StarCrossed: Embrace Your Courage This October 2024
This period marks critical turning points and significant breakthroughs, presenting a valuable opportunity to advance creative projects and spiritual endeavors.
StarCrossed follows a hobby that keeps my passion for reading and research alive—astrology and astronomy. My love for the Universe goes beyond the spiritual and includes the scientific wonders of space.
Libra season began last month, making October a time for balance, harmony, and strengthening relationships. However, with multiple planetary shifts and retrogrades this month, smooth sailing may not be in the cards for everyone. I already feel the storm coming and the vast waves pulling out of my emotional waters.
October 2024 opens with an annular solar eclipse and concludes with the enchanting spirit of Halloween—or Samhain—alongside a significant planetary trine. As we find ourselves more than halfway through the astrological year, Libra season signals this midpoint, with the sun having traversed six of the 12 zodiac signs. This transition into Libra invites a period of reflection within our yearly cycle. As October begins, take a moment to contemplate the growth and achievements you’ve experienced since Aries season commenced last March 2024.
How have the past six months shaped your decisions, guided you towards new paths, and helped you let go and close the chapters on different aspects of your life?
October 2: Solar Eclipse and New Moon in Libra
On October 2, the New Moon and annular solar eclipse in Libra will set the stage for healthier relationships and meaningful compromises. The satellite will reach its apogee just under an hour after the New Moon.
What Is an Annular Solar Eclipse?
It occurs when the Moon passes between the sun and Earth but does not fully cover the sun. This results in a “ring of fire” appearing around the Moon during maximum eclipse. While this may sound like an ominous event, it is rare and can be quite beautiful to witness.
This is the last eclipse to take place in this sign until 2033, so while it’s opening new doors, it’s also helping us let go of people-pleasing tendencies of the past. Eclipse season is always full of necessary chaos, but chaos nonetheless. Thankfully, this solar eclipse in Libra at the start of the month allows us to understand the whirlwind with a more level head. Solar eclipses bring intense new moons, and with the Sun and Moon coming together in Libra, we are looking at how to create more balance in our lives. Most eclipses represent powerful shifts and new beginnings. This particular eclipse can bring changes to our relationships, partnerships, and sense of balance within ourselves and with others.
What Does the Moon Reaching Its Apogee Mean?
This phenomenon occurs when the Moon is at its farthest point from Earth in its orbit, causing it to appear slightly smaller than usual. Some astrologers suggest that this distance can evoke a sense of detachment and introspection, enabling us to view our emotions from a different perspective.
October 9: Jupiter Retrograde in Gemini
On October 9, Jupiter will enter its retrograde phase in Gemini, prompting you to contemplate your current life philosophies. The following day, the Moon will reach its first quarter. Two days later, Pluto retrograde, which began on May 2, will end, marking its final passage through Capricorn before shifting back into Aquarius on November 19.
What Should You Know About Jupiter Retrograde in Gemini?
During Jupiter retrograde, you may experience a feeling of stagnation in your progress. However, this isn’t a sign that the universe is placing obstacles in your path. This introspective invitation aligns beautifully with the natural inclination to contemplate during Libra season. With Gemini’s influence, consider embracing curiosity by asking more questions. While it may feel awkward to admit what we don’t know, we should challenge ourselves to broaden our perspectives and deepen our understanding in areas where we feel less knowledgeable.
What Should You Know About Pluto Retrograde Ending?
As Pluto, the planet of transformation and rebirth, resumes its forward motion after five months in retrograde, many of us may experience a sense of relief as we approach closure. This feeling is particularly relevant if you’ve been grappling with power dynamics or confronting deep-seated fears and insecurities during this period. On October 11, Pluto will advance into Capricorn for the final time in our lifetimes, marking the end of a transformative chapter that has spanned the last 15 years.
With Pluto’s retrograde phase now complete, it’s an opportune moment to take decisive action toward the profound inner changes unfolding in your life. Reflect on the developments that have emerged since May 2. As Pluto transitions back into its much-anticipated age of Aquarius on November 19, expect a fresh wave of energy that will inspire collective and societal transformations. This may be my favorite moment of October 2024. I’ve been looking forward to the proper start of Pluto’s age of Aquarius for a while now.
October 13: Mercury in Scorpio
On October 13, Mercury transitions into Scorpio, infusing emotional depth and intensity into the otherwise lighthearted and diplomatic conversations of Libra season. This shift will elevate the tone of our discussions, making them more passionate and impactful.
Since September 26, when Mercury transitioned into Libra, we’ve hopefully learned how to embrace fairness and open-mindedness. However, as we move into the latter half of the month, our patience will seem to diminish, and we can become less tolerant of insincerity. Mercury in Libra has hopefully also taught us to be equitable and empathetic. With Mercury now in Scorpio, we can put these principles into practice, leading with transparency to eliminate uncertainties as we connect more deeply with ourselves and others.
October 17: Full Moon in Aries and Venus in Sagittarius
The Full Moon in Aries on October 17 is set to arrive with remarkable intensity, compelling everyone to embrace their truths and carve their unique paths. This event coincides with the Moon reaching its perigee in this orbit while Venus transitions into Sagittarius, adding to the celestial significance of the moment.
What Should You Know About Venus Entering Sagittarius?
In astrology, Venus symbolizes love, beauty, and harmony. As it shifts into Sagittarius on October 17, we may find ourselves drawn to adventure and eager to explore new experiences in our relationships and personal lives. This transit infuses us with energy—you might feel more unpredictable than usual, as Sagittarian energy is inquisitive and experimental. Embrace this time as an opportunity to liberate yourself from the judgment of what is different and the constraints of monotony.
What Does the Moon Reaching Its Perigee Mean?
Perigee, commonly called the “supermoon,” occurs when the Moon reaches its closest point to Earth in its orbit. This proximity often amplifies the effects of a Full Moon, intensifying emotions and desires. The upcoming Full Moon in Aries will help us shed fears, anxieties, and expectations imposed by others, harmonizing beautifully with Venus in Sagittarius. It serves as a reminder of our true selves. Aries, represented by the ram, symbolizes boldness and the drive to seize opportunities, emphasizing the importance of self-identity. This Full Moon invites us to reconnect with ourselves, shifting our focus away from external influences.
October 23: Mars and Moon Conjunction
On October 23, the waning gibbous Moon will pass close to Jupiter, Mars, and the twin stars of Gemini—Castor and Pollux. These twin stars will rise before midnight on the preceding night and remain visible until dawn. The conjunction of the Moon and Mars symbolizes the meeting of two opposing forces—the Moon embodies feminine energy, while Mars signifies masculine strength. This alignment may stir feelings of impulsiveness, anger, and conflict.
On October 24, Mars will create a sextile with retrograde Uranus in Taurus. This aspect encourages us to stay true to our individual paths, even when they diverge from societal norms. It empowers us to seek unconventional solutions and explore innovative approaches to challenges. This amplifies what Venus in Sagittarius inspires, which is to embrace our unique selves and strive toward personal growth.
October 28: Trine Involving Mercury in Scorpio, Mars in Cancer, and Retrograde Neptune in Pisces
On October 28, Mars in Cancer forms a trine with Mercury in Scorpio and retrograde Neptune in Pisces. This celestial alignment encourages us to chase our dreams, allowing our intuition, inspiration, and spiritual values to guide our actions. Furthermore, on November 3, Mars will oppose Pluto in Capricorn just hours before transitioning into Leo.
What Is a Trine?
In astrology, a trine is a 120-degree angle formed between two planets, symbolizing a harmonious and positive energy exchange. Trines often facilitate ease, present opportunities, and lead to favorable outcomes across various aspects of life. That this trine happens near the end of Libra season is significant. It inspires us to remember the importance of kindness, understanding, and seeking balance in our relationships as Libra season draws to a close.
What Is an Opposition?
An opposition is a 180-degree angle formed between two planets, representing a state of tension and conflict between opposing forces. In this case, the energy of Mars in Cancer opposing Pluto in Capricorn may bring up struggles with power dynamics, control issues, and hidden emotions. However, as Mars shifts into confident and passionate Leo on November 3, we are encouraged to channel our inner strength and assert ourselves boldly. This period marks critical turning points and significant breakthroughs, presenting a valuable opportunity to advance creative projects and spiritual endeavors.
Embracing Your Courage This October 2024
The overarching theme for this month is embracing your courage, emphasizing the importance of leading with clear expectations, rebalancing your priorities by tending to your own needs while acknowledging those of others, and venturing into new experiences. I am taking my advice to heart this month, as I’ve been in a depressive episode for so long now—but I still need to be there for people who love me. Ain't about how fast I get there… it’s the climb.
Photo by Jan Haerer on Unsplash
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