By Dorene A. Carrel

October features a potent alignment of Venus and Mars in Scorpio, along with another Super New Moon and Venus turning retrograde.  Later in the month a water trine between Mars, Jupiter and Uranus brings a harmonious flow to our creative energy. 

During the first week of October, we are in the last phases of September’s Virgo lunation, with a focus on discrimination and discernment. On October 1-2 Mercury opposes both Jupiter and Uranus, signifying much mental activity that could result in disputes. With Mercury in late Virgo, we may be still gathering information to gain clarity on decisions. However, since a challenging quincunx aspect with Neptune on October 1 brings confusion and scattered energy, it’s best to postpone those decisions for a few more days.

On October 3 Venus and Mars make a second conjunction at 13 Scorpio. Mars (male energy) is stronger in its own sign, with an intense emotional drive.  This aspect can result in the formation of new romantic or business alliances, although a challenging Mars/Uranus aspect can bring a rebellious or unsettled overtone to the day’s events.  It is best to be more detached in emotional situations at this time. 

The New Moon will occur on October 7 at 14 Libra.  This is the third of the Super New Moons, which bring stronger magnetic energy forces to our planet that affect both earth changes and human consciousness.   This lunation aligns with both Saturn and Mercury in Libra, providing grounding and balance for our ideas and goals.  This will be a good month to examine the effectiveness of our communications, especially in close relationships.  Other Libra traits include cooperation, competition, seeing both sides, diplomacy, equalitarian; being refined, charming, sociable and relationship-oriented. The Sabian Symbol for this degree is “Circular Paths,” and “coming to terms with the inevitability of establishing steady rhythms of social activity.” The monthly lunation cycle can be seen as a circular path with eight major phases, each having a unique purpose and activity theme to bring greater balance into our life. 

On October 8 Venus turns retrograde at 13 Scorpio. This cycle will last until November 18. During this time we will be re-examining the areas of relationships, partnerships and finances in terms of personal values, needs and preferences.  Scorpio energies encourage us to eliminate whatever is in the way of achieving cooperation and harmony in our relationships.  Also today Mercury aligns with Saturn in Libra, which brings more structure and focus to our thinking and communicating.   

From October 16-19, the sun forms challenging aspects with Mercury, Jupiter and Uranus. This is also a mentally active period that may encourage us to overextend ourselves with certain activities.  Many adjustments in thinking, travel and communications may need to be made during this period.  The solar trine to Neptune and Chiron on October 19 will help us remember our most valued ideals.   

The creative water trine period begins on October 20, with Mars in Scorpio in trine aspect to Jupiter in Pisces, and culminates on October 24 with the Mars trine to Uranus in Pisces.  During this period, there will be a stronger drive to actualize our ideas and ideals in both active and creative ways that involve some form of artistic or compassionate expression.  This will also be a strong period for healing on physical and emotional levels. 

The Full Moon will occur on October 22 at 29 Aries 33.  This is a powerful lunation that forms aspects with Mercury, Vesta, Venus, Neptune/Chiron and Uranus/Jupiter. Aries is the sign of leadership, pioneering, new beginnings and risk-taking.  We are being called to consider where we are ready to take leadership, ideally related to some activity undertaken at the new moon.  Areas highlighted by these aspects include education, relationships, finances, compassionate service and one’s philosophy or spiritual path.  Mercury and Venus in Scorpio encourage us to take an in-depth approach.    It may be time to release some beliefs and assumptions that are preventing greater fulfillment.

The Sabian symbols for these degrees suggest “the realization of natural boundaries” and “the fulfillment of man’s power of understanding at whatever level of existence the person operates.” The 29th degree, considered a critical degree, will also be seen in the next several full moons. Each sign cycle is 30 degrees in length, with the latter degrees calling for a greater “power of understanding,” along with a potential completion of important life cycles. 

On this same day, Mars forms a tense square to Neptune, which can take us into some murky waters of deception, confusion and strangeness.  However, Mercury in a positive sextile to Pluto can bring greater insight and clarity.  The sun entering Scorpio on October 23 provides depth, power and strength for our positive intentions.

On October 27, Mars enters fiery Sagittarius, which will energize us to aim higher to manifest our life purpose and goals. However, as it is a mutable sign, it may take more discipline to stay focused.  A challenging aspect between Saturn and Neptune on that same day can bring more confusion or may allow us to view a situation in a different light. 

A harmonious sun/Venus alignment in Scorpio on October 28 will magnetize the attraction of harmony, love and prosperity.  This will be a great day to go to the spa, plan a romantic dinner or special social gathering.  Life looks brighter now, so use the day well!

In November, both Venus and Jupiter turn direct and we enter a new Day in the Mayan Calendar. 

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Dorene Carrel is a professional astrologer with over thirty years of experience, offering birth chart, transits/progressions and relocation astrology readings.  She is certified in Astrocartography.  For more information and cost, contact her at dorenea5@yahoo.com.

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Specials on email readings: transits, relocation charts, 2011 eclipses, personal questions, quarterly transit updates.  Contact Dorene for more information at dorenea5@yahoo.com.

Background and previous columns can be found at www.alcseattle.com. Donations also gratefully accepted.  Send to P.O. Box 432, Burien, WA 98166

Check out my new astrology blog at www.astroconnections.blogspot.com for ongoing astrological observations on current events, people, trends, etc.  The latest blog is on Elizabeth Warren’s appointment as consumer protection adviser. 

All references to Sabian symbols are from An Astrological Mandala: The Cycle of Transformation and Its 360 Symbolic Phases, by Dane Rudhyar.