AQUARIUS HOROSCOPE

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.

Mars entering Libra on August 6th is going to give you the boost in confidence that's been missing. Libra is an air sign just like you, and Mars here shows that you've got the recognition and license to finally do the things you want to do. Your hands are no longer tied. Now most people would try to cover as much ground as they could, but you have all the time in the world to work out your next step. Slow moving planets are forming a unique alignment that promises to favor you and they'll back up any endeavor aimed at serving the greater good.

It looks like there's a lot of finger pointing going on at work nowadays and people are searching for a scapegoat. Venus is the planet of attraction in Astrology and in your efforts to alleviate associates’ guilty consciences you could be inadvertently inviting them to lay the blame on you for their shortcomings and failures. This is the sort of thing that often happens during a Venus/Neptune square, so on August 1st when associates say “I feel so bad, this is all my fault” don’t disagree. This sends the message that yes, it is their fault – and without you ever having said a word.

Sun/Pluto oppositions (like the one on July 25th) are famous for either/or dilemmas. It will feel like you have to choose between your own best interests or somebody else's. Now if you were a Leo this would be easy (Leos always come first!) but you're an Aquarius which means you'll naturally want to help out a partner, associate, or collaborator. Thankfully you won't have to fall on your sword. The recent Sun double trine to Saturn and Neptune shows that there are people who can help out – either by lending a hand or providing guidance. Follow their lead and you'll ensure that nobody gets left hanging.

It's going to feel like everything's grinding to a halt when Mercury turns retrograde in your opposite sign of Leo on July 18th. Think of it as Europe in August. If there was ever a time to hit the beach or lounge poolside with a favorite book then this is it because you won't be getting anything done until August 11th. Retrogrades are Astrology's time outs. They're also good for allowing people to catch up. You’ve pitched a lot of brilliant ideas lately – one after the other – and people need time to process what you’ve said so that they don't look dazed and confused.