Astrological Insights for October 2023
Overview
As we transition into October, a significant planetary event unfolds on the very first day, with three planets transitioning into their respective next sidereal zodiac signs. Mars enters sidereal Libra, Mercury transitions into sidereal Virgo, and Venus moves into sidereal Leo. The simultaneous entry of these planets into the next successive sidereal zodiac signs marks an important astrological occurrence, the energy of which is likely to resonate in our personal lives. The impact of this planetary movement will vary depending on the natal ninefold (Navamansa) ascendant, the strength of the planets in the natal chart, and their activity in the transit (Gochar) chart. The energy of these planets will manifest in the events that unfold throughout October.
For instance, if Mars holds a favorable position in your natal chart, is currently active, and is transiting through the 10th house of your transit chart, October could be a highly successful month for you in your workplace or in your professional endeavors. Similarly, the energy of Venus and Mercury, based on their placements in the natal chart, their activity in the transit chart, and the favorability of the houses they transit through, can influence the outcomes in various aspects of life.
October promises to be an eventful, and perhaps memorable month for many. While some may find this period to be exceptionally rewarding, others might face significant challenges; yet, for most, it will be a blend of both challenging and rewarding experiences.
A notable astrological event in October is the annular solar eclipse, also known as the “ring of fire,” occurring on October 14. This eclipse will be visible across North, Central, and South America. On a global scale, these regions may encounter undesirable events during the 4-to-6-week period following the eclipse.
On a personal level, according to Vedic astrology, this eclipse may pose unfavorable circumstances for individuals with sidereal Libra rising or Libra as their moon sign.
Venus, having turned direct in September, has not yet attained her average speed. Hence, those affected by the energy of Venus through their transit charts may need to wait until October 20. In the past couple of months, it has been highlighted in this column that the entertainment industry personnel in Hollywood, such as actors, screenwriters, directors, producers, etc., may see their strike extended through October 20. However, a few days ago, an agreement was reached between the writers/actors and the industry giants, aiming to resolve the strike. It is anticipated that in the coming weeks, everyone will resume work, restoring shows and movie productions.
Regarding the slow-moving planets, most of them, including Pluto, Neptune, Uranus, Saturn, and Jupiter, are in retrograde. This phase signifies a period of churning, turmoil, reflection, and change in not only our personal lives but also in collective societal dynamics. The collective sphere encompasses world affairs, politics—with a high probability of a government shutdown in the United States—media industries, religions, military tensions, and mass communications. For Republican politicians and the Republican Party, October may present a very trying and difficult period.
Annular Solar Eclipse (October 14)
The annular solar eclipse on October 14 is set to occur approximately between the hours of 15:00 to 21:00 GMT. This celestial event will be visible across the continents of North, Central, and South America. In the United States, the annular phase will commence in Oregon at 9:13 am PDT and conclude in Texas at 12:03 pm CDT. The partial eclipse is expected to begin around 11 am EDT and end at about 5 pm EDT. The annular phase of the eclipse, characterized by the “ring of fire” appearance, will last for about 214 minutes.
This eclipse holds significance as the Sun and Moon will be positioned within 5 degrees of Ketu, the Southern or descending node, in the sidereal zodiac sign of Libra. According to Vedic astrology, this alignment makes the eclipse potentially unfavorable for individuals with sidereal Libra rising or Libra as their moon sign.
Individuals with lunar nodes in conjunction with either the Sun or Moon in their natal charts should exercise caution. It’s advisable to take extra precautions and avoid engaging in outdoor activities or venturing outside the home during the eclipse.
On a broader scale, the regions of North, Central, and South America may encounter undesirable occurrences during the 4-to-6-week period following the eclipse. This period may bring forth unexpected challenges or events, underscoring the importance of preparedness and caution during this time.
Retrograde Venus—A Period of Relationship Reflection?
On July 23, Venus commenced its retrograde motion in sidereal Leo, retracing its path back to Cancer on August 7. It resumed direct motion on September 4, yet its speed will not return to average until October 20. This period also hints at a possible extension of the ongoing strike in the entertainment industry (Hollywood), involving actors, screenwriters, directors, producers, and others, until October 20.
Typically, Venus retrograde periods are associated with heightened divorce rates, intensified disagreements between partners, and a central focus on delays, frustrations, and misunderstandings in domestic affairs. The retrograde Venus in Cancer suggests that social reformers, healthcare providers, caregivers, charitable organizations, mothers, and expectant women may face challenges.
If Venus holds a dominant position in your birth chart and is active in your transit chart, you are likely to feel the effects of retrograde Venus from August 8 to September 4, with a full recovery possibly extending beyond October 20.
A Painful Yet Transformative Period
Capricorn Pluto continued to form squares with the Aries Rahu (and the Libra Ketu) up until September 2. However, the energy from these squares remains potent until mid-October, when the square aspect widens beyond three degrees. This period may amplify material destruction and challenging life experiences due to the square aspect between the explosive Capricorn Pluto and the karmic north lunar node Rahu.
Collectively, the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict may persist, with both sides likely enduring severe human and material losses. The retrograde transit of Neptune in Pisces hints at significant internal political struggles within Russia, potentially weakening Putin’s autocratic grip.
In the United States, politicians, journalists, and media industry personnel may face a turbulent period, with the Republican Party and its members possibly facing particularly trying challenges.
The Pluto-Rahu square heralds a period of significant change, especially in religious spheres. Despite the pain, this period offers a tremendous opportunity for personal and collective transformation.
On an individual level, those with Pluto and lunar nodes forming oppositions, squares, quincunxes, or conjunctions in unfavorable houses in their natal charts possibly experienced intense material, psychological, or emotional challenges during July and August. However, enduring this period with resilience may lead to a deeper understanding and stability in one’s life, marking a blessing in disguise.
Political Scandals and Financial Market Upheavals?
On June 18, Saturn began its retrograde motion in sidereal Aquarius, which will continue until November 4. This period encourages a slowdown, prompting reflection on life’s ongoing events. Saturn’s energy in Aquarius, an air sign symbolizing intelligence and perseverance, may significantly influence scientific research, particularly in information technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI), fostering collective unity and a deeper understanding of our world as part of our spiritual growth journey.
Philanthropists, social reformers, philosophers, scientists, spiritual leaders, and peacemakers may play pivotal roles in shaping our world with clearer purpose and vision during this period. On the downside, some prominent social media, news media, and internet-related companies may face challenges, giving way to new entities as part of the Saturn/Pluto transformation process.
Individuals experiencing their Saturn return in Aquarius may already be feeling the transformative energy of retrograde Saturn, leading to new life settings primarily at mental and psychological levels. Despite potential frustrations due to unexpected changes, this period may prove exciting, especially for those with dominant Saturn in their birth charts and Aries, Taurus, Virgo, or Sagittarius as their natal ninefold (Navamansha) ascendant.
A Period of Spiritual Awakening Amidst Social Disregard
Neptune, having returned to Pisces on February 15, 2023, will continue its transit through Pisces for the next 13 years (until mid-2036). Neptune, a planet associated with spirituality and heart-centered experiences, aligns well with the characteristics of Pisces, a water and mutable sign ruled by Jupiter. This alignment heralds a subtle yet profound shift in our collective moral and spiritual perceptions, likely leading to a transformative era marked by spiritual inspiration.
This period may see significant transformations in fields associated with Pisces, such as poetry, music, spirituality, caregiving, and acting, reflecting a broader shift in moral and ethical norms, psychic abilities, and mystical experiences. Scientific and technological advancements may also explore new realms, bridging the gap between science and morality, with research likely focusing on spiritual healing, alternative energy sources, and holistic practices.
However, the downside may include a rise in cult-like activities, religious scandals, deceptive practices under the guise of spiritual enlightenment, and an increase in mind-altering substance use. Authoritarian regimes like Russia and China may face challenges as collective spiritual transformation unfolds.
On an individual level, those with water signs (Cancer, Scorpio, or Pisces) as their ascendant in their natal ninefold (Navamansh) chart should prepare for a new, long-lasting cycle of change, especially pronounced for those with a dominant Neptune in their birth charts. This period may bring about subtle changes related to spirituality, psychic abilities, and transformed perceptions and beliefs, ushering in a new way of living.
Global Insights…
The important challenging possibilities for October include:
Sept 2 – Nov 1: A sudden change in relationship between USA and Russia for worse. Advances in science and technology through innovations, inventions, and discoveries may become stagnant.
Sept 10 – Oct 5: Acceleration of secret activities all around the world including political covert activities. Social confusion and chaos in countries like Russia and China is a real possibility.
Sept 30 – Oct 2: Natural and man-made calamities, especially in the United States of America.
Oct 4-6: Natural and man-made calamities causing destruction and loss of lives, and perhaps a challenging situation for an international level political leader.
Oct 5-6: A rise in covert activities among leading nations. Possibilities of natural as well as man-made calamities are also very likely during this period.
Oct 8-10: Violence in the Middle-East region and natural and man-made calamities.
Oct 20-26: Challenging environment for world religious leaders. Those who are willing to be open-minded and ready to listen and act on new and fresh ideas, are the ones that going to be responsible to transform our religious world to a new level. Others are going to fade away with time.
The important auspicious possibilities for October include:
Sept 14 – Oct 4: Scientific breakthroughs (discoveries and/or inventions) in fields of medicine, artificial intelligence, and high technology.
Sept 29 – Oct 13: A good period for European economy. This period is also good for progress in technical fields (new innovations and discoveries) and religious reconciliation.
Oct 17-27: A good for progress in technical fields (new innovations and discoveries) and religious reconciliation. Also, a good period for world economy.
The countries that are more likely to be affected during this month are: Ukraine, Russia, China, the Middle East Region, the United States and Europe.
Planetary Energies for Individuals
Pluto-Ketu ninefold trine (and Pluto-Rahu sextile) (Oct 17-27)
If through your Gochar (transit) chart the energy of either Pluto or lunar node is active and if Pluto is favorably positioned with respect to lunar nodes in your natal chart, then expect a very favorable time. Such positive events will be related to the affairs signified by the houses these planets occupy or aspect. For example, if the seventh house is involved, expect a new and positive development in relationship area, or business partnership, or success in capturing the audience if you deal with masses. If the eleventh house is involved, it may financially prove to be a very rewarding period.
Uranus-Jupiter ninefold square (Oct 20-26)
While Jupiter deals with outward and material things Uranus’s impulse is very sudden and with severe intensity. If you have such square in your birth chart and if you have any one of these two planets is active in your Gochar (transit) chart, then you are certainly going to have an experience of an extreme transformation (irreversible change) in your beliefs and moral values that you have been attached to. This period is challenging. If you overcome the challenge, then it’s time for marching ahead with a quantum leap in the process of self-discovery (or evolution).
Jagdish Maheshri
Professional Vedic Astrologer
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