Fall seems inherently transitional, throwing our consciousness forward into a preparational state. As summer ends, we know winter is on its way, and to remain fully present in the moment is challenging. As soon as we're done gazing longingly back at the bounty of summer (some of us longer than others), winter's necessities loom in our mind and we're urged toward making preparations. Mars enters productive, hard-working Virgo on October 15th for about two months, emphasizing this mood and carrying us almost to winter's door here in the northern hemisphere.
As fall begins, so does another build up of the ongoing Uranus-Pluto square, which will peak November 1st, with the new moon in transformative Scorpio, the sign of the Phoenix, just two days later. This energy has been present in varying intensities since the first one in 2012, and the last one will peak next year. This three year period has been one of not-so-gentle change, specifically pushing us toward new beginnings and wrenching old attachments from us, sometimes before we think we're ready. In whatever areas of your life Uranus (in Aries) and Pluto (in Capricorn) touch, you are compelled, through internal need or external necessity, to pioneer radical change.
I and numerous other astrologers have written and spoken extensively about this Uranus-Pluto square period. Astrologer Jessica Shepherd has written a stellar guide to work with this configuration on a personal level. Check her out at moonkissed.com.
While these two are grating on each other, Venus and Mars will come along to further electrify it, from November 12-16 and December 25-30, respectively. With Venus, creativity abounds but the harmony of relationships may be (temporarily) disrupted to provide room for the spark; you may find yourself or your loved one a bundle of contradictions as you both struggle to determine just what it is you really need (and it's likely to surprise and/or frighten you if you can get brutally honest with yourself about it). When Venus turns retrograde on December 21st, you may find your relationship work needs to go deeper before it can move forward. Mars will be in Libra from December 7th and although Libra desires harmony, harmony cannot be achieved by continuity, so when it triggers the Uranus-Pluto square, feathers may be ruffled to say the least. Watch any unfocused or misplaced anger, either directed from or at you, as it can be a clue to what really is trying to force its way out.
The bulk of November brings a small pocket full of planetary goodies, from the 5th to the 25th, from Venus and Mars, perhaps stabilizing the growth that the Uranus-Pluto square is pushing for. Four harmonious sextiles form one after another: Venus sextiles Neptune from the 5th-8th, amping up creativity and inspiration, and also just general good will. It’s a good time for sweet things. A Virgo Mars sextiles Saturn at relatively the same time, extending to the 11th, emphasizing a thread of practicality and productivity throughout.
If you need a little discipline, draw it in during the Mars-Saturn sextile because as Mars moves on to sextile Jupiter from the 16th-21st, you may not be in the mood for as much discipline. This can be a good time for a mini-vacation in body or state of mind. Mars will still be in Virgo so you may still find yourself inclined toward productivity, but aim it at pleasure not just business, especially as the fourth sextile between Venus and Neptune, takes hold from the 20th-25th.
Jupiter in Cancer and Saturn in Scorpio form a cooperative trine through the first half of December which combines the best of both worlds: Jupiter's expansiveness, optimism, and attunement to the possibility and Saturn's discipline and realism. Grow what you love, let go of what keeps you small.