This Week in Astrology: October 11 to 17, 2020
October 11 to 17, 2020
On this Page:
This week’s Moon
phase
Planets in signs and aspect
Retrogrades
This week’s astrology calendar
Timing with the Moon
Romance & Relationship Report
Daily Trends
The NEW MOON occurs on Friday, October 16th, 2020, at 8:39 PM EDT.
On Friday, the New Moon occurs in the sign of Libra.
The New Moon in the sign of Libra starts a good cycle in which to commit to personal goals that express the positive energies of the sign of the Scales.
We have a chance to build our negotiating skills without compromising our principles or needs, and without resorting to appeasement. It’s time to re-balance our relationships and recognize our partners as teammates rather than adversaries.
With this potent Libra energy, we have the chance to make crucial changes in our lives. Some of Libra’s “lessons” involve learning to make peace with those around us and in our environments, establishing a sense of order and balance in our lives, and recognizing the value of partnerships. This is a time to work on these skills.
Libra has an innate ability for, and love of, synthesizing opposites. Peace and harmony are the goals, but there’s a delicate balancing act involved along the way that requires some commitment and effort.
This New Moon brings fresh and creative energy into our lives, and more specifically, into our relationships. This is a cycle in which balancing our close personal relationships becomes an urgent desire. Negotiations may be especially useful, as we are inclined to assert our needs in ways that don’t offend others. Even so, there are obstacles and opposition to overcome due to challenging aspects happening at the time of this lunation, and the route to peace may be a conflict-ridden one!
This New Moon is involved in a tense configuration as it opposes retrograde Mars and squares Jupiter, Pluto, and Saturn. Blocks to our goals are likely, and we’re likely dealing with re-emerging challenges from the past now. Note that the Sun’s opposition to Mars only occurs at the midpoint of a Mars retrograde cycle, and there can be a sudden awareness of things that have been making us unhappy, angry, or resentful, and this discovery is likely to arise through interactions with others. Through the events or the tensions of this time, we can ultimately get to a better understanding of ourselves, and particularly of our desires.
This lunation forms a trine to the North Node, suggesting we’re ready to learn and grow through situations, blocks, and challenges.
Venus, the ruler of this New Moon, opposes Neptune, indicating that we’re battling overblown expectations. New beginnings with relationships, negotiations, or contracts can be fraught with some difficulties before we can move forward.
This phase of the Moon occurs at 23 degrees and 53 minutes of Libra, affecting people with personal planets and points at approximately 20 to 28 degrees of the Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn) most significantly.
The above chart is excellent for seeing the fundamental influences and chart patterns of this New Moon.
Moon Phase Cycle: Bigger Picture
Oct 16, 2020, 3:31 PM, Sun Conjunct Moon
(New Moon)
Oct 23, 2020, 9:23 AM, Sun Square Moon (First Quarter Moon)
Oct 31, 2020, 10:49 AM, Sun Opposition Moon (Full Moon)
Nov 8, 2020, 8:46 AM, Sun Square Moon (Last Quarter Moon)
Nov 15, 2020, 12:07 AM, Sun Conjunct Moon (New Moon)
(Times are Eastern)
This week: The Sun is in Libra; Mercury is in Scorpio; Venus is in Virgo; Mars is in Aries.
The Sun is in Libra from September 22-October 22. Libra rules relationships with others as mirrors of ourselves. Meeting others halfway, compromise, and negotiation come under the rule of Libra. The focus is now on balance–finding balance and harmony through relationships with others and through art. Libra is the sign of the peacemaker. However, life is not always peaceful with Libra in its attempt to restore balance. Decision-making can be more challenging while the Sun is in Libra. Libra weighs both sides of any situation, and sometimes this process seems endless! In Libra, the Sun is concerned about not rocking the boat and not rubbing others the wrong way. Tactfulness, style, tolerance, and sociability are some of the keywords for Libra. On the shadow side, Libra can be self-serving, indecisive, passive-aggressive, and superficial.
Mercury is in Scorpio from September 27-October 27 and then November 10-December 1. [Note that retrograde Mercury re-enters Libra on October 27th. Mercury spends longer than usual in Scorpio due to Mercury’s retrograde from October 13-November 3, although this Rx is partially spent in the sign Libra.] When Mercury is in Scorpio, our thoughts and communications are more probing and intense. While Mercury in Libra urged us to find balance and to arrive at fair solutions, Mercury in Scorpio instinctively knows that life simply isn’t fair. Mercury in Scorpio seeks truths in all that is hidden and undercover. We tend to probe, observe, and focus our thoughts under this influence. Looking for motivations–the more deeply buried the better–satisfies an intellectual need now. Our thoughts are profound. We throw away superficial manners of communicating in favor of deep conversations. Scorpio is extremely sharp, profound, and analytical. Thinking is inclined to be one-track minded, focused, and even obsessive.
Venus is in Virgo from October 2-27. This is a time when we express our love through practical means and gestures–running errands, doing detail work, or just being there for our lovers. Love needs to make sense and have a purpose with Venus in Virgo. Virgo is an Earth sign, which is sensual but also quite practical. Besides our romantic natures, what we decide to buy and the types of entertainment we enjoy during this cycle are ruled by whether or not things make sense. We could easily feel guilty if we are too self-indulgent at this time. Rendering services to others can fill a need and can be an expression of love. The shadow side of this position is being overly critical of our partners, picky, or fretting.
Mars is in Aries from June 27, 2020, to January 6, 2021. [This is longer than usual due to the retrograde of Mars from September 9-November 13, 2020.] Mars feels at home in one of the signs that it rules, Aries, and therefore its power is boosted. Our energy is spontaneous, forward-looking, and even courageous under this influence. Our competitive spirit is well-developed, and our goal is to win! We are active, single-minded, and confident. Our actions are direct–we instinctively find the fastest way to get from point A to point B. The shadow side of Mars in Aries is a tendency to be impatient, arrogant, impulsive, short-lived, unreflective, and self-centered.
Jupiter entered Capricorn on December 2nd, 2019, and will transit the sign until December 19th, 2020. Read more about the Jupiter in Capricorn transit.
Saturn has returned to the sign of Capricorn in retrograde motion (early July). In 2020, Saturn divides its time between the signs of Capricorn and Aquarius. Saturn transits Capricorn until March 21, 2020; and then finishes up its transit from July 1 to December 17, 2020. Read about Saturn’s transit through Capricorn here. Saturn transits Aquarius from March 21 to July, 1, 2020, and then later, from December 17, 2020, to March 7, 2023. Read about Saturn’s transit of Aquarius.
Uranus is in Taurus. Uranus transits Taurus May 15, 2018, to November 6, 2018, and then from March 6th, 2019, until 2025/6. We approach money and personal possessions in new ways and learn how to free ourselves from certain material constraints. Innovative ways to make ourselves comfortable emerge. We’re less inhibited about expressing sensuality, self-love, body love, and pampering. We’re challenging what we previously valued during this cycle. There can be abrupt changes with money, valuables, possessions, and income that lead to a reshuffling of priorities or values. Income might come from non-traditional sources or ventures. We’re bringing progressive ideas to the world of business. New ways of doing business, as well as making, viewing, and handling money are likely. Income and the energy we put into making money can be variable.
Romance & Relationships
Venus is in Virgo from October 2-27. This is a time when we express our love through practical means and gestures–running errands, doing detail work, or just “being there” for the ones we love. Essentially, we fuss over our partners, sometimes a little too much! Our availability and accessibility are signs of love. Love needs to make sense and have a purpose with Venus in Virgo.
Virgo is an Earth sign, which is sensual but also quite practical. We could quickly feel guilty if we are too indulgent during this cycle. We can be a little shy and prone to worry. We pick up on many different cues, attempting to analyze every detail of our lovers’ reactions and responses. We could worry ourselves sick agonizing over details! In the process, we can miss out on the bigger and perhaps more meaningful cues. As well, Virgo is a sign that can live very much in the mind in the middle of an experience, failing to enjoy the moment. Self-consciousness can get in the way of enjoyment. Rendering services to others can fill a need and can be an expression of love. This position’s shadow side happens when we’re overly critical of our partners, picky, or fretting.
This week: On Sunday, the 11th, we’re not very generous with our feelings (or money!), and insecurities can rule. However, as the day advances and into Monday, we can talk things through and smooth things out.
On Saturday, the 17th, we’re building towards some confusion or disillusionment. We’re especially open and vulnerable, and we might protect ourselves through believing fantasies rather than the real thing (or person). We may confront our illusions or spiritual and romantic needs through another person or a relationship that seems to hold a mirror up for us to see where or how far we’ve come. Emotions and feelings can be draining due to uncertainty and we may be left to feel that decision-making is too difficult. If we haven’t been discriminating enough in love (or with money), problems can surface now for resolution. Romantic or idealistic imagination is aroused now, and we may be especially put off by anything vulgar or harsh.
Venus, the Goddess of Love: Highlights in the Coming Week:
Venus in Virgo If it makes sense you love it, and if it doesn’t you feel guilty about it: that’s what it’s like now. Loving attention to details and a sense of satisfaction in doing what is right (especially with respect to your health) are some of the qualities that come to the fore at a time like this.
Venus trine Uranus October 9-10. We lose our fear of taking risks at this time, and we happily embrace all that is new, unusual, and out-of-the-ordinary with regards to romantic involvements. We are ready to experiment, but not necessarily ready to commit.
Venus sesquiquadrate Saturn October 11. Feelings of isolation, of not getting what we really want, and of not being loved the way we want to be loved can get in the way of pleasant relations with our partners.
Venus sextile Mercury October 11-12. Favors playfulness in love and enhanced communication between partners. Romantic overtures, expressions of love and affection, making new social contacts. This is a time when promises, pledges, and clarifications (usually very positive!) are made in love relationships.
Venus opposition and contra-parallel Neptune October 17-18. Not a good time to start a new relationship, which could be characterized by disappointments, and the tendency to feel emotionally (and sometimes financially) drained by the partner. Uncertainties about existing love.
Venus quincunx Mars October 18-19. When we attempt to be friendly, we seem to miss the mark. Attempting to satisfy romantic needs and assertive/sexual needs simultaneously can be challenging. Our romantic sensibilities and our desires are at odds with one another, and problems (especially misunderstandings) in romantic and sexual relationships may result. This is a less-than-ideal transit under which to begin a new relationship.
Venus trine Jupiter October 18-19. Harmony and good will reign under this influence. Expansive feelings in love, and a feeling that anything is possible if we set our sights high enough, are experienced now. We are friendly, big-hearted, sociable, and optimistic. It is easy to make social contacts under this influence. Cheerfulness, trust, and confidence in love and social matters.
Venus parallel Mars October 18-19. Favors romantic and sexual relationships. Intense passions.
Venus parallel Chiron October 18-19. Healing energy is brought to love relationships, and a new cycle begins. A commitment-friendly transit. Love can heal old wounds. We are open to romantic feelings, and more willing to act upon them. This is a good time to make a resolution to repair, heal, and improve relationships.
The Moon & Timing
The Void of Course Moon is the period of time after the Moon has made its last aspect in one sign until the Moon enters a new sign. During the Void of Course Moon periods, it is generally wise to stick to routine rather than to begin new projects. The last aspect the Moon makes before changing signs is indicated here and is indicative of the “outcome” of the matter (whether that is a new project begun before the void period or the answer to a question in Horary Astrology).
Void of Course in Horary Astrology: If you were asking a question and making a chart for the answer, as you do in Horary astrology, it is said that since the Moon is not looking forward to any more aspects in this sign, you would have to say that the answer is not forthcoming; any questions asked at this time would not come to pass. The Moon being Void is one of the Strictures against Judgment in Horary Astrology. The following tables incorporate the modern planets, but some astrologers do not count Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto in void Moon calculations.
The Void-of-Course Moon this Week:
Void-of-course Moon on Monday, October 12th, from 10:29 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Mars), until the Moon enters Virgo the next day, Tuesday, October 13th, at 12:56 AM EDT.
VOC Moon on Wednesday, October 14th, from 6:47 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Saturn), until the Moon enters Libra the next day, Thursday, October 15th, at 1:54 AM EDT.
VOC Moon on Friday, October 16th, from 6:12 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Saturn), until the Moon enters Scorpio the next day, Saturday, October 17th, at 1:06 AM EDT.
October 2020:
Timing with the Moon – Better Periods this Week for Electing New Initiatives
The Moon is waning this week until the New Moon on the 16th, which is generally considered unfavorable for new beginnings, but with exceptions. (See Best Time to Start a Business for more details). The Moon is waxing after the New Moon on the 16th, which is generally considered favorable for new beginnings, but also with some exceptions.
According to principles of timing with the Moon, a window of opportunity occurs from Sunday, October 11th, at approximately 5:55 PM, to Monday, October 13th, at approximately 10:25 AM EDT, while the Moon is in Leo. Caveat: Mars is retrograde and Mercury is almost retrograde during this window.
Another window occurs from Wednesday, October 14th, from approximately 8:10 AM to 6:45 PM EDT, while the Moon is in Virgo. Caveat: Both Mercury and Mars are retrograde during this window (and the New Moon will occur on the 16th).
Another window occurs from Saturday, October 17th, at approximately 4:40 PM EDT, until Sunday, October 18th, at approximately 5:40 PM EDT, while the Moon is in Scorpio. Note that the Sun squares Saturn and Venus opposes Neptune during this window, making it better after the noon hour on the 18th. As well, the Moon is still too close to the Sun until about 8:15 PM EDT on the 17th. More caveats: Mercury and Mars are retrograde during this window.
See also the following articles and tables: Timing with the Moon and Opportunity Periods with the Void Moon for times and techniques.
Planetary Stations & Sign Ingresses:
Jun 27
, 2020, 9:45 PM Mars enters Aries
Jul 1, 2020, 7:37 PM Saturn Rx enters Capricorn
Jul 22, 2020, 4:37 AM Sun enters Leo
Aug 4, 2020, 11:32 PM Mercury enters Leo
Aug 7, 2020, 11:21 AM Venus enters Cancer
Aug 11, 2020, 7:14 AM Vesta enters Leo
Aug 19, 2020, 9:30 PM Mercury enters Virgo
Aug 22, 2020, 11:45 AM Sun enters Virgo
Sep 5, 2020, 3:46 PM Mercury enters Libra
Sep 6, 2020, 3:21 AM Venus enters Leo
Sep 20, 2020, 7:19 AM Juno enters Scorpio
Sep 22, 2020, 9:30 AM Sun enters Libra
Sep 27, 2020, 3:20 AM Ceres Rx enters Aquarius
Sep 27, 2020, 3:40 AM Mercury enters Scorpio
Oct 2, 2020, 4:48 PM Venus enters Virgo
Oct 4, 2020, 9:33 AM Pluto Direct
Oct 13, 2020, 9:05 PM Mercury Retrograde
Oct 18, 2020, 1:02 PM Ceres Direct
Oct 22, 2020, 3:34 AM Vesta enters Virgo
Oct 22, 2020, 6:59 PM Sun enters Scorpio
Oct 27, 2020, 9:33 PM Mercury Retrograde enters Libra
Oct 27, 2020, 9:41 PM Venus enters Libra
*** Daylight Saving Time ends ***
Nov 3, 2020, 12:49 PM Mercury Direct
Nov 9, 2020, 9:38 AM Ceres enters Pisces
Nov 10, 2020, 4:55 PM Mercury enters Scorpio
Nov 13, 2020, 7:35 PM Mars Direct
Nov 21, 2020, 8:22 AM Venus enters Scorpio
Nov 21, 2020, 3:40 PM Sun enters Sagittarius
Nov 28, 2020, 7:37 PM Neptune Direct
See also: Astrology of Today – an overview of the day (this takes you to my other site, Astrology Cafe).
See also: The Astrology of 2020 – Overview and The Astrology of 2021 – Overview.
Note: Times given are Eastern Time (ET).
This Week’s Calendar
This Week’s Aspects
Mercury quincunx Chiron. Decisions can be hard to come by under this influence, as we tend to doubt our perceptions or the effectiveness of our ability to solve problems. It can be hard to read the intention behind the words used to communicate now, which can lead to misunderstandings.
Venus sesquiquadrate Jupiter. We might take great strides to get noticed. Avoid impulsive buying. Problems in our personal life likely won’t get resolved under this influence. Avoid hasty (or haughty!) decisions. We might overstate our feelings or promise more than we can deliver, and the tendency to overdo is strong.
Mercury opposition Uranus. We are distracted. Our communications get lost, are interrupted, or are misunderstood. Disagreements with others are quite possible. It’s not a good time to present an argument or an important idea.
Venus quincunx Chiron. There may be vague feelings of discontent in relationships; or a choice that needs to be made regarding personal relationships, money, or possessions. Insecurity involving others might make it awkward for us to express our affections naturally or flowingly.
Venus sesquiquadrate Pluto. This influence can point to some underlying tensions in social interactions (looking for an ulterior motive and suspiciousness) and relationships (possible jealousies). Passions run hot, but there’s a hidden agenda. Feelings of jealousy and possessiveness can be brewing just under the surface of things, and they are in direct proportion to our fear of losing something or someone dear to us.
Venus sesquiquadrate Mars. Potential tensions in relationships. Attempting to satisfy romantic needs and assertive/sexual needs simultaneously can be challenging. Be wary of making impulse purchases. There is an air of competitiveness under this influence, which need not be difficult. It can be stimulating and invigorating.
Mars square Pluto. Our desires are intense and difficult to satisfy under this influence. A tendency to bully and confront may dominate. Efforts to make changes could be thwarted, or power struggles emerge. The trick is to remain flexible and to develop strategies for achieving our goals. The desire to get the upper hand is strong, but it’s unlikely to happen under this influence. It would be wise to observe whatever powerful feelings that confrontations or conflicts arouse under this influence, as this transit has a way of pulling out suppressed matter, or emotional “slush”. Passions run high, and so does sexual energy.
Venus trine Uranus. We lose our fear of taking risks at this time, and we happily embrace all that is new, unusual, and out-of-the-ordinary with regards to romantic involvements as well as financial undertakings. We are ready to experiment, but not ready to commit. Creative inspiration can be had. We have an offbeat, pleasant attitude and people are more willing to socialize. A good time for financial undertakings involving electronics, technology, the internet, metaphysics, and the arts, as well as group activities.
Note: Times given in the table/calendar above are Eastern Time (ET).
See below for day-by-day forecasts and planets in signs. See also Transit to Transit aspects.
See also: Astrology of Today – an overview of the day – Astrology Cafe – or the Transits for Here and Now chart.
See also: The Astrology of 2020 – Overview and The Astrology of 2021 – Overview.
What’s In Store By the Stars – Daily Astrology Trends
(as featured on the site’s main page and in our Daily Trends Calendar)
See also the Astrology Trends Calendar that includes these daily trend overviews and other astrological events such as ingresses, stations, and lunations.
OCTOBER 11
The Moon spends the day in the expressive sign of Leo. The Sun forms a square to Jupiter and quincunx to Neptune this morning, bringing out the dramatic side of the Leo Moon. We can find ourselves eager to expand, and while our ideas are big, we’re reminded of the limits of our capabilities and must adjust accordingly. While there can be optimism and elevated moods, our state of mind is fragile as things are overblown or unrealistic. We can feel some discontent, leading us to seek more meaning, growth, or change. We should watch for trying to reach too far, overestimating our energy levels or the time we might invest in a commitment. We would do well to remind ourselves that going bigger isn’t always in our best interests. We may be glossing over potential problems, and judgment can be off as a result. We can be feeling slightly off or out of sorts, and there can be difficulties concentrating or figuring out our next step. These things are more likely if we’ve neglected our spiritual needs, and it makes sense to slow down and adjust. Incorporating and recognizing the need for more imagination in our lives seems necessary now. We’re heading toward the perfection of the Jupiter-Neptune sextile aspect, however, which is exact early tomorrow. It’s the final of three exact aspects while Jupiter has been transiting Capricorn, having first formed in February and again in July. Jupiter forms a sextile to Neptune on the 12th for the third and final perfection. This transit first formed in February and recurred in July, following roughly alongside the Jupiter-Pluto conjunction and Jupiter-Chiron quintile. We’re checking in with our needs for imagination and dreams or spirituality and seeking ways to incorporate and manage our expectations and faith.
OCTOBER 12
Jupiter and Neptune form their final sextile early today. We’re inspired to follow a dream or vision or to pursue a cause. We are considering our dreams, imagination, and compassion as we plan out or pursue our objectives, and we may feel supported or encouraged on a spiritual level. We are inclined to see the good in people and situations. Mercury and Venus form a sextile–a conciliatory and diplomatic influence. We aim to be objective about our feelings. This transit favors charm, social graces, presentation of ideas, romantic overtures, teaching, business deals, publishing, commerce, public relations, and joint ventures or partnerships. We’re inclined to verbalize or analyze our feelings and relationships. Promises and clarifications may be made in love relationships, although they may be revisited later. Mercury will station and turn retrograde tomorrow. The Moon spends the day in the sign of outgoing Leo.
The void Moon occurs from 10:29 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Mars), until the Moon enters Virgo tomorrow, Tuesday, October 13th, at 12:56 AM EDT.
OCTOBER 13
Today’s energies are complicated. The Sun opposes Mars today–an aspect that only occurs while Mars is retrograde, marking the Mars retrograde cycle’s midpoint. Careless or impulsive behavior can be a problem now, or a battle of wills can occur. We might feel thwarted, and circumstances push us to learn what it is that we genuinely want. If we do know what we want, the issue may be how to go about getting it. There can be a sudden awareness of things that have been making us unhappy, angry, or resentful, and this discovery is likely to come through interactions with others. However, through the events, battles, contests, conflicts, or tensions of this time, we can ultimately get to a better understanding of ourselves, particularly our desires. We can nevertheless be hot-headed or easily provoked now–something to look out for. We might default to the idea that we have to fight to get what we want. Also today, Mercury stations and turns retrograde, beginning a retrograde cycle that lasts until November 3rd. During this phase, our thinking turns inward as we review and re-assess matters. Mercury retrograde periods can be times of heightened inner awareness, when meditation, journaling, reworking old plans, and reviewing past work are favored. Minor breaks in the mechanical aspects of communication and transportation can re-connect us to other, possibly more meaningful means of connecting. We look at the world a little differently, through different filters, and can come up with some significant inner revelations as a result. The more difficult times are the periods of the shifts themselves (the days surrounding the stations — today and November 3rd), after which we grow more and more accustomed to the energy. We should observe and review rather than make critical decisions with this shift, considering that Mars is also retrograde. The Moon continues its transit of Leo only until 12:56 AM EDT, after which the Moon is in particular, organized Virgo. The Virgo Moon’s tendency to worry or fret can be pronounced given today’s shift energies, which can feel somewhat chaotic.
The void Moon continues only until 12:56 AM EDT when the Moon enters Virgo.
OCTOBER 14
The Moon spends the day in the sign of Virgo, encouraging a closer look at the small jobs and essential details of our lives. We desire more order in our lives. While there can be some confusion or sensitivity this morning with the Moon’s opposition to Neptune, the Moon’s supportive aspects through the remainder of the day support productivity. We’re motivated to find and fix problems, and we’re generous with our help and support. The Virgo Moon is helpful, attentive, and intelligent. The Sun forms a trine to the North Node of the Moon, encouraging us to aspire to our goals, rise to a challenge, and grow and improve. We’re making progress at emotional levels, and cooperation can bring rewards today.
The void Moon occurs from 6:47 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Saturn), until the Moon enters Libra tomorrow, Thursday, October 15th, at 1:54 AM EDT.
OCTOBER 15
This morning’s Sun-Pluto square can bring fears and buried matter to the surface, and trusting in others (or in life/the process) can be difficult. Positively, circumstances can push us to discover our own power — power that comes from a strong sense of self rather than superficial energy derived from manipulating people into doing what we want them to do. It’s best to aim for self-control now. We can feel quite a bit of pressure to change, make something happen, or choose now. It’s best to avoid trying to force matters that should naturally take time to unfold. We should also watch for a bit of paranoia or suspicion that works against us. The Moon leaves Virgo and enters Libra early today, at 1:54 AM EDT. The Libra Moon is compromising and unifying. With a New Moon occurring tomorrow, it’s best to wind down and let go rather than work ourselves up, particularly as the day advances.
The void Moon continues until 1:54 AM EDT when the Moon enters Libra.
OCTOBER 16
A New Moon occurs in the sign of Libra today at 3:32 PM EDT. This is a time to re-balance our relationships and recognize our partners as teammates rather than adversaries. With this potent Libra energy, we have the chance to make valuable changes in our lives. We’re learning to make peace with others and establish a sense of order and balance in our lives. Peace and harmony are the goals, but there’s a delicate balancing act involved along the way that requires some commitment and effort. This New Moon brings fresh and creative energy into our lives, and more specifically, into our relationships. It’s a cycle in which balancing our close personal relationships becomes an urgent desire. Even so, there are obstacles and opposition to overcome due to challenging aspects happening at the time of this lunation, and the route to peace may be a conflict-ridden one! Blocks to our goals are likely, and we’re likely dealing with re-emerging challenges from the past. New beginnings with relationships, negotiations, or contracts can be fraught with some difficulties before we can move forward.
The void Moon occurs from 6:12 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Saturn), until the Moon enters Scorpio tomorrow, Saturday, October 17th, at 1:06 AM EDT.
OCTOBER 17
The Moon ends its transit of Libra and enters Scorpio at 1:06 AM EDT. We’re more passionate and intense with the Moon in Scorpio, although this morning’s Sun-Neptune aspect tunes us into our desire to help, understand, and inspire. We’re gracious and ready to give one another the benefit of the doubt. The day is strong for dialogues, conversations, and in-depth thinking about mysteries, hidden meanings, relationships, and motivations. We tend to focus on the past. We also gravitate toward emotionally satisfying and involving activities and challenges today.
The void Moon continues until 1:06 AM EDT when the Moon enters Scorpio.
If it’s your birthday today, see our feature, If Today is Your Birthday Forecasts, for a free forecast for the upcoming year.
Moon Signs This Week:
When the Moon is in Leo
The Moon in Leo speaks to our "inner child". It's a warm, generous, whole-heartedly loving position. Pride keeps us from pettiness, but it can also prevent us from opening up and revealing how we are truly feeling. We are on stage, our feelings are grand, and we appreciate some drama in our lives. We are easily threatened by anything that seems to be impersonal. This is a time when we seek attention--when we want to stand out for our special qualities. It's a strong time for romance and any creative activity as well.
The Moon in Leo generally favors the following activities: Creative activities, activities involving children, generous undertakings, undertakings in which personal recognition is desired, and risk-taking.
When the Moon is in Virgo
We instinctually gravitate towards practical activities under the influence of a Virgo Moon. In an urge to set things right, we might easily find ourselves re-organizing and rethinking plans. Emotional satisfaction comes from solving problems, making order out of confusion, and helping others. Health matters might come into focus. We notice the smaller parts that make up the whole, and instead of letting nagging details bother us, we might work on ironing them out so that we can feel more confident moving ahead.
The Moon in Virgo generally favors the following activities: Mental pursuits, work activities, services, and routines. Activities that would benefit from tending to details.
When the Moon is in Libra
Creating order is the focus, not necessarily through tidying or organizing as was the case while the Moon was in Virgo, but rather through pleasing interactions with others and aesthetics in our environment. We tend to solve problems through diplomacy, and we are more able to put aside our own emotions in order to achieve the peace we crave. The tendency now is to avoid direct confrontations. Decisions do not come easily. Seeing both sides to any given situation is the main reason for hesitation. Fear of losing others' approval is another.
The Moon in Libra generally favors the following activities: Relationship and partnership issues, activities involving teamwork and cooperation, activities that involve self-examination, activities related to beauty.
When the Moon is in Scorpio
Intensity is what the Moon in Scorpio is all about. Whether it's passion, elation, sorrow, or desire, emotions are felt on a deeply personal level. We are motivated by the desire to get to the bottom of things, and we instinctively read between the lines. Superficiality won't work for us now. The Moon in Scorpio urges us to uncover our own power, and it's an excellent time to rid ourselves of old fears and limiting habits. It can be an intimate and passionate time. Avoid manipulative tactics, brooding, and suspiciousness.
The Moon in Scorpio generally favors the following activities: Taxes, accounting, intimacy issues, psychological examinations, research, self-examination, getting rid of old things.
Upcoming Weeks: Calendars
THIS WEEK’S PLANETARY POSITIONS BY SIGN (General Trends):
Sun in Libra Meeting yourself in another person is the keynote of a new cycle that begins for you now. Relationships – romantic, business, social – are the arena where this drama is played out. In coming to know the other person, forging ties that bind two people, you come to a better understanding of yourself. It’s easy in theory, but it’s only in practice that it comes to mean anything real – so practice until you get it right!
Mercury in Scorpio A pronounced curiosity about taboos and mysteries plays a greater part in your life now. Your mind is on cutting through the nonessentials and penetrating to the core is where your mind is at now; you want to know who (or what) pulls the strings. Sex, taxes, investments, and others of life’s most compelling phenomena may captivate your interest more than ever before.
Venus in Virgo If it makes sense you love it, and if it doesn’t you feel guilty about it: that’s what it’s like now. Loving attention to details and a sense of satisfaction in doing what is right (especially with respect to your health) are some of the qualities that come to the fore at a time like this.
Mars in Aries Fresh challenges and initiatives light your fires now, as a new cycle begins in your life – lots of energy, a powerful urge to be first, or come out on top. Away with the old and on to the new – let no one and nothing stand between you and your objective! Headstrong impulses and rash courage can take you far … sometimes in harm’s way if you’re not careful.
Jupiter in Capricorn Respect, status, and achievement are central goals for you as a new phase begins in your life. Creating a structure to empower and maintain your ideals and principles becomes a high priority, an article of faith. By taking on greater responsibilities of this kind, you become an inspiration to others. Ambition unlimited always ends in defeat.
Saturn in Capricorn Responsibility, hard work, ambition, and achievement: these are the foundations you need to build on now, as a new cycle dawns in your life. And yet, there is a tendency to be a little too hard, perhaps a bit cold, in your approach to these things. Let ambition take you to the top, but don’t let it lull you into thinking that the end justifies the means.
Uranus in Taurus Practicality and ingenuity combine as powerful drives in your life now that you have begun a new cycle. Taking innovative concepts and making them real and practical is your strong suit; getting stuck in the mud is to be avoided at all costs. Financial savvy, inventiveness, worldly genius.
Neptune in Pisces Things spiritual and psychic take the driver’s seat of your imagination as you begin a new cycle. The fine arts and all manner of fantasies assume a larger-than-life importance. Surrendering to fate, karma, and other powers greater than merely mortal may be seen as the ultimate liberation. If all is Maya (illusion), what is the reality that gives rise to the world of appearances?
Pluto in Capricorn As this new phase dawns for you, the pursuit of social/political power and status has a way of seeming necessary and inevitable – and let nothing stand in its way. It starts out small but has bigger consequences than you’d think. Ambition, responsibility, a place for everyone, and everyone in their place…
The interpretations in this box are from the Day Watch software.
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See also:
The Astrology of 2020 – Overview
The Astrology of 2021 – Overview