October 2022 Forecast

Mercury stations direct on Oct 2. There's a heightened anticipation as Mercury stops turning backwards and begins to move forward in the coming days. Mercury is particularly strong at this time, helping the mood and mitigating Venus’ debilitation. We may get bogged down in the details, but at least we are working things out in a friendly manner.

Mars enters Gemini on Oct 15, pushing its agenda and impatience on proceedings in Virgo. Yet Mars is not going anywhere new anytime soon. It will station at the second degree of the sign by Oct 30, leaving us scratching our heads as to how to be more proactive at this stage. 

The Sun enters Libra on Oct 17 and drops the energy and mood again.  This leads to the New Moon on Oct 25, celebrated in India as Diwali, the 'darkest night' of the year, with the Sun in debilitation during the dark phase of the Moon. It's at our darkest times that we find our true source of light, within. 

​Pluto stations direct on Oct 8, while Saturn does so on Oct 23. At least our long term plans can slowly move forward, along with our short term plans. The issue now is the upcoming Mars retrograde, which may feel frustrating when trying to implement these. Saturn's station in October may feel as if our objectives are grinding to a halt, despite the more immediate gratification of getting certain things in order thanks to Mercury. 

Venus enters Libra on Oct 18 and out of debilitation. Yet Venus is also in complete combustion at this time, exact on Oct 22. Although this has many positive significations, Saturn's restraining order, and the complications of the eclipse, create too many complexities to deal with at once. This does not bode well for Venus-related issues, including the economy and diplomacy. 

The New Moon in Libra on Oct 25 is a partial solar eclipse at 7 degrees, opening up a two-week 'eclipse window' and a period of much change and uncertainty. The eclipsed and debilitated Sun may show a prominent leader fall from power in a spectacular way. As we adjust, we may feel a lack of confidence, as we lose our rhythm for a time.

If we can connect to each other with more poise and consideration, signified by the strengths of Saturn and Venus, we can certainly mitigate any sense of lack, bolstering our sense of self and confidence through discipline, hard work and compromise. 


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Saturn square Uranus Sep/Oct
This is the last time I will be writing about this configuration - for another 20 years, anyway! This has been one of the key signatures of the shakeup of our world in the last couple of years. This last alignment is tense, and more complex, as Uranus is joined by Rahu this time. 

Uranus and Rahu in Aries is fueling, and blocking, a need for personal freedom of expression and movement. Saturn and Pluto in Capricorn has pulled us back time and again to the past, to dismantle systems that no longer work, while starting something new. 

And while we need to find space for both these expressions - starting something entirely new, while reworking the old - these can be at logger heads many times. Also, our need for personal freedom (Aries) is in direct contrast, and possible conflict, with the needs of the many (Saturn). 

The recent passing of the Queen of England is a good example of the breaking down of the old, with new voices of revolt getting louder and louder. This will continue through the end of this year, shaking things up in ways we hadn't even imagined. 

In your own life, look to the signs involved to get an idea of where you are dealing with this juxtaposition. Here's a video I made about it that might help. 
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​Venus opposes Jupiter on Oct 1
Venus continues to transit Virgo until Oct 18, coming to its exact degree of debilitation by Oct 16. It all starts out well, with Venus opposing Jupiter in Pisces, but what begins as an overcompensation for a sense of lack can easily lead to a bigger downturn if we overdo it. 

This has obvious pitfalls in terms of the world economy and diplomatic efforts around the world and war-torn regions. When Venus hides behind the Sun in combustion, and transits its sign of debilitation, there is a distinct lack of accord and decorum that is possible. And while Mercury is certainly helping out more once it stations direct, talking it through cannot solve the problem of how we feel. 

The best use of this time is to find the strength of Venus within, to find the appreciation of the simple things in life, while the more profound aspects can be brought down to earth in our everyday routines. If we need big, bold statements and experiences to live happily, we must eventually experience loss. 

Showing up in our lives in simple, yet profound, ways can mitigate much of the potential downfalls inherent in Venus' transit at this time. Look to what you feel grateful for, what you already have, instead of complaining about what you do not. And if you have something to get off your chest, do so with the intent of helping the situation. 



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Mercury stations Direct Oct 2
Mercury's station always feel like a heightened sense of anticipation. And while practical concerns may feel backed up as it stations, there's at least a sense of things about to move forward. We must do so slowly, of course. If you feel you've been backed up and unable to move forward with some plans, you may indeed want to go at it. 

Mercury will now slowly move towards its exact degree of exaltation in the middle of Virgo, exact on Oct 17, the same time Venus is at its exact degree of debilitation. This is most certainly good news. Mercury is now clear in communications and moving forward with plans, helping out the mood enormously. Yet we cannot deny that Venus pulls down Mercury's efficacy. If you're not feeling good, you're likely not communicating well. 

Mercury in Virgo is in its own sign, its sign of exaltation and what is known as 'root strength' in Vedic astrology. So, basically it's the best place to put Mercury. Our minds are sharp, clear and focused. We can get so much work done. We're more productive and efficient, ticking off many boxes and things on our lists. The thing is, unless we are clear about why we are doing what we are doing, the purpose of it, the likelihood of feeling less excited and happy about it is possible. 

If we can tune into why we do what we do, we will put up with any mood fluctuations to just get on with it. Use this time of Mercury strength to get very organized and productive, before it moves into Libra by Oct 26, when it's time to find more balance in your social life together with all the work.  
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Pluto stations Direct Oct 8
Pluto is silently, but consistently, grinding away at what has been established in our lives; the things that make us feel safe and secure. Sometimes, those things are unhealthy habits we have formed over many years (Capricorn). Sometimes, these things are simply outdated and inappropriate for the current time. 

Pluto is dismantling all of that but will take its time doing so. It will remain in Capricorn until 2040. That's 20 years of tearing down systems that are 'old hat'. This is likely the downfall of many things we never thought would end, either in the world around us, e.g. the British monarchy and banking systems, or in our personal lives, e.g., work practices. 

Pluto's slow turnaround to direct motion slowly turns the screw, opening up new possibilities, very, very slowly. The kinds of things Pluto changes can never be the same again, precisely because of the slow grinding away at it. It slowly disintegrates it from the inside out, until one day, the whole thing collapses, replaced by something and someone who takes advantage of the situation. 

This is why Pluto is the 'lord of the underworld' and why I believe this current era, i.e., the next two decades, is going to see some not so nice things will step in to fill the void. But it will occur gradually, silently, in the background. Mario Reading's translation of Nostradamus' prophecies point to the birth of the 'third antichrist' in 2035, a book that has shot to the top of the Sunday Times list because of its translation of a quatrain that predicted Queen Elizabeth II would die this year. And while I wouldn't use that kind of language he uses, I would say it's likely many things alter the course of history in the next two decades; ways we cannot even imagine at this time. 

By the way, in 2035, Saturn opposes Pluto. The last time we saw that was during the 9/11 attacks. 2035 promises even bigger downfalls of systems and ways of being due to the line up in Cancer/Capricorn.

Every time Pluto loosens the screw, system continue to loosen their grip, shaking the very foundation that has kept us feeling safe - and stuck - for far too long. 
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Full Moon in Pisces (Revatī) Oct 9
With the Sun in Virgo, the Moon opposes it in Pisces, where we are asked to let the details go for a while, to swim in the sea of possibility. This Full Moon is joined Jupiter and opposed by Venus and Mercury. All the 'benefics' are involved in this Full Moon, so it will likely feel quite good indeed. 

The only downside, or upside, depending on how you look at it, is Saturn's aspect. The downside is not fully letting go because of fear, mistrusting the process. The upside is not overindulging any or all whims that spends all our energy, and money. 

The Full Moon in Pisces balances our need to get things just so, with the ability to let it go. But surrender should not be confused with giving up. Actually, surrender is an important part of anything we do. By tuning in (or out) for a while, we can be more efficient and productive when we get back to it. 

Use this Full Moon to enjoy floating in the sea of potential and possibility, opening your mind to ways of doing things you may never have imagined before. 

The Moon is full in Revatī, meaning 'nourishment'; a lunar mansion that represents both material and spiritual nourishment. It is ruled by the guardian of the living and the dead, shepherding his flock from this life to the next. It represents self-realization and provides nourishment for the soul to self-realize, while its symbol is a fish, reflecting a faithful nature and spiritual depth. ​

Spiritual depth is a theme of the month. But we can either drown in the darkness or be buoyed up by all the is possible, from the depths of being. 

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Mars in Gemini Oct 15 - Nov 13
Mars peeks into Gemini briefly, before it stations on Oct 30, returning to Taurus by mid-November. Its slow down and turn around at the juncture of these two signs, the signs of resources and communications, is likely to bring a halt to things that keep our lives running smoothly. 

Mars in Gemini is not going anywhere anytime soon. Its station in a sign that is all about travel and communications could lead to technical hiccups and a backlog to the mindful of if you are travelling or doing business. I'm assuming we all communicate, so we all have to be mindful of how we do so. 

Mars in Gemini is a little irksome, to say the least. When stationing, it adds to the potential of lashing out in frustration. Mars combined with Mercury, although Mercury is strong in Virgo, may lead to saying things you later regret or have to retract. Mars likes to just do it, while Mercury likes to think about it. While they are not prone to working together, we can find space for both by being more proactive and deliberate in what we say and do. 

This is a brief experience of Mars in Gemini, for wherever this signs falls in your chart. But we will be back here again, with hopefully a better delivery method, by March of next year, as Mars clears the section of the zodiac it backtracked over.

​It will move into new territory in Gemini by mid-March, at which time we can move about more freely, and express ourselves more easily. 


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Libra's symbol is the setting Sun

Sun in Libra Oct 17 - Nov 16
The Sun moves into its sign of debilitation in Libra and we are asked to put aside our ego in favour of others. As long as we are conscious of not playing victim to bolster our sense of self, we can help others, and in turn, help ourselves. 

The Sun enters Libra every year, of course. There's nothing new here. What is new, however, is the Sun is eclipsed and has an aspect from Saturn at this time. This is challenging to our sense of self and confidence, our ability to trust the process. Yet there are always upsides to any transit. This includes the ability to be more objective and humble. Although this often requires being humiliated. We may feel we are knocked off our perch, especially if we have been unrealistic.

If our perch is a spiritual one, an observation of the Self that is unperturbed by any highs or lows, we can certainly channel the Sun's weakness and eclipse in its best form. 

There are likely many big changes happening in our world at this stage. World leaders may be challenged to change or feel the pressure to do so. We must be willing to change, but the change comes from within. Any attempt to alter the way we feel by propping ourselves up with external things is likely met with a further fall. 

Thankfully, Venus enters Libra soon after the Sun and props us up. This may mean feeling better about ourselves because of our relationships. Or just feeling good about how we relate in general. Dressing up at the change of season can bring a new sense of self, even if only superficial. Yet the "clothes make the man" and we can certainly fake it for a while.  

When we tune into the strength within, connecting to our Higher Self, a Self that has no need to prop itself up or knock itself down, we continue to move through even the darkest times of uncertainty with a quiet, and unshakable, confidence. 
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Venus in Libra Oct 18 - Nov 11
Venus and the Sun are at the same degree on Oct 22. This is known as 'Cazimi' and is actually seen as a position of strength for Venus, as if it were fueled by the light of the Sun. The problem is it's brief. It only occurs for one day. Overall, the Sun's weakness and Venus' combustion leads to a sense of lack. 

The economy is one obvious expression of this downfall, as is the breakdown of negotiations and diplomacy in parts of the world that need it most. Throw in an eclipse and the potential for things to change in more challenging ways is emphasized. 

Despite all that, Venus is at home in Libra and points to at least the potential for more diplomacy. Libra is all about finding compromise, even when there seems to be no way around an issue. When we try to understand others' perspectives, we are more able to see a way out of such a conundrum. 

​It's begins to get dark in October. That's literally the case for most on the planet. There's no avoiding it. But how we each react to it and compensate or overcompensate for it, matters.

By the end of the month, Oct 29 - 31, the Moon enters its sign of debilitation, Scorpio, leaving both our luminaries in debilitation (Sun exact debilitation on Oct 27), and Venus combust, lost in the rays of a weak Sun. This is opposite the spring period, when both luminaries were exalted and Venus was in Taurus. Now we have the opposite occuring as we head into winter and it could get very dark indeed. The lights are going out for a time, whether literally or figuratively. 

When someone feels the darkness in a negative way, they are more likely to react adversely to it. We can bolster others if we have already taken care of ourselves. The colour of the sign Libra is black, as it represents the darkness of being lost in worldly purists and relationships. Yet this darkness is necessary in order to find our balance; between worldly and spiritual things, between us and others etc. 

Whether this plays out in more obvious ways around the world, or in our personal lives, as within, so without. Make sure you are going within at this dark time, so you are not left without. 


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Ketu in Svātī Oct 18 - Jun 26, 2023
Ketu moves lunar mansions within sidereal Libra in October, moving from Viśākhā to Svātī, from an association with Jupiter to more of a connection to Rahu. This can be complicated. Anytime the nodes transit lunar mansions associated with them, they stir things up. 

By Feb 21 next year, Rahu will move into Asvini, which is associated with Ketu. This means, Rahu is in Ketu's lunar mansion, and Ketu is in Rahu's next year. This can twist things in many interesting, and confusing, ways. 

The potential for more volatility is possible, as is the threat of more warfare, viruses, political and economic instability, and seismic activity. The last time they were in these lunar mansions was during the latter half of 2004 and beginning of 2005. This is when the 'Orange Movement' occurred in Ukraine, when thousands of protesters demonstrated on a daily basis. This was also the war in Iraq. There was the Indian ocean earthquake and tsunamis that killed an over 200,000 people in 14 countries, making it one of the deadliest natural disasters in recorded history. 

Look to your own chart, and what was happening in 2004/2005. This will give you clues as to what it may mean for you now. If you had some big changes back then, you're likely to experience more now, and in the next year. 

Another thing of note that happened during their last transit here was North Korea declaring it had nuclear weapon capabilities, in response to a threat it saw from the U.S. The themes of the nodes, that of threat and uncertainty, was apparent in both real and perceived ways at that time. Whether it's true, the nodes show a sort of knee-jerk reaction, especially while Rahu transits Aries and Ketu transits Libra. 

The stock market crash of 1929 also saw the nodes where they are now. Okay, you get the point, the nodes in these signs can wreak havoc. 

Yet the complexity of such a transit, with the nodes in each other's lunar mansions, can be a more balanced approach to either, as the universe counterbalances extreme imbalances with more extreme counterbalances. So, Rahu can be brought to bear, i.e., we can calm our ambitions, while Ketu can be tempered by Rahu's desire for something better, a new way of doing things. 

Look to the signs, Aries and Libra in your own chart, to see where you are likely going to be grappling with the apparent contradictions these can bring up. You may end up chasing your tail in the process of trying to work it out, but may also see the never-ending loop of past, present and future rolled into one pure potential in any given moment. 


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Saturn stations Direct Oct 23
When Saturn stations, appearing not to move for most of the month, we too feel this station, as if our long term plans are not going anywhere anytime soon. Saturn's station can feel like a vice grip, where we cannot avoid the issues any longer. And because this is Saturn's last time to station in Capricorn, it's likely we are jaded with an issue we must give in and do the necessary. 

It's also just as likely that we attempt to avoid it at all costs, leaving us with no choice in the end. The area of life we experience Capricorn is changing whether we like it or not. The good news is we can now slowly move forward with our long term plans at this time. 

We've come a long way since the beginning of 2020, when Saturn first moved into Capricorn. This last turnaround is one last dig at it, one last time to get it right. Do the right thing. Bury what you need to bury, whatever has called for your attention in the last two years. That may also include not doing something you have continued to do, despite the warnings. 

Either way, we can continue to build a new way, as we continue the excavation with Pluto. As the screws loosen on one thing, we can tighten and reaffirm our commitment to another. 

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New Moon in Libra (Svātī) Oct 25 - Partial Solar Eclipse & Diwali
​​This New Moon is the 'darkest night' of the year. The Sun is debilitated during the dark phase of the Moon. The Sun itself is also darkened, eclipsed by the Moon, by a dark mind. Both our lights are in a weakened position, with the Moon entering its sign of debilitation in the days following this New Moon. 

The Sun is partially eclipsed by the dark Moon and the south node, Ketu, the significator of loss. Throw in a strong aspect from a stationary Saturn, and you have the potential for more extremes at the juncture. 

There may be a leader that is challenged in an obvious way, or in private. We too, may feel challenged, in public or private. There is likely a major downfall of some extreme magnitude. Yet we can let it sink for a time, without struggling, we can learn to float. 

More importantly, this New Moon is an important reset in the dark. It may feel like we are stumbling around looking for the light switch, but without doubts, without fears, we would never look within to find our true source of light. That light is not found in the world of things, or in others. This is one reason the Sun is debilitated in Libra. Yet it is a turning point, a decision that is not really a decision, in a way. It's a journey we must take. 

Spirituality is not some fluffy pursuit to bolster an already inflated ego, it's a complete break down of who we thought we were, when things were going well. The more things break down in our world, and this eclipse suggests more is to be broken, the more we look to spirit, to Ketu, for guidance. 

Yet the guidance is not a loud proclamation or obvious call to action. It is a subtle shift in perspective, from the material to the spiritual. That is the journey of Libra, the darkest sign of zodiac from a spiritual perspective. But it is this that turns us to where we need to be. 

The New Moon and eclipse takes place in Svātī lunar mansion, a time to find your own way, your unique voice. Svātī means ‘independent one' and shows a need to carve our own path in life. One of Svātī's symbols is a young sprout blowing in the wind, showing a need to adapt to new circumstances, to go against the grain. It is ruled by the god of the breath and the life-force. Another of its symbols is a sword, representing the need to break away from the herd. 

The eclipse takes place at 7 degrees of sidereal Libra. If you have any planets or the Sun or Moon here, any significant degree, this is where you will feel the need to change. But don't be scared of it, it's for your betterment. And while you may not consciously choose how this pans out, a part of you is already on board. 

Look back to 2004/2005 for hints at the kinds of ways you'll be evolving this time around again. As Venus is tightly conjunct the eclipsed Sun, it's likely relationships and/or finances, things you value and feelings of self-worth, that are likely. Yet you will experience these in relation to the signs being impacted. Look out for my sign-based forecasts for October on the Patreon page for more on this. 

This eclipse is a major turning point. It may not be obvious this is the case from the outset, but the seeds we plant now will sprout next year. Any doubts or fears are but the soil for what we plant. Think of the s*** you have to deal with as fertile ground for some new possibility in your life. 

Click here to see timings for your locale: 
https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/solar/2022-october-25

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Mercury in Libra Oct 26 - Nov 13
Mercury moves from exaltation to a friendly environment in Libra, but it is met with the southern eclipse point and a strong aspect from Saturn. So, although there are more possibilities for negotiating the finer print, there are many challenges to navigate and negotiate. 

Saturn's impact on Mercury gets us to focus our intent and its impact on others. Ketu, the south node, completely obliterates anything that is not up to scratch. There may be an even more critical eye cast on proceedings at this point, to the point where nothing is allowed to pass the test. 

With so much emphasis on Libra at this time; with Mercury and Venus combust the Sun, as well as the south node distorting facts, there is likely an imbalance felt in the sign that is all about striving for balance. The only planet not directly engaged with Libra in any challenging way is Mars, which we can thank our lucky stars for. However, once Mercury moves into Scorpio by mid-November, Mars returns to Taurus in opposition to both Mercury and Venus. This does not bode well for peaceful negotiations at this point. 

Mercury and Venus won't oppose Mars exactly until the end of November, but it's worth pointing out now. Be mindful of resentments that can build if you compromise too much while planets transit Libra. 
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​Mars Retrograde Oct 30 - Jan 12, 2023
​Mars' slow down and turn around is not a smooth transition, usually. I remember once being on a train as Mars was stationing retrograde. The train pulled into a station on the way to another destination. It then backed out of the station after picking up passengers. I looked around at how everyone who were facing forward initially, and were now facing backwards as the train went in the opposite direction, got up and changed seats, so they could face forward. So, you get it, we don't usually like feeling like we are being pulled back into something. We prefer to feel as if our lives are moving forward, and that our actions bring results, immediately. 

Well, that's not likely during Mars' retrograde. Anything we do is likely met with setbacks and delays. It's not the best time to begin Mars-like activities for the first time, only because we are met with setbacks and it could create problems. If you have Mars retrograde in your chart, however, you are more used to it and probably more able to handle it. Still, it's not the best time to take on something new. It's a time to redo something, to go back over something that used to fill you with courage and conviction. It's time to find that thing again. 

​Unless we are willing to redo things, we are likely to run into problems. We may feel like holding it in as Mars slowly backtracks. It may be held back for us.

Both holding it in too much and letting it out have their pitfalls. Any planet, when retrograde, is a potential problem. When retrograde, planets behave like the nodes, which are always retrograde (mean node). The nodes, and retrograde planets, can be 'all or nothing' in their approach. So, for Mars, that means holding back what you know you should do or say, until one day you explode at an innocent who had no idea you felt that way. 

Take it from someone who was born when Mars was retrograde, learn when to hold back and when to move. Circulate any excess energy that can wreak havoc without any obvious outlets. You see, Mars may be going backwards, but it is more powerful as it does so. 

When we blow this potential up on the world stage it has many more pitfalls. It's likely the war situation gets worse in the coming months, as the armies are pulled back into situations unwillingly, in the depths of winter. This is likely to impact energy supply chains. Is the Russian call for reservists a foreshadowing of what's to come? Yes, likely. Mars is currently in its 'shadow phase', moving over territory it will return to later. The energy crisis and economy is another way this backtrack will be felt. It's frustrating when energy supplies are not consistent or predictable. You expect when you turn it on it will work. When it doesn't work, we must find ways of working around it. 
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​Added to that, Mars transits 'out of bounds' from Oct 22 until May 4 next year. This means Mars is moving further out of range of the zodiacal belt, as if going rogue. What does Mars going rogue look like? Soldiers going AWOL, of course. We may do the same in some fashion. And that's a long time for Mars to be going rogue. Add Rahu's aspect and your guess is as good as mine when it comes to how extreme this could get.  

We must look at our own expression of this, so we don't get caught in projecting this onto others. What's going on in Gemini, and Taurus (predominantly), for you? Whatever it is, you are likely dragged back into something. Go willingly, and purposefully, and work with the energy. Go with the flow, with all your might. Reconsider how you do anything, as you slowly renegotiate with the new and unexpected direction events begin to take. 

​Read an article I wrote about Mars retrograde here


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As always, I wish you the very best of what the month has to offer. 

​Om Tat Sat