Energy Shifts & Planets Going Direct!

Holy Shift! Do you feel the energy shifts we’re entering?!

The astrological theme for October 2021 is big shifts forward! After 7 planets being simultaneously retrograde recently, 4 out of 7 are finally going direct this month!

Pluto started our month off going direct October 5th, followed by the New Moon in Libra October 6th, and then Saturn went direct on the 10th.

Now this week in particular (Monday October 18th - Sunday October 24th) you can expect to feel major changes, and the opportunities to apply the wisdom we’ve acquired during these reflective retrograde periods this year. Especially since Jupiter and Mercury go direct October 17th-18th, during the same time as the Full Moon in Aries! It’s time to release what we’ve realized no longer serves our highest selves. Just in time before entering Scorpio Season October 23rd, where we’ll be called forward to continue our soul transformation work! 

So what do each of these transits mean and how do they affect us?

Well first, if you’d like to understand what the effects were when each was in retrograde, you can check out this blog post here: https://www.808co.ca/blogs/all/mercury-6-other-planets-in-retrograde

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New Moon in Libra, and Full Moon in Aries:

In astrology, the Moon represents the personal self, the feelings, and the subconscious. The Moon is also the ruler of the sign Cancer. Each phase of the Moon is also symbolically associated with a plant’s cycle from seed to full bloom, which has been used in manifestation and various other rituals.

October started off with the new moon in Libra, the sign that rules the 7th house of how we relate to others, relationships of all kinds, and how we fit into the world of others. The new moon in astrology represents the very beginning of a planting cycle, when the seeds of our intentions we plant on this day are placed into the universe’s soil to grow and manifest. 

This new moon’s main themes revolved around the relationships in our lives. On this new moon, you may have felt a desire to solve conflicts with others, and resolve any outstanding issues or blockages in your relationships to increase harmony and peace in our lives.

However, because this new moon took place during Mercury retrograde, it created a contradicting force of energy. As the new moon encourages us to focus on the future and what could be, Mercury retrograde drags us through the past, encouraging us to relive what may already be over and to prepare us to release what’s no longer needed on the full moon. So during that Mercury retrograde time along with the new moon in Libra, you may have felt confusion, or that the past is catching up with you, forcing you to finally get a sense of closure or tie off loose ends.

Which leads us into the full moon in Aries, the sign that rules the 1st house, which represents the relationship to self. The first house also influences concepts relating to "firsts" and new beginnings — things like the first impression that you make or the way you take initiative and begin new things.

The full moon in astrology represents the end of the planting cycle, where our planted seeds of intentions have fully bloomed and manifested. This is also the symbolic time of releasing all that no longer serves our highest good to hold onto. So with the full moon in Aries, after beginning this month with a new moon in it’s polar opposite sign Libra, it’s time to bring our focus back from external to internal. It’s time for us to bring back the energies that maybe we’ve been giving too much of to others, and pour back into ourselves and our own cups. This is an ideal time to release any unhealthy attachments, evaluate where we need to establish new boundaries or maintain existing ones, and release unnecessary activities that take away from what we need to be doing more of for ourselves.  

Pluto:

Pluto is related to will, and intense passion, and has a reputation for ruthlessness. As God of the Underworld, Pluto can help to bring our deepest and most buried compulsions into the light. Its position indicates areas of life that must ultimately become transformed as part of the soul's evolution. Pluto is also the ruler of the sign Scorpio. On the lighter side, Pluto is associated with renewal and rebirth. It represents endings and new beginnings, as well as spiritual growth and rebirth on a soul level of transformation. Where we find Pluto in the chart is where we either seek change and transformation, or have it thrust upon us if we refuse to accept our deepest needs.

So at the beginning of our month, we had Pluto go direct October 5th in the sign of Capricorn, after being in retrograde since April 27th. When Pluto starts moving forward, all of our deepest desires and secrets will begin to surface, as well as the soul’s urge to transform.

While Pluto was retrograde, we were more inclined to turn inward and bury our deepest truths and wishes. But Pluto direct is like a green light to confront the darkest parts of ourselves and others. However, this is not something negative or intimidating, this is the essence of shadow work, and how to heal from within ourselves transmuting darkness into light.

Pluto going direct just before Scorpio Season starts October 23rd will serve as a catalyst for us to continue our soul transformation work, since we’ve spent more time during the Retrogrades reflecting on our truths. It is important to remember to be honest with yourself and others, it’s time to move forward from the darkness to the light.

With Pluto in Capricorn specifically, there will be extreme changes in government institutions, our attitudes towards long held traditions and rules of society, business and personal goals. There could be an increase in ambition on a personal level, and a resounding ability to persevere through the most difficult of obstacles. This is the time to become the ultimate authority of one's personal power, and focus on building strong foundations within and around us. 

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Saturn

Saturn is the ruler of Capricorn and traditionally Aquarius as well, and is the planet of limitation and restriction. This can include themes of responsibility such as self-discipline, punctuality, and the conservation of material resources. While Jupiter represents expansion, Saturn influences setting parameters and restrictions. It brings structure and meaning to the world around us, and reminds us of our responsibilities and commitments. Because of this, Saturn is frequently associated with our Fathers, or other authority figures. While discipline isn't always easy or pleasant, it can sometimes help us grow. Embracing and understanding the challenges of the responsibilities in our lives, helps us to improve ourselves out of the foundation of structure and consistent work effort.

Saturn went direct in the sign of Aquarius on October 10th, after being in retrograde since May 23rd. This is a time to be especially patient and kind to yourself as you focus on the practical application of your newfound karmic wisdom gained during it’s retrograde period. Remember, you undertook this inner cleansing to create space for your destiny to unfold, free from self-limiting beliefs, karmic debts, and emotional baggage. Think of it as a blank slate. You can clear karma, which does indeed shift your destiny, as destiny is what occurs in your life, while karma is the energy that drives it. When we clear karma, we open up the possibilities of what might occur. As Saturn goes direct, you will step through a karmic doorway of possibility, armed with a refreshed and recharged set of beliefs and motivations.

As Saturn goes direct, it is the time to take action. The tasks and work which seemed to take so much effort during it’s retrograde period will now come to you as second nature. The road ahead is an easier one to walk. Remember, nothing grows in comfort zones! This has been the perfect time for tying up the loose ends and releasing that which has been keeping you rooted in the past. Now is the time to step forward into your Highest Good.

With Saturn in Aquarius there is an ability to focus with intensity on one's greatest visionary goals and aspirations. Group associations and friendships are likely to be examined with greater discrimination now and the realization could be made to us, that some of these are no longer worth holding onto. It’s time to align with our higher selves and surround ourselves with those who resonate. It’s time to collaborate and find our soul tribes, and people who will help us work together towards greater causes in the world. There is also an urge to break through the restrictions of the past and create new and more appropriate structures. So we are being asked to focus on the visions of our highest selves, and align with those who also support similar causes. It will take a global village to repair broken or outdated structures and our systems for a better future for us all.

Jupiter:

In astrology, Jupiter is the planet of faith, positivism, hope, and morality. Jupiter represents the principle of expansion, versus contraction (as represented by Saturn), and the aspirations of the higher self. This could include a sense of humor, good will, or mercy. As for negative traits, Jupiter can also be associated with irresponsibility in the form of blind optimism and overindulgence. Its position in the chart indicates how one's faith, generosity, and tolerance will be expressed, as well as what modes of activity will stimulate self-confidence and wisdom. Traditionally Jupiter rules Sagittarius and Pisces.

Jupiter has had quite the retrograde journey. The planet officially went retrograde in Pisces back in late June 20th. The planet’s brief stay in this water sign gave us some insights to reflect on the themes of compassion, service to others, spirituality, collective consciousness etc. At the end of July, Jupiter retrograded back into Aquarius, where the planet will remain until December 28, 2021. Jupiter’s time in Aquarius is amplifying all those Saturnian themes of work and responsibilities but puts some purpose behind them. 

Now that the planet will be moving forward, people are more likely to come together with the intent of a better tomorrow for all. With both Jupiter and Saturn back in Aquarius, there is a greater emphasis on unity at this time. 

Jupiter influences our belief systems, philosophies, and the meaning we attribute to life. During the Jupiter in Aquarius transit, we can expect to see many changes in: an increased emphasis on technological and scientific advancement, alternative currencies, artificial intelligence, humanitarian causes, and social equality. Jupiter in Aquarius expands our desire to be part of a like-minded community and defend our ideals: this transit inspires us to break free from oppressive systems and to work to manifest a better future for the global collective.

The Jupiter retrograde gave us a lot of time to revise and reassess our beliefs, our sense of faith, and of the way we find meaning and purpose. Jupiter going direct, invites us to take practical actions aligned to our personal truth. We now have a chance to act more consciously according to what we felt and experienced during the retrograde.

Mercury

Mercury represents the mind and intellect, and rules Gemini, and also Virgo.Mercury is an airy planet, associated with all forms of communication and the in-flow and out-flow of intelligence and communication. Its position indicates how your mental function will be expressed, and where learning techniques and skills are available to you.

Mercury went into retrograde in the sign of Libra from September 27th to October 18th. However, it won't be until Mercury reaches the degree where it originally turned retrograde and then passes it that you'll know Mercury truly has its full strength back. That tends to take a couple of weeks, but it has progressed enough where I’m sure many of us feel significant progression and clarity in our daily lives.

This is the time where you'll be ready to apply whatever it is you've learned during the retrograde period into your current reality. 

In the meantime, now that Mercury is direct, over the next few days you are free to sign contracts, schedule vital meetings, have a significant conversation and make important decisions or purchases without having to worry about Mercury Retrograde influence. 

For the past month, Mercury retrograde in Libra has been stirring up drama in our relationships, messing with our technology, and disrupting whatever communication skills we thought we had. 

This is an ideal time for us to ask for forgiveness and mend what's broken or may have been damaged during the retrograde time. It’s a great time to heal situations and relationships that have undergone issues during the actual retrograde. Although this may be challenging, this period may offer us an opportunity to repair the damage of Mercury's chaotic retrograde, especially in regards to matters dealing with the 7th house of our relationships to others. 

Especially since as Mercury goes direct, it will be opposing Chiron retrograde in Aries . This is bound to bring out insecurities from the past, making us revisit painful situations within relationships in which we didn't feel heard or seen.

We're being given a chance to face those insecurities head on, which is the only way we'll be able to move past them. If we're able to talk about them with someone we trust, there's room for some deep healing to happen. 

With Mercury in Libra specifically, it's easier for everyone to understand the other person's point of view. This is an exceptional opportunity to collaborate and achieve mental agreement about matters that require you to consider the equality of a situation. This is also a good time to focus on truly relating to others.

Entering Scorpio Season

Lastly, we’ll be entering Scorpio Season on October 23rd. We’ll be called forward to bring all of our lessons and notes, and continue doing our soul’s “homework” during this time. I will be expanding more on what to expect in Scorpio season in my upcoming November astrology forecast blog. But just to summarize, we will be asked to continue to acknowledge, heal, and release our shadows and burdens in order to evolve. 

The universe does not beat around the bush during this time. If you're not walking the path that's meant for you, you'll likely figure out how to get on track during this season. We’re being asked, and strongly encouraged during this time to check in with ourselves and take accountability for any emotional or behavioral patterns that are destructive. It’s time to transform and take major leaps forward towards our highest authentic soul selves!

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Remember, your guides, and all the divine tools you need are always with you. Sometimes we just misinterpret what’s actually meant to help us, especially when it feels challenging to do so. Or are resistant towards doing the work ourselves. But help is always here, and we at 808 Co are happy to offer any healing or educational services we can to assist your journey as well.

Sending love and healing energy to you all.

The 808 Co Family.