MOTHER

You’re open to suggestions this week, Aries, so open up the opinion polls! Ambitious Mars is in Sagittarius, your ninth house of expansion and wisdom, until October 26. During this six-week tour, you’ll be inclined to try out new belief systems or meander down metaphysical avenues—taking an enlightened approach to parenting. You’ll be open to new ideas and practices, and executing some trial-and-error with your parenting techniques, strategies and methods. From the cry-it-out Ferber method, to attachment parenting, to natural birth, you're opening your mind to all of it. The ninth house rules education, so you’re ready to dive into the research on any topic of interest before putting it to the test. So, what IS your parenting style? A lot of parents admit they don’t have one (nothing wrong with that). Instead, they use a patchwork of things they’ve learned, mostly by watching what’s successful for other parents and experimenting on their own kids. What works for one family won’t necessarily work for another. One child may respond to one type of parenting and the other not at all—and never mind that you and your mate might have different styles, too. This Time article suggests how parents play with dolls in just five minutes can be a predictor of how they’ll co-parent. Interesting! Maybe this should be an exercise for all couples before deciding to have children. You could check out the new Extreme Guide to Parenting TV show on Bravo, but let’s remember this is the same network that brings us our Real Housewives guilty pleasure—reality TV is not always reality. If you want to go deep (and you have the bandwidth while in your ninth house), check out the University of Virginia’s research project, The Culture of American Families. You could even take this Psychology Today quiz to find your style—maybe it’ll surprise you! For expecting mothers, this could be enlightening, especially if your mind is set on how you’ll do things. We encourage you to be flexible, though—it’s hard to know what will work and what will feel right until your little one arrives and starts dishing you some challenges. During this Mars transit through your worldly ninth house, your sense of adventure goes beyond the cerebral. Go-getter Mars could really stoke your appetite for adventure or bring on a bout of the travel bug. You’ll want to get out and explore—a hike with your family and a picnic could be the right amount of get-up-and-go you need. Or, troll for airfares for a quick trip with your partner. A romantic overnight could recharge your batteries and prep you for whatever new parenting strategy you want to try out.

You’ve got it—so flaunt it, Taurus! On September 8, a full moon in Pisces shines its neon light in your eleventh house of friends and popularity. Forget about being a wallflower or a couch potato. Think about getting together with friends…or try meeting new ones. Make it your goal to get out and do something every day, especially if you’re in the newborn zone and reading this from a cozy chair. Get. Out. The. Door! We know: Those four simple words can seem downright impossible for a mom with little ones. But this is no time to give up. The influence of the eleventh house may just push you out into the world. So…where will you go? Does it matter?! Some moms love library story time. Or a playgroup. Or a trip to a neighborhood coffee shop. Two moms we know met at a cafe when their children were a few months old and they're still friends 10 years later. Their first coffee date lasted about five hours—hey, it was during maternity leave, when time has a way of standing still. If you’re past the newborn zone, don’t forget about your friends who just entered it. No doubt you recall the people who came over to “help,” but just held the baby…or ate your food and left a mess. We’ll include unhelpful in-laws in this category (not ours, of course). So, don't be that person, Taurus. Instead of saying “let me know if you need anything,” why not actually DO something? This is a great list of ideas. This week, leave home without the kids, too, if you can. Your interest is piqued now and you’ll welcome talk beyond sleep schedules, school, etc., with anyone you meet. Make a date with a friend to talk pop culture, like the Beyonce/Jay-Z divorce rumors or Angelina's wedding dress. Or join a crew that likes to chew on current events like Ferguson. Better still, eavesdrop on a convo at a local haunt and insert yourself (if appropriate!) for some enlightening banter. You could collect some new friends. Bonus points if they have kids for future playdates! Be yourself and you’ll attract like-minded souls. The eleventh house also rules technology. With summer over and back-to-school schedules in place, your family may be struggling with how to manage screen and device time. Ask other parents what’s working for them. We know some parents whose children have to turn in their devices at bedtime to their parents’ room. The devices can be re-issued in the morning. Some families go so far as to have a usage agreement or contract. Explore what works for your family. But can we all give a collective high-five to this mom who developed an app so kids can’t ignore our calls?!

Seek what stirs your soul, Gemini. On September 8, a Pisces full moon in your tenth house of big goals puts before you a major question: What do you want? Keyword: YOU (not everyone else!). As mothers, we don’t always think of ourselves first…or even third or fourth! But now is the time to do it. This full moon may in fact be a culmination of your efforts started six months ago, near the Pisces new moon on March 1. So you may have already put “me” before “we” without realizing it—and if so, the end result is something you can celebrate. Even if you’re just one tiny step ahead in your goal, pop open the bubbly (or sparking cider if you’re preggers). Feel good about your victory. And if you’re not on course with a goal, the Pisces full moon can guide you to one—perhaps through creative visualization, since Pisces is the zodiac's imagination-stirrer. Chances are you’ve had an big idea in a holding pattern while you tended to the pressing matters of motherhood. A new beginning may lie before you, ripe for the picking, but you just have to put a few structures in place to allow it to happen. Making real changes, the ones that affect your long-term stability, are beneficial now. If the idea seems too big, break up your mission into small steps (like this post succinctly suggests). Resist the urge to micromanage yourself in the process (a Gemini trap!). Lean on your more affable traits, like openness and creativity, to make this an adventure instead of another thing to "do." In other words, enjoy the ride. A lot of moms decide not to go back to what they were doing before having kids, and that's fine. Becoming a mother can be an opportunity to press “pause” on life and gain perspective. Were you doing something before kids because you were good at it? Maybe so, but if you’re being honest with yourself, did you like it? Tolerance for “phoning it in” can be low now, and work may be one of your few outlets to feel creative during the child-rearing years. If you’re not gunning for a corner office, used that dogged determination to go after what you want elsewhere. This mom talks about the reality of what it’s like to get back to work. At home, the lessons can spill over onto your older children. Ask your children what they’d like to be when they're big. What interests them? We know parents who put their high school senior on the spot: “what do you want to do with your life?” kind of stuff. Yet, they realized they hadn’t ever asked before then (oops!). They hadn’t exposed him to many experiences growing up, outside of sports—and let's just say he’s not a sports scholarship candidate. So, how would he know what he wants to do? As a family, they are spending this year exploring it so he won’t be an aimless freshman in college next year. They’re not demanding he nail anything down, but they ARE helping him focus. We like their approach, which seems to be the right amount of meddling, unlike the “helicopter parents" making their way into dorm rooms—yikes!

Pack a bag, Cancer. A September 8 Pisces full moon illuminates your ninth house of travel and adventure. Who are we kidding? Pack everyone’s bags! Because you’re mom (and the zodiac's mother sign)…and you will. Just don't pack your partner's bag—or you'll have gone a bit too far! Besides, you have enough to do. And while you’re at it, stop packing the diaper bag for your partner or the babysitter. This guy says dads don’t want you doing that—really. It’s your nature to nurture, Cancer, and we get that you want to take care of everyone. But your partner and caregivers (who are hired professionals, might we add) are grown folk. So, if you truly want to parent 50-50 or get some s*** done, let go of the things you don’t need to control. If you do travel at this full moon, heed the same guidelines. So, what if you forget the sweatshirts for your hiking excursion or weekend campout? Buy new ones when you get there! And, do you really need to pack a dozen pairs of undies for everyone? Not if you have laundry where you’re going. Here’s a good post on packing light and stress-free. But really, here’s all you need if you’re packing for wee ones. The influence of the Pisces moon in your ninth house may give you the gumption to throw caution to the wind. Now, where will you go? Your sense of adventure is high, so fly the friendly skies if you can. With school back in session, fewer people are traveling—prime time for snagging a deal. Maybe visit a friend who has children the same age—instant playdates while the adults catch up. The same can be achieved with a road trip. Keep costs down by checking resources like Airbnb or Vrbo.com. Just be sure the place is kid-friendly. If the thought of taking kids out of school after they just started isn’t appealing, plan ahead for a trip. Your ninth house also highlights learning, so sign up for a workshop, cool lecture or even a class if you can. If you're pregnant, now's the time for that hypno-birthing or infant CPR course. Digging deep into some travel books and sites will help you prepare for when you can get away. Or you could keep things super-local with a day trip to a place on your summer list but you didn’t get to visit. Pregnant women may want to plan a babymoon now. Here are Fodor’s top picks for babymoon resorts. Whatever you do, try to escape the familiar in some way. Optimism is also highlighted by the ninth house, and your outlook could use a healthy dose of it. A change of scenery or an influx of new learning can infuse you with a buoyant new perspective.

You’ve got an urge to merge, Leo. On September 8, the full moon in Pisces ignites your eighth house of bonding and partnerships. This could be one of the best nights of sex you’ve had in weeks, months, even years (no one’s counting) depending on how old your kids are. Even pregnant mamas will be feeling super sexy under this moon, so take full advantage. We all want to keep the sex life chugging along after the babies arrive. (Hey, if the Duggars can do it, ANYONE can! And hey, while we might not agree with all of Michelle and Jim-Bob's advice, they did manage to produce 19 kids, so clearly they've found some way to keep the spark alive! If you’ve been butting up against a speed bump with that, you’re about to ease on over it. Keep it simple, or you could risk squashing the opportunity with some unrealistic expectations (your partner didn’t light candles? Dealbreaker!). This could also be a time for you to bare your soul to someone close to you. Open up if you’ve held back feelings on an issue. You’re super in-tune to your true emotions now, so let them out. With the right person, you will feel safe in your vulnerability—and so relieved by the support. For women who’ve just given birth, the bond you feel with your baby may feel like your heart is about to explode, so revel in that connection, Leo. This post from U.K. version of BabyCenter explores the many ways love blossoms with our babies at various stages. Conversely, if you’re struggling to feel the love, but you aren’t, know that you’re not alone. Some women do not bond with their newborns. One mom we know felt she didn’t bond with her children until they could walk and talk. If this is happening, you could try any of the ideas in this post to combat baby blues. But please talk to your doctor if you can’t overcome them, to make sure there's not a hormonal imbalance or postpartum issues. The moon in your eighth house can intensify feelings before adding baby care to the weight you’re carrying, so line up support during this emotional full moon. Financial matters also are in focus now, as the eighth house also rules wealth and property. Perhaps you receive an unexpected gift or income opportunity. If you’re buying or selling a property, you could be recipient of good news. Real estate or other possessions that you’re holding onto for sentimental reasons but aren’t serving your bottom line may seem suddenly dispensable. Allow this full moon to help you let go. If you share money with a partner or others, you may hash out agreements on how to proceed or divide assets. Once things settle with your feelings and your finances, you’ll feel on solid footing. It may give you the clarity you need to tackle the next big thing, or just continue to focus on the ones that truly matter to you.

It takes two to make a thing go right this week—even for a self-sufficient sign like yours. On September 8, a full moon in Pisces shines in your seventh house of one-on-one relationships, spotlighting your most important personal unions. Chances are good this is not an epiphany for you, but a culmination of feelings that have built up over some time, perhaps even as far back the Pisces new moon six months ago, on March 1. In some cases, this is (hopefully) a wonderful moment to focus on the two of you—sans kids, or even conversation about the kids. For other Virgos, it may be relationship repair time. A lopsided relationship or an abandonment of intimacy could be the last straw for you. Or, perhaps each of you is playing the martyr—a common trap for couples with children. Can you not refrain from keeping score long enough to find the love? If you’re both willing to give it a valiant effort, you could try couples therapy, or discuss a way to bring more balance to your relationship. Is there a way to lovingly coexist, sharing responsibilities, and losing the resentment? Get back to basics on what brought you together in the first place. This is a great HuffPo post about common problems and how to cope (with some additional resources). It’s a good start. If things are going well and you can still look into each other’s eyes tenderly, then you're doing just fine. This New York Times blog post suggests that it takes a lot of work and we agree! So, quit feeling envious of the couple that make it look SO easy. It’s not! If you’re in a good place, use this time to enjoy each other a little more. Get further in sync with each other. Use date night to reminisce about some good times. One couple we know talked openly about their hottest nights of sex (with each other, ahem). It was a turn-on for each other to hear, but also eye-opening because their ideas of hottest nights were not the same! Family demands can strain any couple, no matter the intimate connection. Schedule time together—date night or morning coffee after the bus leaves, whatever it takes to get uninterrupted adult time. You don’t even have to go out. Check out this list of ideas for stay-home date nights or list of 30 ideas under $30. You could also think about how to take your relationship to the next level. Another baby? Tie the knot if you’re not hitched and have a blended-family vow exchange like Brad and Angelina just did. How about renewing vows? Here are some compelling reasons to do it. Hey, do you get to register for that? If only…

Is it time to bid adieu to that Pumpkin Spice latte, before you could even say hello to it? On September 8, the Pisces full moon spotlights your sixth house of health and well-being. Around this day, you could see major gains if you’ve been doing your workouts and watching what you put into your body. Food Babe says it shouldn’t be the beloved Starbucks PSL (which is already available well before the calendar turns to fall). Here’s her scathing post on the ingredients, although Snopes says “false” to this great pumpkin debate. The jury’s out, because it appears to be an issue over dissecting ingredients versus what’s in the ingredients. But hey, Food Babe was the one who ultimately forced Subway to get the yoga mat additive (eek!) out of its bread. The lesson here is to educate yourself about what you’re putting into your body and to make smart choices, Libra. The general rule is: if you can’t pronounce an ingredient because of its chemical-inspired name, don’t eat it. Or, if it’s not bought from the perimeter of your grocery, don’t buy it. We’re sure an occasional PSL is fine, but the full moon puts a sharp focus on our health and what we’re doing to manage it. Kick a food habit that isn’t serving you, especially anything deep fried. Shed yourself of any self-destructive vices like smoking (e-cigarettes included). Get religious about positive regimens: moving more, eating more veggies, and drinking more water. If you have time, get in a regular workout—it’s the fastest way to see results. Libra Moms who are trying to shed their baby weight will become frustrated with a yo-yo exercise routine. One mom we know finally signed up with a trainer and meets with him twice a week. No matter how small your effort, it IS effort. Be proud of it. You will see results, even if they show up as a calmer mindset and steady emotions first. And as your schedule frees up (look to the moms whose kids are headed to preschool and kindergarten!), you can do more. Fitness isn’t an all-or-nothing proposition, so do what you can. The sixth house also highlights the wellbeing of your environment and spaces, making this a good time to declutter. Like your health goals, work small because it can be overwhelming the longer you’ve lived in the same place (our future?). Clean out a drawer or a closet, or tackle one room at a time over a few months. If you have a lot of stuff to get rid of, have a yard sale. See if your neighbors want to participate and make it a block sale. Clear out energy-suckers from your home, too: old love letters from exes, piles of clothes, boxes of old electronics. You need cleanliness, not clutter—and you definitely don’t need baggage. Donate those once-loved but no longer used possessions. One person’s trash truly is another person’s treasure!

Express yourself, Scorpio. On September 8, a full moon in Pisces, your lusty fifth house, gives romance and creativity a boost. A night of passion is in your stars, if you clear space for it. Date night could get downright electric, but so could sitting on the couch holding hands, or cuddling in bed before the kids crawl in. Your heart feels open now, full of wonder and excitement. Let yourself get swept away in little moments—as mothers, sometimes they're all we have! If you wait for something bigger, you may be disappointed when it doesn’t happen. (Check out this article, “How to Save Your Marriage from Your Kids,” for some ideas on ways to ensure you get that special time). The full moon in your fifth house amplifies your desire to speak from the heart, telling the unvarnished truth. So, why not express what you want? Unless your partner is a mind reader, it will be helpful to voice your desires without rehearsing the lines or trying to get the words perfect. Don’t explain away your emotions by blaming “hormones” (especially expecting women). Allow yourself to feel those sentiments and don't dial them down. They may bubble out with dramatic flair, but they are authentic. And hey, maybe you just need a good hug from your partner! Check out this great post from HuffPo on the importance of touch with your loving partner. If all else fails, whip up a few cups of “sex coffee”—we have no idea if it works, but it sounds delicious enough to test! One caution: the heat you create could lead to a pregnancy, since the fifth house also rules fertility. This may be your cycle for women who are trying! But take precaution if you don't want to go down that road again (or yet). While you’re feeling so outspoken, maybe it’s time for the “who gets snipped?” talk—if you’re thinking of going that route. The fifth house also brings out your playful, creative side. It’s a great time to start a project, especially one that showcases you and your talents. If you have a party to plan, even a kids' birthday or a shower, you’ll feel totally in the zone to be hostess with the mostest! Who needs a reason to party? Just plan one! Or start planning your Halloween costumes! But maybe we can all agree to skip this one.

Have your own Full House reunion, Sagittarius. On September 8, the full moon shines in Pisces, your domestic fourth house—prime time to hang with your brood. Now that back-to-school schedules are firing on all cylinders, you may long for the downtime of summer—even though you wished several weeks ago it would just hurry up and end! Do you already feel exhausted? A full moon in the fourth house makes you want to hit the pause button. Put on some slippers and chillax. You could make an astro-themed splurge or rock something er, a little more modest from your last trip to Target. If you work outside the home, this feeling may be especially acute. Work may be getting busy or intense and stepping out of it completely (like not checking email at night) will help get you back to center with your family. This is probably a reversal for you, and your peeps may be a little stunned by your sudden tuning-in. They might even take your deep interest as an invasion of privacy, so remember to nurture, not smother! Instead of grilling them on intimate details of their lives (especially if guilt-driven), engage in activities that will keep conversation natural. They’ll be more forthcoming (and you’ll get fewer eyerolls!). Cooking together as a family, for example, is a great way to keep busy and be together. You could also institute a game night. Try some old-school games but be open to learning new ones your kids might be into. Or have them show you around Minecraft (seriously, we don’t get it, either but here’s a post with some intel. Talk to your kids about their activities outside the home, too. The fall is a fresh start for sports and other activities, and what they were doing last year may not appeal this year. Are you okay with them changing their minds…even after you forked over all the money for hockey gear? Maybe they’re thinking about an instrument and before you spend money on that you could consider if they’re ready, like this post explores. The fourth house also rules our roost and if you’ve been contemplating a move, now is a good time to explore it. You could begin research on where you want to go, work with a realtor—or, like one gutsy mom we know, knock on doors in a neighborhood you like and ask if anyone wants to sell. (Less than a year after an elderly couple answered her knock, they bought and moved in!) If you’ve been trying to start a family, you could also celebrate a pregnancy around this date. Oh, baby!

This just in, Capricorn: On September 8 the Pisces full moon shines in your third house of communication. Expect some breaking news on or around this day. Something you have been waiting word on, perhaps with bated breath or more stress than usual, could finally reach a point of decision. We hope you can soon exhale! (How about cleaning out the tub toys and taking a luxurious bubble bath? Let the chips fall after you receive your message—however it comes (email, text, call, etc.). When the dust clears, you may see a different path to take. Stay open so you can accept the information, process it and choose your next steps—which could be exciting ones! Remember, you reserve the right to change your mind about the course you take. The curious third house makes us keen to take in information, so very little effort is required on your part, other than listening to what the universe is telling you. Watch for gossip, however. You risk being so open that you could easily absorb negative and untrue intel. Avoid the water cooler or the mom cliques to keep your signals from getting crossed. It’s possible, too, the news you get is lackluster, or not what you’d hoped. Look past that to see what else is germinating. The third house highlights ideas and brainstorming. What’s been cooking on your brain while you’ve been busy tending to your family and the status quo? Maybe you're ready to make a change in your life to improve efficiency (Capricorns thrive in organization). Are you compelled to start a mommy blog with your own special twist? Or maybe you’ve had one in beta for years—why not make it public? Are you taking on a role in a community organization but afraid to grab the reins, even if you know you’re the best person for the job? Learn to overcome your fear of public speaking if that’s what’s holding you back. Events near this full moon could also be connected to a sibling, as the third house rules those relations. On-and-off again relationships with a brother or sister (who may be an uncle or an aunt) could especially be on your mind. What type of relationship do you wish for your children to have with these family members? It might be worth talking over with your partner before you give one of your siblings the what-for about not pulling their weight. After all, that’s your view of the situation. But be honest about whether or not you’ve let that person in. A simple invitation could get things rolling. Some aunts really love being aunts, so much that they’re "savvy aunties"—with extra time and disposable income they want to lavish on YOUR progeny! While you’re in such a talkative zone, get conversation rolling with your kids after school. Check out this great post for ideas on how to ask “what did you do at school today” without asking “what did you do at school today” replace “school” with “work” on some of these suggestions and interaction with your partner may just go to a whole new level, too!

Cha-ching, Aquarius! On September 8, the universe may show you the money, thanks to a full moon in Pisces, your second house of work, finance, and stability. This could be a job offer, a long-awaited raise or promotion, or a work-from-home opportunity. It may be the culmination of something you’ve been manifesting for the past six months (since the Pisces full moon on March 1). Whatever it is, your hard work is about to pay off! You’re a free spirit, Aquarius, but deep down you want to be grounded. This full moon may be your take-roots moment, when you finally feel secure in your situation. At last, you could find the work/life balance you’ve been dreaming of, or inch one step closer to it. (Here are some working mom tips for achieving that elusive state). How you value yourself will be highlighted, too. Feeling better about your situation means you can feel better about yourself. And since the second house also rules values, you may have a defining moment about what truly matters to you. If you can steal away for just 20 minutes each day, you can find the head space to explore these things AND be more productive, as this Fast Company article points out. For expecting women, this is a great time to simplify your life and prioritize. You’ll naturally want to prepare as much as you can for baby, especially if it’s your first. Hashing out a budget may bring you the peace of mind you need to splurge on the things you really want, like an eco-chic nursery. Or drop hints about your push present! Speaking of dropping hints—if one of your children moved back in after college graduation last spring, maybe it’s time to figure out a better way to coexist and set financial boundaries, in case this becomes a long-term thing, which the New York Times suggests may be the case. Hey, maybe we ought to consider moving back home for the free babysitting? All jokes aside, Aquarius is a communal sign, so find creative ways to lighten your financial load at this full moon by collaborating (co-op babysitting, for example) or heck, even "making your own commune," as these New Yorkers have.

Welcome, Pisces 2.0! On September 8, the full moon in Pisces, your first house of self and identity, puts the spotlight on YOU. Your needs, projects and dreams are center-stage. Being a sensitive sign, you may not always reach for what’s rightfully yours—you think (maybe too much!) about everyone else first. But this moon brings back your mojo and there’s no stopping you. Ask yourself what you want and go for it! Speak your truth proudly and without apology (this advice is for all women, truly. Be brave! Flirt! Throw a tantrum! Well, maybe you can leave that one to your toddlers. But there are things our kids do that we can learn from, as this post suggests. Take some time for yourself so you can connect to what it is you want. Even 10 minutes of mediation (or staring into a coffee cup) in the morning can reset your day. Solo time also shows your kids “hey, I’m a person too!” Go ahead and ask your kids what they think you do all day. Other than being amusing, it may be a lesson for you to share about it more! Since the first house rules appearance, you could dramatically change up your appearance. A change of season could further fuel you to check out a store you’ve not shopped before. You may find yourself pulling edgier and flashier pieces off the rack. Pair them with something sensible and you’ll be comfortable and trendy enough to not look like all the other moms. We adore mom-of-two Jessica Alba’s look lately—edgy and feminine. Or how about mom-to-be Chelsea Clinton’s leather slap in the face to maternity clothes? Even if you don’t take things that body-con, there’s room for creativity (a Pisces trait!). Mix it up with a new haircut or get a facial. Whatever you do, give the leggings and yoga pants a rest for a day and bring a little sexy back!