The celestial intensity that began in early September continues through most of October, although things should settle down a little after mid-month.
For those with romantic relationships at a tipping point – one way or the other – changes could be in the works this month. Both Goddess of Love Venus and partnership asteroid Juno are very active. Most of us, including those in relationships, won’t feel it much either way, but folks who are moving towards greater commitment or moving apart may find that October is a month for decisions and action.
We’ll all be feeling the whirlwind of energy that begins the month, including a solar eclipse on the 2nd, Jupiter’s station to retrograde on the 9th, and Pluto’s station to go direct on the 11th. That brings us close to the dynamic Aries Full Moon on the 17th. Then on the 22nd, the Sun at the very last degree of Libra makes a tense square to power broker Pluto, who’s wrapping up his last full month in Capricorn.
The solar eclipse on the 2nd is at 10 degrees Libra. Those with long memories can think back to October of 2005, when this degree last hosted a solar eclipse. You won’t get a do-over, of course, but you can reflect about the changes that were happening around that time and look for resonance. In general, solar eclipses are a bit tense, like the calm before the storm… there’s often a sense of impending something-or-other, but usually nothing much happens right around the eclipse (there are exceptions). We are seeding things for the future, so try to stay on an even keel as much as possible: it’s not a bad idea to do a little meditation in the days around the eclipse.
Jupiter’s station to retrograde on the 9th is a cosmic surprise party. Jupiter stations tend to fill us with optimism and faith in the future (and present). The energy affects everyone, so there’s no particular value assigned: blowhards and fools will be energized as much as anyone else. Still, it’s usually a good vibe and should make for a pleasant midweek. Jupiter is exactly trine (a harmonious aspect) to his wife, Juno, at the station, signaling one of the the many opportunities for relationship changes this month.
The Jovial party might have a rather dark visitor, as two days later on the 11th Pluto stations to go direct. Pluto stations are quite different than those of Jupiter, and there’s a tension in the air that’s quite similar to the solar eclipse of just a week before. Power and control issues at every level are common around Pluto stations, and many of us will be inclined to a ‘my way or the highway’ attitude. With the upbeat winds of Jupiter still blowing, that could mean that some people see opportunities to take control of a situation.
Mercury is square to Pluto (exact on the 13th but felt from the 11th on). At the very last degree of Libra, the Cosmic Messenger is trying to get a diplomatic message across, but it’s probably an iron fist in a velvet glove. Expect tough negotiations, especially in business dealings, although people will be ‘speaking truth to power’ in all situations. Just after squaring Pluto, Mercury wades into the dark waters of Scorpio, keeping an emotionally charged communication vibe going for the rest of the month.
At the Aries Full Moon on the 17th, partnership is again highlighted. The Sun is closely conjunct Juno, while Venus makes an easy sextile to Pluto (from his home sign of Scorpio) before leaping into Sagittarius. Although relationship negotiations and decisions are possible all month long, the days around the full moon are the most energized times for action.
The Sun goes on to square Pluto on the 22nd, another aspect that asks “who (really) has the power?” In Libra, the Sun is more diplomatic than regal, while Pluto in Capricorn holds the purse strings: the king can’t fund the new wing of the castle without help from the bankers. We’ll see this playing out on the collective level, but in our personal lives we may also see tensions rising around finances and questions emerging about who really has control. There’s an immensely creative power to this aspect, as well, and that can be used constructively.
A few hours later, the Sun leaves Libra for Scorpio, in a sense capitulating to Pluto’s demands. As we approach the last quarter moon on the 24th, the solar energy is withdrawing and we’re starting to consider what we’ve learned in the past year, and what will need to wait for next.
Although the Scorpio New Moon is on November 1st, we’ll be feeling the inward pull in the days before. It’s a very appropriate vibe for Halloween, which features an imaginative Mercury/Neptune trine. It may not be the most boisterous Halloween on record, but the skies match the mood very well.
There’s much more to October, and you can catch my weekly forecasts on YouTube, or follow me (and lots of other cool folks) on my favorite social media app, EvolvePlus.
Image by webandi, via Pixabay