The air is a touch cooler and the leaves are changing color as the seasons shift. Fall is upon us. The kids are still excited as school has only been in session for a month. This month, you may be thinking of taking a class yourself. Look at what’s available in your area and see what speaks to you. It’s also time to have fun and dress up in your favorite costume as it’s Hallowe’en! Yay…it’s so much fun to see the little trick or treaters! Hopefully, the weather cooperates, and it’ll be a lovely night for them.

Libra season is now in full swing. It’s all about finding balance and harmony while being more sociable and getting along with others. The other side of Libra is Aries (Aries energy is more about being a leader, sometimes acting hasty and flying solo), so be aware of both energies and try to find the balance between them. It can feel like you’re walking on the high-wire. Sometimes you might lose your balance as you lean to one side, then you over-correct and lean to the other side. Do your best; that’s all you can you do.

Now, Mercury goes retrograde on Oct. 31, but don’t panic! It’s a time to revisit and reassess what’s working and what’s not working. Sometimes communications get lost or misconstrued, so pay extra attention to what you’re saying and double-check with others to make sure you understand exactly what they’re saying. Mercury is in Scorpio during this retrograde period, so communications could get heated or steamy.

The Moon takes about 28 days to complete its orbit through the 12 signs, staying 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 before it leaves the sign its in. At these times, it can be difficult to get focused and accomplish a task. You may want to relax, meditate or do something where your focus is turned inward. Don’t try to get a new project off the ground when the Moon is Void. If you want to find out more about the Void of Course Moon, check out moontracks.com.

The times below are listed in Central Daylight Time.

Tuesday, October 1
When Venus squares Pluto the volume dial on your desire and intensity are cranked up to maximum. You feel everything, which can be fine for a time, but also exhausting. You could be asking yourself what you’re searching for. Is it the finer things in life, chemistry, a deep connection or all of them? Pay attention to whatever is tugging at you. Moon is in Scorpio.

Wednesday, October 2
There’s the opportunity for learning something new or expanding on what you already know with the Moon in Sagittarius. You enjoy sharing your knowledge with others. You’re open, generous and positive and want the freedom to come and go as you please. Moon VoC at 4:46 a.m. until 6:44 a.m. when it enters the sign of Sagittarius.

Thursday, October 3
Mercury moves into the sign of Scorpio at 3:14 a.m. and will be there for an extended visit because of the Mercury retrograde, approximately nine weeks. You may have unbelievable insights and can get to the heart of the matter. You could also have a wicked sharp tongue that could be deadly and get you into hot water. Mars enters the sign of Libra at 11:22 p.m. and will be there for approximately six weeks. You do your best to get along with others, being charming, sociable and agreeable for the most part, but when you feel there is an injustice, you have no problem fighting for what you believe in. Pluto stations Direct at 1:39 a.m.

Friday, October 4
You could be troubleshooting a problem when the Moon squares Mars. Don’t rush in too quickly to resolve it. Examine all the options before you make any decisions. You’ll be happier with the result if you think it through carefully. Moon VoC at 2:34 a.m. until 12:43 p.m. when it enters the sign of Capricorn.

Saturday, October 5
The Moon-Sun square may bring some tension to the surface which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Once you have awareness about a problem, you can do something to resolve it. Examine the situation and take the necessary steps to move forward; by facing your shadow you’re able to heal.

Sunday, October 6
Today’s Moon-Pluto conjunction could push you towards a goal. The passion and excitement you feel about a project, a person or a situation could help you get it off the ground. There’s an intensity to transform something big. Moon VoC at 6:25 p.m. until 10:42 p.m. when it enters the sign of Aquarius.

Monday, October 7
You may find yourself in the role of the teacher when Mercury opposes Uranus. You have valuable insights and wisdom to share. Intuition is heightened when these two planets get together, so slow down and pay attention to the signals the Universe is sending you.

Tuesday, October 8
Venus enters the sign of Scorpio at 12:06 p.m. for approximately three weeks. When Venus is in Scorpio, you can expect your relationships to be more intense and passionate. There could also be some brooding and jealousy happening. The Moon-Sun trine may give you the extra shot of energy you need to start your engine. Sparks are flying and you think of a great idea. Moon VoC at 1:27 p.m. and void for the rest of today.

Wednesday, October 9
The Moon-Venus trine could find you kicking your shoes off and hanging out with friends. There’s the chance of overdoing it with food or alcohol. Emotions may range from being super happy to melancholy; that is the energy of water. Moon enters the sign of Pisces at 11:05 a.m.

Thursday, October 10
Communicating your thoughts and feelings is a little easier to do when the Moon trines Mercury. You also may be called on to provide a shoulder to cry on, or to show support to a friend by being there and listening. Pay attention to your hunches.

Friday, October 11
The Moon is Void of Course for just about the whole day, so hold off on making any major decisions if possible. If you need to, spend some time researching and going over your plans so you have a good idea of what’s ahead of you. Then you can relax and let it go until tomorrow. Trust that you have this and go have fun tonight. Moon VoC 4:55 a.m. and void until 11:46 p.m. when it enters the sign of Aries.

Saturday, October 12
Emotions might be heightened when the Moon opposes Mars. How can you be in a relationship and be true to yourself while giving someone else ample space to express themselves? Everyone’s opinion is valid including your own, just don’t shout it from the rooftops.

Sunday, October 13
You may find yourself in a power struggle in some of your relationships when Pluto squares both the Sun and Moon. You could feel your survival depends on you defending yourself and your beliefs. There could be someone in authority who is pushing your buttons. Is there another way to resolve this issue without having a confrontation? By examining both sides of the equation you just may be able to transform the situation into something beneficial for everyone. Full Moon is in Aries at 4:08 p.m. Moon VoC at 4:59 p.m. and void the remainder of the day.

Monday, October 14
Happy Thanksgiving to my Canadian Readers! Today’s Taurus Moon is about sensual delights. What do you love to eat or drink? How does your body feel when you move it, whether you’re exercising or going for a walk in nature? Listen to your body and feed it what it needs. You could also be ready to try something new that could lead to material rewards. Your practicality and thoroughness have brought you the recognition and the finances you’ve been seeking. Moon enters the sign of Taurus at 11:24 a.m.

Tuesday, October 15
It’s a great day for tapping into your creativity as ideas bubble up to the surface with the Mercury-Neptune trine. Write down your thoughts, as they may just evaporate into thin air tomorrow. You intuitively know what to say to make others feel better when they reveal their feelings. Don’t be afraid to open up and share your feelings too.

Wednesday, October 16
With the Moon Void of Course in Taurus for most of the day, this could be a great time to go over your finances and make sure everything’s in order. Don’t make any major decisions today, you can adjust your accounts and move things around tomorrow. Moon VoC at 3:37 a.m. until 9:30 p.m. when it enters the sign of Gemini.

Thursday, October 17
The Moon-Mars trine can spark excitement when working with others today. You’re curious about the result of combining your ideas and your colleagues’. Make sure to find balance when working together, meaning that it’s not one-sided, or that everyone is being so diplomatic that no one wants to push their idea forward and nothing is accomplished. Someone has to be decisive and take charge.

Friday, October 18
You’re overflowing with goodwill and generosity when the Moon opposes Jupiter. You enjoy lavishing those you care for with gifts, just be conscious of overdoing it. There may be a new class that has piqued your interest and you’re excited to learn more about it. Moon VoC at 9:14 p.m.

Saturday, October 19
The Mercury-Pluto sextile can help you delve into situations. You want to understand the hidden meaning behind what people are really saying. When you ask the right questions, you’ll get the answers you’re seeking. You’re not easily fooled or persuaded to do something if you don’t believe in it. There is the possibility that your “Spidey sense” is tingling and that you will get to the bottom of the problem or situation. Moon enters the sign of Cancer at 5:43 a.m.

Sunday, October 20
There are a lot of different energies at play today which can feel confusing. Life is like that though from moment to moment. The Moon-Venus trine is lovely and enhances your relationships in a positive light. You’re enjoying the finer things in life. Then the Moon-Saturn opposition says you may want to curb your spending and save some money for a rainy day. The Moon in Cancer is saying nurture yourself but, that means different things to different people. So, after all that…enjoy the day and remember all things in moderation.

Monday, October 21
When Venus trines Neptune, it can encourage you to walk with your head in the clouds, dreaming about what you want. Maybe it’s a relationship, a new career or going on a dream vacation. Can you turn your dreams into reality? You get to decide if you want to follow through with action or just let it slip through your fingers. Moon VoC at 7:39 a.m. until 11:29 a.m. when it enters the sign of Leo.

Tuesday, October 22
You may feel it’s time to cut back on some of your more extravagant spending when the Moon squares Venus. Finding balance while keeping yourself and others happy may feel like a tall order but you’re up for the challenge. Being sociable and having a good time are high on your list right now and it’s great to let off steam, but be careful of overindulging and overspending. Actually, you may want to leave your credit card at home to curb spending.

Wednesday, October 23
Today, I wish a Happy Birthday to all the Scorpios out there! The Moon sextile Sun brings an opportunity for getting some work done. Finding the balance between your inner and the outer world is the key. Take the time to figure out what you need, as well as what is required of you to make your way in the world. Stay present and in the flow and adjust accordingly. Moon VoC at 4:14 a.m. until 2:29 p.m. when it enters the sign of Virgo.

Thursday, October 24
Dreams, wistfulness and imagination are highlighted when the Moon opposes Neptune. Focus on what you want to manifest and harness the energy of the Virgo Moon to bring it into the world. You can turn dreams into reality; it just takes some discipline and planning.

Friday, October 25
While the Moon is Void of Course, it’s a great time to just keep working on your craft. Your attention to detail and your work ethic is something to be admired. By the time the Moon moves into the sign of Libra, it’s almost time to call it quits for the day and enjoy the weekend. Go out and put your work and worries behind you. Have a great evening. Moon VoC at 8:00 a.m. until 3:20 p.m. when it enters the sign of Libra.

Saturday, October 26
The Moon-Mars conjunction in Libra is asking if you really want to get into any disagreements or debates today. You have the choice to let things roll off your back or cut someone down with your sharp tongue. It would be so much nicer to get along, and if need be, to put your two heads together to work side by
side. More work can get accomplished when cooperating.

Sunday, October 27
You’re ready to let something go so you can begin anew with the New Moon in Scorpio. Unexpected circumstances could bring an opportunity to light that is the start of a new business venture. Don’t be afraid to let go of what’s no longer serving you; something better is around the corner. New Moon in Scorpio at 10:39 p.m. Moon VoC at 3:22 a.m. until 3:29 p.m. when it enters the sign of Scorpio.

Monday, October 28
You’re inspired to go after what you want when the Moon sextiles Saturn. It may take some hard work and ingenuity to figure out what needs to be done to bring you closer to your goals.

Tuesday, October 29
When the Moon conjuncts Venus and Mercury, you could be having some difficult conversations with your loved ones. What has gone unsaid or needs to come out in the open? There is the potential for some fireworks today if someone isn’t thrilled with what you have to say. It could go the other way, and an open conversation makes your bond stronger than ever. Moon VoC at 12:34 p.m. until 4:58 p.m. when it enters the sign of Sagittarius.

Wednesday, October 30
You could be feeling optimistic and excited about a few areas of your life. Are you trying to do everything, be there for everyone and spreading yourself too thin in the process? Remember, a little bit of balance is a good thing. Slow down and take a breath. Take the time to really be present for whatever or whomever, instead of being half-way in.

Thursday, October 31
Happy Hallowe’en! The Moon is Void of Course for most of today so this could be a good time to reassess your long-term goals. Everything happens in its own time, but if you’ve done some legwork ahead of time, it could progress a little more smoothly. Mercury stations Retrograde at 10:41 a.m. Moon VoC at 9:30 a.m. until 9:38 p.m. when it enters the sign of Capricorn.

Bernadette Evans is a counselling astrologer, hypnotherapist, Registered Professional Counsellor and writer. She can be reached at 780-289-7398 or [email protected] to schedule a consultation. Her website is www.mindshiftcounselling.com.