SCORPIO HOROSCOPE

Scorpios tend to be much more comfortable with the Hell they know than the Heaven they don't, but the Solar Eclipse on September 21st shows that there's a collective transformation taking place in the lives of the people you work with. It could be a turnover in the roster but it's more likely to manifest as a change in attitude as colleagues begin to show a genuine interest in the ideas you have to share. This is the kind of collaboration you've been looking for and the fact that you will suddenly find it with the people you see every day is nothing short of miraculous.

People often talk about the things they'd do if they could and this week's Lunar Eclipse shows you getting that opportunity based on the loss of something cherished. It's natural to ask if this is the price to pay for pursuing something you want, but it's more like the old adage “when a door closes, a window opens”. As a Scorpio you can't help but wonder how far that drop is from the window to the ground but the important thing to focus on is that you're free to do what you've always wanted – with no strings attached or rude awakenings lying in wait.

Saturn retrograding back down into Pisces is going to feel like a visit from the Ghost of Christmas Past in A Christmas Carol. You may wonder why you're hearing about all these people you used to know and why they're reminding you of missed opportunities and roads not taken. It's unnerving, but like in the Dickens novel, it's in order to get you to recognize how fear of rejection and anxiety over finances may have led you to make decisions that weren't for the best. Take this time to learn from the things that can't be changed so that you can approach the future differently.

It took a long time to cultivate those friendships and nurture those alliances that have become such a mainstay in your life. It's funny how Scorpios say they prefer their own company, but that's never stopped you from building support for the day you'll need it. Venus arcing over the midheaven of your solar horoscope from August 25th to September 19th shows that it's time to call in those favors, pledges, and promises. You have your eyes set on a certain prize and you know exactly who can help you get it – and the best part is that everyone is more than happy to oblige.

You are undergoing an intense period where you are re-examining and even changing your old way of thinking. Usually this happens to people when they've done something wrong and are forced to mend their ways. For you, however, it comes from the realization that certain judgments and preconceptions have kept you locked in a loop where you continue to repeat the same mistakes you swore you would never make again. The wonderful thing about repetition is that you do learn eventually. Accept an exercise in futility for what it is and you can hop off this mental treadmill and start exploring some new possibilities.

Usually you're the first to agree when people say the world is going to hell in a handbasket, but you'll have a hard time nodding your head in assent when Venus conjoins Jupiter in the sign of its exaltation. The two benefics occupying the same place at the same time in the early morning sky on August 12th serves as a reminder that good things really do happen to good people. It's not all abuse and exploitation. What goes around, comes around as you'll see when a stranger does you a good turn, a rival champions you, or a cold-hearted superior gives you a hearty endorsement.

It may feel like you’re facing an injustice that’s bigger than you during Mars's stay in Libra. Remember that Mars is about strength and one of Libra's great strengths is grace under pressure. The more you maintain decorum in an unruly situation, the more others will respect you. Another Libran strength is finding the rule or law that supports your case. It will get you further than railing against the system. Remember that an air sign’s greatest resources are their human resources. Standing up for, by, or with others gives you the fortitude and resolve needed to get through this rough passage and to succeed.

Hopefully you’re OK with what’s happening with your job because you’ll have to live with it for a few weeks more. Saturn in that part of your solar horoscope that pertains to work means that you have probably taken on additional responsibilities for no pay or are burning the candle at both ends. If this is a situation where you have to pay your dues now and collect later, then fine. It’s good for you. However if this is a situation where you're being exploited then you need to ask yourself how tough do things have to get before you finally act on your own behalf?

Are you being contrary for contrary's sake? It happens to even the best of Scorpios. Usually your arguments are well-founded because you'll take the time to research and identify where all the weak points are in a pitch, proposal, or request; however the Venus/Mars square on July 23d shows that you may be playing Devil's Advocate more out of habit than careful consideration. It might be time to put down the pitchfork and give matters another look-see. Chances are you'll discover that you're being more than just a little biased in your judgment and that what's really needed is your support and not your censure.

Scorpios don't like to be embarrassed. It stems from that childhood moment when you brought a present to a friend's birthday party that you thought was cool but left everyone else scratching their heads. It's haunted you since which is why you drop gifts off on the doorstep or send them by mail. Mercury retrograde in Leo on July 18th could harbinger a similar moment except this time it will hit closer to home. Your instinct will be to flee under cover of darkness, but stay put. You may discover that the thing you thought would humiliate you winds up endearing you to someone instead.