This month, the sky explodes with planetary activity. Here on Earth, overcrowded calendars burst with too much to do in too little time and nervous systems stretch beyond any reasonable capacity to cope with multidimensional interactions in a linear world. It’s busy all month.
The best way through the hustle and bustle is to prioritize your goals, and then to keep an even keel—emotionally, physically, mentally and spiritually. There’s just one glitch: Staying calm in the midst of such a hectic environment won’t be easy.
In case you weren’t able to identify the swoosh that blew by on the final day of September, it was Mercury direct, powered by an assortment of astral cohorts, all of which contribute to October’s commotion:
(1) October 12: Mercury goes direct in a conjunction with Saturn. When Mercury and Saturn share the same space, Saturn’s need for rules and regulations tends to turn Mercury’s meanderings sour and dour.
(2) October 9: Mercury also goes direct in an opposition to Uranus. When Mercury and Uranus oppose each other, quick shifts in perspective are probable: Prepare for sudden changes in opinion and/or policy.
(3) Thru October 12: Mercury also sextiles Mars—a positive interaction that translates into quick minds and rapid repartee. Mercury is adept at multitasking. We humans are not as skilled; it will take extra effort to handle all that needs doing.
But Mercury isn’t the only character driving the action to a fevered pitch. Mars is also busy forming its version of those same relationships.
(3) October 1-14: A Mars/Uranus trine excites the air with irrepressible urges for personal freedom, as well as the physical strength and determination to act on those urges. For those of you inclined to impetuous and impulsive behavior, better keep those “think again” pills handy. If you’re given to “slugdom,” get ready for hyperactivity.
(4) Saturn’s presence—opposing Uranus and sextiling Mars—won’t dampen the extraordinary vitality of this Mars/Uranus combination completely, but it will temper it.
(5) October 5-13: Venus also joins the team, adding her creative sensibilities and aesthetics. A Venus/Uranus opposition amplifies a craving for emotional independence. Be prepared for love, but don’t expect it to be unconditional.
(6) October 9-18: Venus is also conjunct with Saturn, a position that translates into terms, yours
or others’.
(7) October 7-20: While negotiation has been known to diminish desire, that may not be the case this month because Venus also sextiles Mars. This is one of the few times that a “sextile” is sexy, and as Venus and Mars connect, passionately, some of us will, too.
(8) October 4-17: Jupiter trines the Sun. We love this positive relationship because it fosters good attitudes, optimistic perspectives and, most important, humor. This will be needed in great measure given the general stress levels of the month.
(9) October 13: Jupiter goes direct, ending a retrograde phase that began on June 15. Jupiter is the planet of expansion; its course correction dials up the already accelerated pace.
(10) October 24-31: October ends on a highly romantic note with a Venus/Jupiter trine. However...
(11) October 18-31: A Mars/Sun square delivers a highly competitive atmosphere, stirring tempers and tantrums. Try to let Venus, the graceful goddess of love, soothe ruffled egos. And be careful about burdening yourself or others with unreasonable demands. By this time, plenty of us are likely to be exhausted.
(12) October 11-29: A Sun/Neptune trine supports imagination and idealism, as well as altruistic inclinations that are of genuine concern about the wellbeing of others. We are especially thankful for this lofty, positive combination because as October winds down and November begins, two key and related events create a difficult undertow.
(13) October 29, Saturn moves into Libra, forming a square to Pluto that is exact on November 15. In my November column I will attempt to unpack the meaning of this transit, but it’s necessary to mention it now, because even in the midst of all of October’s activity, many of us will feel the inexorable approach of this exceedingly difficult contact. While for some it may feel like the end of the world, this square is fundamentally about transformation and the resistance to that process.
For instance, we’ve been in the grip of the Saturn/Uranus opposition, which has revealed, among many other things, the need for financial reform. But we haven’t really changed anything. Cardinal signs want action, and so will many of us. As Saturn moves into Libra, a cardinal sign, and square to Pluto in Capricorn, also a cardinal sign, the tone of collective as well as personal interactions shift from a conciliatory one, generated by the mutable signs of Virgo and Pisces, to an initiatory one.
October’s intensity can be daunting or invigorating, depending on how you frame it. Even if we like the excitement of overwhelm, we can stretch our systems way beyond our capacity to handle the load. So be gentle with yourself and others, and know when to say “enough is enough.”
Aries March 21-April l9
You’re awakening to your true nature—fiery, passionate, full of vitality and ready to move into action. Rather than throwing your thunderbolts randomly (just ‘cause it feels good to move) use your power with precise intention. You’ll be amazed at what you can accomplish.
Taurus April 20-May 20
In many ways, you can characterize your journey thus far as a return to your truest self. Continue to appreciate your ability to balance your spiritual and material worlds and your self-trust, self-confidence and self-esteem will grow exponentially.
Gemini May 21-June 21
Be direct and clear, with yourself and others, about where your energy will be best spent. There’s nothing you like more than a fast pace, but only if you’re involved with plans and projects that are never boring.
Cancer June 22-July 22
Resist the temptation to dwell on “should have,” “could have” or “if only.” Regretting the past will keep you from appreciating and participating in what’s happening right now. Learn from your mistakes, yes, but rather than take an inventory of what’s wrong in your life, concentrate on all the things that are right.
Leo July 23-August 22
Harness this energy: Use it to identify what’s working to your benefit and the benefit of those you love, and what isn’t. This process is not about impulsively hacking away at your life; it’s about passionate thinking that can eliminate what is superfluous and concentrate instead on what is authentic.
Virgo August 23-September 22
As the days whiz by, it’s important not to take any shortcuts, especially if those time-saving efforts compromise your integrity. You have enough energy to get through each day; you just have to be clear about where your time will be best spent and deliver the best results.
Libra September 23-October 22
Yes, Saturn’s move into your sign signals change—and lots of it. Rather than think you’re ready for the “ch-ch-ch-changes” that lie ahead, assume a “beginner’s mind.” Humility will allow you to ride the waves of the future with greater flexibility and skill.
Scorpio Oct 23-Nov 21
Make moderation your mantra, and as the stars dial you into a leadership role, you’ll be in the right attitude for assuming that position. I’m not suggesting you feign a lack of skill or interest; I am advising you to manage your time and energy with the understanding that others will be following your example.
Sagittarius Nov 22-Dec 21
As is often the case for you, synthesis is the key to your success. Rather than thinking you have to choose one way or another, try seeing your situation as a blend of attitudes and ideas that will deliver more than one outcome.
Capricorn Dec 22-Jan 19
You are on a vision quest, and like all spiritual initiations, you are dismantling an aspect of yourself that no longer serves in order to grow into greater wisdom. As you move through this process, be authentic about what matters to you.
Aquarius Jan 20-Feb 18
Sometimes the present tastes just a little sweeter when we take the time to appreciate the past. No matter how busy you are—and you’ll be plenty busy—it would be highly beneficial to make the time to recognize the value of your journey.
Pisces February 19-March 20
Don’t be surprised if you’re confused by certain relationships. Your own “personal” Saturn relationship intensive is ending, but part of the final process is reviewing the beginning. See this as an opportunity to integrate what you’ve learned, and you’ll be pleased with your progress.
© 2009 by Ralfee Finn
Visit Ralfee’s website at www.aquariumage.com or email her at ralfee@aquariumage.com
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