October is one of the most dynamic months of the year. And we can thank the relationship between dwarf planets Eris and Pluto for the energy being stirred up in the cosmos right now.

Last year, Pluto and Eris challenged each other several times, starting in January. They conclude their dance this month in an exact square on October 8, but Mercury and Mars will activate this ongoing storyline on October 1 and 21, respectively. So, this will be a big theme for the month.

Pluto is a planet of evolutionary change, and Eris is named after the goddess of discord. Astrologically, she represents disruption for social change. Together, these two symbolize some of the more significant societal shifts that we've been experiencing, especially with movements to end racism and white supremacy.

Between October 7 - 21, we have a build-up of energy between the Sun conjunct Mars transit on the 9th, and the Mars square Pluto, opposite Eris transits on the 21st. Because Mars is in the sign of its detriment, we need to release that energy intentionally. These transits could intensify any ongoing challenges or conflicts you are experiencing in your life or that we see in the world. Realize unwanted change can lead to freedom-- there are gifts in it all. You could be motivated to take action or take a stand. Yes! Go for it! You can access the courage to overcome those fears this month.

Mercury is going retrograde until October 18. We are also looking at the past to revisit decisions that we made when we were more unconscious.

After the 18th, Saturn Pluto, Jupiter, and Mercury will all be going direct, giving us the sense we can move forward on plans that we've had on hold.

Mars in Libra shows a stalemate in some of the more conflictual situations in our lives until October 30. Perhaps peace is the answer -- Mars in Libra says it is! This influence emphasizes diplomacy, tact, and negotiation in our relationships and more public expressions.

The new moon on October 6 sets the stage for a new beginning in matters of love. Libra is the sign of balanced partnerships, but striking a balance takes effort in Libra season. Sometimes, we find equilibrium by going to extremes.

On October 7, Venus enters freedom-loving Sagittarius, and we crave social interactions. Love seems a little lighter. We can find enjoyment in simple everyday activities, and we're not plunging the depths as we were when Venus was in Scorpio.

Because Mercury is retrograde in Libra, the sign of relationships, we'll feel this in our love lives, friendships, and interpersonal communication. We want to be honest with ourselves, knowing our limitations. We want to be honest with others and avoid people-pleasing or behaviors that compromise our integrity.

On October 15, a Sun trine Jupiter transit fills us with a sense of hope in the middle of the month's intensity. Then, on October 20, the Aries Full Moon brings us lessons in self-love. After Mercury retrograde, we will have new insights about ourselves in relationships. This Full Moon punctuates all of that growth and fires up our inner warrior. During this Libra season and Mercury retrograde, one of the big challenges will be setting healthy boundaries for yourself and within relationships. This Full Moon can punctuate all of that and help you be clear about what you need to eliminate in your life or how you allow others to limit you.

The moon will conjunct Eris and activate the Pluto/Eris square hours before it opposes the Sun on the 20th. So, expect it to be a day for powerful words and dedicated actions.

On October 22, the Sun enters Scorpio, and we enter a new solar season. Toward the end of the month, Mars also enters Scorpio. As we head into November, it's time to integrate all of the shifting, growth, and healing October has to bring.