This Week in Astrology Oct 8-14, 2023

This Week in Astrology: October 8th to 14th, 2023

October 8-14, 2023

With this potent Libra energy, we might make important changes in our lives. Libra teaches us to learn to make peace with those around us and to establish more harmony in our environments, establish a sense of order and balance in our lives, and recognize the value of partnerships. This is an ideal 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 fine 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 effective, as we are inclined to assert our needs in ways that don’t offend others. A Mars-Saturn trine can help us see the value of pacing ourselves and keeping our feet on the ground.

As a Solar Eclipse, this New Moon packs more punch! It’s the second eclipse in a set occurring along the Aries-Libra axis from April 20th, 2023, to March 29, 2025. The first one was a Total Solar Eclipse in late Aries. While we’ve been focusing on building our independence and working on assertiveness since April, this October eclipse in Libra prompts us to consider healthy relating and how it affects the process.

A Solar Eclipse at approximately the same degree of Libra last occurred on October 14th, 2004. Before that, it was October 12th, 1996, and October 12th, 1977. An eclipse set along the Aries-Libra axis most recently occurred from 2013-2016. Before that, it was from 2004-2006.

Major developments in the personal areas ruled by Libra in our charts are likely to occur over the upcoming months.

New Moon Solar Eclipse in Libra Chart: October 14th, 2023

This phase of the Moon occurs at 21 degrees and 8 minutes of Libra, affecting planets at approximately 11 to 15 degrees of the Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn) the most.

The above chart is excellent for seeing the fundamental influences and chart pattern of this New Moon. The chart below adds more details with additional points. Click to enlarge:

New Moon in Libra 2023 Chart with Additional Points

This Solar Eclipse is part of a set of eclipses falling along the Aries/Libra sign axis from April 2023 to March 2025:

Annular Total SOLAR Eclipse 2023 April 20 0:12:19 at 29 Aries 50
Annular SOLAR Eclipse 2023 October 14 13:54:56 at 21 Libra 08
Penumbral LUNAR Eclipse 2024 March 25 3:00:05 at 5 Libra 07
Total SOLAR Eclipse 2024 April 8 14:20:37 at 19 Aries 24
Annular SOLAR Eclipse 2024 October 2 14:49:02 at 10 Libra 04
Partial SOLAR Eclipse 2025 March 29 at 9 Aries 00

Explore more about the Eclipses.

Previous: Last Quarter Moon

Last Quarter Moon

The LAST QUARTER MOON occurs on Friday, October 6th, 2023, at 9:47 AM EDT.

On Friday morning, the Last Quarter Moon is exact, when the Sun in Libra squares the Moon in Cancer.

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.

Last Quarter Moon Chart: October 6, 2023

This phase of the Moon occurs at 13 degrees and 3 minutes of Cancer square the Sun at the same degree of Libra, affecting planets at approximately 11 to 15 degrees of the Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn) the most.

Moon Phase Cycle: Bigger Picture

Oct 14,
2023, 1:55 PM, Sun Conjunct Moon (New Moon Solar Eclipse)
Oct 21, 2023, 11:29 PM, Sun Square Moon (First Quarter Moon)
Oct 28, 2023, 4:24 PM, Sun Opposition Moon (Full Moon)
Nov 5, 2023, 3:37 AM, Sun Square Moon (Last Quarter Moon)
Nov 13, 2023, 4:27 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 Leo only until October 8th, when it enters Virgo; Mars is in Libra until the 12th, when it enters 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 Leo from June 5-October 8. [This transit was longer than usual due to the retrograde of Venus in Leo from July 22nd to September 3rd.] Love is magnificent and grand while Venus is in Leo. We take pride in love, and we are generous with our money as well. This is a warmhearted, teasing, expressive, proud, and extravagant placement for Venus. Love is a bit of a game–a game that is perpetual, as Venus in Leo is forever stuck in the romance stage of a relationship. We feed on attention, acknowledgement, validation, and adoration.

Venus in Leo loves to be adored, pampered, and admired. Pride and passion are hallmarks of this cycle. We have a strong ego investment in our love lives during this period. The negative expression of this placement is overstating our feelings simply for the effect, as well as extravagance.

The Venus-in-Leo cycle can be a strong or profitable time for contests, lotteries, parties, recreation, drama, adornment, jewelry, costumes, art dealing, and all things golden. Generosity and warmth contribute to our ability to draw in the right resources. We can have a compelling desire to stand out, be remarkable, and feel special during this period.

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 Libra from August 27-October 12. We tend to use our charm as a means to an end under the influence of this cycle. Because we can see many different sides of any given issue, we can be vacillating and indecisive about how to act. We don’t want to be the “bad guy” and rarely resort to force. Instead, we attempt to win arguments with style.

We are indirect in approach and inclined towards mental debates, yet we also try to make the opposition comfortable! Passive aggressiveness is the shadow side of this energy. We can be angry at ourselves if we’ve done too much conciliating.

We’re adept at predicting when problems and discord will occur well in advance and talented at compromise and conflict management.

We can be warriors for peace and justice during the Mars-in-Libra cycle. We strive for balance and avoid extremes. It’s an excellent time for strategy and teaming or partnering up to reach a goal.

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.

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 Leo from June 5-October 8. Love is magnificent and grand! We take pride in love, and we are generous with our money as well. This is a warmhearted, teasing, expressive, proud, and extravagant placement for Venus. Love is a bit of a game–a game that is perpetual, as Venus in Leo is forever stuck in the romance stage of a relationship. We feed on attention, acknowledgement, validation, and adoration.

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: On Monday and Tuesday, there can be a need to be mature in love. We assess our relationships from a practical standpoint, and we can feel inhibited when it comes to expressing our feelings. This can be a time when May-December romances are prominent. We can also be especially sensitive to rejection. There can be some reluctance to commit or to show our affections on Wednesday.

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

Venus in Leo Romance becomes an end in itself as a new cycle begins for you. It marks a time when love, creativity, and self-expression satisfy a deep yearning to be appreciated and admired – needed, even. A flashy, flirty, stylish splash of color and warmth.

Venus quincunx Pluto October 6. This is a time of adjustments and re-assessments in our close personal relationships and/or with regards to our social lives. Issues of power and control can arise. Unreasonable or irrational fears of loss, or jealousy, could also emerge.

Venus contra-parallel Mars October 6-7. Passions are stimulated and intense. Fine line between love and hate. Competitiveness.

Venus opposition Saturn October 9-10. We keep others at arm’s length, unsure of whether we are loved or not. This is a somewhat inhibiting influence when it appears that people value utility over true love. An element of seriousness permeates our love relationships. We may feel criticized and inhibited, unloved and unsatisfied, but our worst enemies may be ourselves and our own fears of getting close to others.

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.

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 Tuesday, October 10th, from 5:36 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Mars), until the Moon enters Virgo at 8:01 AM EDT.

VOC Moon on Thursday, October 12th, from 4:10 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Pluto), until the Moon enters Libra at 8:22 PM EDT.

October 2023:

Void Moon Dates & Times: Table for 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 waning this week until the New Moon on the 14th, which is considered unfavorable for new beginnings, although with some exceptions. (See Best Time to Start a Business for more details). The Moon is waxing after the New Moon on the 14th.

According to principles of timing with the Moon, a window of opportunity occurs from 12:45 PM to 4:05 PM EDT on Thursday, October 12th, while the Moon is in Virgo. However, this period occurs shortly before the Solar Eclipse on the 14th. Note that in the week before and after an eclipse (the 14th), our judgment is not up to par.

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:

Jul 28, 2023
, 5:31 PM, Mercury enters Virgo
Aug 15, 2023, 3:29 PM, Juno enters Leo
Aug 23, 2023, 5:01 AM, Sun enters Virgo
Aug 23, 2023, 3:59 PM, Mercury Retrograde at 21 Virgo 51
Aug 27, 2023, 9:20 AM, Mars enters Libra
Aug 28, 2023, 10:39 PM, Uranus Retrograde at 23 Taurus 05
Sep 3, 2023, 9:20 PM, Venus Direct at 12 Leo 13
Sep 4, 2023, 10:11 AM, Jupiter Retrograde at 15 Taurus 35
Sep 13, 2023, 12:35 PM, Pallas enters Libra
Sep 13, 2023, 7:22 PM, Vesta enters Cancer
Sep 15, 2023, 8:47 AM, Ceres enters Scorpio
Sep 15, 2023, 4:21 PM, Mercury Direct at 8 Virgo 00
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

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 8th to 14th, 2023

This Week’s Aspects

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.

Mercury sesquiquadrate Uranus. We can have flashes of insight, but tend to be scatterbrained. Our ideas and communications may not be well-received because they don’t seem to others to carry weight. Our minds are not peaceful or harmonious under this influence, and irritable tempers, sarcastic speech, and dogmatism are negative expressions of this energy. However, fresh and creative ideas may come to us now.

Sun sesquiquadrate Saturn. It’s hard to satisfy the ego today. We feel blocked by circumstances or others. It’s too easy to feel discouraged, but discouragement is a time waster. Gratitude isn’t forthcoming right now, so it’s best to wait it out rather than waste energy letting it get to you.

Venus opposition Saturn. We keep others at arm’s length, unsure of whether we are loved or not. This is a somewhat inhibiting influence when it appears that people value utility over true love. An element of seriousness permeates our love relationships. We may feel criticized and inhibited, unloved and unsatisfied, but our worst enemies may be ourselves and our own fears of getting close to others. Not a good influence for financial endeavors. Burdens are magnified.

Sun opposition Chiron. The desire to learn and grow through experiences and through others is strong, but may be hampered by a lack of confidence or a fear of being different. We may not be seeing eye to eye with others, and lack of faith in our own decisions is likely as well. We might also be so concerned with keeping others happy that we are afraid to assert our own desires.

Venus sesquiquadrate Chiron. Blocks to intimacy are possible now as we focus on differences rather than similarities in our relationships with others. We might have a hard time learning from one another as a result.

Mercury quincunx (inconjunct) Jupiter. We may have big ideas under this influence, but we may also overestimate our abilities or underestimate the situation. Avoid jumping into something without planning ahead, as important details are too easy to overlook. Also, avoid making promises you may not be able to fulfill, and read the fine print!

Mars trine Saturn. Work takes on definite shape, and we can see results from our efforts. This gives us a sense of responsibility and a feeling of directedness and purposefulness. This is a good time to temper our energy and to exercise better judgment. A good time to get and feel organized. Seniority is favored now. Traditional methods work, and thoroughness brings rewards.

Mercury sesquiquadrate Saturn. Red tape, re-doing tasks you thought you finished, problems getting from point A to point B, delays in communication, negative thinking, hyper-sensitivity and criticism.

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.

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 shows the current chart with interpretations.

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 8

The Moon spends the day in lively, outgoing Leo, but a Mars-Pluto square adds an edge to the day. With this aspect, we crave a sense of control over events, relationships, or circumstances and become frustrated at any sign that we don’t have it. However, attempts to gain control or power tend to be fruitless. This square can stir intense desires that may not easily be satisfied. There may be arguments, standstills, and power games. It would be wise to observe and learn from whatever powerful feelings arise through confrontations or conflicts. We should try to remain flexible, perhaps devising strategies for achieving our goals rather than attempting to push them through at all costs.

Venus leaves Leo after an extended stay and enters Virgo today, where it will transit until November 8th. Virgo is sensual but also reasonably practical. We might enjoy our work or wellness routines more than usual while Venus is in Virgo, and the satisfaction of a job well done cannot be underestimated during this cycle. Pleasures and pastimes that serve a useful purpose are more attractive. We express our love through practical means and gestures–running errands, doing detailed work, or just being there for our loved ones. Still, there can be some nervousness, and we should watch for a tendency to worry or fret, especially in our relationships.

OCTOBER 9

The Sun forms a sesquiquadrate with Saturn, and Venus is heading into opposition with Saturn, and we become more aware of–or frustrated by–our limitations. These transits might close us up or narrow our focus. We could feel confined or restricted regarding our plans and self-expression until we work out the tension. There can also be some coolness in our interactions or withdrawal. Negative feedback or blockage can slow us down–ideally, only enough to pace ourselves or adjust our expectations. Financial limitations may make themselves known, or burdens of our debts or obligations to others magnify. We may need to pay the piper, or if we’ve been overdoing pleasures, a reminder of our responsibilities comes now. Burdens, commitments, lack, limitations, and problems can loom larger than usual under the Venus-Saturn opposition, particularly regarding love, tastes, pleasure, and finances.

OCTOBER 10

Pluto stations and turns direct today, and there can be inner rumblings as we sense something is coming. This happens after over five months of retrograde motion (Pluto turned retrograde on May 1st), and its station adds intensity to all we do and feel today and this week. Over the coming weeks, our power to make profound changes in our lives is more externalized, insistent, and direct. We are less likely to brood over changes that we feel have been thrust upon us and more likely to take things into our own hands and make necessary changes. For now, we can feel on the fence.

As the day advances, we feel the Sun-Chiron opposition that’s exact early tomorrow. We might confront our insecurities and vulnerabilities through our relationships and interactions. Lack of faith in our own decisions is possible. The desire to learn and grow through experiences and others is strong but hampered by a lack of confidence or a fear of being different. We may not be seeing eye to eye with others. We might also be so concerned with keeping others happy that we are afraid to assert our desires. However, this is also a time to recognize something important about ourselves through our sensitivities and reactions.

The Moon is void from 5:36 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Mars), until the Moon enters Virgo at 8:01 AM EDT.

OCTOBER 11

The Moon spends the day in Virgo, and we’re particular and focused but also adaptable and flexible. The Moon’s trine to Jupiter boosts our feelings of joy and comfort with the world of matter and practicality. We take pleasure in attending to our needs for organization and security today. With a minor challenging aspect between Venus and Chiron tonight, we can feel a little out of sync on a social level. There is some tendency to keep our emotional distance, and we tend to focus on differences rather than similarities in our relationships.

OCTOBER 12

Mars enters the sign of Scorpio today for a stay that will last until November 24th. In Scorpio, Mars is driven and focused on getting what it wants! Rarely backing down, we are persevering and single-minded, sometimes obsessively focused, under this influence. We gravitate to transformative and emotionally exciting experiences. We can also be secretive or simply not very forthcoming about our motivations, methods, and goals. It’s not always easy to call it a day or let something go. We are naturally strategic during this transit. With Mercury quincunx Jupiter today, however, we may overestimate our abilities or underestimate the situation, or we might see-saw between alternatives. The Moon continues to transit concerned, thorough Virgo until 8:22 PM EDT, when it moves into fair-minded, gracious Libra.

The Moon is void from 4:10 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Pluto), until the Moon enters Libra at 8:22 PM EDT.

OCTOBER 13

The Moon spends the day in Libra, and we seek balance in our lives. Relationships can be in high focus. We tend to weigh all perspectives and consider all possibilities while the Moon is in Libra. For the most part, we’re cooperative and gracious today. Mars forms a trine to Saturn, and we value endurance and perseverance. Carefully picking and choosing our activities comes naturally now. Still, we feel more productive, directed, and purposeful. A slow, steady, methodical approach works best under this influence. We get the job done, and we’re thorough! This trine favors discipline, moderation, tradition, pacing ourselves, temperance, and realism.

OCTOBER 14

The New Moon Solar Eclipse occurs today at 1:55 PM EDT. In the sign of Libra, the focus is on negotiating, partnering, and creating harmony and balance. It’s about new beginnings regarding these issues, and long-term changes are in the works! This eclipse is the second in an Aries-Libra set with us from April 2023 to March 2025. This eclipse can highlight and challenge our issues surrounding partnerships and in/dependence. While we’ve been building our independence and working on assertiveness since the April eclipse in Aries, this October eclipse in Libra prompts us to consider healthy relating and how it affects the process. Circumstances nudge us to see where we haven’t been balanced. Ultimately, we are better positioned to understand that changes or endings are necessary for our growth. However, with the eclipse occurring now, we remain symbolically in the dark, and it’s best to take our time with new beginnings. Today’s 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.

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.

Upcoming Weeks: Calendars

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

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: October 22nd to 28th, 2023

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: October 29th to November 4th, 2023

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: November 5th to 11th, 2023

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: November 19th to 25th, 2023

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: November 12th to 18th, 2023

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: November 26th to December 2nd, 2023

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: December 3rd to 9th, 2023

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: December 10th to 16th, 2023

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: December 17th to 23rd, 2023

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: December 24th to 30th, 2023

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: December 31st to January 6th, 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 Leo Romance becomes an end in itself as a new cycle begins for you. It marks a time when love, creativity, and self-expression satisfy a deep yearning to be appreciated and admired – needed, even. A flashy, flirty, stylish splash of color and warmth.

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.

Mars in Libra “I’m giving you a definite maybe” – that’s the motto of the cycle you’re now entering. It’s a time of refinement and tact, of an urge to please others that is so strong as to make it hard to decide or act for fear of offending someone. You’ll quickly learn to balance this out, or you’ll discover that there is no peace in compromise – and this can be tough on close relationships. The trick is to find the win-win solution to the no-win situation – and if anyone’s ever up to it, you are now.

Mars in Scorpio Tear it down and build it up again, reach in and pluck out the offending element: that’s what the new cycle you have entered is like. Power becomes a compelling idea, perhaps even an aphrodisiac – and you’ve got a stronger than usual supply of it now. Use it, don’t abuse it – or you might find that it’s a two-edged sword!

Jupiter in Taurus A kind of Midas touch is signaled by the new cycle now dawning in your life. Prosperity and security take center stage in your thoughts; a gentle but committed conservatism brings you all kinds of good things. Take care of the material things, and the spiritual will take care of itself: that’s your orientation now.

Saturn in Pisces Making peace with the past, coming to terms with karmic debts: these are some of the issues that confront you as a new phase begins in your life. Failure to face these things can cause setbacks and put obstacles in your path. Learn to look beyond the narrowly personal and selfish or you’ll get in over your head.

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.

What’s In Your Forecast?

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This Week in Astrology: October 8 to 14, 2023