ASTROLOGICAL FORECAST: OCT 4-17 2024
Auriga carrying the goat and reigns, seen on Chart V of the Uranographia of Johann Bode (1801).
The star Capella is the large star in the elbow of the goat.
The next few weeks of astrology post-eclipses are neither adoringly friendly nor terribly foreboding, though they do involve lots of planetary conversations which inform our movements as the outer planets Pluto, Uranus and Neptune wrap up their sejourns in Capricorn, Taurus and Pisces respectively. Moreover, the eclipse on October 2nd and the planets moving through Libra and Scorpio are beginning to set the stage for Mars’ retrograde through Cancer. Pay attention to where passive tension, and tentative passion turn into bubbling resentments and itchy friction. These are indicators for Mars’s upcoming retracing. Look to the parts of your chart which contain Cancer and Leo for more information about where in your life this story materializes.
Remember, the level of resonance in the descriptions of transits below can vary depending on where and how they interact with your natal chart. Some aspects might feel very influential while others sweep by like an unnoticed breeze.
If you have the know-how, note in which houses the following transits happen in your natal chart. Map the house with the part of your life affected. As an example, the difference between Mars in your fifth house vs. your sixth house can be a break-up or a broken bone. Or, depending on your chart and the other planets involved, initiating a creative project with quite a bit of vigor vs. enthusiastically quitting your job. As a general guideline, transits to the angular houses (1, 4, 7, and 10) tend to be the most impactful.
One last thing: real-time astrological aspects tend to have a stronger influence when they are applying. This means that sometimes we experience the aspect in the lead-up to the moment it occurs (listed with aspect each below), usually a day or two before, depending on the aspect and the planets involved. The exception to this is planetary ingresses which are not aspects; ingress means ‘entrance’ - in this case - the moment when a planet enters a new sign.
All aspects are listed in Pacific Standard Time.
October 4th at 10:03am: Venus in Scorpio trine Saturn in Pisces, 14°07’
How fitting that the domicile and exaltation ruler of the eclipse two days prior, are the first planets to connect in the comedown. Venus and Saturn in harmonious aspect often speak to relational commitments, establishment of healthy boundaries, embracing relational age gaps and, above all, the elegance of well designed structures (think fashion, law and architecture). Given that they are both pulled into a grand trine with Mars who currently rules over Venus from Cancer, this is likely a challenging but necessary conversation about a relational structure that needs a firmer foundation and allows for flexibility. Remember, you can’t prevent a hurt that has already happened so keep things simple rather than specific. Healthy relational structures should support, rather than stunt, mutual growth. This is more about how you deal with hard situations than how you stop them.
For the next four days, Venus will be separating from this trine with Saturn and applying to trine Mars. As a rule, Venus (or any planet for that matter) doesn’t like being stuck between Saturn and Mars. In astrology, when a planet is between hard aspects (conjunction, opposition or square) to both malefics, it is called beseigement. Luckily for Venus, this time around she makes harmonious aspects (a trine) to both. That said, this is a decidedly malefic majority. Trines can sometimes make the hard things move easier and faster so the days between October 4th and October 8th might still be quite tenuous. Expect difficulty and know that it is temporary. Take space (Saturn) and give it to yourself to blow off steam (Mars) far away from potential feuds.
October 5th at 11:36pm: Mercury in Libra square Mars in Cancer, 17°33’
Mercury is really trying to charm Mars into not taking things so personally but the guy can’t help but pick a fight. Mercury here has an eye for elegance and will be terribly skilled, potentially patient and delightfully catty at baiting and catching Mars in passive aggressive escalation. This aspect is giving friendly banter at someone’s expense and it actually makes their blood boil. Be cautious about how your words land and gently bring it up quickly if you’re feeling rubbed the wrong way. It can also cause us to take something personally when it’s meant to be light and superficial folly. Prioritize peace, but also know that passivity or coasting over what seems like a little nothing bit of tension could come back to bite you later. If conversations or internal feelings sour, acknowledgement can go a long way. Like dressing a fresh wound with a clean bandage, sometimes simply recognizing a problem will give it a better environment in which to heal.
October 8th at 3:21am: Venus in Scorpio trine Mars in Cancer, 18°38’
The technical: Now we get to practice the guidelines we established under the Venus Saturn trine a few days before. Venus has been attempting to mediate between cool stubborn detachment and boiling anger so at this point she’s a bit roughed up. While Venus is in Scorpio, she is under Mars’ domain. Mars in Cancer however, is not particularly well-equipped to take care of her, though being in his own face and triplicity certainly helps the situation. Meanwhile, the Moon is staying away from the trouble and having a grand old time in Sagittarius, averse to both Venus and Mars and leaving them to fend for themselves.
Venus and Mars have a long history of race car romances and tragic crashes of trust but they often come back together in the end.
It is important to remember that when planets are in signs where they are debilitated (as both Venus and Mars are currently), they are vulnerable. It is difficult to let you’re guard down when you’re already behind but in this scenario, both players are lagging. On one hand, when things are difficult, we often want help from another, which can feel like a lot of pressure if the other doesn’t have the spoons. On another hand, commiseration is it’s own kind of care.
The TLDR: This is like the whole group of marathon runners slowing down for shared active recovery. We might need to rely on ourselves here but we can trust that if someone else had what we needed, they would give it.
As this aspect ends Venus’s malefic meetups in the water signs, it can be marked by an emotional deluge, like a river set free from a demolished dam. Empathy goes a long way.
October 8th at 5:22am: Mercury in Libra trine Jupiter in Gemini, 21°20’
While Jupiter is considered king of the gods, Mercury is currently Jupiter’s ruler and thus, has the upper hand here. This aspect shows up like an inspiring thought carried forth into good conversation. As Mercury has some artistic flair in Libra and Jupiter is in antithesis in Gemini, this is like an unconventional albeit well-styled fit. Think David Bowie as Ziggy Stardust. Style rebel or trend icon? Definitely both. Sometimes the thought or vision that stands out is just the first domino to set the whole magnificent show in motion.
October 9th at 12:04am: Jupiter stations retrograde at 21°20’ Gemini
Jupiter has been making his way through the first two decans of Gemini since the end of May 2024. As a rule, outer planet retrogrades (Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto) do not have nearly the same impact as inner planet retrogrades (Mercury, Venus and Mars) so don’t worry about this retrograde malfunctioning your e-mail inbox or causing an unexpected breakup. Rather, it’s good to consider everything that has changed, stabilized or grown in your life since the May 25th, especially if you know which house and area of life contains Gemini in your natal chart. Jupiter’s change in direction now marks a new chapter of the same book. This station may be felt more acutely if you have planets or points at or near 21° of Gemini.
It is also worth noting that Jupiter will be stationing just short of a conjunction with the fixed star Capella. Capella is the brightest star in the constellation Auriga, which is sometimes referred to as The Shepherd or The Charioteer. Capella is interesting because it is actually a group of four different stars that together, give Capella a distinctly golden hue as opposed to most stars’ generally bluish tone. Gold is known both as a color of purification (a nod to the Sun) and royalty.
Often, the constellation Auriga is depicted as a charioteer sitting down, holding a baby goat in their left arm and the reins of a chariot in their right hand (see the image above). Capella marks the eye, neck or body of the goat, or the point at which the goat is held to the breast of the charioteer. Considering that a chariot was, in ancient times at least, drawn by animals (horses, goats, etc.), the baby goat represents the future of one’s transportation and the importance of taking good care of that which is young but full of potential to become part of the weight-bearing force. Capella therefore, symbolizes the duality of that which we nurture and how it can carry us further than we might be able to travel on our own.
As Jupiter stations in conjunction with this star, we might consider what heavy loads we are carrying and what parts of those loads, with the generosity of our time and tender care, can grow to fend for themselves and even become a part of that which carries us. This is our vehicle for success, harnessing vision, process, energy and hard work in the name of nurturance. Given that the stationing planet is Jupiter, emphasis is on refining the vehicles which establish structural coherence. You wouldn’t, for example, take a rickshaw to a racetrack or a a small capri into a an open ocean storm. Pick your agent of transportation and make sure it’s up to date on repairs.
October 11th at 05:31pm: Pluto stations direct at 29°38’ Capricorn
This is Pluto’s last direct station in Capricorn for the next 230 years. While this can seem quite big, we are, at this point, very familiar with Pluto’s story in Capricorn which began in 2008. Now, Pluto is making its final pass-through, like checking the outlets, drawers and shower for items you may have left behind before leaving a hotel room and handing in the key. Pluto is ready to go but doing due-diligence. Over the next month, we will wrap up Pluto’s excavation in the parts of our charts that contain Capricorn. Remember, Pluto is the king of the underworld but it is also the underworld itself. The house which contains Capricorn in your chart was the subject of an archeological dig. You will not unsee what you found there but you do get to say “that’s a wrap” and move on. Before you do so, comb through what’s worth keeping. Death carries many lessons and buried within them is the true wealth we find in life. Make sure you are valuing it.
October 13th at 7:02am: Mercury in Libra square Pluto in Capricorn, 29°38’
Pluto’s station is followed near immediately by a quick call from Mercury. Mercury is a psychopomp, a god which accompanies the dying to the underworld. In Libra, Mercury makes a superior square to Pluto, reminding dear old death of the pleasures and connections that could have been. This could be an internal or external conversation about power, how connections and information can strengthen or burden it, what kinds of power are worth having and what kinds of power are actually primed to consume us. Consider whether the price of the information is worth it.
As an example, I’ve been in a deep conversation with myself about the role of social media in my life. I’ve told myself for a while that I use it for work and to find out about local happenings. Meanwhile, some of the social media tools feel often like they are using me, rather than me using them. I notice I pay the price of my intentional attention, my creative energy, my sense of appreciation and my faith in mutual flourishing. I’ve determined that, at least for now, the cost does not outweigh the benefits. It’s an unsafe power dynamic.
In other words, give yourself the option to opt out.
October 13th at 12:23pm: Mercury enters Scorpio, 00°00’
Any planet at the beginning of a sign is in arrival mode. Standing in the doorway, saying hello, checking out the space. Mercury, bearer of all news, is careful here, already looking for clues the moment they cross the threshold. Mercury in Scorpio highlights our ability to track down key information and to wield it thoughtfully. It is tactical, pairing curiosity with intentionality and delivery with caution. Mercury in Scorpio doesn’t just carry a message, they protect it with their life. Remember, Mercury is still a god of tricks. There is a fine line between being captivated and captured. Practice wooing, seducing and mesmerizing with words. But guard your intention and values carefully behind all that allure.
October 13th at 08:52pm: Sun in Libra trine Jupiter in Gemini, 21°17’
This aspect gives quite the radiant affair. Many big ideas float effortlessly throughout the party. Emphasis is on connection, exchange and bringing life to life. Look to the houses in your chart that contain Gemini and Libra. While this aspect has a relational spin, the party could be in your mind, at the gym, a conference or even a family reunion. Enjoy the moment but don’t get too carried away…
October 14th at 01:15am: Sun in Libra square Mars in Cancer, 21°28’
Remember when I said don’t get too carried away? This is why. While Jupiter brought grand ideas and a ton of superficial fun to the Sun’s party, Mars is pouting in the back about feeling left out. The Sun and Mars together tend to pack quite a bit of heat but both are debilitated in Libra and Cancer respectively. This aspect has the effect of friction that results from expectations that weren’t met but also weren’t clear. You can’t expect somebody to read your mind. If you want something, say it. But remember, just because you ask doesn't mean you’re going to get it. Ask yourself, “would I rather be a person who asks and doesn’t receive or a person who doesn’t ask at all?” The answer, of course is situational. For example, best not to ask for help from the person who is currently hanging by a thread over the cliff. If you’re a person who usually doesn’t ask, this is a moment to practice, fumble and try again differently next time. If you’re on the receiving end of an ask you can’t meet, it’s okay to blunder with a boundary but at least acknowledge if you’re sending mixed messages because you’re learning how not to fawn and people please.
October 14th at 3:21pm: Venus in Scorpio opposite Uranus in Taurus, 26°30’
Given that Venus is currently ruling the Sun in Libra, it is likely that whatever friction arose under the Mars/Sun square is tied into this opposition. On one hand, Venus in Scorpio might be quick to harden and this aspect can be a bit like “I’m so angry I’m gonna blow off this whole thing.” On the other hand, it can also spur unconventional solutions. Venus in Scorpio can be both strategic and courageous while Uranus is currently conjunct the fixed star Algol giving the effect of “losing one’s head”. Sometimes doing the “crazy” thing actually makes the most sense. Imagine if you were in the middle of an argument and one person just started singing The Middle by Jimmy Eat World:
It just takes some time
little girl you’re in the middle of the ride
everything, everything will be just fine
everything, everything will be alright, alright.
The surprise of the burst into song could be enough to jostle the two parties out of the infinite spin of the fight. Remember, being out of your mind is the right response to unmanageable circumstances. Whether the solution is to f all the way off for a while or to be a little lovingly wild, know this outburst will be over quick.
October 15th at 05:49pm: Venus in Scorpio trine Neptune in Pisces, 27°50’
If you haven’t already noticed by reading through recent forecasts, planets in late degrees of many signs right now will aspect Uranus then Neptune almost simultaneously, nodding to their impending sextile next August. The effect these two planets have together is to spur a dream into reality rather quickly. Uranus is a planet of rapid technological innovation while Neptune tends to have an effect of surrealism. Planets making aspects to both of them, especially Venus, take on an extraordinary inventive and artistic quality. Like a painter furiously bringing images to life in their studio, Venus here is anything but demure. As Neptune currently sits within Venus’s degree of maximum exaltation, this trine empowers an otherwise debilitated Venus in Scorpio with the ability to rise above whatever has had her feeling bound and gagged. There is a quality of both action and surrender to this aspect, potentially transforming pain into ecstasy, anger into effort, and heartache into sublime faith.
October 17th at 4:26am: Full Moon at 24°35’ Aries
Our first lunation post-eclipses and while we might be tired, we also have cause to feel some relief. Still, this Full Moon sits in a tight square to Mars in Cancer, calling forth some of the themes of friction that arose under the Sun’s square to Mars a few days prior. In the parts of our charts which contain Aries, this Full Moon acts as a release valve. Forego passive aggression and unnamed expectations and lay it all out on the table. Clarify your desires to those who need to hear them and begin with yourself. Aries is many things and while it contains a certain blood-lust, it also has a passion for vibrancy, for life, for libido. This Full Moon may shed light on ways we have not been living but want to. In the last decan of Aries, is is a bit of a bombshell, potentially creating sparks of jealousy. Remember, envy is a beacon, a blinking light alarming you to what you want to create for yourself rather than what you could snatch from another person. There is enough to go around. Release what isn’t yours and unroll your own red carpet replete with posh stage lighting.
October 17th at 5:30am: Venus in Scorpio sextile Pluto in Capricorn, 29°38’
A hair’s breath away from this Full Moon, Venus aspects the last of the outer planets. By now, she is ready to be out from under Mars’s harsh rulership. Perhaps as a subtle vengeful blow to the god of war, Venus consorts with Pluto in Mars’s house. Sometimes it’s a good thing to assert that you too can play with knives, even if you generally choose not to. If you’re on the receiving end of someone else’s spite, consider what deeper under-layers might need to change on the part of both participants. Sometimes this means being more intentional about your care. Sometimes it’s a matter of strengthening your spine. Clean up your side of the street.
October 17th at 12:28: Venus enters Sagittarius, 00°00’
Finally free from her spicy bondage daydream, Venus steps into Sagittarius and surveys the room. She’s got the whole place to herself. Quickly finding her swagger, she puts on a tune of her choice, pours herself a glass, and gets ready to dance her heart out. Sagittarius is set up for meaningful joy while Venus’s preferred state of happiness is pleasure. Still, Jupiter, who rules Sagittarius, likes to have a good time and this vacation rental pulls out all the stops.
While Venus is in Sagittarius, relationships take on a carefree quality. We’re less concerned and critical about how to meet expectations and more enthusiastic about believing the best in one another. Careful though, Jupiter’s fiery domain is lit with possibility and Venus here can get caught up falling for someone’s potential rather than the real deal. That said, Venus in Sagittarius understands that how we feel in a relationship depends on our perspective. At a point, some might call that denial but there is real wisdom in looking at love with a glass half-full - or rather - overflowing, mindset. Venus in Sagittarius is generous and indulgent if nothing else. She won’t reserve or limit her love so exercise your capacity for multiple relationships loaded with all their unique and juicy sweetness.
If you resonate with these descriptions and you want to talk about how they tie into the astrology of your personal natal chart, you can book a reading with me. My books for October are open until September 30th at 11:59pm. You can book a consult here.