Mercurial Messages through the Zodiac
October brings a month of fair days and deep turmoil, and lovely minutes in the sunshine, during some truly Machiavellian moves in the big picture. It’s our task to see the world’s problems and love anyway — to love, have compassion, and yet hold people accountable. Enabling is not love, whether we do it with our child, ourselves, a friend or our politicians.
The energy swirls, shifts and confronts as Pluto leaves retrograde and turns direct on October 4, Mercury opposes Uranus October 7, and Mars squares Pluto October 9. We need to use our will for the best of all sentient beings. Enjoy easier aspects and interpersonal opportunity October 8-12. Stay balanced and aware October 13-18 while Mercury retrogrades and the sun forms a tricky T-square with Mars, Pluto and Saturn; look for truth and stay calm in the swirling winds. In the changes, look for opportunities to move the ball forward. Practice balance and poise to prevent accidents. Stay calm and poised and sort out facts from fiction. Complete work from the past.
The sun enters Scorpio October 22 and Venus trines Saturn, helping to steady our mood and assist us in thinking critically, but kindly. Mercury and Venus both enter Libra on October 27 and call for fairness, honesty and social justice. Let’s keep our eyes on the prize of a healthier, more conscious world.
Aries (Mar. 21-Apr. 19)…Be the instigator, but just be careful what you instigate. Your dynamic, innovative ideas at work are probably right on, but be patient about the process of bringing others along with you. Practice patience and awareness October 9. Compete with your personal best and not against others October 18.
Taurus (Apr. 20-May 20)…Old problems can rankle you, but it’s important to be direct about your anger, not passive-aggressive. Own your feelings but work towards future change, not past retribution. Express your perspective around October 12, and dive into the depths October 21.
Gemini (May 21-June 20)…Sometimes it is your job to ask the provocative question, but it’s so easy to tick people off. Keep your heart connected to your mouth and think through the consequences of your comments. Be kind to yourself around October 13, and step forward as Mercury reenters Libra October 27.
Cancer (June 21-July 22)…You can be a leader this month, but lead the way you would like to be led, with kindness and respect for others, rather than by trying to prove yourself. The people around you are going through so much and need your firm, nurturing hand on the tiller.
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)…You’ve been on a steep learning curve lately, so now use what you’ve learned. Support your health, and learn to practice good self-care no matter how exciting or boring life becomes. Enter an open door around October 11, stand strong but not stubborn October 15-19, and engage conversation in late October.
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)…Venus enters Virgo October 2; be lovely, see beauty. When your nerves act up, look for what is worthy, balanced, fair and beautiful. It may be hard to find mid-month, but you can do it. Reconnect with the past rather than push forward as Mercury retrogrades.
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)…People may start fires, but it’s not always your job to put them out; some only learned through the consequences of their actions. Do take care of yourself, those affected, and reward people for positive, dynamic behavior. Take time within mid-October and reengage after October 21.
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)…Just because you’re paranoid doesn’t mean you’re not right. Laugh at your suspicious nature, but do look under rocks, investigate behind-the-scenes, and look for real motivations. You’ll either be pleasantly surprised or fully prepared. Don’t jump to conclusions mid-October; move and think with care.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)…Tend to your resources; watch that beloveds don’t ask you to spend money in ways that feel unsafe. Show love other ways. Keep your priorities clear. Make it a game to move with as much grace and safety as possible, particularly October 9-19.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan.19)…Conflicts may abound around you, but you don’t have to engage; stay empowered, on target, and don’t take the bait. Turn some of your restlessness into step-by-step life improvement rather than engaging in fights. Be mature, authoritative, but not controlling mid-month, and feel appreciation for your work after October 23.
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)…While others are busy, deal with what’s going on behind-the-scenes or deep within your psyche. Mine the past for gold: remember what’s worthy, but don’t get stuck there. Keep your eyes on your goals. Juggle changes early October, practice steadiness mid-month, and engage creativity October 24 on.
Pisces (Feb. 19-Mar. 20)…Your natural empathy feels the woes of the world deeply; social justice issues are strong for you. Stay out of blame, guilt or defense, and ask what needs to be done next. Dive in to that work, but do so with safety and self-care. Share visions around October 12.
