Astrological Update: October and November 2001

by Bernie Ashman

October and November of 2001 feature celestial themes that inspire us to seek creative awe-that is, if we take the time to put the energy into motion. There is a unique event still occurring during these months: Saturn in the current sky is moving directly across from Pluto. This rare cycle actually began in July. What does this mean? Saturn (the cosmic chiropractor) and Pluto (the cosmic composter) meeting like this implies that, individually and collectively, things get redefined.

Are you thinking about making changes to your business or career? This is a powerful cycle for it, as Saturn and Pluto both have symbolism connected to making key changes. It's time to be honest and ascertain what is really working and what isn't. Ouch! This sure can be easier to say than do. Taking a chance on a new direction could bring great excitement. Launching a plan during these two months does require a bit of reality testing. With effort and commitment, Saturn-like ambition can hit the ground running. With passion and a sense of self-mastery (Pluto), why look back?

Watch out for details until 10/22/01, 6:24 PM, EST. Why? Because Mercury is moving retrograde or backward until then. This celestial messenger rules over those nagging facts and important communications. Make sure you don't forget those little things that are embarrassing with twenty-twenty hindsight. This is a great cycle, by the way, to go back over or edit your plans and ideas. Don't expect to have all of your communications proceed without any hitches. "Reflect and then act" isn't a bad mantra at this time.

Mercury spends October adorned by the air sign Libra. Making decisions isn't simple, as this perception-oriented planet doesn't get real decisive in a sign that weighs everything with painstaking care. If you are in need of breezy logic and like to take a good look in both directions before walking, you won't have trouble here. I'll tell you something else that is fun to do with this planet/sign combo. Let the artist and romantic in you run a bit wild. Also, if you need quick social adaptability, this is good stuff.

Mercury intensifies when entering Scorpio on 11/7. This is good for problem solving and delving beneath the surface of things. Let your love of magic and mystery pulsate lively through your brain synapses. It's not easy to let go of anything you are overly attached to when Mercury is in Scorpio. Forgiveness can make you stronger, but don't give up your power too easily.

Mercury moves into the gypsy-like Sagittarius on 11/26, to close out the month. Put on your traveling shoes under this one. Communication reigns when the winged messenger rides visionary Sag. Dare yourself to set your sights on a distant horizon. The need to read and learn is strong here.

What about your relationships? Venus starts off in the meticulous and very thorough Virgo in October. Be reasonable in your expectations of self and others at this time. You will wish you had taken more leisure time last month when this planet was in Leo. Don't worry. Venus is more thoughtful of romance when in Libra, which starts 10/15. Plan a get-together with those you like. This is the time to dance and be social. The skies are raining down love atmospheres. Aesthetic instincts are everywhere when the love goddess wears this sign. Too many things will look tasty and delicious. Don't feel guilty - indulge a bit - you can still be spiritual (said like a true Sagittarian, don't you think?).

Venus touches down in Scorpio on 11/8. Wow! Passion city. This means your emotions are more on the edge. If you say what you mean, and do what you say, the world takes notice. Negotiate fairly with your partner or closest allies. This is a good time to work through a past issue, and even to pay off old bills. Then again, don't dwell so much on the past that you forget the present. Revealing how you really feel will either bring closeness, or scare someone away. Taking the risk is the challenge. Remember this, whatever you do: make time for play, and be harder on the problem than on a lover, friend or colleague. When it comes to values, you could connect on a deeper level with a lover.

I want to stay on the romantic track - just call me a hopeless romantic! Ever heard of the Nodes of the Moon? No matter if you haven't. This is a pair of opposite signs that travel together for 18 months at a time, reflecting our subconscious (and past life) instincts. They often get activated through relationships. It just so happens this sign polarity will become Gemini/Sagittarius starting on 10/12 for all of us. We will be talking our heads off, or at least this is great for exchanging ideas. By the way, if you are in a communication field, or are planning a conference within the next year and a half, you just might reach half of the world! Education and eclectic thinking have their reign at this time. Think in terms of a broad message. Narrow judgement has no place in your love life, or anywhere else. Listen closely to your own vision and to that of an intimate partner, and you might take an exhilarating ride into the future together - honest!

Bernie Ashman is an internationally known author and lecturer. His latest work is a Past Lives Written report for Matrix Software based on a chart he has discovered. Bernie has just signed a new contract with Llewellyn for EarthDays, to be released in 2003. This is a past lives book for the mainstream. Visit www.bernieashman.com for more information.