Astrologically Speaking Oct 3-Oct 11
Friends, welcome to one of the most intense weeks of astrology this year. A milestone of some kind is indicated in connection with the pandemic and the other Saturn conjunct Pluto issues that reached public awareness in early 2020, especially in the areas of politics and the world economy. We begin the week with six planets in retrograde. A time for no mono aware. By the end of October four of them will have gone direct: Mercury, Jupiter, Saturn and Pluto. This may indicate that the worst will be behind us, but it could also mean that the challenge continues in a more fundamental way. Los Angeles is a good symbol for the moment. A couple hundred cases of the Mu variant but also experiments with a new pill.
Leftovers from last week, Mars opposition Chiron continues until Oct 10, while yesterday’s Venus trine Pluto ends Oct 8. The Mars aspect can indicate a crisis in health that is based on issues with ambition, libido and anger. It could indicate an increase in the spread or virulence of the virus. It amplifies hostility around the vaccine war that has temporarily replaced the political one, although that is currently playing out in our dysfunctional national institutions.
Today Oct 3 the sun opposed Chiron in the morning potentially amplifying the impact of Mars opposition Chiron. Polarized viewpoints become more extreme. The crisis in public health causes obstacles to progress that create frustration and divisiveness. With so much Chiron going on pay attention to your health. Eat well. Get rest. Laugh. Appreciate the momentary beauties of life. Be cautious during dangerous times. Pay attention to the small messages our bodies send us. Address little problems before they become bigger.
Late this afternoon Mercury trine Jupiter is exact, a joyful and optimistic aspect, sociable and gregarious, this is usually an indication of opportunities for success or at least good times. Very good for writing. Speaking of mono no aware, that melancholy love we feel when we become momentarily aware of the terrible beauty and fragility of everyone and everything we love. I used to think of Patricia Kennealy-Morrison when I wrote about aspects good for writing and editing, as she shared with me several times how helpful she found them. In so many different ways their absence is felt.
Tue Oct 5 Mercury inconjunct Neptune is exact, adding a sinister quality to the good times of Mercury trine Jupiter, as inconjunctions can indicate health problems, and Neptune rules pandemics. The news may not be good, especially with Mars inconjunct Uranus exact the next day. In our own lives the desire for intoxication may be strong and may detract from getting a clear view of what’s really going on. Don’t over do any kind of escapism.
Wed Oct 6 Mars is inconjunct Uranus, one of the most impatient and irritable aspects. The desire for change, driven by frustrated libido and ambition, easily erupts in anger. We all want to get on with it, with life as usual, or some semblance. We are all troubled by the possibility that it may never get back to normal. That we’ve entered a new dark season of the pestilence. For some this leads to deliberately risky behavior. And many will suffer no consequence. But some will. Choose your rebellions carefully. Enlighten your efforts with an eye to the future, not the past.
Also Wed the new moon arrives at 13 Libra in the very early morning. The new moon means fresh energy but six planets are still retrograde so take it easy . Remember Mercury is retrograde until Oct 18. Romance, art, and partnerships are favored. Seek balance. Understand both sides of any issue.
Also Wed in the late morning Pluto is stationary direct. Pluto has been inhabiting 24 Capricorn since August 11 and will continue until Nov 30. Things will be moving rather slowly in the big picture. Look at issues that came up in the second week of August as they will most likely continue to require attention. Pluto is about death and rebirth; corruption and destruction, but also repair and renewal. It can indicate dire suffering and massive crisis but also healing and reform. It all comes to the surface with Pluto. In our own lives, with Saturn also stationary this week, there are valuable lessons to be learned about endings. The monuments in our lives, long time friends of any species, plants or trees we have cared for and admired, favorite landmarks, celebrity or artistic inspirations, entire institutions seem to disappear more rapidly, or perhaps we are more aware of the accumulated losses. As the Shingon Buddhist master Kōbō-Daishi wrote: “Although it is said that it is impossible to be disturbed by anything upon reaching enlightenment, I could not help but cry upon bidding farewell to a loved one.”
Also Wed in the late afternoon sun inconjunct Uranus is exact, another frustrating aspect, desiring freedom, ego driven and prone to sudden erratic actions, so be careful when you commute and when you communicate. Do find ways to bring more freedom to your life. There may be new technology out there that will change your trajectory.
Thu Oct 7 Venus leaves obsessive Scorpio for outgoing Sagittarius. The desire to socialize and travel will be strong but take care with Saturn and Pluto stationary. Dare to be optimistic about art and romance.
Also Thu sun conjunct Mars is exact one minute after 9:01 PM. This is an aggressive aspect that can lead to the ego acting out, especially with the sun approaching a conjunction with Mercury square stationary Pluto. Don’t try to force or bully your way around. Use this energy for constructive accomplishments. An excellent combination for organizing complicated messes.
Sat Oct 9 sun conjunct Mercury is exact in the morning, and this combustible Mercury often leads to regrettable statements and actions. But it is very good for writing and other forms of communication as long as we remember to respect other points of view.
Also Sat Mercury conjunct Mars is exact. Be very careful when commuting and when communicating, this is an argumentative and impulsive aspect, but great for creative work like editing and for exercise and sports as long as you don’t over do it. But be careful not to blurt hurtful things. Perhaps there are grievances that need to be aired? Don’t rush to confront.
Sun Oct 10 Saturn is stationary direct at 7:17 PM at the exact moment that moon in Sagittarius squares Neptune. Saturn and Pluto are about endings. That feeling of the past slipping away will probably intensify. It’s like a big clock turning second by second but then you realize a day has past. The harsh view of life provided by these two planets can be healing and liberating if we can accept our faults and learn how to go beyond them. This is a good time for challenging long time traumas, or bringing new skills to bear to solve problems once thought unsolvable. Meditation can really help. Commence a practice that grounds and calms you.
Mon Oct 11 Mercury is inconjunct Uranus, with Mars inconjunct Neptune exact on Oct 16, this is worrisome. The former indicates continuing or worsening pandemic related disruptions in technology, supply chains, etc. Little details like facts get in the way of freedom with an exclamation point behind it. Mars inconjunct Neptune is the pandemic spread aspect. October will certainly give us a better idea of where we really stand in this health crisis headed for year three not too long from now.
Take a look at where you’ve been and where you hope to go. With Saturn and Pluto stationary this is a good time to recollect ourselves.
