Mid-year horoscopes

September 23 – October 22

As you begin the second half of the year, the odds are good that your mind will be working overtime, trying to figure out a way to make sense of the exciting, occasionally unsettling, sometimes bewildering, but always interesting developments that have been shaking up your world as well as the worlds of others.

The powerful planetary set-up that you’re dealing with actually began last year when Jupiter, the planet of growth, development and good fortune, moved into the part of your chart related to those individuals who you deal with on a regular basis; this refers to loved ones, but equally, friends, colleagues and even neighbours. Jupiter then formed a series of stunning aspects to Uranus, in September last year, and in March and June, which brought thrilling developments. They’ll probably have come via certain individuals in your life or, alternatively, through developments that made you think about what you’re doing and your priorities.

That alone is of significance. But also, with the powerful Libra-eclipsed Full Moon having taken place in April this year and shaking things up, you’ll have had lots of questions about your own life and priorities, as well as the balance between you and others in close alliances – personal and out in the world. The trick to dealing with all of this is to realise that this isn’t a period that’s about decision-making, it’s about reviewing your life and assessing these changes.

While you are by no means a control freak, you find living with uncertainty for too long challenging. However, if you understand that you you’ll neither have the facts necessary, nor will circumstances be settled enough for you to make decisions until late this year, then instead of worrying, you’ll manage to take a deep breath, relax and begin to focus on what you can learn. And what you learn will be exciting. Expect new developments; fresh and intriguing ideas to explore.

In fact, with Saturn accenting the actual process of exploring these, and particularly encouraging you to venture into unfamiliar territory, what you realise won’t just be helpful in terms of pressing decisions, it will also be interesting and will broaden your horizons – and just when it’s time to begin to think in those terms.

Not only that, with the mighty Jupiter moving into the most sensitive part of your chart and into the earth sign of Virgo on August 11, and with it forming powerful aspects to Pluto, the planet of transformation on October 11 this year, and in March and June of 2016, ongoing discussions will lead to potentially beneficial changes in your lifestyle, finances and long-term plans. You’ll have made decisions by now, but the basis for those will shift, possibly several times. This suggests that any plans, ideas or arrangements should be flexible.

Ideally, you’ll focus on gathering information, on assessing what you can and on learning more about those areas where you’re short of facts. Gradually, you’ll gain a better understanding of what’s going on.

This also means you’ll be ready for one of most important periods of the year, the move by Mars, planet of ego, focus and initiative, into Libra on November 12 until January 3, 2016. During this period you’ll finally be able to make decisions.

Ironically, some of those decisions will be to remain flexible and you’ll continue to explore, because what you’ve learned during the last half of 2015 will make it clear this is a time when who you meet and what you discover is as important as what you actually decide or commit to.

Love and relationships Often you spend so much time worrying about obligations or keeping others happy that you lose track of your own interests. Now events force you to create a more balanced life. And you love it.

Finances and work Analysing numbers may not be your thing. But with potentially rewarding ideas or offers in the air, you must do exactly that. If you’re overwhelmed, seek the guidance of those you can trust.

Health and well-being Genuine joy isn’t just about you being happy, it’s knowing others are, too. While mostly those around you will be, beware of complainers, those whose downbeat attitude can spoil anything.

High points Mid-September onward, when persistent practical or financial concerns are finally settled.

Low points Early August, when you’ve too much to think of yet lack the clarity to make decisions.

Turning points The intense personal review triggered by Mars in Libra from November 12 until January 3 2016.

October 23 – November 21

Being the person you are, you like to know where you stand, whatever the situation, whether it’s something simple like going out for the evening, or even a life-changing decision. No matter what its nature or importance, beforehand, you try to gather as much information as possible. Then, because you’re well equipped with facts, you’re happy to take on whatever it is you’re dealing with.

However, as you’ll have learned during the past year or so, there are certain situations where you can’t really control what you’re dealing with or the direction in which those situations are going. In fact, in some cases, you can’t actually control your own destiny. That may sound worrying. Yet, you’ll have realised that often those situations that you were least able to control often turned out to be in your best interests, in wonderful, if unexpected, ways.

This cycle has been ushered in by the presence of Jupiter in your chart, which is affecting the structure of your life, how and where you live and especially your activities out in the world. This alone would be important. But with Jupiter forming a series of stunning aspects to Uranus, which is itself the planet of the unexpected, last year in September and this year in March and June, events will have taken you in new directions. Often these will have been welcome. But when others arose, not only did they seem unfamiliar, some might have been a source of concern. Now, as you begin the second half of the year, you’ll have a chance to explore these and, as you do, learn more about them.

In August, Jupiter moves into a new position and into the earth sign of Virgo, which suggests that at last you’ll be able to gather more facts. While that’s true, Jupiter’s presence in Virgo also triggers a series of changes, some unsettling, some exciting but equally, here, too, you’ll be short of facts.

Ironically, as a Scorpio and a water sign you have superb intuition, and when you rely on it you’re usually right. It’s just that when you’re anxious, you’d prefer to have solid facts, especially when the situations involved are practical ones, as will often be the case with the current planetary set-up. Still, if you trust your intuition you’ll find what you learn to be encouraging.

Not only that, but with Jupiter itself brilliantly aspecting your ruler, Pluto, on October 11, and with it followed by the New Moon in your sign a month later – the Scorpio New Moon – on November 11, you’ll have an increasing sense of the promise offered by even these unsettling developments. True, there won’t be the sort of facts you’d prefer to have. But when things are moving so swiftly and changes are so dramatic, it’s impossible to nail down individual facts, simply because everything’s changing. The best approach to take during this period is to be flexible and, where possible, to avoid making decisions – or at least those you can’t change. If you must commit in some way, ensure those plans are flexible.

Instead, focus on what you can learn. That way, when Mars, the planet of ego and courage, moves into your sign on January 11, to remain there until March 6, you’ll be in a position to make decisions as you’ll be well informed, and, more than that, you’ll have ventured into new and rewarding territory. All of this will prepare you for the decisive cycle that begins as the new year unfolds.

Love and relationships You’ll often keep concerns to yourself until you’ve all the facts. Instead discuss whatever is going on, including what you’re unsure about. This will prove an unexpected relief and bring you closer to others.

Finances and work Caution is your byword. Still, at least explore seemingly risky ideas or offers, if only to learn from them. Once things are clearer, you might feel more confident about taking things to the next stage.

Health and well-being Because it’s difficult for you to relax when issues are unresolved, you could put off taking breaks. On the contrary, you’ll be amazed how much clearer your mind is once you’ve had rest.

High points Learning that offers that come from out of the blue are just as good as they seem.

Low points Early August, when you realise that once cherished goals simply won’t happen.

Turning points The clear-out triggered by Mars’ presence in the most strategic portion of your chart, from November 12.

November 22 – December 21

Being a Sagittarius, you’re ideally constituted to take advantage of the dynamic cycle you’ve been living through – and which will continue into next year. While signs like Scorpio, Virgo and Taurus dislike change and are particularly uncomfortable when they occur suddenly or veer in unexpected or unfamiliar directions, being a fire sign and ruled by the inquisitive Jupiter, you rather enjoy those sudden changes – even if they are disruptive and others complain about them, which has been the case.

This cycle of change began in the middle of last year when your ruler, Jupiter, moved into your fellow fire sign of Leo. That alone would have indicated an impulse to explore new ideas. But with Jupiter forming a series of brilliant, if unsettling, alliances with Uranus, which is all about innovation and is positioned in the fire sign of Aries, unexpected events, ideas you’ve been discussing and changes in circumstances around you will all have rearranged your life, broadened your horizons and, quite possibly, brought dazzling new opportunities.

However, because this was about a series of planetary aspects that spanned a year, the last half of 2014 and the first half of this year, as you begin the second half of 2015, there will be a great deal of uncertainty in your life. Again, as a Sagittarius you won’t mind this, particularly as the direction in which things are going has been so exciting, so intriguing and often rewarding, that living through a bit of uncertainty is a small price to pay. What’s more, with your ruler Jupiter, moving into the crucial mid-heaven angle of your chart and into the down-to-earth Virgo on August 11, you’ll find that at long last you’re able to get a grip on events and begin to organise things. This will be a relief for you and those around you who’ve been concerned about the direction you were going in and a lack of practical back-up.

What’s more, with Jupiter itself brilliantly aspecting Pluto, the planet of truth, in October and again in 2016, you’ll find that not only do things look positive, but that you’ll probably benefit financially from what you’re doing. This may not be completely clear or fully settled until the first half of 2016. But then, what’s going on will be worth waiting for.

And this is where we come to, perhaps, the most important influence in your life, this year and during 2016 and 2017 as well. That is the presence of Saturn, the planet of focus, discipline and persistence, in your sign.

Saturn moved into Sagittarius in December 2014, and will briefly depart between June 15 and September 18 this year. This means that you’ll have a break from the pressure that it brings for a while. But, increasingly, you’ll find that concentration, which Saturn is all about, isn’t restrictive but rather is of benefit. It will enable you to impose order on many of the exciting, but rather chaotic, developments that have been streaming through your life. However because Saturn’s also about patience, it will teach you to take the time you need to take to gather facts, to understand them and where necessary, to present them to others so that you can make arrangements.

This means taking things slowly. It could mean getting involved in study, activities or goals that will require a very long time, perhaps some years, to achieve. And it means mustering the patience to do exactly that. Recognise that you’re in a period of tremendous growth, yet a period that will require careful attention and persistence, and not only will you make the best of this remarkable cycle, you’ll enjoy it as well.

Love and relationships When you’re into something, your enthusiasm can mean you forget everything else, from tasks to those who you care about most. While those tasks can wait, don’t force others to beg for your attention.

Finances and work Although you stand to benefit enormously, in terms of recognition through assets, it’s vital that you attend to here and now details, too. This will require serious juggling, but it will be worth it.

Health and well-being You enjoy the high that comes with having very little time and a lot to do. Previously you’ve been able to crash but as this cycle lasts until 2017, it’s essential you learn to pace yourself.

High points Mid-October’s fantastic planetary activity and the accompanying unexpected breakthroughs.

Low points Sudden changes in September which erase plans made early this the year.

Turning points The New Moon on December 18 gives you a glimpse of what lies ahead in 2016.

December 22 – January 19

As you begin the second half of 2015, the odds are good you’ll already have come to terms with the fact that this is a period during which plans are unlikely to last long. This means your option either is to let things happen as they will, which is out of character for you as a Capricorn, or to make plans but ensure they’re flexible enough that, as the inevitable changes arise, you can rethink things.

The reason you’ll need to do this is with Jupiter, which is all about growth and development, positioned in the fiery Leo, and forming a series of three potent aspects to Uranus, which is all about the unexpected, every time you turn around something new and rather exciting will be taking place.

And with this cycle of powerful and positive aspects spanning a long period of time, the first in September 2014, and the last two in March and June this year, changes will be frequent, unsettling – and mostly, very welcome indeed. What you learn then is to make plans that are flexible. This strategy ensured you missed nothing then, and now that the second half of 2015 is beginning, you’ll know how to deal with a similar cycle of unsettling but thrilling twists and turns.

On August 18, Jupiter moves into your fellow earth sign Virgo, and while its presence still accents change, the focus now is on broadening your horizons. This could be via illuminating discussions, study or travel – or, possibly, all three. Not only that, with Jupiter forming a series of brilliant aspects to Pluto, which is positioned in your sign, on October 11 of this year and twice next year, in March and June of 2016, you’re still in a pattern, one that’s powerful and one during which events are taking you in new directions – and those directions will mean rethinking your plans.

For you, as a Capricorn, this may be aggravating, but everything in your chart points to the need to develop this flexible approach, towards planning in general but also towards yourself. In fact, with your own ruler, Saturn, spending much of this period in the most reflective and strategic portion of your chart, having moved there in December 2014 and remaining there until 2017, you’ll find you’ve a lot to learn about yourself.

Try to stand back and allow things to unfold in a way that’s out of character for you, and you’ll benefit more from those unexpected developments, but also will experience less stress, the kind of stress that would come from attempting to control or rein in those changes. This also leads to a fresh perspective on life itself.

That fresh perspective may not be clear until mid-January 2016, when the New Moon in your sign – the Capricorn New Moon – takes place. Knowing that, therefore, you’ll want to make it your priority to adopt an uncharacteristically easy-going attitude, both towards the events that are taking place and towards your need to figure things out.

Obviously this brings changes in relationships, with loved ones. Often they’ve looked to you for support, mostly because you’ve always known what you were doing. Now that you’re exploring more, you can undertake the process of discovery together. This will be fun but will also bring you closer.

As a Capricorn you understand that knowledge is power. This awareness has allowed you not only to navigate your way through the twists and turns of life, but it’s enabled you to make the best of them.

Now, in the second half of 2015, you’ll also want to adopt a philosophical attitude towards those changes. As you do, you’ll realise that living well isn’t just about what you do, achieve or discover, but it’s about being able to savour what each day brings you.

Love and relationships Don’t put off talking about changes until everything’s organised, as you’d usually do. Discussing them step by step brings you closer. Better yet, you’ll welcome the support that comes with being more open.

Finances and work Although you’re always conscious about the wise use of time, money and even your ideas, adopt a more relaxed approach. Trust your instincts, and know often the best rewards aren’t tangible.

Health and well-being Balance is key to well-being, something you often forget. This isn’t just about duty versus relaxation, but also balancing pursuits that lift your spirits with those that involve nothing but having a good time.

High points Offers, in mid-August and mid-October, that seem too good to be true are better than you can imagine.

Low points The realisation that certain plans you once thought thrilling aren’t, and in fact must go.

Turning points Late September’s lunar eclipse, and the overdue changes in long-standing plans that it brings.

January 20 – February 17

You may not think of it often, Aquarius, but you were born under one of the most inquisitive signs of the zodiac. As an air sign, of course, you’re interested in what’s going on in the world around you as well as in the broader world, the world you read about and hear about and, equally, you’re fascinated to know what others are up to. The fact is, you’re more interested than most.

It’s not until you’re chatting with others that you realise how little those around you know or care about the activity of their colleagues, neighbours or even friends or family. This strong interest in the world around you means that you’re usually up to date on events as well. However, even you might’ve felt that you were somewhat behind the times, not because of lack of interest, but simply because things have been moving so swiftly and so much has been happening around you and in your own life.

In fact, there’s been a profound shift in your perspective, due to the process of change and growth that’s reshaping your thinking and your priorities.

It’s impossible to talk about the second half of the year without first mentioning an extremely unusual circumstance, during the year’s first half. While usually there’s only one New Moon in each sign, each year, during 2015, there were two New Moons in Aquarius. In a way, this is symbolic of this year’s cycle of not just change, but of growth. It’s about broadening your horizons, in terms of your world around you, and equally, in terms of your own perspective on life.

Add to that the fact that since September 2014 your ruler, Uranus, has been benefitting from a series of stunning aspects by Jupiter, the planet of growth and good fortune. The first of these powerful links was in September 2014, and the second on March 3. The next is going to be on June 22 this year. These will have ushered in exciting new ideas, offers and developments, some of which you’ll have recognised as that, but others which will have puzzled you.

Thus, as the second half of 2015 unfolds, you’ll have plenty on your mind. Some of this regards who’s actually responsible for making decisions about all the changes. In some cases it will be clear it’s up to you, and you may already have made some plans. But, even here, as circumstances shift, you’ll need to rethink plans. In as many, however, you’ll find that these are joint matters and, therefore, those that you’re close to may need to take part in, or actually make, decisions.

Then, in August, the expansive Jupiter moves into the rather precise earth sign of Virgo and begins to form a series of aspects to Pluto, the planet of transformation, which is positioned in the earth sign of Capricorn. These aspects, October 11 this year, and in March and June of 2016, indicate events that, mostly, are not yours to deal with or decide. Still, once things are settled, you’ll have a clearer picture of what you should do.

If that’s too long to wait, then you’ll want to do something that may seem difficult, but will actually be exactly the right solution for you – and that is to make halfway decisions or part-way commitments. This allows you to organise things but continue to explore. You’ll have put your life in some degree of order, but also be able to consider options beyond anything you’d have imagined possible before.

Explore in this way, conscious that anything is possible, and being the inquisitive Aquarian you are, you’ll not only benefit from this process, you’ll find it fascinating and rewarding.

Love and relationships While, obviously, you’ll discuss what you’re exploring with others, be wary of allowing them to influence your thinking. Your instincts are far more reliable than their well-meaning advice.

Finances and work The world around you is changing and so, too, will the practical and financial side of your life. Knowing that, consider every idea and offer. What seems least conventional could be most rewarding.

Health and well-being You’re a creature of habit, especially when it comes to your daily routine. Yet with so much in transition, it’s time to rethink how you look after yourself in terms of food, exercise and fun.

High points The Aquarius Full Moon on July 31, when changes from the past finally come together.

Low points Early August, when you realise one long-standing arrangement must come to an end.

Turning points The gradual discovery that those whose views you’ve trusted aren’t as wise as you thought.

February 18 – March 19

The year of 2015 began with a bang for you, Pisces, simply because, on January 12, Mars, the planet of ego and energy, moved into your sign. It takes two years to go through the zodiac, and in the two years since it was last in Pisces a lot has changed, in your own life and around you. Not only that, Mars’ presence in your sign will have prompted you to make numerous crucial decisions. What’s more, with Mars actually meeting your ruler, Neptune, you’ll have been prompted to review not only existing plans, but your priorities. Thus, during the first half of the year, you’ll already have had a strong sense of what you wanted to do and pursue and, equally, what you could leave behind.

If there were any questions about this, the eclipsed New Moon in your sign, on March 20, won’t have raised those, but because eclipses are about breakthroughs, led to changes that will have freed you to move on. This is exactly what you’ve been doing during the first half of the year.

Consequently, during the year’s second half, you’ll welcome a more focused mood and the changes to settling down, and impose order on those changes while considering future plans.

True, with Saturn, the planet of order and focus, having been in the crucial midheaven angle of your chart as the year began, but having made a temporary departure between June and September of this year, you’ll have had numerous questions. What you learn from your investigations will clarify your position and priorities and enable you to focus on what you want to do from September onward.

In fact, with the expansive Jupiter challenging your ruler, Neptune, on September 17, and with the practical Saturn moving back to dominate the structure of your life on September 18, you’ll have reached the point at which you’ll know what you want to leave behind, and where your focus must be, over the coming months and, in some cases, years.

Once the big picture is clear - at least in your own mind – it will be easy to make decisions about any necessary changes.

What’s more, with Saturn in the fiery Sagittarius, you’ll find that it’s easier to achieve what you want to do, simply because instead of thinking everything through carefully, as you do as a Pisces, you’ll find it easy react swiftly and spontaneously. This isn’t just a good idea, it will enable you to take advantage of the many changes that are going on around you.

Some of these will be triggered by the presence, from mid-year onward, of the expansive Jupiter in your opposite sign Virgo, which accents close relationships, of a personal and professional nature.

Because Jupiter’s all about growth, you’ll find that, here too, life is about exploration. It may be that you meet someone new to work with or that you reorganise one particular alliance or relationship or, perhaps, because of others, you encounter new ideas.

While things won’t always be smooth, especially around September 17 when Jupiter challenges your ruler, Neptune, at the same time this is very much a period of growth. And, not only that, when Jupiter itself forms a brilliant alliance to Pluto, the planet of truth and transformation, on October 11 and twice again in March and June 2016, whatever is good, especially in practical terms, is likely to get better.

Bear this in mind as you live through the twists and turns of the second half of the year of 2015 and, not only will you find them to be amazingly informative, you will discover they are as profitable as they are exciting.

Love and relationships Although stability in all forms of relationships is important, you’ve an intuitive sense they must wax and wane. Avoid analysing these and instead allow them to adjust as times, and your priorities, shift.

Finances and work Being a water sign, you love the freedom money gives you but often leave it out of important discussions. Now it must be regarded with the same significance.

Health and well-being In the past you’ve shouldered others’ burdens and suffered for it, emotionally or in physical terms. Leaving them to deal with their problems for themselves isn’t easy but is essential for your well-being.

High points Mid-September is full of thrilling and unexpected ideas and offers. Explore even what seems unrealistic.

Low points Setbacks when those you’ve relied on can’t take plans to the next stage, resulting in rethink.

Turning points All eclipses are about breakthroughs, but the solar eclipse on September 13 seems miraculous.