Four planets change signs this week, pointing to a dramatic shift in the collective consciousness, in the zeitgeist. What will trigger this shift? With Uranus in Aries under pressure  from Pluto and Saturday’s Full Moon, who knows? Uranus deals in the unexpected, the sudden, the big surprise, and Pluto’s realm is hidden, and underground.

We do know that the astrology of the moment calls for leadership, individual initiative, and courage blended with a willingness to change and transform in order to create new collective structures. Each individual, of course, will feel these collective demands in different areas of their personal lives. Do you know which houses of your chart are being affected by the current planetary line-up? If not, you might consider looking into it. Having a good grasp of the underlying issues involved for your personally can help you make wiser decisions when you are under pressure from unexpected events.

Monday features some challenging aspects of the Moon to Mercury, Mars, and Saturn, suggesting difficulties in communications, misunderstood actions, and stressful emotional scenarios that pit personal needs against social obligations. The Moon moves into Taurus around 7:30 p.m. (all times EDT), then sextiles Neptune. A nice night for a movie at home, or some magick to help with financial flow.

 

Tuesday, the Moon trining Pluto mid-morning gives an earthy start to the day. Think in terms of empowering what you value, and consider the role of the dark goddesses in your life, particularly their transformative power. The symbol of the cauldron is a good one to keep in mind today, if it is meaningful to you. Venus, in the last degree of Leo, is the dispositor of the both the Taurus Moon as well as Saturn in the final degree of Libra, which she sextiles in the early evening). Another good night for money magick, and a productive time for artists.

Early Wednesday morning, Venus moves into Virgo. Venus rules social interactions, and she is not at ease in Virgo (exalted in Pisces, she's in fall in Virgo). Criticism and fault-finding frequently define Virgo’s approach — not a great strategy for getting along with others. But it is also necessary to look at one’s friends, lovers and family with a critical eye at times, to determine whether or not these relationships are healthy, and if not, what needs to change. Look to the houses in which the sign of Virgo falls in your chart to determine where this energy is likely to manifest for you. For instance, if it’s in the 3rd house, there may be issues with siblings, or people in your carpool. In the 11th, pay attention to groups you belong to. You’ll want to carefully evaluate relationships in these areas over the next month or so with an eye towards how they can be improved. If Venus makes any major aspects to planets in your chart as she moves through Virgo, also look at the houses ruled by those planets. She’ll be in Virgo until October 28.

Early evening Wednesday, Venus opposes Neptune. Ooooh…Romance! Mysticism! Art!  Also, whininess, overindulgence, confusion, blind infatuation. You choose.

If you find yourself with insomnia early Thursday morning, you can blame the Moon. She’ll be opposing Mars and making a few other irritating aspects before she moves into Gemini around 8:00 a.m., just about exactly the time that Jupiter grinds to a halt and goes retrograde (Rx). And there’s more! If you’ve been following along, you’ve realized that the Moon will be forming a T-square with Neptune and Venus not long after she enters Gemini. Smoke and funhouse mirrors. Tread carefully — things are probably not as they seem.

(Here’s the political angle: The T-square is happening in the 3rd, 6th, and 9th houses of the USA’s chart, with Jupiter - the chart ruler and the natural ruler of foreign policy - going Rx in the 7th house. A major diplomatic challenge? The military is indicated by the 6th house placement of the Moon, and, in a few days, Mars will enter Sagittarius and then take over the Moon’s place as the focus of the T-square from the 12th. But I’m getting ahead of myself…)

Now, where were we? Oh, right, Thursday. It’s a busy one — all this going on and you’ve only just gotten to work! So, around noon, Mars conjuncts the North Node, which may key some emotional upheaval or trauma, particularly if you have natal placements around 28 Scorpio-Taurus. Later in the evening, the Moon sextiles Uranus and inconjuncts Pluto, which may trigger the U-P square, but probably in a mild way.

Friday, Mercury and Saturn hold hands in the last degree of Libra, and then jump into Scorpio only a few hours apart. Saturn is exalted in Libra, Mercury quite comfortable in this Air sign — together, they may bring practical solutions to knotty problems.  Their move into Scorpio suggests some major reality checks going on. Check the houses that hold the sign of Scorpio in your chart — this is where you are likely to see some serious focus and work now, as well as demands on your time. Remember, too, that Saturn can also bring recognition and honors to those who have done the work. Don’t be scared of a Saturn transit — as long as you don’t evade, whine, or act contrary to your values, you’ll be fine.

I want to expand on this move of Saturn into Scorpio a bit, because it will be here for 2½ years, in mutual reception with Pluto (each in the sign the other rules). Also, usually fast-moving Mercury will retrograde back through Scorpio and not move on until mid-December, so we are going to be getting a lot of Scorpio energy, especially when you add in the November solar eclipse in Scorpio. Issues of control, emotional isolation, and sexuality are likely to emerge on a personal, internal level, (again, much depends on where in your chart all this action is happening), and on an outer level, we are likely to see questions of debt and taxes surfacing, as well an emphasis on the way we approach death.

What’s the best way to handle this transit? Look deeply into where you are giving away your power, how you manipulate others and let yourself be manipulated, and focus on building a core of inner power that allows you to act with the authority that comes from self-knowledge. For magickal people, it is also helpful to remember that Pluto and Scorpio have rulership over matters having to do with magick, mysticism, and what is commonly known as “the occult”. Saturn is about manifestation. The combination of Saturn and Pluto points to the discipline and work of the adept. Word to the wise.

OK, let’s get on with the week. Saturday’s major aspect is the Moon moving into Cancer in the evening, then quickly trining both Saturn and Neptune, giving us a grand trine in Water. Grand trines are generally thought of as wonderful — in my experience, that’s not always the case, any more than squares and oppositions are always negative. You can use these aspects to bring dreams down to earth, but getting caught up in an emotional feedback loop is also possible. Either way, honor the Moon, strong in her home sign, over the next couple of days, and think of who or what needs nurturing in your life. Late in the evening, Mars moves into Sagittarius, bringing in a very fiery vibe. It may seem like just everyone has an opinion they need to share, or a philosophy to promote, and not a lot of tact with which to do it. On the positive side, there’s a sense of enthusiasm and adventure in the air, and a willingness to fight for a cause. Mars will stay in Sagittarius until mid-November.

Sunday features a mish-mash of lunar aspects, punctuated by Mars moving into a square with Neptune, as the Moon squares Uranus and opposes Pluto. Move with care today, these are some challenging aspects. Honor everyone’s need for emotional security, and (with Venus opposing Chiron) remember that healing can come through service to others. Worry more about managing your personal energy than whether or not others are in agreement with you.

Until next week!