October brings both the New Moon/Solar Eclipse and the Full Moon/Lunar Eclipse. The New Moon/Solar Eclipse in the sign of Libra occurs on October 14th at 1:55 pm EDT, and the Full Moon/Lunar Eclipse in the sign of Taurus occurs at the end of the month on October 28th at 11:14 pm EDT. A Solar Eclipse is like a New Moon on steroids and the Lunar Eclipse is a powerful Full Moon. The energies of both types of eclipses can last up to six months past the actual eclipse.
As best said by Bernadette Brady, astrologer and expert in the field of astrology and moon phases, “eclipses are like spotlights shining on the pathway of your life. These lights are not on all of the time but they switch on, catching you in mid-action. As this spotlight shines, it will illuminate an area of your life. Whatever has been pushed to one side or shoved under the carpet, will become obvious.” What it does is illuminate anything hidden that needs to be addressed or worked on. Eclipses bring major shifts, and when we acknowledge these shifts and allow ourselves to see the things that may be holding us back and slowly make the necessary changes in our lives, it brings back balance and permits us to move forward toward our life’s fulfillment or destiny.
In ancient times, eclipses were both feared and revered. There have been many interpretations and reactions to eclipses, with numerous myths and superstitions associated with these phases. There are accounts throughout history where humans connected the eclipses to major calamities such as earthquakes and disastrous flooding. Solar Eclipses in particular were viewed as indicators of death and destruction. Imagine not knowing about the cycles of the Moon and how eclipses occur. Imagine observing the Sun becoming a black disc. The Sun was and is a life-giving source, and not understanding what was happening must have instilled intense fear, with prophecies of death, doom, and the end of the world.
This Solar Eclipse occurs at the South Node of the Moon. It is the second eclipse in a set occurring along the Aries-Libra axis that began on April 20th, 2023, until March 29, 2025. The first one was a total solar eclipse in Aries. While the energy of that first eclipse was focused on our own selves, building our independence, and being assertive and initiating new experiences, this particular eclipse is focused on issues with relationships and bringing new perspectives on our interactions with others. This is a good time to brush up on your negotiating skills and learning the art of compromise. It may even involve situations where something occurring in your life is under someone else’s control. There will be less focus on your own issues and you could find yourself pulled into the drama of other people.
Overall, these next 6 months are a time to work on relationships and to recognize our partners as teammates. Learn to make peace with any negative feelings that have occurred toward those you are in any type of relationship with. Establish more harmony, balance and order
In your life and recognize the value of partnerships. This eclipse brings an open and creative energy into all of our relationships.
The Lunar Eclipse on October 28th occurs at the North Node of the Moon. This is the last eclipse on the Taurus/Scorpio axis. This eclipse series began in November of 2021 with a Lunar Eclipse also in Taurus. We are being encouraged to give that final push to make improvements in the areas of life ruled by Taurus and Scorpio in our personal charts.
Because the Sun and Moon are opposite each other during a Lunar Eclipse, it illuminates the conflict that needs to be addressed and released. Lunar eclipses shine a light on our emotions and subconscious patterns and interpersonal relationships. It provides the opportunity to reset or cleanse our emotional patterns, releasing and moving past old wounds. Clearing emotional space will make room for new wisdom and maturity to develop.
The focus is on the polarities of the signs involved, in this case, the polarity of Taurus and Scorpio. It is important to pay attention to the areas of life or the houses involved with this polarity as well.
This eclipse represents the polarity between personal possessions/resources and those you share with others. Taurus is about being grounded and calm while Scorpio is intense and highly spiritual. Taurus is very pragmatic and very much attached to the physical world, finding self-worth through money and possessions. The intensity and passion of Scorpio needs to find balance within the serene and peaceful personality of Taurus. Taurus can benefit by learning to use and trust the strong intuitive sense of Scorpio and learn to build deeper emotional connections and find a joy in sharing.
For example, if the Lunar Eclipse occurs in your 10th house, then the Moon is located in the 10th house and the Sun is in the 4th House. Basically, the opposition is occurring between your personal life and your professional life. You may have a great job opportunity presented to you that is on your life’s path, but it may create some conflict in your home life. The 4th house is the most private area in your life. This is where your deepest feelings and emotions reside, as well as your personal concerns. You may have to weigh the options and take a close look at how the extra responsibilities will affect your home and family and if it will be worth it.
OCTOBER'S IMPORTANT TRANSITS
October 2, 2023 – Mercury opposite Neptune. This opposition increases your imagination and creativity, but the goal is to balance this with logic and not allow it to distort your perception of reality. This opposition can actually create confusion and miscommunications so try to not make any major decisions or have any deep and meaningful conversations for the next couple of days. Take a break and concentrate on writing or journaling your thoughts or doing something imaginative or creative.
October 4, 2023 – Mercury enters Libra. Mercury will be in the sign of Libra until October 22nd. Take advantage of this time and lean into your more social, friendly and diplomatic side. This is a time to stop and breathe. Take the high road and find the in-between by seeing both sides of any situations that come up. Since Mercury represents communication and Libra represents relationships, this is a good time to connect with others in a positive way and make decisions that will be the best outcome for everyone involved and not just for one person.
October 8, 2023 – Venus enters Virgo. With Venus entering the logical and cautious sign of Virgo, both love and finances take a serious and practical turn for the next month. You’ll find meaning through sensible and discriminating ways of handling your finances and showing your love in thoughtful and meaningful gestures.
October 8, 2023 – Mars square Pluto. During this brief period, approximately a week, it may be a more stressful time when you encounter some power struggles or conflicts. Remember that whatever conflicts arise at this time is for the benefit of bringing about a transformation of the situation for the better.
October 10, 2023 – Pluto turns direct in Capricorn. As Pluto stations direct, hopefully during the retrograde period that began on May 1, 2023, you were able to look inside yourself and reflect on some of your deep inner beliefs about yourself, or deep rooted psychological or emotional wounds, and bring them into the light to experience healing, transformation, and closure on whatever was needed. The journey into the shadows is never easy, but a necessary part of self-empowerment. As Pluto is once again moving forward, continue on your path of transformation in whichever area of life that Pluto is residing in your chart.
October 14, 2023 – New Moon/Solar Eclipse. Find out the area in your life to best utilize the energies of this eclipse by discovering where the the New Moon is transiting in your chart. This is the best way to fully utilize this potent energy and discover where you want to manifest new beginnings and follow-up on opportunities that can move you forward in your life.
October 23, 2023 – Sun enters Scorpio. Welcome Scorpio Season. Everything about Scorpio is powerful, from intuition, to a passion for life, an incredible business sense and intensely sexual nature. During this season, which lasts until the November 24th, take advantage of this Scorpionic energy by being fearless. You can use this energy in several ways. Ask yourself what you most desire. Connect with others in a more intimate and meaningful way. You may want to merge with your lover in a deeper way, increasing your level of sensual intimacy and commitment. Or you may want to share your inner secrets with your closest friend and allow yourself to open up and be vulnerable without fear of being hurt. It is a great time to dive into deep conversations and have those discussion we most fear.
October 28, 2023 – Full Moon/Lunar Eclipse. What area of your life needs to be illuminated so that you can see and feel the truth of certain life or relationship situations? This is the time for true understanding and having the courage to release all that no longer serves you so that you can move forward with your intentions. The Lunar Eclipse provides you with clear vision to see everything as it truly is.
October 31, 2023 – Venus trine Uranus. This transit usually brings a need for freedom and space within your relationships. If you are single, you may find you attract a new relationship that gives you what you need in the way of love and excitement. It may not last long, as this usually indicates a sudden and exciting affair rather than a long term commitment. Whatever your situation, you will be your most unique and authentic self and open to exploring different ways of stepping out of your routines.