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October contains two powerful lunations with the full moon on October 14 square to the Saturn Pluto conjunction while the new moon on October 28 in an exact opposition to Uranus. The month also has a very strong Scorpio / Pluto vibration [Pluto is the ruler of Scorpio] with Pluto square the full moon and both the New Moon and the new Mercury cycle in Scorpio.
Mercury enters the retrograde loop around October 13 in preparation for stationing retrograde on November 1, the last Mercury retrograde cycle for 2019.
October begins with Chiron, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto all retrograde but Pluto stations direction the 3rd. Note: All the dates below are for Australian Eastern Time.
October 3: Mercury to Scorpio
October 4: Mars to Libra
October 9: Venus to Scorpio
October 14: Full Moon in Aries
October 24: Sun to Scorpio
October 29: New Moon in Scorpio
November 1: Mercury stations retrograde at close to 28 Scorpio
The Full Moon In Aries ... falls on October 14 at close to 20 Aries, and like the April New Moon, is conjunct Eris and square to Pluto, Saturn and the nodal axis. This is an intensely powerful combination that requires consciousness in order to not to fall into destructive / self-destructive reactions and responses. These aspects demand that we face our fears, insecurities and feelings of alienation and rejection while avoiding the urge to seek revenge. Constructively used they suggest the potential to face our shadow and the psychological complexes that may lead to destructive and self-destructive patterns, especially when engaged in conflicts where we feel our freedom, self-expression and will [Aries] are being blocked.
The Aries Full Moon always provides us with insight into how we deal with the Aires / Libra polarity: the Arian need for independence, autonomy and challenges versus the Libran need for partnership, co-operation and compromise. Aries embodies the masculine Warrior archetype and is active, dynamic, competitive, forceful and egocentric. Libra embodies the feminine/ lover archetype and is more concerned with fairness, equality, balance, harmony and is more relationship or other-focused and inclined to compromise for the greater good. Ideally, we can find ways to express both polarities, whatever our gender or sexual orientation.
Both the recent April New Moon and October Full Moon form stressful squares with the Pluto / Saturn conjunction which will be exact in January 2020. These lunations give us a preview of the collective energy and personal challenges that await us with more intensity next year.
This following information is reprinted from the April 2019 Newsletter with a few additions… The Pluto Saturn cycle that is gaining momentum suggests the transformation of outworn structures and power shifts; it has also been associated with the rise of marginal disenfranchised groups and volatile market forces. It suggests the need for structural transformation at the deepest level in all spheres - the political, economic, social and cultural domains – and is often characterized by fear [of change], conservatism, authoritarianism and the undermining [sabotage] of existing structures as a fear-based reaction.
The dwarf planet, Eris, is also a part of this line up and will be through 2020 as it is currently at 23 Aries and square to Pluto and Saturn as well as conjunct the Aries Full Moon. Eris is found way out past Pluto - in the Kuiper belt – and has an orbital time of 558 years while Pluto’s is 248. The discovery of Eris in 2005, lead to the reclassification of Pluto as a dwarf planet due to the realization that Eris is larger than Pluto.
Astrologically Eris functions as transpersonal planet with a strong destructive/shadow side when She is prominent in a horoscope and functioning unconsciously. Collectively She appear to relate to periods of disruption that lead to a new order, often through conflict. This is certainly what happened at the International Astrological Union’s 2006 meeting where this was decided, upsetting the status quo. It is very much a part of Her mythology as Eris is the Goddess of Strife and Chaos. It was Eris who took revenge for not being invited to the wedding of Peleus and Thetis by releasing the Golden Apple that unleashed a series of events that lead to the Trojan War. Astrologically She is identified with external [and internal] disenfranchised parts of Self that may seek revenge if they are ignored. Certainly, this is very evident in world politics at the moment.
Eris as part of this mix suggests that internal and external conflicts may highlight divisions that call for healing and new ways forward. We are challenged not to give into revenge, even when we feel a strong entitlement, but find a new way forward that hears all voices and finds a way to unite rather than divide. This may be the highest expression of Eris while her Shadow is to ferment and revel in, division, chaos and conflict.
Saturn’s presence always reminds us to stay grounded and accept responsibility for whatever is going on in our lives. We may need to claim our authority and set clearer boundaries. Saturn often calls us to take action and get our act together, but sometimes this means doing something that may feel uncomfortable …this month is definitely the time to ‘take the bull by the horns’ and at least plan what needs to be done to put your life back on track, if that is what is needed.
Pluto square the full moon adds to the Eris story but highlights our shadow self and fear-based patterns around power, control, trust and betrayal. Through the illumination of these patterns, we can gain more insight and awareness so we can work at letting them go and find a greater sense of inner safety. Potentially this lunation calls us to re-claim our personal authority and experience empowerment that is not at the expense of others.
The Scorpio New Moon ...The October 28 New Moon falls close to 4 degrees of Scorpio and is in an almost exact opposition to Uranus, marking the mid-point of Uranus’ retrograde cycle and the time it is closest to the Earth, amplifying the potentially erratic and unpredictable nature of Uranus. It emphasizes the collective instability and the call to change and awaken to new possibilities. We need to beware of impulsive and erratic behaviour that may be destructive while remaining open to new perspectives that can be liberating.
Uranus is also calling our attention to our need to be authentic, express our individuality and find our own unique way of being, but without over-riding the rights of others. The challenge is to not fall prey to His shadow energy which can be overstimulating to the point of mania; the Uranian urge for change can also become rebellious and contrary, activating the saboteur archetype. If you feel more wired than usual, see if you can accept the challenge to find a constructive outlet for the energy rather than acting in a way that is reactive and impulsive.
The Scorpio New Moon always challenges us to let go fear, by moving closer towards it, rather than running away, and thereby allowing ourselves to experience deeper intimacy with ourselves and others. This is a powerful time for deep sharing and strengthening of intimate connections of all kinds.
Scorpio is a passionate and intensely emotional sign that can fear the depth of feeling that it experiences and may choose to bury or repress these feelings due to the discomfort they arouse. Scorpio’s reputation for control is a fear-based reaction of ‘holding on’ while the challenge is to ‘let go’ control and learn to trust in the Self and allow the free flowing of feeling.
Mercury Retrograde ...Mercury moves retrograde on November 1 at close to 27 Scorpio, emphasizing the themes outlined above for the New Moon in Scorpio. Mercury will remain retrograde until November 21 when it turns direct at close to 27 degrees of Scorpio. Please be aware that the retrograde phenomenon is activated from the time that Mercury enters the loop to the time that it leaves: October 13 to December 8. The most chaotic times are when Mercury stations – the few days around November 1 and 21 when Mercury adjusts to the change of direction. Key dates / degrees • Exact dates: retrograde from November 1 to 21 • Sensitive degrees: 12 to 27 Scorpio • Full time of influence: 13 October to December 8 • Time for insight: around November 12 when the new Mercury cycle begins at the Inferior Conjunction of Mercury and the Sun • Time to act on new ideas / beliefs: November 21 to December 8
The whole retrograde phase is a potent time for reflection and review … a time when we can become aware of habitual beliefs and thought patterns and make the adjustments necessary to align our thinking with the person we are now. This is a great time to meditate, reflect, research, seek answers, sort out your paperwork, return calls and generally attend to all the things you have been too busy to do earlier.
This is also a time when normal communications can go haywire and things often don’t run to plan. Remember to be patient, maintain your sense of humour, CHECK ALL PLANS, BACK UP YOUR DATA AND DON’T TAKE IT PERSONALLY IF THINGS GO WRONG!
Currently Mercury is still visible in the evening sky but he will disappear for about two weeks when he is lost in the blaze of the Sun from around November 7 to re-appear in the sky just before sunrise around November 16. In esoteric terms this is the most intense and powerful part of the retrograde process as this when Mercury assumes his alter ego as Psychopomp and Guide to the Underworld. In this role Mercury is associated with the Egyptian scribe Thoth, who has access to the Halls of Record [Akashic records]. It is during this phase that we may have our most powerful insights and shifts, peaking around November 12 when the new cycle begins at the Inferior Conjunction of Mercury and the Sun. Esoteric writers suggest that the retrograde phase of Mercury creates an opening that allows access to the wisdom of our soul and the Cosmos.
Remember, Mercury retrograde always provides us with the opportunity to free our thinking from habitual ruts and develop a more conscious set of mental attitudes and beliefs. Concerns may arise early in the retrograde phase but around the time the new cycle begins on November 12 new solutions and insight may emerge. Sit with your insights until after November 21 when Mercury goes direct. The next few weeks are the time to express your insights and put new plans into action.