Astrology for October

October begins with a Solar Eclipse in Libra

Oct 2 – Solar Eclipse at 10 Libra, 11:49 am PDT – conjunct Mercury, squaring Mars

Solar Eclipse in Libra

When the Moon passes in front of the Sun suddenly the light is blocked, and day recedes to night. This October 2nd Solar Eclipse will be an annular eclipse, (the Moon will pass in front of the Sun without completely covering it) bringing about a Ring of Fire around the darkened face of the Sun Moon merging. Solar Eclipses, like all new moons, mark the beginning of a new cycle. This new cycle calls for the perception of our shadow. It is as if the shadow elements, or hidden motivations and underlying unresolved but potent and powerful impulses, are needing to be seen. They are surrounded with a Ring of Fire, with the transformative powers of fire.

From another point of view, the Solar Eclipse brings us into the mystery and beauty of this universe in which we live. A dramatic display of synchronistic events brings night to day and creates a circle of light, as if a cosmic eye is watching us. We can imagine the perfect alignment of Earth (our daily self and patterns) with the Moon (our unconscious self and patterns) with the Sun (the broader  illuminating consciousness, or our greater Self). This is a time for reflection, a time of making space or ritual. We might pull a tarot card, watch for a synchronicity during the day, remember the dreams of the night, to inform us into greater balance and harmony within and without, showing us where we are out of balance.

In the sign Libra, the themes of balance, equanimity, truth and justice, diplomacy, peace and conflict, and the quality of our relationships are in the forefront. We might attend to any unresolved issues in relationship, review the dynamics of our relationships, issues of co-dependency, or resentments, and take time to feel into the deeper issues for clarity.

On the global scale, the first solar eclipse in Libra, took place on the October 14th 2023, following the terrorist attack by Hamas on Israel. (transiting Netanyahu’s Libra Moon, Sun, Mercury). We come full circle now as this is the last Solar Eclipse in Libra, before a new cycle of eclipses take place in Virgo/Pisces pairing.

It is interesting to note that the Solar Eclipse is conjunct Mercury in Libra, the conjunction of Mercury to the Sun taking place on September 30 (8 degrees Libra), while there is a Comet at dawn in the east, (Sept 26 and closest to the Earth on Oct 12th) and a mini moon begins to circle our Earth for 2 months (actually, an asteroid pulled into Earth’s gravitational field, until it continues on its orbit around the Sun). The astrologer, Dane Rudhyar, spoke of comets as messengers coming from a far, with the Solar Eclipse joining Mercury and an asteroid visiting our planet through November, the theme of receiving a message, listening, and communication from a broader view of things is present. Do we have ears to hear?

Comic Tsuchinshan-ATLAS is right in line with the most optimistic brightness as it prepares to transition to the evening sky on October 9th. Closest approach to Earth — it’ll come within 70.5 million kilometers — occurs three days later. Given October’s early sunsets, the comet’s timing couldn’t be better both for amateurs and the viewing public. 

“When C/2023 A3 first appears at dusk on or about Oct. 11, the dust tail will point downward toward the horizon but then quickly flip up in the anti-solar direction by Oct. 13. In the same way we might photograph the comet’s lengthening tail at dawn we can do the same in the evening sky beginning at that time, albeit diluted by a modicum of moonlight.” www.skyandtelescope.org

The Solar Eclipse and Mercury, square Mars in Cancer, bringing our attention to heated debate, clashing opinions (Vice Presidential debate taking place on Tuesday, Oct 1). We may be more easily triggered by our feelings during this time, more sensitive in communications. There is also a grand water trine between Mars, Venus and Saturn. During this Solar Eclipse time, there are many powerful feelings in the collective field. Issues arise around polarization, and how we use words, for power and gain, or for truth and clarity, set the stage for our path into the future. Our values are being challenged and tested. What will we create?

Affirmation for Solar Eclipse in Libra

“I take time to reflect upon the quality of my relationships, becoming aware of unresolved issues, or annoyances that need attending to. I bring awareness to my communications and reactions, with a sense of equanimity in my encounters. I take a stand for truth and justice” 

The outer planets, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto align in the harmonious minor grand trine, showing a dramatic shifting of themes toward a new future, with the potential power of breakthrough, building through the next 24 months. What ideals do we hold dear, and what vision will we carry forward to create our future? The alignment of outer transpersonal planets create a potent shift from the challenges of that last decade. How do we participate? What vision will carry us forward into this new time?

(Susan’s October astrology talk will be addressing these topics, as well as world wide and USA events, sign up here.)

Celestial Events for October

Oct 2 – Solar Eclipse at 10 Libra, 11:49 am PDT – conjunct Mercury, squaring Mars – (see above)

Oct 4 – Venus at 14 Scorpio trines Saturn in Pisces – intimate encounters provide wisdom and insight. Taking time to explore our interactions, finding deeper causes of behavior.

Oct 5 – Mercury at 17 Libra squares Mars in Cancer – fiery, protective feelings are encountered in communications, debate reveals personal defenses. Be thoughtful and curious this day in communications.

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Oct 8 – Venus at 18 Scorpio trines Mars in Cancer – passion and deep feeling in our relationships.

Oct 8 – Mercury at 21 Libra trines Jupiter in Gemini – Insight and inspiration. Great time for learning, teaching, and writing. Communications are encouraging and up-lifting.

Oct 8 – Mercury at 21 Libra opposes Chiron in Aries – Sensitive communications may bring out our vulnerabilities and deeper wounds. Observations of our collective wound of male dominance and aggression. Potential for healing and new levels of integration.

Oct 8 – Jupiter goes retrograde at 21 Gemini – ( direct at at 11 Gemini on Feb 4 2025) – Positive growth and expansion, or going to excess. What planets do you have near 21 Gemini, (Virgo, Sagittarius or Pisces)? How might you be learning something new or incorporating something new into your life? What’s enlarging or growing in your consciousness or social world?

Oct 11 – Pluto goes direct at 29 Capricorn – the myth of Persephone, her abduction to the underworld by Hades (Pluto) and her return to the upper world, with the promise to spend half the year in the underworld and half the year in the upper world, these ancient myths tell the story of what it means to be fully human. When Pluto goes direct, and during the month of October, its power of transformation, depth of encounter with our unconscious, both personally and collectively, and renewal, become a powerful theme. Especially as Pluto is in the last degree of Capricorn, completing a phase of passage which began in 2008.

Oct 11 – Jupiter at 21 Gemini sextiles Chiron in Aries – here’s the potential for growth, healing, and new insight on old issues.

Oct 13 – Mercury at 29 Libra squares Pluto in Capricorn – Communications bring up old issues. Intensity of interactions. Words reveal hidden aspects that need to be seen.

Oct 13 – Mercury enters Scorpio – Our conversations deepen. Superficiality is set aside. Investigations reveal things that have been hidden.

These next 2 days astrologically describe both hope and conflict coming from past wounds and hurt. Difficult diplomacy.

Oct 13 – Mars at 21 Cancer squares Chiron in Aries – Sensitive feelings and reactions may promote our assertions to others. Take time to think before acting. Passions and sensitivities mix. Old wounds may be disturbed.

Oct 13 – The Sun at 21 Libra opposes Chiron in Aries – Encounter with the possibility of acknowledging what needs healing, diplomacy faces aggressive pains. Self and other meet with the challenge and opportunity for healing and new relationship.

Oct 13 – The Sun 21 Libra trines Jupiter in Gemini – Hope, inspiration, new opportunities, mentors and teachers, finding wisdom.

Oct 14 – The Sun 21 Libra squares Mars in Cancer – fierce, emotionally protective energy faces efforts to find peace and equanimity. Feeling unexpectedly reactive, deeper insight into one’s unconscious patterns.

Oct 14 – Venus at 26 Scorpio opposes Uranus in Taurus – Be alert for the unexpected in our relationships. Stretch into new ways to respond. Free up old patterns.

Oct 15 – Venus at 27 Scorpio trines Neptune in Pisces – Artists go to the studio! Get to our writing desk, pick up our instrument! Dance into the romance of our souls. Listen to and record our dreams. Make time to enjoy an altered creative state and touch the spiritual.

Oct 17 – Full Moon at 24 Aries, Sun in Libra – such a potent full Moon in fiery Aries, with a square to both Mars and Pluto! Experiencing extreme competition, a battle to win! Directly exposing what is hidden and toxic.

How do we balance Libra and Aries? Such a potent pair, self and other, impulse and patience, directness and consideration, peace and war? This full Moon marks an intensification of energy as situations compete and a certain level of de-constructing is active. What is being de-constructed and what is surging forward? How can we be passionate activist and still embody equanimity? How do we balance our sensitivity to others’ opinions and judgments with our own self referral and intuition, taking action supporting ourselves?

Full Moon in Aries

October 17 – Full Moon at 24 Aries, 4:27 am PDT

Affirmation for full Moon in Aries

“Intuitive response and thoughtful consideration balance each other into perceiving wisdom. Powerful inner reactions are stilled through my mindful reflection on the course of action.”

Oct 17 – Venus at 29 Scorpio sextiles Pluto – powerful connections with others, transforming relationships, impactful creative expressions.

Oct 17 – Venus enters Sagittarius – Venus leaves intense Scorpio, and rises into hopeful and optimistic Sagittarius. Adventurous relationships and explorations. Valuing learning.

Oct 21 – Mercury at 13 Scorpio trines Saturn in Pisces – focusing and disciplining the mind and thoughts, organizing ideas. Communicating deeper feelings.

Oct 22 – Sun at 29 Libra squares Pluto in Capricorn – Unfinished business surfaces. Time for completion. Thoughtful consideration meets depth of being. Finding one’s flow within the impulse to control.

Oct 22 – The Sun enters Scorpio – Scorpio time of year, when darkness gains time, and the leaves blaze into falling. A time of letting go of Summer, bringing ourselves back inward, reflecting, deepening, heightening our perception of what is, preparing for election and winter.

Oct 24 – Mars at 26 Cancer sextiles Uranus in Taurus – Able to quickly respond. Sudden and unexpected directness and action. Being mindful of our motivations to act as impulsiveness is heightened. Gut responses and intuition may also be heightened and positively directive.

Oct 28 – Mars at 27 Cancer trines Neptune in Pisces – Empathy and sensitivity increased. Needs to belong and merge increased. Altruistic outreach. Know your boundaries.

Oct 28 – Venus at 12 Sagittarius squares Saturn in Pisces – Passions are checked. Balancing enthusiasm with caution. Seeing issues in relationship clearly with mindful reflection. Taking space in relationship.

Oct 30 – Mercury at 25 Scorpio opposes Uranus in Taurus – Unexpected message upsets the norm. Sudden breakthrough or breakdown. How do we handle disruption and change in our schedules, events, and thinking?

Oct 31 – Samhain, Halloween – Mercury at 27 Scorpio trines Neptune in Pisces – Great day for costumes and imaginative expression. Pay attention, for Neptune can take us into altered states. A day for writing, poetry, song making. Communicate your appreciation to another.

Nov 1 – New Moon at 9 Scorpio – Watch for next month’s newsletter!

The Twelve signs for October: Sun and Rising Signs

Aries (Mar 20-Apr 19): Dear Aries, this Libra Solar Eclipse brings your attention to your relationships! With the Eclipse conjunct the South Node, you can ask yourself, “What can I let go of, or release, in my attitudes, judgments, or dependencies in friendship or partnership, for healthier, happier outcomes?” With Venus, the planet of relationship, now in Scorpio, you might review your deep feelings, acknowledge, breathe through, and let go of what has accumulated over time, both in relation to yourself and to others. Need a good cry? Mars, your ruling planet is in sensitive Cancer and forming a grand water trine with Venus and Saturn. Honoring your deep feelings is essential. Attend to your own nourishment with consistency. The full Moon on the 17th in Aries has a lot of energy for you, as well as healing. Something from the past surfaces to be resolved.

Taurus (Apr 20-May 20): Dear Taurus, this Solar Eclipse highlights habits you are ready to let go of. You are called to take assessment of what’s working or not working in terms of your health and daily patterns. Your planet, Venus, now in Scorpio, trines Saturn to support any commitments you make to yourself. Create a plan, as Mars also trines Venus, and will take up your directed action. What would you like to define, clarify and change in your working patterns or office? This calls for decisive action, even if you are experiencing mixed feelings around the impetus to act. The full Aries Moon takes place on the 17th. Retreat, go to the studio, remember your dreams, deeper connection and expression is calling to you. A time to fill your tank with passion and what inspires you. Cultivate patience that day, with Mars squaring the full Moon.

Gemini (May 21-Jun 20): Dear Gemini, on this Solar Eclipse day, it is a day to share and show your love. The Solar Eclipse in another air sign supports your natural expression, and can heighten your creativity. Giving out your love to children and partners, sharing what you have created, or inviting another to dance with you, focuses the Libra portion of your chart in its expressive ways. Your planet, Mercury, has just been infused with the Sun’s brilliance and glow. Is there something you are wanting to create, to communicate, to teach? Create your plan, especially under the grand trine of Venus to Saturn and Mars. On the 17th, the full Aries Moon harmonizes and gives juice to your sign, especially as Jupiter, now in Gemini, opens doors for you to take a risk, to reach out for something new.

Cancer (Jun 21–Jul 21): Dear Cancer, since September 4th, you have been stirred and sensitized by Mar’s movement through Cancer. It activates your emotions and creates heat, impatience, annoyance, but when channeled, it moves through bold action to connect with others and to nurture both yourself and others. The Libra Solar Eclipse highlights your home and family, and being next to the South Node, advises you to let go of something. What duty, chore, or old issue, can be delegated, or resolved in a new way? Mars churns your waters through the month, especially during the Eclipse and full Aries Moon. So have patience. Mars in Cancer is like a mother bear, protective, alert, and a mighty presence. As you go through the month, feel her steady movement toward her destination. Under the Aries full Moon on the 17th, take action toward what you are aspiring to. With the Moon sextiling Jupiter, trust your actions will open opportunities for you.

 

Leo (Jul 22 – Aug 22): Dear expressive Leo, the Libra Solar Eclipse encourages you to bring mindful attention to your thoughts and communications. Is there a way of thinking that is no longer supportive to you? Like a mindful practitioner you can let those thoughts float by and no longer attach your reality to them. With Mercury next to the Eclipse, and in your house of communication, give yourself time to ponder. A font of inspiration may be wanting to be expressed. Writing is highlighted. Pay attention to your dreams as they may be letting you know what you can let go of, so the beauty of your expressive nature can shine. The full Moon in Aries takes place on the 17th. That moon highlights your house of philosophy, travel, and broadening your consciousness. Let yourself enjoy the evening, engage in something new. You resonate to the passions of Aries and it is uplifting!

Virgo (Aug 23-Sep 22): Dear Virgo, this Solar Eclipse in Libra conjuncts your ruling planet, Mercury. With the Eclipse and Mercury falling in your house of inner resources, values, and sense of self worth, it’s a good time to gather and ground yourself. Take stock of where you are, and what might be next for you. This is also the area of the chart that describes your relationship with money. Is there anything that needs adjusting in terms of your finances? It can be an excellent time to write, create plans, strategize, tell a story, or arrange a poem. Mercury in Libra creates just the right rhythm for communicating to another. Under the Aries Moon on the 17th, the theme of self and other arrives. With the Moon in Aries, your usual thoughtful self may experience impatience, or react with  intensity, or you may experience that coming from another. It can be exciting or aggravating. You definitely have something to say.

Libra (Sep 23-Oct 22): Dear Libra, Happy birthday, dear Libra! Oct 2 and the Libra Solar Eclipse marks a special day for you to shine. In Helenistic Astrology any planet near the south node in a chart symbolizes releasing, giving out. In this case, it would be giving out your light and generosity. Giving out your aesthetic expression through writing, or the arts. You might discover something that had been hidden being revealed. With your ruling planet, Venus, in Scorpio, the theme of investigation and seeing what has been hidden is again emphasized. Venus is also in a grand trine with Mars and Saturn, a highly creative time, a very sensitive time. With Mars squaring Libra this month, being decisive or cultivating patience is called for. On the 17th, the full Moon is in Aries. Relationship and partnership are highlighted. Someone may be encouraging and stimulating you to step into something exciting, or you might feel impatient with another. Bring in those wonderful Libra traits of diplomacy.

Scorpio (Oct 23-Nov 21): Dear Scorpio, the month before your birthday is the Libra time of year, and as such, it’s placement calls you back into yourself. A time to gather yourself, time to complete things, and to contemplate the broader meaning of things. This is a potent time to remember and work with your dreams. Your ruling planet, Mars, is now in Cancer. This creates extra sensitivity. It is good to remember to nurture yourself, finding ways to bring comfort and quiet to your busy life. This is the reboot month before your birthday time. Mars in Cancer right now is giving gifts of taking thorough action and completion of both practical and creative projects. At the same time Mars is also stirring up some frustration. Take the Libra advice of finding balance and equanimity. The Aries full Moon takes place on the 17th, highlighting your relation to your health and body, to your working environment, shining light on new beginnings in those areas.

Sagittarius (Nov 22-Dec 20): Dear Sagittarius, the Libra Solar Eclipse falls in your house of friendships, groups you belong to, and your visions for the future. With the Eclipse conjuncting the south Node, you may be reviewing your plans for the future and letting go of something, or revising those plans. An issue may come to your attention with a friend that calls for communication or thoughtful consideration. With the Eclipse squaring Mars in Cancer, you are aware of deeper issues and feelings with those you care about. Taking time to clarify those feelings is helpful. The full Moon takes place on the 17th in fiery Aries, giving you energy mid-month. The Aries full Moon is in a harmonious alignment with your planet, Jupiter, and encourages you to explore, discover, or open to new possibilities, especially in collaboration with another.

Capricorn (Dec 21- Jan 19): Dear Capricorn, this Libra Solar Eclipse graces your house of career and public standing, making it a good time to reflect upon your vocation. The Eclipse can bring forward what you have not thought of, or perceived of before. Taking a look at your work relationships can be helpful, observing the balance of giving and receiving, of collaborating, can be restorative. It can also be a time when sharing yourself in a public way is appreciated, especially with your ruling planet, Saturn, trining both Venus and Mars in deep feeling water signs. Under the full Moon in Aries on the 17th, the balance between family obligations and what you aspire toward in work is highlighted. How does this feel balanced to you? Are there changes you’d like to make? The month of October calls for patience from us all and especially around the full Moon.

Aquarius (Jan 20-Feb 17): Dear Aquarius, the Libra Solar Eclipse graces your house of teaching and learning, philosophy and belief systems. Under the energies of the Eclipse you may have insight that is new and inspiring. In Helenistic Astrology it is said that the planet next to the south node releases itself into the public. It may be an excellent time for you to share your knowledge, to teach, or learn something new. Something new and imaginative is brewing for you, a larger transformation taking place. With your ruling planet, Saturn, in a grand water trine with Venus and Mars, consistent steadiness brings success.  (Uranus is your other ruling planet). On the 17th, when the bright full Aries Moon lights up the night, it also lights up your house of communication, connections with others and your patterns of thinking. Lean into inspiration. Aries lights your fire.

Pisces (Feb 18-Mar 19): Dear Pisces, the Libra Solar Eclipse activates your house of intimacy and sharing deeply with another. It can expose old patterns of relationship that are ready for transformation. It can highlight your generosity and heartfelt empathy with others that is so appreciated. As we move through October, all of us will feel the square to Mars in Cancer, which can bring frustration, annoyance, or the need to be more clear and decisive about our own needs. During this month observe a careful balance between giving and receiving, assertion and sharing. It seems it’s a world wide lesson right now. Under the full Aries Moon the opportunity to find that balance continues. Aries reminds you to think of yourself and what you would like to engage with, discover, and be spontaneous around. 

Susan Heinz is a professional astrologer in Santa Cruz for 42 years, bringing together traditional & esoteric astrology, Tarot and Qabalah. For info on her Friday monthly astrology groups, her Qabalah, astrology and/or painting classes, and for personal readings, call (831) 479-3751, or go to www.susanheinz.com