Overview for October 2007

There are two important developments in October. The first is that Mars moves into Cancer for an extended visit and the second is that Mercury turns retrograde. By now, most of you are probably familiar with the meaning of a retrograde Mercury; delays in travel and communication, letters going astray, confusion, technical hitches and all manner of ploys to get us to slow down and double check our arrangements. The Scorpions and Librans inparticular may find they need to go back to the drawing board whilst everyone else will benefit from double checking plans and slowing down a little. This quirky little cosmic event can be frustrating but only because we insist on carrying on at our normal speed. Mercury stopping in the heavens gives us permission to slow down, rest our frazzled minds and be more aware of what we’re doing and why we’re doing it. Problems only arise when we ignore the precious need for time out. So from the 12th to the end of the month, it will be of benefit to double check everything and to resist trying to get more done than is absolutely necessary. Take time to clear your mind, delete the computer of junk, sort your accounts, service the car and clear out stuff that you no longer need.

Think of Mercury retrograde as a cosmic clutter buster, when it pays to get things in order and clear out that which you no longer need. Mars starts the month in Cancer and will remain there until May 2008 (apart from briefly nipping back to see how the Geminis are getting on in January - the cosmic equivalent of popping out for a pint of milk) This is extremely good news for Cancerians – especially those Crabs who have been longing for more motivation, energy or a new beginning. Basically, this extended visit from Mars will give the Crabs something to get out of bed in the morning for, and will have them kicking off their slippers and going for gold. But everyone will benefit from this Mars transit; in some area of our lives we have been needing the gift of his motivation, so check out your monthly forecast to see where you’re going to be making changes and feeling inspired.

The new moon falls on the 11th in the sign of Libra. Supported by Neptune and Jupiter, this is a very positive new moon which will help anymore who is searching for the opportunity to make a dream come true; no matter how large or small. Let your imagination inspire you to do things differently and bring the changes you wish to see. If an opportunity arises to free yourself from a less than inspiring situation, take it – something better will almost certainly take its place. This is not a month to play safe and stick with the devil you know. In fact, being open to change and adventure will bring rich rewards.

The middle of the month contains a series of pleasant experiences and this would be an opportune time to manifest a more celebratory attitude and to value and appreciate all the good things in your world. So make time for fun and enjoyment, from happy social engagements to creative and romantic pursuits. It’s easy to forget that we are supposed to enjoy life and this seems to be especially true for light workers who feel the responsibility of healing the world of all its problems. You may well be here to make a difference and to guide humanity though these tumultuous times, but not at the expense of your own wellbeing. So make the middle of October the time for some well earned fun.

The full moon joins the retrograde Mercury on the 26th in Taurus and occurs at the same time as a T-square involving Uranus, Jupiter and Venus, so this could be an ‘interesting’ time for many people. Frustration could be the keyword here, and if you experience such feelings it may be because you feel pressured, trapped, stuck or oppressed, but striking out in anger or acting impulsively is perhaps not the best use of these energies. Instead, give careful consideration to any predicament you may find yourself in, and then make a decision that will enable you to move forward in a constructive manner. Sometimes we remain stuck because we’re afraid of the unknown or because we don’t believe in ourselves. But the alternative to change and growth is a flat grey existence which we occasionally aim to spice up with ‘wrong’ stimulants such as alcohol, drugs, food, romantic dramas and over spending. When we fulfil our soul’s purpose and do what we came here to be, we don’t need any artificial stimulants. So this would be a good month to give some thought to your true purpose and to let go of that which hinders you. I’ll leave you with an old Chinese proverb which nicely sums up the mood for October: ‘Be not afraid of growing slowly, be afraid only of standing still.’

Weekly Forecasts: October 2007

Aries

October 1-6 As Mars marches into the domestic angle of your chart, it’s time to take a good look around and assess whether you’re happy with your surroundings. If there is room for improvement, Mars will be on hand for eight months to help you make the changes that you feel would be of benefit. The Mars energies will support you in doing work to your home, moving, or simply adding a splash of paint here and there. It will also help you to get to the bottom of domestic disputes and long standing family rifts. This transit may also signal the time to look within yourself with a view to excavating internal grumbles and any anger that belongs in the past. As you make progress in these areas, you can expect a breakthrough and the emergence of a new vision in your life.

October 7-14 Relationships take centre stage this week as the new moon on the 11th offers the chance to start afresh in a relationship. It’s time to focus on new beginnings and to lay the past to rest. Perhaps there is a relationship in your life which needs healing – if so now would be a wonderful time to offer forgiveness or make amends. When you have released yourself from the chains of emotional negativity, you’ll be amazed how much energy returns to you that you can employ in other areas of your life. So let go of old hurts, seek to create balance and harmony and work towards removing manipulation and co-dependency from your partnerships. If you are giving too much and feeling resentful, or if you have been too focussed on other things in your life, this new moon calls you to the importance of the personal side of your life and asks you to create new beginnings so that healing can take place.

October 15-22 How happy are you with your daily life? Do your days fill you with joy and satisfaction? If not, Saturn and Venus are on hand to help you bring improvements to your life. Perhaps the improvements you seek would come from being more organised and having all your affairs in order. A less cluttered environment might work wonders, bringing clarity and inspiration. Perhaps a more disciplined approach to your work might be in order, or maybe you need to apply that same discipline to your health and wellbeing? Either way, when your body is a temple, your office is a shrine and your home a haven of domestic bliss, your life will automatically flow much more smoothly, leaving you with more time and energy to do the things that matter most.

October 23-31 The opportunity to sort out a financial matter arises under the full moon in Taurus on the 26th. Perhaps you have felt locked in survival mode recently – that in some way there might not be enough, but Saturn’s link to the Moon suggests that your fears are ungrounded, and that with a little bit of effort and a smidgeon of discipline you can turn things around and start to see big improvements in your financial and material life. Perhaps there is an important negotiation to be had – certainly Mercury heading back to your relating zone would imply that you need to talk about a monetary matter; it may simply be a cause of stoking T’s and dotting I’s but don’t dismiss something because it doesn’t seem immediately important. You won’t be able to move forward until you have settled a matter with another person. And when you have attended to the mundane side of material life, seek out celebration. Venus in your work and duty zone is trying to tell you that your days don’t have to be spent in a haze of effort – it is acceptable to relax, unwind and enjoy yourself too. Even better is the bringing of joy to your everyday tasks so that by putting love into everything you do, your days become a wonderful example of how to be in the moment. Don’t wait for a sunny day or a party on your calendar – make it your mission to find something to celebrate each and every day, as often as you can.

Taurus

October 1-6 It is said that about 90% of all communication is non-verbal – that is most of what is registered with people isn’t as a result of what we say, but more from our body language and other unconscious cues. The only problem with this is that sometimes what we say conflicts with what our body is saying and this can send out mixed messages. If you want people to understand you clearly, if you want to avoid disputes, resentment and confusion, make a vow to communicate with clarity and honesty. Be assertive and if something is on your mind express it. Mars has just entered your zone of communication and will stay there until next May. He will help you to be direct when necessary, to stand up for yourself and others and to cut through flowery rhetoric. He will also enable you to see beyond the verbal masks of others to get to the truth of what they’re actually saying. For this week though it’s enough to start communicating honestly with everyone you meet and to expect the same in return.

October 7-14 Is it time for turning over a new leaf with your health? Or are you searching for new beginnings at work? Well, either are possible under this week’s new moon on the 11th. Here is a wonderful opportunity to leave behind that which works against you (perhaps an unhealthy habit, an undisciplined approach at work or a disorganised system at home) and to bring in new positive regimes such as exercise or juicing, or taking on a new role in your work or developing a new approach to an existing job role. Improving your daily affairs is where it’s at so put this new moon to work for you by writing down your intentions for improved health and wellbeing and a happier more fulfilling situation in your work.

October 15-22 How often do you take the opportunity to celebrate? If you’re like most people you’ll wait for a party or a grand social occasion, but as joyful Venus languishes in your house of fun, she is reminding you that there is no need to wait for a big excuse to let your hair down. There is no time like the present, and the simple act of seeing the funny side of life’s everyday quirks is often enough to lighten one’s spirits and remind us that we’re not supposed to be taking this business called life so seriously! So make some time for play, laughter and enjoyable pursuits. Get creative with your children, enjoy a romantic meal with your partner, make music with your friends or simply sing in the shower. Paint your toenails, wear a bright orange shirt and give others permission to lighten up via your own joyful exuberance.

October 23-31 It’s time to take stock of your life and decide what if any improvements need to be made. Indeed, Venus in opposition to Uranus suggests that you might benefit from a change or two. This is not the time to drift along, idly going with the flow. Instead you need to decide what works for you and what doesn’t and find ways to create more of the stuff that works. Around the time of the full moon on the 26th there could be an opportunity which allows you to take a step in a new direction, or which allows you to express more of talents and abilities – either way - your creative juices should be flowing. And if you’re not sure which way to jump, it doesn’t really matter so long as you hurl yourself into the experience. The taking of a risk or daring to be different will be all it takes to generate more creativity and inspiration – just remember to enjoy yourself; that is after all why we’re here.

Gemini

October 1-6 As Mars begins his long stay in Cancer, it’s good news for your finances. Not in the sense that you’re likely to be any more lucky than normal and come up trumps on the lottery, but more that you will have the energy and motivation to improve matters yourself. This Mars position is all about you deciding what you’re worth and then taking matters into your own hands. So if you feel like you’ve been settling for less than you deserve, this is the beginning of a new era for you. An era where you will realise that it’s okay to ask for what you want (not just financially but emotionally too) and not be embarrassed to go and get it.

October 7-14 When your ruling planet decides to stop in his tracks and head back through the sky, it can have a somewhat frustrating effect if you’re seeking to move forwards. But Mercury’s periodic retrograde cycle doesn’t have to be frustrating. Perhaps you could see it as giving you a necessary breather - cosmic permission to slow down and take stock; to relax and give yourself some ‘me time.’ Added to that is a new moon in your house of fun so maybe it’s time to switch your priorities and remember that life isn’t one long obstacle course to be negotiated as quickly as possible, but an opportunity to discover more about who you really are and what you really want. And the more you realise who you really are the less you’ll compare yourself unfavourably to others and the more courageous you’ll become in going for the things that really matter to you. So don’t be in too much of a hurry this week and take time to nurture your soul’s potential into the sparkling diamond that it longs to be.

October 15-22 Self esteem is a crucial component of healthy humans – it allows you to ask for what you want and not feel guilty or embarrassed. It allows you to recognize when others have overstepped their mark and so enables healthy boundaries to be drawn. It enables you to see yourself as equal to others – not less than or better than and it encourages you to respect your physical body. If any of the above has struck a chord, perhaps this would be a good moment for you to consider how you might sometimes leave yourself out in the cold, through not feeling entitled. If your relationships don’t give you the love and support you deserve, if you are paid less than your talents and intelligence demands, if you can’t tell others when they are not treating you with respect or if you abuse your body with unhealthy foods, lack of sleep, too much alcohol, cigarettes or eating on the run and not making time for yourself, then it’s time to understand that others won’t change their behaviour towards you until you do. Mars in your self esteem zone says it’s about time you treated yourself better. In so doing, the outside world will change its perception of you too. So stand up for what you believe in, don’t be afraid to walk a different path if it calls to you, stop seeking approval and don’t feel guilty for being true to your needs. It’s time to demonstrate the courage of your convictions, regardless of what others think.

October 23-31 They say it’s lonely at the top – but who are ‘they’ and what do they really know? Perhaps it’s a true statement for those ruthless or selfish individuals who forget about those people who have helped them on their way, but for a fair and friendly Gemini that is unlikely to be the case. So don’t fear success and don’t hang back from going for what you want. It is true though that when you decide to be true to yourself, you may alienate those people who would rather you stayed the way you were, but you can probably do without these people anyway. And the full moon on the 26th asks you to close the pages of a chapter that has been finished. If you feel a little alone, or a bit of an outsider, it’s because you are readjusting, or recalibrating, and as such it is inevitable that certain elements of your life will no longer reflect the new you. If bad vibes are in the air, protect yourself by safeguarding your health (a healthy body generates a healthy aura) and by visualising yourself in a powerful white bubble that nothing negative can penetrate. This is a month to stand firm, to believe in yourself and not be knocked off course, and your keywords for October are courage and integrity.

Cancer

October 1-6 It’s time for a fanfare and a drum roll as Mars - planet of motivation and dynamic energy - launches himself into your sign for an overly long stay. He normally only does a 6-8 week stint for each sign, but for some reason or other he’s decided that the Cancerians need the benefit of his strength and power for a wonderful eight months! This is of course good news – although every planet has its downside which I’ll mention later – but in the main this is what you’ve been waiting for. If you’ve felt stagnant, tired, or lacking in motivation this augers a period of renewal for you. If you’ve been feeling a bit stuck and wondering when something new and exciting would happen, then this is your lucky break. And if you simply want to get on and make things happen, then before long you should be flying high. This Mars transit will help you find your purpose and it will enable you to feel more daring and take a risk. The only side effect of this transit is that you could find yourself snapping and growling more than is usual so be aware of what pushes your buttons and strive to explode at the right person in the right circumstances, otherwise you could make a few enemies over the course of the next 8 months. But some might say that this may not actually be a bad thing if you have been too passive and overly nice in the past – maybe you need to start growling a bit! But little warnings aside, this is a wonderful cosmic event for you, and will help you to move out of any situation that as been less than positive – on your marks, get set, GO!

October 7-14 In what way do you wish to be more successful? Perhaps your health has room for improvement? Maybe you’re work isn’t as creative or fulfilling as you would like. Maybe your personal life could be more satisfying, or financially things could be better. The time for thinking that you just have to accept your lot is over. Mars in your sign is a powerful dose of self esteem that will in time, push you out of your comfort zone and into the realisation that we each create our own reality, and the new moon on the 11th is your cue to bring about change. On a mundane level, this is a wonderful week for turning over a new leaf in your home or with your family. It’s great for deciding to move, to redecorate or to start afresh with a family member. But at a deeper level, this is about closing a door on the past – it’s about accepting that you can’t change what’s happened but that you can change your attitude towards it – perhaps by being more accepting and feeling less of a victim. Victims have no power and Mars simply won’t stand for that. So decide what changes you want to see manifest in your world, and then set about making them happen.

October 15-22 Change your beliefs about yourself and you change your beliefs about what you’re capable of. By believing more in yourself and your power to bring about change, you put yourself in a position where the world sits up and takes notice of you. Saturn’s entry into your house of perception is working away steadily at any lack of confidence so that you can realise just how much you have to offer. Perhaps this will bring about a desire to learn more – perhaps by taking up a course of study, or maybe you will seek to change or improve your job. Maybe you will make fewer sacrifices and tend to your own needs for a change. Mercury is currently heading back through your area of self expression and creativity, as if to say there’s something you’ve not addressed here – perhaps your right to be yourself. Maybe your right to exist. Or simply, your right and need to have more fun and more enjoyable activities in your life. First and foremost for a Cancerians happiness is a secure and loving family life – so make sure this is in place. Then turn your attention to your work, your health and your right to express yourself and your wonderful talents – intention is everything and as you decree, so shall it be.

October 23-31 Instead of judging, try trusting. The human mind finds it too easy to sit in judgement and is constantly making assessments about other people and situations. Perhaps you don’t approve of another’s actions - maybe you’d do it differently, but remember that each person is walking a mile in their own shoes, and we don’t always know the full story or the history behind what has led them to where they are now. So instead of getting caught up in unhelpful thoughts and feelings, just trust that there is a good reason for why things are the way they are. And then take advantage of the full moon in the hopes and dreams area of your chart by focussing on the future, rather than the past. If something isn’t helping you move forward, maybe you need to go back to the drawing board and reassess and revise. Don’t worry about making a wrong choice but be grateful that you are in a position to make a choice. If it doesn’t work out you can always try something else. The message for this month is be daring, be creative and move through your days with the faith and trust of a child. Take a jump into the unknown – your courage will be rewarded by a lovely soft landing at the other end.

Leo

October 1-6 As Mars changes signs and prepares to settle himself into the secluded part of your chart, your gift for the next eight months will be ‘intuition.’ If there’s anything you need to know, or anything uncertain, you can find the answers by having a little quiet time so that the answers can gently drift into your conscious mind. This would be a great time to get to know the inner workings of your mind more, to unravel your complexities and to get in touch with your secret desires. Everyone has a private dream – now is the time for you to discover yours.

October 7-14 The gift of imagination is making its way to you as the new moon brings a new lease of life to your inner world. This is the week to daydream, fantasise, visualise and explore possibilities. Forget some of your responsibilities for a while; you need to get in touch with your inner child. And all this internal dreaming and exploring, all the imagining and visualising will help you connect with that secret dream that I mentioned last week. You have the power to bring your desires to life, but you’re unlikely to succeed if you rush about trying to meet targets, performing chores and taking on more responsibility. Move away from drudgery towards creativity and inspiration. Focus on recreation and magic. Taking time out to play will reward you in ways you can’t yet imagine.

October 15-22 Mercury retrograde suggests that there is something close to home that you need to attend to. A domestic matter may be in need of resolution and it could be that a lack of movement in this area is giving rise to frustration. But maybe the blockage will enable you to slow down a little – God’s delays aren’t God’s denials but maybe a reminder to get in touch with your inner needs. If you deny yourself simple pleasures or ignore your soul’s pangs, you could instead manifest a bad mood, an illness or a depression. Jupiter in your playful zone all year is giving you permission to take your foot off the gas and to put more energy into pursuits that feed and nourish your soul, whilst Mars in your private sector also suggest that you need time out from the hectic world to get in touch with your inner self. So whether you go on a retreat or take up an art class doesn’t matter. What matters is that you remember that the creative and spiritual side of life is just as important as the material.

October 23-31 The full moon on the 26th calls your attention to your direction in life whilst an opposition from Venus to Uranus suggests a rebirth. This would be a good time to focus your energies on healing a physical or emotional malaise, and preparing to shed your old skin so that a new vibrant you can emerge. Allowing yourself to leave the past behind will have positive repercussions on your finances too, so don’t try and hold onto that which wishes to leave you, and don’t allow fear or indecision to keep you stuck in no man’s land. Make a move towards that which makes your heart beat that little bit faster and it will be impossible to make a wrong decision. What you need to remember, not just this week, or this month, but throughout all of 2007, is that you should be seeking growth, creativity, fun and feelings of being truly alive. So that which deadens your spirit has to go. Shed a tear if you must, but know that better things await.

Virgo

October 1-6 Saturn is now settling himself into your sign for a two and a half year period, so it would be timely to look at any area of your life that you wish to improve. Saturn requests a sensible, responsible, mature and constructive attitude to what needs to be done, and since you already have these qualities you should find Saturn’s presence a help rather than a hindrance. Other planetary news is the arrival of Mars in Cancer, which will be helpful for you if you are wanting to make a difference to the lives of others, from charitable ventures to changing the world in some small way. Your social life is also set to benefit and you should find that the months ahead become increasingly busy. But perhaps the best piece of news with these planetary shuffles is that you now have a green light to proceed with your hopes and dreams for a brighter future. It’s time to put yourself in the driving seat and to join forces with others who share your determination to manifest changes and make a difference.

October 7-14 The new moon on the 11th brings a breakthrough with a financial or domestic matter. Your relationships could also be on the receiving end of positive developments and since this is an area that has lacked stability in recent years, this could be music to your ears. Basically whatever happens this week in the aforementioned areas should be growth inducing for you, even if it doesn’t immediately feel of benefit. But if you need a lucky break or liberating from a tiresome situation the planets are working hard to bring this about. Make the most of the new moon by being optimistic for your financial future – perhaps you could write down some wishes or intentions for your material life and then visualise them. The strength of the new moon will give a magical power to your intentions and help them come to fruition sooner than if you just wished your circumstances were different. Mercury is heading back to this area of your chart, so it does indeed look as though you have some unfinished business to attend to. The best news this week though is Venus gliding into your sign, inviting you to let your hair down and remember your right to experience the lighter side of life. So maybe it’s time to book a massage, have a new hairstyle or enjoy a shopping trip. You could make time for your relationship and strive to deepen your bond. Or Venus would be happy if you turned your hand to something creative or artistic, even if that just means singing as you go about your household chores. No matter what is happening in your life, you can always be on the lookout for a fun moment or an opportunity to invite pleasure into your experiences.

October 15-22 When one is under the generous rays of Venus it is easier to give without condition, and the more that is given with a happy heart the more we are able to receive. For some time now, Uranus has been an unsettling influence on your relationships, poking and prodding to see where the chinks in the armour lay. If the relationship is surviving these Uranian energies then now would be an appropriate time to focus on all the good things you share and to seek to bring love and tenderness to the union. Venus in your sign urges you to aim for diplomacy and balance and to do away with co dependency and manipulation. This will enable your relationships to enter a new level of evolution, where love is given unconditionally and challenges can be viewed as opportunities to learn and grow.

October 23-31 As Mercury makes his way back to your financial zone, the theme of abundance becomes relevant. The universe is constantly wishing you to shower you with gifts, but the natural human response is to shut these blessings out, largely because we don’t believe we’re entitled or feel that anyone could be that lucky. So your challenge this week could lie in being open to good things. One exercise that opens you up to life’s everyday blessings is to write down each day, three nice things that have happened to you. It could be someone holding a door open for you or receiving a compliment or a smile from a stranger. Maybe your partner cooks you a nice meal or entertains the children when you’re too tired. Big nice things are wonderful, but it is often the small things which go unnoticed but which if appreciated could brighten our days. So be open to three nice things each day and then extend this to doing three nice things in return. Try it for a week and see if you feel better at the end of it all. And you never know, appreciation could be the magical key to unlocking any current relationship struggles. Gratitude and giving are your keywords for October.

Libra

October 1-6 There are certain times in life, when one’s main duty is to oneself, otherwise one is of little use to others, and this is one of those times. As the Sun moves into your sign, and Mars takes residence at the top of your chart for an amazing eight months, the time has come to get clear about what you want for yourself and where you want to be heading in life. This would be a perfect time to write down a list of your goals and ambitions, your aims and your desires. Mars in the success area of your chart until next May is going to be helping you move forward like never before. So don’t waste this rare opportunity; decide what you want and then go for it.

October 7-14 It’s time for a celebration as a new moon on the 11th brings the promise of new beginnings to your life. In fact, since this is your birthday month, there should be at least one excuse for a party, but the new moon brings a second. With support from Jupiter and Neptune, the time is ripe to fulfil your creative dreams, and fun, joy, romance, artistic projects, children and enjoyable activities are all favourable for you now. Take this opportune time to write down or create a visual map of that which you would like to manifest in your life. Imagine yourself living this life and then take whatever steps you can to meet it halfway. Then start celebrating for your desires are already beginning to take form. It won’t all be plain sailing though as Mercury turning retrograde in your house of money suggests that you may need to go back to the drawing board where a financial matter is concerned. Maybe you need to get clear on something that has been confusing for too long. Or maybe you need to ask questions about your right to better things, perhaps asking the question, ‘what do I really deserve?’ If you want more than you’ve currently got, you may first have to make sure that you really believe that you’re entitled to it. And then to not be afraid to speak out and ask for it.

October 15-22 You are entering into a phase of your life when you can really go places, but it’s up to you to decide where you wish to go. But don’t spend too long weighing up the pros and cons of one place over another, otherwise you might end up not getting very far at all! Instead of using logic, feel in your heart what you want next and then be undeterred in your resolve to make it a reality. It is time for a new vision of your reality, so be ready to cast your old ways to one side. Maybe this is the end of one cycle and the beginning of a new one and with Mars clearing your path ahead, the way forward should be far easier than you could ever have imagined, so there really is no need to worry or doubt – just get moving.

October 23-31 With Mercury having been retrograde for much of the month in your money zone and now a full moon in the same area, a financial or material matter can at last be resolved. Events around the 25th -26th should bring illumination allowing you to make a decision that will improve matters for yourself. In fact with Mercury now back in your sign, it will be easier to make some empowering decisions or choices. Be open to change though, especially in your working and private life. Venus in opposition to Uranus suggests that a change would be as good as a rest, and don’t forget that with Mars at the top of your chart, you are being called towards bigger and better things. At this time in your life the big challenge for you now is to take a step into the unknown; push beyond your comfort zone, be brave and fearless in your desire to bring about a private dream or a bold ambition.

Scorpio

October 1-6 For much of this year, Jupiter has been beavering away in your house of money and resources which will either have brought opportunities for you to experience more abundance in your world, or there will be challenges that are forcing you to question your right to more prosperity in your life. Pluto in this same region of your chart adds to the material and prosperity theme bringing big transformations in the way you view this area of life. Ultimately, all this can all be summed up in two words – self esteem. The more deserving you feel, the more likely you are to be on the receiving end of good things – not just material stuff but all good things. And now as Mars makes his way into your house of aspirations and adventure, you are being urged to confront the question, ‘is there more to life than what you’re currently experiencing?’ How inventive can you be in enlarging the parameters of your life so that you can experience more than what you’ve been used to? Perhaps you’re entitled to more holidays or excursions. Perhaps little adventures would blow away the cobwebs? Or maybe a move or a change of scene would invigorate you? Mars’ message to you is simple; don’t be afraid to move beyond your circumstances and stretch for what you want out of life.

October 7-14 Being a master of one’s mind is almost an impossible feat; it plagues us with negative thoughts, fears, worries, doubts. It keeps us awake at night with a list of things to do and another list of things that might go wrong. It can sabotage us when we least expect it and prevent good things from entering our lives by hurling forth a negative belief that was lurking in our unconscious recesses. But now as Mercury turns back in your sign, this could be viewed as a clear indication to get a grip on your mind – stop letting it run away with you. Take control of it and refuse to entertain negative thoughts and fears. If something isn’t right, be constructive in your efforts to solve the problem. If you can’t solve it then turn it over to God or a higher power. One valuable piece of advice I heard recently, was ‘never, ever worry about anything you can’t control.’ So meditate, read positive thinking books or take a Bach flower essence such as White Chestnut for negative thoughts which repeat over and over, or Impatience for a hurried, stressed mind. But whatever you do, make your mind work for you, not against you.

October 15-22 The source of all abundance comes from within you; the more open and giving you are, the more others are open and giving in return. The more you believe that you’re entitled to good things, the more those good things are likely to come knocking on your door. So as Mercury retreats in your sign, this is an excellent time to examine your thoughts and beliefs about those areas of your life which may currently not be working so well. Chances are there’s a negative belief nibbling away at the root, sabotaging your efforts to improve things. It may also be that you have preferred to ignore something that is now making itself known. Deal with the facts this week and take the advice of those who might have some useful knowledge to impart. Then tell yourself you’re worth it (whatever it is) and remember that you are more capable than you give yourself credit for.

October 23-31 The Sun’s entry in your birth sign is a good omen, bringing a renewal of energy, and if you have been feeling a bit low or run down recently, the Sun should have the life force flowing through your veins in no time. However, just as the Sun makes its magnificent entry into your sign, the Moon grows full in your opposite sign, drawing your attention to relationships, and perhaps one relationship inparticular. The full moon in the partnership angle of your chart on the 26th asks for a stock take on your personal life and one to ones. Is there room for improvement? How could this area of your life be better? Scorpio is a passionate sign and this is often expressed through either your work or your relationships. Is there an imbalance here? Have you been directing too much energy towards one at the expense of the other? This full moon could be a call to get the balance of your life right and the key could lie with friends and your social life. Maybe a relationship would benefit from time spent doing enjoyable things together or perhaps a friend could be helpful with a romantic dilemma? Mercury’s retreat into your private zone asks you to follow suit and spend some time in quiet contemplation so that any kinks in your personal life can be unravelled, and then you’ll miraculously find more energy available for the other areas of your life too.

Sagittarius

October 1-6 Although full of fun, Sagittarians are blessed with a wonderful sagacity; your wisdom is permanently at your disposal, pearls of which you are happy to dispense to others in need. And now as Mars moves into Cancer - the region of your chart associated with deep knowing - you need to perhaps apply your own wisdom to your own situation. This planetary movement’s advice would be take each moment as it comes; there is no point fretting about tomorrow because it isn’t here yet, and if you need the answer to something, trust your intuition. Mars will be in this area of your chart for a long time – eight months to be precise. In that time, you will need to dig deep within yourself but you will be richly rewarded at the end of your journey with a huge transformation. So start now by listening to and acting on your inner voice.

October 7-14 The intuitive theme continues as Mercury turns back on his heels and retraces his steps through the quiet contemplative area of your chart. This is a clear message to you that rushing about and trying to live at a frantic pace is not going to work for you now. What will work is a slowing down and a turning within. All the answers that you seek will not be found outside of yourself so make time to analyse your dreams, talk with a counsellor (or wise friend), go for long walks to mull things over or write your private thoughts down in a journal. Getting in touch with yourself at a deeper level will not only help you to relax in the face of things you can’t control, but it will also help you to identify what it is that you truly want. It would be all too tempting to focus on chasing success, pursuing ambitions or enjoying a hectic social life, but your soul is calling to you right now, so get quiet and listen. When you have discovered what you need to know, then you can take advantage of the new moon and start pursuing your hopes and dreams.

October 15-22 Patience is your keyword this week. Sagittarians often want everything now but Mercury retrograde suggests that the time is not quite right yet. And just as anything worth while takes time to manifest, so too are you in a process of transformation that can’t be hurried. Both Mars and Mercury are working away in your psychological basements to bring about profound change, but this can’t happen overnight. In the meantime, take time to get to know yourself better, to understand your foibles, figure out your deepest desires, to confront your hidden fears and perhaps most importantly of all, to heal your hurts. Each of us has been wounded at various stages in our lives. This is your opportunity to stop trying to stick plasters over a gaping hole and instead seek to heal the pain once and for all.

October 23-31 It’s time to make your physical wellbeing a priority. If you don’t take care of yourself there will come a point where your body lets you down. The full moon on the 26th illuminates the health and wellbeing sector of your chart, encouraging you to start a new regime, to get answers to that worrying pain or to stop a harmful habit. It may be that you simply need more rest or a release of some of your burdens. Jupiter’s square to Uranus suggests this could be a stressful time, and stress is particularly harsh on the immune system, so get as much sleep as you need and eat natural healthy nourishing foods. If you need the support of a therapist, or if you just need a little pampering, make no excuses and treat yourself. Your energy levels may not be at their highest so burning the candle at both ends will not work in your favour right now. Slow down, rest, reflect and contemplate you next move.

Capricorn

October 1-6 There are two options open to you at present; either you can try and see the bigger picture, or you can allow yourself to become embroiled in the negativity of a situation. Even if you do need to be assertive and stand up for yourself, you can still do so without becoming stuck in the mire. Every challenge has the seed of opportunity contained within it, and this is your task now; to learn from whatever situation is pressing your buttons and make it into something better.

October 7-14 The new moon on the 11th is a wonderful omen for victory and promises that whatever you’ve been putting your thoughts and energies into will succeed. But why stop there? New moons are about the potential for new beginnings and with this one at the height of your chart it would be making the most of the cosmic energies if you made the decision to close a door on the past and walk confidently towards a new future. What do you want from life? Where do you want to go next? What do you want to achieve? Spending time with these questions will pay off as clarity becomes intent, and intent leads you towards success. And as Mercury heads back towards this same place in your chart, taking the time to revise a plan, or refine a goal or ambition will ensure that you will get to where you want to be quicker and more easily than if you ignored any current teething problems. All Capricorns intuitively know that there are no short cuts, free lunches or easy passages to success and that by putting the work in now, you will be rewarded later.

October 15-22 Get your mind to work for you instead of against you. We can all, if we allow ourselves to, fall foul of negative thinking, especially when met with a setback or upsetting encounter. Then it’s all too easy to drop our shoulders, let our head go down and think, what’s the point? Don’t let yourself get sucked into this way of thinking – there is simply too much positive opportunity around you at the moment to walk away from it just because something isn’t working in your favour. Instead, look at the possibilities that are opening up for you. Contemplate how your life could so easily be better. Seek out more passion and adventure. Open yourself up to spiritual bliss. Or if success and achievement call to you, then move yourself in that direction. A string of helpful aspects from Venus, Mercury and Mars to your ruler Saturn, suggest that almost anything is possible for you now – you just have to believe it.

October 23-31 Be receptive to creating a new vision in your life. This may mean entertaining the possibility that what you’d really like to do is actually possible. It may also mean not giving up at the first hurdle. Or it could mean being open to messages or signs from the universe as to what to do next. It may mean listening to what a friend or partner has to say and casting out your preconceptions. Sometimes all that’s required to set a change in motion is a change of perspective. Something another person says can be the inspiring catalyst you need to make a change – and that shot of inspiration could well appear this week. The full moon on the 26th also points you in a more creative direction so whether you want to fulfil a private dream or simply take up an artistic hobby, this is the week to bring more colour into your life via art, romance, creativity, fun, play and a more open, receptive and excited attitude. We can all be prisoners of our mind, but only if we choose to lock the door and throw away the key. It’s time to set yourself free.

Aquarius

October 1-6 There is a lot for you to do, and yet it would seem that you’re in need of some time out, before you burn out. If you have taken on too much, tried to oversee everything on your own or simply spent your days rushing from one busy moment to the next, then you have earned permission to rest. Absolve yourself in simple, enjoyable tasks that root you back into the earth. Simple pleasures such as going on walks picking berries and making fruit pies, or taking time to enjoy a day out with your children. It looks as though there’s not going to be much let up over the next few months as Mars moves into your work and health zone, so you must set aside regular time for yourself and learn to delegate and to decide what’s really important and what can wait.

October 7-14 Who says that you can’t? What right do they have to put restrictions on you like that? Be careful this week, what you take on board from others. Other people are often more than happy to issue their opinions as if they were the absolute truth, but that’s all they are, opinions, not fact. So if you disagree, don’t let yourself be fenced in. The new moon in your zone of aspirations is a wonderful opportunity for you to reach higher than you have before and to go for more than you’ve previously settled for. Don’t let doubters and people who haven’t fulfilled their own dreams pour scorn on your optimistic hopes for the future. Nor should people’s doubts fears and insecurities curtail your need for freedom and independence. This is a new moon of adventure, expansion and growth, so staying within your comfort zone would be going against the planetary energies. Maybe all you need to do is realise that the door to your cage is wide open – all you have to do is flap your wings and head for the sky.

October 15-22 Don’t be deterred if your plans to move forward seem to have ground to a halt. Mercury retrograde in your purpose and direction zone will have the effect of stopping you in your tracks, but only for a short while and only because he wants to make sure that you know where you’re going and that you're well armed with a map and a compass. He wants you to double check your plans, read the small print and to ensure that everything is as it should be before you move on. Sometimes it pays just to pause and take stock of where you are, so that you can alter your course slightly if you need to. So there is no need to hurry this week, but there is every need to pace yourself and take a break.

October 23-31 The full moon on the 26th calls your attention to matters close to home and will bring to a head any matter that needs resolving. Perhaps there is something in your domestic or personal life that needs transforming? From something as simple as a transformation in your attitude (remember that life is to be enjoyed, not endured) to a transformation in a domestic arrangement, this full moon will bring deep and lasting changes if you are open to them. Maybe you have neglected your inner self recently in favour or work, duties and all the things that you need to get done. But you know what? The list never ends; there will always be things you need to get done, and in the meantime life is slipping away. If you’ve not been taking much joy in anything of late, perhaps now is the time to redress the balance and do something to nurture your spirit. Take a trip, have fun with friends, enjoy some good food in pleasant company, play a game, redecorate, buy some new clothes, have a massage, a new hairstyle; the list of fun invigorating things to do is just as endless as the mundane list of things to do – and its time to cross off a few things on the pleasurable list!

Pisces

October 1-6 Is it time for the worm to turn? Is it time to say enough is enough? As a giving, caring, sharing Pisces, your good nature can easily be taken advantage of and if this goes on for long enough, resentment can start to nibble away at your happiness. Perhaps the time for making sacrifices is over; Mars moving into Cancer would certainly suggest so since this is the area of your chart representing the need to be true to oneself and follow one’s own path. So how do you know if you’ve been suppressing your own desires? Well, the chances are that you will feel rumblings this week as the Sun moves through your house of transformation. Perhaps there will be angry outbursts, or perhaps a few tears. Maybe you’ll have less patience than normal or maybe you’re letting problems overwhelm you. If you’re caught in a maze of fear and drama then you’ll know that you need to come back to your centre and make some changes. So the question is: what do you really want? Give this some careful consideration and know that you have the power to make the changes that will generate much greater fulfilment in your world. You don’t have to keep settling for second best and now Mars is going to help you reach out for your heart’s desire.

October 7-14 If you’re hoping for a breakthrough it is close at hand and the new moon on the 11th should at least bring a turning point and the potential for a necessary transformation or shift in circumstances. However, you might need to assert yourself in order to get what you want. Pisces can sometimes be too gentle, but now you need to stand up and be counted – let it be known if you’re not happy with something, but equally important is to let it be known what you would be happy with. Give people the chance to understand what it is that you want – not everyone is as intuitive as you are and they need to be told. There really is no need to suffer, so if you’re laid up with a cold, or nursing a bad back or sore leg, or feeling upset because someone has hurt your feelings, realise that you don’t have to stay in victim ‘poor me’ mode – you can and must take action and become a force to be reckoned with.

October 15-22 Fortune really does favour the brave so if you wish to be fortunate you may need to apply some courage. Sometimes it’s easier to just let things be, but this can lead to a denial of the truth and an unhappy heart. So face up to that which needs to change, whether it’s a problem in an intimate relationship, a bad habit or addiction which needs shedding, or some pain from the past that you’re carrying around with you. It is very important that you strive to be true to yourself now, and that means not enduring situations which make you unhappy. A little courage may be all it needs to propel you on an altogether more satisfying path.

October 23-31 Changes in relationships don’t necessarily have to be painful. Of course, separations and arguments generally bring up much emotion, but the opposition from Venus to Uranus squared by Jupiter does rather suggest that any changes and developments in your relationships now will be for the best and should feel quite liberating. In fact, there could almost be a playful childlike quality to the events this week, so don’t resist what is happening in your life now because it may be trying to free you up to experience greater things. It may be that you have been in denial about something and this Venus T square brings the truth to light. Again, there is little need to get lost in an emotional quagmire, but to learn from the experience and be glad that you can walk in the light rather than hovering in the shadows. In all your dealings this week, strive for playfulness, freedom, truth and the innocence more commonly displayed by children. It is a myth that adults have to lie and cheat and become bogged down by a lack of openness – be as transparent as the light that wakes you in the morning and your heart will feel all the brighter for it.

Card of the Month – Innocence

It is all too easy to become cynical and mistrusting; after all, we’re constantly being told that the world is a dangerous and threatening place. The media reports news of terrible crimes, disasters and untrustworthy politicians. But we must not lose our faith in human nature, which is basically good and kind. We mustn’t allow the fear to pollute our energy fields sowing the seeds for depression and futility. Instead, know that the darkness in our world is rising up because it is afraid – afraid of the light that grows stronger and brighter each day. When you turn over a stone, lots of creepy crawlies come scuttling out. That is what is happening in our world now – lots of stones are being turned over and spotlights shined upon the crevices. We all need to know the truth so that changes can be made. Continue to move through life with the innocence of a child. Have faith and trust that all is unfolding as it should and seek to strengthen your connection to the Divine so that your light grows ever stronger – a beacon of hope to those struggling in the dark.