October hosts 19 dynamic aspects: 1 Rx and 1 Dir station, 1 BSB (Beginning Shadow Boundary), 2 eclipses, (1 annular Solar & 1 Lunar) 2 occultations, 2 conjunctions, 2 oppositions, 3 squares, and 5 ingresses. You can see that October will be a month full of changes. Both the Moon and Venus will surpass the Sun’s maximum declination (out of bounds), bringing much passion to the desire nature in each person, especially those with natal positions at 23 degrees in the fixed signs. Moderation is the key for October to gain a realistic handle on future endeavors.

Early in the first week in October, shared energies will lead people to believe that we may recapture still active projects of the path and complete them. This may be a fool’s errand, or it may be the beginning of a slower route to the hoped-for goal. The second and third week will see expansion of longings and cravings, focus your yearnings on enduring principles, concepts, and reliable answers to innermost questions. During the last week in October, we may see people initiating workable methods for achieving solutions to the unique problems of groups.

A new feature of my monthly report, "Sky Gems" is emailed separately. Among other items of interest, it includes information on the Rx Shadows. This month, I have changed the term "Shadow Point" to "Shadow Boundary", because it is more descriptive and less confusing.

ASPECTS:

10/1 For the next 2 months and 9 days, we can turn our attention on remedial actions for current problems, regardless of their causes. Mars activates the Jupiter/Saturn conjunction of May 2000 (when the stationary Rx Uranus squared their position from Aquarius). Paradigm shifts abound as we investigate the Saturn rules and laws that we have used, and the Jupiter evaluation of principles that qualify them. Now it seems that action must be taken, however be patient in your evaluation of what action is needed in your life. One significant event may change your entire view. Mars turns retrograde 3:04 PM, 23:22 Taurus.

10/1 We are half-way through the current dance of Venus and Mars, which began with a conjunction on 12/6/2004 at 16:36 Scorpio with declinations at 15-16 degrees South, the declination currently held by Neptune). This key time in their cycle of creative invention represents a time when goals are within sight. The energy of cooperation (mutual reception) is available to all who accept it. This combination can be likened to the mutual enhancement of peanut butter (Mars-Taurus) and chocolate (Venus-Scorpio). Use their creative combination to enhance life. Keep your principles working in your life regardless of surrounding conditions. Others’ actions may attempt to influence your life purpose. Disparate forces may tug at the ongoing process of focusing on a prior goal. We can decide whether to buy into illusion, or to embrace spiritual or moral truth. Venus opposes Mars Rx 7:43 PM, 23:22 Scorpio/Taurus. Mars=Saturn/Uranus; Venus=Mercury-Jupiter/Pluto.

10/3 Emotional tensions surrounding new beginnings stimulate your spirit of originality and imagination. More may be asked of both parties in new relationships than were expected. The love of freedom vs. the need to be of service may need additional attention. Several midpoint structures point to the need to keep our sense of balance, and cause us to rearrange plans that didn’t go as expected. West coast – open communications help us to use personal resources and talents for domestic purposes. East coast –evaluation of personal resources can bring individual fulfillment and satisfaction in relationships. Solar Eclipse 10:19 Libra, west coast 3:28 AM, east coast 6:28 AM. Sun-Moon/Uranus=Pluto.

10/4 Over sensitivity may cause rational thinking to be influenced by feelings or perceptions based on past emotional programming. Focus your empathetic talents on communicating truthfully, and build self-respect through mutual understanding and shared beliefs. The need to be of service can bring out the best in some people. Moon occults Mercury 4:29 AM, 23:22 Libra, 9 South. Moon-Mercury in double quincunx with Pluto and Mars.

10/5 Learning to work together can be very fulfilling. The resulting synergy contributes to a very happy relationship, and creates harmony for all with whom they interact. Mercury conjoins Jupiter 2:39 PM, 25:37 Libra. Mercury-Jupiter=Sun/Moon.

10/7 We may discover that our values are supported with life-affirming principles, or could be inflated out of proportion. An easy cooperation between our desire nature and our growth potential can be enhanced by recognizing practical tools, such as positive role models and their techniques, or continuing education to enhance our own skills and talents. Venus enters Sagittarius 6 PM.

10/8 If others seem to ignore your communications, try the indirect approach. Thoroughly research your topic, and prepare your statement or response so that when you are recognized, you will be ready. Mercury enters Scorpio 10:15 AM.

10/10 Find new ways to increase your self-worth – perhaps by supporting groups that assist others in their processes of self-evaluation. Avoid being caught up in others’ beliefs that we have the right to have outrageous desires filled without regard to the cost. Venus travels out of bounds (oob) to the south (until 12/6). Venus=Sun/Moon.

10/14 Find success in artistic endeavors. Music or unusual methods of expressing beauty can find support and growth. If your path seems blocked, a simple communication may show another way to reach your goal. Venus squares Uranus 8:15 AM, 7:16 Sagittarius.

10/15 Travel or communication may be delayed or disrupted. Use this time to explore your options and make adjustments in your attitude. Mercury squares Saturn, 2:44 AM, 10:00 Scorpio/Leo.

10/17 The fulfillment of an expected goal may be diverted or halted by a momentary interruption in the flow of the process. The first reaction may be to feel irritated or depressed. Upon further examination, personal interests in shared assets that need attention might have been overlooked, resulting in missed opportunities. When life gives us lemons, add sweetener and the result is lemonade. West coast – take charge of your resources and be cautious with those of the others in your project. East coast – it may take time for all the facts to be uncovered. Success depends on your vigilance and attention to detail. Lunar eclipse 24:13 Aries/Libra, west coast 5:13 AM, east coast 8:13 AM.

10/18 Tap into the power of imagination and communicate it through symbolism and artistic formats. Intuitive thinking helps you to grasp seemingly elusive principles that can lead to practical solutions. Mercury squares Neptune Rx 11:46 AM, 14:50 Scorpio/Aquarius. Neptune=Moon/Mercury.

10:22 Hidden assets may be uncovered through a link with someone’s nurturing in an unusual situation. Keep your eyes open, and avoid blaming, as it can create adversaries that could be converted into supporters. Sun occults Jupiter 5:54 AM 29:13 Libra, 11 south. Moon oob till 10/24.

10/22 Use the respect and esteem others hold for you to further projects that support creative people. Become a patron of the arts or of a discipline in which you believe. Mercury opposes Mars Rx 9:56 AM, 20 Scorpio/Taurus. Sun-Jupiter/Venus=Mercury.

10/23 This energy is useful in the development of will-power, and the creation of new habit patterns is possible. Expand your ideals to include optimum health and consciousness, and nurture the areas of your life where you need healing. Sun enters Scorpio 12:43 AM.

10/25 While this begins a potential time of optimism, it also marks the beginning of a time to pay attention to activities related to communication, the exchange of ideas, and travel. Discoveries will be announced, but in-depth information will be scant. Much speculation will take place, so choose your assumptions carefully – that is to say, don’t assume! Just keep vigilant. (Mark this transiting Mercury shadow area in your charts 24:44 Scorpio to 10:55 Sagittarius, and read the "Sky Gems" information on the Rx Shadow) Mercury BSB (Beginning Shadow Boundary) 7:35 PM. 24:44 Scorpio.

10/25 A time of potential interlevel cooperation is now emphasized. For those who are open to "thinking outside the box" this can be most revealing and rewarding. New perspectives on values are discussed and expanded, and being acted upon. If this is only used on a physical level, much will be missed. A higher level of activity, based on additional dimensions of awareness is emerging into consciousness. Interactive neural/spiritual networks, such as prayer networks that integrate time and space for specific intentions (healing, protection, survival) are already in action. Jupiter enters Scorpio 7:53 PM. Jupiter/Mars=Saturn. Venus-Jupiter-mars power ring. Venus is still oob.

10/26 Neptune’s degree of declination combined with the approaching Saturn-Mars T-cross, and Jupiter/Neptune=Pluto is a placement of risk. The latter opens the door for victimization. You can be sympathetic, and helpful to others without pointing a finger of blame, or adopting others’ belief systems. Avoid deception and lack of clarity by keeping in tune with your own powers of intuition, and adhering to your core values and principles. Neptune turns direct 4:27 PM, 14:49 Aquarius; still contra parallel Mars 16 So/No, parallel Moon-Saturn.

10/28 Be courageous in your appraisal of a situation when you are in a position of responsibility or authority. Misplaced optimism and wishful thinking may cause those in authority to overlook impractical plans - without appropriate physical grounding and thorough evaluation of the problems at hand. Venus conjoins Pluto 7:12 PM, 22:39 Sagittarius.

10/30 Harmonious promises stated during influential statements must be evaluated, and truth discerned. Make sure that the beliefs and values of whomever you support is in line with your beliefs and values. Mercury enters Sagittarius 2:05 AM. Sun/Venus-Pluto=Mercury.

October is associated with the altruistic Athene, Greek wisdom goddess, (Roman Minerva) unborn daughter of Zeus, goddess of justice, righteousness, the arts, navigation, the liberal arts, and agriculture. The designation, Pallas defines her warrior mantle. October is also sacred to the Roman Astraea. October was named for the eighth month of the old Roman calendar. The goddess Astraea, daughter of Zeus and Themis is honored as the goddess of purity, justice and discipline. Astraea brought patience and hope to the world of mortals, as they progressed into ever more violent times. May we now invoke her benevolent energies? October is also sacred to the great goddess, Hathor, who embodies all the feminine possibilities. Goddess of the underworld, and of the sky, Hathor is also identified with Venus, which is said to govern the sign Libra.

The gemstones associated with October are the opal and the tourmaline. The fire opal, October’s most spectacular gemstone, may be worn as a talisman of hope, for it embodies the colors of all precious stones. The opal is said to avert painful times and misfortune when worn by those born in the sign of Libra (September 22 to October 22). For the Scorpio part of October, the tourmaline balances the polarity of its wearer, especially when worn on the forehead at the third eye or at the throat chakra, and it deflects negativity. Tourmaline wands are used in massage, in healing and in ritual.

The feast of Saint Francis of Assisi is celebrated on the 10/4. St. Francis had an affinity for animals and for all the elements of creation. His "Canticle of the Sun" shows that he had awareness of natural conservation, and full knowledge of the symbols of Divine Cosmology.

Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New year begins on 10/04. It is a moveable feast determined by the Lunar Calendar. It is a time of introspection, abstinence, prayer and penitence. Abraham’s story is read, and the events of that time are honored.

The Islamic festival of Ramadan begins on 10/05 and runs for a month (11/4). It is also a moveable holy festival. Ramadan is the month of fasting time of worship and contemplation in honor of the Holy Quran being sent down from heaven, offering guidance unto men, a declaration of life direction, and a means of Salvation. The Quran is the Islamic document of Truth.

Yom Kippur, October 13 is the Jewish Day of Atonement. It is the holiest day of the Jewish year, and observed with fasting and ceremonial repentance.

The Jewish celebration of Sukkot, also known as the Feast of Tabernacles began at sundown on 10/18 and ends on 10/24, with the primary day of obligation, 10/18. Prayers are recited for the success of the exodus, the dwellings in the desert, and the glory of God. The second week emphasizes the evaluation of principles, and the separation of truth from illusion. Sukkot is followed by Shemini Atzeret (10/25), a day of invocation for rain and successful crops. The next day is Simchat Torah (10/26), "Rejoicing of the Law," which celebrates the year-long cycle of reading the Torah. The Torah is the Jewish document of Truth. Allegiances will shift, and individuals will be asked to choose between the traditions of the past and the ever-changing, unexplored path of the future, and all are called upon to define and renew their lives by the highest Law of Truth within.

Marsilio Ficino, priest, doctor, astrologer, musician, author and philosopher, but is best known for his work as a translator of classic works, was born October 19, 1433 1:42 p.m. (-0.45) (LMT) Florence, Italy (Figline in the Val d'Arno), 43 N 46, 11 E 15, and died in October 1499. He had as his patron, three generations of the Medici family, Cosimo, his son Piero, and his grandson Lorenzo, who also were his students.

October is the doorway to the darker part of the year, and many cultures celebrated the end of October in honor of those who had died. The ancient Persians celebrated Mordad, dedicated to appeasing the Angel of Death. The Hindus celebrate a festival of the dead called "Durga." The ancient Egyptians celebrated the Day of the Dead in November, and the Mexicans and Peruvians commune with deceased relatives during the "Days of the Dead" at the end of October and beginning of November. The Christian holy day, All Hallows Eve on October 31^st is the day before All Saints Day. It was originally established in the month of May when, in 615 AD, Pope Boniface IV reclaimed the pagan temple of the Pantheon in Rome and dedicated this new "church" to the Christian martyrs. In 844 AD, because the crowds became so large, and food was in short supply, Pope Gregory moved the feast to November 1^st, coinciding with the feast of Pomona, goddess of the orchard, when grain, fruit and flowers were so plentiful that they were also used for decorations. This is the season of Skuld, the third and last of the Fates, who are goddesses who rule the processes of life. Skuld honors the Crone, or the wisdom path of the goddess. Z. Budapest describes Skuld as the Fate that allows transit to the other side of life.

After sundown on the Eve of Samhain (pronounced Sow-wain), the beginning of the Celtic New Year is a magical time of shape shifting, when the veil between the seen and the unseen is very thin. It is similar to its yearly opposite, Beltane, a time of elemental mischief and uncanny occurrences.

Hallowe’en, called the "Day of the Dead" in Latin cultures in the Americas, and "All Souls Day" in Christian cultures is when those who have left this plane of existence are remembered. Their accomplishments and/or their misdeeds are acknowledged, and their souls are remembered in prayer. The pagan feast of Samhain celebrates the peak of the cycle of rebirth, where mysteries are revealed to the faithful. This is the eve of "All Saints Day", when Christian heroes and heroines are recognized and petitioned to assist mortals in their quest for a more blessed existence.

"…just as a single ray of the sun lights up the four bodies, fire, air, water and earth, so a single ray of God illuminates the Mind, the Soul, Nature, and Matter… [Man is] …led to behold the face of God which shines within itself."

Speech II, chapter five, "Plato, Symposium", ed. John A. Brentlinger and trans. Suzy Q.

Groden. (Massachusetts: The University of Massachusetts Press,1970)

Roxana Muise, C.A.P. © October 2005

10/3 In 1962, Sigma Seven was launched at 7:15 EST from Cape Canaveral, FL, with Walter M. Schirra at the helm. It made 6 Earth orbits in 9 hours, 13 minutes, 11 seconds before the first Pacific landing, only 4 ½ miles from their aiming point. Captain Shirra also captained the Apollo 7 flight on 10/17/68 ¹.

10/5 was the 82^nd anniversary of Edwin Hubble’s discovery of the Cepheid variable in the Andromeda Galaxy.

10/6 marks the first decade since a planet was first discovered to orbit another star (51 Pegasi).

10/23 marks the centenary of Karl Jansky, father of radio astronomy. Do you recall his namesake, Robert Karl Jansky, one of the first astrologers to summarize western astrological techniques in the 20^th century?

10/16 Venus dazzles us as it journeys near the fixed star Antares, which sets at twilight in the northern hemisphere. Venus is white, while Antares is a ruddy red.

Mars edges very closely to the Earth for a month, reaching perigee (only 43.1 million miles from Earth) on 10/29. Mars won’t be this bright in our sky again until 2018. Mars culminates for our viewing pleasure (18 Taurus 10 Rx, 16 North declination) at 1:41 AM PDT (4:41 AM EDT).

10/17 The Lunar eclipse may be viewed on the western half of north and south America before the Moon sets (5:13 AM PDT).

10/21 the Orionid meteor shower will probably not be visible due to the light of the Moon, but the gifts of the spirit will shower upon us nevertheless.

The area of the zodiac through which a planet travels three times defines the "Retrograde Shadow". Each planet travels through its shadow first forward - then backward - then forward again. You might think of that section of the zodiac as temporarily sensitized - as if it were symbolically marked with a retrograde flag, which casts a shadow over the entire area. As the planet moves through the Shadow for the first time, ideas and situations will emerge that give hints to the nature of the planet’s journey through the shadow, and they will need to be re-examined during the rest of the retrograde cycle. While the planet is actually retrograde, a different perspective will be available. There may be a reversal of energies at this time. This is a time to gather information and review what has been happening. When the planet turns "direct" and moves through the Shadow for the last time, a new perspective may be viewed; and all that was learned during the first two passes may be absorbed and integrated. When the planet leaves the Shadow, that knowledge may be put into practice.

In 1980, I first referred to this area of the zodiac as the Retrograde Shadow. The position where the planet enters the shadow for the first time is called the Beginning Shadow Boundary. The position where the planet finally leaves the shadow is called the Ending Shadow Boundary. The following diagram shows the whole shadow and a planet’s path through it.

The next Mercury Shadow begins on October 25 and ends on December 21 at the winter Solstice. Mark those degrees in your natal chart and watch the process.