Whether you loved it or hated every second, the slow-your-roll vibes of summer are coming to a close. When the sun enters Libra on September 22 (it’s the autumnal equinox), we’ll be off on a journey of solar eclipses (solar eclipse 2024 season lives on!), retrogrades, and solar shifts that will simultaneously challenge us and change us. Here’s what the forecast looks like this fall 2024.
On October 2nd, we’ll have a solar eclipse in Libra. These types of eclipses happen when the sun, moon, and Earth are all aligned, with the moon blocking out the sun. Though you won’t be able to see this one in the northern hemisphere, it’s bound to impact us all. As a reminder, eclipses swoop in to shake up our lives so we can really see what’s working and what isn’t. It brings things to light that you might have otherwise missed.
This one is no different. You can expect the unexpected in all areas of life. It sounds like a lot, and it is, but this solar eclipse can bring welcome breakthroughs in your career, family, relationships, and your relationship with yourself. When it’s over, you might find that your life is more balanced (thanks to that Libra energy!).
Then, on October 9th, philosophical Jupiter, the planet associated with luck, expansion, and journeys begins retrograding in Gemini until February 4, 2025. This makes it a great time to reassess your vision for your life or the future and how you want to go after it.
Transformative Pluto finally starts moving forward on October 11th after a five month retrograde from progressive Aquarius to rule-focused Capricorn. But by November 19th, Pluto will be back in Aquarius, bringing sudden changes to the areas of our lives that need to advance. The growing pains are real, but you may come out healed on the other side.
On October 22nd, the sun moves into Pluto-ruled Scorpio, so don’t be surprised if your perspectives start to shift and you feel compelled to evolve further.
After another long retrograde (it began in Pisces on June 29th), daily routine-focused Saturn starts chugging ahead on November 15. If you take a look back at what you learned about setting boundaries over the past few months, you might find that you’ve done some good work. As Saturn moves forward, it’s asking us to put those new practices into place when people or situations attempt to bulldoze our limits. Trusting your judgment will come in handy here.
While the positive vibes enter the chat as the sun heads into accepting and independent Sagittarius on November 21st, we begin an unfortunately timed Mercury retrograde a few days later on the 25th until December 15th. Like all Mercury retrogrades, this one (happening in Sag) can cause miscommunications and tech problems galore. Avoid jumping to conclusions or being quick to react…and maybe start your online holiday shopping early this year.
On December 6th, action-oriented Mars slows down until February 23, 2025. As Mars retrogrades in Leo (and Cancer), expect frustrations. While expressing your feelings is always a good idea, this period may leave you feeling unheard since most of us will be too burnt out to deal with other people’s issues. This transit is asking us to decompress and find other ways to express our emotions (journaling, anyone?).
Like Pluto and Saturn, dreamy Neptune comes out of retrograde in Pisces on December 7th. If you made the most of that Neptune backslide (which began on July 2nd) by feeling your feelings as unexpected news comes up, yay for you! Now is a great time to put those new skills to use.
Aries
Unfortunately, the solar eclipse in Libra on October 2nd may make you feel jealous of others in your circle. That might make you feel insecure and powerless and make you act out within your relationships. Not fun. While that chaotic eclipse energy isn’t great, it allows you to test drive new self-care tools to deal with jealousy. If you can, try to find a way to understand your envy and release it. Journaling could definitely help! Don’t be surprised if you feel more confident after putting it all on the page.
By the time Mars, your ruling planet, goes retrograde in Leo on December 6th (until February 23rd 2025), you’ll be ready to patch things up with anyone who got caught in your jealous streak. Use this time of reflection to think about who deserves an apology and the best way to move forward. If you use this energy wisely, you won’t make the same mistakes again.
Taurus
Your planetary ruler, Venus, who governs romance and creativity, runs from hot-tempered Scorpio to independent Aquarius this season will have you feeling a little all over the place this fall. As the season begins, Venus in Scorpio is energizing, making you feel ready to take on the world from September 22nd to October 17th. Then, as it moves into thrill-seeking Sagittarius on October 17th, the intensity builds as Venus encourages you to get out of your comfort zone. If you harness those Sag vibes, you might boost your self-esteem.
But on November 11th, Venus heads into reflective Capricorn until December 7th, and calls on you to slow the hell down. Use that time to take stock of your energy levels, get more realistic about your schedule, and cancel plans you’re too tired for. During this period, the best self-care strategy might just be watching comfort TV in your PJs.
Once you’re fully rebooted, you’ll be ready for Venus’s entrance into Aquarius on December 7th, a time when the planet encourages you to emotionally connect with your people. Don’t be afraid to get super honest with deep convos. They might be just the thing you need after a long social break.
Gemini
You definitely need to hear this: It’s OK to slow down. The solar eclipse on October 2nd in balance-obsessed Libra, a fellow air sign, wants you to make time for rest. While that could mean sleeping in, relaxation can also take the form of stimulating activities outside of your typical responsibilities. Maybe you start taking long walks, become an amateur birder, or make some terrible collages. Any activity that breaks you out of the day-to-day can be a powerful self-care tool during this time.
It won’t be easy though. As Jupiter, the planet of expansion and growth, retrogrades through your sun from October 9th to February 4th, 2025, the opportunities to do all the things will be plentiful. So, use the slow-down lessons you learned during the eclipse to prioritize joy over busyness.
Of course, Mercury, your ruling planet, also goes retrograde this season between November 25th and December 15th in Sagittarius. This calls for, well, even more rest. That’s your self-care assignment this season, Gem.
Cancer
While eclipse energy is chaotic, the one happening on October 2nd in Libra will prove to be healing for you. While it may get messy (classic eclipse), the shake ups will encourage you to reconcile relationship issues from the past—especially with family.
Throwing a wrench in our life plans to help us change course is the whole point of an eclipse. And this one wants you to dissolve underlying resentment and have those hard conversations you’ve been avoiding. But that’s a good thing, Cancer!
To take care of yourself this season, get clear on what boundaries would make your historically problematic relationships more functional. What topics are off limits? What is fair game? What settings make sense to spend time together and which don’t? With a better understanding of your limits, you can create healthy relationships while protecting your heart and wellbeing.
Leo
There is a lot to look forward to this fall, Leo! For you, this season is all about celebrating your wins, recovering from past losses, and mentally preparing for the future. As the sun, your planetary ruler, moves from Libra (on September 22nd) to Scorpio (October 22nd) through Sagittarius season (November 22nd to December 21st), you’re encouraged to look back at all you’ve accomplished and pat yourself on the back. Go you!
In between the festivities, you’ll also have the opportunity to emotionally recover from all the hype on November 1st with the new moon in Scorpio, and unwind during the new moon in Sag on December 1st. Who couldn’t use an intermission?
While it might be hard for you to lie low, lean into the recovery vibes sent by those lunar transits. Maybe it’s blocking off those days in your cal to make dinner and read a book. Or set aside extra time in the morning to hurkle durkle before mindlessly scrolling in bed. Whatever you do, try to make the most of it since the Mars retrograde starting December 6th is bound to wear you out.
Virgo
While life may feel a little out of pocket for the next few months, this is the perfect time to flex those self-care skills. When Jupiter, the planet of expansion and growth, begins to retrograde in Gemini (a fellow air sign ruled by Mercury, like you) on October 9th, any struggles you’ve been slogging through at work may be amplified.
From there, Saturn turns direct in Pisces, in your seventh house of relationships on November 15th. Your exes might suddenly appear out of nowhere—you’ve been warned. Oh, and of course Mercury, the planet that controls your sign, retrogrades on November 25th in Sagittarius. That translates to a high probability of miscommunications.
This is a lot, and the best way to survive is to prioritize your mind whenever possible. Maybe you set a timer for two minutes and just stare at a wall. Or you could tackle work stress by testing out the Pomodoro method, working in 25 minute-chunks followed by a five minute break. Just stepping outside to walk around the block and touch a tree can help too. Though they’re tiny, these moments can add up to major relief.
Libra
With the solar eclipse happening in your sign on October 2nd, you might feel like all eyes are on you—and you might not love that. Don’t be shocked if you’re feeling a little insecure in the spotlight, Libra. This transit also ups the chances that people take their own issues out on you—never fun—or that you project your stuff onto them.
This can feel like a bad time. But don’t let the haters or your own insecurities get the best of you. Instead of worrying about what others think, make time to investigate where your insecurities come from. Why do you care so much about their opinions? Where did that fear or belief come from? See if you can answer those Qs in your journal or using voice notes.
Then, think more about the people who have your back and how you can spend more time with them. Beginning on December 6th, your 11th house of hopes and dreams will be aspected by Mars, the planet of action, as it’s retrograde in Leo. That energy is inviting you to recommit to friends that make you feel safe and comfortable as you realign with your aspirations.
Scorpio
Eclipse season often brings the truth to light, and this one could be tricky for you, Scorpio. When the solar eclipse in Libra hits on October 2nd, you might learn some information that impacts those you care about.
While you’re not one to shy away from reporting facts to your friends and family, you might feel torn: Should you deliver the news yourself or let things unfold on their own? Thankfully, Pluto, your planetary ruler who oversees destruction, re-enters Aquarius on November 19th, and squashes the gossip. Then, on December 6th, Mars retrograde defuses any lingering drama.
While that sounds like a crisis averted, it can’t hurt to use this time to get centered as the chaos swirls around you. Try a grounding exercise like looking out for glimmers, aka moments in your day that make you feel good, spark joy, or give you a sense of peace.
Sagittarius
When Jupiter, your ruling planet, goes retrograde in Gemini on October 9th, it activates the relationship sector of your chart. That might make it tempting to fall back into old, unhealthy habits within your romantic life. If you feel discouraged, try to look back at how far you’ve come since May 25th, when this planet of expansion and growth entered Gemini. Since then, you’ve been evolving for the better within your relationships, and that’s worth keeping up.
On November 25th, Mercury goes retrograde in your sign until December 15th, which may pressure you to act impulsively. It might feel easier to just do what other people want (see: people pleasing), but if you can find a way to prioritize your needs ahead of others’ desires, you won’t regret it.
When the going gets tough, do a quick assessment to get a better understanding of who you are and what are your values. Think about some of the best decisions you’ve made in the past that you felt really good about and what was the thing that helped you decide? Maybe you broke up with someone because you felt pulled away from your friendships. If the need to spend more time with your friends was the deciding factor, then close platonic relationships are one of the things you value. See how many values you can come up with in 30 minutes.
Capricorn
Since September 1st, transformational Pluto has been back in your sun sign (after a brief stint in Aquarius) and will remain there until November 19th. That might resurface many of the issues you faced in the last days of 2023.
That’s especially true when the solar eclipse in Libra comes for your friends and social life on October 2nd. But now that you have a little more perspective, you’ll be more than equipped to manage the shake ups headed your way head on.
Then, as Saturn goes direct in Pisces on November 15th (it’s been retrograde since June 29th), you’ll have a lot more clarity on how you’d like your life to evolve. You got this, Cap.
Aquarius
Mid-November is about to be a wild time for your interpersonal relationships, Aquarius. As Saturn turns direct in Pisces on November 15th and Pluto re-enters your sun sign on November 19th, you’re bound to catch peoples’ attention or just be booked and busy.
Plus, Mercury retrograde, happening in Sagittarius on November 25th has you reflecting on painful moments in past relationships (platonic or not) through December 15th. Finally, you’ll be dealing with Mars, the action-oriented planet, as it retrogrades in the relationship sector of your chart starting December 6th. That transit, which continues until early 2025, could reveal more about people who don’t have your best interests at heart.
When other people’s opinions or actions make you feel crappy, give your self-love a boost with some realistic affirmations. These positive (yet believable) phrases come in handy when you need a little confidence, validation, or encouragement—like amidst the November that’s headed your way. You can recite these in the mirror, write them down, or sing them to yourself in the car. Whatever feels natural to you is fair game.
Pisces
It's time to enter your newest era, Pisces! On November 15th, Saturn, the planet of structure and consequences, goes direct in your sun sign. During that retrograde, which lasted nearly six months, Saturn encouraged you to rethink your boundaries and who you spend time with. Those lessons will be super helpful in your next phase.
Elusive and intuitive Neptune also starts moving forward in your sign on December 7th. That Neptune retrograde period may have come with a few unexpected reality checks, but you made it through (hopefully with a better understanding of your emotions).
But before all that retrograde business wraps up, Jupiter, the planet of expansion and the bigger picture, goes retrograde, on October 9th in Gemini. You can harness the power of this transit by rethinking how you impact the greater good of the world. Does your 9 to 5 have a higher purpose? Would volunteering be feasible? Think about the impact you can make and the best way to do it.
During this time, your self-care homework is to focus on gratitude, meaning, what you're grateful for. What are the smallest things you’re thankful for? It could be a cup of coffee, taking a walk on a beautiful day, or just the ability to pay your phone bill this month. That practice can leave you feeling grounded and fuel your altruistic ambitions.
Wondermind does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a replacement for medical advice. Always consult a qualified health or mental health professional with any questions or concerns about your mental health.
