October astrology 2022; A month of changes

 

October is a pivotal month with an eclipse, 4 planets changing direction and Mars retrograde. This does not especially appear to be an especially calm month, especially since the Saturn-Uranus square is nearly exact, making its final pass or clash that will create a great deal of change an upheaval in the world and in our lives. Now, the details.

Saturn square Uranus; the final clash

Saturn is square Uranus, and this powerful aspect is at it’s peak the first 12 days of October. Both Saturn and Uranus are retrograde which typically present us with the most challenging times as opposed to both planets being direct.

A square between two planets represents change, but it is often not easy.  Saturn in astrology rules our structures and Uranus is the planet of sudden and unpredictable events. The Saturn archetype represents true reality and is associated with security, restrictions, the law, organization, control and government. It represents the State and its legal system and all conservative bodies. It also represents authority, tradition and time.

The Uranus archetype represents the need for change and freedom, originality and independence to go about things differently. It stimulates innovation, brilliance and genius. It is associated with coups, earthquakes, aircraft and spacecraft and is considered disruptive in a hard aspect, which it is. Uranus is often involved in separations, divorce, and other events and while in Taurus it is associated with love, money, food and food production, the Earth and personal as well as societal values and events.

When Saturn and Uranus clash it becomes an inevitable collision between the new and the old and change or disruption becomes unavoidable.  Most of the time however, when Uranus is involved, change was needed and will ultimately lead to a better solution. Sometimes however, change comes suddenly and can be disorienting for a while.

 What this aspect does in your own life depends on where Saturn and Uranus fall in your own personal chart. Since this affects the world we are all a part of it but you will be affected to a greater degree if you have fixed planets (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio or Aquarius at 16-20 degrees) in your chart. If you don’t know, it is advisable to look online, or of course you can call an astrologer who knows!

The energy of this final square will go into November and the results can play out for a long period of time and bring lasting consequences both in the world and in our own lives.

October 2^nd Mercury turns direct

While this is good news we are not really out of the woods yet. The ‘stationary’ periods; when Mercury first turns retrograde and then again as Mercury prepares to turn direct, are typically the worst for delays and glitches, and sometimes new information is revealed and things can change course again just when you think the retrograde is over. The ‘stationary direct’ period in this case is October 2-5^th.  While Mercury is technically direct it is advisable to wait at least a few days to begin new projects, buy high ticket items or make any major moves. It takes a little more time for Mercurial energies to straighten out than most people think.

Mercury begins to move forward once on October 6^th. It will remain in Virgo until October 10^th when it moves back into Libra.

Significant dates for Mercury

 Mercury opposed Neptune August 21^st, and is within orb or very close to Neptune again September 30-October 5^th. This aspect creates confusion, lack of clarity and tiredness or melancholy. You could feel more intuitive or have vivid dreams.

Mercury opposes Jupiter September 2^nd and again September 18^th and October 12^th. While this is generally considered positive, certain things can get blown out of proportion.

October 9^th-Full Moon in Aries

This month’s full moon at 16 degrees of Aries will be intense! Aries is a fire sign that if left to its own devices can be concerned mainly with me, me, me, which is the downside of the sign. As Aries is the natural ruler of the 1^st house of self, it opposes the 7^th house of partners so this full moon will mainly concern relationships and have a theme of me versus we. It opposes Venus, which is in its own domicile in Libra which can help, but it still forms an opposition which can create a very social type of energy, but alternatively it can also cause friction in relationships. This moon’s sextile to Saturn can provide some grounding and stability which is a positive, but it squares Pluto in a wide orb which can bring up old past psychological hurts and memories but at the same time it offers us the potential for change and transformation. The day before, Pluto reverses course and changes direction so we can expect to see major world events around this time.

October 8^th, Pluto turns direct

Pluto turns direct October 8^th at 26 degrees of Capricorn after a 5 month retrograde. Pluto does not affect us in such a personal way like retrograde Mercury, Venus or Mars does unless it is aspecting something in your own chart. Otherwise, Pluto rules the collective to a far greater degree and when Pluto turns direct we typically see many events unfolding in the world.

 Pluto represents death, transformation, sex and rebirth in astrology. It also rules power, bullies, destruction and decay along with the things that lie underneath or hidden below the surface. Pluto is the most powerful planet in the solar system irrespective of the fact it has been ‘demoted,’ and when you have a Pluto transit that affects your chart,  change will happen, ready or not.

When Pluto turns direct, we could say the energy of this powerful planet seems to “wake up.” It energizes any planets that are around it and intensifies their effect. Pluto is considered ‘stationary direct,’ until December 7^th, when it begins to move forward once again. The stationary direct period is when the energy seems most intense. On a personal level you could go through some type of ‘rebirth’ process or change of circumstances but again this will be much more obvious is it is doing something in your own chart.

While Pluto is retrograde its energy is often internalized, as opposed to being out in the open. Often this seems to keep certain things hidden, and when it goes direct situations appear to suddenly be revealed. These situations were actually there all along, we were just not consciously aware of them or they were hidden from our psyche in some way. So, when Pluto goes direct it appears to bring many things out into the open.

While Pluto is retrograde we typically go through some kind of an awakening or healing process in many cases. Some individuals are put into situations where they look fear in the eye in some manner and are forced to deal with it whether they are willing or not. For others it is a process of gaining wisdom or insight into something depending on where Pluto is transiting through your chart and it varies from person to person.

Many partnerships and financial ventures that have been delayed will begin to move forward now that Pluto is direct. The retrograde demands that we internalize the energy for a while, and then externalize the changes we have incorporated during this time when Pluto turns direct.

Now is the time to appreciate and recognize your own personal growth that has occurred over the past 5 months, and move forward with a better picture of yourself, your partnerships and your own place in the world.

October 11^th Mercury re-enters Libra

October 10^th re-enters Libra where it was when it turned retrograde. Libra rules marriage and partnerships we will all feel a little more relaxed and focused on relationships, and are willing to compromise to find common ground. This will be a major shift from the worrisome Virgo energy we have experienced over the last several weeks.

Day by day things shift toward normal as Mercury goes through its post retrograde shadow period which will last until October 17^th when it is full steam ahead once again.

Don’t be surprised if you don’t pick up where you may have left off late August when Mercury began its retrograde in Libra. Mercury will repeat the entire Libra cycle once again which will last until October 29^th when it enters Scorpio.

October 23^rd, the Sun enters Scorpio

When the Sun enters Scorpio it begins its yearly treck in the sign that rules money and sex as well as change and transformation, and it will remain in this sign until November 22nd.

 Scorpio is a water sign like Cancer and Pisces with several big differences. Scorpio is considered the most intense sign of the zodiac and can be overly sensitive, brooding, mysterious, emotional and sexual. You have heard of Scorpio’s sting if he or she is unhappy and Scorpio is not afraid to use it. Scorpio can suffer from fits of jealousy at times unless they are highly evolved. Even if they are evolved they can still struggle with the green eyed monster at times. On the other hand, Scorpio can be a loyal friend and trusted companion if you can ever break down their barriers get to know them well enough.

Words that describe Scorpio are brooding, self-contained, secretive, ambitious, deep, dark, determined, loyal, jealous, resentful, stubborn, controlling and transformative.

Each sign is connected to a planet or planets, and in this case Scorpio is connected to both Mars and Pluto. Mars is considered the planet of action and sex, and sex is something that Scorpio tends to be focused on with a laser like focus. Pluto is the planet of change and transformation or rebirth, and in a lifetime Scorpio can typically reinvent themselves many times. If you are looking to reinvent something, say your makeup, hair, reputation, career choice, or anything else, there will be no time like the Scorpio season. No one likes a comeback better than Scorpio and no one can do a comeback like Scorpio.

Scorpio is the detective or investigator of the zodiac and turning up facts or unknown information is something that Scorpio can excel at. Scorpio takes little at face value and is always digging and searching for the truth and deeper meaning.

During the Scorpio season we must guard against paranoia, and very little will seem shallow at this time. Scorpio’s best qualities can become their worst qualities when it comes to trust and openness. Trust must be something earned for Scorpio and only after trust has been established can openness become a priority. Once trust is established however, you can have a friend for life, or until you do something to prove you are not worthy of the friendship. If this becomes the case you will be a persona non grata for life.

Venus enters Scorpio

Venus enters Scorpio the same day the Sun does on October 23^rd. Venus in Libra we are leaving behind is 'lighter,' and Libra generally seeks balance and harmony whereas Scorpio is more intense, and can be considered heavier or even obsessive in nature. Love is a serious matter to those with Venus in Scorpio, as is money, and Venus rules both along with our values.

No sign is better than another but a planet can be better placed where it operates easily and more smoothly. Venus in Scorpio is considered ‘at its detriment,’ by astrologers which means it doesn’t operate as easily as in does in other signs and the energy can misbehave, so to speak, and so can we!

 Venus in the signs is a matter of love styles more than anything. If you were born with a Venus in Scorpio your approach to love will be far different from a Venus in Libra or Cancer or any other sign for that matter.

Venus in Scorpio can attract others with their intensity and a willingness to make commitments. Feelings run deep, but at times they can display jealousy or a desire to dominate.

Venus in Scorpio can become so intense that at worst some could feel obsessively entangled with someone they may not even know that well. Since Scorpio is water sign feelings and emotions can seem overpowering and this can be difficult for some, especially for Fire and Air signs.

Scorpio is known as the sexiest of the twelve signs and for Scorpio sex is at the top of the list. Scorpio is complex and craves intimacy like air but they are not always open in terms of what they should tell or express to their lover. Scorpio is secretive in nature and can be looking for power over his/her lover or to use sex to manipulate those feelings. Venus in Scorpio will bring intensity and passion to the bedroom. Scorpio considers sex personal, erotic and necessary to emotional survival. Once burned, Venus in Scorpio never forgets, and can spend years dwelling on someone they feel hurt by.

On the other hand Venus in this sign can be a magical and passionate time that you never forget. Loyalty is important to Venus in Scorpio and it is typically reciprocated. Scorpio can have a wonderful ability to heal and regenerate both yourself and others.

Saturn turns direct October 23^rd.

This is a powerful reversal of the planet of responsibilities and reality, and as it begins to move forward many things and situations that have been delayed will begin to move forward in some ways as well While retrograde, Saturn slows down the normal rate of activity so better methods can be developed and organized. Saturn rules the structures in our lives and allows us to develop our boundaries.

When transiting Saturn is retrograde, and we experience a Saturn transit in our personal charts, the retrograde of Saturn is typically the most difficult period of the transit. When we experience a harsh Saturn transit, it typically makes three passes over the course of about a year, one of them typically while Saturn is retrograde.

As Saturn turns direct this can be good news for many issues and situations that have been stuck or in some way or unproductive, and this is true for both the individual and the collective.  Saturn can represent a reality check in many areas of our lives and even in the world. We will see the direct motion of Saturn play out in the world, as situations begin to shift and change again in powerful ways.

While Saturn was retrograde many problems were internalized that were cloudy and difficult to figure out. As Saturn turns direct, these situations along with corrections and forward movement may be implemented.

Solar eclipse in Scorpio

We will experience a New Moon/partial solar eclipse that falls at 2 degrees of Scorpio on October 25^th. The lunar peak will occur at approximately 6:49AM, EST and is visible from most of Europe, northern Africa, the Middle East, and western parts of Asia.

Eclipses are like wildcards and one of the ways we learn how and what we need to change so our life can evolve. An eclipse can seem good or bad, depending on what it aspects in your personal chart, and often an eclipse is dramatic, or reveals important information if it aspects a significant point in your own chart. An eclipse often brings news pertaining to life's biggest events. The energy of an eclipse can last for months and in some cases years.

Almost always unexpected information comes to light and at this time something may be eclipsed completely out of your life, or into your life.

A solar eclipse is like a super charged New Moon, and new moons are typically about new beginnings on some level.

Scorpio is the natural ruler of the 8^th house of death, sex, transformation, and other people’s money. It is in these areas we will be focused for the most part, but you will also be affected by where this eclipse falls in your own personal chart.  

Eclipse season is typically a transformative time, especially this time since we are still under the influence of the disruptive Saturn-Uranus square which has brought about many changes in the world and our personal lives. Almost everyone is experiencing some type of struggle at this time.

The Moon will conjunct the Sun in Scorpio as it does every new moon, but it will also conjunct Venus, the planet of love, beauty, money and values. With Venus will be drawn to thinking about our love life and may be inclined to reach out to others, attend social events or meet someone new if there is no existing relationship. We may also ask ourselves what it is we value the most, both personally and as a collective.

Scorpio is the most intense sign of the zodiac and with an eclipse in this sign we may feel broody, introspective, possessive, and if we are looking for answers we will go to any extreme or look under any rock to find them.

Since Scorpio is ruled by Pluto (and Mars) we may experience some type of death and rebirth situation. This New Moon is all about change and transformation, and wherever it falls in your personal chart will show the area of your life this eclipse is trying to change or transform.

Mars is Scorpios co-ruler and Mars is only a few days from turning retrograde in its ‘pre-retrograde station’ so the energy affecting our action begins to change. As Mars is square Neptune, this confusing transit may cloud the issues, confuse us, or make it difficult to make a solid decision. Now is not really the time to make important decisions for the long term since Neptune can cloud our minds and not reveal the entire truth. It is important at this time to be completely above board and approach everything with integrity as to not do so would come back to bite! Alternatively, Mars-Neptune aspects can be associated with compassion, creativity and spirituality if you can ground yourself enough to let things flow.

The last solar eclipse we had close to the degree of this one was October 24, 1995 when we experienced a solar eclipse in Scorpio at 0 degrees.

Jupiter re-enters Pisces October 29^th

We got a chance to dip our toes into Jupiter in Aries since the planet of luck and gain entered Aries on May 10^th. Jupiter returns to Pisces one last time (for the next 12 years anyway) where it will remain until December 20^th.

Jupiter in Pisces is a great change from Jupiter in Aries and we will see more compassion in the world along with creativity during these few months.

Jupiter in Pisces will enhance creativity, spirituality, creative expression, compassion and intuition on the positive end. Faith, optimism and idealism may make a great comeback and dreams and intuition may be vivid. The sign Pisces is associated with Jupiter, its ancient ruler and also its modern ruler which is Neptune. While Jupiter is expansive and typically positive,  Neptune is the planet of illusion, delusion and confusion, as well as psychic abilities, religion, theatre and the arts, the ocean and drugs, alcohol, lies or misinterpretations of the facts.  During Jupiter’s retrograde period (July 28-November 23^rd) in Pisces we must guard against self-deception, sacrificing ones happiness for the whim of others, and looking at things through too-rosy glasses. Escapism is another theme associated with Neptune along with a powerful desire to become a part of something or someone’s life that may or may not be appropriate or operating in our best interest. Having to sacrifice something important is frequently a theme of relationships involving Neptune/Pisces and the desire to merge with something or someone new may be more powerful than the question of whether or not this is good for us.

Feelings of wanting to meet our ‘ideal’ partner will be powerful and in some cases acted upon. Our desire for love will be strong along with the hopes of an ideal or ‘white picket fence’ outcome. During Jupiter’s time in Pisces you will likely feel more connected with the people who come into your life, sense other people’s feelings and feel more compassion and generosity toward others and they toward you.

 

Pisces/Neptune is connected to drugs and addictions of all types which could increase in society along with plans about how to deal with addiction and those whose lives are ruined by it. This will be an issue that becomes front and center at some point. Escapism is another theme of Pisces/Neptune and many will seek to escape the harsh realities of the times either through substances or some other means.

 Psychics, dreams and spiritualism, mediumship, astrology and other esoteric arts will prosper and become more widespread as people search for deeper answers and yearn to return to the times when society seemed kinder and less harsh.

Movies and creative projects will take great leaps and we can expect to see some outstanding creative work under this transit. A new pop culture explosion may be in the making.

If you are a Pisces, you can expect a certain amount of luck and positivity with Jupiter in your sign. This will benefit all water signs as well, along with Taurus and Capricorn. For Virgo, this places Jupiter in the 7^th house of committed relationships and marriage, so we may see an increase in marriage and commitment for Virgo in 2022. Scorpio may benefit in the area of romance as well as Jupiter will transit through Scorpio’s 5^th house of love.

Mercury enters Scorpio October 29^th

Mercurial energy changes once again as the planet of communication enters Mars-Pluto ruled Scorpio where it will remain until November 16^th.

Mercury rules our communication and while in Scorpio we are typically searching, digging for truth and a little more suspicious in nature. Mercury in this sign can be intense and will leave no stone unturned if looking for an answer. Our thinking and communication will be deep and substantive, and Scorpio is known as being relentless; in other words, we don’t give up easily, if at all.

Mercury in Scorpio communication is more direct and forceful (Mars) as well as probing, inquisitive and prone to reading between the lines (Pluto). Sometimes this may be warranted, but often it is not.

You can use Scorpio’s perceptive and calculating approach to concentrate and focus on what you want to direct your energy toward as Scorpio is very focused. Mercury in Scorpio is frank to the point of being blunt; at times too blunt. During this period we tend to churn ideas around quite a bit before reaching a final conclusion. As Scorpio is a fixed sign, decisions made at this time are often irreversible. Mercury-Scorpio is passionate in speech and communication but we must be careful about lecturing others. Others will be equally passionate, and quite a few secrets will be exchanged at this time. Our judgment will be at its best when it is not personal. If this happens the emotional side of Scorpio may take over and we could lose our objectivity.

Mars retrogrades October 21^st until January 12^th, 2023

August 20^th, Mars entered Gemini where it will remain until March 25^th, 2023. This is an unusually long time for the planet that rules our action to spend in a sign, but it will retrograde from October 30, 2022-January 12, 2023, and then it will repeat almost the entire Mars cycle that occurred in the fall all over again.

Below are the most important dates to be aware of during Mars long cycle in this sign:

·       Mars enters Gemini August 20^th, 2022

·       Mars enters its retrograde ‘shadow’ period September 3^rd, 2022

·       Mars turns retrograde October 30^th, 2022

·       Mars is in mutual reception with Mercury October 29-November 17^th, 2022

·       Mars squares Neptune October 11-15^th, November 19-22^nd, and March 15-18^th, 2023

·       Mars stations to turn direct January 12, 2023

·       Mars leaves its post retrograde ‘shadow’ March 15^th. 2023

·       Mars leaves Gemini and enters Cancer March 25, 2023

 

Mars rules our action, desire and energy and Gemini is the sign ruling communication. All forms of communication will become more important, more assertive and there is a good chance we will say exactly what is on our minds. Our minds as well as our communication with others will be on fire for the next 7 months and be our greatest asset as well as our biggest problem if we are not aware of the pitfalls. That said, with some understanding of how the sign works, it can be a time of excitement, bright ideas, and an invigorating if not fun period of time.

Gemini rules the third house of the zodiac which is concerned with short trips, immediate family members and co-workers as well as our neighborhood or the area where we reside. Gemini is a mutable Air sign. Air signs are intellectual as opposed to emotional and mutable signs are very changeable, so we can expect to view things from a more detached viewpoint and change our minds often. Mars-Gemini loves a fast-paced environment with much coming and going so we can expect to be quite busy.

Mars begins its retrograde at 25 degrees of Gemini and will retrograde all the way back to 8 degrees of Gemini when it will turn direct.

When Mars turns retrograde there is not an even expression of energy, and people can feel more tired than normal. Things may operate more through subtle forms of manipulation as opposed to open conflicts. Many people feel angry more often or lose their temper more quickly. Mars rules our energy, and we may have to get more rest and pay more attention to our level of activity.

Sickness and accidents may occur, and we are often more accident prone, but you should not expect to get sick, just take care of yourself and be careful. Some may experience more tension headaches as Mars rules the head, especially if you are prone to these.

As Mars begins its retrograde in Gemini, the sign of communication and speech, it will be important to remember it will be easier for people we communicate with to misunderstand what we are saying or misinterpret things. Mars retrograde is not like retrograde Mercury, but since it’s in Mercury’s sign, we could experience some of the same affects and should be aware of the way we communicate with others. If you don’t understand something; ask!

Any plans that are initiated under a retrograde Mars tend to not work out, and this typically includes new relationships. Since Mars rules men, some men may seem to go backwards, especially when it comes to relationships. A very wise astrologer once told me, ‘When Mars goes retrograde women chase the men and when Venus goes retrograde men chase the women.’  Relationships can be affected by a retrograde Mars, along with our libido which may slow down as well.

As with any retrograde planet, issues from the past could surface or we may be faced with making corrections to our action or activities of some type.

Mars and Mercury in mutual reception

Mutual reception occurs in astrology when two planets fall in each other’s sign. Mars is in Gemini, ruled by Mercury and from October 29^th through November 17^th, Mercury will be in Mars’s sign which is Scorpio. This means these planets work well together and basically help each other along. This will help to keep things a little more level as we get used to the retrograde energy, so this is a positive

Mars squares Neptune

Mars squares Neptune three times while in Gemini. The dates are October 11-15, 2022, November 19-23^rd, 2022, and March 14-17, 2023. We will, however, feel this powerful energy both before and after these planets clash.  Pay attention to what happens in October as there could be reoccurring themes, especially if this hits something in your personal chart. The most significant of the three times this aspect is active will be November, as Mars is retrograde and has a more significant affect.

Mars-Neptune transits are confusing, draining and tiring. Sometimes unusual or strange things happen on a transit like this, and at worst it can be associated with confusion, lies, misunderstandings and deceptive tactics. It is important to be completely above board and honest with this aspect as otherwise it could come back to bite you in the future. Some may feel discouraged, even hopeless and question what they are doing. If this is the case, this energy will pass in a few days and things are typically not as bad as they appear with this aspect.

For some, this could represent a type of spiritual transit that could involve compassion for others or artistic ventures. Dreams could be quite vivid as well as intuition.