In September, the Sun travels through Virgo and Libra, your community and domestic houses. Friends and family play a prominent role, and with Mercury retrograde (backward) in Virgo until the 12th, old pals could resurface. Watch for miscommunications (especially with friends and siblings) during Mercury retrograde, and delay buying new gadgets. That shiny iPad or back-to-school laptop can wait until the second half of September. After the 22nd, the Libra Sun warms your domestic house, urging you to cozy up your quarters and deepen family ties.

The month ends with a triumphant Aries full moon, which pumps power into your professional sector but sets your relationships to “reshuffle.” This moon squares off with Pluto, demanding that you address an interpersonal dynamics brewing below the surface. An uncomfortable conversation—or better, changed behavior patterns (actions speak louder than words)—will help you re-train the folks who underestimate, bully or take advantage of you. Don’t be mad at them, Cancer. You allowed it, and you got your own “charge” out of this dynamic, too. Take responsibility for your part, and the relationship can resettle into a healthier exchange.

LOVE & ROMANCE:
Your love life perks up after September 9th, when love-planet Venus enters Scorpio, your romantic fifth house. Five days later, sexy Mars slinks into Scorpio, adding passion and feistiness to your beat. It’s fun to see you flirt with such surprising finesse. When you open up, few signs can hold court like the cultured Crab—or plan an unforgettable date. Scour the local magazines for film festivals, live shows, and restaurant openings. Add a pinch of glamour to everything, especially your fall wardrobe. Drift away from your usual slouchy wash-and-wears. Pick bold colors and couture-inspired cuts that make you feel sexy and powerful.

September also shifts the dynamics of your closest relationships. On the 14th, transformational Pluto goes direct (forward) in Capricorn, your commitment sector. Since April, you may have experienced turbulence, or even a subtle push-pull for the upper hand. Discord stemming from early childhood may have crept into your relationship, or your own trust issues may have reared, bringing out a controlling streak. The people you attracted may have mirrored your “dark side,” reflecting self-development work you still need to do. With Pluto direct, you’ll gain a firmer grasp on unconscious reactions and patterns.

On September 23rd, Pluto squares off with Aries full moon, revealing where your dynamics with family, especially your father, plays into your automatic patterns. Are you acting like a domineering parent or a sullen child, instead of an equal partner? Treating your mate like the 24-hour complaints department instead of venting to a therapist? Maybe it’s time to heal those old wounds so you can bring back some fun to your love life.

MONEY & CAREER:
This summer, your career sector enjoyed a growth spurt, thanks to a short visit from Jupiter and Uranus in Aries. Both planets will return for a longer stay next year, pushing you into a role of leadership or prominence. On September 8th, Jupiter backs into Pisces for the rest of the year—your ninth house of knowledge, truth, and long-distance travel. Broader horizons entice and beckon. Worldliness becomes you, Cancer, and like your iconic signmate Princess Diana, you’ve got a huge, compassionate heart. Sure, you can get terminal road rage from the guy who cuts you off on the exit ramp, but seriously? So small. Igniting your anger into world-changing activism? That’s more like it.

For the rest of 2010, expansive Jupiter and revolutionary Uranus link arms in your global ninth house. Translation: Planet Earth needs you like never before. Follow the urge to work with indigenous local craftswomen in Southeast Asia, volunteer on a well-building mission that brings clean water to a village, or spread awareness about a cause through a blog or article. Start locally, too. Launch a holiday fundraising campaign for your favorite cause. Persuade your employer to eschew the annual Secret Santa gift exchange for a day of office-wide volunteer work. It will boost employee morale, raise the company’s profile, and make everyone feel more connected—so much better than just unwrapping a cheesy coffee mug.

Jupiter and Uranus form an exact conjunction September 18th—on that day, you’ll be especially inspired to make sure your life stands for something. You may return to school, or seek another platform to expand your depth and breadth (consider publishing and teaching). An entrepreneurial venture launched with gusto this spring could regain steam. On September 23rd, the Aries full moon beams into your success house, lighting your professional path. However, it will square off with Pluto in Capricorn, your partnership sector. You may need to face uncomfortable but necessary changes in your closest relationships to embrace a career opportunity. You’ve got no time for coddling and codependence when leadership is calling your name.

HEALTH: MIND, BODY & SOUL:
Need some motivation? Use the buddy system. With the Sun in Virgo until September 22nd, pairing up will double your fitness results. You need lots of intellectual stimulation. Your mind is a sponge during this cycle, so stock your MP3 players with audio books and podcasts to learn while you burn. Get involved in neighborhood events and spark up your social life—interacting with people is good for your mental health. The September 8th Virgo new moon could bring a new friendship or an inspiring community project.

On September 22nd, the Sun moves into Libra, your domestic sector. Instead of slipping into couch potato mode, stock up on workout videos from Netflix or download a yoga app on your iPad. Overall, your private life is taking on more structure. With maturity-planet Saturn in your domestic fourth house, home is no longer just a cozy bunker-slash-hideout from the cold, cruel world. Your role in your family is shifting, and new responsibilities (such as parenthood, a mortgage, or taking care of a troubled relative) are forcing you to manage your time and involvement in new ways. Although it can be challenging, you’ll reap long-term rewards of this heightened commitment over the next couple years. Next up: your Cancer Weekly Horoscope >