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Confrontation & Rebirth: Mars Squares Pluto, Venus in Virgo, Mars in Scorpio, Pluto Direct, Solar Eclipse in Libra! Collective Horoscope (October 9th-15th)
Dear NightFall Astrology readers,
One of the most pivotal weeks of the year is upon us, where celestial movements promise to keep us on our toes. As Mars squares Pluto, individual quests for justice clash with enduring societal frameworks, demanding astute strategy and foresight.
Meanwhile, Mercury disappears in Libra, suggesting a period of reflection in our dialogues and decisions. Venus’s sojourn into Virgo and its strained interaction with Saturn signals a need for circumspection in love and friendships.
In a significant shift, Pluto resumes direct motion, marking a key moment in the evolving narratives around governance and collective ideals. Mars’s imminent foray into Scorpio shows an intensified drive for strategic action and deep introspection, propelling us to confront both internal and external complexities.
An annular solar eclipse in Libra on October 14th functions as a celestial reset, inviting fresh starts but also urging keen discernment in the choices ahead.
To navigate this nuanced and critical week, why not delve deeper into what the stars have in store for you?
I. Mars square Pluto:
During the period from October 6th to 11th, reaching an exact alignment on the 9th, Mars resides in Libra, where it is considered to be in its exile, forming a square with Pluto, which is in retrograde motion through Capricorn. The notion of Mars being in its “exile” in Libra is noteworthy, for it implies that the natural attributes of Mars—typically associated with action, drive, and aggression—are somewhat uncomfortable or suppressed in the genteel and diplomatic realm of Libra. Mars in its exile shows an internal tension, an urge for action muffled by Libra’s prioritisation of harmony and balance.
As these two celestial bodies engage in a square, an aspect denoting tension and challenge, certain themes are likely to surface. On one side, we have Mars, the planet of action, finding itself hemmed in by Libra’s inherent desire for justice and balance. Given its uncomfortable position, Mars may signal a potential for misdirected or restrained actions, where the quest for balance could lead to indecisiveness or even inertia.
On the other side, Pluto’s retrograde journey through the earthy, structural realm of Capricorn indicates a transformative period that tends to manifest in societal frameworks or power structures. The square aspect, indicative of tension or discord that demands resolution, points to the likelihood of significant dialogues or events aimed at resolving the friction between individual aspirations for justice and the larger structures that govern social norms and regulations.
What we can deduce from this square is that initiating action or decision-making will be a crucial theme. However, with Mars in exile in Libra, the quality of that initiation may be questioned. Will the drive for action be diluted by a perhaps over-zealous desire for diplomatic harmony? Will the urge for fairness be strong enough to confront the intense, often hidden, transformative energies indicated by Pluto’s position?
For those holding positions of power, whether in organisational settings or within relationships, the square presents a compelling scenario. Here, the balance between the need for decisive action and the complexity of broader, often opaque influences becomes vital. The challenge lies in acting with integrity and caution, being fully aware of the potential pitfalls and complexities that Mars’ exile and Pluto’s transformative retrograde suggest.
In conclusion, the square between Mars in exile in Libra and Pluto retrograde in Capricorn stands as a celestial marker for a challenging yet pivotal period. It indicates that the days ahead may be fraught with decisions that weigh heavily on the scales of justice and power, urging caution, introspection, and strategic nuance. While this aspect presents inherent difficulties, it also offers an opportunity for thoughtful engagement with issues requiring more than mere surface-level consideration.
This square will be most challenging for Libra, Capricorn, Cancer, and Aries placements.
II. Mercury becomes invisible, Venus enters Virgo & opposes Saturn:
On October 9th, a complex celestial tapestry unfurls, featuring Mercury’s transition to invisibility at 7 degrees of Libra and Venus’s entry into Virgo, its sign of fall. Shortly thereafter, from October 10th to 12th, Venus in Virgo will oppose Saturn retrograde in Pisces, adding yet another layer of astrological intrigue.
When Mercury becomes invisible, it traditionally signals a slowdown in activities related to commerce, trading, business, media, writing, and marketing. New initiatives in these fields may find less traction during this period. Mercury’s invisibility in Libra indicates that topics once in the limelight could become subdued, calling for a shift from external dialogue to internal reflection. This is particularly true for those ruled by Mercury—individuals with their Sun, Moon, or Ascendant in Gemini or Virgo—who may feel less initiative and more inclined towards introspection. Matters of justice, fairness, and interpersonal dynamics may form the nucleus of these internal musings.
Venus entering Virgo marks a reevaluation of Venusian qualities like love, pleasure, and aesthetics. Being in its fall in Virgo, Venus suggests a practical, perhaps even critical, lens through which relationships and values may be viewed. It’s a time not of negation but of scrutiny, urging us to discern the essential from the non-essential in matters of the heart and art.
Adding to this intricate landscape is the immediate opposition between Venus in Virgo and Saturn retrograde in Pisces from October 10th to 12th. Oppositions are aspects of tension and potential revelation. Saturn, the taskmaster of the zodiac, in its retrograde phase in the dreamy waters of Pisces, represents introspective lessons around discipline, structure, and reality, albeit tinged with elements of illusion or spirituality. When Venus opposes this Saturnian energy, the result may be a pronounced awareness of limitations or responsibilities within relationships or artistic endeavours. The Virgo-Pisces axis also suggests a tension between earthly practicality and nebulous ideals, perhaps revealing where our ideals meet reality or where our practical choices impact our dreams.
Together, these celestial shifts indicate a multi-layered period, one marked by internal reflection and sober reevaluation in various spheres of life. For business leaders, writers, and marketers—particularly those with Gemini or Virgo prominence in their charts—this might be a period more suitable for strategic planning rather than launching new projects. Relationship dynamics are also likely to come into focus, where the balancing act between practical considerations and idealistic yearnings becomes more evident. Venus’s opposition to Saturn retrograde brings to the surface questions about long-term commitment, responsibility, and the sustainability of pleasure and aesthetics within the parameters of real-world constraints.
The Venus/Saturn opposition will be most challenging for Virgo, Pisces, Sagittarius, and Gemini placements.
III. Pluto stations direct:
On October 10th-11th, depending on your time zone, Pluto will station direct at 27 degrees of Capricorn, concluding its retrograde phase that began on May 1st. This marks a five-and-a-half-month span during which Pluto traversed the territory of Capricorn in an apparent backward motion. With Pluto stationing direct, a significant celestial marker suggests that shifts and reevaluations that have been latent or under process may now become more pronounced or evident.
The retrograde movement of Pluto, particularly in Capricorn—a sign associated with structure, authority, and traditional systems—has likely signalled a period of deep, internal reckoning on both individual and collective scales. Questions about governance, societal values, and entrenched systems may have come into sharper focus. While Pluto retrograde did not incite these questions, its position served as a backdrop that mirrored collective interrogations into the adequacy and resilience of existing power structures.
As Pluto stations direct, it signals a transition from this period of introspective scrutiny to one where the insights gleaned may become more manifest in real-world situations. Whether this reflects shifts in political landscapes, regulatory reforms, or an individual’s personal journey toward empowerment, the change in Pluto’s direction often marks a thematic shift from contemplation to more overt activity.
It’s crucial to note that the gravitas of Pluto’s station should not be underestimated. In astrology, Pluto signifies transformative forces that often operate under the surface. Its slow-moving nature adds weight to its capacity to reflect long-term evolutionary changes. The sign of Capricorn, being cardinal and earthy, brings themes of practicality and structure into play. The intersection between Pluto’s transformative energy and Capricorn’s stabilising tendencies suggests that the forthcoming changes may have a lasting impact, whether it be in the corridors of power, in our communities, or in our personal lives.
These are the final few months of Pluto in Capricorn: an over-a-decade transit of transformation of power structures, hierarchies, banks, governments, and institutions. A lot of them have been at their downfall since 2008. Pluto can be a planet of the Tower card in Tarot, which depicts a Tower being hit by a lightning bolt and crumbling down. So, watch for the final dominoes to fall around institutions, major power structures, financial markets, and corporations during the last two months of 2023.
In summary, Pluto’s stationing direct in Capricorn is a pivotal celestial moment that marks the culmination of a period of internal review, particularly concerning power structures and authority. It signals a shift towards taking those internal reflections and potentially seeing them manifest more overtly in the external world. While the retrograde phase encouraged a deep dive into the ethics, values, and structures that govern our lives, its direct motion indicates a forthcoming phase where these considerations could take a more concrete form. Collectively and individually, we stand at a threshold of transformation that promises a blend of continuity and change, against a backdrop of heightened awareness and scrutiny.
IV. Mars enters Scorpio:
As October 12th dawns, we enter one of the year’s most pivotal phases, marked by Mars’ transition into Scorpio, a position it will hold until November 24th. Far from dictating our choices, this celestial alignment serves as a reflective lens, intensifying specific themes that invite deeper contemplation and action.
Here, Mars feels empowered. This isn’t about impulsive, reckless conduct; it’s about calculated, strategic moves. The planetary transit augments our capacity to react swiftly and effectively in emergencies and challenging situations. The atmosphere is electric, not with chaos, but with a heightened sense of control.
On a societal level, expect an uptick in discussions surrounding power dynamics and ethics. It’s a period that doesn’t shy away from asking hard questions about governance, authority, and collective morality. While conflicts may surface, they do so to catalyse action rather than to paralyse. The aim is resolution, the method is confrontation, and the tools at our disposal are more honed than ever.
Individually, this is a time for fearless introspection. Mars in Scorpio amplifies our courage to confront both internal demons and external challenges. It’s a fertile period for eliminating whatever is uncomfortable, unneeded, or unresolved, offering a potent blend of emotional mettle and intellectual sharpness to cut through the Gordian knots in our lives.
So, expect power struggles, both within and without, but see them as invitations for decisive actions. This isn’t a period for the faint-hearted; it’s a time for brave confrontation, keen strategic thinking, and transformative action.
V. Solar Eclipse in Libra:
On the 14th of October, 2023, at precisely 7:55 PM Central European Time, the sky will host an annular solar eclipse in Libra. While a New Moon heralds the confluence of the Sun and Moon, this particular event transcends mere lunar phases. Situated at 21 degrees of Libra, the Sun and Moon align along the ecliptic, the apparent path that the Sun follows across the celestial sphere. In astrology, this is no ordinary alignment: it is a pivotal moment that functions as a catalyst, shaping the spiritual and existential landscape for the ensuing six months.
Historically, solar eclipses were viewed as ominous portents, often associated with the demise of a monarch and the ascendancy of another. They were regarded not as ends, but as dramatic interludes that served as preludes to radical new beginnings. Unlike a Full Moon or a lunar eclipse—which typically symbolise conclusions or culminations—solar eclipses function as transformative events. They are the metaphorical destruction of a structure, making way for something more robust and more meaningful to rise from its ruins.
Given the disruptive potential inherent in solar eclipses, I counsel against any intentional manifestation or purposeful action aimed at influencing outcomes during this period. Indeed, my extensive series on the nodes of the Moon explicates the malefic or destructive nature of eclipses, likening their energy to the unpredictability of natural disasters. In the chaos of a tsunami or a wildfire, one does not pause to perform rituals; rather, the priority is to navigate the chaos with care. It would be wiser to let the energies of the eclipse unveil their messages and lessons naturally, without your conscious manipulation. And never forget that God has the final word in any situation in our lives. In any period of hardship, faith is crucial.
{ For a deeper dive into the symbolism of eclipses in astrology, check my article on the subject here! }
This upcoming solar eclipse takes place on the South Node, distinct from eclipses that align with the North Node. In astrological symbolism, the North Node is often associated with growth, future orientation, and even a certain level of obsession. Conversely, the South Node symbolises the act of purging, the attainment of purity, and the release of attachments. This dichotomy is rooted in the myth of Rahu and Ketu, celestial dragon entities that were bisected as a punitive measure for consuming divine nectar. Rahu, the head, embodies the eternal hunger and forward gaze of the North Node. Ketu, the body, is aimless and purposeless, capturing the essence of the South Node’s detachment and release.
Even though this event is a solar eclipse—a celestial phenomenon typically signifying new beginnings—its alignment with the South Node introduces themes of sacrifice and relinquishment. The act of letting go becomes an intrinsic part of ushering in the new. Given that this eclipse occurs in Libra, it gains additional layers of nuance. Libra, an air sign, represents social intellect, while its cardinal quality suggests initiation. The focus here is not necessarily on romantic relationships, but rather on connections that stimulate intellectual and social synergy. In effect, the eclipse serves as a conduit for establishing harmony, either with another individual or within a group, to foster collective growth over the subsequent six months.
An intriguing astrological detail to note is that this eclipse falls in the final decan of Libra, which correlates with the Four of Swords tarot card. Intriguingly, while Libra is traditionally ruled by Venus, this particular decan falls under the auspices of Jupiter. This dual rulership by Venus and Jupiter, both benefic planets, amplifies the eclipse’s themes of union, harmony, and expansion. This implies that while sacrifices or releases may be required, they are unlikely to induce acute pain or loss. The Four of Swords, colloquially termed the ‘Truce Card,‘ epitomises the ensuing peace and meditative calm that follows a period of strife or discord.
This eclipse sets the stage for a cosmic theatre, a celestial finale where long-pending decisions reach their ultimate resolution. If you’ve been in a state of indecision, the stars are aligning to prompt you towards a definite path or partnership. However, this cosmic endorsement comes at the cost of sacrifice—the abdication of other tantalising options. It’s the quintessential nature of commitments to demand the closure of alternative avenues.
{ If you’d like to know where and how this Solar Eclipse is showing up in your own chart and life, order your personal “Solar Eclipse in Libra” forecast HERE! }
This drama is enriched by a series of planetary and asteroidal players. Mercury and Pallas, both in Libra, are conjunct with the eclipse. Mercury, the harbinger of communication and intellect, implies that decisions will likely be born out of substantial discourse. Pallas, an asteroid often associated with feminine wisdom, adds an additional stratum of creativity and subjectivity—far removed from the base concept of gossip and more aligned with nuanced wisdom or nurturing insights.
A loose square to Pluto in Capricorn introduces a layer of complexity. This aspect often symbolises a pressure to transform, possibly igniting internal debates about the authenticity of any change necessitated by a newly-formed alliance.
Further intricacy is lent by Mars in Scorpio, which forms a favourable trine with Saturn retrograde in Pisces. This interplay suggests a resolve and intensity in facing obstacles, adding a certain gravitas to decisions and actions. Mars in its domicile advocates for direct, forthright actions, eliminating needless drama or subterfuge.
Let us not overlook Venus, the ruler of Libra and hence of this eclipse. Positioned in its fall in Virgo, Venus adds a critical undertone, sharpening the focus on imperfections and even triggering a form of cynicism. While Venus’s favourable trine with Jupiter offers a hint of optimism, its opposition to Saturn introduces a sobering counterpoint of rigorous scrutiny.
Most intriguingly, Chiron, the ‘wounded healer,’ is perched on the North Node in Aries. This placement illuminates how vulnerabilities, rather than being buried, could be metamorphosed into strengths. It opens up the possibility that the commitment at hand could serve as a transformative healing journey, touching upon deep-seated issues.
Chiron’s alignment with the North Node—a point diametrically opposed to the South Node—presents a complex celestial tableau deserving of our focused attention. This configuration prompts an intense scrutiny, or even preoccupation, with our psychological triggers, urging us to confront rather than avoid what makes us uncomfortable.
As these celestial entities convene, we may find ourselves at a crucial juncture where decisions are weighted with substantial emotional gravity. The eclipse facilitates a unique opportunity to forge relationships or alliances that, under normal circumstances, may be too challenging or intimidating. In essence, this celestial alignment serves as a potent catalyst for relational unity.
However, it is crucial to delineate that the nature of this unity isn’t universally romantic. For a majority—ten out of twelve rising signs, to be precise—the focus isn’t on romantic entanglements but rather on meaningful, substantial relationships that are rooted in a sense of shared destiny or purpose. These unions, while potentially laden with tension and even requiring significant sacrifices, hold the promise of enduring bonds formed under the auspices of a transformative celestial event.
Finally, the eclipse will be visible in parts of the United States (begins in Oregon and ends in Texas), Mexico, and many countries in South and Central America. Naturally, these parts of the world will be impacted the most.
If you have any insights or personal reflections about this solar eclipse, your contribution in the comments would be invaluable to deepening our collective understanding of these phenomena.
This Solar Eclipse will be felt most intensely by Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn, particularly if you have planets and/or important chart points around 21 degrees of these signs (give or take 1-5 degrees).
Thank you for reading.
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