy you up through the winter. So starting this week, expect business and romantic relationships to begin flourishing. At work, little things you do could create building blocks to something bigger, like hand-written thank you notes to clients, partners, etc. If you own a business, send cards to your customers. Just acknowledging others for their hard work, or recognizing publicly if they helped you (and made you look good), goes a long way in the relationship building department. With your kids, find ways to bond with them outside the usual daily routine. Maybe some one-on-one time with each of your children is in order. Or establish some family rituals—the Art of Manliness blog offers up 60 ideas; from this list surely you can find something! With your partner, the cosmic activity in your seventh house helps rev-up stalled connections. Perhaps you’ve both been so busy parenting and prepping, or focused on personal projects, that you’ve not meeting in the middle enough. Make time for each other—focus on your marriage, not just the kids or prepping for baby. Just as you may establish a family ritual, why not establish a couple ritual? Or maybe you revisit one that’s been dormant—a favorite shared pastime from before you had kids. One couple we know loves to go to Disney World without their kids—yes, without their kids. We don’t immediately see the romance in it, but they’re not alone: 45,000 couples have chosen it as a wedding location. If a big trip isn’t quite in your budget, you need not go far to get some QT. Book a sitter for a day and go for a bike ride. We chuckled at this HuffPo piece this month, 10 Super-Hot Date Nights for Parents because we can relate. We know one couple who got to their favorite fine dining restaurant for the first time in five years, but couldn’t resist also letting the evening double as an errand to pick up a hand-me-down train table for their 3-year-old. Hey, it’s real life! One thing that may help you now is that Mercury begins moving forward again on October 25, ending its three-week retrograde in your health and fitness zone (see your Momoscope from last week. A little TLC in these areas will also approve your relationship with yourself. Now give yourself a bear hug.

Lights, camera, Gemini! Get ready to glow, girl. On October 23, the glamorous Sun and sensual Venus sashay into Scorpio, your sixth house of wellbeing. The finishing touch is a solar (new moon) eclipse also on October 23, lighting new paths in your self-care quest. For busy moms, this could simply be an opportunity to get back on track with your goals. If you’re not far from your delivery date, you’re probably hyper-focused on your new body—one that you may not exactly recognize. (Hey, where is THAT stuff in the pregnancy books, huh?!) That’s why we absolutely adore Jennifer Garner for owning her “bump”, and what the 4th Trimester Bodies Project is doing to help women (and everyone) accept bodies post-birth. If you're nearing your due date, and this isn’t your first rodeo, trust that you know what you’re doing, mama. But if it’s your first, educate yourself on what’s best for you and baby and filter out the old wive’s tales and the “advice” you get from coworkers, in-laws, or well-meaning friends who may only be bringing you down. This solar eclipse propels you to start something new, so take it one thing at a time. It could be a fresh attitude. It could be a new elimination diet (no gluten or no sugar?), or commitment to an exercise routine. One mom we know walks one mile every day, no matter what, and that mile must include hills. Sounds doable! Moms of young children can focus energies on making your own baby food (you can even buy pouches like the popular brands to take yours on the go. For older children, try introducing them to some new foods, especially if nuggets and mac-and-cheese are in heavy rotation (happens to all of us). Here are some ideas. If all else fails, slip the nutritional fare in a la the Sneaky Chef. It’s a journey, Gemini, for your kids and for you. The good news is your ruling planet Mercury ends its retrograde slowdown on October 25 in your fifth house of creativity (see your Momscope from last week for more on that. So the possibilities are endless for getting you and your kids on a path to wellness, one carrot stick at a time!

You’re the bomb, Cancer mom. Starting October 23, the confident Sun and charismatic Venus both glide into Scorpio, your fifth house of passion, glamour, and charisma. Adding to your “it factor,” that same day brings a solar (new moon) eclipse, also in Scorpio. This cosmic lineup amps up the wattage on your spotlight. Ready for your opening act? Don’t be surprised if you want to glam up for it—the stylish fifth house brings out your sartorial streak. For pregnant women, we love this color-block dress for work-to-date night glamour. Here are 11 Ideas for Date Night inspired by the romance of Milan, courtesy of Glamour magazine. The idea is to save the cozies, like that comfy duster coat, for when you’re retreating into your shell at home, Crab. This week is a great time for getting creative with the kiddos, too. Halloween art projects are obvious choices and the fifth house helps you hone in on our own childlike spirit. How about some simple treat-making activities like these? We love the “paranormal pretzels,” but those hotdog fingers are freaking us out a little. If you’ve been thinking about expanding your family, the fifth house rules fertility, making this an optimal time to try for another. It’s also a good time to express yourself boldly if you’ve been holding back what’s on your mind. This might take people by surprise, especially if you usually take a quiet approach to your interactions at work, school, home, etc. You’ll definitely have people’s attention this week, so use it wisely, as this is your moment to shine. You may find that others were thinking what you expressed but weren’t brave enough to say it. The confidence you gain from putting yourself out there could take you on a path toward a leadership role, official or unofficial. That role could develop during the next six months. Let it go wherever you want it to take you. Also this week (on October 25), Mercury ends its backspin in Libra, your fourth house of motherhood (see last week’s Momscope for more. Any doubts you may have had about being a kick-butt mama definitely are now ancient history. Get the T-shirt if you need a reminder!

Home sweet home, Leo. On October 23, the expressive Sun and beautifying Venus nestle into Scorpio, your domestic fourth house. The welcome mat is laid out for a solar (new moon) eclipse the same day, also in Scorpio. You’ll feel inspired to make your den more cozy and inviting now, for your family and for guests. It could be that you’re ready for some fresh throw pillows or a curtain color change. What about that renovation project you’ve been putting off? One couple we know swore the carpet in their house had to go the minute they moved in…ten years ago. Oops! If your budget gets swallowed by something unsexy, like attic insulation, maybe you can make something beautifying like one of these (mostly affordable) DIY ideas. Or maybe you’re ready to get serious about the real estate listings you casually follow. The eclipse sets in motion a six-month cycle of change. Some Leo moms will evaluate their dens and realize it’s time to give everyone a little more breathing room. Pregnant Leo women may no longer be satisfied with their “single life” nests. Hooking up with a broker today could lead you to sending out change of address cards this winter (like these clever cards you can make for free. Most likely you’re a protective mama, Leo—a motherhood trait of your sign is to be a very hands-on. If you’re feeling like your kids’ school isn’t working them to their potential, maybe you’re ready to switch zip codes and get them into a better district. This is a good time to weigh the options. One caution: Mercury is retrograde until October 25 (see your Momscope from last week for more on that. So, it’s advisable to hold off making any big decisions until after the retrograde. That includes making an offer on a house or signing with a contractor, etc. Lastly, the eclipse in the fourth house also highlights your bonds with women. A woman from your past could emerge and be supportive in an area of your life that needs it. Like a safety net, she could appear right when you're about to fall. You didn’t know you needed the help, but you’ll be happy to have her. It could even be someone you’ve held a grudge against for way too long. Through your reunion you may learn to forgive. Open your heart and your home and you may soon enough have a new member of your extended family!

It takes two to make a thing go right. Now that you have that song stuck in your head (hello, mega earworm), make it your theme for the week. The bold Sun and magnetic Venus join in Scorpio on October 23, your third house of dynamic duos and community. Your social schedule fills up—kid birthday parties sorta count these days. We can’t be too picky! Adding life to the party is a solar (new moon) eclipse, also in Scorpio the same day. You could meet a new mommy BFF at one of those parties, for all you know. Who couldn’t use another friend to text-vent with? It takes two to vent! (Sidenote on venting: check out this Psychology Today post on the “virtues and vices” of getting things off your chest.) If you’re not adding another bestie to your inner circle, you're probably hitting a stride with your S.O. (Just watch that you’re not too flirty with someone else’s S.O., however, as the third house can overflow your cup with chatty charm and be construed as an advance when you think you’re just being nice!) Try a new couples activity, like bike riding, a match of tennis, or hitting the gym together. If you’re able to steal away, it’s a great time for a staycation to strengthen your connection with some one-on-one time. One couple we know book last-minute hotel stays in the city while their kids go to their grandparents’ place for a suburban overnight. Win-win! For pregnant women, this is a good time to gather information about what to expect for the rest of your gestation period. This education can come from your care providers, but also you’ll want to explore other resources—books, blogs, and from talking to trusted friends (co-workers with nothing to offer but birth horror stories can be avoided). The Choices in Childbirth site is an excellent resource with lots of empowering information. One small caution is Mercury stays retrograde until October 25 (more on that from your Momscope from last week. Hold off making any big decisions—such as finalizing your birth plan (if you have time)—until the retrograde passes. This is a great time, though, to get siblings ready for a new addition to the family. What Baby Needs is a good option if your children are old enough to understand what’s happening. For the younger ones (under age three), The New Baby is appropriate. Then you can go shopping for those big brother and big sister T-shirts!

You’ve got the Midas touch, Libra. On October 23, the glamorous Sun and magnetic Venus join forces in Scorpio, your second house of money. This week you’ll feel empowered to create and execute action plans around your ideas. You may no longer be satisfied with the status quo. Adding to your vim is a solar (new moon) eclipse also in Scorpio that same day. All signs are pointing in the direction of enriching opportunities. Stepping on these paths now could lead you to your desired destinations during the next six months. Consistency can sometimes be a challenge for your sign, Libra. But this cosmic recipe is baking at the right temperature. Start rolling out your dough and you may be rolling in another kind of dough in no time. Check out the Blissful Mamas blog for help if you’re struggling with work-life balance. (Sidenote: Here is a thoughtful write up on the Women’s Innovation Lab about the Blissful Mamas blog and the topic of balance.) One small caution: Hold off making any big decisions until after Mercury retrograde ends on October 25 (for more on the retrograde in your sign, see your Momscope from last week. If you’re not looking to strike out on your own, maybe locking yourself into your current gig is right for you. This is an ideal time to be persistent with your work. Deliver quality to demonstrate your value. There is something to be said for the status quo, especially if your situation suits you and provides financial stability. A “wax on, wax off” routine can feel comfortable, secure, and allow you to actually focus on other areas of your life. You could turn your attention to meal planning, for example—on a budget, of course, as this week’s cosmic activity is centered in your frugal second house! The Peaceful Mom blog has some fantastic ideas for meal planning on $125 a week—and the creator has FOUR teenagers! The pennies you save could be used for a big night out with the family to a special restaurant (special doesn’t have to mean expensive, Libra). The second house also encourages us to sensualize our surroundings. Hit up some estate sales, tag sales, and thrift shops for unwanted treasure to glam up your environment. Or stock up the bathroom with some new salts—who says bath time is just for the kids? In the spirit of watching your budget, how about a DIY blend, courtesy of the Simply Real Moms blog. Just add tired body and soak. Ahhhh.

Make a memorable entrance, Scorpio. Truthfully, you won’t even have to try! The expressive Sun and charismatic Venus make a grand entrance into your sign on October 23. This powerful combo in your first house of self-expression is going to make you the center of attention. It’s all about you this week! As if you need a further boost: a solar (new moon) eclipse occurs in your sign on the same day. If you’re not used to putting yourself first or being quite this public, it’s in the stars for you to do so now. This cosmic line-up is like a starting gun blasting off. Now, where is it you want to run to, Scorpio? Need some alone time? Want to try a new look? Eager to take a chance on a new idea? With the stars helping you put yourself first, you can gain clarity on what YOU want. Shake off the haters and the naysayers (including the ones in your mind) and take the first steps toward getting what you want. Madame Noire offers lots of ideas for small things you can do to put yourself first, which doesn’t mean you’re putting anyone last. We also love these ideas on HuffPo for how to be a role model parent—which, ahem, includes taking care of yourself. For pregnant women, you may be overcome with an identity crisis when you have your baby. The fear of losing yourself is real. Explore your emotions instead of brushing them off. Talk to other women who’ve gone through it, especially the ones whom you view as having sorted it out and maintained a lifestyle that you admire. One mom we know steadfastly committed to not disrupting her travel schedule after her son was born and she’s (mostly) stuck to that. Her little boy has frequent flyer accounts with multiple airlines, and of course his own set of luggage. Having a baby doesn’t mean any part of your life has to end, despite what the naysayers tell you. (Remember, you’re not going to listen to any of them!) Adding to your volition is the end of Mercury retrograde on October 25 (read about how that affects your sign in your Momscope from last week. Here are some helpful reminders that life is too short to not live your life, from the Live Learn Evolve blog. And we love these tips to find surprises in every day life. These should sufficiently lift your spirits if you need a little nudge getting started. Now, ready, set, manifest!

Power down, Sagittarius. The life-giving Sun and benevolent Venus settle into Scorpio, your sleepy twelfth house, on October 23. Starting this week, focus the energy you have on tying up loose ends and then get some rest. This slide into the slow lane may be counter to what you want to do—or what you’re used to doing. But pushing yourself now could cause a burnout, or some good old-fashioned wheel-spinning. That’s the universe’s way of telling you to pause, Sag mama. Use this time to find release, especially if you’ve been holding onto some unhealthy feelings or pain. Like a lot of women, you may not have processed feelings from a loss, like a miscarriage, or the departure from your former pre-baby lifestyle. We learned a lot reading this post on HuffPo about how the scar of miscarriage really never fades, should this be relevant to you. Talking about your heaviest feelings can help you work through them and move on. Confide in a trusted friend, a sibling, maybe even an older mentor, or a therapist—someone who will offer empathy and not try to “fix” your feelings or brush them off. The twelfth house can cast a fog over us and make us passive when we otherwise wouldn’t be. So, be protective of your feelings right now. Tend to them. Reinforcing your efforts is a solar (new moon) eclipse also on Scorpio, which also falls on October 23. After you take your well-deserved siesta, go ahead and busy yourself with decluttering. Like clearing out our emotions, clearing out the stuff that clogs our physical space is equally important. You’ll feel instantly better. Need help getting started? Try this mom blogger’s “40 bags in 40 days” challenge. She offers a checklist to keep you on track so you don’t lose your patience. It’s a good exercise to get the kids involved in, too. This blogger offers some decluttering ideas for the dreaded toy-thinning task. That said, organizing and unloading stuff may not appeal to you right now, especially if your mind needs a rest. Find another release, a hobby that will renew your spirit creatively. Perhaps something artistic, either hands-on or out in the world, or a yoga class. Whatever you do, don’t try to fight how you feel. Go with the flow. It’ll make life, and letting go, a little easier. One helpful hand will come on October 25 when Mercury ends its retrograde in your eleventh house of groups and friends (you can learn about that in your Momscope from last week. Surround yourself now with those who will comfort and accept you while you feel heavy, and you’ll be out of the funk soon enough (in November, when the Sun moves into your sign and kicks off your astrological new year). For now, hit snooze. Maybe even try one of these ways Parenting says you can sleep-train yourself. Zzzz.

Build your roster for Team Capricorn. The energizing Sun and heart-thumping Venus join forces in Scorpio on October 23, your eleventh house of collaborative forces. Established bonds, like those with your partner, your children, friends, and colleagues, have a chance to become stronger now. Bonds yet to be made are ripe for the picking. Your calendar will fill up with little effort, if you want it to. Also, a solar (new moon) eclipse in Scorpio on the same day ignites a fresh cycle for your social life. The only thing you’ll have to decide is where you want to focus your time and energy. Not every invitation requires your “yes” RSVP. Be selective and choose to be in the places that will advance your agenda—personally and professionally. This is a great time to go out as a force with your partner—hello, power couple! Maybe you lead the annual block party or take on a PTA project as a dynamic duo. Or you’ll go into business together, delineating responsibilities commensurate with your skills and your life-work balance desires. Check out this HuffPo article on how to go into business with your spouse, as there are unique challenges. This Forbes columnist likens it to “juggling two marriages simultaneously” —whoa. If you’re happy with your current gig, seek some networking events as the eleventh house helps give you truck loads of charm. While you’re glad-handing, strike up conversations about your interests. It could lead to new opportunities or projects when the time is right. You’ll probably want to avoid bragging or complaining about your kids (or kids-to-be)—keep it professional and make it about you! Inc. offers some additional tips from young entrepreneurs that sound like common sense, but are good reminders if you’ve been out of the game. The eleventh house highlights tech, so don’t be surprised if you’re not asked for your business card but you get a slew of LinkedIn requests the next day. Business cards are sort of falling out of favor anyway. Connections are more important. One caveat to your Team Capricorn work: Mercury is retrograde until October 25, as your Momscope from last week explains; you may want to hold off making any big decisions until it ends. This is an ideal time to get your kids tech-savvy (or have them introduce you to the sites and apps they’re using). With the news of “The Snappening” (leaked SnapChat photos online), more than ever it’s important to discuss online safety with your children of all ages. Once you establish some online conduct rules for your family, you can lighten things up by trying a site like 23 Snaps for safe family social media activity. Mercury retrograde is famous for technology glitches, so maybe wait till after it passes before you get the grandparents—or yourself!—signed up.

Up, up, and away! Your powers of manifestation are potent, Aquarius, thanks to the united forces of the expressive Sun and alluring Venus in Scorpio, your tenth house of long-term goals, beginning October 23. You may find yourself at the high point of your career—or a turning point, especially if you’re working to achieve the holy grail of life-work balance. If you want things to go your way, you can make it happen. You gotta bring your A-game! Your efforts are astrologically pumped up with a solar (new moon) eclipse also in Scorpio on the same day. Seeds you plant now could grow during the next six months. You could go from cube to corner office this winter. Or a “mom hours,” work-from-home schedule. Whatever you choose to manifest, the stars are on your side. But it won’t come gift-wrapped (though wouldn’t that be awesome). Do your part to “lean in,” however appropriate for you, and the rewards will come. (Read up on what you face, too, especially with the dreaded mommy track if you’re returning to work. You might consider NOT opting out of the workplace entirely or keeping the “pilot light lit.” You may have to deal with some short-term sacrifices to get where you want to be. But the long-term gains will hopefully make it worth it. You may even garner some recognition, perhaps long overdue. And a helping hand could come from a least-expected place. That boss at work you didn’t think sympathized with your life-work juggling could surprise you. Or the friend who offers to help with after-school care? Maybe she really means it. Keep your mind open to opportunities that serve you and your family and you may achieve a dream routine. One caution: Mercury is retrograde until October 25, so hold off making any potential life-altering decisions until after that. For more on that transit, see your Momscope from last week. For pregnant women, this is a great time to get matters of your delivery in order, as you’d like them. Interview doulas and other caregivers if you haven’t made your selections or if have nagging feelings you want to make a change. The tenth house also highlights our familial bonds through traditions. Perhaps you’re thinking ahead to how you’ll celebrate Thanksgiving (in the U.S.) and maybe you’re ready to offer to host. Sidenote: on Thanksgiving, the Sun will be in Sagittarius, your eleventh house of groups and friends. It’s an ideal time to host a party, although we can’t vouch for any antics of rouge family members!

Wanderlust is about to hit fever pitch, Pisces. That’s because the outgoing Sun and flirty Venus meet up in Scorpio, your ninth house of get-up-and-go on October 23. New places and fresh faces are calling your name. If your usual haunts are feeling stale, now you know why. Further fueling your desire to explore new parts is a solar (new moon) eclipse in Scorpio, also on October 23. If globetrotting isn’t in your cards now, perhaps it will be in the coming months, since solar eclipses kick off a six-month cycle. Research and plan now, travel later? Maybe a beach getaway? Scratch an itch for new locales now by planning a few day trips from your own address. Are there places within an hour’s drive that haven’t been explored? To some kids, an hour in a car may as well be like going to another country, so consider getting them involved in the planning: a new museum, a farm, and amusement park, a quirky point of interest. We love Roadside America for “uniquely odd tourist attractions.” Did you know there’s a Bigfoot museum in California, for example? Yep. There’s also a really cool Lego exhibit in Boston right now called The Art of the Brick. What can you find in your neck of the woods? Your mom friends will listen with interest (and possible amazement) at your discoveries. The ninth house also highlights education. This is a good time to start a college fund for the kids or check in on the ones you have. You may want to research schools, maybe charter schools, or different districts if a move is on your horizon. Or maybe there’s an after-school program that could supplement their education in a particular area you deem deficient. Of course, you may want to be sure it’s not too much after you factor in any lessons, sports, or activities they’re already involved in. You may also want to hold off signing up for anything until after Mercury retrograde ends on October 25 (see your Momscope from last week for more on that. For pregnant women, staying active is ideal now. And travel, so long as you’re able, is a great way to de-stress. Load up your e-reader with some good reads, like Gone Girl because you may shortly find yourself without enough minutes to get through a novel or just enough to slog through some parenting advice books!