LIBRA HOROSCOPE

Don't be surprised if you're seized by an overwhelming impulse to clean out your closets and reorganize your drawers. But why stop there? You should also jettison those friendships that you just don't do it for you anymore. The Solar Eclipse in Virgo on September 21st is all about helping yourself and the best way to do that is to set up a new way of living where you decide what you want to do and who to do it with. No more feigning interest in one-way conversations or smiling through put-downs. Just press the Cosmic “delete” button and let the Stars do the rest.

Astrologers often joke about how only a Libra would weigh the pros and cons of rushing to a lifeboat if the Titanic were sinking, but your chronic vacillating is based on the fact that you're the one who has to live with your choice. Right now the Stars are forcing your hand by making it impossible to stay where you are, however Jupiter prominent in your solar midheaven ensures safe passage and that life on the other side of this transition will be an enormous improvement. It may be hard to see right now, but one day you'll be grateful you made the decision you did.

It's going to feel like you're on your back foot when Mars in Libra forms a square to Jupiter in Cancer on September 4th. Not only are you outmatched, but it also looks like you've been outmaneuvered. Nevertheless you need to take a stand because it's the right thing to do. Chances are you won't win this round – Jupiter is exalted at the top of your chart and unlikely to be knocked off its perch – but you will in the long run. People love an underdog and their support will be forthcoming as long as you refuse to bend the knee or yield the field.

It's OK to be selfish. It's allowed – if not encouraged – while Ruling Planet Venus is traveling through the zodiac sign of the Lion (August 25th through September 19th). And since you're putting yourself first, you might as well increase the volume of your roar and the boldness of your actions. This will do a lot to align you with the cosmic energy coursing through your horoscope. There will be plenty of time to purr and make nice later, but for now you need to dominate as much ground as you can because you won't have a chance like this again for a very long time.

You were born under the zodiac sign of partnership. You never do anything alone – not if you can help it. Yet this time of year when the Sun is traveling through Virgo (August 22 to September 21) often brings up questions about the balance of power in your relationship. Is it truly equal? Are you being true to yourself? Is your partner holding you back? You may feel like retreating into yourself for a little while to reflect in private – and you should. We all need some alone time. – it's good for the soul – and so is allowing for more spaces in your togetherness.

Ruling Planet Venus conjunct Jupiter at the top of you solar horoscope brings the watershed moment you've been praying for. Not only will you see good fortune smile in your direction courtesy of Astrology's favorite benefics, but you'll also feel vindicated and protected. Vindicated in that your name will finally be cleared of the smear campaign that was waged against you; protected in that the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune will be unable to penetrate the Cosmic deflector shield that's materialized around you. All of this will help you to get things back on track in your life and to make up for lost time.

Mars will be in your zodiac sign from August 6th to September 22d. Mars brings conflict wherever it goes so you can expect to deal with upsets, challenges, and crises, but this doesn't have to be bad. In fact it could be good because Mars strengthens your resolve and bolsters your willpower. You won't feel like you have to be so beholden to other people anymore, however you will have to focus on harnessing this powerful energy so that it doesn't run roughshod over the rest of your life. Remember that once you step up to the plate there can be no stepping back.

It looks like you're still in the running for a prize or coveted position. For months naysayers, rivals, and competitors have taken their best shots at you and though you've fallen a few times, you've managed to climb back on that horse of yours. But now the Venus/Saturn square on August 1st shows you arriving at a turning point. You need to decide for yourself if you are prepared to go the distance you say you want to travel because once you pass this mark there will be no turning back. Chances are you know the answer already, but it still never hurts to ask.

It's going to feel like you can't do anything right by someone on July 23d. And you're right; you can't. But the problem isn't you – it's the other person. As a Libra, you tend to be more open-minded about criticism. You're all ears if someone has something valuable to impart, but if someone is just putting you down, then you'll just smile, nod, and retreat from the conversation. Unfortunately a certain spoiler in your life isn't getting the hint so you may have to take matters into your own hands. Do it with your customary grace and pointedness and s/he will get off your case.

Mercury and Venus love to mingle so you can expect to make the acquaintance of all sorts of people that you wouldn’t typically meet while these two planets are forming a sextile in the sky (July 18th to 23d). It’s a great opportunity to broaden your horizons, add to your contact list, and even brush up on your conversation skills. This planetary energy is usually chatty and fly-by-night, except that you could be making the acquaintance of someone who will go on to become a major player in your life – but you’ll have to wait to see what the next couple of weeks bring first.