Breaking down all the tools you need to use the universe to unpack your desires, fears, motivations, and more.
Photo-Illustration: by The Cut; Photos: Getty Images
The days have gotten shorter and the Spirit Halloweens have taken over as many vacant lots as humanly possible — it’s official. Summer’s over, babe. On Monday, September 22, less than a day after a wild solar eclipse in Virgo, the sun will cross the celestial equator, marking the autumn equinox and the official start of Libra season. Day and night balance perfectly, but beneath the symmetry is change.
And as if that’s not enough, on Monday Mars (the planet of action) slides into Scorpio — its home turf — reigniting ambition, clarity, and sharp intent after weeks of wobble.
This equinox hums with intention and purpose, and every sign is going to feel the shift. Read on for what you should expect (and how to prepare) for this powerful turning point.
Your relationships are front and center now, Aries, and the autumn equinox makes the contrast between give-and-take impossible to ignore. Eclipse season rattled your routines, revealing where solo initiatives have reached their limit — but as Libra season begins, it’s time to look at how your connections also enhance (or deplete) your day-to-day. Don’t cling to dynamics that drain you simply because they’re familiar. Align yourself with those who match your ambition and respect your independence. Fundamentally, this is your reminder that partnership is power, not compromise.
The autumn equinox spotlights your daily life: habits, health, and the subtle rituals that build your reality. After the eclipse stirred your creative passions, Libra season insists on structure to sustain them. Maybe it’s adjusting your schedule to prioritize movement, refining your workflow, or clearing lingering obligations that clutter your mental space. Self-care now isn’t just spa days (sorry!); it’s discipline and discernment. The choices you make in the coming weeks will ripple outward for months to come.
Phew! What a tough couple of weeks. Back-to-back eclipses in September exposed fractures at home or in your sense of security, which may have felt destabilizing (to say the least). But now the autumn equinox marks the beginning of a new chapter — one defined by self-expression, creativity, passion, and play. Yes, Gemini! This is what we’ve been waiting for! Whether you’re experimenting with style, starting a new sexy romance, or diving into an art project, let your joie de vivre carry real meaning. You are so back!
Home isn’t just a place; it’s a vibration, and this equinox tunes you back to your roots. Over the next few weeks, make the conscious decision to reconnect with blood family, chosen family, even traditions that nourish you — and don’t be afraid to redefine “home” on your own terms. Even small, subtle shifts in the way you prioritize your peace (refreshing your room, establishing a boundary, or bravely having a heartfelt conversation) will anchor you through the season’s changes. Remember: Strengthening your base doesn’t slow your progress, it ensures you have somewhere solid to leap from.
Did eclipse season shake your values? Your finances? Well, now Libra season reminds you that words are your currency. The equinox activates your communication zone, urging you to speak with intention and precision. As Libra season begins, this is the perfect time to pitch the idea, publish the essay, or finally say what’s been on your mind. But choose your language carefully: One decisive conversation could close a chapter or open an entirely new one. The world needs your roar, Leo (obviously!), but make sure you’re projecting with purpose. Your charisma can rally support and spark powerful change, so don’t waste it on noise that doesn’t matter.
Safe to assume you’re probably relieved that your birthday season is over, because it’s been a weird couple of weeks! Eclipse season ripped through September, but now you can finally relax because the worst is (probably) over. Now the sun’s movement into Libra’s sky shifts your focus to resources, self-worth, and what you actually deserve. It’s time to examine not just your bank account but the values underpinning your choices. Are you spending energy, time, and money on things that truly sustain you — or just out of habit or (gulp) fear? Invest (both literally and metaphorically) in what nourishes your long-term stability. The Virgo who emerges this season understands that worth isn’t earned through perfection but, rather, affirmed through conscious, courageous action.
Happy solar return, Libra! (That’s how astrologers say “happy birthday.”) Your birthday season always corresponds with the autumn equinox, and for you, that shift toward balance is a call to clarify your mission. The eclipses over the past few weeks revealed cracks in behind-the-scenes systems or hidden fears. But now it’s time to step forward with honesty about what you actually need and want. This is no time to chase validation or maintain an aesthetic for applause. Claim your desires, even the inconvenient ones. Your charm opens doors, but it’s your authenticity that invites real, lasting change.
This is a special autumn equinox for you, Scorpio, because Mars (your planetary ruler) is moving back into your sign just as Libra season begins. So while the autumn equinox illuminates your subconscious realm (the stuff of dreams, memories, old emotions), you’ll also feel inspired to take action on your wildest ideas. Journaling, meditating, or brainstorming with a close confidante can help you clarify your next moves, ensuring that you’re ready to act at the perfect moment. After all, your birthday season is up next.
Over the next few weeks, Libra season encourages you to seek out like-minded people who can truly expand your vision. Reconnect with old allies or mentors, attend gatherings that align with your deeper values, and prioritize conversations with people who stimulate your intellect. Your optimism is magnetic (as always!), and people will rally around your ideas — but you need the right team to sustain your momentum. Share your hopes, listen to feedback, and let trusted friends help refine your dreams. This isn’t a popularity content, Sagittarius; it’s finding momentum in the bigger picture.
Your career zone lights up under the equinox, but this isn’t about hustling harder — it’s about pursuing ambition with integrity. After a month of weird and whacky eclipses, Libra season asks you to balance ambition with authenticity. Don’t chase every shiny opportunity, Capricorn; discern which goals are aligning with your evolving values. When you’re clear in your intentions, the next step is courage! Share your vision publicly! Update your portfolio! Pitch that daring idea! The coming weeks can deliver breakthroughs, but only if you’re building on desires that feel genuine, not just impressive on LinkedIn.
Restlessness has a purpose now. The equinox energizes the area of your chart activated by exploration, higher learning, and perspective shifts. And, yes, while these back-to-back eclipses dredged up vulnerabilities around shared resources or intimacy, Libra season is urging you to widen your worldview. Take the class, book the trip, or engage with ideas that challenge your biases. Your rebel spirit thrives on reinvention, but lasting evolution requires true depth. Use this season to bridge lofty ideals with tangible steps toward the future you envision.
The lunar eclipse in your sign on September 7 shifted your perspective on relationships, and now the autumn equinox pulls you inward, inviting you even deeper into the world of intimacy, trust, and transformation. Over the next few weeks, you’ll be invited to explore what to merge, what to release, and what to protect. Healing conversations or collaborations could unlock resources you didn’t realize you had. This is a season for profound honesty and brave vulnerability, but thoughtfulness is key. Move slowly, listen closely, and let only what feels truly reciprocal cross the threshold.
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