October Horoscope

by serafima fedorova, poetry reader

Libra (September 23-October 22)

Feeling energetic? Might be the cold crisp air or Jupiter, encouraging you to take risks and work hard. This is the time to dive head first into new coursework, challenge yourself at workshops, and take the lead. It might be a bit unusual for you, but embrace this newfound impulsivity and independence to get results in your professional and private life. This October, we suggest reading some Agatha Christie to get into the spirit of Halloween murders and mystery. Maybe even do some super-sleuthing in your own life and find what drives you.

Scorpio (October 23-November 21)

Mars and Pluto are staging an intervention. This is the time for healing and communication, and also a great time to revive a journaling habit. Explore your identity and voice, and try to stay truthful to who your art and to yourself. Find out what you struggle with (whether it be sticking to a form or writing non-fiction) and use it as an opportunity to grow. Whether you believe in magic or not, you’ll have lots of something like it this month. Make sure to channel it in a positive way. For some childhood nostalgia and a feel-good attitude, why not reread the Goosebumps series?

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21)

With whimsical Venus on your side this month, creativity flows as freely as a kid pouring candy corn into the trash. Take this as a sign to try your hand – maybe at science fiction. Or maybe be a little more hands-on in your community; plan midnight writing sessions, fall open mics, & artist jams. Just don’t let your ambitions cloud your ability to get things done! Daydreaming alone won’t turn rough drafts into reality, but sticking to your diligent work ethic and learning how to say “no” will help. Jumping on every opportunity that comes your way isn't always the most productive plan. If you’re looking to channel some inspiration in the fantasy genre, try picking up Frankenstein by Mary Shelley.

Capricorn (December 22-January 19)

Everyone gets a bit more excited for the holidays, but if anyone is aiming to out-do the other signs in the costume department, decorations, and haunted house parties… it’s probably you. And although it just wouldn't be the same without your solo rendition of “This is Halloween” at the top of your lungs as you hang up plastic skeletons, try to use the festivities to reconnect with those closest to you. Expect a lot of people offering you help, and learn to accept it. This might be the time to be open about your ideas. Tell someone about your script idea and ask them to workshop it! Don’t isolate yourself like Edgar Allen Poe. Read his work instead, and get into that spooky October vibe.

Aquarius (January 20-February 18)

Jupiter and Libra conspire to make you an open book this month. Your honesty will be refreshing for those around you but perhaps a bit too much for yourself. The stressful Mars drives you to long trips and persona poems, but that’s okay. Just remember to bring along your contact information in case opportunities for career growth head your way (hint hint). You’ll be going through a lot of personal growth and healing, so shed that old skin for a new and more powerful you. And if you do decide to do some light reading on the road, The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson seems like the perfect addition to your carry-on.

Pisces (February 19-March 20)

Alluring Mercury has you putting a spell on everyone around you. People will be lining up to tell you their deepest, darkest secrets; be prepared to find backstories that may become your inspiration for future characters and plots. Yet don’t be so quick to tie yourself down. Writing is a solo act after all, and your newfound independence will have you making progress in your career. Basically, what we’re saying is now’s the time to network, network, network (so you can name drop later). Pick up a Stephen King novel this month, and dive into the depths of others’ motives.

Aries (March 21-April 19)

We hope you're planning a couples’ costume this Halloween, because flirty Venus is bringing you new and more exclusive relationships. Sweater weather brings you more opportunities to snuggle up, and your Moleskine is dripping with cheesy love poems. However, keep aiming high and you may end up impressing some influential people later on in the month, when Mars pumps you up with that fiery spirit you're known for. You are on the brink of a refreshing partnership, Aries. Whether it be intellectual or physical, take a chance and go for it. Dracula by Bram Stoker could be the slow burner to match your spirits.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

Sleepy autumn is not the time for you to enter hibernation, Taurus. Focus on cleaning up your social, intellectual, and personal spheres. Apply for freelance jobs and look for opportunities to expand. Take up good habits like writing every morning, or reorganize your files so that you can actually find that great line you wrote back in 2008. This is also the time to let go (as difficult as that may be for you) and stop cluttering your life with things you don’t need. Pass up the gigs and people you’ve outgrown for bigger things. After a hard day’s work of replacing the old with the new, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving is the perfect book to curl up with.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

You’re gonna be the supreme witch of the coven this month, with Libra and Mars backing you up in your career. Take a stand on a contested issue and speak up. Fight for what you want to see, in life and books and publications – you’re magnetic and people are watching your every move. This doesn't mean however that you need to aim for approval. Instead, treat it as an invitation to take control of your surroundings and get those opportunities instead of waiting for them to drop into your lap. For an action-filled novel, why not read The War of the Worlds by H. G. Wells and set your own sights on world domination?

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

The temperature is keeping you indoors, but that doesn't mean you’re not rocking it in your fuzzy socks and thermal blanket, reading an amazing book with a hot cup of apple cider in the other hand. Right now is the time for in-between-submission writing, when you get all of the new material you will edit into beautiful sentences and lines. Take it slow and use the extra time off to free write, while fun prompts and indie movies keep you inspired. This doesn't mean isolation, since friends will flock to visit you (and take part in the fuzzy socks, apple cider, and lounging.) Maybe read aloud some Ray Bradbury for a perfect, eerie, quiet evening.

Leo (July 23-August 22)

Explore the changes that fall brings. Visit a new gallery, take up scriptwriting, or check out a local music scene. Reel in all of the experiences that you can in order to grow as a person and in your writing. We see a lot of publishing opportunities in your future, and an openness in communication brings even more success your way. Just don’t let it pass you by! You’ll definitely have to put in the effort and the hours, so maybe put some of the fall festivals on hold in order to strategize. It will definitely pay off in the end. For a career path slightly more terrifying than freelance, read Manson: The Life and Times of Charles Manson by Jeff Guinn.

Virgo (August 23-September 22)

The people you know are going to knock on your door with opportunities (and treats, not tricks!), so you’ll be raking in the money. Maybe a friend will introduce you to a publisher? Or a workshop will perfect that piece into a finalist in several contests. Take initiative yourself and try your hand at zine-making or blogging. Your self-expression is attractive and mesmerizing. Our advice? Don’t play by the rules and set your own pace this October. Looking into a partnership? Something wicked this way comes… and you might just find the person to collaborate on an amazing project with. The Witches of Eastwick by John Updike channels that teamwork vibe you’ve got coming towards you.

#horoscopes #serafimafedorova