Welcome back Stargazers:
The next few weeks will bring significant changes as we enter intensive communications during the Scorpio season – while unearthing buried truths. At this same time, the Mercury retrograde period (Nov. 9–28) can cause delays, missed appointments, garbled phone messages and more.
But for now, welcome to Halloween and limited celestial activity during this last week of October. The Sun will be in Scorpio (October 22 to November 21), allowing our focus to be on truth and investigation. Mercury enters Sagittarius (October 29), where communication shifts from Scorpio’s intensity to Sagittarius’ broader, more adventurous outlook. Mars will trine Jupiter (October 27). What happens then? Mars, the planet of action, courage and motivation interacts with Jupiter, the planet of abundance, growth and expansion. All of this activity will start building momentum toward goals with sudden bursts of confidence and optimism. This gives us fresh insights and a need to seek knowledge. Ergo, a very inspiring and promising set of dates.
These celestial events will enhance and illuminate a unique week of Halloween! While embracing the intense, truth seeking, shadow exploring energy of Scorpio, the themes of death, rebirth and transformation will be heightened. Halloween is the perfect time for personal insights and releasing what no longer works.
Scorpio’s intensity encourages a probing, investigative mindset, with secrets that have been buried now exposed to the light. Expect deeper, more intense exchanges rather than shallow chit-chat. This sometimes overbearing energy may cause more awareness of subconscious patterns related to control and power. Reclaim Your Power! On the dark side, this focused power can lead to jealousy or paranoia, and with Mercury in Scorpio, betrayal may happen in late October.
The distinctive vibe of Scorpio may also cause new levels of upheaval and force. October 31 is always astronomically significant, as it’s the “cross-quarter day” (a point in the Earth’s orbit that falls halfway between a solstice and an equinox). An annual date marking transition, it’s a time when the light of summer truly gives way to the darkness and cold of winter. This shift naturally focuses human attention on mortality, the end of cycles and survival during the coming cold months.
Astrological rituals are deeply rooted in Halloween and can be traced to the ancients and their teachings. These customs range from divination, ancestral altars and protection spells. Ancient Greek and Roman deities also emerge during this time of the year with Hades (Greek) strongly associated with Scorpio’s rulership over death and the unseen, while Pluto (Roman) is a god of buried wealth, intrinsic to Scorpio’s realm. Persephone (Greek) is famous as the Queen of the Underworld and her cycle of descend and return mirrors the yearly agricultural cycle of death and rebirth. Her legend is the perfect reflection of the Scorpio season in ideals of transformation.
In addition to celebrating Halloween on October 31, there is another special set of celebrations known as The Day of the Dead or Dia de los Muertos. An event with deep folklore rooted in ancient Aztec beliefs, it’s blended with Spanish Catholicism. While this holiday lacks a formal astrological component, its timing and themes align with the cyclical view of life and death represented by the Sun’s travel through Scorpio. The joint influence and customs of both Spanish and Aztec cultures merge into altars with lighted candles to illuminate the souls’ way home and the Aztec tradition of using marigolds’ scent and bright colors for the same purpose.
Halloween and Day of the Dead are both associated with a special, extrasensory event known as the “thinning of the veil” that appears during the Sun’s transit of Scorpio. The “veil” between the material world and the spirit world is deeply meaningful to the Day of the Dead celebrations and observances.
In addition to the Sun’s influence during this time, the planet Pluto, the modern ruler of Scorpio is the astrological symbol for cycles of death and rebirth, the underworld and profound transformation. The symbolism of the planetary influence is thus a natural, through unofficial connection with the holiday’s spiritual focus.
Now, onto my most favorite interest…. Moons!!!! On November 5, we’ll view the full moon – the Beaver Supermoon. As with the other moons we’ve learned about, this one has a specific tradition with our Native Americans. Many tribes believe this full moon signifies the arrival of freezing temperatures. The “Beaver Moon” is derived from observing beavers as they become especially active, completing the construction of their winter dams and lodges. It’s a seasonal marker to finalize preparations for the upcoming cold season, including storing food and securing shelter. The super moon is in the earth sign of Taurus, indicating stability, finances, and grounding: building a stable foundation just as the Beaver builds its lodge to last the winter.
As we end October and take part in the time-honored traditions of Halloween and Dia de los Muertos, we start a new month, the Season of Thanksgiving. Allow the stars to guide you through these most unusual times. Keep looking to the Heavens.
Happy Stargazing until next time.
Yours in the Stars,
Astrid