Scorpions (and Scorpios) are both legitimately intimidating and misunderstood. Though we might see them as a threat, self-protection is the name of the game when it comes to these beautiful creatures. Perhaps this month it behooves us to be a bit dangerous, as Scorpio’s traditional ruler Mars will leave its watery home in Scorpio for fiery, brazen Sagittarius on the 4th. On the 5th we will witness the full moon in Scorpio’s sister sign Taurus, followed by Venus’ movement out of Libra and into Scorpio the following day. Because Mars and Venus are our relational planets (and because Sagittarius and Libra are no strangers to drama), personal conflicts and sudden dynamic shifts could occur on and around this full moon. This lack of chill will only escalate as we witness Uranus, Mercury, and Jupiter turn retrograde in rapid succession on the 7th, 9th, and 11th, respectively. Each of these planets carries its own associations with the mind, higher learning, and spiritual truth, and these retrogrades will likely assign karmic debts and rewards rapidly and without subtlety. The challenges we face will be well-served by Scorpio’s mythic stoicism, which teaches us to navigate both personal and collective issues with integrity and grit. The new moon in Scorpio on the 20th will offer a final check-in with our emotional capacity before the sun enters playful Sagittarius on the 21st, followed by Saturn turning direct in Pisces on the 27th. These end-of-month transits (including Mercury direct on the 29th) could offer a bit of goofy reprieve, specifically for those of us who spend the month standing our ground with the might of a small, elusive, deadly, loving, misunderstood, but undoubtedly powerful creature.
ARIES
Alas, it is time for your annual 8th house transit. If you have noticed that this time of year often coincides with pain, loss, grief, or perhaps a general rewriting of your destiny and virtues, then (if nothing else) you will be able to navigate this season without surprise. Your ruling planet Mars’ movement into fellow fire sign Sagittarius on the 4th will provide you with support and strength this month, and you might find some relief through healthy (perhaps slightly escapist) intellectual and physical activities. Read a novel! Run through nature! Be sweet to yourself!
TAURUS
Most of the year, you might acknowledge your Venusian nature as being primarily sensory and aesthetic. This month, the romantic aspects of this planet will likely be front and center, which could be thrilling or frightening depending on your existing relationship with your sister sign Scorpio. Venus will join the sun and begin its transit through your 7th house of partnership this month, likely activating some romantic desires that you have been reluctant to face. The full moon in your sign on the 5th might shed a very direct light on what you desire, so follow your instincts and let Scorpio guide you toward the stability you are building as both a lover and a friend.
GEMINI
The nervous system is one of the most critical health points for Gemini’s high-key anxious nature, and it will play a significant role in your Scorpio season. Scorpio’s rulership of your 6th house speaks to the suddenness with which you might tend to burn out (and glow back up). Your health and well-being might often feel like back burner concerns compared to your need for endless stimulation, but this month Scorpio will show you the price when you don’t honor your body’s needs. Surprise! It’s you. Be gentle to yourself so you can be strong for others.
CANCER
While Scorpio season might push some people to their wit’s end this month, your shared watery nature and Scorpio’s rulership of your 5th house has the potential to bring out the best in you. If your creativity is what sustains you through all your big feelings, your efforts will not be wasted this month. In addition, the new moon in Scorpio on the 20th is an excellent time to interrogate your sense of purpose—how does your creativity serve both you and the greater good?
LEO
The karmic path of a Leo is not for the faint of heart. The sun’s rulership over your sign speaks to your high risk, high reward nature, and this month your fellow fixed sign Scorpio will be taking you to task regarding family, home, and safety. Scorpio’s rulership of your 4th house speaks to the depths of your generational trauma or expectations, and the sun’s transit through it this month will encourage introspection, transmutation of pain, and perhaps some difficult but necessary conversations.
VIRGO
As a Virgo you might prefer thinking before you speak, and Scorpio’s rulership of your 3rd house is a gift, if adequately used. Scorpio’s influence here gives your words power, and your attachment to truth carries weight. This month you might feel compelled to be quite raw in your delivery of said truth, and the full moon in Taurus on the 5th is available to ground you before you express yourself in no uncertain terms.
LIBRA
After what was likely a somewhat intense start to your new cycle around the sun, this month offers more stability. The sun will transit your 2nd house of self-worth and personal resources, and your ruling planet Venus will be leaving your sign and meeting the sun in your 2nd house starting on the 6th. This points to the building of a new foundation where you will have to measure what is beautiful against what is necessary.
SCORPIO
Happy You season, Scorpio! Your depth and sincerity are true gifts to the zodiac, offering the kind of intuition that some sorely lack. Venus’ movement into your sign and 1st house on the 6th will offer some opportunities for self-love and self-expression, and both the full moon on the 5th and the new moon on the 20th will act as bookends to a new chapter of sovereignty and creativity.
SAGITTARIUS
Your cycle around the sun is coming to a close, and thus this month asks for reflection, cleansing, and (if necessary) retribution. Mars will enter your sign and 1st house on the 4th, bringing awareness of your power and anger to the forefront. The sun’s transit through your 12th house could oppose these wilder visions of alchemical rage. Consider taking a beat before going for anyone’s jugular.
CAPRICORN
As a Capricorn, part of your duty is to establish yourself well enough to provide for your family, friends, and community. In this day and age that is no easy feat, and it can be difficult to discern where to draw lines in the sand. The sun’s transit through your 11th house will bring your focus back to friendship and humanitarianism. Be sure to act from a place of self-knowing if you start to rock your own boat.
AQUARIUS
You might prefer to move through the world without looking for public recognition, since an Aquarius often prioritizes service over glory. Unfortunately, the sun’s transit through your 10th house could call on you to leverage your visibility for the greater good this month, or perhaps push you to go underground (as a scorpion is prone to do) in order to fortify your resources and energy. Either path is valid, just check in with yourself before going too far in either direction.
PISCES
The 9th house possesses many energies that likely appeal to the most curious, adventurous parts of you. The sun’s transit here this month, and your fellow water sign Scorpio’s rulership of this house, point to deep experiences which catalyze transformation. There is much wisdom to be found through inner and outer explorations that fundamentally change us, so choose carefully.
illustrations by Anneliese DePano
