MOTHER

Rock down to Electric Avenue, Aries. You’re about to experience a power surge in your first house of self, thanks to a lunar (full moon) eclipse in your sign on October 8. All personal efforts undertaken in the past six months manifest when the Earth slides between the Sun and the Moon. You’re a real live wire and you’ll attract lots of attention, maybe even accolades. For moms, this is kind of a big deal. We tend to feel unappreciated, unrecognized—sometimes even unnoticed. We may no longer be the center of attention that we once enjoyed before having children. For pregnant women, you are enjoying your moment of celebrity, as the book The Eight Seasons of Parenthood explains—understanding this may help you with the transition to the next phase of new motherhood, which isn’t exactly celebrity. It’s awesome, but it’s not glamorous! It’s worth asking yourself how much pressure you put on yourself to be noticed. Eclipses can bring out hidden feelings. If you’re just feeling like your fire needs to be stoked a little, communicate that with your partner. The first house highlights our need to be adored. But it can also make us want to throw a fit if we don't get out way. Leave the tantrums to the toddlers. Put on your big-girl pants and assert yourself maturely, Aries. You may find your partner needs a little attention, too. Kids can be the squeaky wheel we tend to before our partners and ourselves. Remember, just be vocal about your needs, and welcome your partner to express his/her wants, too. The eclipse could create a new chapter for your relationship with just a simple conversation. In this article, one SAHM realized her husband considers his own lifestyle a “luxury” because he DOESN’T stay home with the kids—and it improved her opinion of her situation. Extend your communication chops outside the home, too. Communicate more at your child’s school, volunteer organizations, birth class, and with your medical providers. Speak up about what you want. Otherwise, shake some hands, Mayor Aries. The eclipse gives you an electricity that is going to draw people to you like kids to an ice cream truck. You could even attract big-league attention—was that your blog post on HuffPo Parents? Remember the little people when you’re enjoying your popularity. For example, don’t just listen, but HEAR when people are talking to you. (Check out this TED Talk on five ways to listen better.) Just as you want attention, others do, too. Consider this your first lesson as a politician!

“Never surrender” may be your motto, but isn’t it time? It’s not easy for your security-minded sign, Taurus, but a lunar eclipse on October 8 in your twelfth house of endings encourages you to move on. While change can be a challenge, you’ll discover good reason to say goodbye. Maybe it’s a toxic relationship you’ve let linger without officially ending. Or an ill-fitting friendship you’re forcing long after the preschool days. (Your kids don’t even click anymore, so why should you try to?) Or maybe you’re holding onto a lost dream, or a loss entirely. Have you properly mourned? We don’t mean to sound glib or presumptuous by saying “properly”— there’s no right way to mourn. But you do need time to process your feelings. Don’t second-guess yourself on this one, Taurus. You’ve already wasted enough time with this situation, so make your exit now on whatever is weighing on your mind. You don’t have time for the stress. Motherhood is stressful enough! So is impending motherhood—pregnant Taurus women would be wise not to take on cleaning up messes that aren't theirs. No matter what anyone says (hello, guilt-trippers), you’re not responsible for other people’s feelings. Once you absolve yourself from that task, you should feel much lighter. The chances are very good that these other folks will be just fine—even without your help and hovering! Pick up a copy of The Heart of the Matter to help you make positive changes, if you’re ready to. The twelfth house also reminds us to rest. Sure, we all need more of that, right? If you’re not sleeping through the night, maybe you can work in some naps. This mom feels guilty for feeling tired—do you? Or try wearing a fitness bracelet that tracks your slumber so you can see how much (or how little) you’re getting and strive to be better. We know some couples who both wear one and they compete for Zs (and for steps, as the bracelets are basically high-tech pedometers). One mom we know will talk to you and pace in a circle just to be sure the counter keeps on ticking up so she can beat her spouse! Eclipses can bring out things that aren’t seen or obvious, too. Something may become clear or reveal itself in your dreams. It may even be a piece in the puzzle that helps you on your way to healing. Just like a puzzle, work on the border first and then fill in the rest.

Feel like you’re back in gym class waiting to be chosen? Let it go, Gemini. That’s kid stuff, not who you are now. Although we DO understand how you feel, because we’ve all been there. And a lunar (full moon) eclipse on October 8 in your eleventh house of teams is going to make those feelings rush back. Will the other moms like me? Why haven’t the moms invited me to their playgroup? Or, even: Why don’t the other moms talk to me? One mom we know pondered if it was because she doesn’t bother to get gussied up for the bus stop. “If only I did my hair like they do,” she wondered. “But I haven’t done my hair—like with tools—since before my oldest was born!” Let’s be serious: Do we even WANT to be friends with the moms who judge us for putting our overgrown hair in a ponytail? Nah. Or you could take a page from this dad, who dressed up for his son’s bus stop in, um, interesting ways. So, how about the women we DO want to be friends with? Meeting new moms gets compared to dating a lot because it’s pretty accurate. You observe a mom you think you’ll click with, but how do you approach her? And you worry about coming on too strong. You don’t want to scare her off. You worry she’s not interested in you. But when you find a like-minded soul, zero in and just say hi. Why miss out on what could be a great friendship? The easiest way to meet new friends is through your kids, but it doesn’t have to be the ONLY way. Why narrow your options? And why risk finding people who’ll only talk about kid stuff? Gemini, you crave more than mommy topics. So, wherever you go, just for you, scope out the scene and make your first move (like dating). Or, because the eleventh house also rules technology, you could take to your social media networks to help meet your needs. If you have children under age five, you’re in a lot of company. A connection could be just a few clicks away. Lunar eclipses can also bring changes, so maybe what happens for you is that you trade one group for another. Perhaps that’s as clear-cut as moving on from the elementary school PTA crowd and joining a volunteer organization in your community. The whole PTA commitment may have felt too stifling for you, anyway. For pregnant women, this may be a chance to find a tribe, especially if you’re among the minority in your social circles. Single friends are great—really, keep them! They will be a breath of fresh air for you after delivery (as long as you heed these hilarious “tips”). But you also need some mom friends to go along on the ride together. Because it is a ride—so strap in. Whee!

Do you imagine your pitch while watching Shark Tank? Cancer, you could be catapulted into your desired professional direction anytime this month. A lunar (full moon) eclipse on October 8 lights up your tenth house of career. How you make a living could suddenly change. Or suddenly materialize—especially if you’re not making a living right now while you tend to childcare. This could be a huge moment for you, Cancer. This eclipse is one in a series that will touch down in your long-term goal sector until March 2016. So if you’re not ready to manifest your dreams today, you will have opportunities. But it’s never too soon to begin manifesting what you want. Remain focused on what you aim to achieve and you’ll get there. If in the past it’s been hard for you to get started, remember that everyone has to start somewhere. Find your motivation. The eclipse gives you the push, but it doesn’t do the heavy lifting. One Cancer mom we know recently left her job to pursue a franchise opportunity with her husband who was unemployed. Combining their skills is something they’d always dreamed of but imagined it was many years off. One day they decided, why wait? They researched their idea and took a leap. It’s a risk, but one that they believe will create many positive benefits for their family. And that’s really what it comes down to. Cancer—you’re the zodiac’s Mother Superior. You want the best for your kiddos and you’ll do anything to get it. How awesome would it be to take care of them while you take care of yourself—doing the things you want to? In that way, you can have it all. Set your sights high. Do you have a product idea? A business concept? Seek the advice of experts. Maybe you need an accountability partner to keep you on track. Do your research. Map some goals. Find some support—maybe other mompreneurs in your area. You may be able to find shared resources. Maybe you rent a desk in someone’s office so you can have a professional setting for clients. You could also look into SCORE or read up on Shark Tank success stories and tips! Finding the time to pursue a dream can be challenging—we know. From start to finish, sometimes our days are maxed. One Cancer mom we know recently quipped: “Okay, I checked, and no, there is not enough time in the day.” We concur! But to realize a dream, you have to work for it. Maybe it’s a work-from-home situation for now. Like anything important, you find and make time for it.

Foot-in-mouth alert! The October 8 lunar (full moon) eclipse in your honest-to-a-fault ninth house could find you blurting out some regrettable intel! Best to keep the commentary in your head, Leo—at least this week—and resist the urge to share it on social media! What’s on your mind anyway? An eclipse in your ninth house of big ideas could bring to the surface some hidden information, thoughts or ideas, maybe something you’ve tucked away into the recesses of your mind. A great way to clear your head out is to get in touch with those foggy notions. Allow yourself a chance to relax, meditate even a few minutes in the morning or at night. Try this one-hour meditation music to get you in the mood. Or get in touch with nature. Being outdoors is a powerful healer, especially for you now. Perhaps a nice long walk in the morning after you get the kids on the bus, or a nature hike with the family. Fill your lungs with fresh air and your mind with a new perspective. Being outside may whet your appetite for a little more. Take advantage of the autumn weather where you live. Kids love hunting for acorns, and leaf projects are a must (here are 36 ideas. You can’t escape the scent of pumpkin wherever you go, so how about a little baking project with the kids? The ninth house rules travel and you could get the urge to pack a suitcase. A taste of the great outdoors could inspire you to plan a weekend jaunt with the family centered around something fun this time of year, like a pumpkin festival, apple picking, or camping (if you’re brave…brrr). If your mind still isn’t clear, consider looking deeper within for the answers. The distractions are fun, but perhaps they’re not addressing your issues. Find out what your truth is. Talk to a trusted friend. Make an appointment with a therapist. Or take to a journal and write down what’s on your mind. One mom we know recently got into poetry to express her feelings. She doesn’t share her poems (though we’re eager to read them—she’s very insightful)! The words just come to her, she types them into her phone, and that’s it. It’s an outlet for her, a release. And she’s found a new hobby along the way, devouring poetry books in search of different styles. Haikus are so ordinary, except the ones found in Haiku Mama: Because 17 Syllables Is All You Have Time to Read. You could also be presented with an exciting opportunity via a long-distance connection. Eclipses demand fast action, so that opportunity could take you to an altitude required by plane. Got your passport ready?

Make up your mind, Virgo! The October 8 lunar (full moon) eclipse in your eighth house of transformation insists you get off the fence. So, what’s it going to be? Whatever your situation, you have probably become comfortable in it, even if it’s miserable. By not moving, however, you’re preventing your own personal growth and progress. Do what’s best for you. When you stop to ask yourself that question, you may be surprised by the answer. Eclipses bring hidden issues to the front burner, and chances are good that you’re reaching a boiling point anyway. Happier days are ahead once you make up your mind, and this eclipse can help you do that at last. Imagine what can happen if you free yourself from whatever you believe you HAVE to do? The eighth house helps us trust our intuition, our gut feelings. Go with them, because you’re tuned in louder than a static-free AM radio station on a road trip. For pregnant women, the eighth house can bring out feelings about sex or sexuality. A lot of women want to keep their sex lives going during pregnancy and a lot of guys are freaked out, or vice-versa. Connect to your partner in other intimate ways—cuddling doesn’t always lead to sex, but we know it definitely can! Get your partner interested in first base and the rest of the inning may go in your favor. The eighth house is an intense zone of the chart, and it can also bring about feelings of paranoia. Give yourself a reality check before you jump to conclusions. You’re already working on some big decisions now, possibly life-changing ones. So get in tune with your spirit and filter out the negative. It’s a good time for all women to reboot their systems, perhaps even with a detox. Maybe you start by giving up one thing, like packaged snacks. Commit to bringing only fruit to work for afternoon tummy grumbles. Or try eliminating sugar or gluten and see how it makes you feel. Extend your cleansing mentality to your closet and clear away out-of-season clothing. Or how about just letting go of the size-whatever threads you’ve been holding onto forevs? Start acquiring new things that are more timeless, like these six pieces. You’ll save money on your wardrobe, be able to mix-and-match more, and you’ll collect less stuff. And please, buy them in whatever size you need, because those labels are mostly bunk!

Seal the deal, Libra. The October 8 lunar (full moon) eclipse in your seventh house of partnerships could suddenly solidify a relationship in the making. This doesn’t have to mean a romantic partnership—although the scene is set for one. Are you ready to blend families? It’s the “new game in town” according to this HuffPost piece. It could be a friendship or a union of another type that’s been in the making since the spring. Maybe a mom you met at school or a neighbor you exchanged pleasantries with before the busy summer took hold? Circle back now to reintroduce yourself. Better yet, plan a potluck at your house, or even a fall bash. Opportunities to form fast alliances are bound to crop up. If they’re not obvious to you now, they will be soon enough. A few soul-baring conversations could find you sealing bonds. Don’t be surprised if a few of these interactions occur with casual friends or acquaintances. At drop-off, you could find yourself surprisingly open about your fertility or breastfeeding. Yikes! While you may experience some feelings of TMI-regret, chances are the receiving party will be receptive to your openness. A new friendship could start with such an encounter. The seventh house also puts a spotlight on our relationships with our children. This is an ideal week for catching up on QT. If you have more than one child, consider a one-on-one day with each of them, a special day for just the two of you to do what they want. That kind of bonding can go a long way with our kids and help refuel our tanks. “THIS is what it’s all about,” you may think as you accept an ice-cream-lip kiss from your little one. And your kids don’t have to compete for your attention with anyone else that day. “Timing-in” is the name of the game now, literally, as a discipline technique. It’s taken hold as this article suggests as a more effective alternative to time-out. Of course, whatever works for your family is best. But if you’re looking to try something new, this is a great time to test it. Speaking of trying things out, this eclipse helps you focus on your relationship with yourself. Things you may be considering, but have put off at the expense of taking care of others, can come to light now. You could work with a life coach to figure out your next steps. The eclipse can clear away fog and give you clarity. Working with a life coach is an option (as long as you are clear of the myths associated with them). Or consider working with a trainer to get your fitness goals on track. Enlist a stylist if your look needs a refresh. The possibilities are endless, and the point is to get bonding with yourself as well as others!

No more slacking, Scorpio! If you’ve been neglecting your self-care, a lunar eclipse (full moon) on October 8 in your sixth house of wellness is going to help you back onto the wagon. Reality-check time: What have you let slip? You can plan now to get it back. Caveat: No one (really, no one) is expecting you to get back to pre-kid levels of health and fitness. This controversial mom makes it look so easy but let’s be serious—she makes it an inspiring bonding activity with her adult child. The best you can ask of yourself is to do YOUR BEST! Your wellbeing isn’t a game of all or nothing. Think of yourself as a work in progress. As mothers, we don’t have three hours to blow at the gym. But we may have an hour. Or nap time to do a video. Or maybe you can get to a class two times a week. Go you! Your inner perfectionist needs to relax. Work with what you have. The same is true for allowing yourself some indulgences. Deprivation works for a while, and then it can go to hell in a hand basket at the first opportunity for whatever it is you forbade yourself. The same is true for kids: Depriving them of anything seems to make them want it more. We know one mom who wasn’t allowed any sugary cereals as a kid. When she moved into her first apartment she ate nothing but Fruity Pebbles for dinner for months—just because she could. Whoa! She hasn’t had them since getting that out of her system, but still. Why hold anyone, including yourself, to an impossible standard? Why not, instead, do what you can and treat yourself occasionally to whatever it is you classify forbidden (check out this post, “Donuts in the Cart” for a nutritionist’s take on indulgences.) Allow for the occasional indulgence. Start or revive a regular exercise routine. Before the month is up, you could be well on your way to looking and feeling like a better person. The sixth house also puts a focus on our daily routines. Now that school has been in session for a few months, you may be ready to make tweaks to your morning or evening routines. Maybe your kids are ready for an after-school activity, which could free up more time for you to tend to your self-care needs! It doesn’t just have to be health and fitness related. You could take some time to enjoy the outdoors. Grab your laptop and do some work (business or pleasure). Plant a winter garden, or research the non-toxic cleaning products you’ve been meaning to invest in. For expecting moms, this eclipse puts a focus on your healthy pregnancy. It’s a great time to weigh the pros and cons of eco-friendly nursery items and spread the word to family and friends that you want non-toxic wood toys for your little one. Some of them may roll eyes, but this is your choice. Who ever heard of an heirloom plastic toy? And yet every wooden one we seen evokes images of our grandchildren playing with them one day! Go for a couple beautiful, bespoke items that are built to last.

Wake your slumbering passions, Sagittarius. A full moon (lunar) eclipse on October 8 in your fifth house of love and creativity can bring about a sudden, fantastic change. It can also bring clarity on a foggy issue. What’s been laying dormant for you? Or what have you been manifesting since the spring? You are about to see some results. If you’re looking for a love connection, your fifth house has a healthy supply of Cupid’s arrows with your name on them. Go ahead and let him take aim. If you’re happily in a relationship, then enjoy the jolt this eclipse provides. You could be completely overwhelmed with wonder and excitement, getting swept away by—the partner you’ve been with for years?! We love this post that’s gone viral this week on what a marriage is and what it isn’t. Who says the honeymoon is over? Recreate it! Avoid pressuring yourself to make everything perfect. The key is to make it spontaneous, and Sagittarius. We know your sign loves any type of on-the-fly activity, so you’re in luck. If it leads to the bedroom, just beware that the fifth house also rules fertility. You could be adding to the brood if you’re not careful, especially since eclipses can bring sudden events. If you’ve got babies on the brain, you may want to talk that out with your partner before disrobing after date night. For expecting moms, being outspoken is your M.O. with this eclipse. Expressing your needs is tantamount. And we’re not talking just bedroom needs (although, you're in the zone asking for those now, too—meow). You’re finding your voice in your nine-month journey to motherhood, so use it with anyone who’ll listen and then some. Don’t worry, this eclipse puts you in the spotlight, so you’ll have your audience. Cameras could come knocking when you least expect it. Be sure you look and feel your best! The fifth house also rules glamour and the eclipse could inspire you to make a bold change. Get yourself to your stylist for a trim or a brave-choice new hair color (lavender, anyone?). Expecting moms might find themselves falling into a few rabbit holes online shopping for the nursery—hello, push present! All women can tap into their creativity now and Halloween is the perfect opportunity for that. You’ll get into a festive mood making everyone’s costumes for the town parade or decorating the car for the school Trunk-or-Treat. Why not bring the party home and have a Monster Mash? Party planning might sound appealing now and a theme party is a fitting choice. Plus we want someone we know to make these cupcakes!

Shakeup at Chateau Capricorn! The lunar (full moon) eclipse on October 8 in your fourth house of domesticity may have you suddenly reimagining your living space. Or imagining a new one! You may see your home with a sharper lens. Bob Villa suggests you “pretend you’re meeting your home for the very first time.” Could that spare bedroom become a nursery? Could that alcove be a perfect home office? How about something simple, like changing the hardware on your cabinets, or putting a fresh coat of paint on a few pieces of furniture? Maybe try a bold color to add a little spice to a room. Perhaps you’ve outgrown your space or become bored with it. If the cons are starting to outweigh the pros, it’s time to move on. One Capricorn mom we know was force-fitting her city-living single-life situation—with husband and two kids. One day it suddenly hit her as being ridiculous. The family moved to a house in the 'burbs and she couldn’t believe the amount of space they suddenly had, and how “on top of each other” it seemed they all were before. If your breathing room can’t come from a move or a remodel, maybe it can arrive by way of a day trip to an airy place where you can take in nature and get in some quality family time (bonus points if it's near water). If a relative lives on the way, drop in for a short visit—something with a defined start and finish so you don’t lose out on the time you’ve dedicated for your outing. You may even wish to commemorate the occasion with a family portrait. This post suggests that you don’t wait for the “right” time to do this. Do what you can to carve out the family time and you will reap the rewards now. The fourth house highlights nurturing but the influence of an eclipse can amp things to the point that intense behaviors can emerge from the shadows. For example, do we have a tendency to smother? Especially for moms with children who are off at college for the first time this fall, are you giving them space? Er, mama, it's time to turn off your phone tracking app. Let them grow, stumble, and become people. You’ve put in your hard work and you need to trust now that they will know what to do, or will call you when they don’t. In other words, don’t be a helicopter parent! Finding the right balance between your work and your family life also can come up. Perhaps it’s time to cut back your work schedule so that you can create more space in your world for your nearest and dearest. Make play time a priority!

Mommy BFF, incoming! The October 8 lunar (full moon) eclipse in your third house of interactions could transform a fledgling friend into a true-blue bestie. If you’ve been looking for a collaborator or a social partner in crime, this lunar light may reveal the perfect person for the job—who might already be someone you know. This candidate could surprise you with what she (or he) is actually capable of (babysitting exchanges). This person could be a confidante, someone to vent to about the ups and downs of motherhood, or life in general. As you interview potential pals, ask yourself: Is this mom honest about the job? Does she admit when things are tough or does she put on a good show? You need the former, not the latter. You’re too keep-it-real, Aquarius, to put up with the wanna-be perfect Pinterest mom. You need a solid one-on-one connection with a like-minded mama to make life a little sweeter—someone who will "hold the bucket" when you need to unload. This friend doesn’t have to be someone you see everyday, but that would be nice. Coffee once a week could do the trick! Try not to make it about getting the kids together, and make it about just the two of you. Some best mom friends are miles apart and communicate mostly by text or Facebook messages mainly. Dissolve your idea of what a friendship has to look like. Allow a mental connection to rule and you’ll find a way to make it work (and be sure you have an unlimited texting plan)! The fast-moving eclipse could make this friend search simple and fast. Did that mom just dish some sarcasm about something you secretly find funny, too? SCORE! Or, as we said, that mom may already be someone you’ve had lingering in the wings. Maybe she’s waiting for you to make the first move. If you’re really stuck, you could take to the web and try Venting Sessions. The third house also rules communication, and the eclipse gives you the gift of gab in gobs. Set aside any concern about what others will think—especially potential mommy BFF candidates—and express yourself unapologetically. If you’re expecting, not only is this a good time to gather information about your soon-to-be new phase of life. Reading up about the stages of your pregnancy and your baby’s early development will especially pique your curiosity. We love the classic book Touchpoints—Birth to Three. It’s sort of a “baby decoder” and goes a little deeper than a lot of the resources available online. If you’re expecting another, this is a great time to get your children ready for their new sibling!

It’s payday, Pisces! The October 8 lunar (full moon) eclipse in your second house of work and income paves the way for prosperity. The energy you’ve invested at work during the past six months could finally be rewarded. You could be offered a new role at your existing gig—maybe one with more family-friendly hours. Or you could have a sudden a-ha moment for a business idea. Maybe other moms with startups will inspire you to take action (read some stories here). They’re also great resources to learn the ropes of getting started. Just want to test the waters of business ownership? Here’s a list of 20 ideas with low initial investment to consider. If you have reached an end-point in your job or want something better, maybe it’s time to acquire some new skills. Make the investment now in getting more education and you may one day be able to bump into a higher income bracket. One mom we know just returned to work after seven years off taking care of her young children. She decided she wants to teach, so she’s substitute teaching during the day (Yay, mommy hours!) and she’s taking classes at night to get teacher certified. Another mom of a teen we know decided to quit her part-time sales job and put her energy into her photography hobby. She’s already selling prints and showing in galleries. She just needed to put her focus on what she wanted. So, where is YOUR attention going? If it’s solely on childcare, relax—that won’t be your situation forever. You’re a dreamer, Pisces, so don’t be afraid to look up into the sky and think BIG. Our Pisces friend Dina Manzo (of the Real Housewives of New Jersey) taught herself interior design from a home study course while she was on bed rest! Even if you can’t reach your goal now, you can manifest your first move toward it. Eclipses are great jumping off points for drastic changes. If you set your mind to something you want to do, you really can achieve it. This is one of many eclipses that will touch down in your money sectors until March 2016, so getting the ball rolling now will push you in the right direction. That’s a timeframe just about anyone can live with! The eclipse in your second house puts a highlight on money management, too. It’s a good time to review your budgets and check in with where your money is going. Especially with holidays approaching, many families are thinking about how to squirrel away a few extra dollars. You could even look ahead to next year and think about how you could save even more, like this couple who had a spend-nothing year and became a national sensation in Canada. We can’t imagine giving up our little indulgences, but we sure would like to have their savings at the end of a year!