We’ve got smartphones instead of Lisa Frank Trapper Keepers and an oversized satchel instead of a monogrammed canvas backpack, but September brings the same back-to-school tingles we had in fourth grade. It doesn’t matter if we’re going to the same desk we’ve sat at every sticky day this summer, the first month of fall makes everything feel shiny and new.
So how do you make this fall brighter and better than ever? We turned to Angie Banicki, tarot reader to the stars, for her tarot-with-a-twist advice on how to maximize your potential and absolutely slay your career this September.
Aries (March 21 to April 19)
Influenced by the Eight of Pentacles, reversed
Music: "Gone, Gone, Gone" — Phillip Phillips
Get ready to buckle down and work, work, work this month. You can’t be torn away when you’re in the zone, so roll up your sleeves and get to it. You'll be burning the midnight oil, so now's the time to survey your Seamless options, consider getting around to asking HR for a standing desk, and know that your hard work is going to pay off soon.
Monthly Win: Your bottom line. Putting in the extra hours doesn't go unnoticed. Spending late nights committed to major projects will catapult you financially.
Watch Out For: Relationship drama. Late nights can lead to some resentment from your partner or your close friends. Planning a fun weekend activity goes a long way to smooth things over, but take note: If you’re always hearing complaints about your schedule, is this person supporting your career as much as you deserve?
Illustrated by Abbie Winters.
Taurus (April 20 to May 20)
Influenced by the Four of Cups
Music: "Lovers’ Carvings" — Bibio
You’ve been working a ton these past few months, but what are you working toward? That’s the question you need to ask yourself — or else you’re just spinning your wheels and getting frustrated in the process. Sit down and write out a plan: In two years, I want to be making X amount of money. I want to advance this far in my career.
Monthly Win: Enthusiasm. Once you know what you want, nothing is going to stop you from getting it. Your newfound focus is impressive to everyone; expect compliments and extra responsibilities from the higher-ups.
Watch Out For: Impatience. You want to go, go, go, but one step at a time is key to getting what you want. Set small goals so you still get to cross things off the to-do list.
Illustrated by Abbie Winters.
Gemini (May 21 to June 20)
Influenced by The World
Music: "Don't Bring Me Down" — Electric Light Orchestra
"I'm Your Boogie Man" — KC & The Sunshine Band
Holy eff, have you come along way. Think about what you were doing a year ago and just pat yourself on the back. Whatever you’re doing is working, so keep at it, Gemini!
Monthly Win: After months of pushing, everything suddenly seems easy. Enjoy the feeling. You’re not coasting, you’re giving yourself some time to enjoy yourself. So take a day off in the middle of the week. You’ve earned it.
Watch Out For: Comparison. Sometimes you’re your own worst enemy, especially when you begin comparing yourself to others. So do whatever you need to keep the focus on you, whether it’s taking Insta off your phone or wearing headphones so you can’t hear your competitive cube-mate. You’ve got this.
Illustrated by Abbie Winters.
Cancer (June 21 to July 22)
Influenced by the Star, reversed
Music: "Make Me Better" — Ten Fé
"In A Manner Of Speaking" — Nouvelle Vague
You’re all about socializing. In order to be the best you can be in your career, you’ve got to have some of that in the office. So organize a team lunch, invite a few coworkers to happy hour, and make yourself say hi to the big boss in the elevator. All those actions will help shine a spotlight on you — which is just what you need this month.
Monthly Win: Work-life balance is on point. Take advantage by leaving on time for once and go for a run, treat yourself to a massage, or go out to dinner with a friend you haven’t seen in a while. The more chill you are, the more you can crush it at the office.
Watch Out For: A confidence crash. Whether you’ve changed jobs, have a nit picky boss, or are dealing with an impossible client, it’s easy to second-guess yourself this month. Don’t. Make a coffee date with a mentor, both to remember all the reasons you’re awesome and score new strategies with how to deal to get to the next level.
Illustrated by Abbie Winters.
Leo (July 23 to August 22)
Influenced by Two of Pentacles, reversed
You’ve always been a networking superstar. Right now, it’s paying off big time. Your inbox is about to be filled with blasts from the past — and it’s a good thing. Former coworkers and clients are desperate to work with you again; the challenge is weighing the opportunities and choosing the one that’s the best fit for you.
Monthly Win: Your boss is heaping on the praise. Bask in the attention, but also use this time to get something you want, whether it’s a discussion about compensation or a juicy new project.
Watch Out For: Impulsive decisions. With so many amazing opportunities coming in all directions, it’s tempting to say yes to everything. Choose wisely. All the opportunities are good, but you’ve got to build in some time for soul-searching to figure out the right one for you.
Illustrated by Abbie Winters.
Virgo (August 23 to September 22)
Influenced by Eight of Swords, reversed
Music: "Everything Is Everything" — Phoenix
Birthdays bring reflection, which may be why you’re feeling restless this month. Everything’s good, but you sometimes wonder if you’re on the right path or in the right career. But with a little patience, you should figure out the answers to your soul-searching very soon. In the meantime, be open: Browse grad-school programs, take the informational interview, and everything will become clear before long.
Monthly Win: To outsiders, you’ve got everything figured out. Even your boss is in awe of you, which may manifest with a promotion or bonus. Take a sec and imagine how someone else sees you. Impressed? You should be.
Watch Out For: Dissatisfaction. The promotion may be in a profession you don’t love or the raise may be a lot smaller than you’d hoped. Try to think big picture and realize these small steps are helping you get to where you need to go.
Illustrated by Abbie Winters.
Libra (September 23 to October 22)
Influenced by the Fool, reversed
Music: "All Shook Up (Live)" — Elvis Presley, Dick Bogart
Another day of almost crying at work has you feeling exhausted and fantasizing about walking out and never coming back. So tempting, but hang tight. Right now, the key is to change what you can, set boundaries, and remember that you’re more than your job title.
Monthly Win: You’re a natural with groups. A few team projects can help get you back on a more even keel. Even when everything seems to suck, there are a few things at work that get you fired up — notice those moments, because they’ll help lead you to a better fit in the future.
Watch Out For: Takers. Part of the reason you’re so burned-out is because you naturally lend a hand. But it’s time to set some boundaries — beginning with yourself. For this month, keep your phone out of your bed; not checking email at all hours is the first step to get back on track.
Illustrated by Abbie Winters.
Scorpio (Octotober 23 to November 21)
Influenced by the Sun
Music: "Hero" — Lissie
"Changes - Original Mix" — Faul & Wad Ad, Pnau
You’re like the Beyoncé of your office: All eyes are on you. Everyone wants to be you. You can do no wrong. Every single decision, meeting, and project has sailed through. It’s not luck, it’s your hard work, so keep on pushing to achieve the same result.
Monthly Win: The more responsibilities you have, the more you shine. Your decisions are on-point and you’re great at delegating to others. Plus, it’s fun!
Watch Out For: The best leaders make time for everyone. It’s easy to get caught up in your mile-long to-do list, but inviting an intern out for coffee will go a long way — and will help keep you in favor in the office.
Illustrated by Abbie Winters.
Sagittarius (November 22 to December 19)
Influenced by the 10 of Pentacles
Music: "Flagpole Sitta" — Harvey Danger
This summer was tough on your bank statement, amirite? A few unexpected expenses are making it tough to rally — and ironically, that attitude may be holding your earnings potential back even further. Instead of obsessing over the number, think about ways you can earn more. Whether it’s asking for a raise, scoring a side-hustle, or Kondo-ing your closet and selling some stuff, the answers are all around you — if you look for them.
Monthly Win: People love spending time with you — and you always have great advice. It’s a skill, so use it to your advantage. Now’s the time to get in touch with a few old coworkers, reach out to would-be mentors, and really focus on making your network as strong as it can be. When you invest in people, they’ll want to invest on you.
Watch Out For: Demands. You should absolutely speak up if you think you deserve a raise or more money for an assignment, but threats aren’t likely to go over well this month. If work isn’t giving you what you need, now may be the time to start conversations about a new start somewhere else.
Illustrated by Abbie Winters.
Capricorn (December 20 - January 19)
Influenced by Temperance, reversed
Music: One Day / Reckoning Song (Wankelmut Remix) - Radio Edit – The Mojos
Your mile long to-do list isn’t exactly inspiring you. It’s not your imagination: You’re overworked, underpaid, and deserve so much more. The good news? That opportunity may be closer than you thought. Instead of jumping ship, take a deep breath and schedule a meeting with your boss or a potential client. You will see your hard work pay off, as long as you suck up your courage and ask for it.
Monthly Win: Options. The clearer you are on what you want — more money, more responsibility, more flexibility — the better the chances are you’re going to get it. Awesome! Enjoy.
Watch Out For: Indecision. Getting the goods all at once can make you feel a bit off-balance. Even an amazing offer needs to be slept on for a night. Clear your head and listen to your heart. You’ll find the answer.
Illustrated by Abbie Winters.
Aquarius (January 20 to February 18)
Influenced by the Two of Swords, reversed
Music: "Apocalypse Dreams" — Tame Impala
Relaxing summer? Ha. You’re still feeling drained from some 24/7 effort at work...and a little envious of all your friends' #summerFriday Instagrams. But it’s all about to pay off. Your job is to just keep showing up and doing what you’re doing. Trust that it hasn’t gone unnoticed and that you’ll see the results of your efforts soon, likely by the end of the month.
Monthly Win: Your reputation. Yes, your inbox is overflowing, but it’s a sign of your indispensability at the office. That rep will follow you wherever you go. Own it.
Watch Out For: Exhaustion. Taking care of you is key right now. Now’s a good time to book a last-minute weekend getaway with your significant other or best friend...preferably in a place with a wonky Wi-Fi connection.
Illustrated by Abbie Winters.
Pisces (February 19 to March 20)
Influenced by the Fool
Music: "You Can't Hurry Love" — The Supremes
You generally put your whole heart into everything, and this month, your passion is focused on work. Don’t hold back. Send your boss your big pitch, even if you’re afraid it’s a little out-there. Spend a weekend finishing that screenplay that’s been sitting on your hard drive forever. Stay up all night to vision-board that five-year plan. Pouring that passion into whatever you do will bring you exactly where you want to be.
Monthly Win: Your creativity is at an all-time high. Ideas are effortless, so make sure to harness them. Write down that snippet of a thought you had on your commute home; scribble a note on the bar napkin while you’re out for drinks. After all, what do you have to lose?
Watch Out For: Expectations. You’re pouring all of yourself out there, so it’s frustrating when it’s received with radio silence. But it’s just temporary. By the end of the month, everything you’ve put out there will start seeping back to you. Keep an open mind, because you may find your ideas to play out in ways that are unexpected...and even better than you imagined.
Illustrated by Abbie Winters.Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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