Astrology Forecast for October 2011

by Belinda C Dunn

Aries/Libra Full Moon

October 11 @ 10:06 p.m.

Scorpio New Moon

October 26 @ 3:56 p.m.

The planetary influences for October are sweet, calm and gentle in comparison to most months of 2011. By all means, that doesn’t mean complete ease and resting on our laurels, but the theme is integration and restoration for the journey ahead. What indications show this trend? Mercury is direct all month. No major planets turn retrograde or direct, and eclipses remain on the horizon for November and December. So, as we breathe a collective sigh of relief, we turn our sights to autumn in all its colorful and majestic glory, and prepare for year’s end.

The focus for October remains on relationship, and the potentially conflictive area of negotiation. Some people are more in turn with Libra values than others. The scales of balance are very sensitive, weighing all options, evaluating each and every ounce of fairness. Because every human mind tends to be distorted in favor of itself, society has developed the legal system offering the advise and counsel of professionals. Even than, opinions can far outweigh the most meticulous, careful and sincere analysis of situations and events.

This is the month for realistic appraisal for the purpose of striking fair and harmonious solutions. Saturn in Libra has its final say, and the bottom line reigns supreme. Distortion and illusion flee in light of basic necessity, getting the job done, and moving situations forward. Saturn entered Libra summer of 2010, and will remain in Libra skies for another year (October 2012). We abide at the half way mark in learning about ourselves within relationship to others.

An urgent need for diplomacy effects relationships between individuals, societies, nations and the world. We will see major decisions between nations that propel diplomatic solutions. Libra the peacemaker has Saturn’s assistance to balance the scales. Harmonizing and agreeable, Libra rarely takes up arms, avoids conflict whenever possible, and prefers to negotiate through effective communication. For the past year, the United States has been strongly influenced by Saturn’s transit through Libra. October is a wrap up month. Vital information can no longer be hidden. Key communications serve to bring situations to a critical point for resolution.

We will see many complications and completions this month in terms of alliances. Saturn takes out of our lives what we no longer need, bringing into our lives what we truly need. The operative word here is "need." Saturn does not cater to desire, programming, habit or expectation. Saturn supports our spiritual growth, providing lessons and tests of character. These opportunities for growth are not always welcome, and humans tend to resist Saturn. But, Saturn has a rare gift, and this is the gift of virtue. Saturn doesn’t let us stray too far from our conscience. Integrity, honesty, forbearance, discipline, focus . . . these are the gifts Saturn asks us to accept.

Consider the changes you have experienced in relationships since late January 2011. October is full circle month as Mercury joins Saturn on October 5-7, and Sun joins Saturn on October 13. In combination with the Full Moon on October 11, this dynamic trend points to significant circumstances requiring careful and fair negotiation. In some cases, it may be necessary to acquire the mediation of another person outside of the immediate situation.

It is natural for the Full Moon to amplify consciousness, illuminate the subconscious, and bring to light the inner psyche. In this case, an increase of awareness helps us step aside from a false sense of obligation, and become more aligned with responsibilities that truly call us. Depending on an individual’s personality, Moon in Aries stimulates self-directed actions as well as self-centered actions. For people with the tendency to be over involved with others, this Full Moon gives clarity of boundaries, boosting independent and free action. In reality, the majority of us will experience a blend of these impulses, bringing to light the delicate balance between self and others, the on-going dilemma in this world of form.

Our Sun makes its annual entry into the deep, dark, mysterious waters of Scorpio on October 23. We have a jump start on Scorpio themes as Venus and Mercury enter Scorpio the week of October 9. This is the zodiac sign of release whereby we encounter the inner dimensions of life. The temporal nature of earthly matters is evident. As autumn leaves release their grasp, stately trees reveal their bone bones, and we are reminded of what dwells beneath the surface of appearances.

Scorpio’s New Moon on October 26 is dynamic, intense, and brings us face to face with power. Secrets come to the forefront. Scorpio rules over sexuality, the occult, death and shared resources, all topics considered taboo in daily conversation. Tension is apparent as Mercury and Venus in Scorpio square Mars in Leo, exact on October 26 - 28. These are the zodiac signs of power. Leo tends to operate out in the open in a determined and obvious demonstration of control. Strategic and secretive, Scorpio tends to utilize power in covert ways.

This planetary dynamic between Mercury, Venus and Mars stimulates unbridled action and speech without regard for others. Mindlessly committing words to speech, the tongue so easily becomes the proverbial Scorpio stinger with the potential to harm and hinder genuine communication. Subterfuge, slander and other methods of control surge into play, complicating matters for those people and groups vying for control. On a personal level, it is well to remember the old adage, "be careful what you pray for, you just might get it." So often, the highest and best outcome is blinded by personal will and desire.

Aside from planetary influences, October is pivotal on the evolutionary front. According to calculations by Mayan scholar Carl Calleman, the shifting of ages is marked for this year, March 9 - October 28. Other sources name December 21, 2012 as the distinctive date. East and west, numerous sources point to major shifts in planetary consciousness. Taking place over aeons of time, enormous cycles are difficult to pinpoint to a year, much less a week or day. My meditation teacher has referred to 2012 as the "peak of the bonus time." He refers to a tremendous, unprecedented evolutionary step toward Source that can only be embraced to be experienced. It is clear, humanity has been posed to step across this threshold of new awareness for decades. These times present a unique opportunity to release many incarnations of baggage, and be closer to the Source of existence as all-encompassing, healing, compassionate love and light.

Halloween celebrations generate an extra spark of mystery this year. Not only does Mars in Leo support playfulness, drama, costumes and parties, but Neptune weaves its spell of mystical make-believe. The quintessential Scorpio celebration, Halloween encourages us to face the shadow, laugh in the face of fear, and realize the illusory nature of things that go bump in the night. Throughout the ages, each of us have worn many costumes upon this earthly stage of existence. When we embrace the transitory nature of life, bare bones of truth are exposed, and skeletons dancing in the darkness bring a smile to our faces. Enjoy!

Belinda C. Dunn is a professional astrologer with over 35 years experience. Her training started in 1972 at the Temple of Kriya Yoga/Chicago where she studied astrology, metaphysics and yoga. Over the years, her approach has evolved to a psychological, spiritual and personal growth orientation. For decades her insightful and down-to-earth consultations have been shared with clients around the world. Seen in a variety of publications, Belinda's monthly astrological update has been in circulation since 1992. Contact Belinda through e-mail: [email protected], or phone 828.215.2101. Check out her site at AstroDelight.com.

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