October Astrology Report

copyright 2000, Roxana Muise

October contains five squares, three conjunctions, four oppositions, four planetary stations, two ingresses and a new and a full Moon. A power ring comprised of Mercury, Jupiter, and Pluto tests our inner energies. This began September 29, and will last until December 4, interrupted briefly on November 6 and 7. A whirlwind of activity invades our lives that will test our realities. We feel expected to shift into high gear accepting all challenges that comes to us, leaving us feeling drained. There is no rational way of explaining this phenomenon. CG Jung said:

"Rationality is the superstition of the twentieth century." If we transcend the rational mind, this energy can be controlled. One method is through conscious breathing. Investigate some of the many techniques, including yoga, meditation, and physical fitness exercises. This will be easier after October 15. Developing the intuitive mind is the work of the new century.

10/01 Mercury squares Neptune Rx, 11:27 AM, 3:50 Scorpio/Aquarius. Information compiled and presented by the rational mind is challenged by the appearance of reality. This may or may not be truth, and it is up to the individual to decide. Yes, this takes effort. However, the entire month is a test of truth, and this same aspect is repeated at this same position on November 1. As Mercury travels back and forth on this path, insight and sensitivity may be heightened, as may vulnerability. Dishonesty can backfire, and disrupt life processes.

10/03 Mars squares Pluto 4:55 PM, 10:40 Virgo/Sagittarius. This square begins a major traveling T-square that lasts for 10 days. Added assertiveness and downright aggressiveness brings about major confrontations, which will trigger the need for restraint and responsible action. Manipulation by powerful forces can be daunting and confusing.

10/04 Mars squares Jupiter Rx 12:28 PM, 11:11 Virgo/Gemini. The second part of the T-square. Speculative development of a powerful venture using unconventional methods can be successful.

10/08 Venus squares Uranus Rx 7:20 AM, 17:01 Scorpio/Aquarius. Great creative resources are made available from unpredictable sources. Thorough study of the basics merges discipline with talent to bring a project to successful conclusion. Build with awareness for the best outcome.

10/13 Jupiter Rx opposes Pluto 1:24 AM, 10:54 Gemini/Sagittarius. Luck can contribute to the success of a project that has been well prepared. Enthusiasm is contagious, and can be a positive factor in a pathway to victory. Be open to unusual solutions. Jupiter retrograde often allows bypassing the usual routes to success.

Full Moon 20:19 Aries/Libra. west coast 1:53 AM, east coast 4:53 AM. Serious negotiations will need positive attitudes to succeed. Cooperation between peers can accomplish more in a joint project than competition. Make sure that beliefs and philosophies are compatible before making alliances. West coast emphasis is on communication and vision. East coast tensions are based on finances and the ability to arrive at value agreements.

10/15 Neptune turns direct 7:12 AM, 47:03 Aquarius, and

Saturn turns retrograde 5:46 PM, 30:00 Taurus. Today, these two outer planets trine each other as they change direction. Saturn retrogrades into Taurus until April of next year, marking a time appropriate for cleaning up old debts, and releasing old, outmoded structures and values. A new spiritual awareness can contribute to, or can result from such responsible actions. Adopting a new perspective can help you to avoid defeat.

10/18 Mercury turns retrograde 6:41 AM, 15:47 Scorpio. Keep in mind that illusions will not go away, but may arise more potent than before. Deep understandings are possible, when patience is applied. Be extra watchful. A new, more cohesive picture will arise from small hints during the rest of this month. The important thing is to be honest with yourself and others, and be prepared for surprise challenges to your deepest beliefs.

Venus opposes Saturn Rx 7:46 PM, 29:49 Scorpio/Taurus. Many issues will surface that you have worked on in the past, and thought were finished. The old taskmaster, Saturn may reopen old wounds, only to cauterize them and then uncover new techniques for healing. Saturn will provide a testing ground for your unproven values and principles. Cultivate endurance, and devote quality time to finishing old issues.

Venus enters Sagittarius 11:18 PM. Many journeys are possible in the exploration of your inner potential. Inner discoveries and appreciation of values can emerge, as a result of physical travel.

10/22 Sun enters Scorpio 7:48 PM. The search for deeper meaning can result in new states of consciousness. This is a favorable time for uncovering devious activity and forgotten projects.

10/26 Uranus turns direct 8:23 AM, 16:53 Aquarius. Change comes from out of the blue, seemingly unrelated to immediate conditions. Some reactions can be disruptive unless you stay ready for any outcome.

Sun squares Neptune 3:54 PM, 3:49 Scorpio/Aquarius. Your inner convictions can allow you to survive outer changes. Understanding can come from actively searching for truth.

10/27 New Moon 4:12 Scorpio, square Neptune. west coast 12:58 AM, east coast 3:58 AM. Beginning a new project or process can be scary in light of the past week’s events. New discoveries and new research can trigger conjecture that contributes to the growth of consciousness. Energy on the west coast favors communication challenges in the work environment. East coast activity brings new talent and personal resources to the fore, stimulating speculative pursuits.

Venus opposes Jupiter Rx 4:17 AM, 9:57 Sagittarius/Gemini. Enthusiastic responses will generate exciting projects that may reform our beliefs and ideas. Refer to the mid July Lunar eclipse for disclosures that influence this situation.

10/28 Venus conjuncts Pluto 8:31 AM, 11:22 Sagittarius. Intensity and subjective processing surround the need for the transformation of attitudes. An alchemical process may have its roots in mid July experiences.

10/29 Sun conjuncts Mercury Rx 6:09 PM, 6:57 Scorpio. More intensity – the need for communication is great. We are all deeply involved in discovering a new understanding of our sense of self. Shared participation in society’s processes can be very fulfilling. More information will be surfacing in November – and more truths will be revealed for those who are willing to consider them.

October Symbology

October is associated with the altruistic Athena, Greek wisdom goddess, champion of heroes. October is also sacred to the Roman Astraea,. October was named for the eighth month of the old Roman calendar. The goddess Astraea, daughter of Zeus and Themis is honored as the goddess of purity , justice and discipline. Astraea brought patience and hope to the world of mortals, as they progressed into ever more violent times. May we now invoke her benevolent energies? October is also sacred to the great goddess, Hathor, who embodies all the feminine possibilities. Goddess of the underworld, and of the sky, Hathor is also identified with Venus, which governs the sign Libra.

The gemstones linked with October are the opal and the tourmaline. The fire opal, October’s most spectacular gemstone, may be worn as a talisman of hope, for it embodies the colors of all precious stones. The opal is said to avert painful times and misfortune when worn by those born in the sign of Libra (September 22 to October 22). For the Scorpio part of October, the tourmaline balances the polarity of its wearer, especially when worn on the forehead at the third eye or at the throat chakra, and it deflects negativity. Tourmaline wands are used in massage and in healing.

For many cultures and religions, this is a turning point in the year. Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year takes place on the first two days of Tishrei, at the new Moon. The ten day long celebration of thanksgiving ends with Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement (At-One-ment). October’s special days continue on the 22^nd with Simhat Torah, which means "Rejoicing of the Law," part of the Jewish thanksgiving festival which celebrates the ending and the beginning of the yearly cycle concerned with the daily reading of the Torah, the Jewish holy Book of The Law.

October is the doorway to the darker part of the year, and many cultures celebrated the end of October in honor of those who had died. The ancient Persians celebrated Mordad, dedicated to appeasing the Angel of Death. The Hindus celebrate a festival of the dead called "Durga." On this day, Kali, the terrible goddess is invoked to slay the demons within. Hallowe’en, called the "Day of the Dead" in Latin cultures in the Americas, and "All Souls Day" in Christian cultures is when those loved ones who have left this plane of existence are evoked. Their accomplishments and/or their misdeeds are acknowledged, and their souls are remembered in prayer. This is the Eve of Samhain (pronounced Sow-wain), the Celtic New Year’s Eve, which celebrates the peak of the cycle of rebirth. It is a magical time of shape shifting, when the veil between the seen and the unseen is very thin, and mysteries are revealed to the faithful. This is also the season of the Scandinavian goddess, Skuld, the third and last of the Fates, who ruled the processes of life. Skuld honors the Crone, or the wisdom path of the goddess, also known as Cailleach.

October fourth is the feast of Saint Francis of Assisi who had an affinity for animals and for all the elements of creation.

…Praised be You, my Lord, with all your creatures, especially Sir Brother Sun, Who is the day and through whom You give us light. And he is beautiful and radiant with great splendor; and bears a likeness of You, Most High One.

Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Moon and the stars, in heaven You formed them clear and precious and beautiful.

Praised be You, my Lord, through Brother Wind, and through the air, cloudy and serene, and every kind of weather through which You give sustenance to Your creatures.

Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Water, which is very useful and humble and precious and chaste.

Praised be You, my Lord, through Brother Fire, through whom You light the night and he is beautiful and playful and robust and strong.

Praised be You, my Lord, through our Sister Mother Earth, who sustains and governs us, and who produces varied fruits with colored flowers and herbs…

Excerpt from "The Canticle of the Sun", by St. Francis of Assisi

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