Hello, friend!
 
I’m not sure what happened to September but my calendar says we’re entering a new month. LOL! As I write this, I’m sipping coffee on a Sunday morning listening to my newest album: Nina Simone Sings the Blues. I’m doing my best to create the slow and soulful vibe I’ve been yearning for. I wonder if you feel
the same…
 
With all that’s happening now, I hope it’s making sense why I stated that the latter part of 2024 would be more challenging. We’ve got a ton of important stuff to cover this month, but I believe our time together will pay dividends in your ability to see beyond the surface of what’s happening and know that things are happening in perfect order in your life.
 
I heard that last month’s newsletter was a good format to reference as the month went by, so we’ll stick with it. We’ll begin with some sections discussing the month at large. The last section is a calendar of important dates.

The Autumn Equinox: A Turn Towards Darkness

 As October begins, we’ve passed the Autumn Equinox in the Northern Hemisphere. The Sun is in Libra and in just a few weeks, it enters Scorpio. These signs usher us into the half of the year where darkness overtakes the light and night dominates day. Animals prepare for temperature drops, and plants enter their dormancy / death phase. You may wonder why this matters, but based on the annual hype around pumpkin flavored everything, Halloween, and sweater/boot weather…there’s massive relevance. The undercurrent at this time asks you to:
 
1) Honor any desire to pull inward, cuddle up, and devote longer periods to incubation/hibernation. This takes purposeful decision-making and planning because, before you know it, holiday festivities will compete with that need to withdraw. 
 
2) Remain conscious of the unseen / shadow elements of everything. We are collectively going below the surface / looking behind the curtain right now. You may find yourself digging into a situation in your own life, too. You may sense a lot is happening behind the scenes.
 
3) Get comfortable exploring darkness, heavy feelings, jealousy, death, sexuality and the taboo. Ever wonder why we’re obsessed with Dateline, the 50 Shades of Grey trilogy, and scary movies? We go there to satisfy our valid craving to dance with darkness, to explore what we’re told is wrong, evil or off limits. Our failure to make space for darkness, mystery and sexuality – to accept, confront, discuss and love those things as a natural part of life – isolates, leads to perversion, warped expectations about life, and makes difficult feelings even harder. 

 October 2: Solar Eclipse in Libra

October 2 brings a potent New Moon / Solar Eclipse in Libra. This 2-year phase of eclipses along the Aries-Libra axis began in April of last year. I bet that, looking back to spring of 2023, you’ll recognize important developments in particular areas of life. 
 
First of all, this eclipse series pushed you to double down your commitment to self. Take a moment to reflect and celebrate:

• Your enhanced ability to stand up for yourself
• Your increased courage and capacity to be direct
• Your newfound appreciation for solitude 

This eclipse series likely transformed your relationship life as well. A key relationship may have ended or undergone dramatic change. You may have de-prioritized particular people or certain types of relationships. The South Node in Libra suggests letting go of harmful patterns of over-compliance, compromise or people-pleasing.  At the same time, you’ve recognized more value in relationships that feel truly reciprocal or spiritually-oriented (be they friends, family members, coworkers, lovers, etc.)
 
With this eclipse, A SHIFT IN NARRATIVE IS POSSIBLE IN ANY RELATIONSHIP. In relationships on the fence, the eclipse holds decided weight. Watch for omens, events, insight, sudden endings and new beginnings in the week leading up to and following October 2. If resolution is not immediate, rest assured that clarity is on its way over the next few months. The ability to rebalance the scales or repair some relationship could necessitate another conflict / confrontation triggered during this time. Remediation will require both persons’ willingness to release an old story that’s been dominating the partnership. The process will take heart-centered communication, vulnerability, and real emotional effort. Luckily, this month’s astrology helps us work out relationships worth salvaging!

 Mars in Cancer

I touched on this briefly last month when Mars first entered Cancer last month. If you’ve felt more emotional lately, this is why. To be frank, Mars in Cancer can be difficult at times. Stay on the lookout (and know that it’s normal to experience) some of the following in October: 

1. Frequent mood and energy fluctuations.
2. Strong emotionality; feeling more easily irritated, angered or hurt.
3. Stomach problems.
4. Increased energy or money expenditures on one’s home or property.
5. High levels of activity / commotion in the household.
6. Conflict that stems back to repressed anger.
7. Problems within the family.
8. A rise in guardedness, protective instincts, and the perception of personal or collective threats.
9. Increased efforts to defend one’s territory.
10. A tendency to deal with things / people in indirect ways (hinting, subtlety, stating things in a roundabout way, emotional maneuvering, passive-aggressiveness).
11. Falls from grace resulting from questionable behavior.

Note that later this year, Mars retrogrades back into Cancer and revives something that happens this month. This is your sign that things happening in October have longer ramifications / trajectories than expected. How you handle things is very important. Keep documents, texts, emails and other information related to your dealings this month in case they are needed later.  

Pluto in Capricorn

Pluto retrograded from Aquarius back into Capricorn the first of last month. We are now witnessing the grand finale of Pluto’s 15-year stent in Capricorn – a process that included the Great Recession, Occupy Wallstreet, the “Me Too” Movement, Black Lives Matter, and so much else. What do those things have in common?
 
Pluto’s journey through Capricorn was all about exposing corruption and issues hidden within our systems. This 15-year period has challenged trust in nearly every form of control, government and power – from banks, police and politicians to mega corporations, the media, financial elite, and powerful figures in the entertainment industry. With Pluto challenging the USA’s natal chart (i.e., the Declaration of Independence chart), there are serious questions as to whether or not our current structure really works for the people, whether it can meet our changing values, and whether we still make sense as a united territory. We’ll see in the next few years whether large-scale restructuring is in the cards.
 
In any event, it’s no surprise that since Pluto’s retrograde back to Capricorn last month, more powerful people are being exposed. There is more of that to come between now and November 19 when Pluto leaves Capricorn for good, never to return in our lifetimes. Pluto’s next task is a journey through Aquarius, where a redistribution of power is likely over the next 20 years. I grow more and more curious as to what’s ahead! 

Important Dates for October

October 2 | New Moon Solar Eclipse in Libra. Please see section above discussing this eclipse, particularly the part concerning shifts in relationship narratives. Solar eclipses can also signal unexpected events involving leaders or sudden changes in leadership at any level. Be mindful that during an eclipse, our mental or physical faculties can be temporarily clouded. Avoid acting on decisions until the next day.
 
October 3-8 | There is tremendous opportunity for problem solving and conflict resolution during this time. Good outcomes / results should be available for issues that pop up. My big caveat is that Mercury squares Mars October 6. You can be highly effective when carefully focused but might cause trouble when you’re not. Mercury square Mars bites us on the butt if we operate on autopilot, are clumsy, or speak before we think.
 
October 10-17 | Some intense and possibly unsettling days. We could see big revelations about powerful figures, media outlets, or big corporations. You might feel the need to get to the bottom of something in your own life, too. We are more prone to be skeptical and untrusting on these days. This is likewise a period of intense passion, drive, ambition, competition, aggression and willpower. That could be constructive in particular contexts. But it would be wise to acknowledge any impatience to get things done and avoid taking it out on others. Lift weights, take a kickboxing class, go running; get pent up tension out of your body. The vibe of these 8 days is dominated by two planets in difficult position. You could find yourself lacking proper resources to be successful, and your vitality might be inconsistent. Do your best then cut yourself slack.
 
In the days leading up to the Full Moon October 17, the astrology suggests fierce contentions, high emotions, and the need to take action against real or perceived threats. There is a “back against the wall” quality that could result in “no other choice” decisions. I am not suggesting this plays out in your personal bubble, though I do suspect growing military and political conflict. If the October 17 Full Moon hits home for you, it’s likely to manifest as:

• Feeling pushed to take drastic, decisive action in a weighty situation;
• A climactic event in which you must choose between your desire for peace and your need honor yourself, your ideas, your boundaries or your anger; or
• Some emotionally-charged experience occurs resulting in long-needed release / catharsis.

October 21-22 | Approach others with an added dose of discretion. It is important to remain empowered yet sensitive, to understand that reaching your end (without burning bridges) requires more nuance and patience than usual. You may spot overinflated ideas, egos, absurd demands and empty promises around you. Dealing with them with thoughtfully, with poise and emotional maturity, could have a massive impact and WOW others to your benefit. Find humor in absurdity behind closed doors.
 
October 27-31 | We end October building up to a gnarly alignment that exacts November 3. This planetary combo – Mars opposite Pluto – shows possible power struggles (1) between two competing forces / factions or (2) between ourselves and others. Mars opposite Pluto can indicate real or perceived abuses of power, overreaching, domination, and manipulation by the “other side”. Fear, mistrust, and a deep sense of disempowerment could rise up. I anticipate this playing out in largely political ways given it coincides with the US election. These are the things to watch out for closer to home:

• Displays of inordinate energy, strength and power. Use that energy if it feels available to you without overexerting / pushing too hard against others. If someone in your environment is high on this energy, you will know. They might project it or provoke others by coming on too strong. See through the surface of what’s happening and remember the astrology at play. It takes a lot of awareness to engage with these energies beneficially. You can! Others may not. Bless their hearts.
• BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY: Avoid the use of power plays and subtle maneuvering in all relationships and dealings with others. You may have a lot of “pull” over a big situation and feel tempted to take control. Remember that the slightest underhanded thing that happens this month will come back to haunt you when these planets repeat their opposition twice during Mars’ retrograde. Be direct as feasible while observing all rules, ethics, and adding an extra dose of sensitivity all month long.

Closing Thoughts

It’s not my ideal to close a newsletter on the Mars-Pluto note or to heavily discuss politics here. My preference is to focus on the ebb and flow of your everyday life. But let’s be real…you already knew election time would bring tension. That’s reflected in the astrology, and it would be disingenuous of me to avoid.

I share the following thoughts in the hope they resonate with you and assure you that what you’re feeling is normal. For me, I feel deeply challenged to allow various viewpoints and priorities right now. I am concerned with our collective wellbeing, the planet, etc. and sometimes feel helpless to make a difference. As a person who identifies as “non-political,” who prides myself on being an indifferent observer, my frustration with leadership is a rare and strange experience! But it gives me insight into the astrology, so I reach to find value in that. I hope these messages help you cope and keep the faith that resolutions will come in perfect timing. 

The oracle card I drew for you this month from Alana Fairchild’s “Earth Warriors” deck says:

Be resolute and exacting. If it does not resonate with your heart’s purity, courageously and unapologetically cast it out. Instead of contouring yourself to fit the frustrated and grasping world of others, you will become one who offers beautiful refuge. Instead of dominating others, you will awaken within them a desire to reach for their own higher nature. 

Sending love and empowerment to you, my Spiritual Warrior 😊

xo,
Jules

P.S. If you are interested in larger scale world astrology forecasts, like long-range discussions about where the collective is headed, reach out and I’ll steer you towards quality content in that vein.