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Momstrology: Your Weekly Horoscope For Sept 29-Oct 5, 2014
11:55 am
09/29/14
ILLUSTRATIONS BY CEG PHOTOGRAPHICS
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- Tempted to read your partner’s phone? Just put it down. Better yet, don’t pick it up! Trust issues are highlighted for you with communicator Mercury going backward (retrograde) into Scorpio, your eighth house of intimacy, from October 4-25. Even if you have zero reason to suspect your partner, this powerful transit can mess with your mind. If you find yourself imagining far-fetched scenarios, relax and check the facts. Don’t even tempt yourself. Think about it this way: would you want your partner to read YOUR emails and texts? You should probably have a talk about it regardless, as this Psychology Today post recommends. Even if it happens with a friend or another parent at school, your jealous or paranoid streak could flare up, potentially damaging a relationship. Deep breaths, Aries mama. The eighth house also rules shared finances. Mercury retrograde could find you over money or time—two potentially contentious issues for parents anyway. Hash it out, Aries, but talk about these topics out of the kids’ earshot. Try to hear what your partner is saying before jumping to conclusions on these matters, too. Knowing that you’re extra sensitive to anything feeling imbalanced between you can help you move past the pitfalls. Financial decisions or dealings with a business partner could be particularly stressed now. Before signing on the dotted line or shaking hands, your efforts may be better spent on reviewing everything carefully. Do additional research. Real estate transactions and legal contracts could be delayed, not by your doing. Try not to stress over the things you can’t control. Keep your eye on the big picture. For good measure, comb over your credit card statements as identify theft is possible now. Choose a secure ATM or just bum money off a friend if you’re at the coffee shop that only takes cash. Avoid non-secure sites if you’re shopping on the interwebs. Our aim isn’t to make you paranoid. We want you to be prepared so you can neutralize any interference in these important dealings, Aries, and get on with your business of being fabulous.
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- It’s not a competition, but um, are you doing more? Admit it: this is getting on your nerves, Taurus. Any lopsided division of duties with your partner or caregivers is going to feel especially intense this week when Mercury goes retrograde (backward) in Scorpio, your seventh house of one-on-one relationships, from October 4-25. This transit can breed passive-aggressive tension. Not exactly what you want to hear, as your sign is prone to mood swings anyway—hello, roller coaster! But try to be patient—that, too, is a quality of your sign. And flexible. Communicate with your partner instead of huffing, eye-rolling, or stomping around. Does it irk you that the recycling piles up and never gets taken out, even though that’s your partner’s job? Say something! Letting it fester (or just doing it yourself) isn’t going to help your relationship—or your sex life. A study of married couples conducted earlier this year showed that divided chores directly affects relationship satisfaction. If you wanna get nerdy before you get romantic, here’s the full study. Then watch the fantasy unfold like Hot Dads Doing Chores. The seventh house highlights joint ventures, so find a system that works for you. Is it too ridiculous to consider a chore chart like the one you use for the kids? This blogger says no and offers a template you could try. Have fun thinking up adults-only rewards! Also during this retrograde, watch fine print on everything that comes across your desk. If you’re able, delay signing anything binding, accepting offers, or finalizing contracts. During this time, you may also receive information that could throw you off track, or you could overlook an obvious detail. Just try to ride the wave and not worry if you fall off your careful agenda now and then—the rough seas will calm. On the flip side, an exciting new opportunity could come your way. Since you’re not one to jump impulsively into something new, a slow-and-steady period of review may suit you particularly well. Do your research. Weigh all your options. You’ll have the peace of mind that you’ve done all your due diligence, so that when you have to make a decision, you’ll be ready and confident. Time-in with your kids a little extra now, too. Try an art class you can both take together, like pottery wheel, or drop into a pottery painting studio for an afternoon. If you’re expecting, this is a good time to rid your cupboards and medicine cabinet (and your life) of anything toxic, including negative people. All women can adopt rituals now to find your glow—how about some make-at-home spa water? At least you’ll be refreshed during times of retrograde stress.
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August is all about tying up loose ends for you, Gemini, beginning with a major Lunar Eclipse in Aquarius on August 7. This cosmic event will finally bring an end to any lengthy legal battles you may have been embroiled in over the past few months. Whew! Alternatively, if you’ve been studying long and hard for an advanced degree, license, or professional certification, it appears that August will be the month you finally graduate.
Mercury, your ruling planet, will travel retrograde through your home and family sector beginning on August 12 until finally moving forward on September 5. Experiencing tough misunderstandings between family members—and especially siblings—may be commonplace. Real estate matters could become extremely murky now, too, so avoid signing any contracts or legal agreements relating to property ownership until mid-September, if possible. A brilliant Solar Eclipse in Leo on August 21 closes the month on a golden note, igniting your communications sector.
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Financial empowerment is yours for the taking this month, Cancer. But, before you can begin reaping these rewards, you’ll need to sow new seeds of change early in the month by initiating an ending. On August 7, a gorgeous Lunar Eclipse in Aquarius will illuminate your Eighth House of Shared Resources, signaling a positive end to a financial burden, like a large debt you’ve been chipping away at. Perhaps you’ll be able to finally pay this expense in full. Alternatively, you may cash in on a past investment for something positive, like tuition for your kids.
You’ll need to watch your P’s and Q’s when it comes to miscommunications once Mercury turns retrograde from August 12 to September 5. Allow for plenty of time if you’re traveling during these weeks, and be extra careful of shady details in any contractual agreements. A Solar Eclipse in Leo on August 21 bookends the month with even more good news: A brand new revenue stream will flow into your normal income—a sum that could be game-changing.
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- You need to hear it: You’re doing a great job! Mother’s Day is a distant memory, but we thought you should be reminded that you’re amazing, Leo. Sure, we ALL think we could be better at this parenting thing. Have you ever heard a mom say “I’m the world’s best mom!” Probably not. Most moms are guilty of putting themselves down, or of putting too much pressure on themselves, playing the game of compare and despair (you never win that one). And this tendency will flare up more than ever this week for you, Leo. Mercury is marching backward (retrograde) in Scorpio from October 4-25, your fourth house of femininity. Normally confident Leos may experience tinges of uncertainty during this transit. A small seed of doubt in your mind over one little thing could sit there and grow until you drive yourself nuts. “I’ll never be Supermom! I’ll never have it all together like SHE does.” Yeah, maybe not. But does she REALLY have it together? Probably not. Are we not comparing ourselves to others’ highlight reels instead of their realities? This is a good time to allow your authentic self to shine. Embrace your flaws. Be at peace that you are doing the best job you can. And if you had a bad day—or your kids gave you one—tomorrow offers a fresh start. Everyone gets a reset after a night’s rest. It’s No. 10 on this blogger’s lists of things you need to hear when you think you’re a failure as a mom. A lot of moms we know keep gratitude journals. For some moms, it’s not one bad day, it’s a bad time, especially if they’re suffering postpartum. Muster the strength to find a few minutes to write five things that you’re grateful for—the “wins” for the day. Your list could include simple things like: got out of the house today, showered before lunch, didn’t yell when I wanted to. That’s no small feat when you have little ones! Looking back through the journal may help you on the toughest days, or help you see how far you’ve come. Seek other moms to lean on, too. The fourth house also rules women, and right now, you could use some positive female energy in your life. Join a women's circle or find a Meet-up group to swap stories from the front lines. Or nosh on a topic of interest to get your mind OFF your world. For expecting moms, particularly those about to deliver first children, this could be a time of great uncertainty. You may be wondering if you have what it takes to be a mother. Sure you’re probably hearing lots of advice and encouragement. But what’s keeping you up at night? We like this post on Scary Mommy because it’s realistic about what it’s like to have a baby. Feel good knowing that you’re not alone in your fears and that no mom really knows what she’s doing! As the saying goes, the mother is born with the child.
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- Does your life feel like it’s set to auto-tune? Like poor audio dubbing, you may feel like you’re just a little off in your communication now, Virgo. Mercury is moving backward (retrograde) in Scorpio, your third house of interaction. During this transit (which lasts October 4-25), you’re likely to cross wires with close friends and siblings, your partner and your kids, and probably even the guy at the deli counter. “Am I not speaking clearly?” you’ll ask yourself as you repeat an order for pastrami on rye, hold the mayo, and end up with corned beef. This transit creates static where there ordinarily wouldn’t be any. It also heightens miscommunications with those close to us. You may find yourself repeating yourself, or having to interpret what others say. Be patient. And watch, too, for literal translations. If you ask for a copy of the check at the restaurant, don’t be surprised when you’re handed a photocopy of the waiter’s ticket instead of a duplicate of your credit card receipt (this happened to us!). Be patient. Recognize that one-on-ones can be off and roll with it. Hey, even laugh! Otherwise you may drive yourself batty. While you’re out-of-sync with the world, seek solo activities where communication wires have less chance of getting crossed. This is a great time to catch up on some reading. If you have school-age children who have nightly reading homework, establish a family reading time. Everyone has to read, not just your children. This quiet family time is surprisingly cozy, as well as productive. It also allows everyone a chance to slow down, and of course it helps them develop good habits. “How to Raise a Reader” breaks down reading by ages/stages. The experts recommend real, physical books and magazines, in addition to whatever is loaded on everyone’s devices (check out this Scholastic post on print vs. electronic. Since Mercury retrograde can scramble technology, a return to “old school” print books could be in order, especially since iPad may be on the fritz. Mercury retrograde in your third house also can cause hiccups in your non-verbal communication. Carefully review emails before pressing send—better yet, write the email and leave it in your drafts folder for an hour or so. When you revisit it, you may wish to revise it. You’ll be happy you didn’t shoot it off immediately! Think twice about what you post and tweet, too. Interestingly, a lot of people self-censor anyway, according to this post about Facebook statuses. Employ a little of that and you’ll make it through this transit (that ends October 25) without over-sharing or having your words taken out of context.
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- Libra, you’re known for your good taste. But do the finer things in life have to be the most expensive? Mercury is falling back (retrograde) in Scorpio from October 4-25, disrupting your second house of luxury and money. You’d be wise to watch your budget and your spending. Shop with your eyes if you must, but less frequently with your wallet, during this transit. If you simply must have the high-end diaper bag, maybe you could find it on sale or at a consignment shop or online like Tradesy. If you’re tempted to buy a lifetime supply of diapers or formula, maybe instead, subscribe to a delivery service that can be paid monthly and canceled easily. Babies can grow faster than a stockpile runs out, even if it does seem like they’re blowing through whatever you just bought. You could try Amazon Mom or the Honest Company. Watch, too, how tempted you are to buy new clothes for your kiddos. Especially if the weather is changing where you live, it’s easy to pile on the cost of a new wardrobe. Think about how much you can get out of each piece you buy. Check out this U.S. News & World Report post, "7 Ways to Stretch Your Child’s Wardrobe from Summer to Fall" for ideas. While you’re watching what you spend, it’s a good time to take a look at all your expenses. If you track your spending, see what your biggest items are and decide if you can cut back. Instead of sulking about what you’ll be missing out on, think about what you’ll be gaining. All that saved money could afford you some finer dining on date nights or an upgrade on next year’s family vacation. The second house highlights our daily habits, so making changes is optimal, although the retrograde may give your efforts resistance. Fight through it and you and your bank account will be happier when this transit passes. Even small changes, like not buying coffee out every day, can make a huge difference to your bottom line. Or instead of going out to eat, get the fixings for a pizza night at home. Kids love that, and you’ll avoid their groans when you say yes to the waitress on your coffee refill. Unless your kids are good at charming the staff, that is. If you’re expecting, go to all the places you love but will soon have a harder time frequenting with a little ones. You know—the ones with child-free ambiance. Raise your glass of sparking cider and toast to your money-saving self!
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- Itching to make some change? Not so fast, Scorpio. Mercury is spinning backward (retrograde) in your sign, and your first house of image and appearance, from October 4-25. Text your stylist and tell him to ix-nay the lavender pixie cut idea. Go for your usual cut and color this time around. It’s also a good time to stick to your tried-and-true look versus changing things up too drastically. Sequins were on the runways at New York Fashion Week again. Let’s rejoice now for posts like “How to Wear Sequins Without Looking Like a Disco Ball.” Otherwise you could wind up on a worst-dressed list—or tagged in a photo posted on Facebook that makes you cringe. Untag! Speaking of social media, the Mercury retrograde can irritate our online communication. Think before you post. If you slip and post something you immediately regret, delete it! If you need to put a posting moratorium on yourself, do it. This is also a good time to review online etiquette with children who are old enough to use social media. Common Sense Media has some cute videos and resources about how to safely navigate Facebook and other platforms so they, too, don’t regret what they post. And now, let’s all collectively say THANK THE UNIVERSE these things didn’t exist when we were kids. But on a serious note, social media presents new parenting challenges. Ask other moms how they handle device use and access to social media platforms. Even Steve Jobs didn’t let his kids use an iPad and he limited their tech use overall! Your children’s school may have a policy on media use and suggestions for how to handle screen time at home. Some schools even have a media contract that all families sign. Ask, learn, and decide what’s right for your family. The first house also rules self-expression and during a Mercury retrograde, our words can come out garbled or misconstrued. This is a good time to take a backseat at the PTA meeting or any other group setting and let others do the talking. You can contribute in other ways, but being outspoken may not work for you. On the flip side, if you are expecting, this IS a good time to be vocal about your needs. Talking to your health care providers about your wishes is ideal, but the retrograde can press against those efforts. Push back by speaking clearly and directly and even putting important information in writing, just in case. Don’t worry, this transit will pass October 25 and soon enough you’ll be back to calling the shots. Even Hillary Clinton, a fellow Scorpio, hasn’t revealed if she’s running for U.S. president despite mounting questions—perhaps she’s also (secretly) waiting for this transit to pass!
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- Loosen your grip, Sagittarius. What are you holding onto so tightly anyway? Is it serving your higher good? There’s a good chance it’s not. And it’s something you need to deal with simply so it can be released and you can heal. However, it may not be so simple now. Mercury is retrograde (backward) from October 4-25 in Scorpio, your twelfth house of endings and closure. You may feel ready to do the work, but you’re stuck. Recognize this challenging transit is happening, and lend yourself some patience for that process. Forgive yourself for not making a direct line from point A (your problem) to point B (finding peace). One well-known trait of your sign is impatience, after all. You may feel heaps of it now as you struggle to get to the other side of a difficult situation. Now isn’t the time to beat yourself up over not being able to deal and move on. While you're in this murky state, why not explore what’s in front of you and learn from it? It could be unfinished business with a loved one. A loss. Or sadness over an abandoned goal. A little quality time is a great way to work through the feelings that come up for you. Traditional therapy can help. But sleep is of utmost importance. Here are some research-based tips on how to get more. You’ll feel better for being well rested—although don’t be surprised if your dreams are haunted by with the issues on your mind. You may wake up with some messages, encrypted in codes and symbols. Try to crack them. They may not be obvious to you right away. You could try an online tool like Dream Moods to decode them. Here are some tips for keeping a journal about your nocturnal insights. The twelfth house also rules hidden agendas, so be extra careful with whom you share trusted secrets. There is risk now of information getting into the ears of those you don’t want to hear it. Has the person you’ve been talking to earned your confidence? If your gut is telling you no, then stop. Find outlets for yourself now that let you express yourself but don’t require you to give too much of yourself. This could be a dance or theater class. Or maybe a more passive route will distract you—tickets to a play or an indie movie. If you have the kids with you, a museum or an afternoon at a mega-bookstore is a good way for you to all explore what interests you. For expecting moms, this is a good time for taking a swim and allowing the water to buoy your body. The lightness may take away from the weight in your mind. For all moms, if you can hit a beach or an indoor pool, suit up. Just be careful about traveling, as Mercury retrograde can cause plans to get derailed. Hey, even the bathtub could be your happy place now.
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- There’s no “I” in team, as they say. So why is everyone out for themselves? Or so it seems this week. Group dynamics are dicey now as Mercury slips back (goes retrograde) into Scorpio, your eleventh house of collaboration, from October 4-25. It may be time to put on your famous taskmaster hat, Capricorn—you ARE the zodiac’s get-it-done sign. If anyone can focus-and-execute, it’s you. And your team/family/organization may be looking to YOU to bring order to the chaos. But this transit is going to make you work for it. You’ll probably feel like you’re swimming upstream or going against the grain—even working against others when in fact, you’re trying to bring everyone together. Just how hard IS it to coordinate a school Halloween party, you ask? Prepare to find out. Sounds a little exhausting! But a retrograde can be blamed for teamwork falling apart, arguments erupting, and general non-consensus. Projects with pressing deadlines may stall. Even teams that once worked beautifully together may feel fissures. Mercury retrograde is definitely not a good time to start anything new. Instead, make progress on what you ARE working on. Do what you can. To try to make it more pleasant, build in some distractions, things that will help everyone blow off steam—including yourself. How about some team building exercises? Goodbye, trust falls, and hello Bubble Ball! Team building can happen at home, too, not just with coworkers. This Pinterest board has a lot of fun ideas for what to do to connect your clan. Game night is so yesterday! Okay, not really—but there are other things you can do, especially if your kids are getting bored with board games. You could consider having a party now, as the eleventh house encourages gatherings. However, because of the retrograde, you’ll want to be sure you carefully curate your guest list. Perhaps a guest of honor will present him/herself as Mercury retrograde is a good time for reunions. An old friend or relative could resurface. Make it an adults-only party, if you can, as this is typically a beneficial time to get together without children. Have everyone bring their favorite pumpkin beer. And you can have Pumpkin Oreos on hand because, what isn’t pumpkin right now? Just watch what you talk about, since Mercury retrograde can cause arguments to flare. Same is true with posting on social media. Think before you push send and hold off on launching any blog or other self-publishing projects. You need an editor more than ever—and maybe a filter! So if you want to put something out there, be sure it has passed the eyes of a trusted friend first. For pregnant women, this is a good time to seek out others who are also expecting. You can trade advice and form bonds that will be invaluable when your babies are born. It helps to have women at the exact stage you’re at—the experiences are unique. If there’s no one in your immediate radius, reach out online. Who among your Facebook friends lives far away but is at the same point in the life cycle? These could be the women you lean on, versus say, the junior high crush whose friend request you’ve been sitting on.
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- If life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans, Aquarius, that’s going to feel truer than ever now. Mercury is retrograde (backward) into Scorpio, your tenth house of long-term goals, from October 4-25. This tricky transit could make your professional or life path fraught with speed bumps, especially around communication, technology, and information sharing. You’ll get to your goal, but the road won’t be smooth. For a funny visual, imagine you’re walking across a bed of Legos like this mom! Maybe not that painful, but challenging. You may have to rethink some of your goals this week, but don't despair, Aquarius. Even if your heart was set on a direction, it really is true that when one door closes, another opens. Be willing to revise your life, because fresh opportunities may present themselves. As parents, we learn that it’s especially important to be flexible. Plans can change by the minute, depending on how agreeable our kids are. If we're rigid, we suffer from disappointment, instead of enjoying all the moments we ARE having. It's about the journey, not the destination! One mom we know posted a funny but sad Facebook status the other day about her 13-year-old daughter. They’d been out as a family all day and when they returned home, she asked if she wanted to watch a movie with the rest of the family. Her daughter said “I’ve spent all day with you guys. Don’t you think that’s enough?!” And just like that, the teen years had taken hold. We don’t mean to say you have to enjoy EVERY moment. Hello, we’re human! And kids can drive us crazy. But if we’re always looking ahead, maybe we’re not enjoying what’s passing us by right now. Check out the book Be The Mom if you need a little inspiration. Since the tenth house also spotlights career, you may be questioning what you're doing for maternity leave, a next chapter or for part-time work. While Mercury retrograde isn't always a great time to look for a new job, it IS productive to call and pick the brain of a former boss or colleague (Mercury retrograde favors the past). The role of mom can be rewarding and confusing—where do we, as people, fit into the world? Reflect on where you’re at and what you want. We love this guy’s blunt but thought-provoking post on how to determine what you want to do in life. These questions are harder for women who are expecting their first or resetting their clock on parenthood with another. But they’re better than another episode of My Little Pony or The Fresh Beat Band!
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- Laying low isn’t a bad idea now, Pisces. Mercury, the planet of travel, technology, and communication will be in slippery retrograde (backward) motion from October 4-25. On top of that, it's reversing through Scorpio, your ninth house of travel, making it even trickier to leave city limits. If you have plans for an adventure already, don’t freak out and cancel. Just beware this transit can wreak some havoc on your itinerary. Take precautions where you can. For starters, check your passport or license expiration dates. Also, double-check (triple-check?) reservation confirmations. If you're typically a passive traveler—we know many Pisces who like to go with the flow—try a different tact now. Be proactive before you set out. That way any glitches can be handled with grace instead of “Planes, Trains and Automobiles” style breakdowns. Traveling with children presents its own set of unique challenges. Do what you can to prepare your kiddos for the journey. Little ones love having a steady stream of toys and activities to keep them entertained during a flight, for example. The Target dollar bins are a great place to find goodies. When they get bored with one thing, you pull out the next. (Here are some other ideas for how to keep them entertained. Older kids love having their own headphones (so many cute ones) and plugging in if there are TVs or using their own personal DVD players, iPhones, or iPads. We know plenty of moms who eschew the in-car DVD player but embrace its use on a plane. We’re certain the cramped quarters with strangers has everything to do with that. The rules are often bent for longer car rides too. If you’re traveling by wheel, be sure to know which road side assistance plan you have active, just in case. If you have no travel plans during the Mercury retrograde (which lasts until October 25), you can use this time to research a future trip. A lot of families we know are making their first plans for Disney and are collecting recommendations. This dad of three daughters writes tips for managing Disney with school-age kids. If the Mouse House is beyond your means or your bandwidth now, day trips are a great way to change up the scenery and give everyone an adventure. The ninth house also rules wisdom and learning, and you could soak up whatever your local museums and art galleries have to offer. Include the kids who are old enough to start appreciating art. But even at a young age, kids can be inspired (here are tips for visiting a museum with kids. Share what you learn from your travels with others. Just watch that you don’t come across like a know-it-all. Your sign loves and needs new things, especially knowledge. In your excitement you may come across as a rigid authority, not an enthusiast.
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