Grace under Pressure

One kind word can warm three winter months.  
-Japanese proverb

This months' New Moon falls in a late degree of Libra, the sign known for its grace, cooperation, sense of partnership, tact and civilized behavior.  We'll benefit by extending ourselves graciously to others this month, and participating where possible in refining civil rituals such as formal meals, religious services, legal proceedings, weddings, and funerals.  Yet we'll be challenged to remember our manners and the soothing niceties of Libra, since not long after this Libra New Moon--by October 24 to be exact--six of nine planets (yes, I'm counting Pluto as a planet!) will have moved into the intense, private sign of Scorpio.  

Add to this Mercury's retrograde in Scorpio starting October 28 for three weeks, a transit of Mercury over the Scorpio Sun November 8 (like an eclipse but involving Mercury instead of the Moon), and a station of unpredictable Uranus November 19, and life should get deep, daring and exciting, if not always visibly so, this month.  Expect turbulent emotions, respect other people's privacy, dig into your own private side for answers and save the cheery parties for December.  Fire signs especially (Aries, Leo, Sag) should tone it down this month, not expecting their usual warm reception on entering a room, and all signs should aim for a balance in expression between social civilities (Libra) and raw emotional truths (Scorpio).  

Though the New Moon's in Libra, it's really a Scorpio themed month, which continues right through next month's Scorpio new Moon on November 20.  Venus will make her superior conjunction to the Sun, normally a positive occasion for relationships and socializing, on October 27 in Scorpio, so the Scorpio qualities of intensity, depth, shared resources and sexuality may be the focus in relationships for a while.  If we can avoid getting curdled with jealousy or vengefulness, strong Scorpio energy can lead to deeper trust and bonding with others, and healing of old hurts and memories.

Scorpio energy gives the power to complete as well, whether it's completing a long-neglected project or finally releasing an old resentment once and for all.  Something we've been holding on to for a long time will likely need to be released during this Scorpio-themed season; something will need to die in order that something new can be reborn.  Yet deep commitments can also be solidified after November 20.  Pick a project or a mystery to investigate; dig deep and persistently to ferret out clues during this Mercury retrograde in Scorpio period (shadow ends December 4).

Be especially wise and wary from October 27 through October 31, since the Halloween theme may be Trick rather than Treat this year. Trickster Mercury as well as Neptune, planet of illusions, both make stations over the Oct 28-29 weekend that could bring out the ghouls, and Halloween itself falls on an eerie Pisces moon.  Yet costumes could be especially creative or clever, and painters and mystics may find these days especially fruitful for art and meditation.  Don't forget to set your clocks back 1 hour before going to bed on Saturday, October 28.

DATES TO NOTE:

NEW MOON FORECAST FOR SUN AND RISING SIGNS
(sign dates are approximate depending on year of birth)

 ARIES (Mar 21-Apr 19):  The New Moon occurs in your Seventh House of partnership and marriage.  New partnerships or phases of an existing partnership may emerge at this time.  Take a look at your general approach to partnership and the balance you achieve between self and others. You're also focused on how deep you can go in partnerships--do you hold yourself back from deeper commitments due to lack of trust? Here's a month where soul searching, communication and baby steps forward can help remedy that.
Best days for Aries:  Nov 2-3

TAURUS (Apr 20-May 20):  The New Moon occurs in your Sixth House of work, health and service.  You may want to review your health and fitness regimes or organize your work environment for greater productivity.  You may need to develop fresh routines in your work or health habits to keep you energized.  A doctor's appointment or health review could give you a reassuring reality check.  You may keep yourself busy with work to avoid facing the need for change in your marriage or partnerships; nothing a little thunderstorm of emotion won't cure if you allow it to happen.
Best days for Taurus:  Nov 4-5

GEMINI (May 21-Jun 20):  The New Moon occurs in your Fifth House of romance, creativity, children and play.  New beginnings, breakthroughs or changes may occur for you in these areas.  Launch a creative project or find one you started in the past and bring it back to life. Focus on the childlike creative spirit within and bring a sense of play to whatever you do.  Turn something you already do as a hobby into a source of income; the time is right to clear out a work space for a home office and readjust your routines to accommodate more financial prosperity.
Best days for Gemini:  Nov 6-7

CANCER (Jun 21-Jul 22):  The New Moon occurs in your Fourth House of home, family and property.  You may want to move, reorganize or redecorate your living space.  You may have more activity in or focus on your home this month.  New starts in your emotional foundation and self-nurturing bring stronger family relations.  Becoming more tenacious about your creativity and more bold in romantic gestures turns up the heat in your love life; fighting for a child, whether your own or another's, to get what he or she needs, provides greater than expected emotional satisfaction.
Best days for Cancer:  Nov 8-10

LEO (Jul 23-Aug 22):  The New Moon occurs in your Third House of local travel, transportation, communication, neighbors and siblings.  Opportunities for change or new starts may emerge in these areas. Communicating your needs and exchanging information with others via  telephone, e-mail or fax brings you better success than going it alone. You could be busier than usual with more mental stimulation--make sure you get plenty of rest.  Your family has needed more emotional connection from you for a while--what are you afraid of?  Perhaps it's time to evaluate who really constitutes your family, and where you can build a home that's emotionally satisfying for everyone.
Best days for Leo:  Nov 11-12

VIRGO (Aug 23-Sep 22):  The New Moon occurs in your Second House of earned money, possessions and values.  New work or income opportunities may come your way this month.  It's a great month to network with others and surround yourself with coworkers or clients who share your values.  Look for income sources that will reflect your values. You'll tend to want to go it alone this month, but you'll gain more by networking intensively with people in your neighborhood or phone tree. You may be called on to make a speech or presentation this month; dressing well helps you rise to the challenge.
Best days for Virgo:  Nov 13-15

LIBRA (Sep 23-Oct 22):  The New Moon occurs in your First House of action, identity and personal presence.  The spotlight shines on you this month, so use it to your advantage.  Put your best foot forward and use your appearance and presentation style as a tool to enhance your confidence.  You have a particular appeal this month that attracts people to you with ease.  Get more tenacious about increasing your income by letting down your guard a little more with others who may help you prosper.
Best days for Libra:  Oct 21, Nov 16-17

SCORPIO (Oct 23-Nov 21):  The New Moon occurs in your Twelfth House of spirituality, retreat and behind-the-scenes activities.  You may want to keep a low profile this month and see what your nighttime dreams have to tell you.  Relaxation may bring inspiration that resolves your biggest concerns.  A cleansing diet or transformation of your health routines and possibly your appearance prepares you for center stage next month.  Friendships or investments may be up for review this month.
Best days for Scorpio:  Oct 22-23, Nov 18-20

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22-Dec 21):  The New Moon occurs in your Eleventh House of friends, groups, business income, humanitarian causes, and long-range hopes and wishes.  Beginnings or changes in these areas may occur for you this month.  You can further long-held hopes and wishes with practical action, especially by talking to others about your needs.  You'll need to watch a tendency to dissipate your energies this month with too much relaxation; all rest and no work makes the Archer lazy.  Do pay attention to your dreams for inspiration, however.
Best days for Sagittarius:  Oct 24-25

CAPRICORN (Dec 22-Jan 19):  The New Moon occurs in your Tenth House of authorities, reputation and career.  You may be more professionally active or visible than usual this month, especially with the public or those in positions of leadership.  You can improve relations with a supervisor or VIP client by communicating your needs more directly.  A dust-up in your friendships helps clear the air and turn the compass of your dreams toward True North once again.  Conflicts between work and travel might best be settled by postponing travel until December.
Best days for Capricorn:  Oct 27-28

AQUARIUS (Jan 20-Feb 18):  The New Moon occurs in your Ninth House of philosophy, religion, higher education, long distance travel, long-range plans and big adventures.  New doors may open for you in one or more of these areas.  Consider mapping out some details for a long range goal, even if only to open your mind to the possibility. You'll want to escape through being outdoors, going to church, reading poetry, or some other lofty pursuit, yet the way to happiness this month is to turn over stones with VIP clients or supervisors and revamp your career.  
Best days for Aquarius:  Oct 29-30

PISCES (Feb 19-Mar 20):  The New Moon occurs in your Eighth House of joint finances, sexuality and secrets.  Reviewing investments or loans, refinancing, deepening partnerships through communication, and entering counseling or therapy may be on the agenda this month. Determine where you stand with important joint projects and consider reviewing your credit report.  Grab ahold of something inspirational, too, such as a new author, a new church, a new place to travel, to help broaden your vision and help you find meaning in family relationships and managing your money.
Best days for Pisces:  Oct 31, Nov 1

For a more in-depth look at your unique horoscope or a compatibility comparison, contact Natori at (760) 753-4319 or by email.  Have a great month!

Archive of past Morsels:

2005-2006

2004