How the Stars Can Influence Your Fall Love Goals
It's not quite cuffing season yet, but the cooling temps call for a cozier brand of amour. (Sweaty, knotted-up sheets, you won't be missed.) And this fall, there's added urgency to take a chance on romance. Jupiter, the galactic gambler, is wrapping up his final days in Libra, the sign that rules committed relationships. This cycle began on September 9, 2016 and has been cheering loudly for lasting love ever since. We only have until October 10 to capitalize on the heart-opening beams of Jupiter in Libra. Tick. Tock. So whether you're seeking a permanent resident to rest their head on an adjacent pillow or hoping to reignite some "new relationship energy" in a long-term love affair, deploy these Jupiter-approved tactics before the month is through.
1. Test the waters with travel
If jet-setting Jupiter in Libra doesn't hand us a lover in every port it will leave us longing to make love in every port. And let's be honest, traveling well together can be the hallmark of a great relationship. Put it to the test ASAP. If you're newly dating, hop in the car for a one-day road trip. Been an item for a while? Don't blow all your vacation days on a stressful family visit for the holidays. Pick an intriguing destination (one neither of you has visited before) and go embrace the spirit of discovery together.
2. Try a new flavor (probably not vanilla)
Since September 9, 2016 Jupiter has been upping the ante on the romance game, daring us to break from restrictive social constructs and rewarding us when (and if!) we did. Gender fluidity, polyamory, non-traditional marriages—honestly not a big deal in 2017. Prior to this Jupiter cycle, however, these concepts were less a part of the zeitgeist. With the playing field blown open by Jupiter in Libra's untethered parameters, there's no need to hover in the vanilla zone. (Unless, of course, that's your preference.) If you're one of the many people who lands to the right of the zero on the Kinsey scale, Jupiter in Libra encourages expansive exploration. And this applies to a broad range of categories. Worldly Jupiter is the astrological ambassador so cross-cultural connections and long-distance relationships could bring surprisingly rich results.
3. Make honesty the only policy…diplomatically, speaking.
Libra energy can be notoriously conflict-averse. But with candid Jupiter in this sign, it's easier to address concerns without sinking the Love Boat. Couples (legit or prospective) should talk about everything from your weirdest turn-ons to your most awkward of turn-offs. And stop expecting your mate to be clairvoyant! Even the people who love us the most can be clueless about how to satisfy us until we give them access to our personal playbooks.
4. Don't wait too long to address a conflict.
Are you still waiting for "the right moment" to broach a touchy subject? Obviously, business hours and family dinners should be ruled out. (How quickly we forget.) But in reality, there may never be an ideal time to have The Talk. With Jupiter in silver-tongued Libra, the magic lies in how you drop the bomb rather than when. Jupiter in fair-minded Libra is allergic to the blame game and reminds us (in a high-vibes way) that it takes two to tango. Instead of reading your partner, own up to the ways that you played into the meltdown. Pro tip: Using "I language" will yield better results than the accusatory "you." For example, "I would like to have tech-free dinner dates" leaves room for discussion, whereas, "I feel like you're more into your Instagram feed than talking to me" only puts bae on the defensive. Both statements may be equally true, sure, but one is constructive and the other is likely to start a battle royale.
5. Talk dirty to me—but send tasteful photos.
Live-out-loud Jupiter rarely minces words, even while flowing through gracious Libra's realm. This bawdy planetary energy can cross the line into crudeness pretty quickly. But Libra's influence can soften Jupiter's indelicate edge. As we round out this cosmic cycle we may be less inclined to Snapchat poorly lit photos of our nether regions, but more inspired to describe them in seductively poetic language—or set up the tripod for a tasteful "erotica" shoot. Beyond the industry-standard swapping of genitalia pics, pump up the volume on all romantic gestures. Sprinkle in a pinch of naughtiness as a nod Jupiter—but play up the decadence and luxury, which is Libra's domain. If someone is worth having in your life, they're worth the splurge on orchestra seats or the chef's tasting menu—at least once this fall.
6. Embrace polarities
Common ground may ignite the spark but the differences are what keep relationships dynamic. With Jupiter in Libra, the law of "opposites attract" is in full effect. Libra is symbolized by the scales, after all— and it's equally-weighted, opposing forces that create equilibrium. Your S.O. doesn't have to understand every one of your passions (and vice versa). Simple curiosity can be enough to keep you connected. Instead of freaking out and assuming that you're growing apart, you might even encourage the one you adore to develop a new extracurricular—and give yourself permission to pursue a path on your own. With Jupiter's independent energy afoot, a decent dose of "me time" can save monogamy from turning into monotony.
What's Next:
Jupiter is gearing up for his October 10 segue into sexed-up, security-obsessed Scorpio. This intense and possessive 13-month cycle will put relationships through another longevity test. There won't be any room for faux chemistry or offering up a lukewarm "commitment." Full devotion will be required for relationships to thrive. Make sure you really are that into it before rolling in the deep. Attached or not, the fetish-fueling vibes of Jupiter in Scorpio could popularize new genres of kink and up the ante on erotic experimentation. Start thinking up your safe word, because you may soon be stretching into uncharted sensual territory.