October Horoscope: Relate and Concentrate

Mercurial Messages through the Zodiac

The sun, Venus and Mercury are all in Venus-ruled Libra as October begins, Mars enters Libra on October 3, and they call us to look at the dynamics of relationship. The symbol of Libra is a scale. When the weight of the two sides are balanced, it sits in perfect harmony. Libra talks about the nature of equals relating, whether in marriage, business, open warfare. This describes the essential qualities of social justice; we are not all the same but we are equivalent in our contribution and worth. Problems in both our relationships and in the legal fabric of our country come when this belief in equal worth is undermined. Let’s do what we can this month to bring all our relationships and our culture back into balance.

That balance may be challenged as Pluto turns direct on October 3, and as Mercury and Venus enters Scorpio by the second week, and again mid-October as Mars quincunx Uranus, and Venus opposes Uranus. Personal and societal discontent push us. An idealism and cooperation returns as the sun enters Scorpio October 23. October 27-28 support calm when moods swing as Mars squares Saturn and the Sun opposes Uranus. Use that wonderful Scorpio concentration to drill down and get work done through the month as Mercury turns retrograde for three weeks starting on Halloween/Samhain.

Aries (Mar. 21-Apr. 19)…Tact and patience, not usually your strong points, will need lots of exercise this month. Minor skirmishes and disagreements around you are not about you; don’t take it personally. Channel a strong, steady, diplomatic focus. Prioritize communication October 18 to 21, and breathe deep October 27-28.

Taurus (Apr. 20-May 20)…Speedy recent events may have caused stress and tested your health. Prioritize a new balance in your life as the month begins. Work and love partnerships need focus and attention mid-month. Don’t offer easy answers; listen. Feel the warmth and opportunities open October 20-30.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)…What a creative month for you! Problem solve, paint, write, express yourself. Look for interesting sparks in creative collaboration and romance. Mid-month, there may be troubles behind the scenes at work; listen for clues on how to handle tactfully. Take care of your health late October.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)…Your home base is important; as the month begins, get it ready for winter: cozy it up, get supplies in, make it beautiful. The work you do now will ground you to handle a creative if sometimes tumultuous next month. You may be busy, so get comfy now.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)…Friends, neighbors and siblings need attention as the month begins. Friendly conversation now will make it easier mid-month when others keep their cards close to the chest, not because they don’t love you or because they’re hiding but because they’re concentrating on some inner process.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)…You have a project that will take great concentration for the rest of the month, so clear the air, get right with beloveds and focus on your work. First engage practical work, then creative, intuitive and spiritual work mid-month. Complete a cycle before Mercury retrogrades.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)…Don’t step back from the spotlight. You are good at making things all about others, but now take your place in the center. Mid-month if a cooler wind blows, give beloveds room to pull within. Your time picks up again October 20-26; don’t gloat when they see you’re right.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)…Your psyche may be active, dreams thick and strong, and they begin to follow you into your days as first Mercury, then Venus, then Sun flow into your sign. Be mindful so as to not have accidents or arguments around October 12 and October 27. Do the deep work within.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)…Network and connect with old friends, attend meetings, weave your community together. You often understand and can translate between friends when they don’t understand one another. Be flexible as the month begins, and comfortable with silence towards the end of the month. Work companionably.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan.19)…The work landscape is in constant evolution. Don’t insist; guide. Your freedom is found within and on your own projects. Your long-term work leaps forward, though no one notices quite yet. Follow through on important communications October 14-20. October 27-31, know you’re right, but don’t insist upon it.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)…Take every opportunity to learn a new skill or concept as the month begins, and to impart what you know. Later in the month events at work give you a chance to either step forward or step back. Around October 27 take a challenge not as a setback but a chance to step up.

Pisces (Feb. 19-Mar. 20)…As the month begins you are taking care of everybody else but yourself. Be of service, but rein in codependent behavior; you are responsible for your own path. They will treat you like you treat yourself, not like you treat them.