MOTHER

Cha-ching! A cash cow you’ve been waiting for may moo its way into your pasture, Aries. A November 6 full moon in Taurus, your second house of finance, means opportunities to save and earn more are coming your way. Chances are good these are things you’ve been cultivating since the Taurus new moon six months ago (which was also a powerhouse solar eclipse). It’s payday, especially if you put plans in place in the spring. It could be a small windfall, enough to encourage you to press on. A little victory that excites you. A lot of moms have a rebirth of their career after having children. Maybe the idea of going back to work seems unfulfilling and entrepreneurship intriguing. If you’ve taken the first steps toward that goal, this transit can help you see the fruits of your efforts. Or it can give you a chance to stop, assess, and adjust where things are headed. This can be especially challenging for an Aries who is comfortable controlling every aspect of her life. Check out this article if you’ve been feeling alone and unsure it’s okay to let go of an idea and move on. If you’ve been dutifully completing your tasks at work with the promise that it could lead to something better (especially for moms who returned to work after maternity or started new positions), this might be the time to ask your boss for a check-in. You may be ready for the next level, getting bored with what you’re doing. And now you have the past six months on your resume to back up asking for something more, or different. For Aries still knee-deep in mommy-land, you’re not out of this. If you’ve been wanting to earn a few dollars, you can be thinking ahead to what your next move will be. Or, make your entrepreneurial dreams a reality. It’s all about taking the first step. If you've not had anything in the works, don’t sweat it. This full moon could bring you wind of a hot prospect. Keep your ears open. We know moms who knit hats, make chocolates, and craft jewelry for sale around the holidays. Some have online shops and others sell small lots to local shops for resale. The second house also puts a focus on savings. You have a chance to tweak your budget or to legitimately get your nest egg growing, especially if you were hovering in research mode. For pregnant women, this is a great time to also simplify your life. We’re intrigued, though admittedly haven’t tried, the advice of Marie Kondo, the world’s latest organization guru. Clear out now, because baby stuff morphs into kids stuff and that stuff multiplies, no matter how minimalist you aim to be. You can probably thank the relatives for that!

It’s your personal independence day, Bull, so step right up to the microphone for your own Bill Pullman-style speech. The November 6 full moon is the year’s only full moon in Taurus, a time rich in potential when all your hard work of the past six months can pay huge dividends. But you can’t sit back and wait for the praise, phone calls, and fat checks to come in. Wouldn’t THAT be nice? No, the full moon isn’t a winning lottery ticket. It’s a little help for YOU to make the magic happen. In other words, you have to take risks to reap rewards. So this week, why not be bold and confident and do something uncharacteristically LARGE to promote yourself? The full moon in your first house of self-expression and new initiatives is all but a prescription for being bold. For taking a chance. For being vocal about your needs and wants (especially pregnant Taurus women). While you’re trying on your new voice, get thee to the store for some new threads or to the salon for some fresh color or a trim. Not only do you want to vamp your appearance for prime time, you want to feel your best. If you’re going to stand out from the crowd, go all in! Taking care of yourself will show your kids that you’re important, too—that you’re not just here in service to them. Gisele Bundchen put this in great perspective recently. It’s great practice to talk to your kids about your job, even if you are a WAHM, because that IS work. Work takes on a lot of forms these days—imagine what it will be like for our kids when they’re older? This cool resource has tons of videos appropriate for K-5 set for what different jobs look like that go wayyy beyond firefighter. (Someone ought to tell these kids about that.) What about just being happy? Or asking, “How Do I Want to Be?” It’s a lot to think about, especially if you’re at a crossroads. But it can be exciting! If you get too focused on any one thing and feel stuck, get some physical activity—it’s a great stress reducer while the moon is in your first house. Something that stretches you past your normal limits: a longer run, a rock-climbing wall, or a kickboxing class. Make the time for yourself and you will already begin reaping your rewards!

Hello, boundaries. It’s time to establish some with loved ones, Gemini, especially if they’ve become blurred. Not your strong suit. But November 6’s full moon in Taurus illuminates your twelfth house of completions. It helps you get clear on the difference between being helpful and supportive, and someone tottering on the brink of codependence. You’re not doing anyone any favors (especially yourself) if you drain your own energy while lending a hand. Set limits, and then call on tough love to enforce them. It requires you to be a little selfish, if you can allow that there aren’t only negative connotations of that word. Be warned, Gemini: the twelfth house can make you a pushover. You’ll be working against the grain to establish boundaries, but it’s for your mental well-being, so it’s important to push through the discomfort. The in-law or friend who drops by unannounced? Nip it. Even if it’s been going on for years, there’s no unwritten law that the pattern can’t be changed. Have you expressed that pop-ins are disruptive to your family routine? Really, some people need it explained. Instead of eating your words, spit them out. Maybe they’re watching too many Everybody Loves Raymond reruns. There are lots of advice columns on how to handle uninvited in-laws, but this one is a good start and it’s even on the Grandparents.com web site, which you could turn them on to in some subtle way. Even if it’s friends ringing your bell, some moms don’t like it. The twelfth house can also bring out people’s hidden agendas. So it could be that your in-laws really just want more time with your kids. Try arranging that—heck, give them LOTS of time together—and we’re guessing your “we were just in the neighborhood” problems may fade away. Of course, we also like the direct route: “Sorry, you can’t come in now, we’re doing (homework, bedtime, bath time, etc.),” and be firm. Get your partner on board so you’re not the bad guy. If you’re expecting, this is a great time to get on the same page with your partner for how you want things to go down after the baby is born. Some moms we know don’t allow family to come visit for a few weeks. This gives them an opportunity to figure things out as parents before the well-meaning helping hands come flooding in. Also, all Gemini women should get plenty of rest now. The twelfth house is a time for healing and all this drama could make you feel burnt out if you don’t take a time-out.

Group hug! On November 6, the community-minded full moon in Taurus and your eleventh house of team spirit could spark all kinds of positive group activities. The full moon represents the culmination of your efforts over the past six months, sparked by the April 28 Taurus new moon. This week, you could have something major to celebrate with your collaborators. Break open a bottle of bubbly (or sparking cider, if you’re expecting)! It’s also a wonderful time to show your gratitude and appreciation. Why wait until the holidays to reach out with a thank-you for your caregiver or your children’s teachers? Or even the people who challenge you—really! They are helping you, even if it doesn’t always feel that way—helping you learn about yourself. Check out this Tiny Buddha post “50 Ways to Show Gratitude for the People in Your Life.” It’ll make you feel good—and imagine the karma! In the U.S., attention is starting to focus on Thanksgiving and a traditionally charitable time of the year. Look up your community on the Feeding America site to see how you can help locally. The moon in your eleventh house encourages volunteerism, so perhaps you’ll find you want to go a step further than dropping off some groceries. If your children are old enough to help, they could learn a lot from the experience of volunteering with you. Or ask your kids what interests them and perhaps volunteer for an organization around their interests. A lot of kids like to help out at animal shelters, or collect donations for supplies. Some kids even trade receiving birthing presents to help charities. Pregnant women now may be feeling the excitement of showers, parties, and friends bringing over bags of hand-me-downs. At the same time, you may be panicked about not feeling overly emotional about motherhood. Worry not, Crab, you’re the zodiac’s nurturer. Trust that your instincts will kick in when the time comes. Try to relax and enjoy the rest of your pregnancy. Allow yourself to be treated like a rock star because you’ll soon be feeling like a zombie! All women can use this time to catch up with friends and network (it’s a good time for women who work outside the home to nurture relationships and tend to important connections). Playdates may excite you now, especially if you have a theme or activity idea. Take advantage of your generous mood by arranging one at your home.

Look up, Leo: the sky's the limit! The annual full moon in Taurus shines a spotlight now on your tenth house of professional ambition, milestones, and success. Your determined nature is on display, so let the world see what you’re all about. Boldly pursue what your heart truly desires—whatever it is! You’re ready to commit or to collect the rewards for all your hard work. This Moon is a culmination of seeds planted six months ago at the Taurus new moon (also a solar eclipse). At work, you could be up for a big promotion or finally reel in that dream client. You could be at the end of your maternity leave and decide you want to be a full-time mom, or switch your career in some way. The tenth house full moon gives you the clarity to see where your path is headed. If you’ve struggled with finding a vision, you can ask yourself the questions now and arrive at answers. This includes other big, "where is my life headed" topics, such as whether or not to have more kids, how you want to provide for others (aging parents, for example), and your personal goals. Your attention may be on your kids' futures. If you have children in high school, you could get serious about looking at colleges. If your kids are younger but not getting enough out of their current schools, you may want to visit some different private schools. This is a good time to begin an application process if you have your heart set on one. It’s also a good time to teach kids to be gracious about winning and losing. One rejection letter from a school can send kids (and families) into a tailspin. Check out this mom blogger’s post, “6 Ways to Help Your Kids Be Good Winners AND Losers.” Teach them early and they’ll grow to handle disappointment like an adult (we could all use help in that area; check out the book Expectation Hangover: Overcoming Disappointment in Work, Love, and Life. Ease up on what you think you "should" be doing. We like this mom’s take on dreaming and what it fosters in our children. Feeling stuck? The tenth house also rules men, so turn to a husband, dad, guy friend, or male coworker for advice (or at least for an alternate view). Venting to mom friends is cathartic, but it helps to have a male-energy sounding board for a different POV.

Widen your horizons, Virgo! You may assume you’re thinking big, but you could still be working with some old, outdated parameters. The November 6 full moon in Taurus, your worldly ninth house, could help you cast a wider net. Opportunities start knocking, and they’re coming from some pretty far-flung locales. Chances are good that the fruits of your efforts started six months ago at the April 28 Taurus new moon. It could be someone you met at school, at a conference, on vacation, or perhaps a random offer from a LinkedIn or Facebook friend. If it’s not a work opportunity, then start planning your next getaway now. In all cases, keep an open mind. (Check out this HuffPo piece that asks “How Open to Opportunity Are You?) You may not even realize someone was sent in your direction until after an encounter. Be sure you collect updated contact info! Be open to learning from other people, too, as the ninth house highlights education. Maybe a family learning opportunity is in order? Could this be the winter you all learn how to ski or to ice skate? Or how about dance? Or even something practical like CPR. Here are some ideas for classes you can take with your kids. Find something that interests everyone and sign up! If your kids are old enough to claim they’ll die of mortal embarrassment at the thought of a family activity, maybe you do something less public. A lot of art museums offer classes—art is pretty low-key. Or tune up everyone’s bikes and go for a trail ride (anything outdoors is ideal for you now). Have your kids pick out which trails to hit next. Involving them in the research may get them invested in the idea. And you can all look ahead to your next trip. No matter what it is, you can find ways to make it fun. So even if you’re road-tripping to Aunt So-and-So’s for Thanksgiving in the U.S., what could you find along the way that would be memorable, just for your family? One family we know attends turkey dinner at a relative’s house and then hits a classic diner afterward because her cooking is notoriously not as good as the diner’s! It’s become a fun family tradition, a secret among just them because they don’t want to hurt Aunt So-and-So’s feelings. If cash is low, there are tons of family fun ideas that are frugal, like the ones on the Inner Child Fun blog. If you’re expecting and the idea of excursions make you feel nauseous, keep things light and easy. A walk outdoors to get fresh air, even for a few minutes in inclement weather, will recharge you. Planning a future babymoon or taking a short day trip to check out some baby stores in a shopping area not close to you—those are good activities for you to try, too. But if you’d rather stay cozy on the couch or you’re on bed rest, you could read up on various topics that interest you, such as birthing and parenting philosophies. Take in all the information now while the full moon is in your wisdom zone and you have a curious mindset—before you have to read all the manuals for baby gear!

Life as you know it could undergo a radical makeover, Libra. November 6 brings the annual Taurus full moon, which illuminates your eighth house of transformation. This is the culmination of emotional, spiritual, and inner growth begun six months ago at the April 28 Taurus new moon. You might be ready to drop (or gain) a friend or a business connection. Or you could join a metaphysical group. The eighth house highlights our interest in spirituality. The new Annie Burnside book, From Role to Soul: 15 Shifts On The Awakening Journey, may speak to you. Burnside, a mom of three, previously authored the popular Soul to Soul Parenting. Books are nice, but you shouldn’t have to go through big emotional processes alone. Good thing is, this full moon in your intimate eighth house ensures you don’t have to do that. Having someone to be with you through the process, or to guide you through—whether an experienced mentor, teammate, or partner—can give you the confidence to make this change last. This week, you may be ready to finally take on one of the intractable sticking points in your life. What’s holding you back? Maybe fear. This post is an interesting take on fear, not just a how-to on getting rid of it, which is easier said than done. You may be struggling with your own personal fears and on top of them, parental fears. One of our friends says having children is signing up for a lifetime of worry, and it certainly feels true sometimes. The line between a healthy dose of concern and full-on worrywart can get blurred pretty easily, and especially for you now. It could cause you to become a little paranoid, actually. If those anxious feelings bubble up for you this week, ease up a little. Some time away to reboot your mind can help—maybe yoga or a brief ritual to center yourself, no matter what that looks like for you. (A walk? A nap? A trip to a favorite store? A Project Runway rerun?) If you’re expecting, this is a time when you may crave some privacy, despite all the attention you’re receiving. You may also be more easily annoyed by the advice and feedback you receive from others. Remember, they’re probably well-meaning—but that doesn't mean you have to listen. Politely excuse yourself from conversations that head in directions you’re not in the mood to go in. On the plus side, this high desire for private time can easily transfer to intimate time with your partner. The spicy eighth house brings out your sensual side. Cranking up the heat on your relationship may help you feel better about where your sex life will go after baby. If your little one has just arrived, you may feel an overwhelming connection to that bundle, thanks to the bonding power of the eighth house. Don’t worry, the experts say there’s no such thing as too much love. Not that a Libra would ever think so anyway!

Don’t even THINK about being a solo act this week, Scorpio! November 6 brings a full moon in Taurus—the only one of the year—highlighting your seventh house of dynamic duos. This is a great time to focus on your relationship with your S.O. The time-consuming nature of child management can cut deeply into your one-on-one time, and this full moon reminds you to make it a priority. Hopefully you’re well on your way to that goal—this full moon is a culmination of work begun at the April 28 Taurus new moon. Do you have a new sitter on speed-dial? Call in the reinforcements and book a date night, STAT! Or go so far as to plan an overnight if you can swing it, like this couple did. Romantic relationships aren’t exclusively highlighted now. Other relationships are, too. It could be you’re thinking about going into business with someone. Have you found that person with a complementary skill to help reduce your expenses and risk? The mompreneur industry has exploded in recent years, and you can find many valuable resources for connecting, and for gaining education, like the Mom Biz Coach. We also love this roundup of tips from mompreneurs on U.S. News & World Report. If entrepreneurship isn’t your thing, the seventh house highlights bonding with coworkers and even beautifying your space at work. If you usually pass on invites to go to lunch with the crowd, say yes. It could be a welcome break from your routine. And on your way back to the office, pick up some fresh flowers for your desk. Or bring in some fresh artwork from your kids—that painting from preschool is how old now? If you're on your maternity leave, try digging into some small projects to keep your mind busy, if that’s what you crave. We like this list from Forbes on things to do to get through your leave if nonstop childcare is making you feel a little soft-brained. But remember to relax a little! Scorpio, your sign is famous for its intensity. You do not have to be a Superwoman (or Supermom) and do it all. Ask for help. Remember, two is your magic number now, so ditch the solo act!

Ready to take a leap of faith and jump on the healthy living bandwagon, Archer? November 6 marks the annual full moon in Taurus and your sixth house of wellness, making it hard to ignore the bad habits that have crept back into your life. Get moving—anything you enjoy and can stick to is perfect. Marathon training isn’t necessary. Neither is a gym membership. Some of the best exercise you can get is also the easiest: walking. This New York Times blog posts proves it. Treat yourself to a new fitness tracker if you need some motivation. Fitbit just came out with a new line. Or enlist a fitness buddy—another parent at school drop-off? Or maybe a friend or a coworker? Having an accountability partner can help keep you on track. Sidenote: this blog post suggests photographing your food diary instead of just writing down what you ate—interesting idea! If you have small children, get them involved with your fitness. A walk/run in a jog stroller is a great start. Before you know it, you could be signing up for 5Ks (and more) with your little ones going along for the ride. We have lots of mom friends who do this, even as their kids get bigger. One mom we know ran a half marathon pushing her double-stroller with 70 pounds of kid strapped in! Also this week, think in terms of healthy comfort food. A little balancing act on your plate can help you feel like you’re not depriving yourself. How about a pile of gluten-free pasta with a mound of veggies? Or a rich butternut squash soup? If the weather is turning cooler with the turn of the calendar where you live, break out the crockpot for some hearty dinners that can please the family, like these ideas from the mom blog Eat Drink Eat. Women who are expecting may put an added focus now on prenatal vitamins and supplements. Clearing out the toiletries of chemical-laden products is also a good idea now. The Skin Deep Database is a good starting place for learning about what’s in your products and if you want to keep or toss. It may surprise you to know that not everything at the health food store is, well, healthy! This is also a good time for all women to make doctor’s appointments. With the year nearing its end, you may want to take advantage of a vision benefit—pick out some new hot mama frames!

Time for a makeover, Capricorn? The November 6 full moon in Taurus and your glamorous fifth house of passion can garner some major recognition for your talents—not to mention your stunning good looks! This happens but once a year, so don’t say you’ll catch it next time or wait until Mother’s Day or your birthday. It’s also the end of a cycle of initiatives you began at the Taurus new moon back on April 28. Even humble Capricorns now want to be acknowledged for their hard work. It’s okay if you have to do a little self-promotion. It’s not entirely selfish. If you spell out the benefits for others, no one would dream of calling you self-aggrandizing. Chances are you may be experiencing “recognition deficit” as this mom called it when her son summarized her job in a class assignment. We know tons of Capricorn moms who, as a tenacious sign, strive mightily for a work-life balance. Sidelining their careers isn’t even an option in their minds. If you’re one of those Capricorns, this is a great time to be outspoken at work and even with your family. If you’re working hard, you sure want them to notice. Here are some quick tips on how to explain to your kids what you do for a living. Now, they’ll be able to answer “what does your mom do?” and also gain the appreciation you want them to have. It’s a great stepping stone toward teaching them about earning a living and other important lessons you undoubtedly want to bestow. SAHPs aren’t excluded from this. You work, but not at an office. That can confuse small children, but the same tips apply. We know one mom who explains it this way to her kids: mommies and daddies work in all types of offices, and some of those are home offices. Simple enough! All your hard work deserves a break. Be sure to take one to keep your focus with all the balls you’re juggling. For SAHPs, there can be guilt associated with asking for one. This article makes a strong case for why you shouldn’t worry about that. For pregnant women, this is a great time to also be outspoken about your needs—at work, with your partner, and also with caregivers. Also, the fifth house rules fertility, so this is a good month to try if you want to become pregnant. It also highlights creativity, and some downtime with the kiddos doing something fun can be a great release right now from all the serious stuff in life.

Your domestic life get its annual checkup this week, as the only Taurus full moon of the year shines its high beams on your home life. If you’ve been feeling a bit dissatisfied, something’s gotta give in your home or with your familial relations. Perhaps this is the end of the cycle of something that’s been building up, sparked at the April 28 Taurus new moon, six months ago. Only you can decide if you now need to redecorate, move, or change your living arrangements (set up home office or nursery, etc.). Whatever is in flux with your situation, this is an ideal time to make necessary adjustments. This includes couples that have been toying with the idea of a separation. Or, if you’re divorced, making alterations to child custody arrangements (even informally). There’s also an emphasis now on childcare. If you're considering making a change, this is a good time to do it: add an after-school program to your child’s day or start up a new activity. One caution: the fourth house is all about nesting and nurturing, and with a focus on your kids can come a tendency to smoother. If you signed up your daughter for drum lessons, do you need to be in the room while she takes them? Also, don’t forget the power and importance of free play. It’s incredibly easy to over-schedule a child with their interests, let alone what you’d like for them to do. (Piano, anyone?) This is a good time for pregnant women to get serious about self-care. Be sure your prenatal appointments are on the calendar and treat yourself to a prenatal massage or prenatal yoga. Explore what’s available in your community for expecting moms. One mom we know took a prenatal cooking class that focused on easy-to-digest foods and quick prep (we could ALL use that!). Another mom we know took classes in hypnobirthing and used the techniques for her lengthy delivery. You may find a doula or a midwife along the way! For moms and moms-to-be who work outside the home, this is a good time to personalize your workspace. Morphing into the role of mom at work can be effortless now, but watch that you don’t shortchange your professionalism by becoming the office baker or Dear Abby and solve everyone’s personal problems. Practice some self-protection and you can be model employee with a dash of Martha Stewart. Cronut with that spreadsheet?

Tip the barista! The November 6 full moon in domestic-minded Taurus and your third house of local happenings could lend you some serious street cred. Plane tickets can wait. You’re far more interested in raising your public profile close to home and taking on a more active role in your own community. Never fancied yourself the PTA type? You may be rethinking that this week. Or if that gives you commitment fears, how about class parent? Or checking the “yes” box when the volunteer slips come home from school? Perhaps a shorter-term charge can satisfy your desires now but not leave you frantically searching for an escape hatch later (you’re not alone in this fear, by the way. This could also be a culmination of work you started at the Taurus new moon six months ago. So perhaps your reign as queen as ending. Or you have completed a project. You can now celebrate, revel in your accomplishments, contemplate what’s next. We don’t know many Pisces who like to be pinned down to something forever, so now is also a great time to look for a new area to focus your energies. With the holidays approaching, it won’t be hard to find a local charity in need of items, like coats, blankets, and food, or your time to help sort and distribute. For kids who are old enough to participate, it’s a great way to get them involved. Or maybe it’s time for them to sign up for a group like the Girl Scouts that will expose them to charity work. Here’s an article on how to introduce your kids to charity work that may give you some ideas. Your opportunity will present, as the third house influence will give you the get-up-and-go you require to be out-and-about. Even moms who bring their kids to the tot story time at the library are likely to see a flyer about a volunteer opportunity and chomp at the bit to start, or to meet some other moms who are already involved in something that interests you. Bonus: you could meet a kindred spirit with BFF written all over her, too! Expecting women will want to seek their tribe now—maybe a group of moms-to-be who you can share the experience with, and also learn from. Gathering information is probably foremost in your mind, so soak it all up like a burp cloth. If you’re inspired to share, start a blog! Here are some tips from the Mommy Tries blog. First post suggestion: how to meet new mom friends!