Astrological Forecast for October 12 to 18, 2006

by Ellen Zucker

The planetary weather echoes the meteorological weather we experience this time of the year in the northeastern United States. These last warm days of 'Indian summer' are a just a pleasant façade when cold winter winds lay just around the corner.

Last week's favorable climate for mediation and negotiation carries forward into this week. Our trio of personal planets, Venus, Sun, and Mars, remain firmly in Libra's territory as they complete their contacts with Neptune in the first part of the week.

Libra favors cooperation and Neptune deals with our visions. Therefore, the key for long-term success in your current negotiations is to ensure that all parties buy into a common vision.

Mars, the planet of aggression, uncomfortable with Libra's requirement to play nice, will subvert carefully crafted agreements if his needs are not met.

This will become apparent on Sunday, when he teems up with Pluto, the planet of power plays and secrets andtries to play some mischief.

That same day, Mercury, the planet that governs our mental processes, will make a harsh aspect to nebulous Neptune. Mars can undermine the status quo by taking advantage of our confused thinking.

It is best to put off making judgments or large decisions for a day or two when you'll be able to see more clearly.

Neptune, Jupiter and Saturn have been dancing with each other for the past year or so. One set of partners moves closer then pulls away.

Now it is Jupiter and Saturn's turn to do-se-do. This movement marks the chilly blast we feel as the week moves to a close.

Each dancer has a role. Neptune, the master of smoke and mirrors, fills us with dreams and illusions. Like a helium balloon, Jupiter fills us with optimism. Under his influence, we are tempted to overextend ourselves. But Saturn's job is to prick over-inflated balloons and bring us back to reality.

Saturn and Neptune stood each other down six weeks ago. The effects are apparent in the disappointment that many have been feeling towards leaders of both political parties.

Now Jupiter and Saturn are moving to 'square' each other. This aspect, a clash of two very different energies, is close enough to be felt this week even though it doesn't becomes exact until October 25th.

Think of receiving your credit card bill after a bout of heavy spending. In fact, some financial astrologers think the financial markets will take a downward turn under this influence.

On a personal level, Saturn challenges us to keep it real. If we get carried away with Jupiter's irrational exuberance, Saturn will bring us down a peg. But if we are structured and disciplined, our hard work will be rewarded.

Daily Forecasts
(based on Eastern Time Zone)

October 12
Today, less talk and more action as the Moon moves from noisy Gemini to quiet Cancer. With Mars making a productive sextile aspect to Saturn, we are focused and disciplined. We can, if wechoose, accomplish a great deal.

October 13
Romance is in the air with Venus making a flowing trine to Neptune. Think bubble baths and candle lit dinners or a night on the town.

October 14
The morning feels very languid, but by mid-afternoon you are ready to roll as Moon enters fiery Leo. You feel very social and sociable.

October 15
This is a complex day. Mars makes a sextile, an easy aspect, to Pluto, while Mercury squares Neptune. Take note of any feelings of unease, hold off making judgments for a day or two, and leave the ego at home.

October 16
It's an active day of highs and lows, but Sun's sextile to Saturn gives us much needed grounding and perspective.

October 17
Moon is in Virgo and the Sun in soft aspect to Pluto. Today, focus on an interpersonal problem or a task that needs attention, such as cleaning out the closets or the desk drawers or even balancing the books. You are able to be focused, patient, and thorough enough to get to the bottom of things.

October 18
With Moon in earthy Virgo and Venus in sextile to Saturn, we feel more grounded than we have in quite a while. The Moon makes flowing aspects to Mercury and Jupiter. If you are asked to be interviewed or promote yourself, focus on facts, your competence and the value you bring to the table.

© 2006 Ellen M. Zucker