This Week in Astrology October 16-22

This Week in Astrology: October 16th to 22nd, 2022

October 16-22, 2022

The Last Quarter Moon phase points to a crisis of consciousness. After basking in the awareness symbolized by the full light of the Moon at the time of last week’s Full Moon, we disperse our knowledge and come to a point when we need to sort out what works for us–and what doesn’t–in preparation for next week’s New Moon, when something new is born once again.

This is not the best time to start a major project, as the decreasing light of the Moon symbolizes descent into unconsciousness. It’s time to begin finishing up the details of that which was conceived at the last New Moon. We might now consider our revelations and their meaning.

Chart Wheel depicts the Sun in Libra exactly square the Moon in Cancer

Last Quarter Moon Chart: October 17, 2022 (Click on the image to enlarge)

This phase of the Moon occurs at 24 degrees and 19 minutes of Cancer square the Sun at the same degree of Libra, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 22 to 26 degrees of the Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn) most significantly.

Previous: Full Moon

Full Moon

The FULL MOON occurs on Sunday, October 9th, 2022, at 4:55 PM EDT.

On Sunday afternoon, the Full Moon occurs with the Sun’s opposition to the Moon. A Full Moon is a time of culmination and the promise of fulfillment of that which was started at the New Moon. It is an emotional time – a time of romance, fertilization, and relationships.

The Aries-Libra polarity is a relationship axis, where Aries represents “self,” and Libra represents “other.” Where Aries is about self-assertion, Libra is about compromise.

Through the energy of the Libra Sun, we are aware of the need for relationships and all that comes with maintaining them–compromising, negotiating, graciousness, and balancing. The Aries Moon, on the other hand, is self-assertive, leading, and personally courageous.

This Full Moon urges us to strike a balance between meeting our personal needs and attending to the needs of a significant other, and between independence or autonomy and dependence or companionability.

The Libra Sun is diplomatic, equality-minded, and fair-minded. The Aries Moon, however, values authenticity over tact and is energized by independent efforts. The Full Moon illuminates this conflict.

Neglecting either end of the Aries-Libra axis will surely backfire on us. Ideally, we find a balance between the two energies, and this is what the Full Moon invites us to do.

This Full Moon is about emotional declarations. Something has been building inside of us, likely of a personal nature, and now is the time when the energy of the cosmos fairly demands that we let it out. Over the upcoming weeks, we will discover what this declaration means for us. For now, we can’t sit on our feelings. We need to express them.

The Full Moon illuminates the conflict between “me” and “you,” and between autonomy and sharing. With the Moon full and bright in the sky, symbolic illumination occurs in our own lives. However, these new feelings and revelations are emotional ones, as there is a sense of emotions bursting forth into our consciousness. It’s time to express ourselves and to let things out of our systems. Of course, we might want to exercise some care while doing so, knowing that what is coming out of us is new and not particularly rational.

With the Sun forming an alignment with Venus and a trine to Saturn near this Full Moon, we can be motivated by love or pleasure, but we’re reasonable and practical. What inclines us to flights of fancy is the applying Mars-Neptune square. As such, it’s wise to feel and observe, and then wait and see what sticks.

This lunation reminds us to consider how we are honoring ourselves in the context of our close relationships. New revelations can occur now, particularly in the areas of our physical bodies, leadership skills, our ability to initiate and begin new things, and our close partnerships. We can struggle with obstacles, but we’re brave, determined, and resourceful.

Full Moon in Aries chart: October 9, 2022

This phase of the Moon occurs at 16 degrees and 33 minutes of Aries opposite the Sun at the same degree of Libra, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 13 to 21 degrees of the Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn) most significantly.

Full Moon in Aries Chart: October 20, 2021 (Additional points)

This second chart wheel includes extra points like Chiron, the four major asteroids, Eris, and Sedna.

Moon Phase Cycle: Bigger Picture

Sep 25, 2022, 5:54 PM, Sun Conjunct Moon
(New Moon)
Oct 2, 2022, 8:14 PM, Sun Square Moon (First Quarter Moon)
Oct 9, 2022, 4:55 PM, Sun Opposition Moon (Full Moon)
Oct 17, 2022, 1:15 PM, Sun Square Moon (Last Quarter Moon)
Oct 25, 2022, 6:49 AM, Sun Conjunct Moon (New Moon Solar Eclipse)

(Times are Eastern)

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

The Sun is in Libra from September 22-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 10-29. [Mercury was recently in Libra (from August 25-September 23) but returned to Virgo while retrograde.] 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 Libra from September 29-October 23. We favor charm over assertiveness to get what we want during this cycle. Usually quite willing to negotiate and compromise, we can be very obliging with others. We’re also very idealistic about love, and we seek intellectual peers. Although Venus in Libra is very relationship-focused, there is an air of cool detachment to this energy. We prefer things are done the “right” way, and aggressive or uncouth behavior turns us off.

The shadow expression of this position includes over-dependence and superficiality. To avoid unpleasant situations, we could easily gloss over deeper issues at play in our relationships. It’s probably best to avoid the trap of acquiescing to partners while privately resenting the fact or thinking ourselves martyrs for doing so.

While Venus is in Libra, we are more artistically inclined or seek balance in our personal environment. This cycle is excellent for promoting cooperation, harmony, mutually beneficial connections, and fairness. We are gentle but firm, and we’re skilled at mediation.

We’re more likely to prosper during this cycle in partnership, through one-to-one associations, such as counseling, or in fields related to harmony, relationships, beauty, design, and the law. We’re not fond of out-and-out competition or aggressive pursuit, preferring win-win situations, hands down. We attract things to us and appeal to others gently and kindly. Equality and politeness are important now, and we despise hurting others’ feelings.

Mars is in Gemini from August 20, 2022-March 25, 2023. [This is much longer than usual due to a Mars retrograde cycle from October 30, 2022-January 12, 2023.]

In Gemini, Mars is versatile and flexible but not especially determined or focused. We should watch for becoming so scattered that we’re ineffective. However, it’s an excellent period for diversifying our interests and understanding the power of our communications.

It’s an excellent time for strategizing and devising useful tactics to achieve our desires and goals. We’re resourceful and clever, and we know how to use words effectively.

Perhaps most notable during this period is our tactical skills. We know how to maneuver things to get our way. We use words to charm and express anger. We’re very talkative, and animatedly so, when passionate and enthusiastic about a topic.

Jupiter is in Aries.

Jupiter is in Aries from May 10 to October 28, 2022. This is part one of two, with the second and final part occurring from December 20, 2022, to May 16, 2023. Read more about Jupiter’s transit of Aries.

Jupiter will head back into Pisces from October 28 to December 20, 2022–the final part of three in the Jupiter-in-Pisces transit. Read more about the Jupiter in Pisces transit.

Saturn transits Aquarius from March 21 to July 1, 2020, and from December 17th, 2020, until March 7, 2023. Read about Saturn’s transit of Aquarius.

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.

Romance & Relationships

Venus is in Libra from September 29-October 23. Venus rules Libra and thus is dignified in the sign. Venus feels right “at home” in Libra, where she seeks to balance and harmonize. With Venus in Libra, we can easily be in love with love. We are more comfortable with a close partner with whom we can seek to have a balanced relationship. We favor employing charm over aggressive pursuit to get what we want.

Although Venus in Libra is very relationship-focused, there is an air of cool detachment to this energy. We are very obliging with others–quite willing to negotiate and compromise. We can be especially idealistic about love. We prefer things be done the “right” way, and are turned off by aggressive or uncouth behavior.

The shadow side of this position is dependency, inconsistency, and superficiality. In an attempt to avoid unpleasant situations, we could easily gloss over deeper issues at play in our relationships. It’s probably best to avoid the trap of acquiescing to our partners but privately resenting the fact or thinking ourselves martyrs for doing so!

This week: On Sunday, the 16th, our interactions can be touchy, and we may need to answer questions, but we’re learning a lot about our loved ones and ourselves and what makes us vulnerable. Monday brings awkwardness as we can feel vaguely unsatisfied, especially on romantic, spiritual, and emotional levels. On Tuesday, we’re raring to go, vibing well with one another, and feeling pleasantly stimulated and competitive.

Wednesday and Thursday are more challenging for our relationships. Insecurities about not being “in the know” or fears of having the rug pulled from under our feet in our relationships can be stimulated. It might be difficult to get close to one another under these conditions, but with self-honesty, it can be a good time to get in touch with our fears.

On Saturday, October 22nd, we’re inclined to reach out and make connections and start fresh in our relationships. We are re-awakened to the beauty of life around us, and new energy invigorates our close relationships. There can be more graciousness, diplomacy, and charm expressed now, and perhaps some superficiality. We’re proud of our ability to get along with others.

Venus, the Goddess of Love: Highlights in the Coming Week:

Venus in Libra As this new cycle takes hold in your life, romance and social interaction take on a greater importance for you. Harmonious ties to others are what you yearn for; refinement and elegance are what you seek. The ideal partnership, the perfect balance, the highest standards of truth and beauty – these are some of the things that quicken your pulse now.

Venus contra-parallel Chiron October 16. Others, and especially partners and love interests, have something to teach us. This is a time for identifying vulnerable areas.

Venus quincunx Neptune October 17. Idealism and disappointments in love. Avoid becoming blinded by what you want to see, rather than what really is. Doubts about love.

Venus trine Mars October 18. Sexual attraction, romantic activities, and fertility are favored. This is one of the best times to enhance a relationship. Excellent time for starting a new relationship, all things equal.

Venus square Pluto October 19-20. Intense passions, but there’s a hidden agenda. Jealousy and possessiveness are high, in direct proportion to fear of losing partnership. Avoid starting a new relationship at this time, because it can be characterized by these energies.

Venus conjunct the Sun October 22. Good relating is the focus, although some may find this energy superficial in that surface charm, diplomacy, and harmony is the goal. The pursuit of pleasure is emphasized.

Venus quincunx Jupiter October 23. A strong desire for the pleasures of life is with us now, although our eyes are often bigger than our stomachs. Troubles in relationships now are likely due to overblown expectations. It can be challenging to find a balance between responsibilities and the desire for self-gratification.

Venus sesquiquadrate Neptune October 29. Romantic confusion as well as relationship ups and downs. Self-deceptions may come to light now.

Venus sesquiquadrate Mars October 31. Tensions in relationships. Attempting to satisfy romantic needs and assertive/sexual needs simultaneously can be challenging.

Venus parallel the Sun October 31. A strong desire for harmony and comfort fill us now. We may be moved to express our affections.

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 to determine 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 17th, from 4:57 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (an opposition to Pluto), until the Moon enters Leo tomorrow, Tuesday, October 18th, at 12:46 AM EDT.

VOC Moon on Thursday, October 20th, from 6:37 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to the Sun), until the Moon enters Virgo at 12:27 PM EDT.

VOC Moon on Saturday, October 22nd, from 2:18 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Pluto), until the Moon enters Libra at 9:25 PM EDT.

October 2022:

Void Moon Dates & Times: Table for October 2022

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 waning this week, and the waning Moon is generally considered unfavorable for new beginnings, with 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 Thursday, the 20th, from approximately 2:30 AM to 6:30 AM EDT, while the Moon is in Leo.

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:

Aug 25,
2022, 9:03 PM Mercury enters Libra
Sep 5, 2022, 12:05 AM Venus enters Virgo
Sep 6, 2022, 12:58 AM Pallas enters Cancer
Sep 9, 2022, 11:38 PM Mercury Retrograde
Sep 22, 2022, 9:04 PM Sun enters Libra
Sep 23, 2022, 8:04 AM Mercury Rx enters Virgo
Sep 29, 2022, 3:49 AM Venus enters Libra
Sep 29, 2022, 4:55 AM Ceres enters Virgo
Oct 2, 2022, 5:07 AM Mercury Direct
Oct 5, 2022, 2:13 PM Vesta Direct
Oct 8, 2022, 5:55 PM Pluto Direct
Oct 10, 2022, 7:51 PM Mercury enters Libra
Oct 23, 2022, 12:07 AM Saturn Direct
Oct 23, 2022, 3:52 AM Venus enters Scorpio
Oct 23, 2022, 6:35 AM Sun enters Scorpio
Oct 23, 2022, 9:05 AM Juno Direct
Oct 28, 2022, 1:10 AM Jupiter Rx enters Pisces
Oct 29, 2022, 3:22 PM Mercury enters Scorpio
Oct 30, 2022, 9:26 AM Mars Retrograde
Nov 16, 2022, 1:08 AM Venus enters Sagittarius
Nov 17, 2022, 3:42 AM Mercury enters Sagittarius
Nov 20, 2022, 4:18 PM Vesta enters Pisces
Nov 22, 2022, 3:20 AM Sun enters Sagittarius
Nov 23, 2022, 6:02 PM Jupiter Direct
Nov 30, 2022, 3:36 AM Pallas Rx
Dec 3, 2022, 7:15 PM Neptune Direct
Dec 6, 2022, 5:08 PM Mercury enters Capricorn
Dec 9, 2022, 10:54 PM Venus enters Capricorn
Dec 18, 2022, 6:27 PM Ceres enters Libra
Dec 20, 2022, 9:32 AM Jupiter enters Aries

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

Note: Times given are Eastern Time (ET).

This Week’s Calendar

This Week in Astrology Calendar: October 16-22, 2022

This Week’s Aspects

Sun quincunx Neptune. It can be difficult to concentrate and to formulate clear goals just now. Misconceptions abound. Fear of being ineffective can undermine our confidence when it comes to making clear or definite decisions, and for doing new things.

Venus quincunx Neptune. Under this influence, we are apt to see what we want to see, rather than what actually is, when it comes to both financial affairs and affairs of the heart. Still, we tend to doubt our perceptions of perfection. The end result is a feeling of insecurity on romantic and social levels. Avoid making large purchases and commitments at this time.

Sun trine Mars. Energy and vitality are strong. Natural confidence that doesn’t come across as offensive. A good time to take the initiative. Favors physical activity. Effective decision-making is possible now.

Venus trine Mars. Romantic activity, sexual attraction, creative action and self-expression in business and the arts, active participation in social functions, and creative initiative are favored under this influence. It’s easy to act upon our social and romantic needs successfully.

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.

Mercury opposition Chiron. Misunderstandings in communications that occur now stem from taking things too personally. It can be hard to read the intention behind the words used to communicate now. Doubting our ability to make a clear cut decision comes from a feeling that opposing viewpoints hold the same weight, and thus an inability to choose sides. There can be a sense of shooting ourselves in the foot when we present our ideas or opinions, and a feeling of misrepresenting ourselves when we communicate can figure strongly now.

Venus square Pluto. Intense passions are stirring, but there’s a hidden agenda. Feelings of jealousy and possessiveness run high, in direct proportion to fear of losing someone or something. It’s not an ideal time to begin a new relationship, because it can be characterized by these energies. Social interactions may be intense or could provoke intense feelings. Changes in financial or relationship status could occur now. Resentments and issues that have been brewing in a close relationship come to the surface, disrupting the peace. All of our relationships intensify, and people can be more compulsive and demanding. This is an “all or nothing” energy. Manipulative behavior, fear of betrayal, and power struggles are possible.

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.

Venus conjunct Sun. We are motivated by the desire to strike a balance in our relationships and in our environment. Smooth negotiations with others. Graciousness, diplomacy, charm, and some superficiality. This is a good period for social affairs, pleasure, amusement, and romance, all things considered.

Mercury trine Saturn. Clear, realistic thinking characterizes this influence. A good time to get organized, to do detail work, and to prepare for the future. Decisions made now tend to be practical and well thought out. Work done now is likely to beget tangible results in the future. Conversations may be spare but to the point. Manifestation and achievement are what satisfy.

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.

Astrology Chart of Today/Now in my Free Report section.

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 16

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 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. Venus will form a quincunx to Neptune tomorrow. Today’s Cancer Moon is warm and sensitive.

OCTOBER 17

The Last Quarter Moon occurs this afternoon with the Libra Sun’s square to the Cancer Moon, prompting a turning point as we gain some perspective. We come to a place where we must sort out what works for us and what doesn’t. It’s not the best time in the lunar cycle to start a significant project. During this Moon phase, suitable activities include paying debts, asking for money owed, giving or receiving rewards, making evaluations, taking inventory, and dealing with people and matters from the past. With a Venus-Neptune quincunx today, we might want to see things realistically on the one hand and prefer to nurture a fantasy or look the other way on the other. Under this influence, there can be insecurity or doubts about others or our own feelings and perceptions. Indecision is possible. However, the Sun forms a trine to Mars, encouraging us to want to take affirmative action. This influence is energizing and supports physical activity, initiative, and enterprise. Vitality is strong. We want to put plans into motion, take the lead, and get busy. Enthusiasm and confidence both run high, and our sense of timing is good. Belief in ourselves is natural under this influence, leading to more effective decision-making.

The void Moon occurs from 4:57 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (an opposition to Pluto), until the Moon enters Leo tomorrow, Tuesday, October 18th, at 12:46 AM EDT.

OCTOBER 18

Venus forms a trine to Mars today, encouraging friendly competition. Our timing is natural in our relationships, with business affairs, and in the arts. This transit spurs us on and encourages the pursuit of our desires. We find it natural to act upon our social and romantic needs, and we bring more creativity to our work or the services we provide. It may be time to take a creative approach to our relationships and projects–we’re particularly resourceful. This transit supports flow and ease in close personal interactions without sacrificing engagement. We can make connections that prove fruitful and fortunate, and business relationships and pursuits can prosper. We are also more interactive and magnetic than usual. A Mercury-Uranus biquintile inspires creative ways to approach technical matters. The Moon enters Leo early today, at 12:46 AM EDT, stirring our needs to play, express ourselves, and create. This is a time of the lunar month when we seek attention–when we want to stand out for our unique qualities.

The void Moon continues today until the Moon enters Leo at 12:46 AM EDT.

OCTOBER 19

The Sun forms a square to Pluto this morning, and Venus will do the same very early tomorrow, and there can be some mistrust or heaviness to the day. Feelings of jealousy and possessiveness run high, directly proportional to the fear of losing someone or something. Social interactions may be intense, or they could provoke intense feelings. Temporarily, our relationship goals may feel at odds with our more worldly ambitions. Changes in financial status or relationships may occur now. Other 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. These transits help us identify areas of over-attachment, but we may find it difficult to let go and unwind. We should watch for a bit of paranoia or suspicion that works against us. It’s best to aim for self-control now.

A Mercury-Chiron opposition colors the day with some uncertainty. We may interpret feedback as criticism and should watch for misrepresenting ourselves. As we focus on the differences and weaknesses rather than the strong points, we may give too much weight to matters that don’t deserve attention.

OCTOBER 20

The Venus-Pluto square very early today tugs at our doubts about others. However, the Moon transits outgoing, competitive, and loving Leo until 12:27 PM EDT, and it’s a fine time for expressing ourselves and our affections. The Moon is in organized, fact-finding Virgo from 12:27 PM forward. This Virgo Moon is earnest, adaptable, and intelligent. We’re more focused on the details of our lives than the larger goals, giving us the chance to manage essential tasks that help fortify and support our endeavors. This Moon is devoted, helpful, and analytical.

The void Moon occurs from 6:37 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to the Sun), until the Moon enters Virgo at 12:27 PM EDT.

OCTOBER 21

The Moon spends the day in Virgo, encouraging our desire to help, sort, analyze, and organize. We have an eye for detail and tend to focus on the parts that make up a whole. This Moon is particular, intelligent, and helpful, and it encourages our desire to learn, acquire skills, excel at our work, pay special attention to health, and assist others. This transit draws out our desire to heal and fix.

OCTOBER 22

Mercury forms a quincunx to 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. Energies shift considerably as the day advances. First, the Sun and Venus align in the final degree of Libra (both bodies will move into Scorpio tomorrow). It’s a time for reaching out, making connections, and starting fresh in our relationships–we’re crystallizing the lessons we’ve recently learned through our recent focus on harmonizing and cooperating. We are re-awakened to the beauty of life around us, and new energy invigorates our close relationships. The desire to strike a balance in our relationships or environment is a powerful motivator now. We’re expressing more graciousness, diplomacy, and charm, although not necessarily a lot of depth. We’re proud of our ability to harmonize and beautify. As well, Mercury forms a trine to Saturn tonight, helping us ground and center our thoughts and communications. This aspect takes on more power due to Saturn’s station (Saturn is about to turn direct). Conversations may be spare but instructive. It’s a good time for systematic thinking and a step-by-step approach to tasks and problems. This transit supports work with details. We’re cautious with our expectations or remind ourselves to keep things moderate.

The void Moon occurs from 2:18 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Pluto), until the Moon enters Libra at 9:25 PM EDT.

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 Cancer

The restlessness of the Gemini Moon gives way to an instinctive need for peace and quiet. A feeling of belonging and safety is what motivates us under this influence. The Moon feels right at home in the sign of Cancer, as it rules the sign. This Moon position has much healing potential. Although insular by nature, our feelings run deep, making it an ideal time to get in touch with what motivates us.

The Moon in Cancer generally favors the following activities: Domestic activities, those that involve awareness of personal needs. Home decor, family get-togethers.

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.

Upcoming Weeks: Calendars

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: October 23-29, 2022

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: October 30-November 5, 2022

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: November 6 to 12, 2022

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: November 13 to 19, 2022

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: November 20 to 26, 2022

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: November 27th to December 3rd, 2022

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: December 4th to 10th, 2022

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: December 11th to 17th, 2022

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: December 18th to 24th, 2022

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: December 25th to 31st, 2022

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: January 1st to 7th, 2023

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: January 8th to 14th, 2023

THIS WEEK’S PLANETARY POSITIONS BY SIGN (General Trends):

Sun in Libra Meeting yourself in another person is the keynote of a new cycle which 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 Libra A new cycle begins for you, signaling a greater than usual interest in relationships, social connections, and the arts – on a more intellectual level than in the past, most likely. Seeing both sides of an issue, and figuring out resolutions to opposing views: these things take on more importance in your life.

Venus in Libra As this new cycle takes hold in your life, romance and social interaction take on a greater importance for you. Harmonious ties to others are what you yearn for; refinement and elegance are what you seek. The ideal partnership, the perfect balance, the highest standards of truth and beauty – these are some of the things that quicken your pulse now.

Mars in Gemini Learning, communicating, the exchange of ideas: these are the experiences you crave as a means to make your mark now, as a new phase begins in your life. You’re a person with something to say, and you realize that others have information that is essential to your goals. A time of much mental energy and initiative … perhaps with an element of conflict tossed in for good measure.

Jupiter in Aries Faith in yourself and your future is emphasized as you begin this new cycle. A feeling that anything is possible leads to new ventures, a clean break from the past. At its best, this is a very positive and optimistic new cycle in your life, but at times, overconfidence can border on foolhardy bravery. Don’t burn your bridges behind you!

Saturn in Aquarius Ideals are in for a period of testing, as a new phase begins in your life. What are principles worth, unless they are put into practice? That’s an important question for you now. This could mean you may be disappointed by causes you believe in – but if you abandon your principles, you lose.

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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This Week in Astrology: October 16 to 22, 2022