Astrologically Speaking Oct 17-Oct 24
Friends, we have before us a week that begins with Mercury and Jupiter ending their retrogrades. Just a little over two weeks ago we had six planets in retrograde. After Monday there will be only two, Uranus and Neptune. A lessening of the feeling that things are falling apart will be challenged by the last of the exact Saturn Uranus squares, exact in December, a story of breakdowns, of abandoned traditional methods and disruptive new approaches, that will continue through most of 2022, though never quite exact again. As the glories of the 20th century grow quaint, technology brings on the one hand a world of unbelievable convenience, but on the other a paradise for stalkers and surveillance states. In our own lives we can examine where the tides have turned. What good is it to walk after the withdrawing waves? Find the beach where high tide is on the way. Who are you going to be in the 2020s?
Early this morning sun square Pluto was exact. On the positive side with a little effort healing and tranquility are available, especially with Jupiter stationary direct tonight. Take a moment for a peaceful meditation. Relax with nature or art. Let the world show you where reform and repair are necessary. On the negative side this can be an obsessive aspect, lingering on issues of force, control, and destructiveness. With Pluto still stationary this is a powerful square. Get the best out of it by enjoying the humble beauties of our daily lives.
Tonight Jupiter is stationary direct at 10:30 PM (all times Pacific). Look back to June 20 when Jupiter when retrograde. If you’ve been experiencing delays, and having to go over old ground, progress may resume now in a more natural, less challenging way. Jupiter can bring opportunities for success, justice, prosperity, and spiritual attainment, but also joy and fun. Look for ways to enjoy the potential of Jupiter.
Mon Oct 18 Mercury retrograde ends as Mercury is stationary direct at 8:17 AM. For the more sensitive the following week may still be somewhat confusing but we can turn to new projects with greater confidence.
Also Monday Mars trine Jupiter is exact. This powerful trine can make you stronger, give you more energy, and bring hard work to successful fruition. The dark side of it involves arrogance and greed, magnified anger, especially with Mars square Pluto almost exact. This combination can indicate giving into criminality with the hope of great gain. With Saturn and Pluto still stationary this may lead to unexpectedly harsh consequences. A good aspect for beginning some kind of sports or exercise practice. Also good for applying some optimism in the areas of ambition and libido. Get inspired and do something positive this week.
Tue Oct 19 Venus inconjunct Uranus is exact. Inconjunctions can indicate trouble in the area of health. Venus as the planet ruling musical and other artistic and romantic social gatherings may have a surprise in store for us regarding the pandemic statistics. There is an urge to enjoy the pleasures and beauties of life with a sense of freedom, but there is still danger of the unexpected, the ultimately disruptive. So continue to take care.
Wed Oct 20 the full moon in late Aries arrives at 7:57 AM. With Mars trine Jupiter and Mars square Pluto the urge to get out there and socialize no matter the risk will be strong all week. That Aries impulsiveness can be fun and even synergistic, but don’t let impulse put you and others at risk unnecessarily.
Thu Oct 21 Mars square Pluto is exact. As I’ve been saying go easy on those appliances, including your human body. Mars trine Jupiter wants to over do it, but Mars square Pluto can bring things to a grinding halt. Reforms and repairs may be necessary. At the low end of the spectrum this can be a vengeful and even criminal aspect. Anger, libido and/or ambition acting out ruthlessly. Bitter arguments over politics, or any kind of control issues become more likely. But the better use of this aspect involves addressing the underlying issues causing the anger and taking necessary steps to resolve the problem. It means encountering libido in ways that can be healing, and updating our definitions of success. This can be a dangerous aspect. Be careful driving. Expect road rage out there. Don’t go down the rabbit hole of hate or doom scrolling. Remember what Thoreau said, “The only way to tell the truth is to speak with kindness.”
Fri Oct 22 sun enters Scorpio just before 10 PM. The Libra part of Fall always has the last of summer shining through, while Scorpio leads us toward the realm of winter. A good time for research, for catharsis, for seeking healing in holistic ways that address underlying issues beyond the physical. Remember Walt Whitman’s wonderful advice, “Be curious, not judgmental.”
Next Sunday Oct 24 Mercury inconjunct Uranus is exact. This can be a confusing and nervous aspect, that can result in illness caused by depletion and tension. Electronics and networks may have problems, even mechanical glitches seem to happen more often with it, especially with Uranus still retrograde. So take good care of your electronics next weekend. This can also be an accident prone aspect so take care driving and in the kitchen. If you feel scatter-brained blame it on this aspect. But be open to new ideas that may bring unexpected healing or liberation.
The next two weeks are rather quiet astrologically speaking, with fewer aspects but the continuation of the good aspect followed by a bad aspect theme that will be with us through the rest of this year more or less. But keep in mind Ralph Waldo Emerson’s good advice, “Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year.”
