If you ask people what they miss most about the old Anchorage Press, a surprising number of them wax nostalgic about the astrology column.
So, in the quest to revive the paper, horoscopes were non-negotiable.
But when the Press put out the call for an astrology columnist, nobody could have predicted the response.
More than 30 astrologers (along with a few witches, tarot readers, and other esotericists) submitted bids to write the column. We were floored. When exactly did Anchorage get so swept up by the stars?
Over the past decade, interest in the ancient art of astrology has surged. Is it the tantalizing pleasure of understanding ourselves (and our partners, bosses, and potential flings)? The upswell of misinformation that has crashed over our algorithms? The tech dystopia that keeps us in a constant state of existential crisis?
At the Anchorage Press, we don’t strive to have all the answers. But we do strive to give the people what they want — which apparently includes astrology! As someone who journalistically fact-finds by day and reads the stars by night, I can say with some authority that both disciplines rely on the power of narrative. In a confusing world, what’s more comforting than having someone tell you what it all means — whether they’re a reporter or an astrologer?
So, in true Gemini fashion (yes, the Anchorage Press is a Gemini) — we’ll be dishing up our hard-hitting reporting with a side of cosmic chaos from a rotating cast of contributors every month. In addition to horoscopes, we want to publish your best astrological deep dives and esoteric hot-takes.
Do you have thoughts about Venus retrograde and local politics? Want to get your readings in front of an audience of Anchorage astrology enthusiasts? Have strong words about why all of this is bunk? Write us: [email protected].
Celestially yours,
Kaitlin Jade Armstrong, astrology editor
And now for your September horoscopes, from guest astrologer Jessica Faust.
Aries (March 20 – April 19)
Aries, you’re scaring me. You’re trying to outrun (…and probably outbike) the fall by taking it all on yourself. But Saturn in your sign asks you to slow down and breathe. My advice? Ask for help. Toward the end of the month, be open to a bigger (and brighter) vision.
Taurus (April 20 – May 20)
Taurus, I’m guessing you live for soup season and sweater weather. Your time has arrived. Prepare to eat and drink your way into the new season. If you’re looking for inspiration, I think you’d be into the Alyeska Oktoberfest (Sept. 25-26).
Gemini (May 21 – June 20)
Gemini, you probably have like 47 tabs open right now. Find ways to unplug, literally if you can. Get out in the mountains, or go to Seward to look at boats. If you need somewhere to direct your curiosity, try Beer in the Garden (Sept. 17).
Cancer (June 21 – July 22)
Sweet baby Cancer: As temperatures drop, do what Cancers do best — tend to your home and relationships. Make your space warm, turn up the cozy vibes, and nurture the connections you’ll want beside you when Venus stations retrograde next month. Look for a homey handmade trinket at Clayfest (Sept 12).
Leo (July 23 – Aug. 22)
Leo, your summer spotlight is dimming….try not to take it personally. As the days get shorter, you might find yourself working behind the scenes — or behind the lens. Practice nature photography at Westchester Lagoon. And if you need to feel like the main character, find a dance floor downtown.
Virgo (Aug. 23 – Sept. 22)
Hey Virgo, overwhelmed? Did you Virgo season too close to the sun? Your birthday month has you itching to organize and optimize. Resist! Let your ideas wander somewhere unproductive, as a treat. Goof off at the Alaska State Fair (through Sept. 7) or Talkeetna Brewfest (Sept. 19).
Libra (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22)
Libra, now is a good time to get honest about what you actually want. It’s okay to do something a little selfish — it’s almost your birthday. Take yourself on a solo date. Try exploring First Friday on your own (Sept. 4).
Scorpio (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21)
Scorpio, I know you’d rather be plotting your mysterious reinvention than doing your laundry. September asks you to tend to your chores and routines. Then I’m seeing a change around your home mid-month. Are you changing addresses, rearranging your space, or just camping out under the stars in Hope?
Sagittarius (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21)
Sagittarius, I’m sure you’re feeling the FOMO even more than usual, desperate to squeeze out every last drop of summer. Embrace the spontaneous drive, last-minute hike, or quiet afternoon fishing for rainbows. Around Sept. 15, follow the side-quest. Let your curiosity lead the way.
Capricorn (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19)
Uhhh, Capricorn, put down the clipboard. You don’t have to be the manager of September! This month asks you to release control and let others surprise you. Say yes to plans with someone new. Let someone teach you an outdoorsy skill. Connections deepen when you let someone else steer.
Aquarius (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18)
Aquarius, you’ve got systems on systems, but September tests if they’re working. As summer winds down, obligations pile up. Build some structure to tackle the chaos, but leave room for the weird and spontaneous. Check out Girdwood Fungus Fair (Sept. 12–13), or chase fall colors in Talkeetna on a whim.
Pisces (Feb. 19 – March 20)
Pisces, I support your delusions…but have you checked your bank account? Early September asks you to resist the impulse-buys, but you can still romanticize your life. Write poetry on a rainy afternoon or drive to Beluga Point for no reason. Pay attention to the delulu idea that keeps coming back.