AQUARIUS HOROSCOPE

A grand trine in air signs is rare. You can think of them as Astrology's rainbow. This beckons you to look up from the grindstone you've had your nose pressed against and to take in the future before you. The past few weeks have been challenging. No sooner did you clear one hurdle then another one was put in your way, but grand trines aren't here to test your mettle. They're here to deliver on the promise made by the Stars and to reward you for everything you've done for others. The next few weeks will bring praise and accolades. They'll also bring heretofore unimagined opportunities.

Aquarians and crowns don't mix. Some say it's because Aquarians are natural rebels, that protest and resistance are woven into your cosmic DNA; however many leaders were born under your sign and that's because a system, if done right, takes care of everyone. Anyone can burn down a house but it takes a rare bird to build a new and better one. It's something to think about as people poke holes in your vision this week or try to manipulate you into giving them what they want. Stay true your higher angels and you'll find a way to make it all work in the end.

Once again you're breaking ranks to take an independent stand. What's new? The difference is that this time you have an opportunity to enlighten and maybe even win over dissenters. A deeper look on Oct. 3d shows that they're not that opposed to what you want; they're just stuck in their ways. They don't know how to get there from here. It would help if you had the answer, but you don't. What you do have, however, is a vision for the future and an eagerness to collaborate. Invite naysayers to contribute ideas of their own and you'll be impressed with what they come up with.

On September 22d, Mars begins its 6 week arc over the midheaven of your solar horoscope. It's as powerful as it sounds and you'll feel the adrenalin rush right away. Mars is the planet of gumption and drive and its job is to push you to push yourself. As an Aquarian you tend to put the needs of the many above the needs of you and this can be frustrating at times. Thankfully Mars will reverse that equation. That said, you'll still need to be sensitive to people when they say you're coming on too strong – like on September 24th when Mars squares Pluto in Aquarius.

The Solar Eclipse in Virgo on September 21st is asking you to be there for someone who's going through a very difficult time. As an Aquarian you'll feel like you're supposed to have all the answers but actually you're in charge of the questions. Maybe you see outcomes the other person doesn't, an alternative path they're overlooking, or a fresh take on a situation that they regard as preordained. Be someone they can talk to. This makes you more of a presence in their life – companionable and relatable; and when you do that, you, in turn, become more of a here-and-now presence in your own.

This might be a time when you're dipping into rainy day funds; but then again, that's what rainy day funds are there for. It looks like the past six months have brought a flood of bills and through no fault of your own. Thankfully Jupiter, planet of protection, rules this week's Lunar Eclipse which means you can cover these expenses or turn to someone who can help. Part of you might feel depressed, but don't because the fact that you have resources to draw upon is a good thing. Moreover your stores will soon be replenished; maybe not overnight, but certainly in the months ahead.

Ruling Planet Uranus turns retrograde in the sign of the Twins on September 6th. It's not every day when you reverse engines – Aquarius is a fixed sign – but this may be one of those rare occasions when you do. This about-face has less to do with beating a retreat and more to do with changing your approach. Maybe you're backtracking to discover the point where things got off track or creating the impression of leaving to throw rivals off the scent and take them by surprise. In any case, it's a good time to take a page from the Gemini playbook and keep people guessing.

The great irony about Aquarius is that for all of your love of progress, you hate change. It comes from being born under a fixed sign. Fixed signs can't help but think that the way they set things up is the way they should be. Nevertheless you were born under innovative Uranus and the Uranus/Neptune sextile on August 28th shows how both necessity and invention will work hand in hand to unlock a certain puzzle. You've spent a lot of time resisting a move you're being pressured into making – however the solution to your dilemma doesn't lie in mastering your situation, but in reimagining it.

You'll soon face a dilemma where the demands of your job conflict with your higher aims. You will have to choose between selling out for expediency's sake or digging in your heels to ensure that the goals you're shooting for won't be compromised. Thankfully you were born under a zodiac sign that is as inventive as it is innovative. If anyone can come up with an original solution to a classic problem – it's you. Although you will be beset with more challenges along these lines in the weeks to come, you should also remember that what confounds you invariably works to inspire you as well.

A rare sextile between your two Ruling Planets Saturn and Uranus on August 11th shows you reaping the benefits of playing the long game. You've a put a lot of years into paying your dues, honing your skills, and even throwing one or two battles to win a war. This has earned you tremendous respect, trust, and a credibility so that now you're the one people turn to for approval and guidance. This is something you can cash in on as the demand is great. Not only does this move you to the top of the pile, but your hard-won experience ensures you'll stay there.