AQUARIUS HOROSCOPE

You need to think long and hard about the future you want to create. You have a special talent for working with what life hands you. People born under other zodiac signs might fixate on what's missing or throw up their hands in despair if circumstances don't align with their wishes, but your mind often comes alive during times like these. That's because you have a puzzle builder's eye for recognizing that each piece of life's mosaic is unique – that it's there for a reason – and that they will all fit together eventually. Combining and recombining all the variables is the secret to your inventive genius.

Aquarians are excellent negotiators. You never accept anything “in toto” but rather study each piece of information as it emerges to see how it fits into the overall equation. You often take your time doing this and it's been known to drive certain types of personalities crazy. This could become a point of contention on October 29th when Mercury opposes Ruling Planet Uranus. This is when you'll be under pressure to sign on the line that’s dotted. Well, you don’t have to and you know it. In fact you can even use this person’s impatience to negotiate for an even bigger slice of the pie.

You're a firm believer in doing the right thing. This isn't based on self-righteousness. It's based on your belief that there really is such a thing as justice in the Universe. You know that people who see things in terms of an eye-for-an-eye will never escape their cycle of retaliation while those who embrace their highest selves will live a more fulfilling life. It's as simple as that. This is why you're often criticized for being either too naïve or too idealistic so it will be nice to see how your good works will be recognized and then amply rewarded in the weeks following October 24th.

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.