Originally printed in Ambush Magazine.

If you just want to read your horoscope, skip this paragraph. But I encourage you to pause and consider the nature of astrology. Astrology was originally understood as omens, prophecies, and oracles. Whenever you go to a psychic, tarot reader, or an astrologer like me, you’re engaging with the possibilities of the future. But modern astrology is also the alignment of the heavens at your moment of birth that serves as the signature of your personality. This combination of your star chart and sun sign—Aries, Taurus, etc.—and the usage of that tool to divine the future is here for your taking. Astrology offers the LGBTQ community a chance to reclaim a space lost to modern science and religion. Ancient pagan cultures venerated divination and celebrated what we now recognize as modern gay elements. These horoscopes are for your entertainment, so let’s start the party that will take us to the stars!

If you thought things were intense the last couple of weeks, just wait for the next two. We’re headed down the pike towards Halloween and things will be uncharacteristically deep and dark. Other cultures had healthier ways of dealing with daemons, or spirits. The Greeks had Oracles, the Mexicans still have Día de Los Muertos, and hell, my Jewish ancestors in Egypt put lamb’s blood on their doors to keep out the angel of death.

In Western society, however, the Gods have been beaten back by religion and science. This only intensifies them, as without acknowledging the Gods, they show up as addictions, delusions, neuroses, and obsessive tendencies. I’ve written over the past several issues that there is the possibility of things going astray around these next few weeks. The phrase “getting in bed” takes on a literal and figurative meaning. Shared resources and transformative, carnal sexuality are one and the same. What are the subconscious motivations that govern your actions? What drives you to one another in business, pain, pleasure or some combination of all of the above? These are the challenging questions that will be explored.

This Halloween Night, Mercury will station in the sky, meaning it will appear to stop in its apparent motion before moving retrograde. Mercury, the Sun, and Venus all occupy the sign of Scorpio and take on the energy of this most shrouded, mysterious sign. Whatever happens during the next couple weeks, it will leave you reeling through the beginning of December, and you’ll have to retrace and review your steps through Mercury Retrograde. You’ve laid the groundwork for the dark knight of your soul to emerge. There is extraordinary treasure to be gained from this. But ask yourself, what is the cost of paying the ferryman two coins to go to the underworld?

Aries

March 21 – April 19

A partner of yours is being uncharacteristically combative, and this catches you off guard. You’re even more surprised by your lack of response. This partner is looking for the fight you’d normally be willing to give, but your peaceful demeanour is beneficial in the end. There’s an old saying that “you’re never angry about what you say you’re angry about” meaning this is a subconscious lashing out from this partner. It’s probably about money, so once the dust settles, you’ll be ready to have the real conversation.

Taurus

April 20 – May 20

You’re obsessed with your home right now, and so is your partner. You have an emotional need to create a space that serves you and are willing to use manipulative tactics to get what you want. Your partner is feeling similarly. The best approach is to have an honest, straightforward conversation about what it is you both really want and even if that talk is difficult, it will be far better than passive aggressive attacks.

Gemini

May 21 – June 20

Your communicative powers which are already considerable take on a magnetic tone. Using this style of speech, one that has intensity as opposed to one that is light and glib, opens up some opportunities for you financially. You must understand, however, that when such a door is opened, be willing to listen to the ones who walk in. This experience will transform your beliefs for the better and leave you in an elevated state of mind.

Cancer

June 21 – July 22

You’re having some obsessive feelings about your money and someone may be engaging in some form of manipulation around your resources. A good strategy is to let those feelings go and wait and see what is around the corner. Set the clock for a couple of weeks. Most things are revealed in good time if you let them.

Leo

July 23 – August 22

You’re using your charm and charisma to manipulate. While a little bit of this can be helpful when calibrated appropriately, you will end up being played in the end if you continue down this path. One way or another the heavens have you scheduled for a correction. It’s up to you whether you want to learn this lesson the easy way or the hard way. Learning to listen a bit as opposed to always clamoring for attention is where you find a nice sweet spot.

Virgo

August 23 – September 22

Things have been going well for you on the home front, perhaps the best in years. That will likely change in a few weeks. It’s not that things will get worse, per se, it’s just that the good fortune you’ve had thus far will turn into envisioning what is possible for the future. This will require some work, but rejoice in the fact that you’re starting from a good place.

Libra

September 23 – October 22

You’re feeling out of balance, and an uncharacteristically aggressive nature emerges. This coupled with your traditional lack of ego squares off in an internal battle. Face these demons, as this is necessary. The strife lets up around Thanksgiving and the struggle will have left you with a newfound sense of power you didn’t know you had.

Scorpio

October 23 – November 21

Finding balance is not your forte as your passions run far beneath the surface. The last couple of weeks, love has been on your mind in a deep way. While this will pass come early November, you’ll be forced to reconsider the roots of your feelings. You’re good at getting to the bottom of things with others, but this time around you’ll be required to turn your considerable powers of investigation inward. There is great treasure to be gained here.

Sagittarius

November 22 – December 21

You’re the explorer and philosopher of the zodiac and one of the most successful. As the season around Halloween is when the spirits spring forth, you’ll be tempted to use your spiritual powers for darker purposes. Actually, this is not altogether a bad thing. You usually have such high-minded ideals for yourself and everyone else that stepping to the bad side will do you some good.

Capricorn

December 22 – January 19

Your career has been in overdrive this past month and you’ve suspended your ego to make the gains you so desire. There is a desperation here. You benefit more from working your social networks and investigating what is going on behind the scenes rather than partnering with those directly involved in your work. Be the influencer as opposed to the celebrity.

Aquarius

January 20 – February 18

You have a window from now until December to work your social networks for the better. You might be overshadowed by some with whom you encounter, but you make great gains through those connections. This will be a challenge for your scientific and individualistically oriented mind. But expanding your reach far and wide will yield more than focusing on the existing resources you share with others.

Pisces

February 19 – March 20

There is a coworker who is manipulating you. Sadly, this person is acting like a maternal figure. This coworker is jealous of the success you’ve been having. Don’t worry about letting this relationship go as you don’t need the false sense of security this person is offering. By Halloween, this person will become undone, hopefully learning the lesson that using dark magic is to one’s own detriment.