After the eclipses at the end of August and early September, unexpected shifts in terms of a close romantic or platonic relationship may have left you with surprising news and much to think about. Sometimes life brings on too much stimulation, information, and revelation, and when that happens, it's understandable that you would crave a little breathing space. If this is how you feel, October's quietude could be precisely your cup of tea.

What's coming now is a leisurely chance to quietly think, plan, and follow through on your own agenda without fear that outside pressures will suddenly take you off course again. October may be that kind of month, dear Taurus, one that will allow you to relax and gather up your energy for a slew of better months to come.

The month starts off with Mercury about to slow down in retrograde motion. Before you do anything else, back up your computer and vow to check every message for flaws and typos before you send them out. Don't hit the send button on your computer email too quickly either - you may automatically carbon the wrong person and feel very embarrassed! If you photocopy a sensitive document, be careful not to leave the original in the copier when you go back to your desk. It is easy to become forgetful during these phases of Mercury.

As the month opens, Mercury is already slowing down, despite the fact that Mercury won't retrograde until October 11. Mercury is currently in late degrees of Libra, so your work projects will be affected. Be prepared to cheerfully change the direction of projects when your boss or clients change the plans. You can be a little "fixed" at times, and unwilling to bend, but this month, display flexibility and a good sense of humor, for it will earn you points.

You may find that decisions you need from management will be delayed too, or co-workers may be a little out of sorts, so be patient. All will straighten out a few days after Mercury turns direct on November 1. The days when Mercury will be at its worst, filling your life with the most static and confusion, will be at the time near the start and end dates, October 11 and November 1.

This month, Mercury will also backslide briefly into your partnership / wedding sector, so there'll be a few delays or miscommunications with someone close, too. In terms of an important relationship, you may need to focus on a decision you made some time ago that needs to be refined or changed now.

Or, it may be that someone you collaborate with at work or talent you represent (or vice versa, your agent) will become a bit changeable or unreliable. Hopefully, this will only be temporary. I cannot tell if the relationship in question is a business or romantic one, so just keep your eyes open for signs of this.

Financially, you seem to be doing well. Mars is finally out of your earned income sector, so you will see monster expenses end, at long last. There will be one standout day when you can GET money instead of see it drain out, and that day deserves a gold star - October 8. This day will be especially helpful if you need a new mortgage, want to refinance one, or need a home improvement loan. See your broker or banker on October 8 to fill out forms. You will get the red carpet treatment - and a good offer, too.

The new moon on October 11 is likely to bring you an important new assignment at work. If so, with Mercury about to turn retrograde on the same day, ask lots of questions. It seems that your boss or client appears not to be sure about what they want you do or how they want you to proceed, so in a sense you'll be on your own. This month, with a high propensity for miscommunications and misunderstandings, you'll have to be very deliberate about every word you choose, and to listen very closely to what is being said. You'll be venturing into new territory, so going by past experience seems not to be an option with this project.

In terms of health, you have a glowing opportunity coming up, one you should take seriously. This month represents your very best month in 2007 for starting a new diet and fitness plan. If you do make an initiation, you will likely enjoy working out so much in time that you will follow your plan almost effortlessly. The new moon, mentioned above, will fall in your sixth house, which rules, aside from your workaday experience, the preventative measures you take to stay healthy. This would also be a good time to schedule dental and medical tests.

Going back to the idea of getting more fit, if you want to reshape your body, you can, but you MUST begin at the new moon, October 11 or at the very least, within a few days that follow that moon. A new moon always opens up a powerful window of opportunity. This one is doubly strong because the aspects of will be so favorable for you. The actions you take will follow you for the next twelve months because that's how long it will take for another new moon to arrive in this part of your chart. You see how critical it is for you to act now, not January 1, when most people act on New Year's resolutions. You won't have cosmic help in January, but you do now!

While it is true that you will have two weeks in which to initiate your plan once the new moon appears, your very strongest days will occur on or within three days of October 11 - after that, the moon's power will get progressively weaker. The important point to remember is that this month's new moon on October 11 will send beams to Jupiter, Pluto, and Neptune - giving you optimism, luck, strength, and vision. Gee, how could you possibly fail? When have I ever mentioned that you have THIS much support? Wow!

The new moon that occurs October 11 will be in the twosome sign of Libra, suggesting that if you can exercise with a good friend, spouse, sweetheart, or co-worker, you'd find it easier to stick with your program. Keep in mind that fitness becomes fun when you're fit, so you only need to be concerned about staying consistent during the first few months. After that, it will be a snap for you to do so. If you ARE fit now, kick things up another notch. Try a new sport, hire a trainer, or sign up for a class that you've never taken. Your body will likely respond favorably. (Always see a doctor first, of course, for his blessing before starting any routine.)

Even though Mercury is retrograde from October 11 to November 1, it won't hurt your efforts to become healthier. After all, Mercury urges us to go back to goals we made earlier so that we can finally fulfill them. Chances are that you made a promise to get more exercise before this, right? See? That's why you can succeed now, when Mercury has you looking back to complete those goals!

Begin to exercise but don't diet just yet - wait until four days after the full moon, October 26.

The full moon on October 26 will be in Taurus, and therefore will be important for other reasons. Venus will be in hard aspect to Uranus, so you may see an unexpected problem arise in regard to a romantic relationship, and if so, it will be one you don't see coming. This will be doubly true if your birthday falls at the very start of your sign, near April 20 - 22. The full moon will be in very early degrees of Taurus, so if your birthday falls on those dates or even a few days after that, on April 23 - 26, you will come to a final decision about something or someone vital to you, or see the conclusion to something that you've been involved with a long time.

Even if you are not an April-born Taurus born within five days of April 22, you are likely to become more passionate and emotional about issues you are dealing with at this time. You seem to be ready to make moves that will increase your security and sense of stability, for you will be thinking about the long-term future. There are many ways you can accomplish that, and you will know which one is best for you at the time.

Romantically, you've a wonderful advantage in October with Venus in Virgo from October 8 onward. Virgo is a fellow earth sign like yours, and happily will be moving though your house of true love for the first time in 2007. Venus is known to impart a happy glow that others tend to find irresistible!

This would be an ideal month to see about updating your appearance. Do so prior to Mercury retrograde if possible. Your best day to schedule a hair or other appearance-oriented consultation would be on Saturday, October 6, when the moon will be in pampering, elegant, and up-to-the-minute sign of Leo. Monday, October 8, would also be a fine time to shop or schedule a talk with a beauty or grooming expert, for that's the day Venus moves into Virgo and the moon will be in earth sign Virgo, too. Male or female, this is your time to think about your looks.

Saturn, the planet of realism, is also in your house of true love, having arrived just last month, September 2, for a two-year stay. You are known for keeping your feet on the ground and are not prone to wild flights of fantasy. You pride yourself in your ability to listen closely and to deal with what "is" rather than what you wish could be, so you should not have a hard time with Saturn now living in this house over the next two years.

Nevertheless, Saturn does like to bring challenges to test the strength of our feelings. Often Saturn will do that by setting up a temporary separation. For example, you may find that your sweetheart needs to travel or work very long hours. Or, your partner may be going back to the university for a degree program or need to intensely help a parent through a health crisis. As a result, you'll be separated until things improve. Saturn will bring a mature attitude toward love, so at this time, you won't have your partner all to yourself as much as you're used to, and you may feel a little neglected from time to time. There's nothing serious about this - the upside is that you will develop more independence and find ways to enjoy your own company.

One day when Venus will be under very difficult vibes from Uranus will be October 25. This is the day prior to the full moon, so it's no day to take chances in love or to schedule a "talk" with your partner - things likely won't go well. If you do need to bring something up, do so in October's first week. Lie low on this full moon when it comes to love. You can avoid problems - that's why we study astrology!

Most romantic evenings: October 3, 8, 12, 16, 17, 18, 30, 31.

Travel will emerge as a major theme from now until May 2008, for Mars will coax you to get into your car, a train, bus, or possibly a plane for some quick hops. It may be that you have a sweetheart or spouse in another city that you want to visit, or will have work to do with a client in a nearby town. There are many possibilities.

You also appear to be writing more than usual, too, and your focus may be a creative writing project, or a thesis, major marketing report, or advertising and promotion campaign, as a few examples.

Neptune's turn to direct speed on October 31 will be an enormous help to your career. If you have not been satisfied with the progress that you've made over the past few months, you should see a very satisfying change of pace. Just you wait and see!

In fact you may get news immediately at month's end, because at the very same time, Jupiter will be conversing with Neptune. That's a wow of an aspect and will encourage you to show off an impressive level of creativity. There is always news generated when an enormous planet like Neptune turns direct, so you should absolutely watch the last few days of October (and the days that start November) for interesting developments that you'll want to follow up on. By February you should be ready for a major step up. It could come in the form of a big promotion or new job that you've been fantasizing about, or if self-employed, a fantastic new client. One way or another, you'll be seeing your name in lights in the not-too-distant future!

Summary

Getting new fall clothes will appeal to you this year, so much so that it may cross your mind that your wardrobe would look even better if you would spent a little extra time at the gym. Even if you're already fit, you can always push yourself a little more - right, dear Taurus? This is a radical development for you, as comfort-loving Taurus is often a bit inert, content to follow present routine rather than institute a new one. The great secret about you is that once you do start, you often become incredibly disciplined about following your plan - with sensational results.

If you are interested in getting fit, your timing will be excellent, thanks to a bright new moon in your house of fitness on October 11. To get to your goal, your stars show you need a plan and a partner. Your buddy could be your trainer, best friend, or co-worker. Begin your fitness regimen on October 11, no earlier. If you do start on the new moon, you'll be more likely to stick to your plan. You may want to buy new sneakers and other workout gear because as a Taurus, you are always motivated by looking great - especially in all those gym mirrors!

Also in mid-month, you'll find your office will be hectic with everyone feeling they have too much to do. Too few answers from VIPs will only complicate matters. Prepare for weeks of delays and possible miscommunications concerning projects. You may need to roll up your sleeves to do a quick redesign or give your project special tweaking. View this phase as one that will allow you time to perfect your plan. Be comforted in knowing that with Mercury retrograde, everyone will be in the same boat. It is the one rare aspect that affects everyone the same way.

As a Taurus, you like to be given clear and straightforward assignments, so October's overabundance of mixed messages could be hard to take. Thankfully, by early November, things will improve.

Travel is almost sure to be on your menu, perhaps to view the sensational brilliant fall foliage. If you have a chance for a fun pleasure trip, your best time to go will be during the weekend of October 6 - 8, which in the United States also happens to be Columbus Day, a Federal holiday.

The newly emerging emphasis on short distance travel for you is one that will go on until May 8, 2008! If you don't have a suitcase that fits your needs, it would be worth getting one soon! If you have a car, it looks like you will be putting many miles on it, so it would be an excellent time to make an appointment for a tune up.

Romantically, Venus will tour Virgo, the perfect place to help you find true love. Even so, you'll need to be careful. Uranus, the planet of unpredictable events, will oppose Venus on October 25, not a day to take chances in love. This date falls one day prior to the full moon in Taurus, so you're sure to be feeling more emotional than usual.

If attached, you'll have a decision to make. This year has been something of a rollercoaster for the love life of many Taurus, and this month, with Venus orbiting close to Saturn, you'll realize quickly that to stay sane, you must adopt a practical attitude. You may be asking hard questions, ones that you had been a bit timid to bring up in the past. If you have been at all unrealistic about a relationship, reality will begin to bite. Although what you hear may seem like a cold shock of water, in the long run it will be better to know the truth.

Financially, you can sell something new or get a loan approved on October 9 or 19.

The full moon will be in Taurus on October 26, and will bring something dear to you to culmination. This will be doubly true if you were born on or near April 22. A relationship may look fine on the surface, but suddenly bring a few surprises that prove that to truly know your partner you'll need to look deeper.

Indeed, romance will be quite uneven and unpredictable over the full moon period, October 25 - 26. If you find your relationship is strong, you may have concern over a child at this time.

If you want to make a major career move, wait to act until you see what comes up on October 31. At that time, Jupiter and Neptune will be ideally positioned to help you score an impressive victory. Even if you don't change jobs, from that moment on, you'll be scoring one success right after another. Make solid commitments for a new job next month, any time after November 5 for best luck.