October 2022

By the end of August, all outer planets (excluding Mars) were on retrograde tours. Here is the list: Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto. The following planetary bodies were also on retrograde cycles: Chiron (planetoid, centaur object), Sedna, Eris, (dwarf planets), Juno and Vesta (asteroids). Retrograde influences will always prompt a shift in the creative process and experiential track. In general, no matter what planet is retrograde, it is a pullback, revisit, and reassess cycle. Despite the hold-ups and backtracks, retrograde cycles are productive, useful, and staging. They serve to increase awareness, to spotlight what needs to be examined and re-worked, and to allow for more conscious choices. Peeling it back in layers, they set up an extension timetable for working through the checklist (actual, karmic), for uncovering what is at the deeper levels of developing potentials, investments, decisions, and consequences.

While question marks remain regarding what comes next and how to tackle it, there is no denying that the reality has evolved, that the consciousness (evaluation) of that reality has too. Two of the major outer planets end retrograde this month: Pluto (in Capricorn) on October 8, and Saturn (in Aquarius) on October 22. What is the bottom line here? Things cannot remain the same, they must change, they will change. Both transits set their focus onto the forward agenda. There may be little choice but to work with what is already on your plate, to deal with the reality as it is, but know there is also great opportunity in doing so.  Both transits urge us to recognize that there is no better moment than right here and right now for setting to task on today with your fullest presence and attention, with your best foot forward. This moment in time is the most precious resource you/we have.

Full Moon in Aries:

You can feel the full thrust of this Aries full moon if you are born on or near Jan 6, April 6, June 28, or Oct 9 or if your chart aligns directly with the full moon, (i.e., those born in late 1977, early 1978, or 1992, for example.) Chiron’s influence could set destiny into play in some dynamic, sudden sprint, full tilt way. You could find yourself on an unexpected fast track. Something sudden, quick, spontaneous, or brand new could set wheels in motion. Hot buttons can be pushed. Raw emotions can run the show too. Passion or enthusiasm is good fuel, but do not let anger, aggression or the heat of the moment get the better of you. Redirect onto a more positive, less caustic outlet. Watch also for inflammation (emotional, physical). Having outlined all that, know there are mitigating influences that can soften the activation of this Aries full moon. Venus in Libra calls for diplomacy and sets up good potential for meeting in the middle. Put your people skills, especially the art of listening, into practice. A full moon will always bring something into the open and to a head. If the end is what you face, as best you can, set intention for a peaceful parting of ways, with win/win in mind. What is best for you? Of course, that is the number one priority, but this full moon can be a time when you do not have to burn the whole bridge down. Is there is a concession with which you can live? Be first to set the tone, to offer the olive branch.

On another note, when it is hot (or they are hot!), its hard to resist! The Aries full moon in opposition to the sun and Venus in Libra could make for spontaneous attractions and/or lucrative opportunity. Mars/Neptune stirs hidden potential. A new relationship/romantic potential can ignite a sense of fate or déjà vu. Know that Mars/Neptune can be a tricky pairing. They stir up plenty of potential but continue to keep the guess work going. Stay open and open-ended. Allow yourself to dream, to feel inspired, and to explore possibility, but do not rely on the promise or the vision you have conjured in your mind’s eye. If it is meant to be, it will unfold naturally. If it is not a real prospect, or artificially manufactured (by projection, unrealistic expectations, or false advertising), it will have a short shelf life. Look to the week that follows the full moon to colour in more of picture.

Venus Star Point, October 22:

On October 22, Venus will be in superior conjunction with the sun at 29:24 Libra. Venus is an evening star. From earth’s view, Venus in on the opposite side of the sun (Earth, Sun, Venus). (At inferior conjunction, Venus is travelling retrograde and nearer to us, i.e., Earth, Venus, Sun). This Venus Star Point which launches a new 100-year collective cycle. It can be exceptionally important if this Venus point aligns with your personal chart as it suggest a new relationship chapter is in the works. It is one that will prompt you to show up for yourself in a more balanced and self honouring way. All other relationships build from this foundation.

Of significant note, the Venus/sun conjunction is at a culminating degree (29 degrees of Libra). In regards to collective evolution, it symbolizes the both the end of a chapter and the simultaneous seeding of a new one – this in regard to the out-picturing of all that we consider to hold value and meaning.  It is reflected by our inter-personal relationships as well as our social, economic, and political constructs. We are coming to the end of a way of co-existing according to the previously held concepts regarding the values that build the structure of our reality and define quality of life. Thanks to the contributions of the outer planet cycles also supporting the advancing hour of a new collective era, we see this momentous shift is already in active development. The Venus star point is also aligned with Chiron’s planetary nodes (north node in Aries, south node in Libra) which marks this as no ordinary moment in time, but an extraordinary one, as a critical one to face if we are to continue to live and thrive – as a species, as a humanity, as the “chosen one” or designated lead healer for our planet. This Venus star point in conjunction with Chiron’s north node marks a definitive dividing line between the past and the present. It places us on an acceleration track between what was and what will be, (that is to say) the overtaking and rapidly mutating new reality.  Yes, there are bridges to burn and significant, life-altering battles to face along the way, but Chiron’s north node gift is a clarion call for the warrior at heart to stand present for self, for loved ones, and for all.

Partial Solar Eclipse, New Moon, October 25:

The second partial solar eclipse of 2022 holds significant impact, not only because it is a Scorpio eclipse, but also because Venus in Scorpio is tightly aligned to it (conjunct by new phase). Those born on or near the eclipse date, or on or near the following dates or years will feel, significant, even life-altering affects: January 23, April 22, July 25; 1940/41, 1975, 1984/85, 1996 (to name a few).

Scorpio is the regenerative and empowerment archetype. A magnetizing force, Venus in Scorpio intensifies the transformational process. It prompts a deeper dive into the exploration of the inner self and pumps up the fated nature of external circumstances. Venus puts added emphasis on matters to do with mortality and survival (at all levels, reproductive matters included), finances, and primary relationships (intimate, sexual, personal, business). Hitting full thrust on destiny into play, the solar eclipse new chapter springs forth from a definitive (absolute, no turning back) ending and the formidable force of evolution. Under this especially potent Scorpio eclipse, the karmic nature/repercussions of relationships and developing circumstances cannot be understated. Are you already in the thick of it? An eclipse will energize well ahead of the actual date of their event and will hold a magnetic resonance that will continue to unfold after the date has passed. Venus on the eclipse deepens the questioning, the soul searching, and the evaluation process (reversals of fortunes too). What is it worth? Can I survive this? What do I want, what do I need? Is it of true value?

Passages of note are typical of an eclipse. This one is so potent, I give the eclipse relevancy regarding the recent passing of Queen Elizabeth, the ascension of King Charles, and the important questions and dialogues that will continue regarding the institution of monarchy and colonialism.

Mercury retrograde saw a shift with Ukraine making significant gains on the war, more protesting among Russian citizens, and more determination from Putin. Does he have a secret weapon up his sleeve? The solar eclipse is situated in the 12^th house, one-degree conjunct Vladmir Putin’s Ascendant. It suggests there is something quite potent on brew but that is as-yet hidden from view. This eclipse could be a catalyst or trigger for the power play that is already in the works, namely Putin’s annexation plans, or for something that has not yet surfaced. Anything goes. The eclipse could also produce  a significant redirect, or a reversal of circumstance. Concerns over oil and refinery reserves/supplies, economic survival, and nuclear threat fall under the archetype of Scorpio (as does espionage, economic mergers and take-overs, matters to do with debt, taxes, bankruptcy, and all the dark side of life, of war, etc.) Could we hear of an assassination attempt? When Scorpio is in play, critical choices are dialed up and there is always more than meets the eye.

For those who would like to know, the eclipse is visible from most of Europe, Northern Africa, the Middle East, and western parts of Asia. The eclipse takes place four days before the moon’s closest proximity (perigee) to the earth. It is number 55 of 73 eclipses in its Saros series.

Jupiter retrograde revisits Pisces, Oct 27:

Jupiter started the year in Pisces but advanced into Aries in mid May. Jupiter in Aries began a four-month retrograde at the end of July. This cycle continues until November 23, but as of October 27, Jupiter will revisit Pisces. This transit takes more specific aim as it searches to uncover what has been previously hidden from view, as it searches for the ideal/ultimate solution, answer, or opportunity.

Pisces is the archetype of mass consciousness and collective attunement. A tuning fork transit, Jupiter retrograde in this sign looks to read/interpret the signals of the collective, be that hope or disillusionment (or all that is in the middle of those two extremes). At opposite ends of the spectrum, both saving grace and massive loss are signatures of Jupiter in Pisces. This transit will arch over the USA mid term elections (and elections elsewhere.) Concerns over oil and the uncertainty of another pandemic wave will continue under this transit. Protect your immune system, your passwords, and your valuables. A very dynamic total lunar eclipse happens on November 8. Saturn square Uranus and Mercury in opposition to Uranus are in play for this eclipse. The unexpected is in the mix in some sudden, catapulting, and potentially life-altering way. Could it be the break-through that is so badly needed? Mercury/Uranus is often an accident prone or weather extreme signature, so please take note. Of course, these transits will only be of significance to you if they make direct contact on your chart. Otherwise, you will witness the action indirectly or via the news.

Mars in Gemini begins retrograde on October 30

Typically, Mars takes 5 to 6-weeks to transit a sign. Due to a retrograde cycle (October 30 to January 12), Mars will spend 7 months in transit through Gemini. Mars first entered this mobilizing and trend setting sign on August 20. It will exit Gemini on March 25, 2023. What does this mean for you?

Mars in Gemini will keep the conversation, the motivation, the learning curve, the questions, and the questioning fired up for an extended period. In addition to social trends and activities, communications, connecting the dots, and getting the message across, Gemini is also the archetype of trade and commerce, buying and selling, transport (of goods, people, and ideas), short distance travel (comings and goings), marketing, negotiating, and planning. It is an activation period for all the above. A new trend can get off the ground quick. Spontaneity and an instant rapport are positive attributes of this planetary placement. The transit also features siblings, friends, neighbours, close relatives, students, and studies. While Mars tours Gemini, expect to juggle several things, to be “betwixt and between,” to have several choices, options, concerns, or problems to solve. It is important to note, Mars can be inflaming, aggressive, pushy, and combative. On the negative end, Gemini can be dualistic, scattered, inconsistent, fickle, prone to half-truths or misinformation. Arguments can happen, wires can get crossed, hot buttons can be pushed.

Mars retrograde in Gemini is well used to take a step back to get your bearings straight. It can shift the attention or conversation, change the plan, the motivation, the reasoning, the priority, or the interest level. It could take you on another round with someone or something. Is the pandemic subsiding or will another wave hit soon? With Neptune and Jupiter in Pisces in the mix, expect a degree of uncertainty to continue. I will write more about this important Mars transit next month and in the ones that follow. I am also speaking on this topic on October 1. To register for the lecture series or for this particular lecture: https://www.jwgaea.org/