Important Astrological Energies for the month of October 2023:
- Annular Solar Eclipse (NM) with Sun and Moon in Libra occurs on October 14, 2023.
- Partial Lunar Eclipse (FM) with Sun in Scorpio and Moon in Taurus occurs on October 28, 2023.
Taking an Active Role
By Misty Kuceris ©2023
When you look at the most important astrological energies for the month of October, they appear to be limited to the last two eclipses of the year. Usually, eclipses obscure matters: Blocking the real activity from sight and even leaving the impression that not much is going on in the world. But, that’s far from the truth this month. The personal planets of Mercury, Venus, and Mars are so active that you’ll feel events impacting your life more than normal. And, rather than pulling back from the world and working behind the scenes, you take an active role with others in your life. It all starts immediately as Mars forms a quincunx to Uranus retrograde on October 1st.
Mars often indicates the need to approach situations with such quick, decisive action that you fail to take others into consideration. Meanwhile Uranus indicates the need to create or force change through disruptive action that you fail to take the consequences of your action into consideration. So often when this aspect occurs, chaos can lead ensue. Yet with Mars in Libra, its detriment, you feel the need to consider others before taking action. And, with Uranus in retrograde motion, you are willing to move a bit slower than usual to prevent any chaos from erupting. It’s a day where you realize just how important it is for you and others to be treated fairly. If that doesn’t occur, you will stand up for your rights. But you’ll do the best you can to stand up in a manner that also enlists other people to join your efforts.
Approaching individuals carefully and with purpose is very important on October 2nd as Mercury forms an opposition to Neptune retrograde. It’s easy to be misunderstood when you communicate with others. People may feel as if you’re not being honest with them. Or, they may believe that you’re withholding some important piece of information. If you can approach people in a very soft and gentle manner, you may find they are more willing to trust you. And, this goes both ways. If other people are trying to rush you into making decisions, you’ll just pull back and distrust the situation. As a matter of fact, it’s always a good policy not to sign any contracts or make any commitments when Mercury forms an opposition to Neptune, especially with Neptune in retrograde motion. There’s always some information which is either missing or misunderstood.
While you experience more mental clarity on October 3rd as Mercury forms a trine to Pluto retrograde, you’ll still find some information is being withheld from you as Venus forms a quincunx to Neptune retrograde a few hours later.
You’re always able to focus on important matters when Mercury forms a trine to Pluto retrograde. You understand the nuisances when other people communicate with you. You can hear the true meaning behind their words. And, if you feel that other people are trying to deceive you, you will do everything you can to get to the truth. It’s as if you become a terrier or bulldog going after a toy. Also, if you aren’t able to understand what someone is saying, you stick with it until you do understand.
Yet things can also elude you today as Venus forms the quincunx to Neptune retrograde a few hours later. Someone may say something to you and it doesn’t quite make sense. Or, people may try to flatter you with the hope that this flattery will get you to do what they want. Or they may hope this flattery throws you off your intended tasks. So if, in all your attempts, to get to the bottom of things today doesn’t quite work, just realize you are still not getting all the right information.
As Mars forms a conjunction to the Moon’s South Node in Libra and Mercury enters the sign of Libra on October 4th, you start thinking about various people in your life. With Mars forming the conjunction to the Moon’s South Node, you want to resolve problems with people from your past. You may decide to contact them so you can discuss matters. Or, you may just review what went wrong with the relationship so you can move on. In fact, it’s not unusual to run into someone you haven’t seen for a while.
As Mercury enters the sign of Libra a few hours later, you realize how important relationships are in your life. You don’t want to do things on your own. You want to share your time with others. You also want to be fair as you interact with others. You don’t want to take advantage of others any more than you want others to take advantage of you.
Setting boundaries is very important on October 5th when Mercury forms a quincunx to Saturn retrograde. Yet, setting those boundaries could also be difficult as Mars forms a quincunx to Neptune retrograde later in the day.
You don’t want other people to take advantage of you and you do your best to explain this when Mercury forms the quincunx to Saturn retrograde. You feel that other people are criticizing your actions and not respecting your decisions. At the same time, other people may be feeling that you’re being defensive and a bit too sensitive.
Sometimes it becomes a bit too difficult to explain your need for boundaries when Mars forms a quincunx to Neptune retrograde, as it does later in the day. You think that other people understand. You’re even trying to be fair in your discussions. But none of this is coming across. It’s as if people don’t hear what you’re saying. Or, they feel that you’re saying it too aggressively. The reality is that it’s difficult to focus when Mars forms a quincunx to Neptune retrograde. There’s too much energy swirling around and you’re not sure where to begin or end. If you’re having difficulty communicating, just step away for a while. Try again another day.
“Power plays” is the operative phrase when Venus forms a quincunx to Pluto retrograde on October 6th. You want to be appreciated but you wonder if other people really care about you. Rather than feeling supported, you feel as if other people are pushing their agenda on you. It’s as if you’re shadow boxing. You feel the need to dodge situations rather than approach them directly. In honesty there’s some truth to that. If you don’t stand up for your rights, other people will be very happy to impose their will. And, if you do stand up for your rights, other people may try to tell you those rights aren’t that important.
Just a few minutes before Venus enters the sign of Virgo on October 8th, Mars forms a square to Pluto retrograde. Once again you feel that other people are trying to play power games and take control of your life. With Mars in Libra you want to be fair. You want to be supportive of others. But with Pluto, especially in retrograde motion, you feel that helping others is putting your needs at risk. They may even be taking action that prevents you from doing what you need to do.
When Venus enters the sign of Virgo, you realize what’s important in your relationships and what isn’t appropriate. As you accept responsibility for your actions you also realize that other people need to be responsible for their actions. Too often you find that you are willing to take care of situations. But, after a while you also recent the fact that other people aren’t holding up their part of the bargain. Understanding this will help you get out of relationships which are built on preventing you from taking care of your needs.
As Venus forms an opposition to Saturn retrograde on October 10th, you re-evaluate your relationships with others. If people aren’t supportive of your needs, you start realizing the relationship isn’t worth keeping. And, if people are critical of your personality, you know you no longer want them in your life. You would rather be alone at this point than be with an individual who prevents you from meeting your needs.
This realization becomes even stronger as Pluto in Capricorn turns direct after Venus forms the opposition to Saturn retrograde. Now you know what you need from relationships. You realize that there is power in doing things with others. There’s also power in knowing what you want and going after your own ideals. Pluto turned retrograde on May 1, 2023.
October 12th is a day where you want to reflect on your life while also creating plans of action. That’s because Mars enters the sign of Scorpio and a few hours later Mercury forms a quincunx to Jupiter retrograde.
Mars is very comfortable in the sign of Scorpio, its ruler. When Mars is in Scorpio, you want to move deliberately and with purpose. You don’t want to rush into situations without understanding the risks. You also want to win, even if that win is behind the scenes. You don’t need to announce your intentions when Mars is in Scorpio. Whatever is important, you’ll do what it takes to succeed.
Yet, you also need to be cautious as Mercury forms the quincunx to Jupiter retrograde. There’s a tendency to say too much. You become too optimistic and this can lead to you taking action without thinking everything through. It’s as if your mind and your body are in overdrive. The key to success is to realize that while you can multi-task and focus on many different aspects, it’s still wiser to pick and choose. Keep your purpose in mind and you’ll find that this quincunx between Mercury and Jupiter retrograde enables you to approach the most important situation in various ways for increased success.
Creating strategies become easier on October 13th when Mars forms the trine to Saturn retrograde. You have a plan. You’ve established goals and even milestones. This is a good day to consider the long view, not just the immediate outcome. If you have to sacrifice a bit to win in the long run, you will. Any venture which you begin today will be successful because you’ve planned so well.
The third eclipse of the year occurs on October 14th followed by Mercury forming an opposition to Chiron retrograde a few hours later. This eclipse which occurs today, at the time of a new Moon, is an annular solar eclipse. Known as the ‘ring of fire’ the annular solar eclipse is a sight to behold. In a total solar eclipse, the Moon hides the Sun. But in an annular solar eclipse the Sun radiates around the edges of the Moon. So, if you live in the western United States, Central America, Colombia, and Brazil you’ll have the opportunity to see this spectacular event, provided that you wear your special eclipse glasses or use the correct solar filters. If you live in other parts of Northern, Central, and Southern America, you’ll see a partial eclipse.
This eclipse occurs at the time of a new Moon, meaning that the Sun and Moon are both in the same sign: The sign of Libra in this case. Normally during new Moon time periods you want to take new action; try new adventures. And, because the sign is Libra, those new adventures would involve relationships on a personal level or partnerships on a professional level. Yet, there is often a need to retreat when a solar eclipse occurs. The Moon, your emotional being, obscures either part or all of the Sun, your ego. In this case, with the ‘ring of fire’ your ego is going to need to find some form of expression through your emotions. What this means is that at the time of this annular solar eclipse, you need to pull back from your relationships or partnerships to determine if they are letting you express your true nature. Or, are you letting them influence you to the point that you’re losing your true identity? This eclipse also forms quincunx aspects to Neptune retrograde and Uranus retrograde creating a yod where your dreams for a soul mate (Neptune) and your need for independence (Uranus) have to find a balance. Finally, the eclipse also forms a square to Pluto indicating that if you lose your own sense of power by giving it away to someone else, you’ll have difficulties both with your health as well as with your relationships. Once again, it all comes down to finding that balance between your search for wonderful relationships in your life and your need to being yourself as you live your life.
And is seems so appropriate that Mercury forms the opposition to Chiron a few hours after the eclipse occurs. You need to speak “your truth” if you want to have healthy relationships in your life. You can’t let other people influence your choices or lifestyle. If you do find that other people are trying to influence you negatively, you’ll also find that you’re ready to let go and move on with your life. Or, if other people feel you’re trying to control them, they will make the choice to move on with their lives.
A few days after the eclipse occurs, Ceres forms an opposition to Jupiter retrograde on October 16th. In the mythology of Demeter, she loses her daughter, but through negotiations and compromises with Zeus, she gains her daughter. Ceres often represents Demeter in mythology just as Jupiter represents Zeus. What that means is that if you are asked to compromise too many of your values today, you will stay firm in your beliefs while moving on from the situation or relationship which is unrealistically demanding. You’ll even realize the request is inappropriate. As a matter of fact, you may be surprised just how adamant you are about protecting your rights and your needs.
Watch your words very carefully on October 17th when Mercury forms a quincunx to Uranus retrograde. Other people may want to use your words against you. Or, you may be so impatient to prove your point that you speak without thinking and put yourself in harm’s way.
It’s difficult to be patient when Mercury and Uranus makes an aspect. Your mind is thinking quickly. You see many possibilities. You also are tired of approaching things in a conservative manner. Plus, you’re willing to take risks. If at all possible, try to approach situations slowly. Don’t push yourself. You don’t want to place yourself in a position of injury. Do the best you can to pay attention to your environment.
You find yourself thinking about the past on October 19th when Mercury forms a conjunction to the Moon’s South Node. In some cases you may even hear from people you haven’t seen in a while. This is one of those days where reflection is a good thing, especially because Mercury will also be forming a quincunx to Neptune retrograde later in the day. You may want to review some old files. Or, perhaps even go through some old photos you haven’t looked at for a while.
With Mercury forming the quincunx to Neptune retrograde you may start looking at things from a different perspective. In some cases, you may understand why some things were hidden from you. You may even find something from your past that you thought was lost.
You feel very intense about situations on October 20th when Mercury forms a square to Pluto retrograde. You don’t want to be told what to do. You don’t want other people to control your life. But, you do find that it’s important you are in control. If something needs to be done, you’ll be able to do it. You may even put off some more pleasurable activities to make certain that you get everything done of importance.
Venus forms a trine to Jupiter retrograde on October 22nd before Mercury enters the sign of Scorpio. Meanwhile, Mercury forms a trine to Saturn retrograde after it enters the sign of Scorpio. All of this activity indicates that it can be an auspicious day.
With Venus forming a trine to Jupiter retrograde, you feel lucky. Your charisma is elevated. Other people enjoy being around you. They find you fun. At the same time with both planets in earth signs, you take your responsibilities seriously. While you want to have fun, you also make certain that you don’t shirk your duties. For this reason, it’s easy to get things accomplished.
As Mercury enters the sign of Scorpio, you find that people are willing to share information with you which normally is kept private. People realize that you can be trusted. You’re not going to break their confidence. You also are able to see the importance of various topics. And, if necessary, are able to delve into the intricacies of various matters.
When Mercury forms the trine to Saturn retrograde, you get your thoughts in order and convey any information in a manner that other people understand you. You don’t push things. You take your time and make certain everything is said and done just the way you want. You also don’t miss any of those important details. Plus, you’re able to do all of this without criticizing other people or appearing as a task master.
Being able to keep other people’s information private is even more important to you on October 23rd when the Sun enters the sign of Scorpio. You want people to feel safe around you. You don’t want them to regret telling you anything. This is especially true because in addition to the Sun entering the sign of Scorpio, you also have Mercury, Mars, and Ceres in the sign of Scorpio.
When the Sun forms a trine to Saturn retrograde on October 24th, you feel a stronger commitment to keeping information private. You understand how information can be used against you if it’s in the wrong hands. For this reason, you do everything possible to keep silent when other people share just so people understand how sincere you are with their information.
On October 25th you start wondering about some of the compromises you’ve made over the past several weeks and whether you may have given away too much of your own independence or too much of what you value in order to achieve that compromise. Today, Ceres is forming a quincunx to Chiron retrograde. Tomorrow, the 26th, Venus is forming a quincunx to Chiron retrograde. And on the 27th, Venus is forming a sextile to Ceres. In effect there is a yod forming between October 25th and October 27th that indicates it is very important for you to pay attention to your needs and not let other people dictate who you are and how you’re supposed to respond to situations in your life. The way is plays out is like this:
When Ceres forms the quincunx to Chiron retrograde on October 25th, you need to determine just how important your recent compromises were and what you gave away in order to achieve them. On October 26th when Venus forms the quincunx to Chiron retrograde, you need to take back what you lost and regain what you value. You don’t want to let other people take away what is important in your life. By October 27th, when Venus forms the sextile to Ceres, you’ll understand just how important it is to put your needs first. Once you determine those needs, then you can decide where to compromise. Or, whether to compromise at all.
Prior to the last eclipse of the year which occurs on October 28th, Mars forms an opposition to Jupiter retrograde. Following the eclipse, Mercury forms an opposition of Jupiter retrograde. On the next day, October 29th, Mercury and Mars form a conjunction to each other. This is important because the eclipse is a partial lunar eclipse that occurs at the time of the full Moon. In this case, the Sun is in Scorpio and the Moon is in Taurus. Mars and Mercury, which will both form oppositions to Jupiter retrograde, are in the sign of Scorpio while Jupiter is in the sign of Taurus. As you can see, there is an increased emphasis on the sign of Scorpio and Taurus at this time.
With Mars forming the opposition to Jupiter retrograde you may rush into situations without thinking. And with Mars in Scorpio you may believe your approach is the only correct approach. Yet that’s not necessarily the case. It’s important to pay attention to any warning signs indicating that you need to change your approach. And, if people are willing to offer you some advice, it’s important to listen to them. They may have a better solution.
As the last eclipse of the year occurs, you realize that it’s a partial lunar eclipse which occurs at the time of the full Moon. The earth (your personality) blocks the Moon (your emotions) and you find it difficult to communicate your needs. You know that it’s important to keep secrets and information private when the Sun is in Scorpio, but with the Moon in Taurus you may find that maintaining silence could interfere with your values. You may even feel frustrated that it’s difficult to relate to others. Just make certain that it’s not your own stubbornness that gets in the way and creates problems.
This is a time period to determine how to fill your own needs without giving away too much to others. You don’t want to argue with them. But, with Mercury forming an opposition to Jupiter retrograde after the eclipse, you may also find it difficult to keep your mouth shut. It helps that Mercury is in the sign of Scorpio because your inner guidance may win out at this time and you may actually be able to guide your way through this situation.
Any risks that you took yesterday could catch up with you on October 29th when Mercury forms a conjunction to Mars. Normally this can indicate that you have a lot of energy and are able to focus on situations since both planets are in Scorpio. And, in a lot of ways, you may act like a terrier. You grab on to something and are unwilling to let it go until you feel you’re done with it. It’s possible that you have some anger which surfaces that you didn’t know was there. Or, you feel as if you have more physical energy and you push your body to the point of injury. It’s important to be cautious. If you are feeling bothered by something, take your time in addressing the situation. Don’t let anger get in the way.
The month of October ends on a pleasant note: Venus forms a trine to Uranus retrograde on October 31st. There could be some unexpected situations which come up that give you some positive energy or positive results. It’s possible that you run into some old friends you haven’t seen in a while and can see just how much you’ve grown. Or, it’s possible that you have some good luck with a situation in your life that bring you more pleasure. Maybe a day to win the lottery. It’s definitely a day where you take an active role with others in your life.
For more information on Misty Kuceris, her classes and seminars, as well as other articles, just go to https://mistykuceris.com/
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