ASTROLOGICAL AFFECTS - OCTOBER, 2023

by Ren Rasa Yogamaya, E- RYT 500

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SUN IN LIBRA: Most affected are Libra and All Air signs. The month in the sign of Libra began on Sept. 22.  FOR LIBRA: All Venus themes such as beauty, love, stability, loyalty or disloyalty, romance and patience will rule supreme until October 22.  A more heightened awareness of the social atmosphere, social grace of one’s self or of others, decisiveness and balance. The best side of Libra is seen in their polite manner, their ability to charm and their desire for justice to the underdog. The key is to know how to work on the delicate balances in Life, when to behave with diplomacy, to display empathy and tolerance and, when to let go by leaving justice in the hands of the Universe. FOR ALL SIGNS: Be more aware of your social attitude– try not to be judgmental, regardless of the actions by others. Relationships will become more important this month, especially the relationship with yours self. Celebrate this month with respect for the Air around you, air within you; experience the transformational power of Pranamaya (breath control-techniques) found in Yoga. Best Sacred Geometry: Octahedron (Air).  Best Yantra:  The colours Orange, Persimmon and Tera-Cotta.

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OCTOBER 4 – MERCURY ENTERS LIBRA:  Most affected are Libra, Gemini and Virgo.  FOR LIBRA: The planet, Mercury now enters your sign. All Mercurial themes such as light, electrical impulses, mental agility, communication, comfort with sound and silence, attention to details will rule supreme in your current Life. A more heightened awareness of the written and spoken word including a good possibility of travel for you, be it local or far away. A Special Message for Libra: While the Moon cycle is still under the sign of Gemini, it can help to manifest great conversations, creating great vibrations for the perfect romantic, short-getaway. This being said, keep your balance in other areas of your Life while the romance continues.

FOR ALL SIGNS: This transit will continue until October 22. While Mercury is in Libra, we can be more diplomatic and friendly. During this cycle, we are able to bring a more balanced approach to one-to-one relationships. It’s a good period to think about ways of improving our negotiation skills as well as social skills.

 

Mercury in Libra can be a vacillating energy, especially in order to see both sides of a situation.  However, it can be more challenging than usual to make quick decisions, as we can sit “on the fence” and sit too long.  In order to keep the peace, we may too easily find ourselves too accommodating of others’ opinions.  With negotiations, we may not want to assert ourselves in such a way as to appear to be the “bad guy.” So, this may not be the best time for hard work or getting down to the nitty-gritty. Instead, we would prefer to mend fences, socialize, and harmonize with others and, with ourselves.

 

During this cycle, we dislike and avoid bad-mannered, rude, or self-centered communications. Our thinking is moderate. We tend to avoid extremes of opinion, preferring to be fair to all those involved. This is a powerful period for considering other people’s points of view. We are more apt to arrive at much more fair conclusions. We benefit and prosper through communicating more effectively and diplomatically, mediating, and negotiating or finding compromise. Also, some of us may find ourselves thinking more frequently about ways to harmonize and live, interact more peacefully. Consider this: What is more favored now, during this transit are partnering, counseling, the law, editing, and public relations.

 

OCTOBER 8 - VENUS ENTERS VIRGO: Most affected are Virgo, Taurus, Capricorn (all Earth Signs) and Libra.  FOR VIRGO: Venus the planet of love, beauty and relationships is in your transit again – good news! You may now enjoy your new popularity and if single, the good possibility of romantic interests.  If you are already coupled, this can be a very romantic time for you, one of the best times of the year for your love life and also for creativity. Others may seek you out, as they are attracted to your ideas and personality. A reminder: When Venus is in any sign of the Zodiac, the senses are heightened as well. Be careful not to over-indulge with food or too much of anything. A Special Message for Virgo: Prepare for a special date on October 14 as you and your partner, or special someone will feel at one with each other. Single? Flirtations may begin on the 8th, however, strength builds for married or partnered Virgos, especially on October 24 onward.

FOR ALL SIGNS: This transit will continue until November 8. This is a time when we express our love through practical means and gestures, by running errands, doing detail work, or just being there for our lovers. Love needs to make sense and have a purpose with Venus in Virgo. It’s all good if you start with a “To Do” list.

Virgo is an Earth sign, which is sensual, but Virgo is also quite practical and can be very mental. In addition to our romantic natures, what we purchase and the types of entertainment we enjoy during this transit are ruled by whether or not they make sense and serve a practical purpose.

 

We could easily feel guilty if we are too self-indulgent during this time. Providing services to others can fill a need, and can be also seen as an expression of love. The shadow or darker side of this position is being overly critical of our partners or relationships, picky, nervous, or worried. Instead, think if this period as a positive, an optimal time that helps love to flourish, beautify and enhance all good things that can include the Earth. If in doubt, consider to meditate, watch a romantic movie or share a Yoga practice together with someone special.

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OCTOBER 10 – PLUTO TURNS DIRECT IN CAPRICORN:  Most affected are Scorpio, Capricorn and Libra.  FOR SCORPIO: Your ruling planet is ready and makes its’ return shift into forward direction. This may take a little time for all things that you wish to move forward to return to ‘normal’. Consider what is the definition of normal? Do others in your life have this same perspective? Or do they see it another way? If their thoughts and opinions differ from yours, remember that this is allowed as people need to be themselves as they are; right or wrong in your eyes.  Their perception and points of view are really none of your business as your perception and pints of view are none of theirs. Accept what you cannot control, what you cannot change. You are ready to unload exhausting mental baggage. Let it go before the Lunar Eclipse, later this month.

FOR ALL SIGNS: Pluto is retrograde every year for approximately five months. In 2023, Pluto was retrograde from May 1st until now, October 10.  As Pluto advances in direct motion in the period ahead, our power to make profound changes in our lives is more externalized, persistent, and direct. We are less likely to worry over changes that we feel have been thrust upon us and more likely to take things into our own hands and make necessary changes. It is important not to point the finger of blame at anyone as it will only distract or slow you down. Instead, work on your approach: Observe your words. First, consider, meditate on your proper intention, the results that you wish to see. How your words are received by others, your statements will resonate better when you are genuine, honest and sincere.

 

OCTOBER 12 – MARS ENTERS SCORPIO:  Most affected are Scorpio, Aries, Libra as well as all Water Signs will be feeling it…FOR SCORPIO: Mars, the planet of war, chaos and destruction, impatience and ardor is in your sign now.  Aside from this, you may feel a bit more sexy or combative. It would be best for you to go with the first, being positively sexy. Your energy and drive may also increase. A Special Message for Scorpio: You need to step it up with being more supportive of those who have less than you. With Mars now fueling your energy, be more selective in how, where and why you place your energies outward. Use caution; avoid over-reacting too quickly with any circumstance. Otherwise, you will regret it.

FOR ALL SIGNS: This transit will continue until November 24. This energy is very passionate, determined and can bring forth dedication. In Scorpio, Mars is driven and focused on getting what it wants. We are persevering, single-minded, and strong. The desire to experience our emotional depths, as well as the urge to penetrate the exterior, or entrances of Life in order to explore deeper levels of existence, is very powerful. We can be fascinated with what others tend to bottle up, what they are holding back or hiding. We can also be drawn to experiencing and understanding these things, therefore become a bit more observant of ourselves while others are in danger, peril or are hurting. How would you help, heal or assist someone who needs help?

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During this Mars-in-Scorpio transit, we are less inclined to avoid important issues; we go all in, investing more time and energy. In some ways, some people may be attracted to crisis, as they can see crisis as transformative and emotionally exciting. They would rather feel extreme emotions than nothing at all, as mediocrity or the mundane of the ‘usual’ is felt to be unsatisfying.  So, knowing this also brings forth the question about being appropriate with such attractions and feelings: It is NOT O.K. to feel pleasure at someone else’s expense. It is NOT O.K. to stand by take photos, record and not to be helpful.

 

Today, Friday, October 13, what is supportive, (thanks to the Cosmos and within our galaxy), for the most part, we’re cooperative and gracious. Also, thankfully, Mars forms a trine with Saturn which brings us value, endurance and perseverance. We can feel more productive, directed, and purposeful. A slow, steady, methodical approach works best under this influence. We can get the job done, and do it well by being calm. This trine favors discipline, moderation, tradition and pacing ourselves.

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OCTOBER 14 – NEW MOON / SOLAR ECLIPSE IN LIBRA:  Most affected are Libra and all Air Signs.  FOR LIBRA: This New Moon is also a Solar Eclipse - a “Super-New Moon” and it is in your sign and it sets the tone for the next twelve months. Meditate on what you wish for by writing down what you need, not for what you want. A new cycle begins now, consider what is happening around you and the choices that you make as more of this can be cultivated and more may come your way during this new cycle. So, at times you will have to say to yourself: Less IS more.

FOR ALL SIGNS: This affect will occur at 10:55 pm – PDT. The New Moon in the sign of Libra starts a good cycle in which to commit to personal goals that can express the positive energies of the sign of the scales of balance, beauty, love and tolerance. We have an opportunity to build our negotiating skills without compromising our principles or needs, and without resorting to appeasing others. It’s a time to work on re-balancing our relationships and to recognize our partners as teammates rather than adversaries. Cosmically speaking, there really are no enemies.

 

With this potent Libra energy, we have the chance to make important changes in our lives. Libra teaches us to learn to make peace with those around us and to establish more harmony in our environments, establish a sense of order and bring balance into our lives, and recognize the value of partnerships. This is an ideal time to work on these skills.

 

Libra has an innate ability for love and balancing the opposites. Peace and harmony are the goals, but there’s a fine balancing act involved along the way that requires some commitment and effort. People born under the sign of Libra may feel themselves challenged in a good way, as Libra needs to step it up one in order to advance. Boredom and laziness will only bring about new problems that will harm your progress and bring you down.

 

This New Moon brings fresh and creative energy into our lives, and more specifically, into our relationships. This is a cycle in which balancing our close personal relationships can be felt as an urgent desire. Negotiations may be especially effective, as we are inclined to assert our needs in ways that don’t offend others. A Mars-Saturn trine can help us see the value of pacing ourselves and keeping our feet on the ground. As a Solar Eclipse, this New Moon has more potent energy than before.  It’s the second eclipse in a set occurring along the Aries-Libra axis from April 20th, 2023, to March 29, 2025. The first one was a total Eclipse in Aries, April 20, 2023. While we’ve been focusing on building our independence and working on assertiveness since April, this October Eclipse in Libra prompts us to consider healthy relating and how it affects the process of growth.

 

Major developments in the personal areas ruled by Libra in our charts are likely to occur over the upcoming six months. Remember that the most important relationship is that one with yourself. The full message of this Eclipse can be realized and understood better in six months’ time.

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More October Astro-Logic to arrive soon...!

 

ASTROLOGICAL AFFECTS - SEPTEMBER, 2023

by Ren Rasa Yogamaya, E- RYT 500

 

SUN IN VIRGO: Most Affected are Virgo and All Earth Signs. For Virgo: All Mercurial themes such as light, electrical impulses, mental agility, communication, comfort with sound and silence, attention to details and wealth will rule supreme until September 22. A more heightened awareness of the written and spoken word, personal health and the health industry. The best side of Virgo is seen in their gracious manner and their well thought-out strategies with solutions to problems. The key is to know when to behave with confidence, when to let go to allow the child within your heart to have a say and, to leave justice in the hands of the Universe. FOR EVERYONE: Celebrate this month with respect and action towards the Earth beneath you, the Earth within you; experience the stealthy strength poses found in Yoga as in the Warrior poses; as they also represent the Earth. Best Sacred Geometry: Hexahedron (Earth). Best Yantra: The color Gold.

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SEPTEMBER 3 – VENUS TURNS DIRECT IN LEO:  Most Affected are Leo, Taurus, Libra and Virgo.  FOR LEO: Due to Venus’ return to direct course, you may feel as though you can talk to anyone about your recent experiences with your Love life. Instead, choose more wisely as Mercury is still in Retrograde. However, it is now a better time to congregate with family and good friends.

FOR ALL SIGNS: As I begin here, please note that Venus has been in Retrograde within the sign of Leo for the entire retrograde period. Note that similar retrograde Venus patterns repeat within eight years, and they are similar.

As Venus is also the planet of Love and values, Venus Retrograde periods are times when we re-assess which relationships, with ourselves and with others that we value most. It is a period that many, most astrologers consider inopportune time for getting married or starting a new relationship; usually not an ideal time.  Making major financial actions are not advised during this period either. Instead, Venus Retrograde cycles are good transits for creating budgets and financial plans, considering or planning physical, visceral ‘make-overs’ and for re-thinking, reviewing our personal relationships. As Venus has now turned direct, going over any of the important, financial and Love related actions that you made, should go under the review, best while you meditate alone before conferring with others.

 

Also under review should be new hairdos, improvements, recent purchases new wardrobe(s), cosmetic surgeries, etc. And then there are renovations, re-decorating, and such. And In addition, parties may not have gone as planned, because Venus is associated with social events. Consider to ‘check in’ with family and friends, you may want to talk about how to improve these events for “next time”.

 

SEPTEMBER 4 - JUPITER TURNS RETROGRADE IN TAURUS:  Most affected are Sagittarius, Taurus and Virgo.  FOR SAGITTARIUS: Your ruling planet, Jupiter now turns inward as well as some of its’ characteristics, such as:  Expansion, including mental expansion and opportunities. Some of your goals may also be affected in a different way now. The best that you can do with feeling of retreat is to review, or study what your have learned from the past. This includes reading from books, learning from superiors or vital teachers who were or still are in your Life.

FOR ALL SIGNS: This transit will continue until December 30, 2023. While Jupiter is in retrograde, we tend tore-consider,  re-think our goals and plans in the areas of Life affected most by Jupiter’s transit. It’s a time of questioning what we thought we already knew and developing a new perspective on events and beliefs. People born in an Earth Sign may find themselves embracing a past spiritual quest while gardening or doing the laundry.

 

Recognizing areas of excess or extravagance can help us. We may need to slow down specific undertakings if they’ve been moving too quickly, or this may happen naturally. Some enthusiasm may wane as certain realities that involve time and energy begin to set in, our minds do want to ‘re-consider’. Also, as with the advice given to Sagittarius, especially Fire Signs, many people will also feel more introverted. So, for those people, I reiterate, the best that you can do with feelings of an introvert is to review, or study what your have learned from the past. This includes reading from books, learning from superiors or vital teachers who were or still are in your Life now.

 

SEPTEMBER 14 – NEW MOON IN VIRGO:  Most affected are Virgo and All Earth Signs.  FOR VIRGO: This New Moon is in your sign and it sets the tone for the next twelve months. Meditate on what you wish for by writing down what you need, not for what you want. A new cycle begins now, consider what is happening around you and the choices that you make as more of this can be cultivated and more may come your way during this new cycle.  Also, It is possible that with this Virgo New Moon, this now offers quality time to gather with family or close friends to celebrate what you or they wish for. And, business will return to ‘usual business’ when Mercury turns direct the next day, September 15.

 

FOR ALL SIGNS: This New Moon will occur at 6:40 pm PST. A New Moon signifies a new beginning and a new cycle begins now.  Are you ready to begin again? Begin by learning about something new: With this New Moon in the sign of Virgo, it is a time of new beginnings, this New Moon presents an excellent opportunity for us to formulate some goals regarding “all things Virgo.” We’d do well to concentrate on new ways to get our day-to-day life organized. We might think about some of the characteristics for this Earthy sign, such as:  Being analytical, intelligent, reserved, critical, helpful, conscientious and consider ways to enhance, develop, or incorporate these traits into our own lives.

Please note that Virgo, (found within the Third Chakra, Manipura) can also be found somewhere in every person’s chart, and these are the areas of our lives most affected now. The New Moon in Virgo is an excellent time to commit to personal goals that express the positive energies of the sign of the Virgin. Other characteristic include some lessons from the Third Chakra, Manipura as well as the ruling planet Mercury: A call to attention, generosity and Light, mental agility, communication, sound and silence and, self-control.

 

Some of us are ready to make something special of our work, our routines, or specific tasks. And, further, it’s a powerful time to transform our jobs, health, self-care programs, and habits. We’re filled with innovative, inventive, and unusual ideas. However, it’s also a touchy time and perhaps an unclear period (due to Virgo’s ruler, Mercury, which is currently in Retrograde until the following day).  Also, this New moon is opposite Neptune, the planet of dreams and illusions. So, it’s important not to jump into something too quickly.

 

SEPTEMBER 15 – MERCURY TURNS DIRECT WHILE IN VIRGO:  Most affected are, Virgo and Gemini.

FOR ALL SIGNS: This transit began in August and shifts today. As Mercury begins direct motion, its’ cycle begins slowly then it picks up speed. In about a week or so things begin to feel more balanced in matters related to communications, the written, typed, tweeted, text word, travel, energy and electro-magnetic energy related to your neurological system. You can now go forward with new agreements or signing important documents.  However, expect some fall out from this, most recent MIR.  This means that some things were not meant to last, it is best to accept the changes and move on.

 

As the planet of communication, Mercury Retrograde tends to bring about a certain level of confusion. Mercury can rule our “lower” mind and how we perceive and interpret information that we receive from our surroundings, and how we relay that information to others. Mercury also affects such things as speaking, negotiating, buying and selling, listening, formal contracts, documents, travel, the mail and shipping, etc. All of these other areas are affected when Mercury is functioning in a slow state. Now with Mercury direct, slowly but surely, information unclogs, and we can move on. While Mercury was retrograde, we had the chance to improve details, move into a different direction (by choice) and change our minds if needed. As the shift continues, more of the same will reveal itself.

 

SEPTEMBER 23 – THE SUN ENTERS THE SIGN OF LIBRA:  Most affected are Libra and All Air Signs. A SPECIAL REPORT:  Due to several of the planets having been in retrograde these past few months, specifically Venus that was also in retrograde while in the sign of Leo, there now continues to be the challenging period of “adjustment”, or better known (as I call it), “the fall-out”.  Now, with the Sun in the sign of Libra, we can expect more of what was being discussed, or argued between partners, marriages and more from the past two months.  Some relationships may heal, while others may be clearly over.  Those who wish for healing need to be more present, patient and fair in all matters of discussion and communications during this process, this monthly cycle now.

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SEPTEMBER 29 – FULL MOON IN ARIES:  Most affected are Aries, Libra and all Fire signs.  FOR ARIES: The Full Moon is in your sign now, once again it is time to surrender, release and to let go. The more that you push others to give you what you think you want is a great error. Is this – is it what you ‘need’ rather than what you’ want’? The further you yearn and push the further away or delay will result.  Instead, with this Full Moon, any changes within you will be reflected in the way you interact with others and that will be for the good.

 

FOR ALL SIGNS: This Full Moon occurred at 2:57 PST. A Full Moon signifies the end of a cycle in our lives. Not just Fire Signs need to surrender, release and let go. When you “let go”, you make room for “the new” to come in.  On a Full Moon or Lunar Eclipse, it is good to make a list on what you can part with including unhealthy people, bad habits and circumstances that no longer fit well in your Life. A regular Full Moon that occurs once per month is a time of culmination and the promise of fulfillment of that which was started at the last New Moon. During the Full Moon, it can be an emotional time, a time of romance, inspiration and relationships.

 

Each month there is a Full Moon with a specific divine meaning and the opportunity to learn what it represents. With this Full Moon in the sign of Aries: And, when a Full Moon occurs, we can burst forth with proclamations and outpours that seem fresh and new, simply because they are not yet reorganized in our minds. In fact, a Full Moon illuminates feelings, attitudes, and circumstances that are already in existence.

 With the Sun now in more easygoing Libra, this means that the coming four weeks are very much about our relationships, the relationships with ourselves, and with others and how we can connect more deeply with those we care about. If you need to resolve any lingering issues, this is a good time to do it.

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Ren is a Yoga teacher and Yoga Therapist, providing her services for over 26 years. As a writer, she is the author of EAT BY COLOR: Foods, Colors and The Chakras and her Astrological Affects column is syndicated world-wide. She is a natural channel for Universal Source as she offers guidance, solutions to your issues and she teaches privately in Los Angeles, CA.