September 2023 Horoscopes and Book Recommendations

Can you bounce back, Aries? Nothing seems to be going your way in September. That’s partially because of things out of your control, but some of your bad decisions from the past may also be at fault. Every situation can be improved with the right attitude, flexibility, and a little creativity. Misunderstandings abound in your closest relationships. Make yourself thoroughly clear to avoid hurt feelings, and if they can’t be avoided, be quick with a thoughtful apology. This month, read Never Whistle at Night, a horror short story anthology edited by Shane Hawk and Theodore C. Van Alst Jr. Multiple Indigenous cultures share a belief that whistling at night can invite dark spirits to visit you. This is the central theme of these haunting short stories from 26 Indigenous writers, including beloved authors like Darcie Little Badger, Tommy Orange, and Rebecca Roanhorse.

What can you do with your downtime, Taurus? September is off to a slow start, and setbacks will cause some frustrations for you. What you chose to do during the slump will say a lot about your priorities. Consider what aspect of your life could use your attention most, or what you can do to recharge your energy. With loved ones, pushing someone toward what you want without compromise could break a good relationship. You should read The Little Frog’s Guide to Self-Care. This adorable book of illustrations and affirmations features the internet’s favorite fashion frog along with inspiration for being gentle and kind to yourself. Just like Tauruses, this little frog knows the transformative healing power of a good pair of shoes.

Personal connection is your superpower, Gemini. You’ll face plenty of problems this month, but the friendships you’ve built in your personal and professional lives hold all the answers you need. Know who to ask for help, or if someone tries to block your progress, turn on that legendary Gemini charm. September is also auspicious for learning and personal growth for you. Check out Unrealistic Expectations by Andie J. Christopher. Relationship therapist Jessica is hoping her new book on long-term relationships will be a success. But then her 15-year relationship falls apart on publication day. In an act of PR desperation, Jessica asks her old crush Galvin to pretend to be her boyfriend while she promotes the book. Somehow, their fake relationship feels a lot more real than any of her past relationships.

Careful where you place the blame, Cancer. When complications arise in September, you might be tempted to focus on the actions of others. This will bring about some nasty arguments and can even permanently damage some relationships. Romance could go especially sour in this regard. Instead of pointing fingers, take responsibility and think about how you can do better in the future. Read How Far to the Promised Land by Esau McCaulley. McCaulley grew up without really knowing his father, so when his father died in a car crash and McCaulley was asked to write and perform his eulogy, he felt a whirlwind of emotions. He went on a journey to better understand his father by digging through the history of his family. In this memoir, McCaulley shares the story of the generations before him, a story that reveals the long-reaching impact of racism in our society and the impossible demands on Black families.

Follow your passions, Leo. Your heart can lead you to exciting places this month, both literally in traveling to new locations and figuratively in unexpected romantic encounters. Your creativity is also running wild and can help you learn something new about yourself. It may be a little harder for you to manage your job and day-to-day responsibilities if your heart isn’t in them, though. I recommend Witch of Wild Things by Raquel Vasquez Gilliland. The Flores family women are born with magic that is more of a curse than a blessing. After her sister’s death, Sage ran from her family and their magic. She returns at a low point to use her magic for growing plants at her hometown florist. To do so, she’ll have to face her painful family history, her own gift/curse, and the high school ex-boyfriend who broke her heart.

Feeling stuck in the past, Virgo? Planetary retrogrades are bringing back some issues you thought you’d overcome. But the solutions that have worked for you before aren’t what you need now. And letting yourself get lost in bad memories will only make things worse. Focus instead on the future and look at your problems with a fresh perspective. Wrinkles will smooth out by the end of the month. Read The Vaster Wilds by Lauren Groff. A 17th century servant girl, no longer able to withstand the abuse of humans in her colonial town, escapes into the wilderness to find a new way to survive. But in order to withstand the changing weather and beasts of an inhospitable landscape, she’ll need to adapt and shift her understanding of herself in relation to the world around her.

Get out of your own way, Libra. Self-doubt and overthinking could cause you to miss a big opportunity in September. You’ve got everything you need to succeed. Step up and take responsibility, and you’ll be rewarded. In love, beware of trusting other people’s opinions more than your own. Your heart knows what it wants. Traveling to a new place might bring clarity. You should read Unreliable Narrator by Aparna Nancherla. Nancherla is an extremely introverted, shy person with anxiety and depression. She’s also a very successful stand-up comedian and actor. Don’t think all those things go together? Neither does Nancherla. She’s got a huge case of imposter syndrome. These essays about Nancherla’s unexpected career choices, self-confidence, and thoughts on pop culture are insightful, relatable, and laugh-out-loud funny.