Yearly Calendar: Page 4

The Moon is Full in Aquarius on August 1, 2023, at 2:31 PM EDT.

A Full Moon occurs when the Sun in Leo forms an opposition to the Moon in Aquarius. The 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.

This phase of the Moon occurs at 9 degrees and 16 minutes of Aquarius, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 5 to 13 degrees of the Fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius) most significantly.

The Leo Sun is proud and intensely individual–not content with simply being just one of the team. The Aquarius Moon, while individualistic as well, values independence and the team, community, and group spirit. The Full Moon illuminates this conflict.

When a Full Moon occurs, we can suddenly burst forth with proclamations and outpours that seem fresh and new, simply because they are not yet rationalized. In fact, a Full Moon illuminates feelings, attitudes, and circumstances that are already in existence.

This is a time of awakening to the need for others or to answer to humanitarian impulses.

This lunation is square Jupiter, suggesting some over-the-top energy connected to our realizations and epiphanies.

A chart with additional points is below:

The Moon is New in Leo on August 16, 2023, at 5:38 AM EDT.

This phase of the Moon occurs at 23 degrees and 17 minutes of Leo.

The New Moon in Leo is an excellent time for formulating goals regarding “all things Leo.” For example, we might concentrate on new ways to enhance our romantic life, creative endeavors and hobbies, and relationship with children, as well as build our self-confidence and healthy pride in ourselves.

Some of Leo’s lessons involve taking pride in ourselves as unique individuals, assuming responsibility for our lives, and giving ourselves warmly and generously to others. This New Moon period is an excellent time to meditate upon some of the characteristics of Leo. Keywords for this self-expressive Fire sign — such things as proud, noble, generous, hospitable, caring, warm, authoritative, active, and open — are traits that we might enhance, develop, and incorporate into our personalities.

We all have Leo somewhere in our charts. Seek the coming month to improve those areas of life. It’s time to awaken our “inner child” and find ways to express ourselves creatively. With this potent Leo energy, we can make significant changes in our lives that will benefit us well beyond this Moon cycle. It’s time to make some plans and set the stage for reaping the rewards from our new beginnings, as little or big as they may be, approximately two weeks after the Full Moon occurs.

This lunation is tightly square Uranus, suggesting surprises, rebellion, and sudden events.

The above chart is helpful for seeing the fundamental energies of this New Moon along with chart patterns. Below, the New Moon chart is presented with additional points for extra details. Click to enlarge:

The Sun enters Virgo

Sun is in Virgo from August 23-September 23, 2023.

Our focus shifts to the pieces of the puzzle–the little details of our lives. It is now time to take care of practical concerns. Attending to the details of everyday life may not sound like loads of fun, but it can certainly free us from unnecessary stress that results from “collecting” odds and ends of unfinished business.

This is an ideal time to get organized, to do detail work, and to improve communications on the job. We take more pride in our work, chores, and health efforts. We also want to be more organized and informed during the Sun-in-Virgo cycle.

We’re learning humility and the benefits of developing skills, some level of perfectionism, and the importance of attention to detail. It’s a time of down-to-earth practicality, when we prefer to invest our time and energy in things with realistic potential. We’re not inclined to ambition or going big. Attracting prosperity involves honest, careful, and attentive work and dedication.

Mercury now turns retrograde at 21° Virgo 51′.

Mercury is retrograde from August 23rd, at 21° Virgo 51′, until September 15th, at 8° Virgo 00′.

Mercury Retrograde Cycle from August 23 to September 15, 2023:

 

• On August 3, 2023, Mercury enters the Retrograde Zone (pre-retrograde shadow) at 8° Virgo 00′
• On August 23, 2023, Mercury stations and turns retrograde at 21° Virgo 51′ Rx
• On September 15, 2023, Mercury stations and turns direct at 8° Virgo 00′
• On September 30, 2023, Mercury leaves the Retrograde Zone (post-retrograde shadow) at 21° Virgo 51”

Note that the shadow period begins before Mercury turns retrograde–when Mercury first passes over the degree that Mercury later returns to in retrograde motion. The shadow period ends when Mercury again passes over the degree at which it first turned retrograde. The shadow period is different than Mercury’s storm period in astrology, which refers to the period when Mercury is moving especially slowly.

Note that Mercury’s post-retrograde shadow is generally better for new long-term endeavors than the pre-retrograde shadow. For new enterprises in the pre-retrograde shadow, the venture’s secondary progressed Mercury will turn direction (retrograde) in the coming years which may not be ideal.

Also note that things are most wonky on the days of the stations whether Mercury is turning retrograde OR direct (the start and end date of the retrograde cycle) as the shifts occur, after which we grow more accustomed to the energy.

Mercury is retrograde approximately three times a year for around three weeks each time. As such, retrograde Mercury is a fairly common occurrence (Mercury is retrograde approximately 18% of the time).

As the planet of communication, Mercury retrograde tends to breed a certain level of confusion. Mercury rules our “lower” mind–how we perceive and interpret information that we receive from our environment, and how we relay that information to others. Mercury has rulership over such things as speaking, negotiating, buying and selling, listening, formal contracts, documents, travel, the mail and shipping, and so forth. All of these areas of life are affected when Mercury is functioning in a sluggish state. Decision-making is challenged during Mercury retrograde.

Needless to say, it is not advised to sign contracts, engage in important decision-making, or launch a new business. Delays and challenges are more probable with Mercury retrograde. It’s a time when being careless with money, our personal information, or paperwork can be costly.

While Mercury is retrograde, we may be rethinking a previous opinion or idea. Looking to the signs and houses it transits can give clues as to what we may be reconsidering.

There is absolutely a positive side to Mercury Retrograde. This period is best used for re-organizing and reflecting. We look at the world a little differently–through different filters–and can come up with some very important inner revelations. It may be difficult to communicate them under this influence, but not everything needs to be rationalized.

Mercury retrograde periods can be times of heightened inner awareness, when meditation, benefiting from keeping a journal, reworking old plans, and reviewing past work are favored. Mercury retrograde is powerful for studies, particularly for returning to old studies or for re-learning or refreshing knowledge in a subject already taken.

Minor breaks in the mechanical aspects of communication can actually reconnect us to other means of communication, such as when there is an unexpected power outage and we’re forced off the computer and television, finding different and often satisfying ways to entertain ourselves.

It is important to note that there is absolutely no reason to suspend projects or anything of the sort during the Mercury Retrograde cycle. It’s not an ideal time to start new ones or to sign contracts, simply because a change of mind is quite likely once Mercury turns direct. However, it’s a fabulous time to do some “outside of the box” thinking. Acting on our ideas, however, might be best left for a Mercury Direct period.

Pay close attention to what you say and communicate in general, particularly around the days of Mercury’s stations (in this case, August 23rd and September 15th), as well as around retrograde Mercury’s conjunction to the Sun (called the “inferior conjunction“) on September 6th.

If you are itching to make a point with someone, especially, or if you are planning on “signing on the dotted line,” try to hold off. It is likely that you will have a change of mind once the station passes, and you can do some damage in the meantime.

When a planet stations, its energies are very strong in our lives. When Mercury stations, communications have more impact, so that negative ones could have long-term implications at this time. However, if you are very clear within yourself and about what you are communicating, this can be a positive thing.

With Mercury Retrograde in Virgo:

We might look at past decisions and ideas from a new, possibly enlightened perspective, although we may be especially analytical and critical, perhaps to excess while Mercury is retrograde in Virgo. We may be returning to past projects and refining or tweaking them. We could feel stuck in the past if we continually redo and don’t feel satisfied with the results, however. We can find usefulness in old or past ideas and recycling them in new ways.

This is a good time for reviewing recent work, as long as we don’t get caught in a loop of perfectionism. We might discover new ways of doing work that has become routine, or we might consider renewing old self-care, health, or fitness programs. Plans may be considered then reconsidered. We are in a good position to reevaluate our routines and habits, and we might give more thought to the meaning of our work or services.

Mars enters Libra

Mars is in Libra from August 27-October 12, 2023.

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 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.

Uranus now turns retrograde at 23° Taurus 05′. Each year, Uranus is retrograde for approximately 5 months. Today, Uranus begins its retrograde phase, which will continue until January 27, 2024.

• Uranus enters retrograde zone/shadow on May 12, 2023, at 19° Taurus 05′
• Uranus stations and turns retrograde August 28, 2023, at 23° Taurus 05′ Rx
• Uranus stations and turns direct on January 27, 2024, at 19° Taurus 05′
• Uranus leaves the Retrograde Zone on May 12, 2024, at 23° Taurus 05′

What does Uranus Retrograde mean?

During this cycle, our desire to make changes in our lives can turn inward as we get in touch with what may be holding us back from living more spontaneously and authentically.

We may be less overtly rebellious and more inclined to follow the rules while Uranus is retrograde approximately four months a year. As the shift occurs this week, however, Uranian energy is more challenging, and we can experience some tension until we acclimatize to the directional change.

The Moon is Full in Pisces on August 30, 2023, at 9:35 PM EDT.

A Full Moon occurs when the Sun in Virgo forms an opposition to the Moon in Pisces. The Full Moon is a time of culmination and the promise of fulfillment of what we started at the New Moon. It is an emotional time – a time of romance, fertilization, and relationships.

This lunation occurs along the Virgo-Pisces polarity, which is the service axis. This axis deals with the balance between day-to-day functions and routines, physical health, and the need for order (Virgo) and vision, spiritual health, disorder, and the infinite (Pisces).

Virgo rules our personal set of tools and techniques that we use to deal with day-to-day life, while Pisces rules the tools that we use to deal with our spirituality.

The key to balance lies in identifying and expressing our spiritual needs while maintaining order in our everyday lives.

Neglecting either end of the axis will surely backfire–we would either be living in chaos or in excessive order.

The Moon is conjunct Saturn around the time of this Full Moon, suggesting a serious, sober look at our emotions. There may be a tough decision or choice, reality check, or we may feel some pressure to make changes. Watch for fear-driven moves. Instead, aim to strengthen and safeguard.

This phase of the Moon occurs at 7 degrees and 25 minutes of Pisces, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 4 to 10 degrees of the Mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces) most significantly.

Venus now turns direct at 12° Leo 13′ after several weeks of retrograde motion.

Venus was retrograde from July 22nd, to September 3rd, 2023, starting at 28° Leo 36, and turning direct now at 12° Leo 13.

[Venus entered the retrograde zone (shadow) on June 19th, 2023, and will leave its shadow on October 7th, 2023]

Venus Retrograde Cycle from July 22nd to September 3rd, 2023:

Venus Retrograde Dates in the year 2023:

• On June 19, 2023, Venus enters the Retrograde Zone (pre-retrograde shadow) at 12° Leo 12′
• On July 22, 2023, Venus stations and turns retrograde at 28° Leo 36′ Rx
• On September 3, 2023, Venus stations and turns direct at 12° Leo 12′
• On October 7, 2023, Venus leaves the Retrograde Zone (post-retrograde shadow) at 28° Leo 36′

 

Read more about Venus Retrograde. Where is Venus Retrograde transiting by house in your natal chart? Is it conjunct a natal planet, your Ascendant, or Midheaven? Read interpretations of Venus Retrograde in Transit for a more personalized meaning of the transit cycle.

If you’re wondering what Venus retrograde means if you’re born with this position in your chart, see Venus Retrograde in the Birth Chart.

For this cycle, Venus was retrograde entirely in the sign of Leo, starting at 28° Leo 36′, and now turning direct at 12° Leo 12′.

Note that similar retrograde Venus patterns repeat in about eight years, and a similar Venus Rx period occurred from July 25 to September 6, 2015, although the very first degree of Virgo was also involved. There can be common themes shared with this past period.

Jupiter stations and turns retrograde today.

Jupiter turns retrograde at 15° Taurus 35′.

Jupiter is retrograde from September 4th, 2023 to December 30th, 2023, in the sign of Taurus.

• Jupiter enters retrograde zone/shadow on June 11, 2023, at 5° Taurus 35′
• Jupiter stations and turns retrograde on September 4, 2023, at 15° Taurus 35′ Rx
• Jupiter stations and turns direct on December 30, 2023, at 5° Taurus 35’D
• Jupiter leaves retrograde zone/shadow on March 23, 2024, at 15° Taurus 35′

Note that Jupiter spends its retrograde cycle in the sign of Taurus.

The planet is retrograde in 2023 from September 4th to December 30th.

See also Jupiter in Taurus.

While Jupiter is retrograde, we tend to re-think our goals and plans in the areas of life affected by Jupiter’s transit. It’s a time of questioning what we thought we already knew and developing a new perspective on events and beliefs.

Recognizing areas of excess or extravagance can help us. We may need to slow down specific endeavors if they’ve been moving too quickly, or this happens organically. Some enthusiasm may wane as certain realities of time and energy set in.

The Moon is New in Virgo on September 14, 2023, at 9:40 PM EDT.

This phase of the Moon occurs at 21 degrees and 59 minutes of Virgo. This New Moon harmonizes with Uranus and opposes Neptune.

The New Moon occurs as the Moon aligns with the Sun in the sign of Virgo.

A time of new beginnings, this New Moon presents an excellent opportunity for us to formulate some goals regarding “all things Virgo.” We’d do well to concentrate on new ways to get our day-to-day life organized. We might think about the keywords for this particular and earthy sign — such things as analytical, intelligent, reserved, critical, helpful, conscientious — and consider ways to enhance, develop, or incorporate these traits into our personalities.

Please note that Virgo is found somewhere in every person’s chart, and these are the areas of our lives most affected now.

The New Moon in Virgo is an excellent time to commit to personal goals that express the positive energies of the sign of the Virgin. These include:

• building our powers of healthy, constructive discrimination;
• rolling up our sleeves and getting down to some serious work;
• beginning a new project that requires attention to details;
• making lists, actively ticking off completed activities, and taking pride in our “little” accomplishments;
• starting a health regime, researching nutrition and nourishment, and paying attention to our diet;
• setting up specific routines that will help us manage our lives in constructive and mindful ways;
• and handling the finer details of our day-to-day life in an organized, step-by-step fashion so that we can free our minds of clutter.

We’re ready to make something special of our work, routines, or tasks. It’s a powerful time to transform our jobs, health, self-care programs, and habits. We’re filled with innovative, inventive, and unusual ideas. However, it’s an impulsive time and perhaps an unclear period (Virgo’s ruler, Mercury, is retrograde, and the New Moon is opposite Neptune), and it’s important not to jump into something too quickly.

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:

Mercury now turns direct at 08° Virgo 00′.

Mercury is retrograde from August 23rd, at 21° Virgo 51′, until September 15th, at 8° Virgo 00′.

Mercury Retrograde Cycle from August 23 to September 15, 2023:

 

• On August 3, 2023, Mercury enters the Retrograde Zone (pre-retrograde shadow) at 8° Virgo 00′
• On August 23, 2023, Mercury stations and turns retrograde at 21° Virgo 51′ Rx
• On September 15, 2023, Mercury stations and turns direct at 8° Virgo 00′
• On September 30, 2023, Mercury leaves the Retrograde Zone (post-retrograde shadow) at 21° Virgo 51”

Note that the shadow period began before Mercury turned retrograde–when Mercury first passed over the degree that Mercury later returns to in retrograde motion. The shadow period ends when Mercury again passes over the degree at which it first turned retrograde. The shadow period is different than Mercury’s storm period in astrology, which refers to the period when Mercury is moving especially slowly.

Note that Mercury’s post-retrograde shadow is generally better for new long-term endeavors than the pre-retrograde shadow. For new enterprises in the pre-retrograde shadow, the venture’s secondary progressed Mercury will turn direction (retrograde) in the coming years which may not be ideal.

Things can be most wonky on the days of the stations whether Mercury is turning retrograde OR direct (the start and end date of the retrograde cycle) as the shifts occur, after which we grow more accustomed to the energy.

Mercury is retrograde approximately three times a year for approximately three weeks each time. As such, retrograde Mercury is a fairly common occurrence (Mercury is retrograde approximately 18% of the time).

Pay close attention to what you say and communicate in general, particularly around the days of Mercury’s stations (in this case, August23rd and September 15th), as well as around retrograde Mercury’s conjunction to the Sun (called the “inferior conjunction“) on September 6th (midway between the start and end of the retro period).

Especially if you are itching to make a point with someone, or if you are planning on “signing on the dotted line,” try to hold off. It is likely that you will have a change of mind once the station passes, and you can do some damage in the meantime. When a planet stations, its energies are very strong in our lives.

When Mercury stations, communications have more impact, so that negative ones could have long-term implications at this time. However, if you are very clear within yourself and about what you are communicating, this can be a positive thing.

Now that Mercury is direct after several weeks of retrograde motion, recent problems with communications and decision-making should start to improve in the days and weeks ahead. The answers we’ve been waiting for can arrive. Plans or projects that have stalled might now resume. Ease back in–it’s best not to rush conversations and observations.

Sun enters Libra

Sun is in Libra from September 23-October 23, 2023.

Libra rules relationships with others as mirrors of ourselves. Meeting others halfway, compromise, and negotiation come under the rule of Libra. With the Sun now in Libra, the focus is 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, or superficial. Surface harmony may be a goal, but we could avoid or gloss over the deeper elements at play.

The Sun-in-Libra cycle is especially strong for sociability and fair-mindedness. We believe in being pleasant and polite out of respect for others. Putting out good vibes and treating others as equals brings rewards and contributes to our prosperity at this time.

We’re ready to right wrongs and restore balance and harmony. The ability to get along and boost one another is powerful. More awareness of our rights and those of others can lead to a stronger sense of self. Partnerships are in the spotlight. Mediation, counseling, public relations, partnering, and law are in good shape and strong focus. One of our strengths with the Sun in Libra is the ability to find the common ground.

Aspects the Sun makes while in Libra in 2023

This list excludes the Moon since it forms far too many aspects to list here, and the dates of the major aspects of the Sun are in bold.

• Sep 24, 2023 11:10 PM Sun 1 Libra 49 quincunx Saturn 1 Pisces 49
• Sep 30, 2023 9:48 PM Sun 7 Libra 38 sesquiquadrate Uranus 22 Taurus 38
• Oct 1, 2023 3:34 PM Sun biquintile Jupiter
• Oct 5, 2023 4:58 PM Sun 12 Libra 22 semi-square Venus 27 Leo 22
• Oct 7, 2023 5:04 AM Sun 13 Libra 51 quincunx Jupiter 13 Taurus 51
• Oct 9, 2023 11:08 AM Sun 16 Libra 04 sesquiquadrate Saturn 1 Pisces 04
• Oct 9, 2023 6:54 PM Sun biquintile Uranus
• Oct 11, 2023 2:21 AM Sun 17 Libra 41 opposition Chiron 17 Aries 41
• Oct 15, 2023 3:43 PM Sun 22 Libra 11 quincunx Uranus 22 Taurus 11
• Oct 18, 2023 8:45 AM Sun 24 Libra 53 opposition True Node 24 Aries 53
• Oct 18, 2023 11:40 PM Sun 25 Libra 30 quincunx Neptune 25 Pisces 30
• Oct 20, 2023 1:38 AM Sun 26 Libra 34 conjunction Mercury 26 Libra 34
• Oct 21, 2023 10:09 AM Sun 27 Libra 55 square Pluto 27 Capricorn 55

The Moon is Full in Aries on September 29, 2023, at 5:57 AM EDT.

A Full Moon occurs when the Sun in Libra forms an opposition to the Moon in Aries. The 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.

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’re brave, determined, and resourceful.

This phase of the Moon occurs at 6 degrees and 0 minutes of Aries, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 2 to 10 degrees of the Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn) most significantly.

Mercury enters Libra

Mercury is in Libra from October 4-22, 2023.

When Mercury is in Libra, we are diplomatic and friendly. During this cycle, we are able to bring a more rational approach to one-to-one relationships. It’s a good time to think about ways of improving our negotiation skills.

In an attempt to see both sides of any given situation, Mercury in Libra can be a vacillating energy. It can be more challenging than usual to make quick decisions, as we can sit “on the fence.” We may too easily accommodate others’ opinions in order to keep the peace. In our negotiations, we don’t want to assert ourselves in such a way as to appear to be the “bad guy.” This is not a time for hard work or getting down to the nitty gritty. Instead, we prefer to mend fences, socialize, and harmonize.

This is a powerful period for considering others’ points of view. We are more inclined to arrive at fair conclusions. We benefit and prosper through communicating more effectively and diplomatically, mediating, and negotiating or compromising. In fact, we might frequently think about ways to harmonize and live/interact more peacefully. Favored now are the law, counseling, partnering, editing, and public relations.

During this cycle, we dislike and avoid indelicate, rude, or self-centered communications. Our thinking is moderate–we avoid extremes of opinion, preferring to be fair to all involved.

Venus enters Virgo

Venus is in Virgo from October 8-November 8, 2023.

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.

The Aspects Venus Makes While in Virgo in 2023

Excludes the Moon. Major aspect dates are in bold.

• Oct 10, 2023 2:10 AM Venus 1 Virgo 03 opposition Saturn 1 Pisces 03
• Oct 11, 2023 10:01 PM Venus 2 Virgo 38 sesquiquadrate Chiron 17 Aries 38
• Oct 13, 2023 7:34 AM Venus biquintile Pluto
• Oct 19, 2023 5:22 PM Venus 9 Virgo 53 sesquiquadrate True Node 24 Aries 53
• Oct 21, 2023 2:45 AM Venus biquintile Chiron
• Oct 22, 2023 12:32 AM Venus 12 Virgo 07 trine Jupiter 12 Taurus 07
• Oct 22, 2023 8:21 PM Venus 12 Virgo 55 sesquiquadrate Pluto 27 Capricorn 55
• Oct 26, 2023 9:10 PM Venus 16 Virgo 59 quincunx Chiron 16 Aries 59
• Oct 28, 2023 6:36 PM Venus biquintile True Node
• Oct 31, 2023 8:51 AM Venus 21 Virgo 36 trine Uranus 21 Taurus 36
• Nov 3, 2023 8:49 AM Venus 24 Virgo 46 quincunx True Node 24 Aries 46
• Nov 3, 2023 6:05 PM Venus 25 Virgo 11 opposition Neptune 25 Pisces 11
• Nov 3, 2023 10:45 PM Venus 25 Virgo 23 sesquiquadrate Jupiter 10 Taurus 23
• Nov 6, 2023 9:38 AM Venus 28 Virgo 04 trine Pluto 28 Capricorn 04

Pluto now turns direct at 27° Capricorn 53′, ending its retrograde. Pluto is retrograde every year for approximately five months. In 2023, Pluto was retrograde from May 1st to October 10th.

 

• May 1, 2023, Pluto stations and turns retrograde at 0° Aquarius 22′ Rx
• October 10, 2023, Pluto stations and turns direct at 27° Capricorn 53′

As Pluto advances in direct motion in the period ahead, 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.

Mars enters Scorpio

Mars is in Scorpio from October 12, 2023 – November 24, 2023.

Passionate determination and dedication. 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.

During this Mars-in-Scorpio cycle, we are less inclined to avoid important issues–we go all in. 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.

Mars in Scorpio themes include:

• Uniquely and perhaps obsessively focused and disciplined when pursuing a desire.
• Instinctive action.
• Rarely backing down.
• Not seeking confrontation, but unafraid and ready to defend and oppose if needed.
• Secretive or simply not very forthcoming about motivations, methods, and goals.
• Having difficulties stopping, calling it a day, letting something go.
• Natural strategist.
• Activity with or disputes over power dynamics, shared resources, taxes, or joint finances.
• Intense attachments, intimacy.

While Mars is in Scorpio in 2023, Mars forms the following aspects that refine the above themes:

• Oct 13, 2023 8:29 AM Mars 0 Scorpio 55 trine Saturn 0 Pisces 55 – a bolstering, stabilizing, practical transit.
• Oct 14, 2023 9:02 AM Mars biquintile Neptune – creative, intelligent
• Oct 27, 2023 3:21 AM Mars 10 Scorpio 19 sesquiquadrate Neptune 25 Pisces 19
• Oct 28, 2023 12:03 PM Mars 11 Scorpio 16 opposition Jupiter 11 Taurus 16 – pointing out excesses and over-the-top tendencies, boastful, overconfident.
• Oct 29, 2023 10:22 AM Mercury 11 Scorpio 54 conjunction Mars 11 Scorpio 54 – verbalizing desires, mobilizing ideas.
• Nov 4, 2023 9:50 AM Mars quintile Pluto
• Nov 5, 2023 3:44 AM Mars 16 Scorpio 35 quincunx Chiron 16 Aries 35
• Nov 11, 2023 4:11 PM Mars 21 Scorpio 09 opposition Uranus 21 Taurus 09 – rebellious, reactive
• Nov 13, 2023 7:11 AM Mars biquintile Chiron
• Nov 16, 2023 1:38 PM Mars 24 Scorpio 35 quincunx True Node 24 Aries 35
• Nov 17, 2023 3:36 AM Mars 24 Scorpio 59 trine Neptune 24 Pisces 59
• Nov 17, 2023 7:20 AM Venus 10 Libra 06 semi-square Mars 25 Scorpio 06 – interpersonal tension
• Nov 18, 2023 12:41 AM Sun 25 Scorpio 37 conjunction Mars 25 Scorpio 37 – energizing, confident.
• Nov 21, 2023 8:18 PM Mars 28 Scorpio 19 sextile Pluto 28 Capricorn 19 – opportunities to focus, gain an advantage.

The Moon is excluded. Major aspect dates are in color and bold.

The Moon is New in Libra on October 14th, 2023, at 1:55 PM EDT.

 

This phase of the Moon occurs at 21 degrees and 8 minutes of Libra.

The New Moon in the sign of Libra starts a good cycle in which to commit to personal goals that express the positive energies of the sign of the Scales.

We have a chance to build our negotiating skills without compromising our principles or needs, and without resorting to appeasement. It’s a time to work on re-balancing our relationships and to recognize our partners as teammates rather than adversaries.

With this potent Libra energy, we have the chance to 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.

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:

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

Mercury enters Scorpio

Mercury is in Scorpio from October 22-November 10, 2023.

When Mercury is in Scorpio, our thoughts and communications are more probing and intense. While Mercury in Libra urged us to find balance and arrive at reasonable solutions, Mercury in Scorpio instinctively knows that life simply isn’t fair. Mercury in Scorpio seeks truths in all that is hidden and undercover.

We tend to probe, observe, and focus our thoughts under this influence. Looking for motivations–the more deeply buried, the better–satisfies an intellectual need now. Our thoughts are profound. We throw away superficial manners of communicating in favor of deep conversations.

Scorpio is exceptionally sharp, profound, and analytical yet also intuitive. Thinking is inclined to be one-track-minded, focused, and even obsessive.

 

Mercury-in-Scorpio isn’t shocked by much, or at least keeps its cool even if surprised. During this cycle, our approach is psychological when analyzing, deciding, and studying or observing. We’re not afraid to go places mentally. We get to the heart of a matter or to the bottom line very quickly, usually through instinct. Our resourcefulness and strategy stand out. We’re competitive.

We can be intrigued by motives and secrets or taboos. It’s not easy to take instruction or someone’s word for it–we have to experience it ourselves to draw conclusions. This position of Mercury is one of the most persuasive. It’s an excellent time to research, investigate, troubleshoot, and work on hunches. If left to observe on our own, we do our best thinking, seeking the hidden layers of a situation.

Aspects Mercury makes while in Scorpio in 2023:

Excludes the Moon. Major aspects are in bold.

• Oct 22, 2023 12:12 PM Mercury 0 Scorpio 39 trine Saturn 0 Pisces 39
• Oct 22, 2023 11:12 PM Mercury biquintile Neptune
• Oct 28, 2023 10:16 AM Mercury 10 Scorpio 18 sesquiquadrate Neptune 25 Pisces 18
• Oct 28, 2023 11:44 PM Mercury 11 Scorpio 12 opposition Jupiter 11 Taurus 12
• Oct 29, 2023 10:22 AM Mercury 11 Scorpio 54 conjunction Mars 11 Scorpio 54
• Nov 1, 2023 12:31 AM Mercury quintile Pluto
• Nov 1, 2023 11:45 AM Mercury 16 Scorpio 44 quincunx Chiron 16 Aries 44
• Nov 4, 2023 12:07 PM Mercury 21 Scorpio 26 opposition Uranus 21 Taurus 26
• Nov 5, 2023 4:56 AM Mercury biquintile Chiron
• Nov 6, 2023 2:51 PM Mercury 24 Scorpio 45 quincunx True Node 24 Aries 45
• Nov 6, 2023 8:36 PM Mercury 25 Scorpio 08 trine Neptune 25 Pisces 08
• Nov 8, 2023 7:16 PM Mercury 28 Scorpio 06 sextile Pluto 28 Capricorn 06

Sun enters Scorpio

Sun is in Scorpio from October 23-November 22, 2023.

The guiding principle of Scorpio is “I desire.” Scorpio is the sign of depth, intimacy, and extremes of feeling. Superficiality simply will not do with the Sun in Scorpio–we want to get to the bottom of matters. Mediocrity does not satisfy either. All that is hidden, taboo, secret, or suppressed interests us. In Libra, we strived towards equality and fairness. Scorpio, however, instinctively believes that life simply isn’t fair.

Scorpio’s energy is provocative, usually in a quiet way, as well as passionate, strong-willed, and intense. It can be an immensely healing and transformative energy. Jealousy, vindictiveness, beating a dead horse, and manipulative are some of the more negative expressions of Scorpio.

We are more likely to prosper through strategy and knowing the value of keeping some things to ourselves at the right times. Efforts to repurpose, recycle, salvage, and transform can be successful. We’re especially successful at organizing, researching, investigating, and analyzing.

While we can be quite controlled with effort, there is some inclination to extremism. We can be drawn to challenges and crises, and we feel compelled to heal, fix, and direct or manage.

Aspects the Sun makes while in Scorpio in 2023:

Excluding the Moon. The Sun’s major aspects are in bold.

• Oct 24, 2023 3:13 AM Sun 0 Scorpio 37 trine Saturn 0 Pisces 37
• Oct 24, 2023 9:18 PM Sun biquintile Neptune
• Nov 2, 2023 5:33 PM Sun 10 Scorpio 12 sesquiquadrate Neptune 25 Pisces 12
• Nov 3, 2023 1:02 AM Sun 10 Scorpio 30 opposition Jupiter 10 Taurus 30
• Nov 8, 2023 1:42 PM Sun quintile Pluto
• Nov 8, 2023 10:01 PM Sun 16 Scorpio 26 quincunx Chiron 16 Aries 26
• Nov 13, 2023 12:20 PM Sun 21 Scorpio 04 opposition Uranus 21 Taurus 04
• Nov 14, 2023 4:12 PM Sun biquintile Chiron
• Nov 15, 2023 9:22 AM Sun 22 Scorpio 57 semi-square Venus 7 Libra 57
• Nov 16, 2023 11:26 PM Sun 24 Scorpio 33 quincunx True Node 24 Aries 33
• Nov 17, 2023 9:51 AM Sun 24 Scorpio 59 trine Neptune 24 Pisces 59
• Nov 18, 2023 12:41 AM Sun 25 Scorpio 37 conjunction Mars 25 Scorpio 37
• Nov 20, 2023 4:26 PM Sun 28 Scorpio 18 sextile Pluto 28 Capricorn 18

The Moon is Full in Taurus on October 28, 2023, at 4:24 PM EDT. This is a partial Lunar Eclipse.

A Full Moon occurs when the Sun in Scorpio forms an opposition to the Moon in Taurus. The 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.

This phase of the Moon occurs at 5 degrees and 9 minutes of Taurus, opposite the Sun at 5 degrees and 9 minutes of Scorpio. It’s a busy eclipse, configured with Mercury, Mars, and Jupiter. There can be inflated feelings, and we can wrestle with strong urges, so it’s wise to sit with our revelations for a bit before taking action.

Note that this is one of several eclipses of a set occurring along the Taurus-Scorpio axis, but it’s the last one in this set. There was a November 2021 Lunar Eclipse in Taurus, a Solar Eclipse in Taurus in April 2022, a Lunar Eclipse in Scorpio (Taurus’ opposite sign) in May 2022, a Solar Eclipse in Scorpio in October 2022, a Lunar Eclipse in November 2022 in Taurus, and a Lunar Eclipse in Scorpio in May 2023 before this one.

This eclipse serves as a final prompt, nudge, or push to make improvements in Taurus- and Scorpio-ruled areas of life in our charts, and feelings of discontent can magnify. It’s a time to resolve matters, strike a balance, take a lesson, and move on.

This eclipse affects people with personal planets and points at 0 to 10 degrees of the Fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius) most significantly.

Lunar Eclipses are about relationships and polarities. With the Taurus-Scorpio axis involved, this Lunar Eclipse presses us to look more closely at our needs, lacks, and wants concerning the balance between Taurus-ruled and Scorpio-ruled areas of life.

The contrast between earthy, practical, peace-loving Taurus and emotional, transformative, crisis-oriented Scorpio comes full bloom. The Moon in Taurus wants us to find emotional fulfillment through the simple, tangible things in life, while the Scorpio Sun draws our attention to complexities, intangibles, and mysteries.

The Full Moon illuminates this conflict between form (Taurus) and transformation (Scorpio), and between collecting (Taurus) and sharing (Scorpio). Neglecting either end of the axis will surely backfire on us. Ideally, we should find a balance between the two energies, and this is what this Lunar Eclipse invites us (or pushes us) to do. This eclipse is about awakening to the need to enjoy the fruits of our labors and to connect with our desire to take care of ourselves and our needs.

We take an urgent interest in the physical world and in our own sensual needs and desires at this time. While we should watch for stubbornness, some self-interest is healthy and necessary now.

This eclipse set has stirred the need to balance our lives between collecting and sharing, the simple and complicated, tangibles and emotional complexities. Emotions, feelings, and revelations now are pivotal–they lead to resolutions.

This is a passionate and creative Full Moon eclipse, ripe with possibilities and learning experiences. Intimate relationship matters, such as personal comfort levels and values and sexuality, figure prominently now.

Something has been building inside of us, and now is the time when the energy of the cosmos fairly demands that we let it out. Over the coming months, we will discover what this means for us. For now, we can’t sit on our feelings. We need to express them.

A crisis of sorts (which can be a crisis of consciousness) or sudden awareness of a lack in our lives provides us with a golden opportunity to explore our emotional needs within the context of the house polarity where the eclipse occurs in our natal charts.

Relationships may be challenged, broken, or strengthened at this time. Our discovery is emotionally charged and dramatic–everything feels big and larger than life at this time. Epiphanies are likely as we become acutely aware of our lack. This understanding can propel us into affirmative action, although there can be some initial level of chaos.

This is a time to work on clearing up past patterns that have been holding us back from personal fulfillment, particularly those that are centered around sharing, possessiveness, comfort, and self-esteem matters.

Consider that, with Mercury, Mars, and Jupiter in hard aspect, there can be exaggeration now, or news and revelations coming in can be blown up and dramatic but not discountable since they come from real feelings. This eclipse also harmonizes with Saturn, suggesting a strong ability to turn things around and make them work for us, particularly on practical levels.

This Lunar Eclipse can have a way of bringing dysfunctional areas of our lives to our attention. Emotions and realizations feel big. Plans can blossom.

Through events, circumstances, and epiphanies occurring around the time of this eclipse, we learn that we need to get in touch with our needs for a stronger connection to our physical natures and needs. To feel fulfilled, we need to acknowledge and embrace our need to take care of ourselves and feel grounded and strong as individuals. Boosting our income can be part of this, and so can more effectively managing other personal resources, including our personal possessions, valuables, assets, and talents.

We become aware of where we have been overdoing our dependence on others, whether emotionally, physically, or materially, where it’s come at the expense of our self-worth.

Full Moons are always helpful for magnifying pre-existing problems so that we can see where to bring back balance. Our larger work should focus on reaching a good balance. Enlightenment now provides us with a golden opportunity to explore our emotional needs, ultimately leading to positive actions and decisions.