Astrology for October 2023
SUN, MOON & PLANETS THIS MONTH
note: all dates and times in this article are based on Universal Time Zone (UT)
© Pauline Gerosa Astrology Oracle 2023 Images & Text
Your Zodiac Sign This Month
The strongest influences to your birth sign will come from:
- planets passing through your Zodiac Sign
- New and Full Moons affecting your section of the Zodiac
- the current placement of your Ruling Planet and the connections it creates
- your Ruling Planet moving retrograde or direct
(see the list of ruling planets at the end of this post)
Movement of the Moon
The Moon passes through your Zodiac Sign 1-2 times per month. Because La Luna affects your moods and emotions you may find that your feelings are more sensitive when she is in your sector of the zodiac. Your instincts are intensified at this time, and you are at your most intuitive and imaginative. Read more about the Movement of the Moon
MOON VOID OF COURSE phases are when the Moon makes no more astrological connections to any planet before it moves into the next zodiac sign. Traditional astrology believes that anything important which is initiated during these times is unlikely to come to full fruition or reap the results that are anticipated, or hoped for.
THIS MONTH’S PLANETARY PLACEMENTS & PATTERNS
This article looks at highlights in October’s astrological cycles. Invite them to guide and empower your manifestation projects and ask for their assistance when you struggle to cope with the harsher aspects of life on Planet Earth.
Libra Season began on 23rd September and ends on 23rd of this month when the Sun moves into second water sign, Scorpio. A solar blend of air and water elements helps us to create a persuasive combination of charm and charisma, empowering our ability to deliver solutions that are both popular as well as transformational. But any tendency to coerce or manipulate situations in order to gain the upper hand should definitely be avoided.
1-3 October Moon in Taurus opposing Ceres in Scorpio, conjunct Jupiter & Uranus in Taurus, square Venus in Leo, trine Mercury in Virgo, trine Pluto in Capricorn.
Positive Potential – this glorious set of energies can seriously enhance your existence, so long as you use them to celebrate and showcase your natural talents and abilities.
Possible Pitfalls – any sense of dissatisfaction with your own gifts is a form of ungratefulness which causes you to envy other people and resent their resourcefulness.
3 October UT 01:17 Moon goes void of course until UT 05:02 when Moon moves into Gemini
Planetary Placements & Patterns 2-4 October
Mercury in Virgo opposing Neptune in Pisces, trine Pluto in Capricorn. Venus in Leo trine Eris & North Node in Aries. Mars conjunct South Node in Libra. Dismiss any doubts you may have about whether or not you are in the right place, at the right time, doing the right thing. Eons of cosmic ages have brought you to where you are now, via a sequence of experiments and experiences that have empowered and encouraged you. They have equipped you to complete the missions, tasks and goals set by your Soul for this lifetime.
3-5 October Moon in Gemini square Saturn & Neptune in Pisces, trine Sun, South Node & Mars in Libra.
Positive Potential – your judgement is sound, particularly in situations where you feel a sense of déjà vu, or of being guided by past experience.
Possible Pitfalls – it is not clever to ignore the lessons of past errors in the mistaken belief that you will be able to brazen it out this time around.
5 October UT 06:32 Moon goes void of course until UT 12:31 when Moon moves into Cancer
5-7 October Moon in Cancer square Mercury, Sun & Mars in Libra, trine Saturn & Neptune in Pisces, trine Ceres in Scorpio, square Chiron, Eris & North Node in Aries, opposing Pluto in Capricorn.
Positive Potential – turn to your three I’s – Instinct, Intuition, Imagination in total trust that they will carry you through to triumph over challenge. You have everything you need to create benevolent outcomes.
Possible Pitfalls – try not to let self-pity sabotage your self-healing process, no matter how tempted you are to feel that you are at a disadvantage, or fighting a losing battle.
7 October UT 19:10 Moon goes void of course until UT 23:24 when Moon moves into Leo
5 October MERCURY MOVES INTO LIBRA
You may find that your mind is less quick to come to conclusions. But this is not the time to force yourself into making definite decisions. At least not until you have weighed up the pros and cons of which choice to go with. Do not be afraid to ask for feedback, or to seek a second opinion. Talking to someone who fills the role of trusted adviser about your concerns will help even if you do not agree with the guidance they give you. An alternative view could provide the comparison you need to formulate the final verdict you seek. Sun Signs most affected: Gemini, Virgo, Libra
7-10 October Moon in Leo square Ceres in Scorpio, square Jupiter & Uranus in Taurus, trine Chiron, Eris & North Node in Aries. 10 October UT 09:34 Moon goes void of course until UT 12:01 when Moon moves into Virgo
Positive Potential – call on your inner Warrior Spirit to strengthen your confidence and self-esteem as you confront the more extreme aspects of your evolutionary experience here on Planet Earth.
Possible Pitfalls – try not to overreact in situations which might seem abnormal or strange to you. Accept them as challenges that your Soul has designed to test your willingness to undergo a transformation that will change your life.
9 October VENUS MOVES INTO VIRGO
Sun Signs most affected: Taurus, Virgo, Libra
This is the perfect time to relish the skills that enable you to get your work done so efficiently and effectively. Enjoy the pleasure of using them. Do not skip the creative satisfaction to be had from carrying out daily tasks like preparing meals, organising your space or planning your day. This placement of Virgo can prompt you to sort out situations which have become somewhat one-sided when it comes to the distribution of labour within your relationships. You do not want to be dumped with all the chores and duties but on the other hand, you would not like to feel that you might be taking someone else’s services for granted.
Shortly after moving into Virgo, Venus gets involved in an unhelpful opposition to Saturn in Pisces. The best to be said about this energy is that it could be used to undertake a strict evaluation of the techniques and methods you are employing to express your talents and abilities to see if they can be upgraded. But you have to be ultra careful not to start accusing yourself of being useless or incompetent, as your self-esteem will suffer a severe setback if you subject it to a constant stream of spiteful censure and criticism.
Planetary Placements & Patterns 9-15 October
Mars in Libra square Pluto in Capricorn. Sun & Mercury in Libra opposing Chiron in Aries. The pertinent issue of how power abusers are allowed to get away with their crimes could be on your agenda, making you angry and depressed. Please do not give in to despair. Just keep believing that there is a higher form of Justice to which each individual soul must account for the choices it makes. Those who inflict wounds will be wounded in return, until they understand and accept the key lessons of healing and forgiveness.
10-13 October Moon in Virgo opposing Saturn & Neptune in Pisces, conjunct Venus in Virgo, trine Jupiter & Uranus in Taurus, trine Pluto in Capricorn.
Positive Potential – those fortunate people who love their work and who always offer their services with a smile are the lucky souls who are making the most of their evolutionary process here on Planet Earth.
Possible Pitfalls – people who cast themselves in the role of doormat, martyr and victim are missing out on enormous opportunities to change their lot in life for something far bigger and much better.
12 October UT 20:08 Moon goes void of course until 13 October UT 00:21 when Moon moves into Libra
11 October PLUTO MOVES DIRECT IN CAPRICORN
Power is only to be used with very high levels of responsibility, honesty and integrity as it corrupts those who dare to dabble in it for selfish reasons. Pluto insists that people whose ambitions have led them to exploit or abuse others will have to account to their own consciences. We are attracted to power because it helps us to feel in control. Most of us resent having to kowtow to others, especially if we do not respect the person who is handing out the orders. But being the boss does not come so easily to most of us either. We often fear our own power because we worry that by misusing it, we could cause more harm than good. This sense of foreboding prompts us to throttle back on our true potential and stick to situations that are beneath our actual abilities. Sun Signs most affected: Scorpio, Capricorn
12 October MARS MOVES INTO SCORPIO
Sun Signs most affected: Aries, Scorpio
Even if the thought of being assigned real power puts you in a panic, this placement of Mars might make you eager to be emboldened – so long as you can maintain your integrity and sense of control. Your gut instincts will be stronger now, so let your actions be guided by them. Resist the temptation to do anything that does not feel absolutely right to you, especially if it involves some form of retribution or revenge. Whoever has wronged, wounded or humiliated you will be called to account by the Karma Police. Whereas if you are able to assume an attitude of forgiveness and restraint, you will be guaranteed to gain plenty of top quality brownie points from the Cosmos.
Immediately after moving into Scorpio, Mars creates a potent and productive water trine with Saturn in Pisces. This constructive combination could help reinforce your commitment to regeneration. Situations which have become stagnant, bitter and toxic will benefit from your deep understanding of underlying issues and why things went wrong. Your insight offers the illumination that enables transformation from heavy to light.
13-15 October Moon in Libra conjunct Mercury & South Node in Libra, opposing Chiron & Eris in Aries, square Pluto in Capricorn. 15 October UT 06:59 Moon goes void of course until UT 11:03 when Moon moves into Scorpio
Positive Potential – the gift of listening which makes you such a powerful and effective counsellor and healer could be inherited from previous generations in your ancestral line.
Possible Pitfalls – you cannot force other people to heal the destructive behaviour patterns that are blighting their lives. All you can do is offer advice on a take it or leave it basis.
14 October NEW MOON IN LIBRA Annular Solar Eclipse
Sun Signs most affected: Cancer, Libra
This is the right time to initiate a new basis for partnership projects. You are looking to collaborate on fifty-fifty equal shares terms, with both parties balancing the amount they give and take. There must be absolutely no feelings of resentment from one side towards the other, as this could create the kind of sub-conscious competition which causes animosity and prevents ongoing mutual agreement. The individual roles of everyone involved must be clearly and fairly defined, with regular reviews to ensure that peace and harmony continue to reign over your endeavours.
Owing to an awkward quincunx aspect between this New Moon in Libra and Planet Uranus in Taurus it is most important to account for any differences in circumstances, viewpoints, energies and interests which could lead to major misunderstandings. There may be a need to agree to disagree until the fundamental factors for debate have been identified and accepted by all concerned.
15-17 October Moon in Scorpio trine Saturn & Neptune in Pisces, conjunct Mars & Ceres in Scorpio, opposing Jupiter & Uranus in Taurus.
Positive Potential – your perceptions are spot on, empowered and supported by strong instincts and higher senses that are guiding you to truths which supersede the boundaries of time and space.
Possible Pitfalls – less sensitive souls may dismiss your insights as impractical, mainly because they are not interested in changing their view of the matter or raising their level of awareness to match yours.
17 October UT 15:42 Moon goes void of course until UT 19:36 when Moon moves into Sagittarius
16-21 October Planetary Placements & Patterns
Jupiter in Taurus opposing Ceres in Scorpio. Sun conjunct Mercury & South Node in Libra, opposing Eris in Aries, square Pluto in Capricorn. The expectation that Planet Earth produces a constant supply of natural resources to be ruthlessly exploited by selfish humans is sadly mistaken. We must scale down our wastefulness and greed if we are to ensure and sustain a comfortable quality of life for future generations. It is time to take a far more generous approach to the way we share the precious gifts given to us by Gaia. She is perfectly entitled to withdraw them if we carry on taking them for granted.
17-20 October Moon in Sagittarius square Saturn & Neptune in Pisces, square Venus in Virgo, trine Chiron, Eris & North Node in Aries.
Positive Potential – your self-healing journey benefits from your willingness to push past the boundaries that currently limit your life, allowing you to explore new horizons.
Possible Pitfalls – doubts about your ability to cope with the fear of failure are undermining your courage and conviction and risking the success of your healing work.
19 October UT 19:00 Moon goes void of course until 20 October UT 01:54 when Moon moves into Capricorn
20-22 October Moon in Capricorn trine Venus in Virgo, trine Jupiter & Uranus in Taurus, square Chiron, Eris & North Node in Aries, conjunct Pluto in Capricorn, square Sun & Mercury in Libra.
Positive Potential – your aspirations have been empowered by all the effort, patience and persistence you have put into achieving them over a long period of time. Your hard work is about to pay off thanks to a welcome change in circumstances.
Possible Pitfalls – This is not the time to give up on your goals. Keep your levels of courage and commitment high, in spite of ambivalent attitudes and responses in the world around you.
22 October UT 05:58 Moon goes void of course until UT 06:05 when Moon moves into Aquarius
22-24 October Moon in Aquarius square Mars & Ceres in Scorpio, square Jupiter & Uranus in Taurus, trine South Node in Libra.
Positive Potential – your ancestors have bequeathed you with unique qualities that enable you to take a non-judgemental approach to your fellow humans, no matter how eccentric their appearance or actions.
Possible Pitfalls – your extraordinary level of perception provides you with insights that can be difficult to deal with. They could make you feel alien and isolated, as though you are a time traveller from far in the future.
23 October UT 19:02 Moon goes void of course until 24 October UT 08:32 when Moon moves into Pisces
22 October MERCURY MOVES INTO SCORPIO
You can use this introspective influence to carry out some in-depth investigation as it is precisely the type of mental energy which supports serious research into a specific subject. It is also great for soul-searching and spot-on if you want to dig into topics that are normally considered taboo like money, sex and death. It is a good position for looking at how to manage your assets. Do not dismiss your gut reactions or the messages you get from your instincts and intuition. They should be your trusted guides, particularly in circumstances where betrayal could be an issue. This is not a placement which favours light-hearted chat about nothing in particular. It is far better suited to the sort of full disclosure discussion that can transform your life. The rather sombre side of Mercury can bring an element of gravitas to your communication style which would be useful in situations where you have to sound sincere and convincing.
Sun Signs most affected: Gemini, Virgo, Scorpio
22-24 October Planetary Placements & Patterns
Mercury & Sun in Scorpio trine Saturn in Pisces. Venus in Virgo trine Jupiter in Taurus. This very positive collection of planetary energies could help you to improve your accuracy in a number of ways. Firstly, a deeper perception of true facts provides the foresight you need to prepare for outcomes that are blindingly obvious to you but which others may prefer to ignore. Secondly, your ability to make excellent use of the resources available to you works in your favour. Providing you take advantage of it, this constructive combination of premonition and prudence promises to attract opportunities with long-lasting effects.
23 October SUN MOVES INTO SCORPIO
The complex and passionate influence of fixed Water sign Scorpio can make this a challenging time of year. The Sun’s energy takes on an intense quality which creates a rather heavy atmosphere. You might have to confront truths that are difficult to digest, perhaps in the management of your resources where you may be required to make some ruthless moves. Likewise with important relationships, whether intimate or business. If you feel trapped in a clandestine game where both partners are trying to out manoeuvre one another, trust your gut reactions to guide you on how to manage matters. Your motive is to serve your conscience and integrity by achieving the most effective outcomes for all concerned. Scorpio season may seem tough because its mission is to test you in ways which purify, transform and regenerate toxic influences that threaten the vitality of your life force. It is time to tackle them and emerge from their clutches, like a phoenix rising from the ashes.
Sun Signs most affected: Leo, Scorpio
24-26 October Moon in Pisces conjunct Saturn & Neptune in Pisces, trine Sun, Mercury, Mars & Ceres in Scorpio, opposing Venus in Virgo.
Positive Potential – the rich fertility of your imagination produces a limitless stream of schemes and designs just waiting to be manifested on the earth plane.
Possible Pitfalls – stressing about exactly how, when and if your vision will materialise prevents you from enjoying the miraculous process of transforming dreams into reality.
26 October UT 06:37 Moon goes void of course until UT 10:01 when Moon moves into Aries
26-28 October Moon in Aries conjunct Chiron, Eris & North Node in Aries, square Pluto in Capricorn.
Positive Potential – your life path takes you on a self-healing process which helps to resolve painful wounds within your family history. Your ancestors are cheering you on, so grateful to you for your courage and determination.
Possible Pitfalls – do not let difficulties, delays and disappointments (however deep) deter you from overcoming the obstacles that test your commitment to your self-healing process.
28 October UT 08:18 Moon goes void of course until UT 11:44 when Moon moves into Taurus
28-30 October Moon in Taurus opposing Sun (Full Moon), Mercury, Mars & Ceres in Scorpio, conjunct Jupiter & Uranus in Taurus, trine Venus in Virgo, trine Pluto in Capricorn. 30 October UT 11:34 Moon goes void of course until UT 15:07 when Moon moves into Gemini
Positive Potential – embrace the awareness that time is purely a 3D construct. Once you understand that deadlines do not really exist, you will start to see the clock as a powerful tool which can be made to work to suit your own purposes and designs.
Possible Pitfalls – a lack of trust in your own resourcefulness creates the type of negative energy that sabotages your ability to deliver tangible results.
28 October FULL MOON IN TAURUS Partial Lunar Eclipse
Sun Signs most affected: Taurus, Cancer, Scorpio
Something you have been building for a while may be nearing completion, but the emerging of hidden complications might mean that the final stages take longer than expected. Do not allow any loss of trust and conviction to overshadow your progress so far, or lead you to undervalue what you have achieved. Neither should you withdraw your commitment to the final outcome, as it will gradually become clear why you had to wait for results which might be even better than you had originally anticipated. If you feel that evidence based on your own observations and experience is being dismissed as irrelevant, please feel free to dig your heels in. Your stubborn determination to stick with your instinctive reactions on stuff that really matters could make a fundamental difference to how it evolves.
28-31 October Planetary Placements & Patterns
Mercury & Mars in Scorpio opposing Jupiter in Taurus. Venus in Virgo trine Uranus in Taurus. Stubborn opposition from selfish sources hellbent on clinging to control sabotages the opportunity to create a far more favourable future. But however relentless the resistance to change, Evolution is hard at work behind the scenes ensuring that the all-important alchemic process of transforming destructive energy from leaden to light continues without unnecessary interruption.
30 October-01 November Moon in Gemini square Saturn & Neptune in Pisces, square Venus in Virgo, trine South Node in Libra.
Positive Potential – know that you are supported by empathetic ancestors who understand how hard life’s lessons can seem. They are always standing by, ready and willing to help you with your homework!
Possible Pitfalls – try not to feel daunted by the degree of difficulty of your current life lesson. Do not doubt that you have the talents and skills you need to pass all the tests in your Soul Plan with flying colours.
01 November UT 12:34 Moon goes void of course until UT 21:30 when Moon moves into Cancer
Planetary Rulers of Zodiac Signs
Planet Mars rules Aries, Planet Venus rules Taurus & Libra, Planet Mercury rules Gemini & Virgo, The Moon rules Cancer, The Sun rules Leo, Planet Pluto rules Scorpio, Planet Jupiter rules Sagittarius, Planet Saturn rules Capricorn, Planet Uranus rules Aquarius and Planet Neptune is ruler of Pisces. More about ZODIAC SIGNS and their Rulers.