It’s that time again! Pumpkin spice latte, candy corn, ghosts and goblins everywhere. Samhain, or better known as Halloween (All Hallows Eve), is one of the four minor Celtic holidays. There is Samhain, Imbolc (Groundhog Day), Beltane (May Day) and Lughnasadh (Lammas). They are the midpoint festivals between the major solar stations observed by Western cultures. Samhain is 6 weeks after the Autumn Equinox, Imbolc is 6 weeks after the Winter Solstice and so on.
From October 2016: In ancient times in northern Europe, Samhain (Gaelic, “summer’s end”), as Halloween used to be called, was observed at this time of year by the Celts, Druids and Wiccans. The dead came out to wander through the land and communication with departed loved ones was easier at this time. Ancestors were honored. Séances, fortune telling, divination and conjuring had more power. People dressed up as ghosts or in other costumes, pulled pranks on their neighbors and built bonfires. Fairies and elves were out and about, also pulling pranks. Trick-or-treat evolved among children, going door-to-door. Turnips were carved out with faces to ward off evil spirits, which evolved in the 1800’s into the pumpkin Jack-O-Lantern.
In addition, on the day following Halloween, November 1 (All Saints Day), Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is celebrated in Mexico, with similar traditions and colorful festivals.
Two important planets are stationing this month, Jupiter and Pluto. Three others are also Rx but I want to comment on these two. Jupiter is going Rx in Gemini so some people will be lazy, less motivated and more inclined to just go out and have a good time. Some are distracted, talk too much and lean toward unethical behavior. Temptation rears its head. If you expect progress, you have to wait until the wind changes, early next February. But not to worry, this is not a difficult transit. Whatever is happening, just roll with it, play fair and maintain your integrity.
Pluto Rx stationed in the anarectic degree (29) of Capricorn last month and will be there until mid-November when he goes direct and back into Aquarius. This is a sensitive point. Pluto has a powerful effect. It may be subtle and below the surface but transformative change is definitely in the wind. It may affect Capricorn and the cardinal signs more than the others. I’m waiting to see how the presidential election plays out!
Speaking of elections, my friend astrologer Karen Christino has written a fascinating article speculating on Donald Trump’s future. (Trump in 2024? | Karen Christino) This will be followed up on her website by a similar article on Kamala Harris. Recommended reading!
Celestial Almanac: Libra New Moon October 2, Aries Full Moon October 17. You may have heard, there will be an annular solar eclipse on the day of the New Moon. But it will only be visible over the Pacific Ocean, southern hemisphere. Have a happy and safe Halloween!
Watch the lunations this month. Things are happening for you. Make a wish at the New Moon on October 2, and plan for the future. Focus more. Start a new project. Mars in Cancer continues to motivate you especially on the home front. Redecorate, renovate, rake leaves and work on landscaping. You have lots of energy so keep busy and channel it into something worthwhile. Watch your step and take care of your health.
With Venus in Scorpio followed by Mercury, love, affection and communications in close relationships are favored. A relationship is developing nicely. If you are having any problems this transit will help smooth things out. Then the Sun enters Scorpio and that increases the focus even more. Business relationship are also favored. With Jupiter in Gemini, be careful with your spending. You might be more extravagant than usual.
Jupiter stations Rx this month, until next February. Plan on not getting much work done. If you have goals in mind, better not to expect anything until after Jupiter stations direct. This is not a difficult transit, it just changes things around a little. You probably don’t concentrate very well right now. You might change your mind back and forth. You are more inclined to give in to temptation. With Mars in Cancer, you want to buy things for the home.
Mars here all month gets the steam going in the engine. It’s a good transit for getting things done. When the Sun arrives in Scorpio, it is party time. Your social life picks up. Cancer folks love Halloween, I know I do. There is always an element of luck and serendipity this time of year for the water signs. Money, favors, new friends and lovers appear out of nowhere. For some of you the Pluto station in Capricorn will bring a change in a relationship.
With the Sun, Mercury and Venus in Scorpio overlapping at various times, your home life is accented in a good way. You should entertain, decorate for Halloween and maybe even have a party. Leos love this stuff, with costumes and all things theatrical. The Scorpio planets will oppose Uranus soon which will bring some unusual events or surprises, mostly in the workplace or in public life. These transits come and go quickly so don’t worry. Roll with the punches.
Jupiter Rx in Gemini affects your professional life. Until now the future looked bright but things have slowed down, for some of you. What you hoped for hasn’t materialized yet and you just have to be patient. But this isn’t a difficult transit. Others may simply be distracted by various interests that don’t really go anywhere. Dabbling in the arts, experimenting with different methods and woolgathering in general. One day something special will come out of this.
This is your time to shine, while the Sun is still here. You are in the spotlight. Mars in Cancer gives you a kick in the ass! Promote yourself, your work and your interests. Ask for favors. Arrange job interviews. You will give a good impression. Make the most of new contacts. Mars is in your career house so there you go. You are more ambitious or aggressive with this transit. You may be in a position of authority, or conversely, in a confrontation with higher-ups.
Mars in Cancer favors travel, exploration and research at this time. Plan a vacation, or someone will offer you the chance to go someplace special. When the Sun enters your sign you will be in the spotlight. You get more attention from friends and lovers. Because of Venus and Mercury, communications, technology, social media, romance, the arts and creative pursuits are favored. A tall, dark stranger may even enter your life.
Jupiter Rx in Gemini won’t be too difficult for you, although in business affairs, progress will be slow. You may not get what you want, not just yet. The picture will change early next year. Couples who are trying to move on and settle their affairs may also have to be patient. Legal and financial activities are sometimes complicated. So if you are trying to get divorced, and the grass is greener just over the ridge, you’ll have to be patient for a while!
Because of Jupiter Rx your workplace might be in disarray for a little while. There are changes and disruptions but it will settle down soon. Mars in Cancer favors marriage and business partnerships. There may be some disagreements or conflicts of interest but you can work these things out. In marriage, the kissing and making up will be worth it. Try to meet halfway and find the balance. Plan a weekend getaway or a hot date.
Jupiter is stationing Rx in your house of fun and entertainment. Lots of carousing going on for a while. You are not interested in work. Well then, stop and smell the roses. You might as well have a good time under this transit. Just go with the flow. Not much can be accomplished anyway, so have some fun. Read about Gemini. When Jupiter goes direct next February you will come down to earth. Romance and new creative projects may come along.
Read about Virgo. This is probably a scattered, disorganized period, especially at home, because of Jupiter Rx in Gemini. If you are planning to move to a new place, it will take time. Don’t worry, everything will work out. You should go out and explore different choices anyway before signing a contact. Mars in your house of fun and games is highly favorable. Lots of parties going on, and this is a very good Mars energy for your sign. Party on!