Perhaps because it coincides with the beginning of the school year, September tends to represent a time for getting organized and recommitting to personal goals. With the sun moving through the disciplined earth sign of Virgo for most of the month, we’re able to tap into our analytical minds with greater ease. The caution that comes with this transit is to not stretch yourself too thin or deny your emotional experience as you focus on physical matters.
A full moon in the emotive water sign of Pisces arrives on September 14, shifting our focus from the earthly to the ephemeral. On the same day, Mercury and Venus move into the cardinal air sign of Libra, lending diplomacy to our conversations (Mercury) and helping us prioritize harmony over conflict (Venus). The first half of the month is likely to be focused on actions and ‘doing,’ but the Pisces full moon invites us to give attention to our imaginations, creativity, and dreams.
The sun moves into the cardinal air sign of Libra on September 23, marking the midpoint of the astrological year and the beginning of a new season. It’s a fortuitous time to take stock of what you’ve accomplished in the last few months and start planning for what’s ahead. Remember that progress goes beyond the external. Give yourself credit for your emotional, mental, and spiritual triumphs, which aren’t as obvious to the naked eye.
As the inner planets move through Libra, you might feel aroused by aesthetics and impassioned debates. Offset Virgo’s rigor by indulging your spontaneous side for the remainder of the month. A new moon in Libra darkens our night skies on September 28, encouraging us to nurture the relationships where we feel most appreciated. Here are our suggestions for places to go, based on your sun sign, that will help tap into all of the month’s energies.
Virgo (August 23-September 22)
This month has you feeling confident and inspired to push yourself beyond previous limits. As you relentlessly pursue your goals, don’t forget your sign’s connection to health and well-being. A solo trip to the quiet mountain town of Penglipuran, Bali, will nourish your mind, body, and soul while reminding you how much you’re capable of when pouring from a full cup. If you’re in the mood for a challenge, wake up early and trek to the top of the nearby Gunung Batur volcano to witness a gorgeous sunrise in your sign.
Prepare for your Balinese adventure.
Libra (September 23-October 22)
As the inner planets move through your sign this month, we are all encouraged to live more harmoniously. It’s an auspicious time to consider how you are in relationships, not just with other people, but your environment and yourself. The undisturbed beauty of Dominica will set your Venus-ruled heart aflutter and has equal opportunity for outdoor adventures and beachside relaxation. Located between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, there are no chain resorts and limited nightlife on the island. This encourages you to get familiar with local cultures, which are sure to spark the unlikely connections you crave.
Find the best adventures on Dominica.
Scorpio (October 23-November 21)
Your sign is drawn towards intensity and transformation, even if that means journeying alone. This month, a destination that reminds you of the importance of human connection will serve you well. Head to the British Isles and explore some of the 1,300 stone circles that highlight the cooperation and resolve of ancient societies. The Rollright stones in Chipping Norton, England, are often overlooked for the more popular Stonehenge attraction, but these striking limestone monuments are just as historically significant.
Find out how to see Great Britain by train.
Sagittarius (November 22-December 21)
With your ruling planet Jupiter now direct after a summer spent in retrograde, you might be feeling lucky. The full moon in Pisces is a great time to envision your future and release limiting beliefs that keep you stuck. Sate your appetite for adventure with a trip that expands your perspective and affirms your ability to conquer challenges. The endless sand dunes in Namib-Naukluft National Park, Namibia will remind you of your limitless potential and just how much exists beyond your current view.
Get the most out of Namib-Naukluft National Park.
Capricorn (December 22-January 21)
Yours is a sign that’s not afraid to go at it alone. After all, Capricorn is symbolized by the sea goat, a mythical creature that can scale the highest peaks and swim the deepest depths of the ocean. With the sun in Virgo transiting your ninth house of philosophy, higher learning, and travel, you’re being asked to commit to your inner evolution. A retreat to Ladakh in the hidden Himalayas of India will give you the necessary solitude for a spiritual epiphany.
How to plan your dream Himalayan trip click.
Aquarius (January 22-February 18)
The spotlight is on your career this month and an abundance of Virgo energy is available to help you map out your next move. Your sign is known for being a trailblazer and the conditions required to invoke inspiration should be similarly unique. Head to Medellín, Colombia, where residents have successfully rebranded the city as a burgeoning tech destination after a devastating drug war. Take a locals-led tour of La Comuna 13 neighborhood as a way of affirming your own ability to reinvent yourself.
Not convinced? Find all the reason Medellín is the place to visit.
Pisces (February 19-March 20)
This month’s full moon in your sign will activate your imagination and encourage you to lean on this asset. Following fantasy is not pointless, it enlivens our ideas and brings a sense of whimsy into our daily routines. Take a trip to Pinkham Notch, New Hampshire, where you’ll be treated to the dramatic transformation of the seasons. Let the changing colors of fall serve as a reminder that creativity is inherent to your being. Discover all the best places in the US to see fall foliage.
Aries (March 21-April 19)
You might be feeling a little burnt out after a fiery Leo season and September is a good month to slow down and pay attention to the details of your life. Has anything fallen through the cracks in your hurry to reach the finish line? This month, focus on tackling one task at a time. Take a trip to Fes el Bali, the original walled portion of Fez, Morocco, and the largest car-free urban area in the world. You’ll be forced to slow down as you explore the medieval streets on foot. Notice the details while shopping with these amazing makers in Fez.
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
With a retrograde Uranus in Taurus rehashing themes from earlier this year, September invites you to remain present and roll with the punches. You cannot control what happens around you, but you always have a choice in how you respond to it. A trip to Tokyo underlines this fact, as it can be easy to get overwhelmed by the city’s flashing tights and crammed subways. However, if you pace yourself, you might find yourself in awe of the bustling city (not to mention its unmatched dining scene).
Here is how to spend a perfect weekend in Tokyo.
Gemini (May 21-June 20)
Your sign prefers to deal in duality and loves to point out a contradiction, which might make fact-based Virgo season a frustrating jaunt for you. A vacation that highlights the earth’s endless evolution is a great way to challenge stubborn ideas and widen your perspective. Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, is what remains of a prehistoric lake that dried off and left behind the largest salt flat in the world. It’s a testament to how our environments are constantly growing and adapting – just like you. Discover all the many ways Bolivia is amazing by getting off the beaten path.
Cancer (June 21-July 22)
This month places emphasis on your close connections and community. Symbolized by the crab, your sign can sometimes over-identify with its home environment and defensively prevent well-meaning outsiders from entering. Venture outside of your comfort zone as a way of proving to yourself that social risks are rewarded with new experiences and friendships. You’ll feel right at home in Auckland, New Zealand, whose citizens are known to be some of the friendliest in the world. Have a little adventure while wandering through Auckland.
Leo (July 23-August 22)
After a celebratory birthday season, September asks you to look beyond the surface to pursue a deeper sense of gratification. Birthdays often represent a contemplative time where we assess our progress from the last year and where we’d like to go next. Continue leaning into these themes and see where they lead you this month. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Cinque Terre is a great place to ponder over a glass of wine as you take in the colorful Italian coastline. Read our tips on planning your visit to Cinque Terre. Check back for next month’s travel horoscope, to see where Libra season will take you.
