I have been watching my son, a small business owner, bang his head against the wall, since the five outer planets have been in retrograde. 
He is a perfect illustration of this country in microcosm. He has an ice cream take-out franchise that luckily has been doing well but is not without its problems. His deliveries are late and he is short staffed. He says all businesses large and small are having trouble because no one wants to work. Materials as well as finished products are arriving weeks or months late. It’s more profitable to collect than to go back to work at minimum wage. People expect the unemployment benefits to keep coming, or they are afraid they might get sick. Or both. It may be a domino effect, so watch out. Things may get worse before they get better. Unemployment benefits are coming to an end.
I wrote about retrograde planets in August. The big outer planets are holding things up. With Jupiter Rx, on the personal level, one’s affairs slow down, are delayed, even move backward, and the expected progress doesn’t materialize. Not yet. Astrology can be so literal. Everyone is in the same situation. There were five or six retrograde planets last year around this time, and yes, we were in pandemic crisis. The picture this year is slightly different. The country is recovering but no one wants to work. What’s more, my son keeps saying how far behind he is in the maintenance of the store. That’s Jupiter Rx.
Jupiter and Saturn are in Aquarius, in a 10th house square to his Taurus Sun. Uranus in Taurus transiting his Sun doesn’t help, either. It just makes him frustrated, fighting against obstacles that won’t move. For everyone in general, taxes are going up. The cost of gas, food and materials is going up and there are shortages of some things. Teenagers don’t want to work. All the restaurants need drivers and servers. And one more thing. Everyone is demanding and rude. The pandemic has affected everyone’s minds.
Every year the planets retrograde at different rates, except the Sun and Moon, which do not retrograde. When Mercury stations on September 27, there will be six retrogrades. Pluto, Saturn and Jupiter will station direct in October, in that order. When a planet stations, its energy is concentrated and more powerful, especially if it contacts your ascendant or a personal planet. You may not feel anything but watch what happens in your life, strike while the iron is hot and make wise decisions. Stations in October: Pluto in Capricorn, October 7, in effect September through November, a slow mover, remember. Changes are mostly below the surface. Saturn in Aquarius, October 11, but in effect part of September and all of October. Jupiter in Aquarius, October 18 but in effect all of October through mid-November. Mercury in Libra, October 18, in effect for a few days.
Mercury Rx in Libra impacts communications, relationships, partnerships, legal matters, lawsuits and personal conflicts. Mars is here, too. This is not a good time to file for divorce, file a lawsuit or pick a fight. Don’t sign papers. Depending on your situation, take a deep breath, back off and give each other some space. The problem might not seem so important a few weeks from now, or it may even go away by itself.
Celestial Almanac: Libra New Moon October 6, Aries Full Moon October 20, Halloween (Samhain) October 31, All Saints Day November 1.
Read on for the October forecast. At Halloween, visit a psychic or have a Tarot reading. The veil is thinner and the spirits are listening. Fortune telling and divination have more power at this time of year. For a Halloween recap, go to the archive and read October 2016. Archives – Astrology – Horoscopes – Valerie Morrissey – Celestial Navigation (delmarva-almanac.com)
The Sun in Libra puts the focus on relationships, and with Mars in Libra until Halloween, there will definitely be fireworks. Excitement of some sort. If you and your spouse are butting heads, well, get it all out there and figure out how to do it better. The kissing and making up will be worth it. A new relationship may come along. A whirlwind romance might lead to elopement. Look before you leap. Because of Venus, travel is favored this month. Take a romantic vacation.
The Sun arrives in Scorpio on October 23 and after that, Mars, so read about Aries. Marriage and partnerships are in the spotlight at the end of the month. Halloween could be a very romantic time for you. You might meet someone new and important. Next month there might be an engagement. Because Jupiter and Saturn station direct this month, there could be positive changes in your career. More responsibility or a great opportunity.
While the Sun and Mars are in Libra romance, social events and children are favored. You will be invited out a lot and make new friends. It will be a happy period. Venus arrives in Sagittarius on October 7 which favors more serious relationships, and this could be romantic. Celebrate an anniversary. Some of you might get engaged, and it’s a good time to plan a wedding. Watch October 20, the Full Moon. A wish could come true. Babies will be born now.
Home life and family are very important this month. Decorate for Halloween, rake leaves, do seasonal clean-up projects. Have a Halloween party or a family reunion. When Mercury stations on October 18, this is a good time to close on a property or go house hunting. Pluto stations on October 7, which may bring transition or a change in circumstances in a marriage. You may meet an important new partner. Watch the lunations on October 6 and 20.
When Venus enters Sagittarius on October 7 romance is favored, and children’s activities, sports, entertainment and social events. There are Halloween parties, ballgames or homecoming gatherings. Be creative. When Jupiter and Saturn station and go direct this month, all partnerships are favored. This helps with marriages, but even more, it helps with business partnerships, real estate, building and development. Progress can now be made in these areas.
While Mercury is Rx in Libra you are probably thinking about money, finances, things of value and possessions. You could go through your house and set aside things you don’t need, like clothes, toys, etc. Organize a garage sale, to be held after Mercury stations, and donations to charity. It’s a good way to use the Mercury energy. After October 18 you can move money around, open accounts, apply for loans or lease a car. Venus in Sagittarius favors home life.
The Sun, Mars and Mercury Rx here can be variable but for the most part favorable. If you get into a disagreement, you can work it out. Libra doesn’t like fights and prefers everyone to get along. Remember to do some things differently with Mercury Rx. This is a high energy cycle for you. Put it to good use. You can be creative, motivated, and get a lot of work done. But take a break, enjoy leisure time in between projects, and look after your health.
Venus is here until October 7. Romance and creativity are favored. Later, Mars arrives at Halloween. You will definitely feel the energy change at this time. It is generally a positive period with Jupiter and Saturn stationing. Home life improves, and projects may start to move along. When the Sun arrives on October 23, you will be the center of attention and it will be a good time for many things. Money, favors, romance, friendships, perhaps a Halloween party.
When Venus enters on October 7 it will be a nice time for you. All warm and fuzzy. You look good in the mirror. Buy clothes and get a good haircut. Relationships go well and for single folks, someone new may be coming along. Creative projects go well and you have new ideas. Travel is also favored. Remember with Mercury Rx to stay in the background, sort things out, get organized, make plans but don’t commit yet or sign anything until after October 18.
While Mars is still in Libra, as well as the Sun, make in-roads as best you can with your work and career. You can accomplish a lot and make connections. If there are conflicts or communication problems (Mercury Rx) try to meet people half way. Mercury stations on the 18th so don’t worry. It could be an exciting, eventful period. Pay attention to what other people are doing. When Pluto stations this month, the energy is stronger. Permanent change is possible.
While Venus is still in Scorpio, until the 7th, you may get a favor or bonus at work, and similar good fortune could come your way later when the Sun enters Scorpio on October 23. You could be in the spotlight. Things will turn around for you with Jupiter and Saturn stationing. It will be an interesting month. While the Sun, Mars and Mercury are in Libra, travel is favored, especially after October 18. Mars in Libra, an air sign, is in a positive energy cycle for Aquarius.
Travel is favored when Venus is in Scorpio until the 7th, then later when the Sun enters Scorpio on October 23. In fact, it will be best to make plans then go after Mercury stations on October 18. You can still go before the station, just be flexible and have plan B ready. The Scorpio Sun is also fortunate in general for your sign. Romance and social activities are favored. Venus in Sagittarius is also good for your career, especially if you are in the arts.