MONTHLY SINCE 1999
ISSUE # 104
LIVING BY STARLIGHT
OCTOBER – NOVEMBER 2007
AUTHOR’S NOTES:
This is the Libra New Moon cycle, and as I say below issues regarding relationships of all sorts will be the most prominent. As the symbol expresses, Libra wants balance in all things. Interestingly enough we have had more stock market crashes in this sign than in any other. Contradiction? Not at all. Libra is a passive-aggressive energy that will get what it needs regardless of how it must be done. If the markets are overbought and don’t honestly reflect what is going on in the country – boom. I’ve also seem some tremendous rallies in an oversold market. Try to use this analogy in your own life and see which markets are overbought… etc.
Mercury retrogrades at midnight the day of the New Moon. That will set the tone for this month. Confusion, contradictions, miscommunication and missed connections will abound. Things are usually most difficult for the day or so as Mercury begins going backwards and again as it begins going forward. But there are countless examples of what goes on under this thrice a year transit. Someday I will collect all my data and put out a short thesis on it. It’s really a wonderful example of the power of astrology.
Because Mercury will retrograde back into Libra, this will add even more Venus energy to this month, and there will be no getting away from the exploration of your partnerships. This is a chance to face things honestly, make changes, and recognize where your needs are and where they aren’t being met.
Saturn has entered Virgo, an aspect we will discuss periodically over the next 2 ½ years. Virgo rules much of the healthcare profession, and we will see some serious changes in our relationship to the insurance companies. Once the next president gets her power base situated she (okay, or he) will be forced by this Saturn energy to keep promises made to the people, or lose the job in 4 years. There will be some compromise towards fixing this pathetic mess. Saturn does not like chicanery and the kind of subterfuge mostly used in D.C. And if you study the placement of Saturn in the 12 signs during each presidential administration since Washington you will discover some interesting patterns.
Pluto is also about to change
signs and enter Capricorn, Saturn’s home.
Our culture is going to go through some serious changes during the next decade
as this powerful non-planet opposes America’s Venus, Jupiter, Sun and Mercury
all in Cancer. The transformative force reflected in Pluto is well-known to
anyone who has experienced it by transit and has been aware, through
astrological studies, of its presence. It is through self-awareness and any
form of therapy that we learn how to make use of this energy rather than be its
fodder. If our culture can gain a better awareness and understand its
inequities as self-destructive and ruinous, we may be able to avoid the more
ominous side of Pluto’s power. Without destruction there can be no
constriction. If the entity is willing to deconstruct things in a calm and
aware manner they will avoid the need to bulldoze everything. If not there will
be a tearing down followed by a rebuilding.
NEW MOON:
The New Moon falls on Tuesday October
11th at 1:01 A.M. EST at 17 degrees Libra 30 minutes. This month we will be concerned with issues of
relationships and balance. Those in a marriage or other intimate coupling will
be reviewing their relationship. Singles will be inclined to question their
position, and may spend more time than usual in pursuit of romance. Because
Mercury retrogrades shortly after this New Moon, it will dominate this month’s
actions and dictate how this lunar cycle goes. Expect changes and surprises.
MERCURY RETROGRADES:
On Friday October 12th at 12:00 A.M. EST the planet of thought
and communication begins its backward motion. As always, until November 1st when this turns around, you should plan extra time for traveling, double check
all paper work, and expect the unexpected. Don’t sign any important documents,
as you will find problems once this changes direction. Try not to purchase any
electronic equipment, or anything having to do with travel or communications.
You could easily find fault with the product. The iphone was first put on sale
during retrograde Mercury, only to have its price severely cut a few months
later, to the dismay of those who bought it on that retrograde.
THE SUN TRINES NEPTUNE:
On Monday October 12th at 9:41 P.M. EST this creative aspect
completes. This aspect favors all artistic and creative ventures. This is a
good time to explore the spiritual and ethereal side of life. Studies in
religion, metaphysical or the occult will go well. This might be a good day to
get your astrology chart read, for example. (What shameless advertising) Use
your instincts more than your intellect. Any charity work or aid you can give
another will be rewarded in kind many times over.
VENUS CONJUNCTS SATURN:
On Sunday October 14th at 12:28 A.M. EST this combination
completes. We will all be a bit more sober regarding relationships and
finances. Reality rules when Saturn is involved. Take time to examine your
relationships with a clear eye. This would be a good day to go shopping if you
are on a budget.
MARS SEXTILES VENUS:
On Tuesday October 16th at 1:37 P.M. EST the male and female
planets are in a positive relationship, and this would be a good time to
approach someone of the opposite sex. Creative ventures will work out well. Try
to move your projects along. You should find it easy to assertive yourself
without too much opposition.
MERCURY TRINES MARS:
On Wednesday October 17th at 4:36 A.M. EST this aspect occurs.
Although there will be a lot of energy behind people’s speech, it will be
assertive rather than aggressive. This is a good day for making your point or
debating any subject. Egos will not be easily bruised, and you can disagree
without conflict.
MERCURY SEXTILES SATURN:
On Friday October 19th at 9:54 A.M. EST this aspect completes,
and there will be serious side to communications today. Most of us will not be
interested in frivolous ideas, but prefer to discuss important matters. This
aspect favors all mental work, and you can get a lot done in a short period of
time.
THE SUN SEXTILES PLUTO:
On Saturday October 20th at 9:36 A.M. EST this positive aspect occurs and we will all be looking to delve deeply into any matter. The desire to uncover the truth is strong, and superficial answers will not suffice. Be prepared to face facts and examine the evidence. When Pluto is involved secrets are often revealed, and with Mercury in retrograde we shouldn’t be surprised by anything that is uncovered.
THE SUN ENTERES SCORPIO:
On Tuesday October 23rd at 3:16 P.M. EST we enter the fixed water
sign. This is the beginning of the end of autumn, and a time for reflection.
Scorpio is ruled by Pluto, and superficial answers will not be tolerated by
this intense energy. Don’t be surprised if your thoughts and conversations
become deeper and more concerned with life’s truths.
MERCURY ENTERS LIBRA:
On Tuesday October 23rd at 11:37 P.M. the retrograde motion sends
Mercury back into this passive-aggressive sign. Balance in conversation is all
important, and many of us will be more willing to compromise than stand up for
ourselves. Those that understand the subtlety of Libra energy will do well
during this period. But those who need a more direct and confrontational
attitude may be finessed out of their position.
VENUS OPPOSES URANUS:
On Thursday October 25th at 5:09 A.M. EST this interesting aspect
completes. Look for the unusual and exhilarating in romance and entertainment.
You won’t be satisfied with the usual routine, and should explore your world.
Take in a different type of show, or expose yourself to some unusual art. The
people you run into today could be quite unlike those you are used to. Any new
relationship that begins now will probably not be very stable, although it may
be quite exciting.
FULL MOON:
This month’s lunar peak occurs
on Friday October 26th at 12:51 A.M. EST at 2 degrees Taurus 23 minutes. Taurus is very concerned with possessions and security. As this Full
Moon approaches, these issues will come to a head for many of us. Financial
matters may peak. And someone somewhere is winning a very big lottery. Be
careful in your spending habits. Since this is a Venus ruled sign there could
be a lack of discipline and a strong desire for pleasure. Not a bad thing
– but it could be expensive.
VENUS SQUARES JUPITER:
On Monday October 29th at 5:09 A.M. EST this extremely pleasant
aspect comes along. This is a sociable and often flamboyant transit associated
with life’s pleasures. It’s too bad it completes so early in the morning, but
that will allow many of us to avoid some of the pitfalls associated with this
square. Overindulgence is the main concern, but unless you’re at the house of
pancakes you’re probably safe. Of course, the evening before is where the
trouble could begin. Those who work night shifts, especially in the restaurant
business, are more susceptible to giving in to this energy as the night moves
on. All aspects are more powerful as they apply, so try to leave the bar early.
THE SUN SEXTILES SATURN:
Also on Monday October 29th at 11:42 P.M. EST and the attitude will be
quite different from the night before when Venus and Jupiter had a square
dance. Now it’s time to get back to business and focus on reality. If we can
learn to use the energy of the universe and not fight against it our lives will
run more smoothly.
JUPITER SEXTILES NEPTUNE:
On Tuesday October 30th at 12:01 A.M. EST this very creative and
spiritual aspect will occur. This sextile is one of hope and belief, and its
energy is in the world right now. If it lands in a sensitive spot in your own
chart it will, of course affect you more personally. Artists should try to use
this energy to push their projects along. Inspiration will be in the air; it is
up to you to reach out and grab it. Sit at the piano, easel, computer or any
other artistic medium and you may find that perfect moment.
MERCURY GOES DIRECT:
On Thursday November 1st at 6:59 P.M. EST things will begin to
change direction. The real troubles occur on retrograde Mercury when the change
of direction is occurring. We call the stationary direction,
implying that the entity is not moving either way, but just about to go direct.
You should be very careful today. Accidents abound, misunderstandings are
common, and secrets are revealed. The truth can not keep itself hidden. So
watch your slippery tongue. If you have been waiting for any communications or
the check that has been in the mail for the past three weeks, it will probably
show up now. Oh, it’s okay to get the iphone now, as well.
THE SUN TRINES MARS:
On Sunday November 4th at 6:19 A.M. EST there will be a burst of
energy that should be easy to handle. The trines are harmonious, although any
coupling between the Sun and Mars will create excess energy that must be
directed somewhere. Get your work done. This could be a good day for an impromptu
touch football game. Or mud wrestling.
VENUS SQUARES PLUTO:
On Tuesday November 6th at 12:57 A.M. EST this aspect will complete. For the day or so leading up to this there will be an underlying intensity to relationships. Even those that are usually in harmony could be scrutinized now. If nothing is wrong there isn’t anything to worry about. But if there is a problem that you haven’t been facing in one of your relationships you might have to deal with it now.
VENUS ENTERS LIBRA:
On Thursday November 8th at 4:05 P.M. EST the planet of love goes
home. We say that Venus rules love relationships and possessions. That is
because it rules both Taurus and Libra. Even in high school we understand the
connection between the two. If Freddie can’t get the twenty bucks to take
Brittany to the movies, their relationship will take quite a beating when she
goes with Johnny. Married people certainly get it. This month’s New Moon was in
Libra, and we have all been focusing on relationship issues all month.
Interestingly enough, the Full Moon was in Taurus, not Aries (the sign opposite
Libra) as sometimes happens, and so we have had a double Venus month, so to
speak, and the spotlight for the past two weeks was more on possessions and
material values, also Venus’ domain. But now Venus is once again focusing more
on the relationship issues and is offering a chance to view things from a more
romantic point of view. In a relationship that has problems, this next month may
be a time of reconciliation, and you should enjoy the moment. But try to keep
things real and don’t get swept up in its passionate and idealistic persuasion.
The problems haven’t gone away. You’ve just fallen in love again you remember
once again why you put up with them all this time. A new relationship begun
during the coming month could have great longevity and have a very loving and
non-aggressive nature.
DARK OF THE MOON:
The next New Moon falls on
Friday November 9th at 6:03 P.M. EST. The day or two leading up to
it will be a particularly low energy period. If you tend to be emotional this
may be a very trying time each month. I
have found that people with prominent moons or a Cancer Sun, Moon or ascendant
respond to the cycles of the moon more intensely than others. Spend this time
finishing up anything that is incomplete, don’t try to initiate new projects on
a waning moon, it just won’t work out. Once the New Moon hits you begin new
projects or attempt a new approach to an existing problem. If you have been
living in a situation or involved in a relationship that is intolerable or has
outlived its usefulness this would be the proper time to move on with your
life. If you have been working on a project that is almost complete but you
seem to lack the energy for the finality, you must push during these low energy
days to end the matter once and for all. If you don’t, when the New Moon
arrives it will bring this “dead” energy along with it and conflict with the
newer force being presented. Each month we are offered a chance to clean house,
so to speak.
Note: All aspects are most
powerful and effective as they apply. Once the transit has completed, its force
is lessened. The further it separates the weaker it becomes.
Below is a list of times this month
when the Moon is Void of Course and neither important decisions nor purchases
should be made during these periods. The Void of Course Moon is a time when we
should try to center ourselves and deal with spiritual matters not
materialistic ones. Any decisions made on the VC Moon will not turn out the way
we had expected.
The Moon is Void of Course from the time it makes its last major aspect in a sign until it enters the next sign. For example, if the Moon squares Mars at 27 degrees Aries and then has no more aspects until it enters Taurus it will be Void of Course for three degrees or about 6 hours. The aspects used are the conjunction, sextile, square, trine, and opposition.
All times are Eastern Daylight:
October 11th 7:22 P.M. – October 12th 2:13 A.M.
October 13th 5:24 P.M. – October 14th 2:58 P.M.
October 16th 8:32 P.M. – October 17th 3:03 A.M.
October 19th 4:33 A.M. – 12:52 P.M.
October 21st 3:36 P.M. – 7:02 P.M.
October 23rd 4:17 P.M. – 9:24 P.M.
October 25th 5:46 P.M. – 9:07 P.M.
October 27th 3:16 A.M. – 8:11 P.M.
October 29th 3:50 P.M. – 8:49 P.M.
October 31st 1:13 P.M. – November 1st 12:48 A.M.
November 3rd 3:13 A.M. – 8:45 A.M.
November 5th 1:10 P.M. –6:47 P.M.
November 8th 1:46 A.M. – 7:18 A.M.
Mitchell Scott Lewis
October 2007
New York City
(212) 726-3814
Copyright 2007
All Rights Reserved