By Dorene Carrel

October is a dynamic month, highlighted by several challenging aspects that can bring sudden changes and shifts of direction.  These aspects involve Pluto, Uranus and Mars, which can signal an intensely combative and volatile tone, along with power and control issues. However, this combination can also bring breakthroughs and a sense of empowerment. Mars is now in industrious Capricorn, which is best used for working on long-term goals in a steady step-by-step fashion. We begin this month under a recent new moon in Libra, with the focus on relationships, equality, cooperation and balance.  Jupiter’s entry into Libra last month (until October 2017) expands on these qualities, providing us with a harmonious balance to the more conflicting energies.

On October 5, a challenging square occurs between Mars in Capricorn and Jupiter in Libra.   We may be tempted to take on too much responsibility or go to some other extreme or excess at this time.  On this same day, the favorable sextile between Venus in Scorpio and Pluto in Capricorn may bring good financial opportunities.

Mercury aligns with Jupiter in Libra on October 11.  This is a good day for journaling, dreamwork, creative writing or visualization.  Our thinking is very expansive and we feel optimistic, idealistic and generous.  These feelings are also aided by a favorable Mars/Neptune sextile.   Ceres goes into Aries today, which helps us to balance issues connected with support and independence.

On October 15, the Full Moon occurs at 23 Aries.  It is aligned with Uranus and Eris, opposes Mercury, and is square to Mars and Pluto.  With the Aries-Libra polarity we are focused on balancing independence vs. cooperation with others.  Eris is a dwarf planet that is now aligned with Uranus in Aries, and together they can be volatile, but they also can bring about innovation and reform.  Mercury in Libra highlights the need for communication and coordination with others to achieve common goals.   With these challenging lunation aspects to Pluto, Uranus and Mars, we need to be watchful and prepared for earth changes or other sudden situations. The Sabian symbol keynotes for these degrees, “Openness to the influx of spiritual energies,” and “The ability to develop, for inner strengthening, new modes of response to basic life situations,” suggest a new spiritual receptivity to personal transformation.

Mars aligns with Pluto at 15 Capricorn on October 19, signifying issues connected to authority, along with power and control.  This combination forms a t-square with a Mercury/Uranus opposition, which is exact tomorrow.  A situation has been brewing for awhile that may call for some action, although it needs to be taken with caution. There may be a need to let go of old patterns, behaviors and people in order to build a more authentic foundation and move forward. This aspect can also help us use our personal power in a positive way and provide us with more stamina for achieving long-term goals.

On October 28, Mars forms a challenging square to Uranus at 22 Capricorn/Aries. These are volatile energies that can stir up unrest. We may be feeling rebellious in some life area, with a need for more freedom. It is best to strengthen our personal boundaries and avoid negative areas and people during the time when Mars/Pluto is in square to Uranus.   Also, prepare for sudden and surprising events in the outer world in mid-late October. On October 29, Venus aligns with Saturn at 14 Sagittarius, which can be a good time to re-evaluate relationships and/or finances.  Focus on the positive and make a constructive plan for improvement in these areas.

The New Moon occurs on October 30 at 8 Scorpio.  It is aligned with Mercury and makes a harmonious trine to Neptune.  Scorpio themes revolve around uncovering the shadow or hidden, taboo side, along with intensity and depth.  This lunation favors coming to terms with power issues and the release of what is not needed so we can move forward.  Mercury in Scorpio is good for research and will help us deepen our thinking to create a broader perspective. The trine to Neptune brings greater understanding and compassion for ourselves and others.  Our intuition is strengthened and we can receive important information from our meditations.  Our practice will be more favorable at this time since the spiritual veils are thinner.  The Sabian symbol for this degree, “A calm lake bathing in moonlight; a quiet openness to higher inspiration,” reinforces the powerful spiritual presence at this important time of year.

November features a stationary Neptune.  Blessings to all for a joyful autumn!

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Dorene Carrel is a professional astrologer with over thirty years of experience.  Donations towards this column are appreciated.  Paypal accepted. Please use my email, dorenea5@yahoo.com as reference.

Do you have a question or concern that can be addressed through astrology/numerology?   I am now offering focused email readings. Please contact me for more information.

Check out my astrology blog at www.astroconnections.blogspot.com for ongoing astrological observations on current events.

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