Libra energy is coming in on a big head of steam, and our entire atmosphere is changing. Libra encourages conciliation and negotiation—but with it comes a fighting spirit against unfairness, injustice, and inhumane practices. However it expresses itself, attention is on relationships and people connections this month. In Libra we try to BALANCE, which is a huge challenge.

The big news is Jupiter just entering the sign of Libra for a one-year stay. Jupiter is our largest planet, and it expands whatever it touches. It also tends to bring good fortune and success. One might say that the luck of Jupiter comes from taking risks, from just putting oneself into the field of action. We are on the threshold of growth in all Libra endeavors, and in connection with those planets which were traveling through Libra at birth. Examples of areas of attention in Libra are the arts, all beautification, conciliation, the law, and all types of partnerships.

For instance, the whole field of conflict resolution is coming into prominence now. Its aim is to help us learn to solve conflicts in a peaceful manner.

Neptune was in Libra from 1943-1956, and people born during those years are apt to have their Neptunes in Libra. Neptune is a planet of inspiration, imagination, and fantasy, and carries us into unfamiliar realms. It can offer us a bright beacon to guide our spirits, or open the doorway to hell. Neptune is seductive, and works with the unconscious. Following a path guided by our highest ideals, such as beauty, truth, and goodness, can help us to work productively with Neptune.

Neptune relates especially to the arts, to music, to movies and video, to drugs and addiction, to oil and chemicals, and to propaganda. Neptune needs to dream, and drugs and TV help put us in Neptunian states. In these states we are very open to Neptune’s seductive suggestions. Those aspects of the Neptune-in-Libra generation will be emphasized during the coming year, as Jupiter travels through Libra.

These Libra-Neptune people are at an age of power and leverage in society, and their opportunities to use Neptune positively (or negatively) will be greatly expanded during the coming 12 months. (The days around the time when Neptune turns direct, October 24, will be particularly telling.)

This is true as well for all those born in any year while Sun was traveling through Libra. This includes approximately the dates from September 23-October 23.

For all of us, this is a good year to envision those dreams which we want to manifest, and to lay the groundwork (which is always human relationships) for them to come true. Libra is a great idealist, and Jupiter helps us to dream big. (GW was born with Neptune and Jupiter along with his Moon in Libra.)

Autumn next year, when Jupiter moves into Scorpio, powers of manifestation become very strong. And it is the visioning and the groundwork which determine the character of manifestation.

Libra is a cardinal, or "go-getter" sign. October thus is another active month, and our lives will be busy—and will include many changes as well.

We experience two eclipses, and two more bodies turning direct. By November 1, only Uranus will be traveling retrograde.

In October we set the stage for major transformation during November, which is Scorpio’s season of regeneration.

Eclipses always open us to changes. But those changes occur over a long period of time, both before and after the eclipse, and exactness can be hard to pin down (although possible, if one follows all the daily transits to that point—which I’ve done over a two-year period). Common times for noticeable effects are two weeks before and after an eclipse, and three months before and after. Significant events may occur in the days right around an eclipse as well, and at other times when those sensitive degrees are transited. Eclipses tend to occur two weeks apart, and the two weeks between them is an unstable period, when we are especially open to change, and vulnerable in general. In October those two weeks are from October 14, when a Partial Solar Eclipse occurs, to October 28, when we experience a long Total Lunar Eclipse, centering at the poles but visible over much of the world.

These eclipses are in Libra and Taurus, both signs ruled by Venus. Our values, our relationships, and how we use our energy are all up for revision as a result of the doors which eclipses open for us.

The U.S. and GW Bush are very active this month. There is much stress from Libra on both of these Cancerian entities. The U.S. Pluto in Capricorn—our plutocratic power—is also being tested. The Libra planets move across the top of Kerry’s chart, and he will be seen in a good light by the public.

Saturn opposes the U.S. Pluto from October 10 through December 10, with the peak being on November 8. Saturn balances the books, it calls to account, and U.S. power, which has gone amok, will be called on the carpet during these months. This transit will be completed in June 2005.

Libra is a competitor, and all arenas of competition will be emphasized. Again, this is especially the case for the U.S., Bush, and Kerry. With Libra, fighting for one’s ideals can be the rationale.

Chiron at 21 Capricorn continues to square its natal placement in Aries in the U.S. chart, as it did last month. This is a turning point in U.S. aggression in a cycle which began in 1974, when the Vietnam War was concluded, and Pres. Nixon resigned. This is a Last Quarter Chiron and, similar to a Last Quarter moon, it is the time in the cycle of a crisis in consciousness. This is the state of the U.S. this autumn.

21 Capricorn continues to be a critical degree, and puts stress on all planetary placements from 20-22 degrees. People’s current crises hinge around those degrees, in any sign. In addition, the Solar Eclipse is at 21 Libra. Pluto, the Renovator, is also traveling at 20-21 Sagittarius. 21 is one of the active degrees in the charts of both Bush and the U.S.

Check your chart for any planet at 21 degrees, and give it extra attention now. The degrees from 26-28 are also emphasized this month.

Jupiter in Libra will lend optimism and growth to all relationships during the coming year. We can appreciate others, even our "enemies," in new ways.

Note: A VOC Moon period is when the Moon is making no further major planetary aspects before it changes signs. Moon and its aspects are strongly associated with our everyday behavior, and without those aspects to direct our course, we are left much more free to pursue our own ends in our own way. It is like you're driving down the freeway and find the road signs removed for awhile. On the one hand, plans may go awry, you may miss your exit; on the other hand, inner work is greatly favored as those external "instructions" are reduced. Times used are EST, because the overall influences for the United States are centered in Washington DC.		Click on a date to jump to the calendar entry for that day:
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We are winding down from the lovely, lingering, Full Moon which bathed us brightly during the beginning of the week. Moon is in earthy Taurus, and we may want to do some final cleanup in the garden—or with the earth. We start the day with a Neptune influence, which can help us tune into higher guidance for working with the earth herself. Life cycles can be much in our minds today. All things physical can occupy our attention in a very intuitive manner. This includes our bodies.

SATURDAY OCTOBER 2

We can begin early this morning in working on our projects, and bringing love to them. At 12:34 p.m. EDT, Moon goes VOC for a couple of hours. Make yourself a tasty lunch, and enjoy it at your leisure. At 2:56 p.m., Moon enters Gemini, and the energy then is lively and exciting, well into the evening. We have an urge to be with others, to talk, and to enjoy the arts as well. This is a perfect time for an art opening.

SUNDAY OCTOBER 3

Energy this day moves along rapidly and harmoniously. Gemini is a quick sign, and planetary aspects are excellent. Communication and learning are especially favored.

MONDAY OCTOBER 4

The entire day is VOC, with Moon in spontaneous Gemini. Be open to the unexpected, and it can be fun-filled. It’s a great day for brainstorming. We can have lots of really new ideas, unfettered by needs to conform to expectations. Relationships are the major subject now, with four planets in Libra, plus Mother Ceres, who just entered Libra. Ceres adds an emphasis on nurturing in partnership. But still, says Libra, fair’s fair, and there must be a give and take. This is not sacrificial nurturing.

Mars conjoins GW’s Neptune today and tomorrow. Neptune is in his house of lower mind, and rules his house of foreign adventures and expansion.

TUESDAY OCTOBER 5

Moon is in vulnerable Cancer today, and security is on our minds. Under this vibration, Mercury and Sun conjoin in Libra to begin a three-month cycle. How can we promote our security within the context of relationships? This conjunction puts extra stress on the Cancer Suns of Bush and the U.S. Perhaps there can be a shift from the mistaken idea that force and violence promote security to the idea that diplomacy and establishing harmony, or at least dialog, with others is more effective. Juno, now moving ahead in Capricorn, is an intrinsic part of this dialog. Juno, like Libra, wants fairness. But wherever Juno shows up in a chart, we know that there is abuse of power. Her transit these last weeks has coincided with the exposure of U.S. prisoner abuse. Hopefully the consciences of the U.S. public are awakening, perhaps through that crime against decency.

This is an exceptionally active and news-filled day. Hopefully diplomacy can be part of it, although a strong Mars will surely increase competitive urges.

We are likely to arise early. Be prepared for an action-packed morning.

WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 6

Last Quarter Moon at 14 Cancer occurs at 6:12 a.m. EDT. This Moon conjoins the Suns of GW and the U.S., and it cements in place yesterday’s new beginnings. It is really a continuation and enhancement of yesterday’s energies, which combine Sun and Mercury in Libra with Cancerian needs for security.

Venus has just entered Virgo (good for Virgo people) and today opposes Uranus. Uranus can suddenly open us to truth, and can show Venus what she needs to do for cleansing and healing. Venus is Libra’s ruler, and is very involved in relationships herself. We can have a new deal in relationships today. We can release (fourth quarter) outmoded relationship dynamics.

In the chart set for Washington, Jupiter is rising, with Ceres. This bodes well for a new deal in the making in regard to justice. Energetic Mars, Sun, and Mercury are about to rise, and that combination is very aggressive. We have mixed signals here.

Moon is on the midheaven, and Moon is of the people. Perhaps we have ideals of the people, for the people, pitted against ideals of corporate profit. Both of these are extant in the U.S.

I got depressed just reviewing some of the events connected with this Moon family, beginning July 10, 2002. (And remember, this is the Moon family connected with the U.S. Sun.) They were so inexorably destructive of the ideals of the U.S. for which many of us, and our parents and grandparents, and their grandparents as well, have worked for years, especially in regard to civil liberties, human rights, and environmental protections.

This process certainly raises questions about power, its motives, uses, and its real consequences. What is power worth if it destroys everything? The image that came to me was of the arsonist, who simply enjoys seeing things burn up.

Well, let us hope our influx of Libra energy can bring some balance back into public life in these United States.

The Sabian Symbol for this Moon, as well as for the U.S. and GW, is deeply occult:

"A VERY OLD MAN, FACING A VAST DARK SPACE TO THE NORTHEAST. Fulfillment in transcending and changeless wisdom. This symbol describes the Wise Old Man, an archetypal figure found in all systems of symbolism. In occult terminology, the northeast is the direction from which spiritual-cosmic forces enter the Earth sphere. Because of the tilt of Earth’s axis, this is the direction of Earth’s true north. The wise old man faces the great Void, that apparent Darkness which is an intense Light invisible to our senses. We see in this symbol a way beyond appearances and toward PERMANENCE IN TRUTH."

THURSDAY OCTOBER 7

Moon in homebody Cancer is VOC today until 3:23 p.m., when it enters bright Leo. This can be a creative workday, even with the VOC moon. We are apt to be reclusive this morning.

FRIDAY OCTOBER 8

Moon in Leo lends drama to all that we do. Moon opposes Neptune to make this a day of inspiration, with Libra energy providing the outlet. Creativity and artistry are high today. GW has many transits to his chart, including Sun energizing his Chiron, along with beginning his 30-year Saturn return, which finishes in June 2005. What does this mean? Chiron is a maverick, and full of surprises—watch and see. I would guess more foreign expansion, with "security" as the excuse.

SATURDAY OCTOBER 9

Again we have an entire day when Moon is VOC. It is in expressive Leo, and continues yesterday’s energies—in unexpected directions. The spontaneity of VOC moon could make for an interesting party tonight. Leo does like parties.

SUNDAY OCTOBER 10

Moon is traveling in down-to-earth Virgo, and we can be practical today. There is some strong action, and the Virgo involvement indicates that it may involve U.S. military. Mercury at 21 Libra squares Chiron at 21 Capricorn, and they both challenge the U.S. Chiron at 21 Aries. Actions which change the establishment, as well as military actions, are part of the theme here. Mercury indicates both mental conflict, and understanding of what this Chiron square is all about. The U.S. Chiron square lasts for the entire month.

Juno opposes the U.S. and Bush Suns to add to whatever problems Chiron brings us. More exposes of U.S. abuse are likely.

At the same time, there are overriding vibrations of love today. How do we express this devotion?

MONDAY OCTOBER 11

This is a good day to start our workweek, for moon continues in analytical Virgo, and we can attend to accumulated details. Early afternoon shows a power aspect, and there could be brief power struggles.

TUESDAY OCTOBER 12

Moon enters Libra at 9:32 a.m. EDT, and we begin our countdown to tomorrow night’s Eclipse New Moon. There is no better time for seeing into the future than the day or two preceding a new moon. This is a new moon which will bring greater change than the usual new moon. Put your visioning cap on, and peer into the future. What do you see coming for you and for others? The aspects today relate to work, social niches, and the running of society as a whole. With Libra moon, we will have a desire to connect with people today.

WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 13

A dynamic day leads us into tonight’s Solar Eclipse New Moon at 22 Libra, which occurs at 10:48 p.m. EDT. This is a whammy of an Eclipse, with five of the major planets—that is half of them!—in Libra, plus one asteroid. In addition, earlier in the day Moon squares Juno, indicator of abuse of power, and Sun Squares Chiron, who has been and is about his business of disrupting the establishment.

This evening Mercury squares Saturn to propel us into some hard and serious thinking. And then comes the slow march of the Moon’s shadow over the Sun, hiding it from view for a few hours. Often something is actually eclipsed in connection with an eclipse in the heavens—either lunar or solar.

Libra New Moon is about new starts in relationships, and especially partnerships. Justice and fairness become truly monumental necessities. Relationships in which efforts towards achieving those qualities are nonexistent may now be eclipsed. Abuse may no longer be tolerated. Many are already experiencing the heightening of this drive to eliminate abuse from their lives.

GW is now in line for big change. For starters, he has three major planets, plus Chiron, plus Juno, plus his nadir, in Libra. Just that makes for an enormous amount of stimulation now. In addition, he is beginning to experience his Saturn return, a major life cycle which relates to our dharma, doing our work on earth. Mercury now squares that Saturn, giving him a new awareness of the meaning of his responsibilities.

Bush also has Pluto conjoining his South Node, which means the death of the past. Jupiter and Ceres conjoin his Neptune now, expanding his imagination. They oppose his Vesta in Aries in the ninth house, which can enhance his macho, lone wolf stance in relation to the rest of the world. He will have his personal Juno square, which often means some kind of violence, in another week.

Mars at 11 Libra is providing a shot of adrenaline to all Libra energy as it travels through that sign for the next three weeks. Pallas in Virgo at eclipse time conjoins Bush’s Mars and his progressed Sun. Pallas is a fine strategist, and Virgo is a sign of the "services."

It is possible that this eclipse will push Bush into extreme aggressive action, perhaps something which plays on his appeal as the "protector" of the American public.

It is also possible that a fateful event occurs with one of his parents, a potential indicated by his Solar Return.

Another possibility is an exposure which hurts him.

Eclipse locations center on Alaska, Brazil, Russia, the Middle East, and the entire Far East, indicating that something big is afoot there. In addition, China is a Libra nation. And Japan is a Taurus country, which is the sign of the Lunar Eclipse in two weeks.

Powerful, transformative Pluto runs through the hurricane belt of the U.S., as well as centering on Minneapolis and the Mississippi Valley. It also runs through central Europe and eastern China.

The Sabian Symbol for 22 Libra is

"A CHILD GIVING BIRDS A DRINK AT A FOUNTAIN. The concern of simple souls for the welfare and happiness of less-evolved beings who thirst for life renewal. This connection between the child and the birds implies a spontaneous, naïve rapport at the spiritual level, a soul-touch at the level of pure feelings. SOLICITUDE."

This is a hopeful symbol.

Remember that solar eclipses can zap our energy. Take it easy today.

THURSDAY OCTOBER 14

This morning we want to put out effort to ground our New Moon energy, perhaps take some social initiative. This urge will help us to absorb its big impact. Moon goes VOC at 10:22 a.m. EDT. It enters deep-feeling Scorpio at 2:10 p.m. Unusual and mystical things may draw our attention this evening.

FRIDAY OCTOBER 15

Moon continues in passionate, secretive Scorpio. Intuition is very strong, and the creative urge may be compelling. Venus opposes Vesta to put us in closer touch with our values, and those things and people which we consider worth defending. We can be especially sensitive to beauty today. Tonight Mercury enters penetrating Scorpio to give us three weeks to dig deeply into the truth. This is a great sleuthing period—just prior to the November 2 election. Polling places will be well observed.

SATURDAY OCTOBER 16

Moon this morning has a fine work aspect. At 11:34 a.m. Moon goes VOC, and remains off course until 4:56 p.m., when it enters the playful sign of Sagittarius. Energy tonight is fun and exciting. See an offbeat movie, or have a party.

SUNDAY OCTOBER 17

Moon continues in adventurous, go-for-broke Sagittarius. The mood is optimistic and buoyant. Anything is possible. This is a fine day for all types of celebrations. The Million Worker March in Washington DC today should be a blast. Whether there or elsewhere, our minds are awakened to new possibilities.

MONDAY OCTOBER 18

Moon is VOC in Sagittarius for most of the day. It goes void at 11:46 a.m. EDT. Get your day’s work done early. This afternoon we’ll feel like playing. Go ahead. We can make up for it tonight and tomorrow, when we will be very efficient and goal-directed.

TUESDAY OCTOBER 19

Moon traveling through Capricorn lends ambition, seriousness, and depth to our attitudes today. Saturn is Capricorn’s planet, and today, appropriately, Sun makes its semi-annual square with Saturn, enhancing the qualities of Capricorn and the action of Saturn.

Saturn is the reality monitor, sometimes coming down with a cold, clamping fist. Saturn pushes us to develop our inner authority, and this can be a lonely process. Saturn is the Great Teacher, and it is the Law. In Cancer it relates to family, clan, and security. Sun in Libra lends Saturn softness and connection. Saturn says to Sun that relationships don’t work unless they’re totally honest and totally real. And they often aren’t, so Saturn gets left alone more often than not. Essentially, Saturn is about growing up, being on our own.

The Sun-Saturn cycle began with their conjunction on July 8. What was up for you around that time? This is a turning point in the development of those beginnings. Now we bring equal party relationships into the picture.

There is much energy and sense of purpose available today. Our sense of self, and of protecting that self, is enhanced. We can take assertive action to do just that. Many abuse issues will come to a head, and "victims" can find the will to reject deprecating treatment.

The U.S. is intimately involved with this transit. It involves both Bush’s big Saturn return, and U.S. autocratic power. Look for surprises in Washington.

On a more mundane level, work can proceed easily and purposefully, although for some this turning point shows crisis.

WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 20

Moon continues through industrious Capricorn today. It projects us into a busy day by making its First Quarter with Sun at 7:57 a.m. EDT at 28 degrees of Capricorn. Sun is at 28 Libra.

Capricorn puts us on the carpet in regard to our social roles. What are you going to make of these relationship changes that are coming into your life? How will you work them out in a practical way? This coming week encompasses our big foray into society, coming from a revised stance. By Full Moon Eclipse, we will have an idea of our new place in the world. That Eclipse will help thrust us into it.

Saturn has just moved into a new degree of Cancer, 28. It thus opposes Moon and squares Sun. We have a cardinal T-cross, an aspect which insists on action. Saturn is its guiding force. Saturn is authority, government, structure. Toe the line, or you’re in trouble. It is restrictive.

We may find ourselves forced into a mold which we either actively seek, or actively dislike.

Moon, Sun, and Saturn all closely aspect Transpluto, at 28 Leo. Emotions will be powerful, and there is a great deal of sustained, creative energy available for the task at hand. Resurrection, or rebirth, is the function of Transpluto. Unlike Pluto, its emphasis is not on power and destruction. It is on process, similar to a process of transubstantiation.

Black Holes, now on the radar screen, will take care of the necessary destruction. Saturn is conjoining Black Hole Kali, and Sun conjoins Black Hole Pele. These are both goddesses of destruction and regeneration. Alex Miller-Mignone says that they have the function of purging the mental body of negativity. These degrees were in square at the first atomic explosion at Alamagordo, New Mexico.

But now 28 Capricorn is part of the show, and this degree conjoins (l) the U.S. Pluto, and (2) two pulsars, both of which channel in deep space information. What will be this information, which actuates this transformation? It will be an 8-month process, which begins now and ends in June.

When Saturn was last at this degree, the time was from August 1975-May 1976. During that period there were two attempts on Pres. Ford’s life, and his presidency was winding down. (Although he was renominated, he lost to Jimmy Carter.) Pres. Ford also did much reorganizing of the intelligence services, perhaps indicating the pulsar involvement.

U.S. power will certainly be up for revision during the coming year.

In addition, today we have stresses on relationships and on creativity in general. Great changes are possible now. And of course we are in this flux period between eclipses.

The U.S. and Bush continue to be pinpointed by the current energies.

Moon goes VOC at 5:59 p.m. EDT.

THURSDAY OCTOBER 21

Moon is in air sign Aquarius. Energy flows easily, enjoyably, and intuitively. We like to connect with our friends and associates now, and perhaps discuss politics. Tonight we might like to watch a science fiction video.

FRIDAY OCTOBER 22

Moon, still in Aquarius, goes VOC at 8:20 a.m. This day will certainly be interesting. We may want to be involved in our own thing, or we may want to socialize. To add to the interest and intrigue, tonight Sun enters Scorpio, while Moon is VOC at 28 degrees of Aquarius. Unexpected events pop up during VOC moon times. Since this is Scorpio’s new beginning for the season, we can expect the month of Scorpio time to provide surprises. They will relate to Transpluto in Leo, our energy of resurrection. Moon now activates the Leo-Aquarius polarity, a polarity of humanity. Tonight might be a good time for a regenerative party.

SATURDAY OCTOBER 23

Moon in mystical, spiritual Pisces asks us to go with the flow. In fact, we might be attracted to the flow of a body of water, or even a visit to the aquarium. Artistic inspiration is abundant today. It would be a fine time for making your own art, or for going to a museum. Enjoying music is also Piscean. So is cooking, and relating to animals. Also movies, and everything which stimulates the imagination. It’s time to be active concerning all things Piscean, for Pisces’ planet, Neptune, is now stationing to turn direct. Compassion can be another prominent Pisces quality. Clear, logical thinking is not favored today. Rather, let your intuition flow, and guide you.

SUNDAY OCTOBER 24

Neptune turns direct early today, and we move ahead with all Neptunian activities. A major one pushing for expression is sustainable energy and sustainable farming. Neptune connects with the soul, and that includes the soul of the earth. Those who are trying to work in harmony with earth will be newly sustained. Neptune is in touch with every step of the cycle of life, as well as its wholeness. With Moon in Pisces opening our intuitive channels, we can meditate on this process today. We might do it through experiencing nature, or spending time in the kitchen.

The power of love is important now, and we can experience a transcendent love. We may be awake until late, processing intense feelings.

MONDAY OCTOBER 25 and TUESDAY OCTOBER 26

Moon is in martial Aries, and we are ready to march, right towards the Full Moon on Wednesday. There is a sense of urgency to all that we do, and we want to do things that matter. We want to make our individual mark in the world. These are intense, goal-oriented days.

Hillary Clinton’s birthday is October 26, and a Solar Return for this time shows an focus on Neptune’s intuitive energy. Hillary’s Moon is in Pisces, which gives her a grasp of wholes, and the ability to fit in anywhere. Her worldview and her compassion will be emphasized during the coming year.

WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 27

Full Moon Lunar Eclipse at 6 Taurus occurs at 11:07 p.m. EDT. This eclipse is visible over much of the world, including North America. It is a total eclipse, lasting about 6 hours, and we in the U.S. get to see it in its entirety.

We had a solar eclipse in Libra, which is realigning relationships. Now we have a lunar eclipse in Taurus, which is realigning our use of energy. This eclipse includes both north and south polar regions, and (among other things) it may well be connected with global warming, which is picking up speed at a rapid rate. Glaciers in Antarctica are melting ten times as fast as they were in 1990, and Russia, who has been a holdout, is getting ready to sign the Kyoto Treaty on climate control.

Both of these autumn eclipses are matched by their opposite signs, Aries and Scorpio, in spring eclipses, very close to the same degrees as are these autumn eclipses. This gives a double whammy to the Aries-Libra and to the Taurus-Scorpio polarities—relationships, and energy use and transformation. Both the October and April eclipses are heavily involved with Saturn and with Chiron. The Saturn-Chiron opposition has been with us since August 2003, when security became acknowledged as a huge problem in Iraq. It has been involved in many of the critical dates since, including the coming election on November 2.

This Saturn-Chiron opposition is primarily about the realignment of governmental security structures. "Terrorism" (Chiron and Juno) and "security" (Saturn in Cancer) have been the watchwords of the Administration over many months. Chiron’s job is to realign, and in Capricorn, it is disrupting and shifting government, business, and other established institutions.

The matching of degrees in the eclipse oppositions indicates that we are now commencing a process of change which will not be completed until next May, when Saturn returns to its degree of the First Quarter Moon of a week ago. There are two big obvious differences between this pair of autumn eclipses, and the pair of spring eclipses:

(1) Aries and Scorpio, the signs of the spring eclipses, are more volatile than the autumn eclipse pair of Libra and Taurus. They are both Mars-ruled, and

(2) The Moon’s Nodes will have changed signs by then. They are now in Taurus and Scorpio, and by next April, they will be in Aries and Libra. The Nodal polarity represents an axis of destiny for the entire world. That axis is in the same polarity for about 18 months. Our major concern for the last year and half has been resources and energy. Beginning in December, we shift to concerns about partnership and connections. Aries-Libra is a competitive polarity, and is often connected with conflict.

These pairs of eclipses fall this month in October, and in the spring in April. In such a situation, major manifestations of the eclipse changes often occur during the midpoint month, in this case January 2005.

We might look at it this way: Changes which are set in motion now reach a kind of culmination in January, and are set into place by May.

As I write, I see that these times include the presidential election, and the presidential inauguration. Looks like change, folks. Further confirmation of the election of Kerry is that he wants to be involved in partnerships and alliances, whereas Bush is the big money guy.

Whew, that’s reassuring.

GW came in on a set of Cancer-Capricorn eclipses during the summer of 2000. I said then that that meant the end of something in the nation. I think we’ll see that process of beginning this change over these next six months.

Hopefully it will be in the direction of more balanced Libra. Libra, in fact, is on the midheaven of the U.S. chart—as it is on John Kerry’s midheaven. This shows a purpose of balance and cooperation for both. In addition, the U.S. has Saturn in Libra, squaring its Sun and thus insisting that the nation work towards Libran goals. Juno is also in Libra, asking for fair and equal partnerships.

Along with this eclipse, Vesta in Pisces turns direct, making her influence strong. Vesta now trines the U.S. Sun, a sign of good fortune for the U.S. Vesta is now in Pisces, and helps us focus on the human condition all over the world and in all kinds of circumstances. Pisces can be very compassionate.

Moon squares Saturn early this morning, and with Aries moon, this can be a harsh aspect. At 8:24 a.m. EDT, Moon goes VOC. She enters Taurus at 1:37 p.m., and this evening makes a nice aspect with independent Uranus. We can have insights then about the meanings of these eclipses to us.

Moon begins to enter the shadow (not visible to us) about 8:00 p.m. EDT, and comes completely out about 2:00 a.m. EDT.

The Sabian Symbol for 6 Taurus is

"CANTILEVER BRIDGE ACROSS A DEEP GORGE. The conquest of separativeness through group cooperation. A step ahead must be taken, yet an abyss confronts evolving humankind… A link must be built through the power of the collective mind of the group, on the basis of the legacy of the past, to make a bridge over the canyon. The capacity to CONQUER OBSTACLES."

Indeed, there is a big challenge ahead. Yet I believe that progressive elements of the nation are united as never before, and that this part of the group is more than ready to cooperate in building that bridge. In addition, much of the world is allied with us. It is indeed a powerful group mind. And yes, the legacy of the past is always the foundation, and it is never perfect.

Well, folks, we will see. This Eclipse sets the tone for the U.S. presidential election.

THURSDAY OCTOBER 28

An intuitive Taurus moon helps us to absorb the eclipse energies. Some kind of artistic expression would be appropriate today. It can help us tune into our intuition in a concrete fashion. Tonight Venus enters Libra; the planet of love moves into the sign of partnership. In fact, romance can blossom during the next three weeks.

FRIDAY OCTOBER 29

Moon continues in Taurus, but with more active work aspects. Taurus will want to accomplish something tangible. At 5:30 p.m., Moon goes VOC. Relax into pleasure tonight.

SATURDAY OCTOBER 30 and SUNDAY OCTOBER 31

This is a fun, spontaneous Gemini weekend. We’ll really enjoy getting ready for Halloween, and a great variety of interesting costumes will blossom. It’s playtime for both adults and kids.