From Libra to Scorpio

The energetic shift from Libra's airy ideals of fairness and equality, to the dark and intensely emotional terrain traversed by Scorpio the Scorpion, is indeed a dramatic one. And this stark transition begins Oct. 8 (PDT) when Venus, having recently emerged from the rays of the setting Sun to shine as the evening star, enters the muddy waters of Scorpio- followed by Mercury on Oct. 13, and then the Sun Oct. 23.

Graceful Venus is out of her element in Scorpio, which in turn will determine the nature of Saturn's hard work in Libra (Venus ruled), where the planet of checks and balances has brought a reckoning to relationships with flaws or weaknesses we can no longer ignore. But whereas Libra is more than happy to make nice, even when things are out of sorts, Scorpio demands authenticity or nothing- so prepare accordingly.

The Oct. 11 Aries Full Moon highlights Saturn in Libra and the sense of gravity and responsibility we share with others, whereas Aries is driven to get on with it asap. "Native tribes called this the Full Hunters' Moon: With the leaves falling and the deer fattened, it's now time to hunt. Since the fields have been reaped, hunters can ride over the stubble, and can more easily see the fox, as well as other animals, which can be caught for a Thanksgiving banquet after the harvest. Since the moon arrives at apogee about 10 hours later, this will also be the smallest full moon of 2011. In terms of apparent size, it will appear 12.3 percent smaller than the full moon of Mar. 19." (SPACE.com)

On Oct. 13, Mercury's move into Scorpio adds depth and focus to minds aimed at getting to the heart of the matter, and uncovering hidden agendas. But taken to an extreme, suspicion runs rampant and harsh words may cause harm.

Radical Uranus the awakener moves back over the equator(0 south declination), and conjoins the Midheaven in Kabul, Afghanistan simultaneously at 5:48 pm (GMT) Oct. 16. When Uranus ('uranium') crossed the equator at 0 north on Apr. 9, 2011, it was also rising in Tokyo and Fukushima, Japan. (Uranus entered fiery Aries Mar. 12, JST.) The erratic and often shocking Uranian energy could shake up planet earth this October- although Afghanistan appears to be one focal point. Moreover, the financial markets have historically suffered disruptions in the month of October.

Sol's annual passage through the sign of the Scorpion corresponds with the ascension of the dark over the light forces, and the holiday's of Samhain, Halloween, and Dia de los Muertos(Day of the Dead) at the end of harvest time. Death, rebirth, and renewal, are core themes of Scorpio. The mutual reception between the Sun and Mars (until Nov. 10) inclines the creative spirit and the will to act effectively in unison, with potentially great results.

The Oct. 26 New Moon at the 3rd degree of Scorpio dynamically ushers in the energy of this sign.

Jupiter trine Pluto on the 28th has an influence for some days before and after it's exact aspect. The earth sign emphasis suggests a short respite from financial fear, wherein a glimmer of hopefulness can sooth the collective sense of crisis, at least for awhile.

"October is a symphony of permanence and change." ~Bonaro W. Overstreet