Contradictions
October begins with contrasts. There is a very positive Grand Trine Kite along the axis of the Moon’s Nodes (destiny) with sextiles to mystical Neptune and the emotional Moon which trine each other on October 1st. This could indicate that romantic notions about hardships in the past (South Node conjunct Saturn) are now perceived through rose-colored glasses (Moon trine Neptune) where we have rewritten “the facts” into a more acceptable story. You may drift into a fantasy or a daydream, but don’t confuse it with reality. Probably there is no harm done, but don’t fall for any schemes that are too good to be true. On the positive side, this is a good aspect for the arts and creativity, imagination and empathy. It may also trigger an interest in esoteric subjects or stimulate psychic sensitivities. If you are empathic, stay away from negative situations and people.
This easy-going feeling occurs against a backdrop of stress. While the Moon trines Neptune, it also opposes Uranus which heightens impulsiveness, leading to unsubstantiated conclusions. Therefore, decisions made around this time may be suspect. Miscommunication can also disrupt relationships if you are not careful.
Another potentially disruptive aspect that lasts for ~2 weeks is Mars opposed Chiron. Although this can stimulate curiosity, you may act against your better judgment, or you could expect unreasonable perfection in others. Venus also squares Pluto, adding intensity and possible trouble in relationships.
But the most troubling negative aspect of the first weeks of October is a T-square to the Sun from the Nodes and Saturn. Our progress may be delayed, detoured, obstructed, or misdirected. With Sun in Libra until the 23rd, it’s difficult to make up your mind.
Full Moon Oct 13th
The Grand Trine Kite of Nodes and Neptune continues, with Mercury (and later Venus) taking the place formerly held by the Moon. The effect is similarly daydreamy, only more mental. This is a sympathetic aspect where you want to help others. Esoteric, spiritual and mystical topics are appealing also. You may find yourself attracted to art, poetry, music, religion or the occult, but you will lack the discipline for deep study now.
With Neptune on the Full Moon Ascendant (in Washington, DC), the national mood is confused. It’s unclear what’s happening behind the scenes. Secrets and lies are likely. Things look tough with a T-square from the Full Moon/Sun opposition to stern Saturn/Pluto in Cardinal signs. Cardinal means ACTION – but probably not well-thought-out action with an activated Neptune.
Luckily, Jupiter sits on the Washington, DC Midheaven at Full Moon, favorably aspecting both Sun and Moon. Let’s hope for some mitigating good fortune despite the high tension. However, Jupiter also squares Neptune, creating a false optimism that encourages reckless people to take foolish risks. And Venus is opposite Uranus, signifying stimulating, exciting, perhaps unsettling short-lived encounters.
Sun enters Scorpio
On October 23rd the Sun enters Scorpio, reminding us that it’s time to prepare for winter as the days shorten. Mars is now in T-square to the Nodes, so there is resistance, but the Leo Moon trines Uranus and Jupiter while sextiling the Sun (exciting adventures). Meanwhile Venus trine Neptune is romantically inclined. These aspects should lift our spirits!
New Moon – Oct 27th
The New Moon in Scorpio occurs on Sunday, October 27th as a Cardinal Grand Square forms on the East Coast. (The Colorado chart is much less intense.) The Scorpio New Moon and Sun oppose Uranus. Someone may surprise or upset you today as Uranus breeds a restlessness that tends to threaten relationships and brings visions of better times and “greener pastures”. Relax and have some fun because repressing Uranian energies can lead to accidents.
Neptune favorably aspects the Nodes, fostering intuition and nurturing your spiritual path, while Chiron trines Mercury, stimulating your curiosity and inventiveness.
Halloween
We end the month like we began it – with another Grand Trine Kite between Neptune and the Nodes but with the Sun now where the Moon was on the first of the month. Sun trine Neptune is great for imaginative costuming! Separate from the Kite, Chiron trines Venus and Mercury in conjunction, a very social combination which indicates that Halloween may be fun this year.
However, there are some cautions. Mars is square Saturn, meaning a push-pull struggle, so indecision is likely, and. Mars is also square Pluto which can raise anger and instigate violence, so clashes are possible. Be aware of your surroundings, and if things get ugly, leave! Find your fun elsewhere.