Frank Martin Don LLC - Professional Intuitive & Astrological Consultant

This October can have us seeking solutions to problems that have long been lying below the surface, niggling at us for attention but issues that we preferred to avoid or deny. While resolution may be something we all seek, we could experience ourselves going through the whipsaws of emotions and actions. Old ways may no longer work. New techniques might seem at best skeptical. We might feel confused wondering which way to go especially as we see impediments in all directions.

October is a month when we seek a balance like the scales representative of Libra that influences the beginning of the month. During this month, we may find the scales swinging wildly between extremes until, or if, we find a balance point. Nature at this time of year shows the balance between warm, temperate days and cool, crisp nights. We have to seek the same for ourselves --- a balance between our duality, a balance between the market psychology of greed and fear, a balance between the security of the known and the discomfort of unfamiliar variables.

We are at a crossroads in our life and in our manner of living. Old programs no longer work. New scenarios have not become clear.

During this extreme volatility, it is essential that we not fall prey to knee-jerk reactions nor take on a tunnel vision of seeing only what lies straight ahead of us. It is important, even essential, to draw upon our faith, even if we can only muster a blind faith. Having trust in the universe, working with peripheral vision and being receptive to asequential reality whereby things can virtually come out of the blue are important ingredients for us to successfully navigate the squalls and shoals of these times.

October starts off with one planet in a Fire Sign, two planets in Earth Signs, five planets in Air Signs and two planets in Water Signs. There are five planets in Cardinal Signs, two planets in Fixed Signs and three planets in Mutable Signs. Six planets are in Positive Signs, four planets are in Negative Signs.

The month begins with a great deal of Air, even a Stellium of three or more planets in the Cardinal Air Sign with the Sun, Moon, Mercury and Mars in Libra. People may be talking the talk but the lack of Fire would also indicate an inability to take a leadership position. Seeking accommodation and acceptance may be far more important than taking the lead. Certainly with an emphasis upon the Cardinal Signs with five planets and the Mutable Signs with three planets creating a T-Square by Sign; we can see a great deal of initiation only to bob and weave, changing our minds, seeking answers and looking at the past for solutions all the while wanting to make changes for our future. Talk about a two-step! We are likely to be taking one step forward, then two steps back, then two steps forward and one step back.

Not only do we have this indecisive dance going on, but we also are in the midst of Mercury retrograde until the 15th with its ‘shadow’ continuing through the end of the month. The potential for missteps, miscommunications, misunderstandings and gaffes cannot be underestimated. Whatever we have to say or do, it would be wise for us to check and recheck before, during and after in order to be certain that we have been clear and that our statements or our decisions are not open to misinterpretation.

Let’s keep in mind that we are under the influence of the Saturn Uranus opposition exact on the 4th of November that happens to be Election Day in the US, and an energy configuration with which we have to deal into mid-2010.

Old and new are likely to be in conflict and can only contribute to the whipsaws of these times. On the one hand, we are asked to look back at the old paradigm of sequential reality to see the steps that brought us to where we are. On the other hand, we have the opportunity of letting go, realizing that there are always alternatives and options, even those of which we are not aware. We are on the threshold of a major paradigm shift but like any threshold the crossing can be difficult and what we are crossing into can be foreign to our experience. Again, we need to draw upon trust, faith and a reconnection to the natural law whereby we see the process of growth and development through the involution, evolution and devolution phases. Know-it-alls have little place as scouts for threshold-crossings. On the contrary, we need to have our antennae up, our ears and eyes wide open to glean the clues along the scavenger hunt of the new day we are moving into.

In so doing, it would be wise neither to totally reject the past nor to subscribe to its patterns. It would be wise not to blindly accept the possibilities of new techniques and new patterns without testing their efficacy and viability for the future. In a sense this time frame and one that continues on into the mid part of 2010 asks us, may even demand, to create a suspension bridge, utilizing the best of the past as a means to cross the threshold chasm into our future.

The most effective way of working with the Saturn Uranus opposition is the intention of making fundamental changes, considering alternatives even if those alternatives seem unrealistic, even impossible and then focusing on the details and the specifics to create a best practices approach to bring the conceptual intention into practical manifestation. It may take times of testing, reworking and even blind faith, but if we accept our role as co-creators, accept a learning curve of the ways of the new paradigm, and adopt a sense of humility, then we can truly make it through the night into the dawn of a new day.

We start the month of October with Mars sextile Pluto. We can feel a sense of drive and determination to take a broader view, a wider perspective and consider the input of others by which we can emphasize quality in living. Our interests are likely to broaden and include people and situations foreign to us. By taking a wider perspective we can be less ensnared in the minutiae of the day-in, day-out, take a philosophical approach and see the larger picture.

On the 4th, Mars exits Libra where it is uncomfortable and enters its own Sign of Scorpio, which it co-rules with Pluto. We may feel a greater intensity, less impacted by the whims of others and more self-sufficient and self-reliant. With Mars and Venus both in Scorpio, our relationships can be passionate but the passions being the extremes of love or hate. This is a time when cutting to the core and stripping away the superfluous can give a sharp, caustic edge to our interactions with other people.

The 5th through the 7th can have the accordion of expansion and contraction operating, the whipsaws of these times. We may feel optimistic, confident and exuberant but with an enthusiasm that might not be realistic. Venus sextiles Jupiter on the 5th. On the 6th, Mercury conjuncts the Sun and they both square Jupiter. The 7th has Venus sextile Saturn. If we maintain a rein on our expenses and our commitments, then we are less likely to go overboard. But the tendency of the metronome going between extravagance and calculated expenditure can have us going back and forth. As the saying goes, let’s not count our chickens before they hatch. These times speak to an element of conservatism regarding our resources. Although we might be use to easy money, easy credit, and getting things when we want them with the assumption that we can pay down over time; let’s keep in mind the concept that if we dance to the music, we pay to the piper. And the piper may now be looking for immediate payment and no longer interested in keeping a tab.

The 10th – 11th offers some interesting, although possibly confusing, connections. Venus trines Uranus on the 10th, followed by Venus square Neptune on the 11th. Exciting contacts, serendipitous meetings can seem destiny driven but the question remains of whether such connections are brief encounters or far more meaningful or entanglements with a trickster, someone appearing one way, the reality being totally different. During these times of frenzied flux, it is essential that we keep our wits about us. It is important that we are not seduced by the Wizard of Oz screen but rather pull back the curtain and see whether the Wizard has substance or is merely some guy punching buttons. Appearance, reality, image, substance will be the challenge for our discernment.

The 14th has the Aries Full Moon and the inclination to prospects, possibilities, hoped-for realities, and magic wands to make everything all right. We could easily glide into a Netherland, a virtual reality that negates mundane reality and concentrates instead on the illusions of wish fulfillment. To some degree, we may feel the New Age mantram of easily attained ‘secrets’ whereby everything unfolds according to our plan, our projection, our perceived control. Such an attitude is a bizarre twist to the old paradigm. The old paradigm speaks to a concept of humankind being in control over the environment. And this magic wand of New Age belief continues the concept of humankind being in control over their reality, their destiny. Still control, still the egocentric, still out of touch with true reality. Not a new paradigm but rather the old paradigm in the haute couture of the twenty-first century.

Mercury ends its retrograde cycle and turns direct on the 15th. Whenever Mercury is stationary, either in process of turning retrograde or turning direct, the impacts of a dysfunctional Mercury can be turned up. Consequently, communications can be off, travel can be disrupted, and computers can go through their crashes. It is a time to slow things down in order to make sure that all particulars are considered and that no significant details are left out.

On the 18th, Venus exits Scorpio, a Sign in which it is uncomfortable and enters Sagittarius. If our relationships have suffered over the past three to four weeks due to our holding the bar too high for people from our grand expectations, our interactions can improve. We seem to have less of a chip on our shoulder and more interested in widening our social circle to include people from diverse backgrounds and different experiences. Even amidst the craziness of these times, we are now looking to walk on the sunny side of the street. We may find our interactions with other people to be uplifting, inspiring and helpful in avoiding our focus on being solely on the immediate and instead taking into account a longer view perspective.

The 21st has the Sun sextile Pluto just before the Sun exits Libra and enters Scorpio on the 22nd. Similar to nature itself when the leaves have fallen from the trees and the skeletal trunk, branches and limbs reveal the bare structure of the tree itself, we too may be looking at stripping away the veneer and truly looking at the bare bones of our situation and circumstance. Clear awareness is the first step in addressing problems and formulating their solutions.

The last week of the month has various energy configurations that can have us looking at the future with far more optimistic eyes. We may not be like the phoenix rising from its ashes, but we can stand in the midst of the turmoil and the cuttings away that have occurred and feel a sense of possible relief coming our way.

Mercury squares Jupiter on the 26th, followed by Mars sextile Jupiter. We can make our plans, even looking to stretch beyond our reach. But we also have the support and encouragement of other people to assist us in turning things around. It is always fascinating to see that when the going gets tough, people often rally around, come together and build anew from the ashes. Egocentric concerns drop away and a gathering of individuals works as one.

No matter how difficult things might seem, this last week of October offers an ability to clear the clutter away, clean up the debris and take action for our new tomorrows.

On the 28th, the Scorpio New Moon occurs and with it the influence of the Mars Jupiter sextile exact on the 27th, the Mars sextile Saturn exact on the 30th and a Mars Uranus trine on the 31st. Mercury also trines Neptune on the 30th, instilling us with intuitive insight and a sense of real possibilities. Spirit in action gives us the impetus to make things right, provides the detailed methodology for appropriate action, and offers us the ability to think outside the box and utilize innovative techniques to plant the seeds of our new future.

Out of the ashes of many yesterdays comes the promise of new days, brighter days through better ways.

October… amidst the chaos, clarity and purpose…

This week is the last full week of this year’s third and last Mercury retrograde. We’re halfway through this one and hopefully it has not been too bad for you. Yes, it may seem like the world is crashing down around us. And bailouts, rescue plans, and other significant decisions may not work out as expected. Certainly any definitive decisions or large commitments may have to be reviewed, rechecked and reworked in the days ahead. Let’s keep in mind that we still have to read between the lines, be cautious in our actions and judicious in our decisions. Remember with Mercury retrograde there is a tendency to be operating according to Murphy’s Law: ‘whatever can go wrong will’.

This week continues the volatility we have all been experiencing over the past few weeks, months… While we may feel like we are on Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, the main thing is to hold on, accept the stomach-churning excitement and not get caught up in the flavor of the moment or the instant grab bag of immediate solutions. Now is NOT a time to make knee-jerk reactions. It would be important for us to catch our breath, count to ten and consider long-term implications before making rash decisions.

The week begins on an extreme note. Everything may seem ratcheted up severalfold, bigger than life and more dramatic than truly necessary. Taking care of our responsibilities without going overboard and taking on too much might be the focus of the early part of our week.

The second half of the week can have us concentrating on our interactions with other people, getting together and discussing future plans under hopefully less stormy conditions. The weekend could prove to be a time when we just want to recharge our batteries, get off the track, not be encumbered by plans already made and either do things impulsively or just lay back and relax.

All in all, this week can be one when we become far more aware of different phases within cycles, a time when we can see how to best use our time for the different activities of our lives.

Monday, October 6th – Going Beyond – Sun, Jupiter, Mercury, Mars. Monday has the Sun square Jupiter, Mercury conjunct the Sun and Mercury square Jupiter. The tendency to go overboard is one we may need to restrain today. We could be generous to a fault, even extravagant, without fully considering the long-term ramifications or what our actions could do to our schedule or our finances. We might be egged on by other people, either as supporters or adversaries seeking to one-up us. Fortunately, the Moon is in Capricorn and sextiles Mars. Like having our head in the clouds and our feet on the ground, the Moon can help us focus on the essentials and what truly works. On the one hand, we could be gluttonous and want more, more, more, but our appetite can be satiated by the recognition that by taking on too much we are only going to make ourselves sick. Today is a day to keep in mind ‘moderation in all things’. Any extreme, whether enthusiasm or depression, is totally out-of-kilter and for each of us we are looking to establish a semblance of balance during these wildly chaotic times.

Tuesday, October 7th – Finetuning – Venus, Saturn, Mercury, Jupiter, Sun, Uranus, Moon Void-of-Course. Tuesday is a good day to focus on the details, attend to the specifics and keep aware of the particulars. Excesses yesterday can be tempered today. This Tuesday has Venus sextile Saturn and the Capricorn Moon. The Moon today squares Mercury, conjuncts Jupiter, squares the Sun, trines Saturn, sextiles Venus and sextiles Uranus. This day could be an active one and a day when we can be highly productive. We do have to watch for distractions from other people and be certain to take anything someone says with a grain of salt. It would be wise to keep our own counsel and consider the best practices approach to accomplish our ends. Other people might want to add their two cents, but it would be best to be pleasant, thank them for their suggestions and stay with our own course and our own read on situations. This is a day when we can deal with the details, make necessary changes to streamline our activities and still keep in mind the big picture. Yes, this Tuesday could have us operating on all cylinders and going from sunup to beyond sundown. The earlier part of the day can be a great deal stronger than the late afternoon when the energy shifts dramatically, falls away and we move into the Moon being Void-of-Course, making no further connections to the planets as it finishes its transit of Capricorn and before entering Aquarius tomorrow. Late afternoon and evening might be best to catch our breath and wind down from a highly active day.

Wednesday, October 8th – Slashing Away – Moon Void-of-Course, Mars. As though we might have burned ourselves out yesterday, this Wednesday could start off slow thanks to the continuing Void-of-Course Moon making no further connections to the planets as it finishes its transit of Capricorn and before entering Aquarius. Despite the slow start, the day is in sharp contrast to yesterday when we might have had so much going on. Today we might pick and choose where we want to place our energies. As the Moon moves into Aquarius, the Moon squares Mars in Scorpio. Interactions with friends and our conversations in general may have a bite to them. We may have expectations and with our expectations a sharp measuring stick to evaluate other people’s actions and even some of our own considered plans. Today is a good day to cut away excess, to rid ourselves of the illusions of things we might want or have wanted but realize that we no longer have the resources, whether time, energy or money, to devote to such desires. Life is changing and with it so must our intentions and our goals. We could take pruning shears to our activities and proposed projects, concentrating on those that have real meaning for us and eliminating others that were frivolous or mere distractions. We just need to watch our tongue. With a great many people on edge during these wild times, someone could lash out in frustration, disappointment and anger. Let’s keep our eyes wide open and step away from potential confrontations.

Thursday, October 9th – A Moment Like This – Mercury, Sun. They don’t call Wednesday hump day for nothing and certainly yesterday could have had some bumps in the road for us. Thursday is a different story, for today the Aquarius Moon trines both Mercury and the Sun. Today is a great day to get together with that special someone, discuss plans and consider the possibilities. Despite all the craziness swirling around, we can appreciate ever more the real benefits in our lives --- friends, family and the blessings in our lives. As the world is seeing the half glass of water as half empty and draining away, now is a time for us to reinforce the attitude of gratitude. No matter how difficult things may be, on a relative basis we still have our lives pretty good when compared to our grandparents, great-grandparents and ancestors further back. Let’s take the day and appreciate the opportunities, the possibilities and the friendships. Today is a good day to reach out and touch someone, tell them how special they are in our lives. Let’s remember that attitude is a large determiner of the externalizations in our lives. Let’s be grateful for what we have and consider the options and alternatives by which we can be free of any imprisonment due to our debts or impacted financial position.

Friday, October 10th – New Twists, Unexpected Turns – Venus, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto. Friday could prove an exciting day with unexpected contacts and surprising meetings. Venus trines Uranus, and we may find that serendipitous connections occur whereby we feel that we are in the right place at the right time, and possibly not even on purpose. Synchronicity and asequential reality are strong today. This is a good day to have our antennae up, our eyes and ears wide open. Startling insights can come our way. The Aquarius Moon squares Venus, conjuncts Neptune and sextiles Pluto. We may be willing to take a risk and be open to the universe doing its work. Although we might spend a little too much or feel that we are going out on a limb, the more we stay open to the ah-has and are willing to leap at situations spontaneously, things can work out in our favor. But we do need to trust our instincts. We are not interested in the same old thing today but rather want to stretch, be open to the new and different, and try something that excites us. This day can be a great day especially if we haven’t overly scheduled or overly planned. This could prove one of the days that affirms the truth to the idea that god and the universe have far greater plans for us than we could ever imagine for ourselves. Wonderful surprises may come our way.

Saturday, October 11th – Reveries – Venus, Neptune, Mars, Jupiter. Saturday has Venus square Neptune. Some of the glisten may come off the exciting connections made yesterday. This is a configuration whereby we have to be wary of the trickster, someone or some thing appearing one way, the reality being quite different. We have to be careful not to buy into images, presentations or appearances. We could easily get snookered by our own wish fulfillment or hoped-for situations. Today is a day to keep our feet on the ground. And that could be a challenge. Not only do we have Venus square Neptune. The Moon is in Neptune-ruled Pisces where it trines Mars and sextiles Jupiter. Our imagination is vivid and whatever we believe we are likely to emphasize as gospel truth. The ingredients are there for a set-up, whether we are set-up by someone or we set ourselves up. This day would be far better spent keeping a rein on our finances and enjoying the reveries of nature and quiet times. Getting down by the water, listening to music, reading a soulful story would all be great ways to nourish ourselves, allow our minds to wander and consider the possibilities without committing to anything or buying significant purchases.

Sunday, October 12th –Doing the Dance – Saturn, Uranus, Venus. Heads up! Sunday gives us a good chance to get a feel for the Saturn Uranus opposition that is exact on the 4th of November and continues in influence into the mid part of 2010. Today’s Pisces Moon opposes Saturn, conjuncts Uranus and trines Venus. We may feel pulled between the old and new, between our responsibilities and desiring spontaneity, between familiar patterns and unexpected situations. Today is a day when we might have to walk the balance beam and try to avoid falling off. The key is not to negate our obligations but also not to put blinders on and solely focus on the ‘tried and true’, what we are used to. This is a time when it would be wise for us to attend to what needs to be done but carve out enough time for us to try something new, stretch our wings and feel that we can freely express ourselves. Although we could be caroming between various pulls today, taking time to step off the track, catch our breath and consider our options will prevent us from doing something rash or not doing anything at all. Let’s dance to the music but keep track of the beat for the rhythm may change with the necessity of our changing our dance steps.

This week can have us initiating new projects, dealing with expenses and making purchases and enjoying a weekend of get-togethers with friends from near and far. Much of the confusion of the past few weeks can finally be sorted out and even resolved. If we haven’t forged ahead impulsively, then we can figure out a good plan for the ever-changing conditions in which we find ourselves.

During these times, I am often reminded of Rudyard Kipling’s ‘If’. For each of us maintaining clear intentions, coming from our integrity and appreciating that we never get more than we can handle are important basics in navigating the swirling currents of these times. While the volatility is likely to continue and may go on for quite a while as we cross the threshold between paradigms, the best that we can do is draw upon our instincts, our intuitive sense and our awareness of the ways that our lives and the world around us are unfolding. Although we may not always like the circumstances in which we find ourselves, it is essential that we accept the importance of accountability for our actions and that we realize the truth to the karmic principle of what goes around comes around.

This week is highlighted by the Aries Full Moon, Mercury ending its retrograde motion and turning direct and Venus exiting Scorpio, where it is not comfortable, and entering Sagittarius. A certain heaviness can be lifted from our shoulders but let’s keep in mind that we can still experience the whipsaws of conditions and emotions as we seek a balance point.

It would be wise for us to look back over the past three weeks, see what issues still need to be addressed and dealt with and to start to move in forward directions as we come mid-week and beyond.

Monday, October 13th – Rock And a Hard Place – Pluto, Mercury. Sunday night, early Monday morning may not allow for a restful night. The Pisces Moon squares Pluto. We may have an unnerving sense of a shoe ready to drop. Our anxiety could be turned up and we might feel that things beyond our control are overly impacting our lives. It is important for us not to fall into victim mode, even if situations are out of our hands and we are forced to react to matters. As the day dawns, the Moon moves out of Pisces and enters Aries where it opposes Mercury. We may be very focused on our own self-interests, which could prove problematic in our discussions with other people. This balance between our personal issues and relationship affairs could prove vexing at best and certainly something with which we might have to deal both today and tomorrow. We may want to do our own thing but feel weighted down by our commitments or plans with other people. If people are sharing their problems with us, we may not be too patient or accommodating. We are far more concerned about what we want to do and possibly starting some new project or taking a leap. It would be wise to keep in mind that we are still dealing with the Mercury retrograde, which is approaching stationary motion before turning direct on Wednesday. Communications can be off, misunderstandings likely and computer glitches impacting our internet connections.

Tuesday, October 14th – Possibilities Between Extremes – Sun, Neptune, Aries Full Moon, Lunar T-Square, Jupiter. Tuesday has the Sun trine Neptune. We may be filled with possibilities and potentialities. We can see where we want to go in the future, what we want to realize. We are not as concerned by the how or the means as we are with our fascinations about our possibilities. Tuesday also has the Full Moon in Aries and a Lunar T-Square as the Aries Moon opposes the Sun and squares Jupiter. The Moon also sextiles Neptune. This Tuesday is a day when we could easily go overboard, and that overboard could be one of either extremes, either overconfident and extravagant to a fault or anxiety-ridden and diving to fathomless depths. Either extreme could be out of reality. Today is a day when it is essential that we not get carried away by either extreme. Let’s keep in mind that true reality could lie somewhere between irrational exuberance and extreme despair. It is essential that we avoid knee-jerk reactions, recognize that we are not getting full disclosure and that transparencies are more opaque than crystal clear. It would be wise for us to take everything with a grain of salt, not rush to judgment but to wait for further information that can clarify the pertinent issues.

Wednesday, October 15th – Start, Stop – Pluto, Mars, Mercury direct. Wednesday begins with a bounce in our step. We feel a drive and determination to broaden our scope and put our imprint on expanded horizons. The day begins with the Aries Moon trine Pluto but very quickly the Moon exits Aries and enters Taurus where it opposes Mars. From the initial thrust of energy, suddenly things shift and we take on a more plodding quality. We might feel bills coming due and have a sense of irritation over financial matters. It is a good time to look at our budget and see how we can best pare down our expenses. We could be a little irritable, especially if we feel that we are having to cut back more than we like. This is also the day that Mercury turns direct, ending the third and last of this year’s three Mercury retrogrades. This one brought the world to the brink of financial chaos and teetering with the rapid devaluation of asset prices, from housing to equity stocks to financial banking systems, like a snowball going down a mountain gaining momentum to become the avalanche. We may not be out of the woods, and will not be for a considerable time, but we might see a glimmer of light down what seemed a very long and very dark tunnel. With Mercury turning direct, our communications, transportation and computer systems can seem far more effective and less confused and disjointed. Let’s take a moment to catch our breath, reflect on what has gone on and consider what the most appropriate course of action for us would be.

Thursday, October 16th – Gathering the Ingredients –Lunar Grand Trine, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune. We have two very conflicting energy configurations at play this year, both of which are triggered monthly by the Moon. One configuration is the Lunar T-Square when the Moon is in a Mutable Sign and hitting off the Saturn Uranus opposition. This configuration impacts the sense of things being totally out of control, a feeling that unexpected variables are upsetting the applecart of plans and reliable programs that have worked in the past. The second configuration is the Lunar Grand Trine when the Moon is in Taurus and creates a Grand Trine in the Earth Element, linking up all three of the Earth Signs, by trining Jupiter in Capricorn and trining Saturn in Virgo. Similar to the rebuilding necessary after tearing down or the reconfiguring after old patterns no longer work, this energy configuration affords the opportunity of gathering the ingredients for new plans, new ways of doing things and focusing on building upon rock rather than upon sand. This Thursday gives us that Earth Grand Trine as the Taurus Moon trines Jupiter in Capricorn and Saturn in Virgo. The Moon also sextiles Uranus and squares Neptune. This Thursday can be a highly productive day whereby we can accomplish a great deal if we tend to the specifics and details all the while that we are keeping the big picture in mind. We do need to consider alternative ways of doing things, seeing how we can best streamline our activities. During these times, it is essential that we discipline ourselves and maintain a sense of mindfulness. Things are not going according to a sequential progression. To assume that life is unfolding in a strict linear process of going from A to B to C would only lead us down the garden path which could turn into a confusing and disorienting maze. It is essential that as we proceed we keep aware, note the guideposts along the way and be adept at shifting and changing our itinerary, our destination and our goals in accord with the varying tides. All plans need to be written in pencil with a large eraser, our intentions demand our integrity and our expectations must be minimal with a recognition that we no longer master the universe but rather are co-creators with the universal unfolding.

Friday, October 17th – Head in the Clouds – Venus, Mercury. Friday begins with the Taurus Moon opposed Venus. Due to any restrictions regarding our resources, we may start Friday looking at where we can cut back and how we can be more effective with less expenditure of energy. We may feel pinched by financial pressures and we might need to cut back, making returns of impulse buying or seeing how we can pare our budget of superfluous expenses. Increasingly, we could see the truth to the simple pleasures of life, finding enjoyment in less costly activities. As the day progresses, the Moon exits Taurus and enters Gemini where it trines Mercury. Conversations with others can be great fun and get-togethers planned for the weekend ahead. Let’s keep our expectations down since unexpected situations could arise over the weekend that make our plans for naught… similar to Scottish poet Robert Burns’ plans of mice and men. The afternoon and evening hours are best suited for casual, light discourse and brief encounters as we dash from one thing to another. This Friday allows us to consider plans and options but may not provide the energy to bring them into realization. Before manifestation, we always have the conceptual, the thought, the inner processing before externalizing or manifestation.

Saturday, October 18th – The Omen – Lunar T-Square, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Venus Sagittarius. Saturday gives us the second of the two significant configurations we are caroming between. Thursday had one, the Lunar Grand Trine in the Earth Element, and today we have the second, the Lunar T-Square in Mutable Signs with the Gemini Moon triggering the Saturn Uranus opposition by squaring Saturn in Virgo and squaring Uranus in Pisces. It would be wise to notate areas in our lives and in the world at large that are highlighted today. For the Saturn Uranus opposition exact on Election Day in the US on November 4th continues on into mid 2010. Yes, today offers us an omen regarding the areas that might beckon our focus over the next two years. This Moon also trines Neptune today. Although unexpected situations can arise to taunt and even torment us, we may discover that old remedies do not work for new conditions and that we are at a loss to resolve problems by the ‘tried and true’. If we do not get caught up in the frenzy of anxiety or buy into a victim mode but rather still the chattering in our minds and allow our intuition to come forward, we might come up with a greater understanding of what is being asked of us and an intuitive sense regarding a best practices approach. This Saturday also has Venus exiting Scorpio, a Sign in which it is uncomfortable, and moving into Sagittarius. Our interactions with others can become far more upbeat than the past four weeks. We may be looking at extending our social interactions with people whose background and experience are quite different from our own. We could also feel like some of the financial crisis is lessening, as though we are beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel. Today is a day when it is important not to merely see what is apparent around us but to take a longer view, see the big picture and look towards the far horizon.

Sunday, October 19th – Take No Prisoners – Sun, Pluto, Mercury. This Sunday can start off on a pleasant note. We might want to enjoy brunch with someone special, have a coffee or tea with a good friend and just luxuriate in the comfort of casual conversation. Nice concept and the day could start that way. For the day begins with the Gemini Moon trine the Sun. We’re likely to feel good, appreciative of the Autumn crispness in the air and seeking the enjoyment of companionship. As the day progresses, the Moon then opposes Pluto and the energy can quickly change. People can be looking to pontificate, emphasizing their perspective and their opinions as though gospel truth. We would have to watch for casual conversations turning to philosophical commentaries on the human condition. If our discussions turn in such a direction, casual conversations can become spiced, turn towards adamant opinions and even heated arguments. Why go there? For such a lead would only cascade us down a slippery slope that might actually impact our relationships. The Moon moves into its own Sign of Cancer where it squares Mercury in Libra. Out of defensiveness, we might circle the wagons, withdraw into the sanctity of our own space and resolve to keep a wary eye on that special someone with whom the day began so pleasantly. Sunday is a day to enjoy our interactions with other people, get out of town, take a drive into the country or a walk in the park, and leave the observations of what is going on in the world for another day. We all need a day of rest so let’s give our opinions and judgments a rest and instead of being in our head refresh ourselves by being one with nature and the natural unfolding.

This week we can straighten things out and focus on what needs to get done. A good Autumn cleaning may be in order. We are far more interested in cutting to the core, concentrating on those involvements that have real meaning for us and looking at how we can best pare down the irrelevant and superficial in our lives.

On the 20th, the Moon in Cancer creates a Water Grand Trine with Mars in Scorpio and Uranus in Pisces. Rearranging our home and dealing with family matters allow us to create the proper base of operations. Our emotions are strong this week, with potential extremes in our moods. Maintaining an even keel is hard in the best of times, and these times certainly don’t rank among the best.

The Sun interaction with Pluto on the 21st, followed by the Sun entering Scorpio on the 22nd, give us the determination to focus on our transformation, the changes we need to make in order for us to concentrate on the truly meaningful in our lives. Things are ratcheting up in intensity, and people may have a real edge on. Defensive posturing could prove the best antidote to belligerent badgering.

The Leo Moon mid-week instills a creative desire whereby we want to shine and feel like we’re in control of our lives. We want to put our imprint on our activities and participate in situations that have a significant purpose.

Towards the end of the week with the Moon in Virgo, we can deal with various details, attending to the specifics and tying up loose ends.

The weekend seems dicey, especially on the 25th when we may feel that we have more on our ‘to do’ list than we can possibly accomplish. Prioritize and we can deal with the essential and put aside the irrelevant. Unexpected situations might challenge us but could also keep us on our toes.

Mercury’s interaction with Jupiter and the Libra Moon on the 26th could have us overly focused on other people’s needs and doing more than appropriate.

This week is a kaleidoscope of moods, attitudes and engagements. Let’s maintain a critical eye but a bemused disposition in dealing with the week’s activities and events.

Monday, October 20th – Better Than This – Lunar Grand Trine, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus. Monday has a Grand Trine in Water as the Cancer Moon trines Mars in Scorpio and trines Uranus in Pisces. The Moon also sextiles Saturn and opposes Jupiter. We may have a lot on our plate this Monday and we might consider adding some more. If we will be open to working with the universal forces, we could find things fall neatly into place. One of the gifts of these times is the productivity of getting out of our own way. Things can happen almost miraculously, as if of their own accord. We do need to watch for trying to juggle too much, but this Monday could prove a highly productive day. While attending to our routine tasks, let’s keep our eyes open for unexpected opportunities. We are likely to feel quite emotional today and it would be a good time to make even the very slightest changes to our habit patterns. Whether we move things around, go somewhere different today or just experiment with something new, let’s add some spice to the day. Over the next two days we could start an Autumn cleaning and clearing out. Minor changes today will grease the wheels for greater changes over the next few days.

Tuesday, October 21st – To the Core – Sun, Pluto, Venus. Tuesday has the Sun sextile Pluto and the last full day of the Sun’s transit of Libra. Tomorrow the Sun moves into Scorpio, the Sign co-ruled by Pluto. The Cancer Moon squares the Sun before the Moon leaves its own Sign to enter Leo where it trines Venus. We are on a threshold on this Tuesday, and this day is a good time to reflect on what has true purpose and deep meaning for ourselves. We are not looking for shallow experiences or superficial encounters. We want to go to the core, to the fundamentals, to the very basics of our being. This Tuesday is a day when we can determine to pursue our dreams and to come from our integrity. We have drive and passion today and while there might be times of reticence, or even shyness, we may feel that we are being led towards our destiny. After a brief spate of self-consciousness in the morning hours and questioning whether we need to seek approval of other people to embrace our determination, the day pushes us towards broadening our vistas and taking into account situations foreign to us. Let’s start to consider the ingredients of our future, venues for our self-expression and our creativity. We are in the process of significant inventory-taking, considering our lives, looking to rid ourselves of the outworn or the extraneous and yet wanting to engage in those activities that reflect whom we are becoming.

Wednesday, October 22nd – Burned, the Phoenix Rises – Mercury, Mars, Sun Scorpio. Wednesday is a Master Number Day, the 22nd, reflective of the Master Builder. Often before we build, we have to tear down. And this Wednesday has a little of the tearing down and a consideration of what to build anew. Wednesday has the Leo Moon sextile Mercury and square Mars. This day also has the Sun exiting Libra to enter Scorpio. Scorpio is an intense Sign, an energy that demands that we strip away the superfluous, the ornamental and concentrate on the basics, the fundamentals, the essence. For many of us, change is hard. We often prefer to embrace the concept of ‘better the devil you know than the devil you don’t know.’ But change is part of process and increasingly we are moving into the asequential reality of process and away from the linear, sequential progression of beginning, middle, end. We will become aware that there are no ends but rather transitions and transformations. We are on the threshold of transitions and transformations, and today is a good day to begin sorting through, cleaning out and getting rid of those things, activities, even people, that no longer speak to whom we are becoming. At the same time, we might want to hold on to elements of our past before we are convinced of the stability and solidity of the new. And that could be the conundrum of this Tuesday --- letting go while trying to hold on. If we take things in a piecemeal fashion whereby we make slight, even subtle, changes and don’t try to make a major makeover in one fell swoop, we will maintain a certain comfort zone during the PROCESS of transformation. We can start the process by looking at those things that we haven’t used or been involved with for some time. If we haven’t engaged them now, recently or in the past, then perhaps we can eliminate them from our lives. While the letting go might be difficult, let’s keep in mind that the universe does not like a vacuum and in any space we give up and make ‘empty’, something will come forward to fill that void. One of the beauties, albeit challenges, of these times is the opportunity to embrace the post-consumer society whereby we move away from acquisition and control and move toward a free and more liberated phase of enjoying the dance without owning the musicians, music or dance floor.

Thursday, October 23rd – Getting Real With Ourselves – Neptune, Pluto, Sun. Illusion is a seductive addiction. As both George Bernard Shaw and Oscar Wilde indicated in their writings, there are only two tragedies in life: one, not getting what you want and the other, getting what you want. This Thursday begins with the Leo Moon opposed Neptune. Some of our greatest desires may suddenly seem as mere fascinations or far beyond our reach. Interactions with other people could prove a little testy early in the day. We don’t want any parade-rainers and we certainly aren’t interested in people putting a damper on our creative dreams. We also have to be wary that we don’t get caught up in wish fulfillment, feeling that by our desiring something to be a certain way, it will be so. Yes, these times are anxiety-provoking. We are witnessing a funereal pyre of the past phase and it can prove soul-wrenching. But it’s only soul-wrenching if we lose sight and lose faith that something better can rise up from the ashes. Although we might embrace our illusions today, the latter part of the day allows us to get more real with ourselves. Before exiting Leo, the Moon trines Pluto. Despite any downbeats early in the day, we seem to get a second wind, a greater determination as if fully embracing the reality of the wisdom saying that we never get more than we can handle. We start to feel that whatever comes our way we can deal with it. The Moon then moves out of Leo and enters Virgo where it sextiles the Sun. Combined with our will, we now have the ability of dissecting, looking at specifics, dealing with the details and arriving at a best practices approach by which we can do more, and create more, out of less.

Friday, October 24th – Taking Care of Business – Venus, Mars, Jupiter. Friday continues with the Virgo Moon which today squares Venus, sextiles Mars and trines Jupiter. We might want to be off having a good old time somewhere other than where we need to be. Thoughts, emails and calls regarding far-off places and people at a distance might be a nice diversion, at least for a moment or two. But then it’s nose to grindstone. We can straighten things out, clear our decks and prepare to expand into new arenas. Although we might be amping, chanting ‘t.g.i.f’, and living for the weekend, we could accomplish a great deal if we put our minds and elbow grease to the tasks at hand. This Friday can be a highly productive day. Besides, this weekend may not be everything we would want it to be. Let’s take care of business, enjoy an interlude chatting up our friends, and realize whatever plans made for this weekend may not come to fruition.

Saturday, October 25th – Torn Between or Torn Apart – Lunar T-Square, Saturn, Uranus, Pluto. Well, well, this Saturday could prove on the intense side. For most of the day, the Virgo Moon triggers the Saturn Uranus opposition and creates a mutable Sign T-Square with the Moon conjunct Saturn, opposed Uranus and square Pluto. Aaargh! Get used to it. This energy configuration of Saturn, Uranus and Pluto is in the beginning stages. It ratchets up even more so on November 4th, Election Day in the US [aargh again], when Saturn is exactly opposed to Uranus. This Saturn, Uranus, Pluto T-Square is something we all will have to live with into mid 2010. Can I get another aargh? This Saturday offers a prelude. We might feel as though we’re like the Mad Hatter in Alice’s Wonderland. We could be pulled in all directions and the key thing for us to understand is that we had better be adaptable and flexible to shifting tides and changing conditions. Otherwise, we could feel like we’re on the rack and being pulled apart. We may have certain errands and commitments today but it would be wise to add on time and not overly schedule ourselves. Unexpected situations could arise that impact our intentions. If we are not flexible, we could easily lose it, throw a tantrum and blow out our energy circuits. Yes, this is one intense day, but it would be wise for us to notate the areas and reactions we have to what is going on. Yes, we better get used to it for this is a several year cycle. Not a walk in the park but it does lead us through transitions and into transformations. In the evening, the Moon moves into Libra providing a lightening and leavening to our stressed-out day.

Sunday, October 26th – Brief Respites – Mercury, Jupiter, Venus. Sunday can be that proverbial day of rest we often hear about, often long for. And this Sunday could provide a pleasant breather especially after yesterday’s initiation into the vortex, or abyss, that we are likely to encounter over the next two years. Sunday has Mercury square Jupiter and the Libra Moon sextile Venus. This day is a time to get away, visit friends, and just step off the track of our daily existence. People may be upbeat, considering their future plans and wanting to look at the sunny side of life. This Sunday is a good day for social gatherings, pleasant conversations and walks in nature. While the world may seem to be going crazy, the craziness may seem stronger with humankind than in nature’s world. Let’s use this day to recharge our batteries, keep pleasant thoughts and focus on the good things in our lives.

This week is an active week with a great deal of martial energy as Mars connects with several of the planets. We have the Scorpio New Moon, Scorpio being the Sign co-ruled by Mars and Pluto. Neptune turns direct at the end of the week. We end October and begin November. And we have Halloween and the week before the US election. I wonder which will be scarier?

Mars sextiles Jupiter to begin the week. We can accomplish a great deal this week, virtually to the point of moving mountains. We have unlimited energy and a desire to get things done. Working smarter rather than harder allows us to accomplish more in a shorter period of time. We could expand our activities especially if we take into account a best practices approach and use streamlined operating methods.

The Scorpio New Moon kicks off a fortnight when we are able to separate what is important from what is a waste of time. We can use innovative techniques, consider alternatives, all the while that we are proceeding in a strategic and focused manner to achieve results.

The Mercury Neptune connection on the 30th combined with the Mars Saturn interplay offers us the ability to draw upon our intuitive sense, an inner knowing, to find the right pieces for a neat fit into the daily routine of our lives.

The Mars Uranus interaction on the 31st opens new doors and allows us to consider opportunities that might have seemed impossibilities a short while ago.

Sunday has Neptune turning direct and our sense of possibilities may seem more realistic and less delusional.

This week is one when we can blend old and new to come up with the most effective means of dealing with our responsibilities and entertaining new prospects. Things can go smoothly at an accelerated pace.

Monday, October 27th – Going Beyond at Full Speed – Mars, Jupiter, Mercury, Neptune. Monday starts the week with us ready to bolt out of the starting gate and get things going. Mars sextiles Jupiter and our focus may be on advancing our interests and broadening our scope. This sense of getting on with things can be spurred on by other people’s encouragement, or expectations. The Libra Moon squares Jupiter, conjuncts Mercury and trines Neptune. Our exuberance may know no bounds and we could see possibilities in all things. It would be wise before we launch forward to keep in mind that we are on the dark side of the Moon. We have to watch that we don’t engage in precipitous actions, actions before their time. If we stay attentive and take details into account, we can get a lot done. Let’s go step-by-step rather than leaping ahead. We could easily determine the most expeditious and most cost effective ways of accomplishing our tasks and moving towards our goals. The key element to keep in mind is not letting our enthusiasm get the better of us and then dash ahead without budgeting our resources.

Tuesday, October 28th – Reality Check – Scorpio Lunation, Pluto, Sun. Tuesday has the Libra Moon sextile Pluto early in the day. Connecting with significant people could prove an important sounding board for our plans. Someone might see something that we have overlooked. While we are looking at expanding our activities, we also need to consider the long-term implications. We don’t want to get enticed by something or prompted by someone else to get involved in another engagement that could prove too much and create a sense of overwhelm. As the day progresses, the Moon exits Libra and enters Scorpio and creates the Scorpio New Moon as the Moon conjuncts the Sun. The signature for the following fortnight is set. We may find ourselves stripping away things that no longer work for us or find that things are being eliminated from our lives. The sense of less is more can be the attitude, although some people may just feel that less is only less. Our sense of security could be shaken up and it will be important that we realize our strength, stamina and inner reserve to handle whatever comes our way. We might consider a good inventory taking of our lives, seeing what we can cut back on and what we need to get rid of. A good autumnal cleaning might be something we start to consider and plan. People are likely to have an edge on and may be more secretive than usual. Let’s be careful of the intensity of these times, for some things could prove too hot to handle.

Wednesday, October 29th – Pulling Rabbits Out of the Hat, Making Things Happen – Jupiter, Mars, Saturn, Uranus. Although we continue with the Scorpio Moon today, this Wednesday has the Moon sextile Jupiter, conjunct Mars, sextile Saturn and trine Uranus. This day is one of those days when we could truly be magicians, pulling things out of thin air and possibly squeezing blood from a stone. Our resourcefulness could know no bounds today. We can find the most effective ways to get things done, especially if we’ll consider alternatives to our usual course of action. Things can work out effectively and easily without much stress and strain on our part. This Wednesday is a day to be a co-creator, to work with the energies, to be flexible in changing plans and to recognize that the universe can help us realize our goals and fulfill our dreams. A magical day so let’s use the opportunities in a productive and fulfilling manner rather than something silly, like just pulling rabbits out of the hat.

Thursday, October 30th – Sensing Right Action – Mercury, Neptune, Mars, Saturn, Moon Void-of-Course. Thursday could have our intuitive sense highly attuned. Answers may come easily, as if we had a direct connection to the Source. It would be wise for us to acknowledge, if not fully trust, our gut hunches and our sense of things. Our communications can be persuasive and inspiring. Things seem to fall in place in our mind’s eye and we have the inclination and determination to then take things from the abstract and materialize. This Thursday has Mercury trine Neptune and Mars sextile Saturn. We are not likely to be gullible to unrealistic possibilities. Our ability to tell true from false is strong and our sixth sense of intuition highly attuned. We can continue on moving forward with determination, an ability to deal with details, all the while that we are budgeting our time and our monies and being highly resourceful. The Scorpio Moon does square Neptune so it is essential that we concentrate our energies on important and meaningful projects and not waste our opportunities on needless diversions or trivialities. Even if we get distracted, it may not be a major issue. The Moon goes Void-of-Course for much of the day, close to seventeen hours, making no further connections to the planets as it finishes its transit of Scorpio and before entering Sagittarius later in the day. We may start off the day slightly off kilter but getting our emotions out of the way can then allow us to get down to business and use our time brainstorming and dealing with specifics.

Friday, October 31st – Looking for the Treat – Mars, Uranus. Friday is Halloween and today has the Moon in Sagittarius. The major energy configuration of the day is Mars trine Uranus. Our plans may change and unexpected situations might arise. Wonderful surprises and thrilling opportunities could come out of the blue. Less of a trick today and the likelihood is that we are geared more to a spontaneous treat. This is a day to work with peripheral vision, to keep our antennae up and be willing to consider all possibilities, even what might seem impossibilities. These times talk to a paradigm shift, a phase when we don’t have to control situations but rather can be receptive to the workings of the universe. We may be looking for a personal makeover today and what better time than Halloween when we have license to be something other than how we normally define ourselves. Our choice today is to be what we would want to be. Let’s pick something positive, something upbeat, magical and inspiring. Let’s remember that our attitude and our disposition do truly determine our unfolding conditions. It’s more common sense than some beguiling secret, and today is a day to embrace change and the unanticipated.

Saturday, November 1st – Back with our Nemesis of Push Pull – Venus, Lunar T-Square, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Mercury. Saturday gives us an opportunity to try out how we are handling this major energy configuration that will be with us through mid 2010. Today’s Sagittarius Moon creates a T-Square by squaring Saturn in Virgo and squaring Uranus in Pisces. The Saturn Uranus opposition is exact on Tuesday, Election Day in the US, and continues for close to another two years. What we should do and what we want to do could be at odds today. Our commitments and plans may get in the way of opportunities more associated with carpe diem. Seize the day is a great concept but often hard when we have already scheduled ourselves. While we might feel that we are bouncing between two extremes today, pushed and pulled in various directions, the main thing to keep in mind is to be more productive with less expenditure of energy. Time management and strategic planning are important in order to be truly effective during these times. Otherwise, we might feel constantly on overwhelm, putting out fires, dealing with our obligations, while just wanting to jump off the track and do our own thing. The Sagittarius Moon does conjunct Venus and sextiles both Neptune and Mercury today. If we can pick up the pace, be at the top of our game, then we can both deal with what needs to be done and with unexpected opportunities that arise today. The question is not one of either or but rather how we can add more to the mix. No worries, since we shall all have a two-year learning curve to get up to speed and be able to juggle both outstanding matters and new interests. It just might prove exhausting in the interim.

Sunday, November 2nd – No rest for the Weary – Pluto, Neptune direct. Late Saturday and early Sunday could have us still at it. Even if we have gone to bed early Saturday night, our mind may be awhirr with ideas, thoughts and all sorts of things we could do. Restlessness may be a large part of this day, although the Moon does move from Sagittarius to Capricorn. We also have Neptune turning direct today. As if a light has gone off in our head, we could suddenly gain greater clarity regarding our plans for the future and some of the people in our lives. It may seem as though we have pulled back the curtain on the Wizard of Oz screen and instead of being entranced by the images presented, we can now see clearly what is going on behind the screen. We are still in the push pull of Saturn Uranus, so one of the most important aspects of these times, and the next two years, is to be certain that we don’t get stuck in our opinions, our judgments or our old beliefs of what is and what should be. Fluidity is an essential ingredient for all of us, the ability to shift and change according to the tides of sentiment, circumstance and conditions. We are not in Kansas anymore, Toto. We are entering a whole new world, a world where we may feel anxious and unsure of the steps ahead. But let’s keep in mind the suspension bridge, whereby we can go back and forth between the past and our comfort zone while moving forward into uncharted territory. After awhile, we shall get the hang of the patterns, be able to successfully deal with them and then be more sure-footed in advancing ahead. Straight lines and direct approaches may have to give way to the zig-zags of these changing times.