The planets and their cycles deeply influence the collective minds and interactions. This influence can be rather subtle, and occasionally it’s not so subtle at all, but right in your face. While there are numerous systems, tools and techniques to the art of astrology, they all seem to work somehow, once you start paying attention to them.
So, try this one on for size:

Libra, the charmers of the Zodiac
Pleasant, easy going, well dressed and ultra cooperative, these folks are good at making life easy for the rest of us. Their aim is to please, and help everybody get along, to the point of seeking consensus at all costs. Ruled by the lovely Venus they are graceful, creative and appreciate the finer sides of life, namely art and beauty.

This pretty picture is currently skewed off center by Mercury retrograde in the sign until Oct 15. Expect to re-evaluate and re-assess your involvements with others. Also be prepared to address any needed balance between giving and receiving.

Venus, Libras ruling planet is already ahead of the Sun in the feisty sign of Scorpio. Along with Mars which is in extra macho mode here, in it’s home turf. The gods of love and war’s residence in Scorpio can bring about a dark, obsessive emotionality, that is driven by passions beyond rational control.

Fortunately Jupiter in Capricorn is in trine aspect to Saturn in Virgo all month long. While there is little to cheer about on the global economic front, at least there is good cooperation, and collective efforts to sort things out. The earth signs (Capricorn, Virgo & Taurus) are being called on to help others by keeping their feet on the ground.

Famous Topanga Libra’s:
Darby Warren, Debra Silbar, Jackie Johnson, James Dean, Jim Crawford, Johnathan Yaney, Julia Sugarman, Julian Scott, Kathy Gibbony, Livia Salamon, Patrice Winter, Suzanne Teng, and all those not mentioned here. Cheers to all and happy birthday, may it be your best year ever.

Calendar

Oct 1
Mars sextile Pluto
The month starts with 4 of the planets visible in the evening sky: The Moon, Venus, Mars and Jupiter. Say hello to them if you’re inclined, in the west, just after sunset.
Today is also a fine day to chat up your boss, your bookkeeper or benefactor.

Oct 3
Mars enters Scorpio
For the next 6 weeks you can enjoy a much needed resiliency and resourcefulness. This will add a certain edge to the pleasant, charming Libra interactions. Make good use of all your connections, perseverance furthers!

Oct 6
Sun square Jupiter, Sun conjunct Mercury, Mercury square Jupiter
Indicates a big day with plenty of tension build-up. Expect loads of excess mental energy, as things are coming to a head. Consider going for a walk, reconnect with nature or do something physical to get out of the head and into the body.

Oct 9
Venus trine Uranus
Today community and friendship rules! It is a fine time to get together with old friends or lovers from the past. Also feel encouraged to express your quirky fashion sense.

Oct 11
Venus square Neptune
This inclines to romantic infatuation, and tends to blow things out of proportion. Keep your feet firmly planted on the ground. Avoid over eating, over spending and over doing things.

Oct 14, 1:02 pm
Full Moon 22* Aries, Sun trine Neptune
Since there are few planets in fire signs this month, the Aries Moon adds a good spark to fire things up. The cardinal signs (Capricorn, Aries, Cancer & Libra) will likely feel this as a drive to ‘must do something right now’.
May bring up issues around taking care of yourself, versus taking care of others. Remember to keep looking out for #1. Expect volatile tempers and short fuses all the way around. Some will be antsy and others ecstatic, as the Sun / Neptune aspect facilitates flights of fancy, keen intuition and breakthrough spiritual experiences.

Oct 15
Mercury SD (stations direct)
After three weeks of things being on hold, and indecisive hankering you can finally make progress and get ahead. Cheers to evolution!

Oct 18
Venus enters Sagittarius
A fine time to go adventuring, preferably in the great outdoors. Comes with a desire for unrestricted movement, fresh air and multi cultural tolerance.

Oct 22
Sun enters Scorpio
Here is a doorway to the mystical realm, that supports tapping your inner strength. There is a tendency to be driven by desires, or need for powerful, passionate relationships.

Oct 26
Mercury squares Jupiter
While this is good for research and inquiry, the aspect can also create gridlock in communication. People are more stubborn and righteous today, and less willing to compromise.

Oct 28, 4:14 pm
New Moon, 6* Scorpio
Now is the perfect time to regenerate, nourish or resource yourself. Take a break, get some bodywork and sleep as much as you can.

Oct 29
Mercury trine Neptune
This aspect will likely trigger bright ideas, fresh sparks of insight, inventiveness and creativity. Make sure to have a notepad handy.

Oct 31
Halloween, Mars trine Uranus
The Halloween tradition signifies the descent into the dark season, as the veil between life and death is very thin. We honor the ancestor that have gone before us, that the transitions of those that have passed during the year. We also get to dress up as our alter ego, worst nightmares or kinky fantasy.
This year the holiday falls close to the dark part of the Moon cycle. Expect to feel less social and more introverted. Mars Uranus adds a daring element and need for excitement. Look out for alien out-fits and space cadets.

To be continued

“A Slice of Heaven” is a monthly Astrology column about making good use of the planetary influences. Lola Babalon is a Topanga Psychic, Astrologer and Herbalist. She provides spiritual counsel, hands-on healing and no-nonsense readings for individuals, couples and groups. She also produces local herb tinctures, fine aphrodisiac Love-potions and can be found online at www.sexpeace.net 310/455-0103