October Horoscopes
As we enter the last quarter of 2024, we could feel exhaustion and exhilaration, much like striding into the final mile of a marathon. This period tests our endurance and resilience, pushing us to keep moving forward despite the fatigue that might have accumulated over the year. We’re on the cusp of significant changes, with the outer planets moving through the last degrees of their respective signs. This year’s transits set the stage for a profound shift in our collective consciousness.
Pluto, the planet of transformation, has been oscillating between Capricorn and Aquarius for the past two years, highlighting the tension between the old and the new, the established and the revolutionary. On November 19, Pluto finally settles into Aquarius, marking the beginning of a new 20-year cycle. This transition ushers us into a new era, where we start to awaken to a different reality—a reality that we've only seen glimpses of.
This new paradigm is shaped by rapid technological advancements, such as the rise of AI, the expansion of satellite networks, and even the militarization of space. As these developments unfold, they bring about a recalibration of power structures globally and in our everyday lives. Pluto's ingress into Aquarius is arguably the most significant transit of this quarter, influencing global events and our personal lives. (More on that later in this article.)
We start the quarter with the equinox on September 22, which marks the Sun’s entry into Libra. The sign of balance often asks us to neutralize or harmonize polarity, but the chart for the start of the season shows the Sun moving toward the South Node. Could we be called to confront the shadow aspects of ourselves and our collective history? Have we sought peace in relationships at the expense of our self-interest? Have we feared being alone so that we’ve stayed in unhealthy relationships? The North Node is moving toward Neptune, suggesting that our dreams and ideals are also under scrutiny, pushing us to align with a higher spiritual vision while letting go of illusions.
The Moon in Gemini during this equinox is a messenger, bringing to light the wounds that Sedna, the magical sea goddess, symbolizes. Sedna’s influence reminds us of painful incidents of betrayal or hostility, but it shows the potential to transform those past experiences into liberation and empowerment. It’s a time to reframe our past, drawing strength from the places where we’ve felt most vulnerable.
The Solar Eclipse on October 2 at 10˚ Libra is a powerful lunation, as it brings the South Node into play, signaling a time of karmic release and profound transformation. Libra’s influence emphasizes relationships, but with the North Node in Aries, we could be more aware of our need for freedom and autonomy rather than our desire for connection. This eclipse may stir up unresolved conflicts in partnerships or prompt shifts in the way we experience love. This eclipse asks us to examine where we have compromised too much or held onto unhealthy relationship dynamics. We could feel liberated to make changes.
In Predictive Astrology, Bernadette Brady writes this Saros Cycle holds the themes of:
“Separation and loss. To be parted. To finish something and to feel sad at its completion. Physical injury is also possible through overstraining one's strength. This is not the time to undertake strenuous physical activities.”
Brady, Bernadette. Predictive Astrology (Weiser Classics Series) (p. 279). Red Wheel Weiser. Kindle Edition.
This eclipse also forms a tense t-square with Mars in Cancer, creating a push-pull dynamic between emotional security and our need for connection. Mars in Cancer may intensify emotional reactions if we feel compelled to let go of something. Additionally, the conjunction with Mercury and Black Moon Lilith deepens the conversation, amplifying our need to reclaim shadow aspects of ourselves and let integration lead to empowerment. Mercury’s presence encourages open communication, but with an edge—it’s a time for raw, unfiltered truths to come to light.
On October 9, Jupiter in Gemini stations retrograde. Consider the aspects of your life that feel overwhelming. This retrograde cycle gives high-pressure situations a much-needed pause, if only for a day or two. It’s important to focus on details and not rush through projects that need your dedication. This transit could have implications for the US Presidential election as conspiracy theories, fear-based rhetoric, or falsities make their way into the mainstream. Could the retrograde cycle help us awaken to our own truth? We need to remember to disconnect from outside influences and attune to our hearts and minds once in a while. Meditation is an excellent tool.
Pluto stations direct in Capricorn on October 11, signaling the end of an intense period of deep inner work, especially for cardinal signs. What house does Capricorn rule in your chart? That’s where you’re closing chapters and doing one last review to support you in letting go.
Pluto has been digging up the roots of all things Capricorn—societal and family structures, authority, and long-established systems—asking us to face uncomfortable truths and rebuild those areas of our lives. We can expect to feel a surge of momentum as it moves forward. The lessons learned during the retrograde phase will now begin to manifest, empowering us to step into a new 20-year cycle of Pluto in Aquarius with greater clarity and purpose.
Those two highlights of October aren’t all the month has in store for us! On October 13, Mars and the Sun form challenging aspects to Chiron in Aries. Mars squares Chiron, sparking growth opportunities that provoke a call for independence, deepen our self-worth, and help us gain confidence. Mars may push us to set boundaries to honor our time, space, or energy. It teaches us it’s okay to ask for what we need and expect to have what we desire. This transit invites us to face our insecurities, especially where we've felt blocked in asserting ourselves or standing up for our needs.
The Sun opposes Chiron, highlighting a deep need for self-acceptance and authenticity. This opposition spotlights memories of times we felt unworthy. We want to remember to be compassionate to ourselves and others as we review these mental pictures. Healing can mean loving the parts of ourselves most in pain and reaching radical acceptance.
The Aries Full Moon on October 17 offers us a call to adventure. Aries's fiery, autonomous energy juxtaposes the Libra Sun in conjunction with partnership-oriented Juno. As you can imagine, this lunation stirs relationship restlessness. For those who are single, it activates any frustration you have about relationship timing. For those involved, it could spur a need for personal space or romantic connection, whatever you feel is lacking in your love life.
The lunation chart features Venus at 29˚ Scorpio in a sextile aspect to Pluto. Venus, the dispositor of the Libra Sun, has a big influence on this lunation. The lunation chart features a kite aspect pattern between Mars in Cancer trine, Venus in Scorpio, Neptune in Pisces, and Pluto at the apex in sextiles with Venus and Neptune. Venus and Neptune mediate Mars in its t-square with the Sun and Moon. The fact that these planets are all in late degrees of their respective signs indicates closing chapters. We can move beyond tired affairs, expired, or over-examined.
On the same day, Venus enters Sagittarius, inspiring a free-spirited sense of adventure, especially in friendships and romantic relationships. The Full Moon's intensity and Venus’s shift into Sagittarius ask us to balance autonomy with connection. Can love be an adventure? Consider the term habituation and how it relates to your life. We are oriented to routines and daily rituals, but occasionally, we need to change things up! Venus in Sagittarius can help with that.
The Sun enters Scorpio on October 22 with a bang. The Mars-Eris square on October 21 cues the Scorpio season. Whom or what are you willing to fight? Mars sparks passion for protecting yourself and others. It’s also a pioneering influence that lets you discern ways to disrupt the status quo wherever you most need freedom.
On October 26, Vesta, the asteroid representing devotion and daily rituals, enters Libra, indicating a time to restore equilibrium in our homes. It’s a time to dedicate ourselves to cultivating peace in our family relationships where conflict looms. Vesta’s energy supports the development of mindful practices that encourage cooperation and understanding, making it an excellent time to focus on spiritual practices that incorporate movement or the arts.
This transit encourages us to honor our personal boundaries while fostering connections built on mutual respect and harmony. In relationships, Vesta in Libra reminds us that devotion doesn’t require self-sacrifice but rather can occur through a commitment to beauty. We can cultivate the sacredness in our partnerships.
