Most of the tense times occur as the month begins, so we can get all of the bad stuff out of the way quickly. September is going to be a lot calmer than the past two months-we should all take the time to enjoy it. This is the harvest time of the year and traditionally a festive and active time in all communities. Many older cultures considered this the new year. So, get out there and have a good time this month. There are a lot of good days to overindulge yourself and especially the week of September 10-16. • As the month opens, the Sun is in Virgo and enters Libra on September 22, the first day of Fall or the Autumnal Equinox. Mercury is really moving this month starting in Virgo, quickly moving into Libra on the 7th, and at month's end, into Scorpio on the 28th. Venus is in her own sign of Libra for most of the month but slides into that sensual Scorpio on the 24th. Mars is still showing off in Leo but gets more grounded after the 16th when he moves into Virgo. Both Jupiter and Saturn go retrograde this month in Gemini. The rest of the planets remain in the signs they started in. • Famous Virgos are Ann Richards, Greta Garbo, Lily Tomlin, and Margaret Sanger.

Aries (March 21-April 19) This is clean-up-your-act month. The planets are moving through the health, work, and fitness area of your horoscope. You will want all things in your life to run better and operate more smoothly. Try to keep a big-picture view so you don't get lost in all the detail of what you are trying to get more organized. Be careful in your relationships that your overly helpful nature is not taken as criticism. Start an exercise program after the 17th. Your relationships are more active by month's end.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) You are feeling lighter and more creative this month. You have been so overly concerned about where you were heading in your life, you almost forgot to have a good time. The planets this month are in your play house. Time to take your inner child on a vacation or a trip to an amusement park. Dress crazy, take an art class, do impersonations for your lover. Let your humor shine through. Oh, some of you are still in that serious mode and you are thinking about your money, 401Ks, and retirement. At least you will be more creative with your solutions.

Gemini (May 21-June 21) You are being visited by your parents this month-whether actually or psychologically, they are in the house, baby. A quick call to your therapist might be just the salve for this family carbuncle. The real question is who is in charge of your life: Is it you or is it them? Can you be yourself and get the love from mommy and daddy that you need? Have a party at your house and invite your friends and lovers and your parents. And have an application for PFLAG on hand just in case you are ready to ask them to join.

Cancer (June 22-July 22) Normally a rather quiet and reserved sign, you are especially chatty this month. People will find out that you are an expert on almost everything, and furthermore, you are in the mood to hold forth. You are also more inclined toward doing things that are project-oriented rather than long hours of patience. Great time for writing or taking classes to improve the way you do things. Toward the end of the month, you are interested in making your crab shell a prettier place to live. Expect some serious efforts directed towards cleaning, painting, or even moving.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) You will have to have a strong hold on your money this month. You will want to spend it faster than usual. And your "impulse buy" gene is really activated after the 16th. I know you have been good and deserve it. This is a good month to meet new friends or get involved in community activities. You were feeling really disconnected last month and this could help you to feel loved again. By the end of the month, you are ready to snuggle up with your blanket and watch your favorite old movies.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Birthday time again. Time to get out that calculator and see if your current age and your past accomplishments are in perfect balance. Have you been naughty or nice? You are particularly driven this month by the desire to have a more secure future in your career and in your relationship. It will seem like you have no time to waste. And you will have no time for those who can't make a decision. You are more impetuous than usual and your true feelings could fall out of your mouth. By the end of the month, you will be walking the balancing beam.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) You are gathering your internal forces, planning your strategy, and cooling your tools. You are more sensitive to your environment than usual and stress could really take its toll. This is a good month for a quick vacation before the party begins at the end of the month. You are interested in finding your spiritual oneness and how you are connected to the Universe. You are questioning what your spiritual path really is. Did your karma really run over your dogma? By the end of the month, all becomes known to you and you return from your spiritual pilgrimage.

Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 21) The planets are visiting the friends/community/group association sector of your horoscope. Don't be surprised that you are being contacted by people that you have not heard from in a while to lead a project or a gang. And the proper gang colors are so important!!! If work is your driver, this is a great time to market yourself or your services. If relationships are a little empty, you are ready to meet new people and they are ready to meet you. Your charm factor goes up considerably after the 24th. So, asking for a raise at work, seeking a new person to date, or intellectual justification for whatever you want to do functions with a greater level of success than before.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) Life is serious for you this month, and you are really looking into your future. All choices seem to carry an extra burden to work out. You may get the sensation of wearing cement overshoes. And you may even fear making a choice, because it may be the wrong one. Frozen in your own mind. You may want to take a Prozac and get a clearer perspective on what is going on. But don't despair-all this will only last for this month. By the end of September, you are better able to see what is really good for your future life.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) On the horizon, a ship comes ever closer to you and your island. As it finally docks, new people glide down the gangplank bringing you new friends and fresh conversation. They share their stories of faraway lands and exciting cultures. Your mind is open and expansive. And you know you made the right decision to get away from it all this month. Your contemplation embraces metaphysics and philosophy. Future paths are revealed to you. By the end of the month, you will be ready to use what you know.

Aquarius (Jan. 20- Feb. 18) Your relationships are going to be taken to the next level. Truth in advertising. Is what you saw advertised what you got? The universe rips off those pretty party dresses and crisp jeans and we share our warts and bunions. This is where love gets real. Nothing to help with the fantasy of avoidance. And what can emerge is the real thing. You are just not interested in anything else or less, you are interested in simply being real. Be careful with this attitude at work. You do have to pay the bills for those dresses and jeans.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) Your relationship magnet is turned on this month, and you will be attracting many new potential relationships and friendships. There is just something about you. People may not be able to put their finger on it but they may try. And maybe with more than just one finger. If you are not involved with someone special, this could bring that extraordinary person to you. If you are dissatisfied with what you have, it will have to improve or someone will be there to take their place. For your psychic health, best not to be alone this month.

Lilly Roddy is a Houston-based astrologer. She can be reached at lillycath@aol.com or www.cybersim.com/hermes.