Your horoscope for the week ahead: There's nothing casual about this energetic shift

We begin this week eager to get the ball rolling. As the moon wanes into her third quarter in intuitive Cancer on Monday, a sense of urgency will fire us up to tend to our responsibilities and complete pressing projects. To guard against any anxiety that may come up around this lunar event, remind yourself that the goals we set for ourselves are always adaptable.

Tuesday will be an ideal time to link up with friends for a get-together, as sweet Venus in social Libra trines energetic Mars. If your schedule is already stacked, you could harness this helpful energy to find common ground with someone and begin laying the groundwork for an important agreement. Our hearts tend to soften during this transit, so it's a beautiful day to be honest about what you want and pursue those desires. 

When the sun squares transformative Pluto in ambitious Capricorn on Wednesday, you'll be wise to guard yourself against emotional outbursts. As these heavenly bodies collide, we tend to struggle to gain power over one another — and our claws can come out. Find inner peace by seeking awareness of why you crave influence, authority or control over others. 

Love-and-beauty-ruling Venus will also square Pluto on Thursday, allowing insecurities in our relationships to bubble to the surface. Hidden power struggles may become obvious, highlighting our need to heal these imbalances. Focus on seeking love, accountability and forgiveness to work through these issues.

On Saturday, security-ruling Saturn will begin moving forward again. During the planet of discipline's five-month retrograde in inventive Aquarius, we've been encouraged to create positive new structures for managing our lives. As he stations direct in the same fixed air sign this weekend, Saturn will lend his support to our new routines. And with some of the pressure off, we can learn to loosen up again.

The spirit-driving sun in easy-going Libra will conjunct charming Venus in Libra on Saturday as well, creating the perfect moment for you to actually take a break and relax. This carefree aspect provides a wonderful chance to connect with our nearest and dearest, helping us focus on the sweet side of life and live in the moment.

On Sunday, a transformative new astrological season begins as the sun enters intense Scorpio. During this period, we'll be interested in learning about life's secrets and understanding the complexities of how the world works. If you're willing to move through the darkness, you could uncover light coming from unexpected places. 

Our mood will follow suit when relationship-ruling Venus enters deep-feeling Scorpio on the same day. Venus is in its detriment in Scorpio, meaning it must conform to the qualities of the fixed water sign, becoming guarded and strategic. If you're single, you won't want to waste your time on superficial encounters and meaningless flirtation. There's nothing casual about this energetic shift — and we'll be committed to spending our time with the people we can truly count on. 

Here is your horoscope for the week of Monday, October 17, 2022.

Aries

Do you feel like you're vibrating on a higher plane lately, Aries? You may be noticing your desires manifesting in surprising ways. Listening to your intuition will help to fuel your success even further. This weekend, you may notice a palpable shift in your attitude toward your career. Over the past few months, you've scaled to new heights, and it's obvious that your efforts have paid off. Celebrate your victories by treating yourself to something you've been longing for. Meanwhile, your focus may turn to uncovering mysteries in all things. Immersing yourself in thrillers and puzzles will keep you entertained as the days grow shorter and spookier.

Taurus

Connect with your inner self this week, Taurus. By practicing mindfulness or meditation, you may be able to find new ways of tapping into your intuition at home and in your routines. Midweek, misunderstandings with loved ones could start to pile up, causing hurt feelings. Be open about your needs as you seek common ground and try to come to a solution. Meanwhile, if your worldview has been altered following Saturn's five-month retrograde, you may now feel ready to shed your most individualistic tendencies. Spend time expanding your mind so you can really connect to the bigger picture.

Gemini

Be careful with your cash this week, Gemini. You may feel pressured to spend your money on something that requires more research before getting involved. If you can shake this sense of urgency and be wise with your finances, you'll be headed in the right direction. Meanwhile, taking care of what needs to be done could feel like a real chore during this time. But if you can step back and gain more understanding of the purpose that your responsibilities serve, you'll be able to better appreciate the fruits of your labour. Evaluating how you're spending your time could also help you to save more of it.

Cancer

Don't be afraid to sell your skills, Cancer. At the beginning of this week, you may feel compelled to find new avenues to show off your talents — and get paid handsomely for them. Mull over your ideas at home and look for inspiration in unconventional places. On the weekend, get ready to breathe a sigh of relief as you embark on a new journey in regards to your relationships. Over the past five months, you've learned some incredible lessons about how to cultivate, strengthen and repair your connections. Now it's time to put that knowledge to use. 

Leo

You now know that you can't pour from an empty cup, Leo. With Saturn in retrograde over the past five months, you've learned some crucial lessons about how to support your wellness. It may have taken a great deal of effort and mindfulness, but you've been able to create some positive new habits, too. Now, it's time to confidently move forward. On the weekend, as your focus shifts toward maintaining security and structure in your life, prioritizing time at home and with family will be your primary focus. Your loved ones can provide you with the support you need, and spending your free moments with them will allow you to thrive. 

Virgo

Your keen mind is always seeking new adventures, Virgo. With Saturn in retrograde over the last five months, you may have picked up a new hobby that you've just about mastered. Take a moment to consider how far you'd like to develop your skill. Remember: there's beauty in doing something just because you enjoy it. And as your interests expand, make an effort to explore your community and find local gems, too — you don't have to look far for mind-enriching experiences. Over the weekend, you could find yourself in the mood to converse and connect. As you do, don't hesitate to speak up and ensure your needs are heard.

Libra

You know how to make people feel at home, Libra. Your presence offers comfort, and at the start of this week, you'll be able to use your natural charm to get closer to others. If you're single, try your best to be open — this energy could help you to attract someone new into your life. Meanwhile, consider how obstacles you've navigated over the past five months have helped you create a more solid foundation at home. Now that you're equipped to handle heavier issues, allow yourself to shed unnecessary burdens, and focus on bringing beauty and harmony to your space. 

Scorpio

Be patient as you strive for progress, Scorpio. Though it may not feel like much, each day you spend chipping away at your goals is still a step toward creating the future you desire. Midweek, you could come up against some opposition to your ideas at work. While this may be frustrating, let it motivate you to seek alternate avenues for achieving your goals. And if any seeds of inspiration in regards to your career come to you this weekend, be sure to write them down so you can begin nurturing them at the start of next week. You're in a prime position to command attention and win the hearts of the people who could become your biggest supporters.  

Sagittarius

Take the high road if you come up against differing beliefs within your social circle this week, Sagittarius. While dealing with these clashes may feel uncomfortable, it'll ultimately help you to find alternative methods of discussing life's more prominent mysteries. This weekend, you could come to an important realization regarding your finances. If you can view your challenges as opportunities for growth, you'll be able to gain new confidence — and control — when it comes to your cash. Come Sunday, you'll feel ready to step away from material matters and refocus your attention on uncovering secrets, interpreting dreams and deciphering your emotions. 

Capricorn

Your body and mind are part of the same machine, Capricorn. Consider this as your home and work lives call your attention to how you spend your energy at the beginning of the week. You have an opportunity to figure out how you can show up as your best self both in private and in public. This weekend, you may be ready to embrace new ways of thinking and forms of self-expression. With Saturn in retrograde, you may have navigated some uncharted territory in your journey toward self-discovery. Learning how to let go of expectations and self-imposed boundaries, and accepting yourself for who you truly are, will help you plan your next move.

Aquarius

Trust in yourself and your connection to the universe, Aquarius. If your spiritual beliefs have waxed and waned over the past five months, you could find that pondering your relationship with humanity at large brings a sense of awareness that once eluded you. This weekend, this newfound confidence in your place in the world will help you to enjoy the comfort of loved ones and your home. Spend time celebrating life and discussing its many mysteries with the people who bring you joy. On Sunday, you might notice your creative energy is ready to be turned into something real. Follow your instincts as you channel your passions into the material realm. 

Pisces

You're all business this week, Pisces. On Monday, you'll have ultra-sharp focus when it comes to making money and getting things done. This is a great time to begin a project that requires your full attention or complete any tasks that you've been putting off. But while you may feel motivated to quickly tackle any challenge that comes your way, don't forget to enjoy the process, too. On the weekend, spend some time chatting with your elders if you get the opportunity. Enjoy taking a trip down memory lane with them. Learning from their experiences will be invaluable, as their wisdom provides a look into the past.

Bryanna Collier is an astrology and fashion writer. Her work focuses on astrology, personal style, and how the two intersect. Follow her work at The Star Crossed.