October 2023; The eclipse season is upon us!

 

During October the Sun transits through the first sign of Fall (Libra) and then enters Scorpio. Mercury transits through Virgo, Libra and Scorpio and Venus finally leaves Leo, after a long retrograde and 4 months in this sign. Mars leaves Libra for Scorpio and Saturn retrogrades all the way back to 0 degrees and will retrace its steps since March once again as we enter the new year. Pluto turns direct and we will experience two powerful eclipses in Libra and Taurus. Now, the details.

Monday morning, October 2^nd we will experience the final opposition of Mercury to Neptune so expect issues to be clouded and confusing. The energy will of course begin before this aspect is exact and a few days after.

October 4^th, Mercury enters Libra, leaving critical Virgo behind for another year.

Over the next several weeks our thoughts and actions will turn toward partnerships of all types. Many of us will be thinking of romance as Libra is ruled by Venus and the 7^th house of marriage and partners. Otherwise we will make an effort to get along with others better, and our style of communication will change dramatically from the sometimes worrisome and critical Mercury in Virgo.

 Libra likes to find balance and please others but this energy is known as being changeable. It would not be unusual to hear someone with Mercury in Libra state an opinion, and then do an about face. Libra is a rational sign that likes to weigh all options. Since Mercury/Libra has the ability to see things from all viewpoints, Libra -Mercury can seem indecisive, but most of the time it is really just a careful consideration of all options and viewpoints that may appear indecisive.

Libra has an innate sense of fairness and a reputation of being the peacemaker.  Bear in mind, the symbol for Libra is the scales of justice.

Mercury in Libra is typically diplomatic, charming, smooth, flirty and sympathetic. On the more negative end Libra can be indecisive, procrastinators, people pleasers at any cost and over-intellectualizing of certain subjects.

Mercury in this sign has the ability to see the big picture with great clarity. It is also a Cardinal sign which means change can occur due to active assertion of ideas or action.

 October 8^th, Mars squares Pluto. This is an aggressive and difficult transit and the energy will build during the previous week. This will affect us on both an individual and collective level.

On a personal level this can lead to aggressive behavior, arguments and obsessive thinking. Squares indicate change, and there will be a significant group of people who will experience some type of change on a personal basis is they have planets in Aries, Cancer, Libra or Capricorn at 25-29 degrees. What happens depends on where this falls in your personal chart, but it is highly indicative of problems in partnerships.

On the world stage this indicates threats of violence, actual violence, arguments and disagreements over finances/money. This powerful aspect hits the current Pluto return in the US chart so we can expect significant news at this time in terms of money/finance, corruption and those who would force their will on others. In other words; bullies and autocrats.

While no one should expect personal disaster or be fearful it is sensible to be aware of the profound energies and use care in terms of movement and actions. This is not a time to get carried away by hidden or deep seated personal issues that may present themselves at this time.

October 8^th, Venus enters Virgo where it will remain until November 7^th.

Venus is the goddess of love and money and while in this sign has somewhat of a soiled reputation as it is considered ‘at its fall.’ In layman’s terms this means the energies of Venus and Virgo are not especially compatible.

Virgo is a somewhat critical earth sign. There is a picky side to Virgo and while in this sign others (or you) can come across as overly critical and demanding. You may feel as though you are trying to help others help themselves and could blow things out of proportion, or your desire to help may be misunderstood so it is important to remember during Virgo’s transit most will ask for help if they feel they need it. Hurt feelings can arise if Virgo’s critical nature gets the upper hand.

With Venus in Virgo you may pay more attention to personal habits of others. Getting into a car for example, that is full of trash may be a real turn off, along with sloppy clothes, hair, nails or anything of this kind. During this time you will appreciate common sense and punctuality more than at other times, something Virgo excels at.

During Venus’s transit through Virgo we express our love in practical ways. Just being there or doing something that is helpful

Virgo can be a great helpmate, loyal friend or lover and you may be in no rush to begin a mad, passionate affair but go more slowly getting to know the true nature of your love interest.

Virgo can be warm, giving and interested in matters relating to day to day living with your significant other as opposed to wild fantasies and passion. Not that Virgo can’t be passionate but it may take some time to get there.

Venus in Virgo may not be the most intense period in your love life, but Virgo has several qualities that cannot be denied namely integrity, warmth and compassion. These are powerful qualities connected to this sign along with warmth, concern and caring. Virgo has a natural healing ability as well. There is a lot to be said for Virgo’s calm, reasonable, protective and healing nature, especially considering the trying times we are experiencing. Coming home to a quiet dinner with someone who cares about your day can go a lot further in the end than someone who is all about flash and doesn’t really care how you are feeling about your life, so make the most of Venus in Virgo while she is in this often misunderstood sign.

October 10^th, Venus opposes Saturn, but look for manifestations of this energy in the days before it becomes exact. While Venus is about love, social activity and money, Saturn will put a powerful drag on all things Venus. If this aspects a significant point in your chart, you could experience relationship problems, loneliness, or in some cases an ending, but this would be rare. Don’t take things too seriously as this will soon change.

October 10^th, Pluto turns direct. When Pluto ‘stations’ which means it is coming out of its sleep or retrograde period it becomes very powerful, especially if it is hitting a significant point in your personal chart. Since the US is in its final Pluto return we can expect to see significant news. If Pluto is stationing direct on a planet in your chart, you could experience change as well.

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.

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.

October 11^th, Mars enters Scorpio where it will remain until November 24^th.

Mars is the action planet and is connected to the way we approach things. Mars in Scorpio is considered powerful and Mars is one of the rulers of Scorpio giving it harmony with this sign.

Scorpio is a fixed sign, so energy does not move quickly like it did in Libra; a Cardinal sign. Mars-Scorpio will give us the ability to have more tenacity, and get to the bottom of things faster.

As Mars transits through Scorpio we may experience a drive to change or transform something in our lives whether it is small, or a larger life change. If there is a true desire for change there is very little that can hold us back with Mars in this very determined sign.

Mars in Scorpio is known to go where angels fear to tread and is seldom if ever afraid to explore the darker and deeper side of life. At times, this transit could spark an interest in serious self evaluation that can result in the ability to make deep changes within ourselves.

Any planet entering Scorpio can also be concerned with money, or other people’s money. This can include partners-both personal and work, as well as your own money.  Changes in finances may occur at this time, you could come with a budget, or you may simply go over your finances.  There will be a greater focus on money during this six and a half week cycle.

The downside of Mars in Scorpio can relate to obsessions and/or darker feelings of revenge as Scorpio is co-ruled by Pluto. Pluto is a powerful planet that is associated with revenge, determination and destruction as well as transformation.

Pluto likes to tear down to rebuild in a better way but it is important to remember that if you are going to destroy something in your life it is best not to burn bridges you may have to walk back over at some point.

Used wisely, Mars in Scorpio can be a great help in developing our own personal power and self confidence. To do this well, we must learn to rise above feelings of bitterness or getting even over a perceived wrong or slight. Scorpio has a hard time forgetting and some may never let go of bitter feelings.

Positive traits such as determination, transformation, passion, intuition, and insightfulness describe Mars-Scorpio. The downside is moodiness, brooding, revenge, plotting and over intensity. Scorpio can be among the most highly evolved of signs or it can sink to the lowest depths. It is up to us to channel the positive side of this transit and grow with it. With Mars in Scorpio we can accomplish a great deal if we don’t get overwrought or let ego matters get in the way.

Solar eclipse in Libra October 14th

As we approach eclipse energy start to build at least a month before, new information is often revealed, and events relating to the eclipse begin to occur both before and after the eclipse. Eclipses typically have long shelf lives. The energy is present for at least a month before/after and often much longer depending on the strength and duration of the eclipse.

Eclipses can bring positive or negative events depending on what it aspects in your personal chart. Things can be eclipsed in or out of your life, and eclipses frequently bring important life changes and surprises. All eclipses serve as signposts showing us what the focus of your life will be throughout any given year.

This eclipse falls at 21 degrees of Libra, the sign ruling love, partnerships and marriage.

The moon will conjunct the Sun, just as it does on any New Moon as well as Mercury. Mercury rules communication, travel, commerce and young people.

This eclipse is about relationships and partnerships of all types as well as marriage.

This eclipse makes no negative aspects in the sky and we gain support from Mars’ trine to Saturn.

What happens personally depends on where this falls in your chart. You might consider an astrologer!

 October 20^th, Mercury squares Pluto. This is often an obsessive transit and it may be hard to let go of whatever thought is on your mind at this time. This aspect tends to dig beneath the surface for answers and it is excellent for research. At times, this can represent a troubled mind, or an argument, so use care.

The Sun also squares Pluto October 20-21st which means the Sun is conjunct Mercury as well. This can be a willful type of energy.

Sun-Pluto aspects can be difficult and deal with change on a personal and global level. Once again this aspect hits the US Pluto return in the US chart, so we can expect significant news at and around this time.

October 21^st, Mercury enters Scorpio until November 10^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.

October 23rd, the Sun enters Scorpio for the next month and begins its yearly trek through the sign that rules money and sex as well as change and transformation

 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. 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. Some Scorpios are evolved and highly enlightened.

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 better than 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.

 The lunar eclipse in Taurus October 28^th

The companion lunar eclipse this month is in the sign of Taurus and it falls at 5 degrees. Eclipses always travel in pairs. Those who will be most affected are Taurus, Scorpio, Aquarius and Leo or anyone with planets in these signs from 3-8 degrees.

Taurus is the other sign (along with Libra) that is ruled by Venus, the planet of love, money and values, so for many the focus will once again be relationships.

Taurus also rules money and possessions. For many this will be the focus of the eclipse, or we could hear some type of financial news around this time.

The Moon opposes Mars, the planet of aggression and anger. This is a difficult transit overall, and points to family or emotional upheaval, or problems with women. It will be important to maintain your emotional equilibrium at this time until this aspect passes. The Moon also opposes Mercury, the planet of communication. This could represent a great deal of communication on this day or it could represent agitation. A jumbled mind could also result if you don’t make an effort to keep your thoughts under control.

Mercury is conjunct Mars and Jupiter. The potential here swings between debate and a lot of conversation, or anger, arguments and mental or emotional upsets. The influence of Jupiter is positive and could only help.

Mars opposes Jupiter, which can blow things out of proportion. While the combination of Mars and Jupiter is not typically considered positive, it could result in over stating or over promising something. I have found this aspect is generally seen when politics come into play and we have certainly seen a great deal of this.

Pluto returns in the US chart; Final round

 

Pluto will make its final return to Pluto in the US natal chart from September 19^th- November 1^st. During this time, Pluto will move from retrograde to direct on October 11^th. When a major planet like Pluto changes direction it often coincides with major world events.

So far we have experienced the US Pluto return three times in 2022 and on each occasion we have experienced political turmoil in the US and now seen a twice impeached President facing criminal charges in multiple cases.

Countries have birth charts just like people and while the above date shows us when this powerful transit is exact, the energy will be with us throughout the year and even into 2024, and beyond.

The Pluto return will determine the future and the direction of the US for many years to come. Pluto falls at 27 degrees of Capricorn in the US chart and it was at this degree when the US became its own sovereign nation in 1776. In all actuality we have been experiencing the Pluto return since 2016 as Pluto has an orb of influence of 10 degrees which began at that time. As the Pluto return is exact this year the Plutonian energy will increase and we will see exactly where it is leading us; Will we succumb to a darker side of the collective psyche that includes racism, upheaval, violence, anger and control by a minority or will we rise up and reform what is broken and listen to the higher side of the collective psyche and our own better angels?

Pluto rules that which lies beneath the surface which is now rising to the top and making itself known.  Pluto rules power, control, decay and destruction, nuclear power, upheaval of governments, terrorists and criminals, extremists, and resources. No country or society will experience a Pluto return before approximately 248 years which is how long it takes Pluto to circle the zodiac and return to its original placement at the birth of the country.

Pluto is known for tearing down and destroying to create something new. Power can be unlocked, taken, abused and mishandled. It can also be relinquished. Pluto rules the shadow side of things and the darkness that is generally hidden until something causes it to surface. One example of this is the push in some states to ban studies of slavery, gender identity issues and other subjects in schools along with the admitted ‘conservative indoctrination’ of students in certain states.

There are thousands of facts that support the idea that the US is deeply steeped in racism which began even before the US Constitution was written and continues to this day. Pluto likes to obscure the facts, distort and control. The attempt to convince Americans the underside of America an American history does not exist is a part of the Pluto return.

This issue has become a hot button to stir up anger and divisiveness between political parties more so than anything else. This is simply one example of many issues we are facing with the Pluto return but it is far from the only issue.

 Pluto falls in the 2^nd house of the US chart which rules money, finances and values. Saturn ruled Capricorn represents the status quo, business, banks and the like. 

At the time of this post, a majority of Republicans (according to polls) say they believe the last Presidential election was stolen in spite of the fact this has been litigated over and over in courts and there is no evidence to support this theory. Now that we are in the final Pluto return we are seeing court cases and charges being litigated that relate to an attempt to overturn the government on January 6^th, 2021 and it appears there will be a number of convictions that may include the former US President.

Some mature countries have experienced a Pluto return such as England which has experienced three Pluto return cycles with significant events at each return. On the other hand Rome began to lose its status as an empire after its 2^nd Pluto return.  Egypt, India, Iran and Japan are among the oldest countries in the world and have survived a number of Pluto returns, but they have changed at each 250 year juncture in some way. Assyria, Persia, Greece, Rome, the Arab empire, Ottoman, Spain, Romanov Russia, and Britain were all empires at some point. The French Revolution occurred just after France’s 1st first Pluto return. The energy of a Pluto return will play out for a long period of time with lasting consequences.

Pluto can bring about reforms as well as destruction such as the ‘New Deal’ of the 1930’s which lead to eventual prosperity and many things we enjoy today such as Social Security and banking regulations that keep our personal money safe. The ‘inflation reduction act’ could be such a reform and the US has never needed it more as our infrastructure is deteriorating.

In his January of 2022 retirement speech Supreme Court Judge Stephen Breyer reiterated the fact the US Founding Fathers described America as a ‘Great Experiment.’ Benjamin Franklin said ‘it’s a Republic if you can keep it.’  The Pluto return will show us that we can take nothing for granted, and we have a Republic only if we can keep it.

During the first Pluto return, Russia invaded Ukraine and the US began with arms support in February 2022. While some astrologers discount this event as being part of the US Pluto return, it most definitely is since the US is the biggest supplier of military assistance to Ukraine.

Just before the 2^nd US Pluto return in May 2022 a gunman opened fire in Uvalde, TX making the crime scene the 3^rd deadliest shooting in US history. In June, the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in effect criminalizing abortion in much of the US. In August of 2022, the US Government conducted a search and seizure effort of the Former US President’s home and concluded he was in possession of official Top Secret documents he was not entitled to have. In December 2022 the 858 Billion dollar Defense Act was signed into law as well as a law protecting same sex and interracial marriage. In December 2022 there was a political clash over the debt ceiling which leads to the eventual downgrading of America’s credit for the 2^nd time in history.

As we approach the final US Pluto return we are seeing charges against those who attacked the capitol on January 6^th, the ‘fake electors and the former US President. Corruption is rising to the top on many levels and consequences are at hand although it is likely the results will be years in terms of playing out completely. As we approach the end of September the US faces more fiscal problems, and political fighting over the budget with the potential of another government shutdown.

Pluto will re-enter Aquarius again January 21^st, 2024. Aquarius is a far more Democratic sign than Capricorn, but this is not to say we won’t experience issues with Pluto in Aquarius; they will just be different. I do believe however that based on astrology we will be focused on a world that is more in tune with the majority than the minority with a greater theme of freedom for all.

Pluto will re-enter Capricorn for the final time September 3^rd, 2024-November 20^th, 2024. Pluto in the US chart is at 27 degrees of Capricorn, so Pluto is still within orb at this time.

The US is in the process of a cosmic makeover through its Pluto return.  We are at a turning point in history, and what the outcome will be depends on all of us.