By Debra Infante
October is a significant month due to the start of the fall eclipse season with a solar eclipse on October 14, followed by a lunar eclipse on October 28. The sign of Libra will be highlighted in October with two fiery planets, Mars and Ketu transiting the sign of Libra starting October 3, followed by the Sun debilitated in the sign beginning October 17. Mercury transits its exalted sign of Virgo from October 1 to 18 which is helpful.
On October 1, Mercury, planet of communications, begins its transit through its exalted sign of Virgo, until October 18, 2023. Mercury is favorable as it moves through Virgo, and can help with issues of discernment and setting good boundaries. Just watch for self-criticalness or an over-active mind. Mercury transiting Virgo is positive for intellectual pursuits, such as attending classes or seminars. This is a good period to commit to regular meditation practice, serve others in your community, and develop a healthier lifestyle.
Mars, planet of action and assertiveness, travels through the cardinal air sign of Libra beginning October 3 through November 15, 2023, and joins the south node Ketu there. When Mars first enters the sign of Libra from October 3 to 5, Mars exactly conjuncts Ketu at 0 degrees, indicating this period of time is especially combustible and reactive. Be especially observant the first week of October, and slow down and practice patience. Mars and Ketu together can have an explosive, obsessive quality, and you may be extra sensitive to others' words or actions. Don’t engage in useless confrontations.
Sometimes Ketu conjunctions with planets create more unconscious responses, so this is a good time to monitor the rising of old, unresolved patterns you may still carry about accepting your personal power, and how you handle anger and deal with conflict. This is a time to be conscious, spiritualize your actions, and keep your equilibrium. Be mindful, and practice empathy.
The most powerful events in October begin with the start of the fall eclipse season. The first eclipse of the pair is a solar eclipse that occurs on October 14, 2023 at 11:00 AM PDT, at 26 degrees Virgo in Chitra Nakshatra. Then two weeks later there is a lunar eclipse on October 28, 2023 at 1:15 PM PDT, at 10 degrees Aries in the nakshatra of Ashwini.
Eclipses increase awareness, as things unknown to us can be revealed. Eclipses can bring revelations and the potential for change and healing. In Vedic culture, eclipses are not considered good days for mundane activities, as the energies can be unstable. Instead, eclipses are days for spiritual expressions, and are positive for meditation, contemplation, and retreat.
The solar eclipse on October 14 in Virgo in Chitra Nakshatra may motivate us to consider how we can accumulate good merit in life. Chitra is a creative, artistic nakshatra, and so our creations must be in harmony with nature and universal truth in order to be viable and to benefit the world. Think before you speak, as our words are quite powerful creations too. Chitra nakshatra can also express a “warrior” energy, fighting for what it feels is right and at times can be a bit self-righteous. Be discriminating and mindful on how you direct your energies during this eclipse.
The lunar eclipse on October 28 at 10 degrees Aries occurs in the healing nakshatra of Ashwini bringing a focus on healthcare and alternative healing modalities such as Ayurveda, as well as increased awareness of agricultural and ecological concerns. Ashwini Nakshatra demands we listen deeply within and become more introspective. If any challenges surface, it is recommended to practice generosity by helping those in need and or donating your time to a worthy cause.
The Sun begins its yearly transit through Libra, its debilitated sign, from October 17 to November 16, 2023. The Sun in Libra wants harmony, peace, and equality. But watch for giving in too much in order to please others, experiencing low self-esteem, or avoiding self-responsibility. On October 28, the day of the lunar eclipse, the Sun will be at its exact degree of total debility, a time of surrender and letting go of ego, as we strive to find a greater balance between material life and our spiritual expression.
Debra Infante is a practicing Vedic astrologer and teacher. She began her studies of Vedic astrology in 1995, and was certified by The American College of Vedic Astrology as an approved teacher (Level I) in September 1999. She has taught Vedic astrology to the students in the yoga teacher training at 7 Centers Yoga in Sedona, AZ from 2002 to 2020. Debra can be reached at (928) 639-0623 or dinfante108@gmail.com for astrological consultations by phone or in person. Contact her to receive her monthly Vedic astrology article. You can also find her at https://ayurveda-sedona.com/yoga-and-vedic-astrology/about-vedic-astrology/
