MOTHER

Things are about to get serious, Aries, when it comes to your closest ties. This week, love-planet Venus and goal-obsessed Saturn make their once-a-year meet up in Scorpio, your eighth house of bonding. This blended energy can cause you to feel less optimistic than usual, even a little depressed at moments, especially if life feels more demanding and heavy than usual. If you’re feeling dark, try to balance it with something that will reboot your system. DIY crafts could give you an outlet for your intense feelings—or maybe a sensual class like bellydancing–if you're up for it. If your nose-dive into pessimism can’t be turned around, be sure it’s not postpartum you’re dealing with—even if your baby is older. There is a growing body of research to support the evidence that postpartum isn’t reserved for those few weeks after delivery when you feel “the baby blues.” And the quick “do you have the blues?” survey that the discharge nurse asks you in the hospital catches a lot of women off guard. Talk to your doctor if you think you need some help. But be aware that this powerful cosmic influence is causing you to have deeper feelings of fear and sadness than usual. Treat yourself to a little pampering to see if you don’t just need to reclaim some “me” time. Steep yourself some nourishing postpartum tea. Talk to your partner about your feelings and decide, too, if together you need to get things off your chest (couples therapy, a new parents support group, or a babysitter for a night on the town). Pregnant women may now feel a greater need for privacy. Those unwelcome advances from strangers who want to feel your belly? You could find yourself in a fiery rage at the very extension of their hand. Here’s a fun post with tips for curbing unwanted belly touching. Whatever you do, Aries, focus on the things that will give you positive energy now. One of these ideas (none of which are coffee) may help. The eighth house also puts a focus on our shared wealth. With the Venus-Saturn conjunct in Scorpio, address essential matters with a clear head and sense of accountability. Saturn (planet of maturity) wants us to deal with cold, hard facts. Instead of sweeping issues under the rug, like your holiday gift budget or an upcoming tax bill, develop an action plan or even seek the help of an expert. Maybe it's time to finally buy a house instead of renting, or to start investing. Once this transit passes, you’ll be happy you put some of these affairs in order, even if they are difficult to confront. If anyone can face things head on, it’s you, Aries.

There’s sweet and sour in your bag of gummies this week, Taurus. You won’t always know which one (or, precisely, which emotion) you’re going to pull out as both magnetic Venus and restrictive Saturn are conjunct (together) in Scorpio, your seventh house of relationships. This blended transit happens just once this year. And while it does, you can expect to feel hot and cold, light and heavy—maybe even all at once. On the upside, your empathy could be off the charts, and you’ll feel more mindful of another person’s feelings. If a mom seems to feel excluded from your group, you’ll seek to get her into the fold. Your playdate hospitality could ratchet all the way up to an invitation to stay for dinner. In your committed relationships, you may persuade yourself to keep the topics airy. The life-change talking points can wait. You’re not avoiding, you’re enjoying things as they are now. But the influence of Saturn will give you a dose of skepticism in your dealings with your closest confidants. Instead of floating along in the status quo, something could suddenly become downright unacceptable, and for reasons you can’t even comprehend. You could find some inspiration on the Don’t Sweat Moms blog that features real moms chilling out (a sister site to the book Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff for Moms. Try to take a broad view. It may help you not become so suddenly irritated, or snap you back to reality faster. Does your family really always have dinner on the fly—or is it just that one night because everyone had something at a different time? Do they really never do anything around the house—or are you playing the martyr? Instead of painting with broad brushstrokes, realize you're seeing things through a pair of bleak lenses now. Look at the flip side of all things that trip you up. And if all your cups seem half-empty, try to be proactive and set some boundaries. Clarify your terms, your wishes, and your expectations. Be stern with yourself, too. Listen to some feel-good music for a boost. Take a walk and fill your lungs with some fresh air. Meet a friend for coffee and talk about something light, like the latest episode of the Real Housewives. In other words, try not to take things too seriously right now. Pregnant women can take things one step further and avoid stressful situations, like the gaggle of women who spew negative childrearing advice you don’t agree with. Just kindly remove yourself and find your place of harmony. Maybe a prenatal barre class. Or if those naysayers have got you down, explore a prenatal marriage counseling option with your partner. For Taureans who just need a little zone-out time, why not try your hand at your own healthy version of sweet and sour gummies?

Healthy living AND loving—that’s your M.O. in relationships now, Gemini, as desire-driven Venus joins serious Saturn on November 12 in Scorpio, your sixth house of wellness. Your more regimented side could really make a showing. Whip out your planner—you’re a scheduling maverick now. Get all those appointments set up, for you and the entire family. Some moms we know do this at the beginning of a new year, but you are inspired to do this now. Or, you could go full-nerd and start tracking things in a spreadsheet like this family. One mom we know tracks things in her iPhone Notes—a lot less high-tech, but it works. The point is, you’re inspired with this conjunct of Venus and Saturn in Scorpio (which happens once a year), to get your life in order, practically speaking. The sixth house gives you an eye for minutiae (hence the spreadsheets). You could feel more bonded with your loved ones by dealing with the nitty-gritty details, like poring over the household budget, decluttering the garage, or finally passing along the too-small baby clothes. These busy-bee tasks can give you a shared sense of purpose, as you figure out ways to support each other's ambitions and day-to-day lives—especially if one of you is a stay-at-home parent. Leave no “to-do” item unchecked. But don’t forget romance! Crack open the coupon book from school and find a place for a budget-conscious date night (after all, you just brushed up your balance sheet). Or get out for a bike ride or a walk together, as Venus and Saturn are in your wellness zone now. Make an effort to keep it light and fun. One potential pitfall of Venus in your sixth house is a tendency to overanalyze things, especially your partner’s actions or your own perceived failings. Remember, you’re doing your best. Check out the Mom Enough blog for inspiration. We also like this roundup of life lessons gleamed from Oprah’s recent The Life You Want conference in Miami (future conferences will be held in Seattle and San Jose. If you think there’s an area in which you could improve, do something about it! Maybe you need help. This is a great time to explore housekeepers or finding new caregivers. Pregnant women can also use this time to focus on a healthy and fit pregnancy, and also seek out helpful experts in areas that you may need help. Taking on a self-improvement project will give you the self-care that will serve your higher self better than fretting over X, Y, and Z.

The playdate winds down on November 12 when sober Saturn and harmonious Venus align in Scorpio, your fifth house of love and creativity. This once-annual meet up can feel heavy, if not a little depressing, as your mind may wander to focusing on all that isn’t going right. Or, you may fixate on some personal drama. Try not to dwell on the negative, Crab, even if you’re feeling far below sea level. Keep in mind that your life lessons are helping you to establish a baseline for what you really want or expect—in the now. For starters, don’t let anything go. The fifth house encourages your voice to be heard. Dare to say what others are only thinking, especially in your parenting circles. Leave the passive-aggressive stuff to someone else, for once. Just throw it out there, and see what happens. How else will you see change and the results that you want? Fed up about Common Core? Have you done anything about it? This may be your moment. Check out the Parents Advocate League web site for guidance on how to get a conversation started in your community (if there’s not one already). Or focus your energy inward. Release your inner child and get creative. Get messy with your own kids. How about 30 ways to play with shaving cream? The laughter you’ll share with your kiddos will hopefully be enough to let yourself go a bit, clear out the gloom. If a dark cloud is hovering, though, don’t let it go. Talk it out with a trusted friend or a parent, or seek some expert advice (Saturn rules authority figures, too). You don’t have to go it alone now. A date night will help you feel connected to your partner. Glam it up a tad or treat yourself to a new ‘do. Just getting out of your comfortable shell may help you feel like a refreshed person. One caution: While the fifth house rules fertility, this conjunct complicates things. Couples trying to conceive may struggle with fertility (this is not the week to do IVF). Or you may decide to look into other options, such as adoption or surrogacy, if you're having a hard time. Or just take a little time off from focusing on it so much. This HuffPo post by infertility advocate Justine Froelker may really speak to you now. If you’re already pregnant, this is a great time to heat up the romance with your partner. Maybe a little PDA at the street fair or sunset date in a secluded spot. Allow yourself to get swept away in some amorous emotion and the sex may not feel like the usual “baby making.”

Romanticizing and reminiscing much? Magnetic Venus cozies up to disciplined Saturn in Scorpio, your fourth house of home, family, and nostalgia, on November 12. During this aspect (a conjunction which happens just once a year) you’ll be yearning for yesteryear. You may find yourself flipping through the pages of a high school yearbook. Or scrolling through pictures of the kids when they were younger. Or remembering (and maybe pining for) the adventures and vacations you had with your partner when you were a kidless, carefree couple. Yearning for your past can be helpful in pointing you back to times where you felt safe, or alive, or in your complete essence. It’s not a place we tend to visit often as parents, so enjoy it! Even if you’re not fixated on the past, you’re probably going to be in the mood to create comfy-cozy experiences, either alone or with your partner and your family. A visit to see some relatives may be in order. Thanksgiving is approaching in the U.S., perhaps you’d like to take on host duties this year. Or plan ahead to start a new tradition, with a twist. Here are 10 ideas for unique ones you could start, all pretty simple and full of meaning. Connecting with loved ones is good medicine for you now. Also be sure to ramp up your self-care. Remember to drink plenty of water and veg out when you can. You may be tempted by comfort foods, just watch that you don’t zone out into some emotional eating. Perhaps pulling a recipe from a family cookbook will satisfy your nostalgia now and maybe introduce your kids to some new flavors. If you can draw a bath for yourself after the kids go to bed, try some aromatherapy salts. Deep relaxation can restore your soul. Martha Stewart has some simple recipes for salts that would make great presents, too, if gift-giving holidays are in your future. For pregnant women, pampering is also important. You’ll also feel the urge to nest, get things ready for the baby. And you may lean on your mom, other female relatives, and friends for advice now. This young woman photoshopped herself into pictures of her mom when she was a young girl and the results are very fourth house! You could explore feng shui: Add plants, crystals, and objects that signal a feeling of warmth. If you're not pregnant, the influence of Venus can make your desire to add to your family palpable. It may be time to have the convo with your partner about whether adding to your brood is in your future. Just go easy, as this conjunction that blends the boldness of Saturn can cause you to feel moody about a particular family issue, maybe even your fertility. By knowing about the pessimistic vibe in advance, you can handle yourself with special care. It’s not all gloom: with structured Saturn in this domestic zone, it might be a great time for some home repairs, closet organizing, or acquiring a new piece of furniture. Maybe an afternoon antiquing or building new bookshelves will part the clouds forming over your head. Or hey, who says it's too early to start hanging up holiday decorations? Even just planning them or making a few could bring on the warm fuzzies.

Strike up the witty banter, Virgo! You’re so ON (even with little sleep) thanks to a melding of magnetic Venus and serious Saturn in Scorpio, your third house of communication. This conjunction happens once a year, and it’s coming to you November 12. No tongue ties. No empty status updates. Your way with words will be effortless. While you’re in this zone, you may pick up a few new friends. Haven’t met the new neighbors? Find an excuse to welcome them to the area. Strike up convos with the people you encounter. Some friendly banter with the librarian could lead to a hot tip on something new to do with the kids. For example, we just learned about Frozen ice castles popping up in some malls now, like in New Jersey, Connecticut, and even Florida—there may be one near you. Sharing a fun experience with your kids may be just the remedy for combatting any icy blues that creep in now, as this blend of Venus and Saturn can do. Frustration could reach an all-time high if your kids aren’t getting along and you’re feeling at your wit’s end. Give it another shot, maybe from a different angle, as the third house supports your efforts to end sibling rivalries. We know one family with tween girls who announced they will not take a family vacation in 2015 because their fighting was so bad during trips this year. We’re not sure that’s the answer, but we understand they were exasperated. Study up on some ideas, especially if you’re out of them or your voice is hoarse from yelling. Here are some ideas from Empowering Parents and more from Peaceful Parent, all with a peaceful approach. If you find yourself thinking, “Oh, it’ll never work” or just feeling isolated, don’t worry. Think of this as a cosmic rainstorm, and your best bet is to put up an umbrella. For pregnant women, you may feel a strain with your siblings, especially those with kids. If the advice is starting to turn you off, tune it out. Focus your attention on gathering information from other more neutral sources. Be gracious, though. Chances are good you’re being extra sensitive and they are only trying to help. We think one dad we know got the best advice ever from his brother: “Let me give you some parenting advice: Don't ever listen to parenting advice." Bottom line is you know what to do (or you will know what to do). Even if you doubt your actions, you’re a Virgo and your sign is blessed with an abundance of common sense. Add to it your quick wit right now, and you’ll be cursing through this week with confidence, even if you have to fake it a little!

Security is oh-so sexy, Libra. On November 12, charismatic Venus and hardscrabble Saturn join up in Scorpio, your second house of luxury and stability, making you crave the finer things in life and love. This conjunction happens just once a year and it can highlight really big things for you like: Why are you with your partner? Do you express your love to each other or are you like roommates who care for children? Where does my money go? Do I really need to spend so much at Target? What am I missing out on? I haven’t been on a real vacation in years. You get the point. What you're doing, how you’re humming through life, makes you pause. If you’re cool with where things are, move on confidently. If you’re not, now is the time to implement a few changes. Caution: this Venus-Saturn mashup can bring out some mopey feelings. Before making big changes, be sure you’re not just feeling a bit down about things for the moment, and focus on small tweaks. If your relationship feels stale, how can it be spruced up? You may feel the overwhelming comfort of the security your relationship has brought, but bored by the routine. The simple act of holding hands may help remind you why you fell in love in the first place. When WAS the last time you held hands? Or do you greet each other with a kiss? This dad makes a case for tasteful PDA. Turning to your finances, have you been dutifully making loan and bill payments but feeling like you’re on a hamster wheel? Jump off and scrutinize. A lot of people wait for the new year to do this, but why not do it now? And for you, Libra, it’s an excellent time. Don’t be discouraged by what you see. Take a long view. Maybe if you double up car payments, you could pay it off sooner? Perhaps its time to set up the 529 plan, or get your extended family members on board with a more modest holiday gift-exchange. We know one mom who convinced her immediate family members to exchange only handmade items. It kept the cost down and the sentiment up, and now they’ve been doing it for several years. No one misses the gadgets and ugly sweaters. This is a good post on how to stop or alter gift exchanges. Another family we know only buys gifts for the children of the family. And yet another family we know will draw names, so everyone is only buying for one person but everyone has something to open. With your savings, you’ll be able to take on a home renovation project or go on a better vacation next year. Or maybe take a date night to a hot new restaurant or a white-tablecloth experience for the kiddos, especially if they’re older and they will appreciate it. And don’t forget about yourself, Libra. You are the zodiac’s tastemaker. A reward by way of little luxury will go a long way toward making you feel good now. A day at a spa? A small bauble? A new handbag? A day off to lounge in front of the TV? Talk about life-work balance!

Hello, It factor! You're already enjoying your birthday month, Scorpio, with the Sun in your sign. And on November 12, magnetic Venus and ambitious Saturn join the party in your first house of appearance and personal desires. This conjunct happens just once a year, and it’s all about YOU right now. And as the zodiac’s known head-turner, use this alluring appeal to your advantage. You could emerge from your house in your mom uniform and still get attention. But you might feel better getting yourself to the salon and to a few stores to update your wardrobe now (ditch the frumpiness). All eyes will be on you. This is a wonderful time to cash in on admiration or making a daring move—perhaps a leadership role at your child’s school or a leading a new initiative at work. Taking the initiative puts you in a whole new attention-grabbing light. The first house strokes your courage. Perhaps something in your life has ended, or you’ve found resolution, or you just let go of something that was dragging you down. Your mojo is now officially rebooted—an occasion certainly befitting of something new and bold (leather moto jacket)? Since the first house rules the face, you may want to indulge in a facial. Or how about a homemade cucumber gel like this one on The Dabblist’s blog, if scheduling a facial takes an act of Congress when it comes to childcare. One caution, though, while you’re resting your puffy, tired eyes for another day of socializing: you could feel pessimism creep in because of Saturn butting up against Venus in your first house. You may feel a small identity crisis, one that goes deeper than “am I really a leather jacket wearing mom?” Try to find some alone time to work through your thoughts. Journal or talk it out with a friend–if you’re feeling impatient–about being unable to shake the thoughts, or if you act out (leave the tantrums to the kiddos). Keeping your cool will also show the kids that you can take the pressure, whatever you face. For pregnant Scorpios, you especially may be wrestling with thoughts of what your life will be like after the baby is born, and your possible loss of identity. Or, accepting your new identity—whether that’s as a new mom, or a mom of now two, three, four, or more. Here’s a fun roundup of mom bloggers on their recollections of when they discovered “Holy Crap, I’m a Mom!” Protect yourself from taking on the emotions of others now, too. Put up proper boundaries and be sure to use your voice when you need to. The first house empowers us to speak up, anyway. That way, you’ll avoid mixed messages–the ones you receive and the ones you give. And you can get back to focusing on how to serve your higher good. If you have an opportunity to try something new, this is a great time to do that. Step out of your comfort zone. You may find a new hobby, a new friend, and a new lust for life!

Decode your dreams, Sagittarius. On November 12, love planet Venus collides with boundary-demanding Saturn in Scorpio, your twelfth house of closure, endings, and healing. You could have a dark dream about your future during this annual conjunct. Consider what it means and what you can learn from it. It could be some hidden feelings or fears bubbling up in your slumber. Or maybe it’s something deeper you’ve not dealt with. Is it something that needs to be addressed with proper (and probably professional) support? Maybe the gravity of it all is bearing down on you. The responsibility of motherhood and the many, many tentacles you extend to complete all your tasks in just one day. The twelfth house is an ideal time to rest, if you can manage to. You really need it now. Aside from therapy, there’s no other time-out for you to get into your head to make sense of it all, or to begin healing. Mature Saturn helps you move on from whatever has been holding you back, once you’re ready to take that step. But Saturn here can also create doubt. Just as you’re about to confront a challenge, you may feel yourself receding. This is no time to bury your head, Archer! You’re not destined for the doom you’re imagining. Use your sign’s known knack for impatience as a strength now. Tackle what’s before you head-on. Deal with it. Be done. Once you do it, you’re going to feel so much better. That’s sort of how you roll, anyway. And while you’re brooding, make some sangria with that fruit. This might be a great time to do something fantastically creative. If you’ve wanted to learn a new skill or branch out into something completely out of character for you, go for it. (“Firsts” don’t have to be reserved for our kids.) Or try something like a photography class. Catch a live performance, music, or a play. If your kids are interested, bring them along for the experience. Show them some old films (watch their eyes roll if they’re in black and white or have 80s-style special effects) and talk about them. They may even be inspired to start an after-school film club. You can have a little fun now, in the creative. And avoid being Debbie Downer as you work through something heavy. Expecting women may benefit from massage now, and the use of crystals and gemstones, like a moonstone bracelet. You won’t be in this fog for long, but chances are good you’ll come out of it better off if you connect to your emotions and deal with them rather than ignore them.

You don’t need anyone’s approval, Capricorn. So why are you seeking it? On November 12, peacekeeper Venus and taskmaster Saturn blend in Scorpio, your eleventh house of collaboration. It can induce doubt where you were once feeling confident. Try not to let someone’s opinion steer you off course: The judgey mom at school. The hardass boss at work. Let them have opinions about you, even if you can’t control their shape. Do your thing and you’ll be fine. If you try to control every message, you will wear yourself out. And right now, you're prime for some lighthearted partying, as the eleventh house does celebrate groups and friends. Lighten up your mood by throwing a bash…or a big playdate for your kids. If you're in the U.S., start planning your Thanksgiving feast. Take it away from home base and find activities that will appeal to the entire family. All the school events you normally decline, say yes. You may meet some like-minded souls at the chili party, or maybe your partner will. Pile everyone into the car and go on a holiday light tour. Here’s a list of places all across the U.S. that had spectacular lights last year. Or could this be the year you make the big trip to NYC to see the Macy’s Parade? Whatever you do, tap into your childlike spirit with the kids now as the influence of Saturn can draw down your mojo. One minute you’re having fun, the next you’re thinking ahead to all the chores you have to do. As a Capricorn who may thrive in structure and organization, this can be an especially challenging time. But now you’re prepared to beat back the nagging thoughts and just be in the moment. The eleventh house rules technology, so post your adventure selfies to Instagram. But as you scroll through your feed, try to avoid comparing yourself to the women you think are doing it better than you. They’re not! It may just look that way as this great HuffPo parents post explores. This goes for pregnant women, too—comparing yourself to others does not serve your higher self. It may leave you feeling overly emotional and shortchanging yourself. Also, drop your preconceived notions for how things “should” be. We love this photographer capturing C-Section procedures as beauty—it’s truly inspiring given how many women we know who are devastated that their natural birth ended in an emergency C-section. This is also a good time for expecting women to surround themselves with positive support. If you don’t have that now, go find it. A birthing women's group or a prenatal yoga class may be the place to find it. Or, because the eleventh house focuses on technology, take to the interwebs to search for a crew or Facebook group. Maybe even start your own!

Is the glass really half empty, Aquarius? On November 12, it may certainly seem like it, as sober Saturn and flirty Venus meet up in Scorpio, your tenth house of long-term goals and ambition. With weighty Saturn casting its shadow, you could feel your hope running low. Perhaps you receive a signal from an authority figure (boss, doctor, etc.) that you think means the end is near for one of your quests. But things are not as bad as they seem! Look again at the glass and try to see it as half full! The mood is heavy, that is all. And right now you’ll have a hard time seeing past that. If you need to feel better about it all, schedule a meeting, an appointment, or a check-in with the person with whom you believe is about to orchestrate your doom. Chances are good you’ll walk away from it relieved, maybe even feeling a little silly that you let your imagination stretch as far as it did. Venus in your level-headed tenth house may help you balance these feelings somewhat. Instead of assuming your fate is sealed, be proactive (we love this list of ways to let your boss know you’re awesome). And seek out someone to help lift your spirits. Maybe a mentor who can help you work through a concern or a challenge, or offer a different point of view if you’re unsure what your next move should be. (This is especially true for working mothers.) Once you have a plan, you can take your first step. You’ll feel less scattered and scared. Your eye will never have moved off the prize. Watch, though, that you don’t become too consumed, especially with career-related goals. This is a good time to focus on long-view family goals, like getting on the same page with your partner about discipline. A lot of families are finding homework to be a struggle now that the school year is well into swing. Here are 7 ways to stop parent-child struggle, which may help if you’ve been dealing with that. Of course, a good old-fashioned convo with your child’s teacher can go a long way. This post is a nice collection of ideas—from teachers—about managing homework. This is a good time for pregnant women to declutter and get things ready for baby, too. Rethink your space and you may be able to put off that move you’ve been assuming you’d need to make. It’s not all business right now, though. Be sure to time-in with your partner and your kids on a more personal level. Slow down and enjoy life. It’s not all about racing to the next goal!

Who’s tapping the brakes on your tour bus, Pisces? On November 12, desirous Venus collides with responsible Saturn in Scorpio, your ninth house of adventure and travel. You’re in the mood for a boundary-pushing excursion. Hopefully you can pack a suitcase and get away. A solo trip that would allow you to completely indulge your dreamy Piscean wanderlust is ideal. But if the family is in tow, you’ll make the best of it—convincing them all to go along with your itinerary. Or if you can get away with just your partner, you can let your hair down with a little spontaneity that you may not be able to enjoy at home. If your imagination is the only vacation you can take now, we understand. The demands of life and routine (and school) can get in the way of picking up and jetting. Plan something for a future date if you can. And find something closer to home that will satisfy your pangs for new experiences. Have FUN like a kid—and with your kids! You’re also urged to learn now, as the ninth house highlights education. How about enrolling in a language class for that future vacation to . . . Rome? Or read up on a topic that interests you and your partner, or dig into a new hobby, like canning. We’re just chomping at the bit to find a reason to use the vintage Ball jars on the shelves at Target now. Consider taking a class with your child or by yourself—you’ll never be too old (or have enough time) as these inspiring moms prove. Expecting women will do well now to enjoy the great outdoors. Take it easy on the steep hikes, but enjoy a few long ones. Hold hands with your partner. Talk about your hopes and dreams for your future child. Don’t be surprised if your enthusiasm is tamped down a bit, though, with the sobering effect of Saturn. You may hit a speed bump or two, just when you feel you’re hitting a stride. If your commitment is tested, that’s not a bad thing. Saturn’s realism can help pave the way toward lasting happiness. Keep an open mindset and it’ll all work out the way you want.