Greetings

OCTOBER USHERS A NEW SEASON AS WELL AS THE SLOWEST PACE OF 2026

October takes us into deep introspection and rediscovery. With so many planets moving retrograde (Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto), including Venus and Mercury, we are moving into our past, which will allow us to begin again. We will be exploring relationships, desires and intense connections with others. We will also discover situations that have stayed in the shadows. From now until April 2027, we are entering the vortex of the past and it is time to rest and slow down and relax rather than force us to move quickly. With Venus and Mercury going retrograde in Scorpio, we are tugging at our heartstrings and removing any barriers that surround our hearts. October is a month for self-care as we experience a shift in tone and tempo and turn inward as we take deep dives into the underworld.

 OCTOBER 2026 TRANSITS:

 On October 1 Mercury enters Scorpio and forms a volcanic T-square with both Mars in Leo and Pluto in Aquarius on October 2. Conversations may turn heated as old anger erupts. We may feel provoked, misunderstood, or flooded by feelings that have been buried. This is the unconscious making itself known. Mars trines Neptune at the same time offering us spiritual courage as we face what is difficult.

 VENUS RETROGRADES IN SCORPIO

 On October 3 Venus enters Scorpio and remains until November 13 when she stations direct in her home in Libra. Love is turning inward as Venus descends into the underworld where past loves may return, along with old fears around intimacy, self-worth and trust. Scorpio allows us to root out what has been hiding in our subconscious. This is where real healing begins as well as the uncomfortable work that goes along with wellness.

 SUN OPPOSES SATURN

On October 4 the Sun in Libra opposes Saturn in Aries and the struggle to keep the peace and honor our own needs arrives. Saturn demands responsibility in our relationships as well as learning to set boundaries with integrity.

 MERCURY CONJUNCTS VENUS IN SCORPIO (October 6)

 On October 6 Mercury meets retrograde Venus and creates an easier time to speak openly about our feelings, as well as to listen deeply as we share with others. It is a wonderful time to reconnect with those you enjoy.

 NEW MOON IN LIBRA; VENUS SQUARES MARS (October 10)

A New Moon in Libra just as Venus squares Mars appears on October 10. With Venus, ruler of Libra retrograde in Scorpio, new intentions for love and partnership as well as deep honesty with others. If we have been shrinking down to keep the peace, the people pleasing gene needs to allow us to honor our differences instead. When we stop abandoning ourselves, passion and creativity return and relationships become balanced.

 MARS TRINE SATURN (October 15); PLUTO STATIONS DIRECT (October 16)

Mars trines Saturn in Aries just after Pluto stations direct in Aquarius. Obstacles that felt immovable begin to shift, allowing the patience and stamina to create something realistic. Transformation that has been subtly unfolding for months is finally ready to emerge and move forward until Pluto regresses on May 8. From October 15 till May 8, 2027 Pluto is getting up speed from 3 degrees until 7 degrees, the first time in 250 years that Pluto cleans up the past.

 VENUS SQUARE PLUTO (October 20)

 On October 20 Venus squares off Pluto for the second time of three passes. The third pass arrives in early December. Power dynamics in love and money resurface. We may confront jealousy, control or fear of loss. Time to breathe and surrender: fear not!

 SUN ENTERS SCORPIO ON October 23

 The Sun enters the Scorpio Season on October 23, already steeped in shadow and now moving deeper and further. This is the season for truth, intimacy and transformation. It is time to look beneath the surface of our lives and surrender to what we find.

 SUN CONJUNCT VENUS, MERCURY STATIONS REGROGRADE (October 23)

 On October 23 a Venus cazimi forms as Venus meets the Sun at the heart of her cycle. An old chapter in love closes as a new one seeds. The message of this retrograde is becoming clear. On October 23 Mercury stations retrograde in Scorpio, remaining there until November 13. With both personal planets moving backward, we enter a more liminal, auspicious space. Unfinished conversations and past connections may return to be resolved.

 VENUS RE-ENTERS LIBRA OCTOBER 25

 Venus retrogrades back into her home in Libra, her natural domicile. The Sun and Venus have traded signs. We are revisiting questions of balance and fairness in our relationships, with a deeper emotional understanding than before.

 FULL MOON IN TAURUS OCTOBER 26

 The Full Moon in earth sign Taurus on October 26 is squaring Pluto. This lunation is ruled by Venus, a planet in retrograde with Venus sitting directly opposite Taurus. Pluto will square both Taurus and Scorpio, and change is unique. The Moon in Taurus is primal and earthy energy rises with us. This is a stark contrast to the cool, technological atmosphere of Pluto in Aquarius. What does our body know that our mind keeps overriding. Differences that have been hidden now become obvious. This is a breakdown that leads to a clearing.

 MERCURY SQUARE MARS OCTOBER 30

Mercury squares Mars one more time, eliciting conflict, painful truths and difficult conversations. Tempers may flare and minds may race. With Mercury retrograde in Scorpio, anything can happen. Hopefully we can have some peace for Halloween! 

Ultimately, this month’s complicated cross currents and resultant interference patterns cannot smoothly carry us from where we want to be. Our challenge is not to force everything (or everyone) to move in unison but to navigate the changing tides while simply keeping our idealized destination in our direct line of vision. October is a month of deep dives as we enter the underworld when Venus and Mercury join Saturn, Pluto, Uranus and Neptune to walk on the wild side of surrender.

 With the feeling function and retrograde planets, our emotional needs will need a tune up. I will be available for consultations from October 5th – October 30th, 10:30 am-5:00 pm at my office 19 Briar Hollow Lane #263 or virtually. As you know, I am a psychotherapist utilizing astrology as a diagnostic tool. This combination allows me to enhance psychotherapy, focusing on treatment of stress, anxiety, life transitions and relationship issues. I also do astrological consultation from a psychological perspective.

WISHING YOU A WONDERFUL OCTOBER WITH COOLER WEATHER AND ENJOYING YOUR WORLD!

NAN