October 2010 Astrology Outlook

by Armand Diaz

October’s cosmic energy begins with a flurry of activity, then seems to stop in its tracks.  As we get moving again in the second half of the month, we find ourselves using imagination more than logic to find our way.  The end of the month is all about integrating deep changes into our lives.

On the 1st and 2nd, Mercury opposes Jupiter and Uranus.  Ideas will be flying through the air fast and furious, and it’s a great time to get an innovative idea out into the world (for example, I’m launching Integral Transformation’s new website on the 1st – just so you don’t think I don’t take my own advice).  Patience is a virtue in short supply when these aspects are in the air, so drive carefully.

On the 3rd, Venus and Mars meet up for a potentially passionate evening.  In the sign of Scorpio, this is more about sex than love, and perhaps even more about control. 

If you have anything to say about that, do so on the 5th.  Mercury squares Pluto, and speaking the truth to power is an expression of this energy.  Of course, power can speak back to you, too, so say it in as nice a way as possible (Mercury is in Libra).

The new moon is on the 7th.  This is a quiet time of the month, better for introspection and setting your intention than for moving forward.  This new moon is in Libra, the sign of Venus, so relationships would be a natural focus. 

Not so fast.  Venus herself stations on the 8th, beginning a 40 day period where she will be retrograde (appearing to go backwards through the zodiac).  Click here if you want to know more about Venus retrograde, but the short book on it is that this period is generally considered to be one where we go inward to consider our relationship values and needs.  It isn’t a great time to begin a new relationship, as the requisite energy is usually lacking.  Old friends and lovers do indeed tend to show up with the Goddess pedaling backwards, often to help us clear up unresolved emotions. 

As if the new moon and Venus station were not enough to slow us down and bring us inward, Mercury meets up with Saturn on the 8th.  This is more like heavy traffic than getting lost, but think that this might not be a great day to communicate.  If you need to say something and are willing to accept the consequences, all should be well (but I suppose that’s always true… if you want to accept the consequences).

The first quarter moon is on the 14th, in the sign of Capricorn.  This is a good time to go ahead with business plans and a better time for work than it is for fun.  The moon slips into sociable Aquarius for the weekend, however, so don’t worry about that.

The 18th and 19th are great days for dreaming, as Mercury and the sun each make a soft aspect to Neptune.  Meditate, dream, fantasize.  Get in touch with your source of inspiration.  As this is a soft aspect, it is even possible to get to work on making your dreams into realities.

Mercury enters Scorpio on the 20th.  Our collective mode of communication may get more emotional, and more protective, for the next few weeks. 

The same day, Mars and Jupiter make an easy aspect, great for accomplishing whatever you put your intention towards. 

On the 22nd, Mars gets into a bit of jam with Neptune.  Strong tensions can build up – although we may ultimately find we were fired up about nothing.  If you bring this energy inwards for meditation, it could be very powerful.  Outward-going, it is good for creative projects (Venus’ retrograde not withstanding).  Watch out that you don’t say too much, get too angry, or otherwise spill the beans.

The full moon is on the 22nd, as well, adding to the hyped-up energy of the day.  This is the second full moon in a row in the sign of Aries, the prior one being on September 24th.  The September moon was in the first degree of Aries, while the October moon is in the last degree.  Astrology simplified – relationship issues and our sense of who we are as individuals are at the forefront.  We aren’t likely to be giving too much of ourselves away to our significant others now, but that won’t stop us from wanting a lot back from them.   Some time by yourself could be a good idea.

The sun moves into Scorpio on the 23rd.  Scorpionic energy is intense but inward-moving, suggesting more of an implosion than an explosion.  Matters come to a head after the pressure has built up to a very high level.  With Venus, Mercury and Mars already in Scorpio, the sun is something of a late-comer to the sign this year – we’ve been feeling the energy since September.

 As if to demonstrate the point, Mars trines Uranus on the 24th.  The energy of this aspect is protective but creative.  As long as we feel that we are safe, we are willing to try something new.

Mercury meets up with retrograde Venus on the 25th.  Although we might be rethinking (or re-feeling) relationships with Venus retrograde, this aspect gives us an opportunity to talk about things.

The sun’s trine to Pluto on the 26th should help those in positions of power to get things done – although perhaps out of sight of everyone else.

Mars leaves Scorpio for Sagittarius on the 28th.  Exploration, moving into new territory, and pushing our beliefs onto others are among the ways this energy manifests.  Venus and the sun meet up on the same day.  It isn’t a great time for relationships, in general, with the emphasis far more on ego than on partnership.

 The last quarter moon in Leo on the 30th should add some fun to the Halloween weekend.  Friday night probably gets the best of it, although Saturday and into Sunday should be good, too.

About Armand:

Armand M. Diaz, M.A., C.A., is certified as a Consulting Astrologer by the National Council for Geocosmic Research (NCGR), and is also a member of the Astrological Association of Great Britain. His approach to astrology readings is to create a supportive context for self-exploration, to help clients make decisions which are in harmony with their greatest potential.

Armand has studied divination and oracles for more than twenty years, working primarily with the I Ching and Tarot in addition to astrology. His interests are in the areas of Jungian psychology, the astrology of healing, and the healing power of nonordinary states of consciousness. He has published articles on the astrology of politics and social phenomena in Geocosmic Journal , The Astrological Journal, and The Mountain Astrologer. Since 2006, he has written the astrological forecast in Wisdom Magazine. Armand earned a bachelor’s degree (in psychology) from Columbia, and a master’s at Hofstra. He is pursuing his doctorate in Transformative Studies at the California Institute of Integral Studies, studying the lives of psychic-mediums.
Contact Armand at: armand@Integralastrology.net