October 2009 Forecast

A tremendous cosmic shift is happening this month. Saturn, the planet
that rules the material world, will enter Libra on October 29, 2009.
It’s the start of a three-year cycle that will prompt us to take a
serious look at our relationships, peace, equality, sharing and leading
balanced lives.

Personal and global ties will undergo profound changes as well. Here’s the scoop: Saturn will stay in Libra until April 7, 2010, when it transits back into Virgo. Then Saturn will move forward through Libra once again from July 21, 2010 to October 5, 2012. It’s time to look closely at your relationships with partners, community, and fellow human beings around the world.

Transit tales
In other transit news, Virgo reigns over the cosmos at the start of October, as Mercury and Venus join Saturn in a jaunt through this detail-oriented sign. Analyzing your plans, discussions, agreements and relationships is emphasized. Activities that involve health, work and service are energized as well. Just try to avoid the nitpicking side of Virgo, especially with your sweetie. Remember: nobody is perfect! Mercury and Venus will then enter Libra on October 9 and 14, respectively, which will accelerate romantic talks and love-ins. Artistic pursuits, legal agreements, fairness and compromise are favored as well.

While Venus stays in Libra through the rest of October, Mercury transits into Scorpio on the 28th, which emphasizes discussions about sex, debt, shared resources and metaphysics. And let’s not forget about Mars, the planet of energy and passion. It continues its journey through homey Cancer until October 16, when it transits into Leo to revitalize romantic ties and creative projects.

Planets in motion
Jupiter turning direct on October 12 will inspire you to expand beyond your limitations. It will also help your plans move forward, especially those that stalled around the time Jupiter turned retrograde in mid-June. It’s time to envision your future path – and then take some steps to make it happen.

Lunar magic
The Harvest Full Moon, which takes place on October 3 or 4, depending on your time zone, focuses on the polarity of “self” and “other.” It can bring to light hidden conflicts between your needs and the needs of your partner – and those of other people close to you. Balance is the key to harmony. Then the New Moon in Libra on October 17 and 18 brings a new cycle that focuses on relating, compromise, peace, fairness and artistry.

Planetary highlights
October 3-4: Harvest Full Moon in Aries energizes both individuality and partnerships. On the 4th,
Mercury opposing Uranus causes disruptions in communications and travel – but it can also inspire breakthrough ideas, especially for Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces. Mars trine Uranus favors taking spontaneous or unconventional action.

October 7-8: Mercury conjunct Saturn in Virgo favors detailed analysis, but can bog down discussions.

October 9: Venus opposing Uranus prompts spontaneous romantic encounters, and extreme reactions in relationships – especially for Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces. Mercury entering Libra favors discussions involving love, art, equality, law and mediation.

October 10: Sun trine Jupiter can inspire you to expand beyond your limitations. Mercury square Pluto intensifies extreme thinking, secrecy and subterfuge – especially for Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn.

October 12: Jupiter turning direct favors expansion – and helps plans move forward.

October 13: Venus conjunct Saturn in Virgo favors relationship endeavors that involve work, analysis and service – but can heighten criticism and nitpicking.

October 14: Venus entering Libra promotes fairness in relationships, and boosts artistic endeavors.

October 15: Venus square Pluto can cause suppressed relationship issues to erupt to the surface, especially for Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn.

October 16: Mars entering Leo energizes passion, courage, creativity and entertainment. Sun trine Neptune heightens idealism and altruism.

October 17-18: The New Moon in Libra focuses on relating, fairness, artistry and balance.

October 20: Mercury trine Jupiter favors learning, travel, legal agreements and spiritual discussions.

October 22-23: Sun entering Scorpio focuses on emotional intensity, secrecy, healing, shared resources and all things mysterious.

October 24: Mercury trine Neptune favors discussions about spirituality, art and philanthropy.

October 28: Mercury entering Scorpio favors communications about sex, secrets, research and debt. Venus trine Jupiter heightens the optimism, idealism and vision in relationships.

October 29: Sun square Mars can stymie the impulse to take action – especially for Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius.

October 29 – April 7, 2010
Saturn in Libra brings a deeper commitment to personal and global relationships, peace, equality and balance.