This Week in Astrology: October 15 to 21, 2023

This Week in Astrology: October 15th to 21st, 2023

 

October 15-21, 2023

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On this Page:

This week’s Moon
phase
Planets in signs and by aspect
Retrogrades
This week’s astrology calendar
Timing with the Moon
Romance & Relationship Report
Daily Trends

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The FIRST QUARTER MOON occurs on Saturday, October 21st, 2023, at 11:29 PM EDT. 

The First Quarter Moon is exact, when the Sun in Libra forms a square with the Moon in Capricorn.

There is a crisis theme surrounding any quarter Moon phase, as we feel compelled to take action. Shortly after, we are made aware of how our actions affect those close to us, perhaps through trial and error. Whatever project or initiative we began around the New Moon is now off the ground, and it may face its first obstacles.

This phase of the Moon occurs at 28 degrees and 28 minutes of Capricorn square the Sun at the same degree of Libra, affecting planets at approximately 26 to 30 degrees of the Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn) the most.

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(Times are Eastern)

This week: The Sun is in Libra; Mercury is in Libra; Venus is in Virgo; Mars is in Scorpio.

The Sun is in Libra from September 23-October 23.  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 Libra from October 4-22. When Mercury is in Libra, we are diplomatic and friendly. During this cycle, we bring a more rational approach to one-to-one relationships. It’s a good time to think about ways to improve our negotiation skills.

Mercury in Libra can be vacillating energy as we attempt to see both sides of any given situation. Making quick decisions can be more challenging than usual, as we can sit “on the fence.” We may too easily accommodate others’ opinions to keep the peace. In our negotiations, we don’t want to assert ourselves so as to appear to be the “bad guy.” However, this is a reasonable period for considering others’ points of view. We are more inclined to arrive at fair conclusions.

Venus is in Virgo from October 8-November 8. 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 Virgo is also quite practical and mental. In addition to our romantic natures, what we purchase and the types of entertainment we enjoy during this cycle are ruled by whether or not they make sense and serve a practical purpose.

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 or relationships, picky, nervous, or worried.

During the Venus-in-Virgo cycle, we can gravitate to, and find some benefits in, holistic healing, acupuncture, yoga, and nutritional boosts. We’re keenly interested in ways to enrich our lives and boost our well-being. “Health is wealth” could be a motto now. In fact, we might enjoy health-boosting activities more than usual. Businesses promoting nutrition, wholesomeness, and well-being might prosper at this time. Commitment and attention to detail are also more prominently considered virtues now.

In love, we’re not very showy, flowery, or demonstrative. Instead, we show our love through being of service. We’re conservative with money, pleasure, and romance at this time, ready to analyze and dissect these matters. This can also be a time when helping others, particularly with good advice regarding these Venus-ruled things, can be prominent and successful. We might meet friends or lovers through our work or health-pursuits. We can take a special interest in handiwork, crafts, lists/sorting, and bookkeeping.

Mars is in Scorpio from October 12-November 24. In Scorpio, Mars is driven and focused on getting what it wants. We are persevering, single-minded, and strong. The desire to experience our emotional depths, as well as the urge to penetrate the surface of life in order to explore deeper levels of existence, is powerful. We are fascinated with what others tend to repress, and are drawn to experiencing and understanding these things.

We are less inclined to avoid important issues now. In some ways, we are attracted to crisis, as we see crisis as transformative and emotionally exciting. We would rather feel extreme emotions than nothing at all, as mediocrity or the “middle road” is felt to be unsatisfying.

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Jupiter is in Taurus.

Jupiter begins its transit of Taurus on May 16th, 2023, and it will continue its transit of the sign until May 25th, 2024. Read more about Jupiter’s transit of Taurus.

Saturn transits Pisces from March 7th, 2023 until May 24th, 2025, and Sep 1st, 2025, to Feb 13th, 2026. Read about Saturn’s transit of Pisces.

Uranus is in Taurus.

Uranus transits Taurus from 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 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. Above all, 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. In general, 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. Our income and the energy we put into making money can be variable.

Pluto transitions from Capricorn to Aquarius in 2023 and 2024. Read about Pluto’s transit of Aquarius. Pluto has retrograded back into Capricorn, and is in Capricorn until January 20th, 2024.

Romance & Relationships

Venus is in Virgo from October 8-November 8. 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. Essentially, we fuss over our partners, sometimes a little too much! Our availability and accessibility is a sign 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 easily feel guilty if we are too self-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. The shadow side of this position is being overly critical of our partners, picky, or worrisome.

This week: Sunday is potentially excellent for relationship developments, a stronger sense of commitment, and repairing problem areas. On Tuesday and Wednesday, however, there can be some missteps, largely due to misunderstandings. But while we’re not necessarily saying the right things, we’re ready to grow through awkward moments. Saturday brings warm, generous energy to our interactions. We’re opening up our hearts and giving one another the benefit of the doubt.

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. A 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 sesquiquadrate Chiron October 11. Love cannot be forced. This is not a commitment-friendly transit, as we may feel alienated for no apparent reason and unwilling to give of ourselves.

Venus parallel Chiron October 15. 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.

Venus semi-square Mercury October 17-18. Communications between lovers are superficial and unsatisfying, and perhaps awkward. Superficiality in romantic expression may exist now.

Venus trine Jupiter October 21. 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 sesquiquadrate Pluto October 22. Tendencies to look for something wrong in a relationship. Jealousy raises its ugly head.

Venus quincunx Chiron October 26. 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.

The Void-of-Course Moon this Week:

Void-of-course Moon on Sunday, October 15th, from 3:01 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Pluto), until the Moon enters Scorpio at 7:05 AM EDT.

VOC Moon on Tuesday, October 17th, from 11:44 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Pluto), until the Moon enters Sagittarius at 3:37 PM EDT.

VOC Moon on Thursday, October 19th, from 3:03 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to the Sun), until the Moon enters Capricorn at 9:56 PM EDT.

October 2023:

Timing with the Moon – Better Periods this Week for Electing New Initiatives

It’s important to note that there are more factors to consider in addition to the windows listed below. The following windows are starting points. For example, you generally don’t want to elect a new venture when a very challenging aspect is applying, and it’s preferable to elect a time when a particularly positive aspect hasn’t yet perfected (is applying rather than separating).

The Moon is waxing this week, which is considered favorable for new beginnings, although with some exceptions. (See Best Time to Start a Business for more details).

According to principles of timing with the Moon, a window of opportunity occurs on Tuesday, October 17th, from approximately 2:05 AM to 11:40 AM EDT, while the Moon is in Scorpio.

Another window occurs on Thursday, October 19th, from approximately 2:55 PM to 3:00 PM, while the Moon is in Sagittarius.

Caveat: Note that in the week before and after an eclipse (a Solar Eclipse occurred on the 14th), our judgment is not stellar.

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:

Sep 23,
2023, 2:50 AM, Sun enters Libra
Oct  4, 2023, 8:08 PM, Mercury enters Libra
Oct  8, 2023, 9:10 PM, Venus enters Virgo
Oct 10, 2023, 9:09 PM, Pluto Direct at 27 Cap 53
Oct 12, 2023, 12:04 AM, Mars enters Scorpio
Oct 17, 2023, 9:27 AM, Juno enters Virgo
Oct 22, 2023, 2:49 AM, Mercury enters Scorpio
Oct 23, 2023, 12:21 PM, Sun enters Scorpio
Nov  2, 2023, 9:52 PM, Vesta Retrograde at 7 Can 30
Nov  4, 2023, 3:02 AM, Saturn Direct at 0 Pisces 31
Nov  8, 2023, 4:30 AM, Venus enters Libra
Nov 10, 2023, 1:25 AM, Mercury enters Sagittarius
Nov 19, 2023, 4:00 AM, Pallas enters Scorpio
Nov 22, 2023, 9:02 AM, Sun enters Sagittarius
Nov 24, 2023, 5:15 AM, Mars enters Sagittarius
Nov 25, 2023, 12:11 AM, Ceres enters Sagittarius
Dec  1, 2023, 9:31 AM, Mercury enters Capricorn
Dec  4, 2023, 1:51 PM, Venus enters Scorpio
Dec  6, 2023, 8:22 AM, Neptune Direct at 24 Pis 53
Dec 13, 2023, 2:09 AM, Mercury Retrograde at  8 Cap 29
Dec 20, 2023, 5:06 AM, Vesta Retrograde enters Gemini
Dec 21, 2023, 10:27 PM, Sun enters Capricorn
Dec 23, 2023, 1:17 AM, Mercury Retrograde enters Sagittarius
Dec 26, 2023, 10:09 PM, Chiron Direct at 15 Ari 27
Dec 29, 2023, 3:23 PM, Venus enters Sagittarius
Dec 30, 2023, 9:40 PM, Jupiter Direct at  5 Tau 35
Jan  1, 2024, 10:07 PM, Mercury Direct at 22 Sag 11

See also: Astrology of Today – an overview of the day (this takes you to my other site, Astrology Cafe).

See also: The Astrology of 2023 – Overview and The Astrology of 2024 – Overview.

Note: Times given are Eastern Time (ET).

 

This Week’s Calendar

This Week’s Aspects

Sun quincunx Uranus. Surprise elements make us feel out of control of our lives or the direction we would like to take. Disrupted plans or schedules. Unexpected events or change of plans.

Mercury quincunx Uranus. It is difficult to get a point across without rubbing people the wrong way or misrepresenting ourselves. Uncertainty reigns today. Avoid making hasty decisions that you will later regret. Impulsiveness, disorganization, unreceptive to practical advice and/or your ideas are not well-received.

Mercury semi-square Venus. Difficulties in social or romantic communication are possible today. On the other hand, we may make more efforts to be polite and to communicate. Hypersensitivity, and lack of mental discipline. Our minds wander.

Mercury quincunx Neptune. There can be uncertainty and indecision now, as it can be difficult to draw upon intuition or to combine logic and intuition in a cohesive manner. Alternatively, the tendency to daydream can be high, and often at the expense of productivity and clear communication.

Mercury conjunct Sun. We are especially sharp, communicative, and open at this time, as our wants are aligned with our thoughts. It’s a favorable time for solving problems. What we say or write now has impact, for better or for worse!

Mercury square Pluto. The tendency to read between the lines with a negative slant is strong during this transit, and can easily stir up trouble. Suspiciousness, making mountains out of molehills, telling others only what we want them to know are possible themes. Mental anxiety or troubles could manifest now. We should try to avoid forcing our ideas on others and strive to maintain an open mind. Compulsive thinking is possible. On the other hand, this influence can suggest the ability to engage in deep, penetrating communication.

Sun square Pluto. Insubordination and abuse of power. Impatience with rules. Compulsiveness. The urge to get to the bottom of matters is with us, but we are too insistent. Avoid beating a dead horse and attempting to force matters that should naturally take time to unfold. Circumstances now 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. Events may occur now that highlight the need to trust.

Note: Times given in the table/calendar above are Eastern Time (ET).

Daily Trends Calendar

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.

See also: The Astrology of 2023 – Overview and The Astrology of 2024 – Overview.

Astrology Chart of Today/Now in my Free Report section shows the current chart with interpretations.

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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 15

The Moon ends its transit of respectful, just Libra and enters Scorpio at 7:05 AM EDT. We’re more passionate and intense with the Moon in Scorpio, putting us in a good place for in-depth thinking about mysteries, hidden meanings, relationships, and motivations. We also gravitate toward emotionally satisfying and involving activities and challenges. However, the Sun forms a quincunx with Uranus today, and we could be dealing with minor disruptions of plans or a restless urge for change that interferes with the flow. Instead, a fear of change can stop us in our tracks temporarily, but we may get the chance to make refinements and recalibrate.

The Moon is void from 3:01 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Pluto), until the Moon enters Scorpio at 7:05 AM EDT.

OCTOBER 16

The Moon transits Scorpio all day, awakening a need to tap into our passions and desires. It opposes Jupiter this morning, and we might struggle to pull ourselves out of an adventurous or restless mindset to focus on the moment. It’s “borrow from the future” energy, and we should be careful not to commit to something for which we don’t yet have the resources. However, with Jupiter’s quintile to Saturn today, we are intelligent at putting our goals into action. We have a strong sense of timing, and we want to design and plan things well. There is cleverness and common sense to our designs and ideas at this time.

OCTOBER 17

Mercury forms a quincunx with Uranus this morning, and it can be challenging to gain others’ understanding. We should watch for poorly considered decisions, impulsive communications, and disorganization leading to misunderstandings. We might also deal with a lack of receptiveness to practical advice. Mercury heads toward a semi-square to Venus as the day advances, potentially producing further misunderstandings, indecision, or misjudgments. It’s not easy to concentrate or connect with our hearts under this influence. There can be irritating disconnects as we either rationalize our feelings or emotionalize our observations. The Moon continues in determined, perceptive Scorpio until 3:37 PM, when it heads into truth-seeking, optimistic Sagittarius.

The Moon is void from 11:44 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Pluto), until the Moon enters Sagittarius at 3:37 PM EDT.

OCTOBER 18

With the Sun’s alignment to the True South Node of the Moon today, we should watch for holding onto something that no longer supports our growth only because it’s comfortable or familiar. There is a tendency to cling to old or comfortable ways of doing things. If we’re looking for clarity, we get a window into areas of our lives to which we cling too tightly, perhaps to our detriment. This may relate to fears of standing alone or disappointing people if we go our own way. Today’s Sun-Neptune quincunx adds a layer of uncertainty or indecision to our day. We might feel that people are draining our energy, especially if what they want from us is unclear. We can feel slightly off or out of sorts, and concentrating or figuring out our next step can be difficult. 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.

OCTOBER 19

Mercury is heading toward a conjunction with the Sun. Today, it aligns with the True South Node of the Moon and forms a quincunx with Neptune. We may feel stuck on a mental plane today, and the tendency is to overthink, overexplain, or overanalyze, which can be a form of procrastination or emotional avoidance. Instead, we can waver with uncertainty, or we’re inclined to daydream at the expense of productivity and clear communication. There can be some mental disorganization to manage now. However, as we head toward the Mercury-Sun alignment, sudden awareness or clarity spurs us on. What we say or write now has an impact, for better or worse! It’s an excellent time to fill in the details of recent ideas and turn recent discoveries into something valuable and workable. There can be an epiphany, illumination of a matter, or a clearing of the air. Still, we should watch for intellectualizing issues that require sensitivity.

The Moon is void from 3:03 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to the Sun), until the Moon enters Capricorn at 9:56 PM EDT.

OCTOBER 20

Early today, the Sun and Mercury align in the sign of Libra yesterday. Mercury forms a square with Pluto today, and the Sun will do the same tomorrow. We might act and express ourselves somewhat compulsively, or we could be too insistent on having our way or pushing our ideas upon others. These influences can bring fears and buried matter to the surface, and putting our faith and trust in others (or the universe) 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. The Moon spends the day in ambitious, organized Capricorn.

OCTOBER 21

The Sun forms a square to Pluto this morning, and there continues to be mistrust or heaviness in the air. Temporarily, our relationship goals may feel at odds with our more worldly ambitions. Events occurring now tend to highlight problems with trust–it’s not easy to put our faith in others (or in life/the process). We might aim to discover our inner 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. This transit can help us identify areas of over-attachment, but we may find it difficult to let go and unwind. It’s best to aim for self-control now.

Tonight, the First Quarter Moon occurs, and we can experience some tension or stress that motivates change. There is a crisis theme surrounding any quarter Moon phase, as we feel compelled to take action. Shortly after, we become aware of how our actions affect those close to us, perhaps through trial and error. Relationship and material goals tend to clash, causing some pressure or anxiety but also the will to improve.

Fortunately, we head toward a Venus-Jupiter trine that is exact early tomorrow morning, stirring friendly energy and our desire for the ideal. This transit can lift our spirits and turn our attention to joy. It helps to both soften and strengthen us. Our tolerance for rudeness or crassness decreases. We are big-hearted, and our feelings are big, begging for expression. Gestures tend to be thoughtful and practical. We’re hopeful, cheerful, and cooperative. This is a sociable, perhaps lazy and self-indulgent time. We are quick to find meaning in our social connections, and we’re opening up, trusting others more, and expecting the best. Integrity and loyalty are in the spotlight.

 

 

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 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.

When the Moon is in Sagittarius

 The Moon is at her most optimistic and upbeat in Sagittarius. We are motivated by a need to seek the truth, and we are ready to pursue a new vision. We are not interested in details just now. Instead, we focus on the big picture. New experiences and adventures satisfy a deep emotional need. Spontaneity is the key. We may also be inclined toward overdoing and overstating. We don't want to plan ahead, and prefer to "wing it".

The Moon in Sagittarius generally favors the following activities: Adventurous activities that involve "winging it", travel, higher education, starting publishing projects, advertising, sports, physical activity.

When the Moon is in Capricorn

We become aware of the need for structure and planning ahead. We also instinctively are aware of the limitations of time. We are motivated by a desire for success. Achievement and manifestation are most important to us now. We are resourceful and don't want to waste time, energy, or resources. This can be a very sober influence--even a depressing one. However, it can also be a productive time when we look reality in the eye.

The Moon in Capricorn generally favors the following activities: Long-term activities that yield slow but steady results, practical undertakings, career issues, making a business plan, practical investments.

 

Upcoming Weeks: Calendars

 

 

What’s In Your Forecast?

Take a peek at the year ahead with in-depth Future Forecast Reports from Cafe Astrology.

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BACK TO THIS WEEK IN ASTROLOGY MAIN/CURRENT

See also:

The Astrology of 2023 – Overview

The Astrology of 2024 – Overview

Monthly Calendar

This Month in Astrology

This Month’s Ephemeris

This Month’s Transits