03

Look, Taurus, we appreciate your grit and determination. But lately, things have been … shall we say, a bit much? With so much stuff—school, work, family responsibilities—on the go, you’re losing a lot of creative energy, and energy period. It might be time to take a break, temporary or otherwise. Let your parents, professors, classmates, or coworkers know what’s going on as well, so that they can help you out in any way they can.

As we barrel toward the end of semester, we’re all feeling creatively starved. Gemini, your homework is simple: go and get inspired! Ask your classmates for new song recommendations. Check out the Nanaimo Art Gallery’s Art Lab Sundays. Or, if your folks are in town, make a recipe with them as a bonding/de-stressing experience. If you leave your comfort zone and explore a bit, you’ll return to school (and life) with enough zest to carry you into December.

Umm, Cancer, we’re looking at your calendar and thinking you need to calm down a bit. Like, seriously, we sense a burnout on the way. You don’t have to say “yes” to everything—in fact, there are a few things you could reschedule or get someone else to do for you. Setting boundaries doesn’t mean you’re not caring or responsible. It’s a reminder to others—and yourself—that you need to take care of you, too.

Leo, you’re born to rule. But not every leader is good at communicating. You’re giving mixed signals to your classmates and friends—they’re confused about what you exactly want them to do! Misunderstandings can lead to mistakes, which can lead to disagreements and hurt feelings. Take the time to explain yourself clearly, whether it’s writing instructions out or having a longer, more in-depth conversation than you’re used to. Trust us, you’ll save yourself from headaches later on!

Memory is a funny thing. One day, you randomly remember someone you went to middle school with, and right after that, you bump into them at the mall. Well, November is going to be filled with these strange encounters and trips down memory lane. Some of these people are part of happy memories, some painful. It could be a chance to tie up loose ends or find closure. Don’t be afraid; sometimes, you need to step back to move forward.

Keeping the peace is no easy feat. Libras are great at keeping things light and tension-free. But there will be moments when you can’t stay neutral: family dinner with relatives who have questionable political views, or a party where someone says something very offensive. It’s scary calling people out, especially if you’re more of the quiet type, but if you start now, it’ll be easier in the future. Don’t worry about losing friends or followers. If you say what you know is right, people will know you have a strong moral compass and you’re not to be messed with!

Scorpios, it’s time for your main character moment! November is the month for you to take the plunge and do something that scares you. It could be something as extreme as bungee jumping at WildPlay (or any of the courses, to be honest) or as simple as submitting your amazing story to Portal Magazine. The stars are aligning for YOU to shine, so don’t hide in the shadows. You’re the boss, and no one can stop you!

We’re not sure what’s going on in your personal life, but you’re raring to go … somewhere. You have all this energy and nowhere to put it. Don’t worry, we’re here to help! If you’re not the lifting-weights type, we suggest a nice, friendly (read: competitive) game of badminton at the VIU Gym. Or if you’re not that athletic, why not put on your favorite playlist and walk your daily 10,000 steps at home? There’s more than one way to stay active—and have fun doing it!

There’s nothing wrong with multitasking. But considering we’re nearing the end of the semester (already!), you might want to pick and choose what you work on. A portfolio for a dream job? A thesis for your Master’s? A handsewn dress for your sister’s wedding in less than two weeks? Shove everything else to the side and focus on that. Don’t stress about crossing everything off your to-do list. Better to completely finish one thing than end up with multiple half-finished things.

Stress affects people in different ways. For you, Aquarius, it’s with a spending spree. Enter a bookstore, walk out with a library. Looking for one plant? How about buying an entire greenhouse! Now, there’s nothing wrong with treating yourself. But once the thrill is gone, you’ll be left facing reality and astronomical bills. Pick a few fun things you want to spend money on, like a two-for-one movie deal or a mani-pedi, and save the rest of the cash for when you really need it.

Pisces, we appreciate everything you do. You’re the one everyone goes to when they need a listening ear or a shoulder to cry on. But it’s taking a toll on you. You need to cut back on your commitments. Leave the house—and town, if you can—for a change of scenery. If you’re holding way too much inside you, open up to your parents, a friend, or a therapist. You can’t help others if you’re hurting, so don’t be afraid to put your health and needs first.