This Autumn Aquarians could be making big decisions in relation to their money and shared resources. Thanks to a set of eclipses towards the end of August and the beginning of September, Aquarians could be taking a leap of faith in relation to a joint ventures, projects and property investments, or taking a relationship to the next level by agreeing to move in together. You can expect to feel conflicted about whether to cover your back and retain an element of independence one one hand, whilst simultaneously wanting to forego self-preservation in pursuit of something larger than yourself, be it an ambitious project you couldn't attempt on your own, or the possibility of a shared lifestyle that symbolises your trust and commitment to another.

Most Aquarians will agree that they've had quite a tough year on the relationship front. Not only have you had two Saturn-Neptune oppositions in Leo and Aquarius to contend with, which might have led to a push-me-pull-you dynamic with regards to fulfilling relationship obligations, but you have also recently suffered a longer-than-average spell of Venus retrograde in the sector of your life that concerns committed relationships and business partners. To say you feel that your limits have been tested in conjunction with one-on-one associations would be to put it mildly!

As if that weren't enough, Aquarians will have two more trials to endure  - the eclipses I mentioned earlier. The first in the series, a lunar eclipse in Pisces on the 28th of August, could trigger memories of last year's events, when a similar situation may have confronted you. Now, as then, you will feel torn in two as you face the biggest dilemma possible for an Aquarian - whether to retain your independence or merge with another. The main theme at this time will be self-sufficiency versus intimacy, personal skills and resources versus shared income and joint ventures, financial independence versus joint funds and monetary responsibilities. At this time, the Moon in Pisces will be sharing the same house as your ruling planet, Uranus, which has been touring this watery sign since January 2004, which means that your knee-jerks instinct in relation to these matters will be self-preservation and financial autonomy because, for a commitment-shy Aquarian, this means the security. However, both the Moon and Uranus will be making 180 degree angles to planets in your opposite house of shared resources, which will pull you in the opposite direction. Firstly, the Moon will be opposing the Sun in Virgo. The Sun will be touring the house of shared resources from where your head (or a male figure) will be telling you to stop being ridiculous - that you have to grow up at some time and learn to trust that you and your partner can work together as a team and that things won't necessarily end in tears. Mercury will also be in Virgo in the same house, so will also be sending logical communications back at Uranus across the aspect line drawn between them. So, at this time, you will feel a definite split between heart and mind.

A lover or child may be really putting on the pressure or being quite pushy about what they think you should do, thanks to a Moon-Mars square on the same day as the eclipse. A friend may have equally strong opinions, thanks to a Moon-Jupiter right angle between your 11th and 8th houses. Both seem to be in contradiction to this need to stay self-contained and do your own thing in terms of resources. 

Fortunately, the planet that rules both money and relationships, Venus, is due to change directions in early September - the 8th to be exact - which should help to get things moving again in this department. During August, you may well have found yourself spending a fair amount of time reminiscing about previous relationships, possibly comparing them to your current one, or just simply assessing whether you feel things are going as they should with your other half. Alternatively, you may have been going over financial scenarios, sorting out past bills or trying to recover outstanding debts. As Venus begins to resume forward motion, money and relationship matters should improve so either way, you stand to benefit.

The following day, the dwarf planet of transformation, Pluto, also turns direct, in your eleventh house of friendships, hopes and wishes, groups, and society, making it easier for you to make changes in this area of your life, something you may have been wanting to do for several months now. Clearly, the momentum for making big transitions appears to grow as the month progresses.

To top it all off is a solar eclipse in Virgo on the 11th. Occurring at the time of a New Moon, you are free to start a new phase of life, particularly in relation to joint ventures, shared investments, loans and mortgages. Unlike the lunar eclipse, the Sun and Moon will be singing from the same songsheet which indicates that you may well be able to resolve your earlier dilemma at this time, and make a definite decision as to which path you wish to take. Given that the 8th house is emphasised now, it would seem as if you are likely to take the plunge and make a go of either setting up in business with someone, buying a house as part of a joint mortgage or taking the plunge with a lover and merging your bank accounts or setting up house together. This may, in part, be a result of your having considered what friends and lovers had to say earlier, as well as a growing sense of trust on your part that it is possible to safeguard onesself without having to remain an island.

However, things will not all be straightforward. The Moon will again form an unfavourable aspect with Mars, meaning that impatience, emotional confrontations and tense moments may be part of this process, especially in relation to lovers , children or hobbies. The Moon will also be in opposition to Uranus, so it is likely that a part of you will still doubt that you are doing the right thing and find it difficult to entirely trust the idea of giving up your independence. The trick is to find a way to try and do so in a way that doesn't feel reckless or is without safeguards  - just knowing you have planned for all eventualities and talked about what happens if things could go wrong may make you feel more confident about taking the plunge. Just don't let emotions run too high or allow others to be overly pushy - we all know how perverse that can make you become... 

Good days to look forward to include the 6th, when the Moon and Uranus line up in perfect harmony, making it great for resolving your lunar eclipse dilemmas and finding a way to marry emotions, sharing, money and self-preservation or originality. The Sun will also be working with the Moon at this time, so heart and head can come together in dynamic unity. The 16th is also not a bad day for similar reasons although, unlike the 6th,  there will be a few difficult aspects which might cause a little static.

Altogether, a significant time for relationships and money, Aquarius. There are important and potentially life-changing decisions to made. However, I have every confidence that if you find a way to balance your your high ideals and principles, whilst still staying in touch with your human side, you'll come through all these changes with flying colours.