Astrology Transits October 2020 – Paradox & Polarity

October 2020 is an astrologically challenging month, but it can be navigated quite well once you understand the concept of polarity versus balance.  The Sun in Libra brings to mind the polarity of the Libra/Aries axis, which correlates to the Ascendent/Descendent in the natural chart.  The above image of fire and ice graphically illustrates this point.  The danger of course is that the fire melts the ice and/or the ice puts out the fire.  We are being challenged in October to keep our balance amid diametrically opposing viewpoints.  The current US political climate is a stark reminder that the polarity concept is very much in play.  October 2020 is certainly not the easiest month to navigate. Our best bet is to stay centered and balanced amid chaos.

September 27: Mercury enters Scorpio. When the planet of communication and ideas (Mercury) meets the deep, probing sign of Scorpio watch for previously hidden facts to be revealed.  The “dirt” is unearthed and revealed for all to see.  Not comfortable, but it can be very productive.  The New York Times article on Trump’s tax return was revealed on the day that Mercury made ingress into Scorpio.

September 28:  Venus Trine Mars Inconjunct Saturn at 25 degrees Leo/Aries/Capricorn.  Venus trine Mars is exceptionally beneficial for promoting your business (or promoting yourself).  It can also bring romance, and a happy vibe, especially if a transiting planet falls in your 5th house of love. The inconjunct (150 degree) aspect to Saturn reminds us that we may need to make adjustments (inconjunct) before we act (Mars).

October 1:  Full Moon at 9 Degrees Aries/Libra.  The Aries/Libra polarity is in full force at the Aries Full Moon.  You will feel its effect in the area of close relationships, both business and personal.  You are challenged to assess your role versus someone else’s role.  Are your duties and responsibilities equal and/or fair or do they need to be re-negotiated?  An Aries Full Moon is excellent for moving forward with a project that has been stalled.

October 1-17:  Jupiter Sextile Neptune at 18-19 degrees  Capricorn/Pisces. This sextile combines the optimism of Jupiter with the idealism of Neptune.  You may want to withdraw from the chaos around you and to replenish your soul through art, music, dance, or other creative pursuits. On a practical level, use this time to dream large dreams.

October 1:  Full Moon at 9 Degrees Libra/Aries. October begins with the Full Moon in Libra.  The Moons natural opposition to the Sun in Libra highlights the theme of opposition versus the need for balance.  Aries is action, while Libra is cooperation and diplomacy.  A Libra full Moon emphasizes relationship matters. You will need every ounce of your relationship/diplomacy skills during the challenging month ahead.  Consider the popular quote, “Let me be the peace I want to see in the world.”

October 2: Venus enters Virgo. Venus in Virgo heightens our desire and ability to be of service.  Venus transiting Virgo will be favorable for you if you have a Virgo Sun, Moon or Ascendant; let yourself shine during this auspicious transit.

October 5-12:  Retrograde Mars Square Pluto at 24-21 degrees  Aries/Capricorn.  Mars square Pluto is an especially challenging aspect.  Each of us will feel the collective stress, tension, challenges and power plays (Pluto).  Mars fans the flames of this tension, urging us to just DO SOMETHING.  Many of us will react with anger (Mars) and others will try to control things (Pluto).  Here is where the polarity with Libra can serve us well.  Let us all vow to use some Libra diplomacy and partnership skills to navigate this fraught time.

October 6-9:  Mercury Opposing Uranus at 8-10 Degrees Scorpio/Taurus. When the planet of communication and connection (Mercury) opposes the planet of freedom and sudden upsets (Uranus), we can expect startling words from ourselves and others. Both Mercury and Uranus are in fixed signs so communication may consist of each person presenting only their “side” without listening to any opposing views.

October 10-12: Venus trine Uranus at 8-10 degrees of Virgo/Taurus; Mercury sextile Venus at 10-12 degrees of Scorpio/Virgo. You may meet unusual, but very interesting people under Venus trine Uranus.  Mercury sextile Venus is lovely for expanding your social circle.  Uranus rules the internet, so those social interactions may need to be via Zoom or other social media.

October 13-18: Sun Opposition Mars Square Pluto and Saturn at 20‑25 degrees Libra/Capricorn.  This is another time when conflict, tension and challenge are in the very air around us.  We will see it in the political climate, but it will also affect us on a personal level. If you have strong placements of planets (or the Sun, Moon and ascendant) in any of the Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn), you need to be especially aware of this volatile energy.  This is not the time to confront someone on the road, the grocery store, or anywhere else.  A small disagreement can turn into a scary situation in a second.  See October 5-12 above for similar interpretations.

October 14:  Mercury Turns Retrograde at 11 Degrees Scorpio.  Watch for Mercury retrograde in Scorpio to expose lots of juicy, gossip-worthy information.  In your personal life use this energy to probe your subconscious shadow self.  What are you hiding from yourself?  How are you under-estimating yourself?

Mercury turns direct on November 3 around 1:00 pm Eastern Time at 26 degrees Libra, right as US voters are going to the polls.  When Mercury stationed direct on election day 20 years ago, we experienced the “hanging chads” that created election confusion and conflict.  Stationary Mercury in Libra promises to reveal an extreme “us versus them” polarity.

October 16: New Moon at 24 Degrees Libra.  The New Moon in Libra continues the polarity theme. It offers hope for a new start, particularly in relationship matters.  However, this Libra New Moon is square Pluto and Saturn and is in opposition to Mars. Tread lightly with this one as your best attempts at reconciliation could go awry.

October 16-21:  Retrograde Mars Square Jupiter at 20-18 Degrees  Aries/Capricorn.  This is another aspect that can lead to angry confrontations and conflicts (Mars), especially around beliefs and dogma (Jupiter). Mars in retrograde motion challenges you to take another look at what “pushes your buttons.”  Ask yourself, “Is it possible that my beliefs may be, at least partially, wrong.  Positively, this aspect can energize you.  It is also beneficial for furthering projects, so long as you don’t over extend yourself.

October 18-20:  Retrograde Mercury Opposing Uranus at 10-8 degrees Scorpio/Taurus.  You are prone to impatience and the desire for freedom from constraints under this aspect.  Your speech may be blunt and not well thought out.  However, this would be an excellent time to restudy any podcasts or seminars regarding astrology and metaphysics.  Your mind wants stimulation and new ideas.  Astrology can certainly offer you that.

October 22:  Sun Enters Scorpio.  While the Sun is in Scorpio until November 22, avoid dramas and secrets.  Instead, reflect on deeper life issues.  This is excellent energy to push toward following your passion.  If not now, when???

October 18-22:  Venus Trine Jupiter at 18-19 Degrees  Virgo/Capricorn; Venus Trine Pluto at 21-22 Degrees Virgo/Capricorn. When the planet of blessings received (Venus) is in an easy aspect with the planet of abundance (Jupiter) you may experience an unexpected financial perk.  Venus trine Pluto urges you to actively grab opportunities. Trines require you to do the necessary work to enhance your chances of reward.

October 31:  Full Moon at 8 degrees Taurus/Scorpio. Wow! It is astounding that this Full Moon is conjunct Uranus on Halloween night.  Your emotions and thoughts may fluctuate wildly during this erratic Taurus full Moon and your urge for freedom and individuality are activated.  It’s not the best time to be social, but rather to pay attention to flashes of insight and intuition.  If you do go out, be careful.  Weirdness takes on a whole new level of strangeness during this Full Blue Moon.

November 3:  Astrology of Election Day. The chart below is for election day in the United States at noon in New York City. A few quick things that I noticed:  It is a seesaw chart pattern with the planets scattered throughout the chart.  This indicates scattered energy when nothing can be relied upon for sure.  Mercury is stationing direct square the Capricorn gang (Jupiter, Pluto and Saturn) and the Sun is opposite Uranus.  Mercury in the 9th house has to do with truth, but because it is just coming out of its retrograde, there is a strong element of the need for a do-over or clarification.  Sun opposite Uranus points to a wild card (Uranus) and that something unpredictable is in the works.  Venus inconjunct Uranus, also adds a strong sense of unpredictability.  VOTE!!!