The Planets This Week: October 9–15

The Planets This Week: How will this week’s planetary influences be affecting you?

It’s a fairly quiet week after lots of planetary action the past few weeks. The Full Moon in Aries at the end of the week brings a host of activity and action, particularly for the cardinal signs — Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn.

The Aries Full Moon is on Saturday at 9:23 pm PT and 12:23 am ET on Sunday and is triggering, Uranus, the planet of rebellion and anything unexpected.

During the Aries Full Moon, you may see some of your efforts beginning to pay off. You could receive recognition for your spirited, enthusiastic preliminary work on recent endeavors. Your leadership qualities may also be commended for rousing the troops in an effort. However, in your desire to be the head of the pack, you may run into resistance from others who believe in group consensus. You might need to be more of a team player. You can’t really run a show without the crew on your side, so you’ll have to balance your need to be the head honcho with a cooperative spirit. Try not to have any temper tantrums when you don’t get your way, or are challenged by dissenting views.

Your energy level can be quite high during this time. Romantic activities can be very passionate if you keep your lips and hands busy! You are likely to take decisive action. If you’re not getting satisfactory results, consider what you might need to cut out. Think about what you need to lose in the process of moving forward. As the moon begins to wane, you may need to let someone go who is no longer needed on a project, or maybe tossing out some excess weight that is keeping you down. A strong backbone is needed not only for expanding projects but also for trimming down.

More about Aries and the type of energy we can expect during this week’s Full Moon:

Aries is symbolized by the Ram, which is highly appropriate — this sign is headstrong and impulsive, and won’t often back down from a challenge or confrontation. While confrontations can be exciting, they can also lead to a frustrating locking of horns with an imagined foe; and that, in a nutshell, explains a significant part of the Aries experience.

A Cardinal Fire Sign that’s ruled by Mars, the planet of passion, it’s no wonder that Aries is one of the strongest, most impulsive and courageous signs of the Zodiac. This sign is fearless when it comes to challenge and conquest — and yes, that can apply to love as well as any other kind of adventure. Aries will pursue a relationship with the same single-minded energy that they’ll apply to any other project, and they won’t often let obstacles keep them from reaching their goal. That’s why any interaction with this sign equals big excitement!

But sometimes, that excitement can verge toward agitation. Aries is as hot-blooded as it is warmhearted, which can mean a fiery temper to match that strong drive. This sign gets mad fast when it doesn’t get what it wants; the good news is, it will rarely hold a grudge. There’s too much to do and see in life to waste time clinging to old, outmoded emotions! While another sign would still be stewing in its juices, Aries is already off jumping headfirst into the next adventure.

Aries people make great race car drivers, CEOs and Karate instructors.

More about the Moon…

Like the seasons and the tides, your emotions ebb and flow in cycles. Just as the Moon pulls the tides, it also pulls at your subconscious mind, rhythmically, subtly, mysteriously, but as predictably as the tide rolls in and back out again. The Moon governs all kinds of cycles; you’ve probably heard that women’s menstrual cycles are connected to its monthly phases. Your feelings and your subconscious mind also lie within this planet’s domain.

Your emotional nature is influenced by where the Moon lies in your birth chart — not only what sign of the Zodiac it’s in, but how it aspects the other planets in your chart. It can tell you a lot about your emotional nature — whether you process your feelings easily or bottle them up; whether you tend toward contentment, anger, sensitivity or what have you. Your attitudes toward love and intimacy are greatly influenced by the Moon’s placement in your chart. A soft, sensitive and receptive planet, the Moon has to do with how you nurture and need to be nurtured; therefore, it is also related to things like food, family, protection and caretaking. On a daily basis, whether you’re feeling upset, nervous, calm, contented or just blah, you can look to where the Moon is in the sky at that particular moment and learn a lot about your emotional state.

The Moon rules the emotional sign of Cancer.

Moon phases…

In Western culture, the four principal lunar phases are new moon, first quarter, full moon, and third quarter (also known as last quarter) and each of these phases lasts about 7.5 days. We also have intermediate phases which are Crescent Moon, The Gibbous Moon, The Disseminating Moon and The Balsamic Moon

The Moon is that bright, luminous orb we see in the night sky, counterpart to the fiery Sun in daytime. In astrology, the lunar light rules the unconscious realms of our minds, the stuff dreams are made of. Our instinctual reactions can be affected by the Moon’s phases over the course of a month, or to be more specific, 29.5 Earth days, as the Moon grows from a small crescent to a large glowing globe and then decreases in size back to nothing.

The Moon, of course, doesn’t really shrink or grow, but our view of the Moon from our vantage point here on earth changes due to the relative positions of the Sun, Earth and Moon. This is why we see lunar phases. There are eight noticeable phases of the Moon: The New Moon, the Crescent Moon, the First Quarter Moon, the Gibbous Moon, the Full Moon, the Disseminating Moon, the Third Quarter Moon and the Balsamic Moon.

Astrologers over time have correlated these eight phases of the Moon with certain activities that seem to be in harmony with that particular phase. For instance, it seems natural to begin something new when the Moon is first visible as a small crescent seen just after the setting sun. As the Moon grows over the next two weeks, so grows your new project. Culmination occurs when the Moon is full, in all her round glory. As she shrinks again it is a time for pulling in, for introspection, for releasing and letting go, in preparation for the next cycle.

New Moon — The New Moon sparks fresh beginnings. Let ideas simmer before you take action. Listen to that inner voice that beckons to be heard.

Crescent Moon — The Crescent Moon offers fuel for strategizing a course of action after you’ve taken the initial step of manifesting an idea or project.

First Quarter — The First Quarter Moon helps you evaluate your progress to date. Obstacles may arise. If they do, figure out the best way to eliminate them.

The Gibbous Moon reminds you to persist. This is no time for quitters. Forge ahead since you are so close to reaching the finish line.

The Full Moon illuminates the darkest of places. Enjoy her bright light as she shines on your soul, bathing you in her healing rays.

The Disseminating Moon is a time for reaping the fruits of your labor. If your path of progress has been smooth, expect rich dividends.

The Third Quarter or Last Quarter Moon is a favorable influence for all types of cleaning activities, whether that be in your closets or your psyche.

The Balsamic Moon has you canceling social activities with others for quality time with yourself. Hole up at home and mull over your life.

The Full Moon…

The Full Moon is hard to miss in the sky. The big round luminary shines bright, adding a blue-tinged light upon the Earth’s nighttime landscape. You may feel a slightly unusual vibe in the air, maybe even excitement. Myths abound about the effects of the full Moon. Think werewolves. Folks have been known to behave strangely during the Moon’s full display. The ocean tides rise higher during a full Moon due to the gravitational pull, which may explain why some folks behave oddly since our bodies are also comprised of 83% water.

The bright light can cause restless slumbers, keeping you tossing and turning through the night. Don’t be surprised if you find your dreams are more vivid and action-filled. The Moon can trigger your intuition as well; realizations may hit you during quiet moments. The full Moon is especially romantic for couples who want to bask in her glorious light during a nighttime stroll.

It can also represent a time when you begin to see the potential benefits of work that was initiated during the New Moon. It can be a glorious period, full of self-awareness and fulfillment. Impasses can be broken. The Moon’s powerful beams shine a light on those darker spaces that are difficult to see. From this point on for the next two weeks, the Moon wanes, which is an effective time for release and letting go. So if you’re interested in reducing weight, you may want to embark on a diet at this time.

How will the Aries Full Moon be affecting your sign?

Aries — self, appearance, individuality.

Taurus — the subconscious, seclusion, the intangible, intuition, institutions, karma.

Gemini — friends and acquaintances, groups, clubs, associations, hopes and wishes.

Cancer — career, status, achievements, prestige, authority.

Leo — publishing, higher education, legalities, overseas, inlaws, religion, philosophy.

Virgo- shared resources, taxes, inheritance, insurance, recycling, sex and regeneration.

Libra — marriage, business partnerships, agreements, and rivals.

Scorpio –health, diet and fitness, daily routine, employees, pets and being of service.

Sagittarius- romance, courtship, entertainment, amusements, pleasure, creativity and children.

Capricorn — home, family, parents and ancestors.

Aquarius — intellect, thought, learning, communication, short trips, siblings and neighbors.

Pisces- spending and saving money, possessions and attitudes toward money in general

Let’s take a look at the other astrological influences of the week…

Sunday and Monday are quiet with just some benign moon aspects.

Tuesday 11th

Mercury conjuncts Jupiter in Libra — great for the air signs or anyone with air planets…

This is an excellent period mentally, when our minds are stimulated and we’re ready, set and anxious to learn; in fact, we crave new knowledge! The bigger the idea and the broader the concept, the more receptive we are to it. Mental stretching never felt so good. How big is the universe, anyway? This is a good time to explore the heights, depths and edges of any subject. We respond to new information and may even be a teacher or mentor ourselves during this period. We speak quite persuasively now, inspiring others, but we may overdo it in the preaching department. We may also exaggerate, talk too much or in a loud voice, or be overly confident of our ideas. And the problem with knowing it all is that then we can’t learn anything! Trying to stay humble will help us articulate our big plans for the future. Expansion never looked so good.

Mars in Capricorn sextile Neptune in Pisces

For two weeks, we may feel a little strange and disconnected without understanding why. We’re passive and responsive rather than assertive. This transit does not enhance physical energy or initiative; it redirects our attention to a softer, more intuitive and dreamy existence. We’re sensitive to unspoken language and have an increased sense of compassion. We’re there at the right time to offer help to someone who needs it, or we may take on the role of champion of the underdog. Charity, acts of service and donating our time and energy are all extremely effective ways to use this energy. Water sports is another: Go swimming or for a walk around the lake or on the beach. Creative endeavors go well now, but at work and in our personal lives, we may find that we’ve made too many plans. Narrow down the list to the single-most important thing and focus on that. Get plenty of sleep at night.

Thursday 13th

Mercury square Mars — tough for the cardinal signs — Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn

During the brief few days of this transit, tempers could flare and arguments may erupt. Many people are irritable and prone to risky or rash behavior — not dangerous, simply short-tempered. Some folks will pick a fight simply for the sake of fighting, and sometimes it really does feel good to raise our voices in indignation. Since it’s so easy to misread others’ signals during this time, it’s much better to ask questions and withhold judgment than to stomp off in anger. Explaining ourselves calmly also helps to alleviate this stressful energy. One thing’s for sure, though: We’ll move in fits and starts during this period, and very little will go smoothly. Communications flounder and concentration is difficult as our minds run off in all directions. We tend toward premature action, impatience and jumping to conclusions without all the facts. Laughing at ourselves will help diffuse this tension.

Friday 14th

Mercury sextile Saturn

This is the perfect time to work on a project that requires skill, mental discipline and attention to detail. We should apply powerful mental processes to problem solving during the several days that this transit lasts. Take a methodical approach and utilize the pragmatic, practical qualities this influence promises. Don’t give up if the going gets tough; patience and persistence pay off with splendid results, even if we have to wait a little while to see them. Tunnel vision keeps us focused but shouldn’t limit our perception or perspective. Minds absorb and organize information quickly and correctly, so it’s a fine time to go to a lecture or class, or teach one. When presenting information, proceed in a patient and orderly way; don’t waste words or energy on extraneous information. Students and teachers should have little trouble staying focused and on track.

Saturday 15th

Sun opposite Uranus — could be challenging for the cardinal signs — Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn

There’s a jittery, high-strung, nervous quality to this day. People pretty much do what they want to do, without considering whom their actions might affect. This leads directly to confrontations, standoffs and ruffled feathers. Certainly no one wants to be told what to do; in fact, direct instructions are almost certain to spark a defiant, or at least rebellious, reaction. This isn’t the best day for making dates or social engagements, either, for such plans are likely to be broken abruptly. We have to make an effort not to let impatience get the best of us, because accidents can happen quickly under this potentially dramatic energy, changing plans or even lives in the blink of an eye. Unexpected separations can also occur today, if people take impulsive action on ideas that have been simmering for ages. The status quo just won’t do anymore.

Mercury square Pluto — another challenge for the cardinal signs — Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn

Obsessive thinking can be a problem today. We can all too easily become mental pit bulls, tenaciously clinging to our points or our opinions, despite all sorts of information to the contrary. We just hate being challenged. Instead of lashing out, remain calm and listen. We don’t have to agree. Keeping an open mind is both a struggle and a good mental exercise, but it is possible. Let’s not push our opinions on others, either, unless they ask. If someone else is overbearing, tell them politely to cork it. Letting our suspicions get the best of us is another danger of this transit, along with the tendency to overanalyze. Rather than suspecting someone else’s hidden motivations, we should peer into our own. Under no circumstances should we follow urges to stalk or follow another person, or even peek into their email or phone history. And we should be alert to being the object of this behavior, as well.

And of course the Full Moon in Aries as I discussed at the beginning of the show…

Now to sum it all up here’s your Weekly Horoscopes…

ARIES

It’s OK to change your mind! You’ll feel a sudden urge to do things differently this week, and that’s just fine. Whether you’re changing your hairstyle or re-imagining your whole career, you’ve got this.

TAURUS

Something simple and relatively innocent opens up the floodgates this week, as it reminds you of something buried deep in your past. Allow the tears to flow, as this can be a healing and therapeutic moment for you.

GEMINI

Try not to overdo the drama in your social life. It’s possible that there will be fallings out with friends or colleagues this week, but is there really any need to escalate the situation so badly? Seek reconciliation, not war.

CANCER

With increasing pressure on your work-home/family balance this week, things may reach boiling point when you are forced to make a difficult choice. Listen to your heart, not your head — your heart doesn’t lie.

LEO

Travel plans are fair game for this week’s cosmic disruption, but watch out for where study or education plans have to be changed too. It’s irritating for you, but the chances are good that this will eventually work in your favor.

VIRGO

Financial shocks set you on the back foot, but this is nothing you can’t handle if you remain calm and seek expert advice. Don’t allow money worries to affect your self-esteem. You are more than your bank account!

LIBRA

Romance doesn’t go as planned this week, with either some lovely surprises or some less welcome shocks. Be sure you have time to think before making any major decisions. You may not yet have all the facts you need.

SCORPIO

Emotional tension can be eased this week through sports, exercise, fresh air or all three. If you’re feeling out of sorts, head into the great outdoors, no matter what the weather. Nature calms you and restores your faith.

SAGITTARIUS

Teamwork suffers if you’re not willing to be a cog in the wheel. Your desire for independence and freedom could harm group objectives — check your selfishness at the door and see the bigger picture.

CAPRICORN

Don’t be afraid to innovate at work. Just because nobody else has thought of your bright ideas doesn’t mean it won’t be possible — it just means that you’re ahead of the game and leading!

AQUARIUS

Sudden breakthroughs in understanding are likely this week, which is great news if you’re studying or undertaking training. Once you realize how capable you really are, you’ll start to shine more and more.

PISCES

You’re not a jealous sign normally but this week’s energies bring out this side of your personality. You’ll hate it if a partner or family member seems to prefer someone else’s company — but how much of this are you imagining?