A listen for each sign as the equinox brings the summer rush to a close.
Source: publishersweekly.
The Autumnal equinox is literally and metaphorically marked by balance: the day and the night are the exact same length and the summer, a season that’s usually full of running to and fro, comes to a close. Calmer waters make fall the perfect time to tackle to-dos and make changes before winter comes in to freeze life in place.
We welcome you to fall, this gorgeous time of vibrant blue skies and crunchy leaves. Read on to find out what the stars have in store for you, and which audiobook is your perfect partner-in-crime.
Happy birthday, Leebs! I hope you have something wondrous in store for your special day. It won’t be hard, because with the sun shining on you like a spotlight, you’re going to be the star of the season. Noodle on what you’d like to get up to. A solo spa day? An intimate dinner with your beloveds? A blowout party? No matter how you decide to celebrate, it will be the perfect choice. You can’t go wrong right now.
You should listen to: Fictional Selves by Kyle Maclachlan
Don’t tell Libra, but I can feel us inching closer to your season, Scorp. I close my eyes and I see reds and oranges and smell cinnamon. Since you have a minute until we enter your season, take a beat to consider your own sensory experiences. How do you feel when you walk in your front door? When you look in your closet? If you think your home could be cozier or your sweater collection could be more “you”, dedicate some time to make the outsides reflect your insides.
You should listen to: Lessons & Lace by Rachel Brodsky
You might think a social creature such as yourself would be mourning the end of summer, but something in that first autumnal breeze has activated you, pony pants. You’re kicking your hooves up and are ready to play. Believe it or not, your desire for activities is also going to make you the de facto social chair of your friend group. Nothing can get a Sag all up in their calendar like the promise of non-stop fun.
You should listen to: East of the River by Guadalupe Rosales
Okay, okay I’m well aware that you’re more than workaholic tendencies, Cappies. But hear me out! Is there a career that’s always been in the back of your mind? Something that seemed like the stuff of daydreams as you got older? Turns out, those daydreams might not have been entirely silly. I’m not telling you to walk away from your career in pursuit of being the first veterinarian in outer space (unless…), but maybe infuse some of that childlike wishin’ into your current job, the job search, or your side gigs. Book editor by day and trapeze artist by night? Stranger things have happened.
You should listen to: The Invisible List by Ravi Gupta
It’s time to hit the bricks, Aqua! I hope you’ve had a fulfilling summer soaking up all the fun to be had close to home. With the slight briskness in the air comes your desire to venture a little further and see something brand new. Getting out will also provide the opportunity to fill your brains. After all, thinking is a favorite Aquarian past time. I encourage you to go big and venture where the histories are rich. How did the Roman aqueduct system work, anyway? You’ll let us know.
You should listen to: Agrippa by Robert Harris
Do you see those first couple leaves turning red on the tree outside your window? And what’s that smell? Is it…cider? And do you hear that? Is that Autumn in New York playing? Where is that even coming from?!? All signs point to: it’s your turn to star in a rom com, my little fish, so grab your perfectly weighted jacket and get out there. You’re in for some montage-worthy moments of warming your hands in your crush’s pockets and sharing donuts on a park bench.
You should listen to: Take a Chance, Sasha Sinclair by Ashley Herring Blake
You’re an actual meteorite, my fiery friend. You’re burning bright through everyone’s sky; some will want to catch you, but you’re already long gone. It can feel really amazing to be the glamorous guest star who is just passing through, but here is your gentle reminder that you don’t have to go anything alone. I’m by no means telling you to dim your light, but instead reserve at least a couple days this season to sit with people who stoke your flames. We wouldn’t want you to burn out before the cold comes.
You should listen to: Kitten by Stacey Yu
I’m just gonna say it: this season, you’ve gotta get a hobby outside of your house. Don’t get mad at me! I’m just gazing into my crystal ball (er, weather app) and know that colder days will sneak up on us faster than you think. I won’t dare try to get you out from underneath your blanket during the winter, so I’m giving you a gentle shove now. Because you can handle it, and also because you’re almost preternaturally good at everything. There’s no chance you’ll embarrass yourself on the lawn bowling court or in the improv class. Get going.
You should listen to: Nalu by Marie Alohalani Brown and Ian Lendler
My playful little sprite, it’s time to get your hands dirty! You’ve been energized by the summer sun, and now it’s time to send that energy back out into the world through your little paws. I’m envisioning brightly colored collages, otherworldly ceramic sculptures, and window boxes full of mums being planted in fresh soil. An added bonus? No clean hands necessary to listen to an extraordinary audiobook.
You should listen to: The Disappearers by Marlon James
The reason for Cancer’s season? Family. This can be your blood relatives, your chosen family, the other people who look stressed in the yarn aisle at the craft store. Family is whatever you decide it is. Think about ways that you can feel closer to your family. Perhaps that means researching your lineage’s history, meeting up with a long lost relative, or hosting a pot luck featuring all of the fam fave dishes. Why wait for a holiday?
You should listen to: The Birthing Tree by Amanda Peters
You DID summer, didn’t you kitty cat? I’d expect nothing less. You’ve been charged like a solar panel, so why not point that energy inward and go all in on wellness and self-care. They do say September is the new January after all. I recommend a top to toe situation: get a hair cut, up your smoothie consumption, and treat yourself to a pair of shoes with excellent arch support. By the time October rolls around you’ll be hydrated and stretched and ready for more play.
You should listen to: How to Grow Up Without Becoming a Grown-Up by Julian Shapiro-Barnum
I hope you enjoyed your season, cherished Virgo! Was there a present off your highly specific wish list that your loved ones failed to get you? Were there just too many birthday party themes to pick from? Too many perfect outfits and not enough days? Luckily, you need no reason to celebrate. Make fall your season of “just because”: invite your friends over for high tea. Screen three unrelated movies back-to-back. Wear all of those incredible outfits around your house. We’re here. Anything goes. Might as well.
You should listen to: Sister Europe by Nell Zink
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