October Horoscopes

Astrologist ALLI SCHWARTZ
Illustrator ELLA BLUE

Welcome to October. As two planets station retrograde in Scorpio, this season feels extra spooky. Though retrogrades often come with negative connotations, they actually offer a crucial opportunity for reflection and realignment. The first takes place on October 3 as Venus retrogrades into Scorpio, through which it will travel until October 25 when it moves back into Libra. Venus Rx in Scorpio takes us on a journey through the underworld of/in our relationships. For clues as to how this transit will impact you, look back to your life in October 2018, which is the last time this transit occurred. This time around, there may be repeating relationship dynamics or a reference to another element of life from eight years ago. This Venus retrograde brings an air of intensity and catharsis, unearthing our relationship dynamics that—despite being potentially challenging—will ultimately bring us valuable truths. A Mercury Retrograde begins on October 24, also in Scorpio, and it will last until November 13. This month possesses a heavy-handed Scorpio energy, and our task is to introspect and transform.

Important Dates

October 3rd: Dig Deep. Venus stations retrograde in Scorpio. The planet of love audits on our interpersonal dynamics through Scorpio. Nonchalance is no longer in vogue. Turn up the intensity. 

October 24th: Beware of glitches. Mercury stations retrograde in intense Scorpio, doubling up with Venus. Mercury retrogrades coincide with technology malfunctions, errors in communication, and travel delays. Double-check all the details.

Readings for the Signs: Check your Sun & Rising Signs

Aries

The most important relationship you have in this life is the one with yourself. How do you honor yourself? Notice what you find beautiful, and move toward it. Embody that,  beyond finding the perfect-fitting jeans (though that is also important). Understand what is truly meaningful to you. Once you learn how to see and show up for yourself, you can do the same for other people in your life.

Taurus

Your committed partnerships are transforming this month. Whether romantic, platonic, or business-related, your relationships no longer wade in the shallow end. Skip the small talk—it won’t get you anywhere. Instead, ask the probing questions and have the courage to answer them back in return. There are stones of truth waiting to be turned over in the coming weeks, and each one will lead you to a deeper level of connection.

Gemini

It’s time to evaluate your work habits. If you’ve been overworking yourself, that engine is going to run out of steam. Your body will tell you what you need, so long as you pay attention to it. This month, consider how invested you feel in the work that you do. If you notice you’ve veered off your path, there are always opportunities for course-correction. You deserve to contribute somewhere that inspires you. 

Cancer

Answer the call to take one of your hobbies or creative practices more seriously this month. Embrace the casual fling that feels serious all of a sudden. There is valuable experience within it. The point of this transit is for you to be connecting and creating. The places you go for levity and fun may feel unusually intense or serious this month, but you will encounter troves of gold in their shadows.

Leo

This month, you are exploring where you live or where you came from. What is your connection to where you currently reside? You may be moving, or the idea of what home means to you could be metamorphosing. Excavate your familial or ancestral narratives, and the revelations could shift your understanding of the environments you come from. In a practical sense, this is a good time for you to beautify your living space. You should love everything you own.

Virgo

How we spend our days is how we spend our lives. Now is an opportune time to reassess your daily routines. Notice what you spend your time on and devote your attention to. Consider whether you feel grounded. What direction are you moving towards? On another note, communication is a key theme for you this month. It will help to be extra thoughtful in your discoursing. Big conversations require honesty and patience to get to the heart of a matter. 

Libra

The main themes for you this month regard value and worth. Consider what is valuable to you, and what is worth your resources? In a material sense, check on all of the subscriptions you pay for, monitor your memberships, and track your spending. Perhaps there is a new way to allocate your funds. Abstractly, what is your relationship to your own self-worth? If there is some way you are not respecting yourself, it’s time to reharness your own power.

Scorpio

 All of the Scorpio influence this month feels…personal. The astrology is asking you to personify the transformative and intense nature of the scorpion. Introspect and reflect. Open the journal and put pen to paper. Sell the clothes you don’t wear. Get a haircut. Make a change. Transformation requires a shedding of the old and an emerging of the new, but in the midst of transforming, we turn gooey, like caterpillars in cocoons. Allow yourself to be a bit tender in the in-between times. 

Sagittarius

You are descending in a metaphorical submarine this month. The ocean often appears dark and solitary, yet it is teeming with life. There are fluctuations this season in your appetite to spend time alone and flutter from social circle to circle. Welcome both desires. You can find equally valuable insight from a solo stroll and party-hopping.

Capricorn

Pay attention to who you encounter this month. You could meet someone new, or have a conversation with a friend that illuminates a hidden truth or brings forth a new perspective. The dynamics between your friends may be shifting, and it’s important to welcome any changes. Prioritize quality time with your people. Your bonds will deepen this season. 

Aquarius

 This month asks you to consider how you really feel about your career. If you’re at a crossroads, this is the time to clarify what kind of work you want to do, and how you will need to show up in the world in order to do so. Does your work-ethic need a reboot? If it feels like you’re stuck in a patch of stagnant water, keep swimming, because there is a momentous current around the corner. 

Pisces

Your long-term plans are up for review. No matter how far along a certain path you’ve gotten, you are allowed to look around and decide to move in a different direction instead. It is never too late to reroute or start over. That being said, if you are traveling this month, pay extra close attention to your itinerary details, bookings, and confirmations. And stay flexible if you need to pivot plans.