Casting of Shadows
October 14, 2023 at 21 degrees of Libra, light is obscured, shadows are cast.
This week we have some significant transits occurring, which should be quite palpable, chart dependent as always.
October 12th, at 12:04 am EDT, Mars moves into Scorpio, which he has ultimate rulership over. Scorpio is the emotional well that Mars protects and guards fiercely. Mars in Scorpio is the guard dog to your heart. Scorpio is a water sign, and the movement of Mars in your own chart can tune into the subconscious arena of the soul that hides out due to vulnerabilities. If you are struggling to find your place in a relationship, struggling for your demands to be heard, this is the dynamic, hard driving energy that will make heads turn. If there are triggering points within you that fear surfacing in the light, Mars in Scorpio can provide the courage to face these “monsters” head on, and equally force out that which is threatening.
Of course we can easily allow this energy to take the reigns and take our emotions for a joy ride, so it is important to know that you will have to install your own brake checks into this month’s astro-design.
When Mars moves into his home of the scorpion, this warrior is all business. Projects, goals, tasks can benefit from this highly determined energy. Compromise is not part of the equation.
October 13th, Mars will trine Saturn, the two malefics in a benefic watery aspect, can provide a more stabilizing effect to Mars hard-driving passion and unfettering determination. Saturn will provide some needed traction for Mars top speed, which assists in a more concentrated, focused direction which provides better results. Emotionally this aspect builds guardrails for keeping tempers in check.
October 14th, we have our second in a series of eclipses along the Aries/Libra axis. The first occurred April 19th in the sign of Aries, and now the next solar eclipse will be in Libra. This eclipse axis will continue to be activated for the next year, so consider it an ongoing narrative. There is a story forming here, especially around the themes of independence and dependence, assertiveness and passivity, boundaries vs people-pleasing. This eclipse on the 14th can highlight the area of our life that needs a release or a shedding around particular relationships, co-dependencies, and particular values or judgements that we hold and hold us in a way that is more stifling than growth-oriented. Venus is the ruler of this eclipse and will dictate the energy, Mercury is present in the sign of Libra and will work hard to establish inroads and bridges. Venus’ recent sojourn through Leo most likely brought into the light that which was no longer working, or what needed a makeover. Outdated philosophies, relationships and agreements that have run its course will seek endings under eclipses. Solar eclipses tend to unlock new doors, but first we must shut the ones that have been open too freely. Solar eclipses cast a shadow, but also illuminate the darker aspects that need clearing.
The two luminaries, the Sun and the Moon, are being occulted October 14th, many ancient cultures viewed eclipses as bad omens, fortelling misfortune. Eclipses in general are not ideal spaces for playing around ritually or with magic, but rather more quiet, passive practices like prayer, journaling, and observing are advised. Observing the thoughts that flow in and out, like the wave sets of eclipses, let the ripples bring it into consciousness and just observe it slipping away, do not try to possess it. The etymological root of eclipses in Greek is ekleipsis meaning “the abandonment” or “the downfall.” This is a period of letting go, shedding, and releasing.
If you are curious where this eclipse season is stirring in your own birth chart, reach out to me for a consultation. Together we will navigate the stars to orient your soul.