Defined as a symbolic time of change and upheaval, eclipse season occurs twice a year when the sun, moon and Earth align, bringing transformational events into your life. Last month, it was more insulting than we’ve seen in a while, with a total lunar eclipse that brought up especially intense emotional issues. My remedy? A book that reflects your malaise and still nudges you forward. Follow your sun or rising sign to find your next guiding read or just enjoy a fun escape as midterms loom.
Virgo (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22) and Pisces (Feb. 19 to Mar. 20): “Ex-Wife” by Ursula Parrott
“Ex-Wife” captures the fallout of a divorce after Patricia finds her husband of four years cheating, sending her flailing into the vivid dating scene of the 1920s.
The past month affected Virgo and Pisces signs with great, personal transformations, nourishing a deeper connection to the authentic self. While some relationships might have naturally faded in September, those who remained will leave a deeper imprint, offering a chance to reimagine how these signs demonstrate self-love to themselves and others. In “Ex-Wife,” letting go was the main driver of action and opportunity for Patricia. Embracing change is how these signs can start experiencing an easier flow in life.
Gemini (May 21 to June 20) and Sagittarius (Nov. 22 to Dec. 21): “Hamnet” by Maggie O’Farrell
In “Hamnet,” themes of family, grief and passion intertwine to set the scene of one of William Shakespeare’s most celebrated plays, “Hamlet.” In this story about Shakespeare’s family, Agnes, his wife, runs her household in rural Warwickshire as her husband travels to London to produce his mysterious plays. Their strange but quaint life comes crashing down with a sudden death in the family.
For Gemini and Sagittarius signs, the past month was filled with major shifts in family and home. These shifts may have influenced career and reputation, creating difficulties in how one unintentionally afflicts the other. The book’s sorrowful but sentimental journey through grief will urge these signs to reflect on their legacy and the role that family will play in their next stage of life. Straightening priorities and familial communication can be easy to overlook, but will be important in the long run for these signs.
Aries (Mar. 21 to April 19) and Libra (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22): “The Overstory” by Richard Powers
“The Overstory” follows the lives of nine strangers, each transformed by an upheaval in their personal lives that rekindles their awareness of nature. Drawn together through their connection to trees, they find a shared purpose in environmental activism.
This past month pushed Aries and Libras to reexamine their routine and confront old habits that might be sabotaging their success. “The Overstory” reminds us that, like its characters, our lives are connected to something much greater. Focusing on our collective impact may help unlock the next chapter of these stories.
Cancer (June 21 to July 22) and Capricorn (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19): “Disorientation” by Elaine Hsieh Chou
In “Disorientation,” an outrageous secret is accidentally discovered after years of impossible research that upends Ingrid Yang’s dissertation, her academic career and everything she’s worked for.
Cancer and Capricorn went through a major ending of an old belief system this past month. Perspectives shifted in ways that were not expected and finding new ways to articulate these thoughts may seem difficult. Like Ingrid, these signs are zealously trying to navigate this new philosophy while speaking a different language than everyone else. Trust that the right people will stay and listen to what you have to say.
Leo (July 23 to Aug. 22) and Aquarius (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18): “Severance” by Ling Ma
In “Severance,” time leaps back and forth between the daily grind of Candace’s mundane existence to the throes of an apocalyptic plague. Candace faces struggles both before and after the plague, tied together by themes of exploitation, instability and isolation — revealing how systemic issues persist even at the end of the world.
Leo and Aquarius went through changes in their personal and shared resources, affecting finances or how money is perceived. As seen in “Severance,” a collapsing society cannot erase old hierarchies, and power structures will often endure in times of upheaval. Take these uncertain times to identify what is truly valuable, both in spending and earning, and if your old financial habits still suit these values. Finding discipline in decision-making will help lay the groundwork for a stronger financial future.
Taurus (April 20 – May 20) and Scorpio (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21): “My Brilliant Friend” by Elena Ferrante
The first volume in a quartet, “My Brilliant Friend” illustrates the beginning of a sweeping friendship between two Italian girls, Elena and Lila, as they navigate their poor neighborhood. This portrait of girlhood begins in a classroom but as Elena continues school and Lila is forced into marriage, their bond frays, capturing the complexities of identity, class and friendship.
Social circles were at the helm of revelation for Taurus and Scorpio signs this eclipse season. There is a clear distinction between people that bring light into life and people that drain it. Defining that difference could bring about a more authentic expression of one’s inner self. Following Elena and Lila’s journey through friendship and hardship could invite a deeper reflection on personal relationships and deepen appreciation for those who enable growth through love.
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