Astrology of October 2021

(Click on the image for a full-page Calendar).

While Mercury stays retrograde until October 18, October is also the month when Jupiter, Saturn and Pluto turn direct. The more planets are direct, the more “go forward” energy is available to us, and the easier it is to get your undertakings off the ground successfully. Oct. 22 – Nov. 12 is a very decent timeframe for new beginnings. True, there will be pockets of tense energies – there always are – but overall October and early November are a couple of good months astrologically.

The last week of November, and December, will bring much more turbulent weather, but we’ve been through much worse in 2020 and early 2021!

For those planning to propose or get married, a reminder that Venus will be turning retrograde on Dec. 19.  A romantic Christmas Day or New Year’s Eve proposal is not a good idea this year!  Wait until Venus turns direct on Jan. 29 2022.  Venus Retrograde is not the best time for proposals, marriages, or important financial decisions – you might end up changing your mind later, or your marriage/financial deal can be off to a rough start. It can still succeed in the end, but why push through obstacles if you don’t have to. If you’re looking for more ease in life, wait until Jan.30 2022.

Back to October. It offers some very lovely energies for relationships in particular. It’s a great month to work on attracting that soulmate connection, or to deeply reconnect with your partner. With Saturn and Pluto turning direct, and the Full Moon in assertive Aries, it’s also a good month to work on balancing assertiveness and collaboration in your life and relationships.

If you're working on bringing love and relationships into your life, don't miss my New Moon Workshop. The New Moon in Libra on Oct. 6 is THE day of the year to ask the Universe to bring a happy relationship into your life, or to improve your current relationship. It's also great for improving your negotiation skills, and the ability to balance assertiveness with collaboration. That sprinkling of magic from the Universe won't hurt... :-) 3 dates are available prior to this New Moon, to help you hone your New Moon intention-setting.

October also features some very lucky dates! And, it brings a pleasant surprise for some lucky Leos, Gemini, Libra and Aquarius (and to a lesser degree, Scorpio and Taurus).

Extended Period of Opportunity for Some

Now this is big if you are an Aquarius b. Feb. 9-13, Gemini b. June 11-15, Leo b. Aug. 14-18, or Libra b. Oct. 14 -18 (or anyone with personal planets at 20-24 degrees of these signs). Jupiter is about to slow down to a crawl, staying at 22 degrees of Aquarius for a good long time – Sept. 29 to Nov. 7. If you see your birthdate mentioned here, it will make an extended connection to your natal Sun.

When a transiting Jupiter makes a connection to your natal Sun or personal planets, it brings increased luck, joy and opportunities for expansion.

Generally this happy astrological event only lasts for about a week. But when Jupiter changes direction, as it’s about to do in October, it can stay at the same spot for a much longer period of time, gifting those lucky few with a good long stretch of opportunities – or at the very least, a pleasant time!

If you’re looking for a new professional opportunity, keep checking postings and staying networked. And if you’re looking for love, don’t spend this time watching TV. Get out there and look for your relationship. Keep your eyes open for opportunities, and take action.

If you are a Taurus b. May 11-16 or Scorpio b. November 13-17, you will still have this expansive Jupiter energy available to you, but watch for overconfidence. Some of the opportunities might not deliver in the end.

An Auspicious New Moon in Libra: Oct. 6 2021 4:05 a.m. PDT

The New Moon in Libra is THE day of the year to do some manifestation work to attract a love relationship or to bring more love, harmony and ease into your current relationship. It’s also a great day to ask the Universe for improved negotiation skills, or for more collaboration in your life.

This New Moon is well positioned overall, even though challenged by Pluto. Pluto also turns direct 5 hours after this New Moon – wow, what a great time to ask the Universe for a soulmate relationship. 

Full Moon in Aries: Oct. 20 2021, 7:57 a.m. PDT

Much like the New Moon this month, this Full Moon is positively connected to Jupiter and challenged by Pluto. It’s a great Full Moon to bring assertiveness and cooperation into balance in your life, and to release unhelpful tendencies to rushing, impulsive actions, impatience, and inability to be receptive to partnerships.

But, be aware that emotions might be particularly volatile leading up to this Full Moon and for a couple of days after – Mars is about to square Pluto on Oct. 21, which can lead to angry behaviours and even violence. If someone in your environment has anger management issues, keep your distance for a few days.

Venus: Love, Money and Personal Values

Ahhh yes…. Venus is well positioned in October. While financial decisions could benefit from some caution during Mercury Retrograde, love is another matter. Mercury Retrograde is happening in Libra, which is actually helpful for repairing and rekindling relationships, and for deeply reconnecting with your partner.

Don’t be surprised if an old ex decides to contact you during this time.

Mercury Retrograde in Libra is also a helpful time to re-write unhelpful scripts and stories running through your mind, especially around love. So yes, maybe you went through two bad relationships in a row…but, does it really make you a failure in the love department? Or, were these relationships an opportunity to refine what you really need in a romantic partner – so that your next love fills your heart with sublime bliss?

Venus moves into Sagittarius on Oct. 7. Until Nov. 5, we will feel more lighthearted about love. “Look for love in unexpected places. Get out of your comfort zone a bit.  Engage your sense of adventure.  And if you’re in a relationship, do something fun, adventurous and lighthearted together”, says Venus in Sagittarius.  

Important dates (all dates for Pacific Time):

Oct. 2: Venus sextile Pluto.  Romantic connections initiated on Oct. 1 and 2 can have a passionate, soulmate flavour.

Oct. 6: New Moon in Libra! Set intentions to attract a love relationship or create more love and harmony in your current relationship.

Oct. 7: Venus moves into Sagittarius.

Oct. 13: Venus sextile Saturn.  Romantic connections initiated on Oct. 12/13 can grow into a stable, long-term relationship.

Oct. 16: Venus conjunct Chiron; Mercury sextile Venus. Deep healing of romantic disappointments or of negative body image are possible. A great day for journaling or freely expressing your feelings. Venus conjunct Chiron is your reminder that you’re worthy. And that you’re beautiful.

Oct. 26: Venus square Neptune. It’s difficult to see love or money clearly today. Not a good day for a first date. 

Oct. 28: Venus sextile Jupiter. An excellent day for love or finances.

Mercury: Communication, Legal Contracts, Vehicles, Electronics and E-Commerce

Welllll….. Mercury is retrograde until Oct. 18. It’s not an ideal time for legal contracts, purchasing vehicles or electronics, or starting an e-commerce business. If you must, Oct. 9 is the best date. But, we can’t just put our life on hold either! So…slow down and:

• Review important e-mail, including the distribution list, before you click “Send”. Sending sensitive info to a wrong recipient is always unpleasant ☹
• If you must sign any important documents, read the fine print.
• If buying electronic devices or gadgets, save your warranty. Better yet, comparison-shop for big ticket items (electronics or vehicles) during Mercury Retrograde, and purchase after Mercury goes direct.

In my experience, Mercury Retrograde mishaps tend to happen a few days before and after it goes direct, so be particularly cautious Oct. 16 – 20.

Important dates for Mercury-related pursuits (all dates for Pacific Time):

Oct. 1: Mercury square Pluto.  Power struggles are possible. People might be pushing their own agenda. Sept. 30-Oct. 1 are particularly bad days to start an e-commerce business, purchase vehicles or electronics, or sign an important contract.  Wait until October 3 or October 9.

Oct. 3: Mercury trine Jupiter. Success through writing, teaching, communication and presentations. Too bad it's a Sunday.... If you must start a Mercury-related endeavor during Mercury Retrograde, this is relatively decent day. Just proofread your documents and check the fine print.

Oct. 9: Sun and Mars conjoin Mercury. This is the only day during Mercury Retrograde when it’s actually good to START something related to communication, contracts, vehicles, electronics, or e-commerce.

Oct. 16: Mercury sextile Venus: A great day for communication with your loved ones. Express your love. Shower them with love.

Oct. 16-20: Mercury repositions in the skies, turning direct on Oct. 18.  Watch for possible miscommunication, technology glitches, and transportation problems. Back up important documents. Most importantly, slow down. Often, it’s our own rushing that sets us up for Mercury Retrograde issues.

Oct. 31: Mercury trine Jupiter again!: Another great day for writing, teaching, communication and presentations. And again, it falls on a Sunday...

Career:

Read my take on Libra Season for the career-minded (and dates to pay attention to) here.

Lucky Dates:

October 15: Sun trine Jupiter. Charge a citrine for luck. Auspicious for most pursuits.

Oct. 18: Mars trine Jupiter. Energy and drive are increased. Great for career, business, and taking decisive action, especially in love matters.

Oct. 28: Venus sextile Jupiter. Auspicious for love and money.

Health and Healing:

October 2-3: Sun opposite Chiron. If something just seems to be denied to you in life, that’s where Chiron (the wounded healer) might be positioned in your chart.  You’re meant to overcome and heal through this feeling of longing that never seems quite satisfied – and maybe even to heal others. A good day to journal about your deepest wound in life. Eventually we all have to face it anyway….

Oct. 3-4: waxing Moon in Virgo. A great couple of days to introduce healthy changes to your lifestyle.

Oct. 8: Sun conjunct Mars. Yes! Charge a carnelian, with a strong intention for increased vitality. Or a piece of ginger, which you’re then going to add to your meals this week, with the same strong intention. It’s also a good day to appreciate and embrace the warrior within.

Oct. 9: Mercury Retrograde conjunct Mars. Stop fighting, arguing, defending or explaining.

Oct. 16: Venus conjunct Chiron; Mercury sextile Venus. Deep healing of romantic disappointments or of negative body image are possible. A great day for journaling or freely expressing your feelings. Venus conjunct Chiron is your reminder that you’re worthy. And that you’re beautiful.

Oct. 16-17: waxing Moon in Pisces. Fantastic for spiritual or creative pursuits. Meditate. Do some yoga. Work with energy.

Oct. 17: Sun square Pluto. It’s a challenging energy, but also one that can bring an emotional breakthrough.

Cautions:

Every month has some challenging dates. In October, Mercury, Mars and Sun in Libra all take turns squaring Pluto in Capricorn, which can lead to angry behaviours and power games on some days of the month.

Mid-month, Mercury repositions to go direct.

And, when the Sun moves into Scorpio as of Oct. 23, it will be butting heads with Saturn, Jupiter and Uranus in late October and early November. We could go through a swing between low spirits to overconfidence to feeling a great desire for freedom from all restrictions.

Oct. 1: Mercury squares Pluto. People around us might be pushing their agenda (or we could, too!) If not looking for drama, stay out of power games.

Oct. 16-20: Mercury repositions in the skies, turning direct on Oct. 18.  Watch for possible miscommunication, technology glitches, and transportation problems. Back up important documents. Most importantly, slow down. Often, it’s our own rushing that sets us up for Mercury Retrograde issues.

Oct. 20-21: The Full Moon is combative Aries is challenged by Pluto, which is already a pretty tense energy. In addition, Mars squares Pluto on Oct. 21: this is a very volatile energy that can lead to explosive anger. Stay away from dark places and volatile people.

Oct. 26: Venus square Neptune.  It’s difficult to see love or finances clearly today.

Oct. 30: Sun square Saturn. Low confidence levels OR an increased desire to prove yourself. Clashes with authority are possible. Don’t challenge your boss.

If you like this monthly forecast, you can receive them in your inbox by subscribing to my free newsletter here (and receive 15% off a reading with me). 

Daily Planner - for those who prefer a chronological format:

(all dates for Pacific Time)

Oct. 1: Mercury square Pluto.  Power struggles are possible. People might be pushing their own agenda. Sept. 30-Oct. 1 are particularly bad days to start an e-commerce business, purchase vehicles or electronics, or sign an important contract.  Wait until October 3 or October 9.

Oct. 2: Venus sextile Pluto.  Romantic connections initiated on Oct. 1 and 2 can have a passionate, soulmate flavour.

October 2-3: Sun opposite Chiron. If something just seems to be denied to you in life, that’s where Chiron (the wounded healer) might be positioned in your chart.  You’re meant to overcome and heal through this feeling of longing that never seems quite satisfied – and maybe even to heal others. A good day to journal about your deepest wound in life. Eventually we all have to face it anyway….

Oct. 3: Mercury trine Jupiter. Success through writing, teaching, communication and presentations. Too bad it's a Sunday.... If you must start a Mercury-related endeavor during Mercury Retrograde, this is relatively decent day. Just proofread your documents and check the fine print.

Oct. 3-4: waxing Moon in Virgo. A great couple of days to introduce healthy changes to your lifestyle.

Oct. 6: New Moon in Libra! Set intentions to attract a love relationship or create more love and harmony in your current relationship. It’s also a great New Moon to set intentions for increased collaboration and harmony at work, and for building professional relationships.

Oct. 7: Venus moves into Sagittarius.

Oct. 8: Sun conjunct Mars. Yes! Charge a carnelian, with a strong intention for increased vitality. Or a piece of ginger, which you’re then going to add to your meals this week, with the same strong intention. It’s also a good day to appreciate and embrace the warrior within.

Oct. 9: Sun and Mars conjoin Mercury. This is the only day during Mercury Retrograde when it’s actually good to START something related to communication, contracts, vehicles, electronics, or e-commerce.

Oct. 13: Venus sextile Saturn.  Romantic connections initiated on Oct. 12/13 can grow into a stable, long-term relationship. At work, approach someone whose professional experience you admire for a mentoring opportunity.

October 15: Sun trine Jupiter. Charge a citrine for luck. Auspicious for most pursuits.

OPPORTUNITY PERIOD! Oct. 15 12:58 a.m. to 5:33 a.m. PDT (OK so this will be wasted for those of us on Pacific Time....)  It's an excellent time to reach out to important people, but with Mercury retrograde be sure to double-check everything.

Oct. 16: Venus conjunct Chiron; Mercury sextile Venus. Deep healing of romantic disappointments or of negative body image are possible. A great day for journaling or freely expressing your feelings. Venus conjunct Chiron is your reminder that you’re worthy. And that you’re beautiful.

Oct. 16-17: waxing Moon in Pisces. Fantastic for spiritual or creative pursuits. Meditate. Do some yoga. Work with energy.

Oct. 16-20: Mercury repositions in the skies, turning direct on Oct. 18.  Watch for possible miscommunication, technology glitches, and transportation problems. Back up important documents. Most importantly, slow down. Often, it’s our own rushing that sets us up for Mercury Retrograde issues.

Oct. 17: Sun square Pluto. It’s a challenging energy, but also one that can bring an emotional breakthrough. Power struggles are possible. At work, don’t challenge those who can hurt you professionally.

Oct. 18: Mars trine Jupiter. Energy and drive are increased. Great for career, business, and taking decisive action, especially in love matters.

Oct. 16-20: Mercury repositions in the skies, turning direct on Oct. 18.  Watch for possible miscommunication, technology glitches, and transportation problems. Back up important documents. Most importantly, slow down. Often, it’s our own rushing that sets us up for Mercury Retrograde issues.

Oct. 20-21: The Full Moon is combative Aries is challenged by Pluto, which is already a pretty tense energy. In addition, Mars squares Pluto on Oct. 21: this is a very volatile energy that can lead to explosive anger. Stay away from dark places and volatile people.

OPPORTUNITY PERIOD! Oct. 24 8:14 p.m. to 10:33 p.m. PDT: Very good for working on your blog, presentation, communicating your business via social media, and networking online.  

Oct. 26: Venus square Neptune. It’s difficult to see love or money clearly today. Not a good day for a first date. 

Oct. 28: Venus sextile Jupiter. An excellent day for love or finances.

Oct. 30: Sun square Saturn. Low confidence levels OR an increased desire to prove yourself. Clashes with authority are possible. Don’t challenge your boss.

Oct. 31: Mercury trine Jupiter again!: Another great day for writing, teaching, communication and presentations. And again, it falls on a Sunday...