October 2026
Revisiting the Past, Rethinking the Future
October brings a fascinating mixture of emotional reflection, planetary power struggles and opportunities to rethink the direction of our lives. With VENUS, the Goddess of Love and Success, swimming backwards through Scorpio, relationships, finances and personal values are all coming under review.
This is not necessarily a month for charging ahead with grand new plans. Instead, the planets are encouraging us to look again at what we already have, what we truly want and what may need a little adjustment.
Of course, VENUS would probably prefer a relaxing spa treatment to sorting through emotional baggage and financial arrangements, but even goddesses have responsibilities!
The powerful Hand of Destiny, radiating from VENUS, continues to highlight questions around equality, relationships and the changing role of the Divine Feminine. Meanwhile, MARS and PLUTO are stirring up a few arguments, and the remarkable outer planetary alliance continues to provide a deeper pattern of support beneath the changes taking place.
October is about finding the courage to change what no longer works, while recognising the people, values and commitments worth carrying into the future.
VENUS – The Goddess Who Has Changed Her Mind!
VENUS turns retrograde in Scorpio on 3rd October, beginning a six-week journey of reassessment around love, money, partnerships and the things we value most.
Scorpio doesn't do anything by halves, so emotions may run deep and old relationship patterns could return for another inspection. VENUS is asking whether our personal arrangements still reflect who we are today, rather than who we were when we first made them.
On 10th October, the New Moon in Libra brings an opportunity to restore harmony, negotiate differences and consider new beginnings in relationships. However, VENUS is also squaring up to MARS in Leo, so keeping everybody happy may be easier said than done!
Mid-month brings a welcome shift as PLUTO, the Power Planet, turns direct in Aquarius around 15th–16th October. After months of moving backwards, PLUTO begins gathering momentum again, highlighting questions of power, leadership, technology and the future of our communities.
MARS – The Fiery Warrior Has Something to Say!
MARS in Leo opposes PLUTO in Aquarius at the beginning of October, creating a powerful clash between individual desires and collective expectations. This is a highly political combination, symbolically highlighting struggles over leadership, authority and the rights of individuals within society. On a personal level, it may reveal where pride, stubbornness or the need for control are making life unnecessarily complicated. Fortunately, MARS also connects harmoniously with NEPTUNE and SATURN in Aries, bringing imagination, courage and practical determination into the picture.
SATURN wants a sensible plan, NEPTUNE has a wonderful dream, and MARS is already halfway out of the door before either has finished speaking!
Together they encourage us to turn inspiration into action without losing sight of reality.
The Great Alliance – A Cradle of Support
Barbault's Alliance continues its remarkable connection between PLUTO in Aquarius, URANUS in Gemini and NEPTUNE in Aries.
These outer planets symbolise profound changes in collective thinking, communications, technology and our understanding of the future. With SATURN also in Aries and MARS moving through Leo, the wider pattern forms the supportive Basket, or Cosmic Cradle, that has been influencing this progressive period. While the faster-moving planets stir up emotional dramas, this deeper alliance suggests opportunities to develop new ideas, reconsider established structures and build something more meaningful for the future. The challenge is to remain flexible. Change rarely arrives with a neatly printed instruction manual!
MERCURY – Going Back for Another Look!
On 23rd October, the SUN enters Scorpio, deepening the month's reflective atmosphere.
Then, on 24th October, MERCURY turns retrograde in Scorpio, joining VENUS in her backward journey. Now both the Goddess of Love and the Messenger of the Gods are reviewing old business. Conversations may need repeating, financial arrangements revisiting and emotional misunderstandings untangled. Back up your data, double check your calendar - there could be confusion and techie breakdowns. This is an excellent time to review unfinished projects, reconnect with useful ideas and make sure important details haven't been overlooked.
On 25th October, VENUS retrogrades back into Libra, her own sign, shifting some attention towards fairness, cooperation and restoring balance in relationships.
The Full Moon in Taurus – Back to Earth!
The Full Moon in Taurus on 26th October at 04:11:36 UT (GMT) brings a welcome reminder of the importance of stability, comfort and practical security. With the SUN in emotional Scorpio opposing the MOON in earthy Taurus, we may become more aware of the balance between our deeper emotional needs and the simple things that make life feel safe and enjoyable. Money, possessions, relationships and personal values may all come into focus. This Full Moon encourages us to appreciate what we already have while recognising what needs to change. After all, there's little point in transforming your entire life if you forget to enjoy living it!
October's Message
October is a month of reflection, adjustment and quiet transformation.
With VENUS and MERCURY both travelling backwards, there is wisdom in revisiting the past before making important decisions about the future.
Meanwhile, PLUTO, URANUS, NEPTUNE and SATURN continue their long-term work of reshaping our collective landscape, while fiery MARS reminds us that progress requires courage as well as imagination. Trust the process, question what no longer works and keep your sense of humour close at hand. The future is taking shape — even if the planets appear to be arguing over the instructions!
If you would like to understand how these powerful planetary patterns are influencing your personal chart and the decisions ahead, have a session with me and we can explore it together.
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