By Bernadette Evans
Overview
I’d like to say thank you to Kasia Szumal, publisher of Conscious Community Magazine, for welcoming me into the family, as well as a huge thank you to Tara Aal for all her support, encouragement and for passing the torch to me. I know I have big shoes to fill and I will do my best to meet the bar she has set. I am thrilled and honored to share my astrological knowledge and my thoughts with you, the readers.
October brings the end of the harvest, at least for the farmers in the Northern Hemisphere. It’s a time of celebrating with family and friends the bounty for which everyone has worked so hard. While we celebrate the end of the growing season, just as the land is going to sleep for a few months, our bodies instinctively slow down, preparing for the coming winter as the days get shorter and the nights get longer. It’s a natural progression for our bodies when they experience less light to want to hibernate and be indoors more. One way to nourish ourselves is by making soup with vegetables from our gardens or from the farmer’s markets to warm our bellies.
Hallowe’en (Samhain,) a favorite holiday, for kids of all ages, is upon us. It’s a time to dress up and play—to pretend we’re someone else for a night. Some believe the veil between this world and the next thins on this night and that spirits walk more freely among us. It was believed that if you were born on the eve of Samhain you may have the gift of second sight or clairvoyance.
One of the biggest transits for the month of October is that Venus will be going retrograde. She does this about every 18 months for 40 days. This time she will just be getting into Scorpio when she retrogrades back into Libra. When Venus retrogrades, it is a great time to review and re-evaluate our relationships, our love life, how we make money and what we value.
Astrology is a tool that can guide us by explaining the energies that we’re dealing with on a daily basis. It can give us insights into ourselves, our friends, family and co-workers. When consciously working with the energy of the planets, we can enjoy the easier days as well as prepare ourselves for the more challenging days. Our own chart is a snapshot of the Universe of when and where we were born, our own personal blueprint. It can help you discover your strengths and assist you in understanding more about yourself.
The Moon takes about 28 days to complete her orbit through the twelve signs, approximately two and a half days in each sign. When we say the Moon is Void-of-Course, (VoC), it means the Moon makes no more major aspects to other planets until it leaves the sign it’s in. At these times, it can be difficult to get focused and accomplish tasks; you may want to relax, meditate or do something where your focus is directed inward. Don’t try to get a big project off the ground when the moon is void. If you want to find out more about the void-of-course moon, check out www.moontracks.com.
Monday, October 1
With the Moon in Cancer, you may want to stay closer to home as you could be feeling more vulnerable and sensitive. Remember to be kind and nurturing to yourself. Gemini Moon VoC ends at 1:00 p.m. when the Moon enters Cancer.
Tuesday, October 2
With the last quarter Moon in Cancer and Mercury squaring Pluto, you could be feeling sensitive. Take care when talking with friends and loved ones, so you don’t take things personally or say something that may cause hurt feelings.
Wednesday, October 3
When Saturn trines Uranus, you can harness your imagination by thinking outside the box. These futuristic ideas can be implemented in a practical and concrete manner. Cancer VoC begins at 3:33 a.m. and ends at 4:12 p.m. when the Moon enters Leo.
Thursday, October 4
If you feel you’re not appreciated for all that you do, the Moon-Mars opposition may bring up anger. Sure, you like to think of everyone, but sometimes you need to be recognized for your contributions.
Friday, October 5
Venus in Scorpio turns retrograde today at 2:04 pm and will be retrograde for six weeks. By re-evaluating your relationships how might they transform? You’re being asked to go deep and see what treasures you come up with. Leo VoC begins at 6:33 a.m. and is there most of the day. The Moon enters Virgo at 6:19 p.m.
Saturday, October 6
Is there a project you want to get done today? Today’s Virgo Moon helps you get your plans in order. Have you written out all the details for your big presentation, or are you busy tidying up your workspace first?
Sunday, October 7
The Moon is void for most of the day, so why not focus on your body by enjoying a walk in nature, dancing to your favorite tunes or practicing yoga? Virgo, after all, is the sign associated with health. Virgo VoC Moon begins at 9:02 a.m. and ends at 8:09 p.m. when the Moon enters Libra.
Monday, October 8
The New Moon at 10:46 p.m. in Libra is a time of new beginnings, particularly in our relationships. Where could you apply some diplomacy and fairness in your relationships? What might you do to bring balance and harmony into our lives? The New Moon is a great time to plant the seeds of what you want to create for the next month.
Tuesday, October 9
Mercury changes signs and moves into Scorpio today at 7:40 p.m. A time for uncovering and expressing our deepest desires and passions. Libra VoC begins at 3:50 a.m. and ends at 11:09 p.m. when the Moon enters Scorpio.
Wednesday, October 10
Venus square Mars may emphasize some volatility in your relationships. How do you normally relate to this individual? Is there another way to look at the situation besides losing your temper? Go for a walk or exercise to let off steam.
Thursday, October 11
The Moon is trining Neptune and then conjuncting Jupiter, so tap into the sensitive and psychic currents of the day by using your intuition and creativity or by delving into something deep and mysterious. You may need some alone time to hear the whispers of your soul. Scorpio VoC Moon begins at 6:12 p.m. where it stays the rest of the day.
Friday, October 12
When the Moon is in Sagittarius, you may want to be playful and adventurous while also maintaining your independence. You may feel someone or something is trying to control you with the Sun Squaring Pluto. Scorpio VoC ends at 4:52 a.m. when it enters Sagittarius.
Saturday, October 13
The Moon-Neptune square may have you questioning yourself and your dreams. Sit quietly and listen for the answers. Sagittarius VoC begins at 7:58 p.m.
Sunday, October 14
You could be feeling ambitious and ready to get some needed work done when the Moon enters Capricorn at 2:17 p.m. Some unexpected help may arrive in the afternoon when the Moon trines Uranus.
Monday, October 15
The urge to express yourself and your values passionately, intensely and possibly obsessively, is magnified when Mercury-Venus get cozy today by conjunction. What do you need to say in your relationships? Can you express it without controlling the thread of the conversation?
Tuesday, October 16
There could be some tensions today when the Moon and Sun form a square. Your desire to get along with others is challenged by your need to finish the tasks at hand. Capricorn VoC begins at 4:49 p.m. and is void the rest of the day.
Wednesday, October 17
The Moon enters Aquarius at 2:36 a.m. When the Moon is in Aquarius, you are more likely to follow the beat of your own drum and your beat may sound a whole lot different than everyone else’s. There is a desire to be rebellious and free as you may also be feeling restless when the Moon squares Uranus.
Thursday, October 18
When the Moon conjuncts Mars, you could be irritable and say something you’re going to regret or act impulsively. Why not try using this energy to bravely follow your heart and do something that brings you joy!
Friday, October 19
Your mind may be going a million miles per hour as Mercury squares Mars. You could also have a very sharp tongue that skewers anyone who doesn’t agree with you. Be open to other viewpoints. Instead, use your razor-sharp mind to work on solutions together. Aquarius VoC begins at 7:27 a.m. and ends at 3:20 p.m. when it enters Pisces.
Saturday, October 20
With the Moon in Pisces, it’s a perfect day for dreaming and creating. By day, explore your imagination and see what bubbles up to the surface; by night, snuggle up with someone you love and watch a movie.
Sunday, October 21
The dreamy Pisces Moon continues today along with other flowing aspects to the Moon. Paint a picture, do some journaling, have a bath scented with essential oils and surrounded by candles. You get the picture. Pisces VoC begins at 6:47 p.m.
Monday, October 22
We’ve left behind the slower Pisces Moon and now entered Aries territory. When the Moon travels through the sign of Aries, it gives you the extra zip to get moving. You can feel energetic or wired. Use your vitality to go for a run or to follow your passions. Moon enters Aries at 1:58 a.m.
Tuesday, October 23
Happy Birthday, Scorpio! Scorpio begins its yearly journey through the zodiac for the next month. The Sun-Uranus opposition can bring in an unexpected surprise, either in the shape of an event or in the form of a person. You may also be feeling restless—wondering how you can break free. Tap into the independent energy of the day and try something you’ve always wanted to do! Aries VoC begins at 1:18 p.m. and is void for the rest of the day.
Wednesday, October 24
Moon enters Taurus at 9:33 a.m. The Full Moon is at 11:45 a.m. This is a time when you may want to focus on what you want to let go of—what needs to be released. Decluttering and clearing your space are ways you can release excess stuff, which could give you some much-needed breathing room. You never know what this simple act of clearing could be making room for in your life.
Thursday, October 25
Feelings and emotions can be heightened when the Moon squares Mars. Be conscious when communicating that you don’t hurt someone’s feelings; there’s also the possibility of being hurt by someone else’s careless words. Instead of reacting impulsively today, slow down and pay attention to how you’re feeling and remember that everyone is going through something, so be kind.
Friday, October 26
The Sun-Venus conjunction can give us a warm-hearted and likable persona. When the two of them are hanging out together in Scorpio, they add the element of wanting transformative relationships—superficial partners need not apply. Taurus VoC begins 9:49 a.m. and ends at 2:41 p.m. when it enters Gemini.
Saturday, October 27
When the Moon is in Gemini, it’s a fun, light social day—a time of chit-chat, storytelling and humorous anecdotes. Playing, exploring and learning are the themes at this time; nothing too heavy, please. Gemini VoC begins at 11:37 p.m.
Sunday, October 28
You might want to just relax today as the Moon is void most of the day until it enters Cancer at 6:27 p.m. When the Moon does enter Cancer, you can become a homebody or want to be surrounded by the people you think of as family. It can be a time of sharing a lovely home-cooked meal and good conversation. “Do whatever nurtures you,” says the Moon in Cancer.
Monday, October 29
You may feel optimistic and in a good frame of mind when Mercury conjuncts Jupiter. It’s a fabulous day to meet friends for coffee. Or, you could decide it’s a great time to learn something new. Of course, Mercury and Jupiter are both in Scorpio, so the conversations could be quite deep and introspective and the new class you decide to take may have an esoteric bent.
Tuesday, October 30
You may be feeling extra sensitive when the Moon trines Jupiter; your feelings are exaggerated whatever that feeling may be. So, be conscious of being overly moody and know that it will pass very quickly. Cancer VoC begins at 9:31 p.m. and ends at 9:42 p.m. when it enters Leo. Mercury enters the sign of Sagittarius at 11:38 p.m. When Mercury is in Sagittarius, a fire sign, it is very quick. Inspiration/enthusiasm/conversation is expressed with higher ideals and long-term objectives in mind. There’s also a chance of being very blunt when Mercury is in Sagittarius.
Wednesday, October 31
There may be some unexpected shake-ups in your relationships today and that’s not always a bad thing. It could be an unexpected turn of events in your associations that brings in someone new or takes someone out (if it’s time to let them go.) Venus opposing Uranus asks us to look at all these possibilities as well as watching what we do with our money. Be careful of “get-rich” schemes. Have a very Happy Hallowe’en everyone. Venus Retrograding back into Libra at 2:42 p.m.
Bernadette Evans is a practicing astrologer, hypnotherapist, counselor and writer. She has studied with many great teachers, including Steven Forrest. She can be contacted at 780-289-7398 or Bbevans001@gmail.com.