Astrological forecast for October 2006

As above, so below. This is a basic premise of astrology. Not that the planets and stars command us or influence us by way of cosmic rays, but that they are signs and signals that we can read to get a sense of the world around us. Astrologers have been practicing and perfecting this art for millennia.

As I look at the calendar for October, I see that things are getting a little clearer since September. We are still in the middle of a t-square, as Jupiter occupies a space in the sky 90 degrees from both Saturn and Neptune, which oppose each other through next Summer. In September, the Jupiter Neptune square is exact. In October, the Jupiter Saturn square is exact. We can think of this as an energy transfer in a way. We can take the insights (and the stupid ideas) that we came up with when Jupiter squared Neptune, and throw them up against the wall of reality as Jupiter squares Saturn this month.

The Gambler

When Jupiter squares Saturn, it’s time to get serious (Saturn) about your philosophy (Jupiter) and stay tuned in to the big picture. That’s the kind of awareness you’ll need to navigate this tricky, unsettled time. Know your limits, and avoid taking unnecessary risks and unwise gambles. Avoid political and religious debates (which will no doubt be raging this month) unless you enjoy pointless arguments. Be patient and wait for better times.

October 1-13

October 1-4, Mars trines Neptune. Mars is activity, motion, energy. Neptune is inspiration, color, intuition. These are good days to work on an art project, commit a random act of kindness, or spend time around water. Pay attention to dreams and visions. The Moon waxes to Full, bringing things to a point of decision or culmination Friday night. October 5-19, Mars continues to move ahead and into a helpful sextile with practical, hardworking Saturn, and the Sun and Venus trine Neptune, while Mercury trines Uranus. This is a stellar week for your top priority business. Trines and sextiles signal removal of obstacles, less “drag.” Things move along at a rapid pace, and folks tend to be upbeat and in a good mood.

October 14-20

The Jupiter Saturn square grows in intensity this week, and will be exact on the 25th. This may manifest as lots of (Jupiter) work to do (Saturn), economic fluctuations, inflation. We need to temper optimism and exuberance (Jupiter) with practicality (Saturn) to make this work. Avoid unnecessary gambles and risks.

Having said that, it’s still a good week to get things done. Once we get past a spacey Mercury Neptune square Saturday and Sunday, the Sun, Venus and Mars continue their parade of kisses to Saturn, Neptune and Pluto. This is noteworthy— there’s a trine forming between Saturn and Pluto. Trines signal opportunity, open road, and beneficial ideas. It won’t become exact until next year, but it comes awfully close in the next few months. As the Sun, Mars and Venus touch off this powerful energy, we get a whiff of the energy on the winds. Opportunities to form productive relationships, to do some good business. Just use caution and don’t jump into anything until you have all the facts. Give things time to develop.

October 21-27

A New Moon in Libra clears the decks and begins a new 28 day cycle when, one way or another, we are focused on relationships, and issues of fairness, balance, and give-and-take. Mercury will conjoin exuberant Jupiter over the weekend, then square pessimistic Saturn. Time for a reality check. Maybe a weather event, or a correction in the stock market. On Monday, the Sun and Mars both enter Scorpio. Venus follows on Tuesday. Mercury and Jupiter are already in Scorpio, bringing the total up to 5. Half of the planets are in Scorpio, where they will remain until mid-November. That’s a lot!

On the positive side, Scorpio represents healing— it’s the cosmic garbage collector. It’s a great week to be in therapy. Scorpio is the sign of extremes on both sides, positive and negative. It’s an intensely powerful sign, and may be overwhelming at times as long buried secrets and feelings bubble up to the surface. Yours and others’. So use a light touch, and don’t blame others for your feelings, or take other people’s reactions personally, even if it stings. This is just a really intense time!

October 28-31

Proceed with caution. Mercury retrograde begins on October 28 and lasts through November 17. Confusion, equipment problems, scheduling problems, miscommunications, and inaccuracies are common during Mercury retrograde. Leave some extra time in your schedule to allow for delays, double-check the details, and get a second opinion in medical matters. As Mercury travels over territory previously visited, it’s a great time for us to review research, notes and projects from the past.

Mercury will back into the Jupiter Saturn square October 29-November 1. You might be saying the right thing, but at the wrong time. Listen to what others have to say, but you might be better off delaying a final decision until skies clear. Samhain/Halloween should be a doozy this year. Watch out for a retrograde Mercury square Saturn— worst case scenario would be thieves or angry people with weapons giving you trouble. But I doubt it will come to that. Other than that square, the night is relatively easygoing. Make sure you know where your kids and pets are, but have fun. You’ll probably want to call it a night early anyway.

Mark your Calendar!

The best days for you high priority plans are October 2-4, 7, 9-18.
Keep things simple October 21-25, 29-31.