This is a pretty big month, with a lot of astro activity.
There will be a mix of aspects, many of which inspire change. You may notice a call to action as the cosmic pot is proverbially shaken not stirred by eclipses, aspects involving Uranus and Mars and sweet possibilities promised by triggers to Jupiter.
For most of the month Mercury will be retrograde indicating that a little extra effort towards handling logistics and making plans will be worth it.
To my mind, here are October’s top ten astro events.
1) Aries Lunar Full Moon eclipse, October 8 – 9
2) Scorpio Solar New Moon eclipse, October 23/24
Eclipses are potent activators. They can stir things up, reveal what’s been hidden and generally create a little change or chaos. You may get a window into the future, allowing you to get a sense of where you’re headed. If you like what you see, carry on. If not, use this sneak peek to inspire a course correction. More on each of these eclipses as we get closer, but in the meantime you might like this Eclipse Fact Sheet.
3) Grand Fire Trine, October 4 – 9, Motivation, Opportunity, Change + Progress
Fire is composed of both heat and dryness. Heat adds energy so this can help motivate you to take action. When things ‘dry out’ they are less squishy and more separate. This may help you take action about choices that are right for you, even if they take you in a different direction to that of someone close.
Fire is generally energising, and all three planets involved in this grand trine – Mars in Sagittarius, Uranus in Aries and Jupiter in Leo are hot by nature. Consider this a kind of cosmic wake up call to chase your dreams by turning ideas into action. It’s a case of what you do, not what you say that makes a difference now.
This grand trine is active between 14 – 17 degrees of the three fire signs so if you have any planets there, or a chart point (like your ascendant or MC) you will personally feel a stirring in your soul. The presence of Jupiter, which can be lucky or lead to opportunity, suggests a little effort can take you a long way now.
4) Sun square Pluto + opposite Uranus, October 4 – 9
5) Venus square Pluto + opposite Uranus, October 8 – 12
The square is an aspect of adjustment. An opposition aspect highlights things that are different yet connected. The ongoing dance between Uranus and Pluto has created friction and challenged the status quo for more than 12 months. This October, both the Sun and Venus lend their light to this change making duo. Expect adjustments with authority figures, leaders (like your boss) or in the way you manage others. Relationships may also go through a topsy turvy couple of days as each person attempts to adjust to changing circumstances while holding onto a semblance of authenticity.
My best tips are to be flexible, curious and adaptable. Avoid power struggles but be honest – direct if need be – about what’s important to you now. When things are ripe for change it means everyone has a chance to clarify what they want and create something more authentic.
6) Sun sextile Jupiter, October 10 – 12
7) Venus sextile Jupiter, October 13 – 16
Both the Sun and Venus form supportive sextiles with Jupiter this month, helping bring a little sweetness and ease into life. It’s in Jupiter’s nature to give, to be generous and to uplift.
On these days, you may be the recipient of timely support, or share what you have with those around you. Opportunities to do with study, travel or within relationships are likely, as are new experiences that have a global or international quality. A little healthy risk taking can pay off, so stretch yourself beyond your comfort zone. Reaching will be worth it.
8) Mercury retrograde, October 3 – 25. Review, Revise + Redo
Logistics, organisation and communication may need extra attention. Double check, follow up and where necessary make changes. For more on Mercury Rx check out these past posts here, here and here.
9) Saturn out of shadow, October 28. Pushing Deeper Into truth
Saturn pushes deeper into Scorpio than he has gone so far as he moves beyond the bounds of his most recent shadow towards the end of the month. If you are a Scorpio, with the Sun between 16 – 23 Scorpio, or you have planets in any other fixed sign (Leo, Taurus, Aquarius) at these degrees you can kiss Saturn good bye.
If you are a Scorpio with the Sun at the end of the sign, between 23 – 29 degrees, or you have planets in any other fixed sign (Leo, Taurus, Aquarius) at these degrees you will embrace Saturn more intimately in the months ahead. If this is you (and me, as I have Mars in this area) it’s time to get serious about whatever situation or project has been on your mind for the last year or two. Saturn can help you make a decision and stick to your limits. Being realistic about what’s possible – or not – and in what timeframe will help.
I go into detail on the Saturn in Scorpio cycle in my eBook available here.
10) Mars into Capricorn, Stabilising, Focus, Determination
Mars is exalted in Capricorn, which means we get some of Mars better qualities emerging as we head into November. Mars in Capricorn is hard working, security conscious and focussed on what needs to be done now to create lasting stability and success.
Since Capricorn is an earth sign this may help you get grounded, be practical or stay focussed as the end of year silly season looms. All cardinal signs – Aries, Cancer, Libra + Capricorn – can benefit from the opportunity to take action and create progress. Fellow earth signs, Virgo + Taurus, may get a little extra courage or confidence to do something about what they want. Pisces and Scorpio get a touch of heat to help you pursue a personal project.