October 2026 : RAW
Business
The weather is quickly cooling off, the leaves are changing and will soon fall. We are in a time of transition, shifting from heat to cold. Libra Season is oriented around balancing that which is imbalanced. This month is sure to shake the ground beneath us, so get ready!
I am currently offering 50% off Consultations if you complete either one of my Medical Astrology Questionnaires : Mental Health or Vitality. The Mental Health one is for anyone who has been diagnosed with a Mental Health condition, the Vitality one is for anyone (strong or weak vitality). I use these Questionnaires for my astrological research and am very appreciative for your time and vulnerability in completing them.
This month, Sara and I spoke with Archetypal Astrologer Emi Tomijima, about the intersection of non-ordinary states and astrology. We dove into the framework of Archetypal Astrology and how Astrology can be an integration tool. You can find this episode on Broadcast Astrology : Insight for Humans , YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcast, Other Channels and Substack.
I also released an overview of the 2026 Libra Ingress, which is a quarterly overview from Fall to Winter. This chart has a lot to say about what the upcoming Midterm Elections will look like, and so much more (YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcast, Substack and wherever you listen).
As always, you can find an audio/video version of this newsletter where I provide further insight into the topics covered here (YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcast, Substack and wherever you listen).
Opening
October is the month of Retrogrades! Both Venus and Mercury will actively be Retrograde this month, and Mars will approach its Retrograde Shadow by the end of the month. In a time when change is occurring at an accelerated pace, we are encouraged to take stock of our orientation. Clean up the back-log, make sure that everyone is on the same page, and maybe even update your wardrobe!
Artists, such as musicians and documentary film makers seem to be making the most noise in regard to this Venus Retrograde cycle. Artists are represented by the planet Venus, so it makes sense that we see events unfolding in this area of our lives. Venus in Scorpio is not a chill version of Venus, it is interested in peeling away the layers in search of the vulnerable truth, and it’s signature Square to Pluto for this Retrograde cycle, emphasizes that objective several times over.
When planets interact with Pluto, there tends to be an inherent loss in the process, but we often come out stronger. The empowerment occurs as long as we are acting from our truest self and we accept the loss at hand. The loss can be anywhere from trivial to significant.
First of all, the profound removal of Macklemore from the esteemed Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour in response to his “Free Palestine” remarks is a major example. As I stated in last month’s Newsletter, Venus’ Square to Pluto on September 15th would give us a preview of the kinds of events that would be highlighted in this upcoming Venus Retrograde. Macklemore (an artist : Venus) was removed (Pluto) from the tour on September 14th, just a day before the transit perfected. We see that art is being used as an agent of change in the global political landscape.
Interestingly, two documentaries created a lot of agitation in September. One is the highly anticipated Musk Documentary, which is set to be released nationwide on October 16th (limited release October 9th). And the controversial documentary NAZA, a scathing account of Israel’s activities in Gaza, will have its expanded release in the US on October 9th. Both of these larger releases align with the Venus Retrograde Square to Pluto, which perfects on October 20th.
In all of these examples, art is being used to dredge up undesirable and often shameful parts of our society. The most important question, what will we do with this information?
Venus Stations Retrograde
The month begins with a lot of contention and anger. On October 2nd, the day before Venus Stations Retrograde, Mercury will Square Mars and Square Pluto. And on the day of the Venus Retrograde, October 3rd, Mars will Oppose Pluto.
No one will be able to keep their anger to themselves. Social niceties will be thrown out the window. And the prospect of consequences will not deter what would normally be unreasonable behavior.
It doesn’t help that all of this is happening in the midst of a nearly stopped Pluto (which I will discuss in a bit).
The beginning of this Venus Retrograde (which begins on October 3rd at 08° Scorpio) is very messy, it is vulgar, it is aggressive. Venusian areas of our life could either be the culprit or the victim of the events that unfold (similar to what was illustrated in the artist examples in the Opening).
Be careful at the opening of October for unacceptable behavior, and be wary of getting caught in the middle of any drama that unfolds around you.
We can probably expect more stories, or further unfolding of existing stories of women who are standing up for themselves against violent action - such as what is being exposed at Cornell University, as well as the Epstein Files.
The smooth edges of life are being roughened up, the shiny exteriors are exposing their moldy interiors. Don’t be fooled by false outer shells, the inside is nearly always more interesting and sometimes more scandalous.
If you have anything at or near the early degrees (between 0° - 10°) of Fixed Signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius), then the first couple of weeks of October will likely be a bit more challenging for you.
Additionally, Venus will Station Direct on November 13th, Look at your chart for what you have between 22° Libra and 08° Scorpio, this is the part of your chart that the Venus Retrograde will take place in.
Libra New Moon
The Libra New Moon takes place on October 10th at 11:50am EDT and is situated at 17° Libra 21’. Placed in a separating Opposition to Saturn, consequences and harsh realities are being measured. How can injustices be made right? What is the cost?
Personally, make sure that you are advocating for yourself in the way that you deserve. Libra can tend to focus on others more than themselves, and forget their own needs in the process. This New Moon could be a stark reminder that you taking care of yourself actually results in taking care of others as well.
You cannot fill the buckets of others from an empty bucket.
There is a global aspect to this New Moon too, from the perspective of the US. Events that occur around this time could have a large impact on the world at large, or the world will at least take keen interest in what is occurring.
On the Dial, the New Moon is situated on the midpoint of Hades and Kronos, suggesting that corrupt leadership could be front and center, the Trump Administration looks to be struggling with their reputation. We could be seeing the results of the abuse of power. This is a topic that was strongly indicated in the recent podcast that I released for the Libra Ingress.
However, the shared experience of perceived corruption could actually bring the Republican Party closer together (Cupido / Zeus), and conclude with a sense of success. But in reality, the numbers of people who are on board with their actions could be getting smaller and smaller (Node / Admetos) as the events unfold. This again makes me wonder if the Republican Party could be having a really difficult time in the 2026 Midterms.
Traditionally, Astrologers would focus on the New Moons for predictive charts. In that case, this chart would be applicable for the 2026 Midterms in early November. I will be doing a podcast on the Midterms very soon. If you are interested, you can find it wherever you listen (search The Dynamic Self Astrology)!
Pluto Stations Direct
This entire month Pluto will be in the same exact place in the sky (from our perspective on Earth). It will nudge a minute or two… but it is slow and very, very loud! Any planet that is interacting with Pluto is facing extreme force and will have to reckon with its adamant demands.
Pluto Stations Direct on October 15th, at 03° Aquarius 04’. Look to see what you have at or around this degree in any of the Fixed Signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio or Aquarius). You will feel the impact of this Station more than the rest of us.
The planet being most impacted by this Station is Venus, who is just a couple degrees away in an applying Square that will perfect on October 20th (as I noted previously). As I stated above, we could continue to see power structures being challenged by artists, and disturbing information being exposed in the process.
Relationships, both publicly and privately could be impacted by this alignment. While there are plenty of challenging expressions of Venus-Pluto, some more positive expressions include profound emotional healing within a relationship. Relationships are one of the few places in our life where vulnerability and depth are important to the quality of the experience. This is a great time to become more emotionally exposed and vulnerable within your relationship. It is not always an easy process, but it nearly always is worth it.
Mercury Stations Retrograde
Just as Venus reaches her Retrograde midpoint, Mercury will also Station Retrograde, on October 24th (situated at 20° Scorpio 58’). Although this Mercury Retrograde is in the charismatic yet brooding sign of Scorpio, there is a sense that information is abundant and causing an unusual amount of excitement.
The news could be heightened at this time, many storylines blasting onto the scene simultaneously. New information regarding AI could be released, as well as anticipation of the upcoming Midterm Election (which this month is really setting the stage for). Regardless of the topic(s), there is sure to be some juicy information that makes us rethink the path that we are taking on some level.
Because Mercury Stations Retrograde in a Square to Jupiter, we can expect an overall optimistic perspective on what is happening in the world (generally). But by the time Mercury Stations Direct on November 13th (at 05° Scorpio 02’), the tone is sure to change. Mercury’s Station Direct will take place in a close Square to Pluto, likely reflecting the Venus-Pluto topics that were prominent at the beginning of October.
Another important aspect that Mercury will be making is a Square to Mars. It is notable that October begins and ends with this aspect. The heightened emotions that Pluto could be stirring up could also be putting fire on everyone’s tongue (as my teacher Mychal Bryan would say). Heed the warning for unnecessarily heated discussions, only participate in the ones that are worth your while.
From October through mid-November, we are being asked to wrestle with ideas such as : Where is the line? What does accountability look like? How can we face the shadow and authentically grow in the process? When the superficial layers are removed, are we brave enough to stand in the truth that is exposed?
The Mercury Retrograde will take place between 05° - 20° Scorpio, take a look at your chart for what you have in this area of your chart.
Taurus Full Moon
Both the New Moon and the Full Moon are Venus ruled this month, which is notable because Venus is Retrograde, as we are well aware of! Venusian areas of life are very important in October particularly, but also into November. As I stated previously, the arts are making an impact on society, as are the stories of women.
The Taurus Full Moon takes place on October 26th and is situated at 02° 45’ (Sun in Scorpio, Moon in Taurus). Similar to the Venus and Mercury Retrogrades, this Full Moon is in a Square to Pluto. Nothing is coming easy this month. We are in for some deep soul work, some difficult conversations, and eventually growth beyond measure. But first… we have to get uncomfortable.
The Dial expresses this underworld journey, as well as the potential for immense fertility and focused drive within the circumstances that we find ourselves in. Don’t be afraid to take the plunge into discomfort this October (and into November).
Ask for help when you need it. As you move through the world in the coming weeks, remember that many could be feeling incredibly raw. If you receive overly dramatic responses, the other person could just be really “in it.” It is very likely that they are working through something painful, don’t take it personally. Do your best to provide compassion in the most appropriate way.
Closing
The shadows are collectively pulling us in. We are required to explore the darkness within ourselves and in humanity as a whole. We could look away, but wouldn’t that be a waste of intentional cosmic planning?
No one is perfect, the point of being human has nothing to do with perfection. It has to do with muddling our way through the problems, the mistakes and the frustrations and learning about ourselves and one another in the process.
There is the possibility that shame can get in the way of our growth in the coming weeks. Shame can provide good information, but it is not a place to stay. Keep moving.
What does the darkness have to show us? As creatures who are so dependent upon the light of the Sun, can we trust that darkness is supportive of life as well? Can we stay with our breath, our curiosity and the love that binds us together and collect the wisdom of the shadows?
There are more questions than answers this month.
Lots of love to each of you.
Lisa (aka The Dynamic Self Astrology)
