Cuffing season is coming early this year, folks.

On September 22, 2024, we welcome the autumnal equinox and the sun’s transition into the cardinal climes of Libra. On the same day, Venus, our planet of assets, attraction, attachment and aesthetics, slithers into Scorpio, the sign of sex, death and suspicion.

The energy here is a touch hard to reconcile as Libra wants to hold your hand and keep their options open, while Scorpio wants to taste your secrets and sip your bone marrow.

Helping us navigate these energies is the brilliant, bespectacled astrologer Babs Cheung, who leverages her cosmic wisdom “for quarterly planning, vibe checks and taking down the patriarchy.”

Cheung tells the Post. “Scorpio and Libra have a difficult time getting on the same page. On the one hand, Libra wants to flirt and talk to everyone in the room, keeping conversations light and surface level. On the other hand, Scorpio wants to cut the BS, the “favorite color” questions and dive deeply into soul-connecting topics.” 

For star seeds who are in partnership, Cheung promises this transit will be a leveling up, “While Libra is a social sign, there’s a chance that your relationship will begin its own press tour. Every weekend, beginning on the equinox will be booked with meeting friends, family and co-workers, pretty much until the end of the year, as a newly defined couple. With that in mind, for every meet and greet of your press tour, Venus in Scorpio wants you to schedule date nights –a great opportunity to go even deeper with your partner.”

If you’re somewhere between free-wheeling and monogrammed towels, Cheung nudges you to treat the coming weeks as an audition for the privilege of your intimacy.

“If you’ve got a situationship or some potentials on the roster, this is the season where you’ll pressure test your connection and it’d be wise to do so. As a fixed water sign, Scorpio has standards and if they don’t make the cut, you’ll be ready to let them go when trials are done.” 

To see how these power dynamics will play out for your sign, see below for Cheung’s horoscopes. Make sure to read for your sun and rising sign. Good luck out there.

For those born under the fiery sign of Aries, Cheung maintains, “Your season of flirting at the farmer’s market or with the hotties in the run club is over–for now. The odds of finding someone through a friend’s recommendation are higher since Libra rules the 7th house of 1:1 relationships. This also means that an ex could be tempted to get back in touch with you, but remember to only re-engage if they’ve changed; they’re your ex for a reason!”

For partnered rams, Cheung shares a three-prong approach that can aid them in their quest to help others find love or at least a satisfying pumpkin spice sex partner, “1. Don’t rub it in, 2. Enjoy your time together and 3. Share the love and throw a party to have your two worlds mingle, especially your single friends. With great power comes great responsibility.”

Cheung has bad news for notoriously home-loving bulls, “You’re going to have to go outside where other humans roam, at least once a week, more if you want to find love this fall, Taurus. Libra rules over your 6th house of routines, so if your routine is to stay inside, it’s highly unlikely you’ll meet anyone worth your cute outfit. The 6th house also rules over health and fitness, so trying out a new class could be just the meet-cute setup for a cozy romance in the future.”

If you’re coupled, Cheung says its time to step up your game and shake it up, “Don’t be alarmed if your partner begins to show signs of boredom. Other than checking in with your partner, make sure there are plenty of activities to keep the romance alive and well. Enjoy the downtime, whether it’s drinking hot apple cider at the nearest orchard or snuggling up watching the latest horror flick. 

For Geminis, Libra season ushers in the schmaltz, “You’ll be positively goopy during Libra season thanks to an air trine activating your 5th house of leisure, hobbies and romance. PDA may not be your usual MO, but you may not be able to control yourself or play it cool. With Venus in Scorpio forming an awkward AF quincunx, this feeling of wanting to commit too soon could be an added mindbend.”

Cheung stresses that coupled-up hobbies can kickstart the kink for twins who are in it to win it with a partnership. “Get creative and brainstorm a few activity-based date nights like partnered portraiture or salsa dancing. Whatever your pleasure, get your partner involved for double the fun.” 

For Cancer folk, Libra season highlights themes of home, both literal and metaphorical. Cheung expounds, “Here’s a greenlight to zhuzh up the place for dinner parties, fancy brunches, craft nights and even romantic dates at home. As Libra enters your 4th house of home, heart and family, you’ll feel called to make your home the place to be.  Just be careful with who you let into your space, especially for those who are single. When Venus enters Scorpio, your intuition will be heightened, giving you an easier time to determine the right people from the mismatches. Trust your gut and go toward dates that make you feel safe.”

For coupled crabs, DIY is the order of the day, “Get inspired and go furniture shopping together as it’s a good time to collaborate on a small house project and find ways to incorporate your individual styles. When Venus enters your 5th house, you’ll feel satisfied with each other now that you have a space you can both call home.” 

Cheung promises that for heart-centric Leos, new love could be local, “Right after the equinox, Libra enters your third house of neighbors and locals, giving you a great opportunity to find love close to home. If you’re single and ready to mingle, attend single events in your neighborhood and bring a wingman or wingwoman to help support you. If you’re not a fan of the people in your neighborhood, visit your favorite places and chat up cute strangers there.”

For big cats who are currently coupled, Cheung explains, “Communication struggles are put front and center and for this period, it’s important for both of you to get on the same page. Once you sync up, you’ll be stronger than ever before. Still, it won’t be easy since the environment is ripe for petty fights, jealousy and grudge-holding, especially as Venus enters Scorpio. Be patient and remember that most arguments are not about you versus them or who’s wrong or right, but rather about the teamwork required to face life’s challenges together.”

For Virgos, the time is nigh to get clear and call in the partner of your dreams. “It’s time to focus on clarifying your deal breakers and dealmakers. Whether it’s a spreadsheet or an old-fashioned list, if you’re single, you must know what you’re looking for before you begin your intentional dating journey.”  

Virgos that are partnered can take a similar approach to manifest a mutual and mutually beneficial future, “It begins with listing out what’s important in the relationship. Maybe it’s date night once a week, with both parties taking turns to plan or a schedule for intimacy to ensure that you have space and time to reconnect no matter how busy life gets. When Venus enters Scorpio, you’ll both be committed and thinking about the long haul, so take the time to plan out your lives together.”

Their hallowed birthday season is prime time for Libra folk to focus on the role they play in their relationships, “For single people, audit the relationships you’ve attracted within the last year. Would you say you’re satisfied with the quality of people? If not, it’s time to recalibrate and do some reflection around self-worth.”

For Libras in a romantic relationship, Cheung urges you to pause to consider how much you’ve changed since your relationship began. “If the change is significant, speak candidly with your partner about how the changes affected the relationship dynamics. When Venus enters Scorpio and activates your second house of values, you’ll desire to get back on the same page for a better relationship.”

The next few weeks are no cakewalk for you, Scorpio. “You’ve got a pretty rough season ahead of you when Libra moves into the 12th house of healing, shadow work and facing your fears. The focus is on dissecting your fears and failings around relationships. For single people, it’s wise to sit out this season of love and opt for therapy or self-help books to get clear on your attachment styles or any emotional blocks around love.”

Woof.

What to do if you’re a Scorpio à deux? “For my couples, it’s a good time for a sobering heart-to-heart with your significant other. Watch out for arguments that keep coming up and ask for help from a couples therapist. Air out grievances and prepare for a fresh start in your relationships. When Venus moves into your sign of Scorpio, you will favor your independence and wonder how your partner may receive this desire. Make sure to communicate your needs and get on the same page.”

For archers, the time is nigh to get out and about and thoroughly in the mix, “Your 11th house of networking is greatly affected by the collaborative Libra energies, Sagittarius. For singles playing the field, the season ahead might mean meeting someone who drives you crazy – crazy enough to confront your fears regarding commitment.”

For Sagittarians in a serious relationship, Cheung says, “Show off your partner while also feeling proud of your “it” couple status. Whether it’s clubbing with your mutuals or hosting a dinner party, take advantage of this magnetic season. Beware, as jealousy or competition could just as quickly rear its ugly head. Check-in with each other, ensuring the vibes are always right between the two of you first and foremost.”  

For sea goats, business is a pleasure this fall, ” As Libra enters your 10th house of career, you’ll feel especially satisfied with your work and confident in love whether or not you have someone special in mind. For singles, sparks fly while at work, mixing business with pleasure. While you may be tempted to hook up with a coworker, make sure you know what you’re getting yourself into. Opt to look for potential suitors who work in your industry or come recommended through your coworkers.”

For Capricorns who are coupled, Cheung says strategy can be sexy, “It’s time to set up your Q4 goals and to ensure a strong end to 2024. Crank out that PowerPoint, spreadsheet and your best bottle of wine, giving your best to brainstorm plans for world domination. When Venus enters Scorpio, your possessive nature or need to be in control might rear its head. Be careful how you express your insecurities to your partner or risk a huge ugly fight over trivial matters.” 

Astrology 101: Your guide to the star

Get weird and whimsical, Aquarius, “When Libra enters your 9th house, you’re asked to follow your curiosities. For singles looking for love, avoid shallow thirst traps and opt to thirst for knowledge. Learning or advancing a skill could lead you to the perfect partner eager to grow alongside you.”

If you’re a water bearer in a couple, Cheunge urges, “Use this time to learn a new language together and quiz each other. A little competition between lovers could spark some new romance. When you feel confident enough, start planning a trip for next month. You’ll feel pumped to explore a new place with someone special. Hasta la vista baby!”

Libra lights up Pisces’s 8th house of sex, death, resources and regeneration. As Cheung explains, it’s important for fish to be conscious of where and with whom they’re investing: “For singles, if you were guilty of bailing on friends because of a last-minute date last season, it’s time to apologize and make things right.”

Cheung promises that for couples in a romantic rut, “You’ll feel more empowered to spice up your bedroom when Venus enters Scorpio. Feeling shy? Open up to your partner and talk about your fantasies. For more adventurous couples, explore a tantric workshop or intro to binding and see where your kink journey takes you.” 

Astrologer Reda Wigle researches and irreverently reports on planetary configurations and their effect on each zodiac sign. Her horoscopes integrate history, poetry, pop culture and personal experience. To book a reading, visit her website.