In October, the the other shoe drops. First, Venus showed us the facts of love, relationship and (self-) value (August 16–27); then Mercury revealed the hidden truth and meaning (September 9–19). Now the Sun finishes the job for now, by activating our heroic nature, our ability to do something about it, as it connects with the Cardinal hotties, Pluto, Uranus, and Jupiter. It makes for a big-bang beginning, but it can be refreshing to finally be able to do something about all that we’ve been learning. One caveat: What happens now will see further developments December–June, as Mars unfolds its next retrograde for our entertainment.

As the Sun connects with these denizens of the heavens through October 12, it furthers our progress in the ongoing yearly cycles: In squaring Pluto on October 1, it signals that the close of this Pluto cycle is near; it’s time to finish up our inner processes to prepare for the next round. Whatever your experience of the Pluto treatment over the past year, there’s a sense of relief as its diamond-forming pressure is lifted. On October 3, the Sun’s opposition to Uranus marks the halfway point in its yearly cycle of awakening us to inner truth. Startling revelations will shift us forward, tied to events of late March and mid-July, with a relationship twist.

The final turn comes with the Sun’s opening square to Jupiter. We’re still in the getting-to-know-you phase of this yearly cycle, but we can expect a substantive shift in our reality as a response to previous events. This could even reach back into the recent past, releasing stored energy from times when something "should" have happened but didn’t. Events now tie to a convoluted set of experiences and stuck feelings that came to the surface principally in mid-August. A challenge stands before us, but resolution is in reach if we dare to take on the big task.

We may think, with the inner planets safely beyond Virgo, that our healing process is in abeyance until further notice, but that notice arrives on October 15, with Mars’s entry into Virgo, the caboose in the train of events. Wounding and healing provide a vivid backdrop to other events, the elephant in the living room, especially October 18–19 and 29–30. Something has to be said, done, to get beyond a misunderstanding or rift. What happens now is developmental in that regard, especially where it concerns communication.

This is because Mercury enters its retrograde shadow on October 1 (2°29' Scorpio), so what we say and how we connect will echo back to us during the retrograde and its after-shadow period. Mercury is our Conductor through a narrow passage from its vantage point in Scorpio. It will rejuvenate our social structures from the inside out, and we will emerge from the tunnel cleansed and renewed.

Mercury connects in harmonious ways with most of the planets it activates, and it activates most of them. By the time it stations on October 21 at 18°24' Scorpio, it will have touched in with (in order) Mars, Neptune, North Node, Pluto, Chiron, Uranus, Saturn, and Venus (plus the Sun and Moon). Of these, the most significant contacts are with the North Node and Saturn. These contacts, in sum, support our constructive processes, our stepwise process of building a new future, as they hook up the planets in the Grand Sextile (6th) Harmonic. On October 19-20, another Grand Sextile (Star of David, or Solomon’s Seal) forms when the Moon passes through Taurus.

As if this weren’t enough, we enter the next eclipse season with a Full Moon Lunar Eclipse on October 18 at 25°45' Libra/Aries. This is the first eclipse in the Aries-Libra axis, assisting us in bringing into manifestation those deep transformations we’ve carried silently within since January 2008. Although the Lunar Eclipse is often associated more with disappearances than appearances, it clears the deck for what needs more room to grow. Don’t fear losing something that belongs with you, for those things will now be able to increase.

Meanwhile Jupiter takes us into the new frontier, the range of degrees in the Cardinal signs that have yet to be scoured by Uranus and Pluto. Venus and Mars will accompany us on this journey over the winter and spring months.

October’s planets open a portal to a passage that we must make. Mercury offers us assistance, in the form of our web of connections, where we find mutual support. By being flexible and releasing ourselves from expectations, we gain maximum benefit from this opportunity to leverage ourselves into the life we want.

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(Except as otherwise noted, all interpretations here are based on a natural chart, using the beginning of Aries as the ascendant, and times listed are Pacific Standard Time (UTC–8) until March 10; Pacific Daylight Time (UTC-7) thereafter.

A "Void Moon" or "Void of Course Moon" (or "VOC moon" for short) makes no significant aspects until it enters the next sign. Its void period is thought to be a poor time for starting new projects or making concerted effort toward existing plans.

According to William Lilly, the Moon in Cancer (Moon's rulership), Taurus (Moon's exaltation), Sagittarius and Pisces (signs ruled by Jupiter, the Great Benefic) "performeth somewhat." Lee Lehmann reports that she has tested this, and "you can take it to the bank." Another way of putting how this works is that, when an action is taken during the void period in one of these signs, you get "unanswered success." That is, the lack of planetary action prevents your action from being denied.

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Tuesday October 1

This is White Rabbit Day, when we can say “White Rabbit!” upon awakening to activate unconscious forces of magic in our lives over the coming month.

Mercury enters its Retrograde Shadow when it reaches 2°29' Scorpio, forming the echo chamber that will bring events in threes. What we say and the connections we make now, both internal and external, take on more significance as part of a cleansing process. We feel something stirring deep within, as Mercury trines Neptune, a clarity that wants to emerge. Feeding that feeling is the Sun’s closing square to Pluto, propelling us into action that furthers the transformation we began on December 28 last year.

The Moon is void of course in Leo until 11:52 am PT (2:52 pm ET), when it augments our analytic skills in Virgo, an antidote to runaway emotions. This is the dark of the Moon, the Wishing Time, when we can feel into our emptiness. Although we may feel like doing something NOW, if we rest easy and let things come to us in their own time, we use this energy to our benefit.

Wednesday October 2

The Moon continues through Virgo, connecting all the dots in a Cradle configuration to allow manifestations to appear. A receptive approach will allow us to see what most wants to take shape now as we sit at the potter’s wheel of our life.

This couldn’t come at a better time, as Saturn reaches its third of three exact trines to Chiron. This emphasizes that our healing process is benefitted by a long-term plan or permanent lifestyle change. Now we see the results of our efforts of the past year in that regard.

Simultaneously, Pluto opens the door to new possibilities as it sextiles the Moon’s North Node. This gives us the opportunity to see into the future at what we are creating, and to further activate it.

A bit of awkwardness, a feeling of obligation, dogs us as the Sun quincunxes Chiron. While it may not be time to act now, we know that action is definitely required at some point to complete something that has been left undone, to relieve the pressure we feel.

Thursday October 3

Anxiety and tension come to a head as Sun opposes Uranus, the full/illumination point of the yearly cycle begun on March 28. This is a release, and it frees us to deal more effectively with pressures in other areas of life.

The Moon remains in Virgo until 7:59 pm (10:59 pm ET), but it gives us some down time when it enters its void period at 11:57 am. Take a break or do whatever else is best for your health.

Friday October 4

Life begins afresh when we reach the New Moon at 5:34 pm/11°56' Libra (8:34 pm ET). Coming as it does on the heels of the opposition to Uranus, a freeing release brings a breath of fresh air to this lunar month, which culminates in the Full Moon Eclipse on October 18. We have the month to build on what awakens within us. Watch for powerful events, as Mercury opens us to what heals us—a courageous step into the unknown. Saturn finalizes its direct interaction with Uranus for now with its third of three quincunxes. A situation where we have felt stuck with a difficult responsibility has to be cleared in order to proceed. This month is the time to do it.

In the chart cast for the US set in Washington DC, the power struggle continues to undermine the nation’s solvency and viability via such pernicious policies as the sequester and the repeated obstruction of the people’s wil. The battles continue in the states and home front in the form of individual suffering and outbursts of violence. The power to manage this lies with the Senate, as the House continues to throw legislative bombs to disrupt progress. Diplomacy seems to be working on the international front, but vigilance is required.

The Sabian Symbol activated by both Sun and Moon at the New Moon is “Miners are emerging from a deep coal mine.” This dovetails with the process of the month as Mercury leads us through its retrograde in Scorpio, that of mining the depths of our consciousness for the treasure that lies hidden there. It is in the dark and fertile cave of consciousness that important truths are found, which lead us to both freedom and strength. If a rescue is in process, it will be successful.

Saturday October 5

The Moon continues in Libra, completing its tour of the Cardinal Cross energies with a square to Jupiter that augments our need to take action as we enter our day. Productivity is in the forecast, with a sextile to Mars, followed by a relaxing evening as the Moon goes void at 3:28 pm (6:28 pm ET).

Sunday October 6

At 1:33 am (4:33 am ET), vitality returns as Moon enters Scorpio, making us aware of the building energy of transformation. This is underscored by Mercury as it conjoins North Node in Scorpio and sextiles Pluto, giving us a full awareness of the core truth. Mercury is bringing together what seemed like separate issues, helping us simplify their solution. Moon ties everything together today and tomorrow for an emotional heads-up, a reminder of our need for the change that we will activate.

Monday October 7

Mercury continues to tie things together with a trine to Chiron. We feel love lifted to the heights when Venus enters Sagittarius at 10:54 am (1:54 pm ET). Meanwhile, the Moon carries on in Scorpio, giving us a fruitful morning and a restless afternoon, but lots of activity to work with. At 9:54 pm, the Moon moves into its void period for a long night’s rest.

Tuesday October 8

What we came to understand in mid-September comes back for a revisitation as Mercury quincunxes Uranus. The fact that it also conjoins Saturn for the first of three times tells us that today’s insights and experiences are formative and will lead to greater harmony by late November when the third contact occurs.

At 5:21 am (8:21 am ET), the Moon lifts us higher as it goes into Sagittarius. It activates the next Venus gate as Venus climbs higher in the sunset sky, nearing her retrograde. Idealism runs high now, on a separate track from our more pragmatic concerns.

Wednesday October 9

The Moon catches up with the Sun to form the pre-First-Quarter creative sextile. It’s a great time to activate our plans for the month.

Thursday October 10

Confusion about love leads us to seek a better picture of what’s real as Venus squares Neptune. The Moon’s brief void period begins at 3:11 am (6:11 am ET) continuing until 8:17 am with her entry into Capricorn, where harmonies greet us. But as the day wanes, pensiveness brings forth deeper awareness that feeds tomorrow’s First Quarter Moon.

Friday October 11

Something happens that fosters a deeper awareness of what needs doing as the First Quarter Moon arrives at 4:02 pm/18°47' Libra/Capricorn (7:02 pm ET). Overnight we are fed insights via the unconscious in the form of dreams and inner travels that we will be able to use to augment the magic immanent in this lunar cycle.

The Sun empowers us to action as it moves into its opening square to Jupiter, helping us see what we can do between now and November 6 to bring good fortune and expansion into our life. The plans we launch now may not reach full fruition on this cycle, with Mercury about to retrograde and the Lunar Eclipse queued up next, but we must launch all the same, then have patience as we work through the obstacles that need transforming. At 5:04 pm, the Moon gives us time to integrate and organize for the week ahead as it goes void of course.

In Washington DC, the First Quarter chart emphasizes the urgency of supporting a vociferous population in need of better support from their world and economy. There is increased attention on food and water, feeding those in need, and how the plight of women and children undermines the family as rights and fallback supports have been steadily eroded by those in control of the purse strings. The President looks somewhat powerless in this scenario, as the battle royal over the federal budget rages on. The Affordable Care Act is emerging as a buttress in the structure of society as an increasing number of people are beginning to understand and sign up for its benefits. An imbalance of water—rains and flooding, or water availability and potability—is in the news.

The Sabian Symbols for the First Quarter Moon are: “a gang of robbers in hiding” (Sun, 19 Libra), and “a child of about five carrying a huge shopping bag filled with groceries” (Moon, 19 Capricorn). These suggest an ambush on the innocent, a secret agenda perpetuated on those who are going about their simple duties. It is a time to be aware of hidden factors in the situations that arise now where an injustice could occur. We could see this played out in the public-political arena, with ensuing reactions.

Saturday October 12

The Sun reaches its waxing square to Jupiter, opening us to the portal of expansion that will be available until Jupiter turns retrograde on November 6. Although Mercury will change the timing of the effects as it makes its retrograde starting October 21, our actions will bear fruit in the long run. At 11:00 am (1:00 pm ET), the Moon enters Aquarius to bring a refreshing humor and objectivity to our mood and interactions.

Sunday October 13

The Moon in Aquarius travels athwart the planets in Scorpio to give us a day of careful consideration. Thoughtful communications are possible in the wake of our ruminations.

Monday October 14

Don’t try to take on the entire week’s work in one day (or worry about dealing with banks and government on this US bank holiday), even though it may seem like you must as Moon in Aquarius opposes Mars. Work steadily in the morning, then give yourself a breather to catch up and complete, as the Moon ‘s void begins at 1:28 pm PT (4:28 pm PT). You’ll be back at it at 2:06 pm, when the Moon enters Pisces, offering a more relaxed tone to the rest of the day.

Tuesday October 15

At 4:05 am (7:05 am), Mars asserts itself into the realm of analysis and higher service upon entering Virgo. The Moon in Pisces makes all the pit stops as it connects with the planets in mid-degrees, culminating in a Water Grand Trine with Chiron, Saturn, Mercury, and Jupiter for a daylong feel-good experience.

Wednesday October 16

At 0:15 am (3:15 am ET), the Moon slips into the void degrees of Pisces, giving a day to go with the flow (although actions taken will bear fruit). This lasts until her entry into Aries energizes us at 6:18 pm, and we begin to slip into our Lunar Eclipse experience. Our thoughts turn to love and how to heal our relationships as Venus squares Chiron and simultaneously trines Uranus. Watch for unexpected openings and insights.

Thursday October 17

The Moon in Aries takes us deeper into the timeless space of the shadow zone as the Moon prepares for its eclipse tomorrow afternoon. We see our circumstances with new understanding as our ties and structures move into temporary dissolution. Venus assists us from her position in transcendent Sagittarius, bringing the big picture into view.

Friday October 18

On the heels of a vitalizing square to Jupiter, the Full Moon/Lunar Eclipse reaches its peak at 4:38 pm/25°43' Libra/Aries (7:38 pm ET). This is the void-of-course event, giving a little downtime for inner work to potentiate our next steps in response to this inward illumination. Many energies are held in abeyance now as Mercury slows for its retrograde, which commences on Monday. The tendency may be to panic when we feel that the inner order is disrupted by lack of activity—that a Full Moon’s natural crescendo of busy-ness is somehow muted out. The action and adventure will pick up after October 21 as Mercury picks up speed in retrograde motion.

In the Federal Government, the hold that obstructionists have on the nation is dissolving, and the first test of that has come via the extension of the debt ceiling whose deadline is mid-October. There are backroom deals to circumvent the whining minority. Pressure from working people supports movement in the right direction. What happens now is the beginning of the end for extremist factions.

The Sabian Symbols for the eclipse are “an eagle and a large white dove turning constantly into each other” (Sun, 26 Libra), and for the Moon, “a man possessed of more gifts than he can hold” (26 Aries). This is a beautiful symbol of the interplay of yang and yin, action and receptivity, and the gifts that come from balancing these forces. In the public arena, the war over the domestic budget is assuaged with an “iron fist in a velvet glove” approach.

Saturday October 19

We come face to face with our own uncertainty as Mars opposes Neptune. It's a time to pause and see where everything and everyone went. The inner truth is what’s showing up; if we wait, what’s right for us will reappear on its own. It’s not a time for charging in. The Moon offers more stability as it goes into Taurus at 0:27 am (3:27 am ET), filling in the gap to a productive-constructive Grand Sextile. Regardless of what’s happening outside and around us, it’s time to carry on building what we’ve put our faith in. A time of no progress offers us a break to get things done.

Sunday October 20

The Grand Sextile continues, seeding the actions of the coming four months with new plans and insights. Even though the Moon goes void at 2:02 pm (5:02 pm ET) and Mercury is involved at its dead stop, we can continue our efforts apace.

Monday October 21

Mercury makes its standstill and commences its newest retrograde period at 3:29 am/18°24' Scorpio (6:29 am ET). It’s a good time to take stock of what’s happened since October 1, as these events will feed our retrograde experience. We have 11 days to finish up for the old cycle (started July 9), before we launch our new one on November 1. This is a perfect stripping, elimination, and banishing time, as solar, lunar, and Mercury cycles coincide in waning phases of their cycles, allowing us to release what no longer serves us.

At 9:14 am PT, the Moon makes its way into Gemini to get some energy moving. We may not know quite where to focus though, as it makes a T-square to Neptune and Mars, reactivating Saturday’s opposition.

Tuesday October 22

The Gemini Moon sparks our optimism as it harmonizes with Uranus and reflects Venus’s light to us. We can take this inside as the Moon goes void at 5:35 pm (8:35 pm ET). The Sun enters Scorpio at 11:10 pm PT, and we begin deepening our awareness of hidden factors that must be taken into account to achieve our goals.

Wednesday October 23

After a day of being void of course in Gemini, the Moon enters Cancer to bring our feelings further forward at 8:36 pm (11:36 pm ET). A trine to the Sun smooths the way through the evening, forming a Grand Trine over the next day and a half with Neptune-Chiron, Saturn-Mercury, and Jupiter. Use this energy to fuel your willpower in order to do something you’ve been afraid to take on.

Thursday October 24

The Moon in Cancer connects with mostly harmonious energies over the day as it fulfills a Grand Trine in Water. We feel some of the ongoing big issues more acutely around teatime. Let it spur you into action if you are following a plan.

Friday October 25

At 1:31 pm (4:31 pm ET), the Moon is void in Cancer, but we can still use this energy very beneficially. A Sun trine to Neptune lifts our heart to meet our ideals. We are nearly through the latest retrograde of Neptune—what inner growth have you experienced since late February?

Saturday October 26

At 9:12 am (12:12 pm ET) the Moon enters Leo to lift our hope. Surely we can break through those obstacles! This augments our ability to release old energy, the task of this time. As Venus quincunxes Jupiter, we are more likely to see the problems than their solutions, but the key is to wait until things become clear. The Moon reaches its Last Quarter square to the Sun at 4:40 pm/3°43' Scorpio/Leo, the only lunar contact of the day, granting us a quiet evening.

Finally, some relief in the Beltway, as the struggles are set aside for the moment. The Last Quarter Moon chart shows progress in overcoming the standard political roadblocks, although it is not an unmitigated victory for the voices of reason. Unacceptable compromises have been made that will have consequences, but progressive forces have made an important breakthrough.

The Last Quarter Moon activates the Sabian Symbols at 4 Scorpio (the Sun), “A youth holding a lighted candle in a devotional ritual gains a sense of the great ‘other world’”, and 4 Leo (the Moon) “A man formally dressed stands near trophies he brought back from a hunting expedition.” These symbols juxtapose devotion and spiritual ideals with external shows of victory and conquest. Those who uphold inner truth and gentle service may conflict with those who prefer a show of force or just want to win at any cost.

Sunday October 27

The Moon in Leo shines a light on the forces of pessimism and fear, helping us rise above our difficulties with practical solutions. The desire to slash and burn the past should be tempered with what will come as a result. A deep healing is in progress.

Monday October 28

A long-term healing process reaches a positive turning point, as Chiron sextiles Pluto for the fourth of five times. We are seeing deep results that will show a substantial shift as Chiron returns to forward motion in November. At 5:26 am PT (8:26 pm ET), the Moon goes void of course in Leo, for a day of reconnoitering. We are revived when the Moon enters Virgo at 8:45 pm.

Tuesday October 29

The Moon in Virgo connects with nearly everything under the Sun (including the Sun) today, energizing opportunities with hard work. Our logical and organizational skills will be top-notch. They will be matched and supported by productivity as Mercury retrograde conjoins Saturn for the second of three times.

Wednesday October 30

We feel a quietude in the background as Sun conjoins North Node. In the foreground, we’re filled with plans as the Moon continues its transit of Virgo, going void of course at 7:48 pm (10:48 pm ET) for an overnight of inward focus. Be careful of injury or hasty action that wounds as Mars opposes Chiron. Acupuncture or other treatments are especially beneficial today.

Thursday October 31

Deep release is possible and made easier as Mars trines Pluto and quincunxes Uranus. At 5:22 am (8:22 am ET), the Moon moves into Libra and brings out the challenges that lurk unresolved in our relationships as the trick-or-treaters make their rounds. The news of the day may distract us from our fun-seeking pursuits.

 

 

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