moon cycles
Astrological Forecast October 26 – November 1, 2020
As Halloween approaches, we’ll have two significant astrological events to move us through the week, beginning with Venus’ move into Libra on Tuesday, and culminating in a Hunter’s Full Moon in Taurus on Saturday. This rare second Full Moon in the same month is also known as a Blue Moon. Keep in mind that the Moon has an obvious effect on us as it waxes full this week, and in Taurus it will remind us to honor the beautiful things in our lives and appreciate all those who we share our worlds with.
With Mercury still retrograde, it’s important to pay attention to those mixed messages and use the Scorpio Sun to filter out what’s true and what’s merely an illusion. We may not get much done under Monday and Tuesday’s Pisces Moon, but that will shift on Wednesday and Thursday as the Moon charges through productive Aries. The weekend closes out under a Taurus Moon, calling for us to attend our most physical needs and financial balances. It could be a good time for a garage sale, as the full Moon promotes release, and the Scorpio Sun inspires ingenious ways to make a little extra money.
Once In A Blue Moon
The metaphysics for this month is subject to an astrological rarity. October 2020 features what is known as a Blue Moon, or a second Full Moon in the same calendar month. This month’s second Full Moon will take place next week, on October 31st, and is traditionally known as the Hunter’s Moon. It follows the Harvest Full Moon that took place on October 1st.
As you may have guessed, the phenomenon of the Blue Moon gave rise to the popular saying ‘once in a blue moon.’ It is used to refer to something that is unusual or special, or a rare event that seldom happens.
The origin of the term itself is unclear, but it has nothing to do with the actual color of the Moon. The earliest written record of the term ‘blue moon’ has been found in an 1528 pamphlet composed by two friars, William Roy and Jerome Barlow, in which they state, “Oh church men are wily foxes… If they say the moon is blue, we must believe that it is true.” It has since become part of pop culture and modern folklore, including being the namesake of popular songs and movies.
Astrologically speaking, two full moons in a month only takes place about seven times every nineteen years, due to the way the Moon’s orbital cycle does not line up exactly with calendars on Earth. It’s a rarity, for sure.
So, what can we expect during such a rare event?
Astrological Forecast October 19 – 25, 2020
The Sun will move into Scorpio on Thursday, joining with Mercury retrograde to call on us to review, revise and go deep within, to see where clearing or change is needed. Scorpio will add intensity to our spiritual movements over the next four weeks, reminding us to honor the intuitive and soulful messages that arise during this cycle.
A light-hearted and productive week arises as the Moon travels through Sagittarius on Monday and Tuesday, followed by an industrious Capricorn Moon through Thursday. The weekend unfolds under an Aquarius Moon, encouraging us to think outside the box,. Expect the unexpected and embrace the joyful unity you feel with all those around you. Friendship is the theme, so reach out to those important people who sustain your life and support your every effort.
Astrological Forecast October 12 – 18, 2020
Mercury goes retrograde in Scorpio on Tuesday, so we need to be alert and stay on our toes, especially in aspects of communication, technology, legal agreements and travel. And because Scorpio is a water sign, this will also be a time of intense emotional introspection and clarity.
Interestingly, Mercury will resume its normal forward motion again on election day in the United States, on November 3, 2020. This may affect voter turnout, the functioning of voting equipment, early ballots being lost, and delays in the final results. Not the best timing, Mercury! Even without the retrograde preceding the election by three weeks, it is sure to be an interesting time, full of twists and turns!
The Libra New Moon on Friday will set the stage for two weeks of new beginnings, and potentially redirect us if we’ve lost sight of our current goals. This is also a strong lunation for relationships and the possibility to create new ones, or re-balance current ones, and embrace new potentials.
Practice extra caution over the weekend, as the Moon travels through Scorpio. It has a tendency to create an illusion, or throw us off balance, so be as mindful as possible at the end of this somewhat restless, scattered week.
Astrological Forecast October 5 – 11, 2020
An easy-going week awaits us, with no major astrological shifts or surprises, but do keep in mind that Mercury will be going retrograde next week, and could create a few electronic and technical glitches, as it slows down. This is a great week to back up your computer, iPhone and any device that stores lots of your personal information.
Monday will turn out to be our most productive day of the week as the Moon travels through Taurus, so get important work out of the way as best you can. Tuesday and Wednesday are ideal for socializing, information gathering and learning new things, as the Moon dances through curious Gemini. The Moon will enter Cancer on Thursday and have us turning inward through Saturday, attending our emotional, home and personal needs. A bit of over-sensitivity could loom on Friday, so be careful not to take things too personally, or fall under an illusion. The Leo Moon will brighten our Sunday as it encourages self-care and generosity with others.
September 2020 Weekly Astrology Forecasts
September 7 – 13
We may not get much done on Monday, but if there is anything that just has to be completed, be sure to get to it on Tuesday, as the rest of the week will be a free-for-all!
Mars will go retrograde on Wednesday – a cycle that typically only happens once every two years. For the next two months it will be traveling backward, and being the planet of movement and action, we may all feel like we’re traveling in circles and unable to get any traction or make any headway.
Mars will be retracing its steps in Aries, the sign it rules, making it especially challenging for Aries and fire signs Leo and Sagittarius. It’s higher purpose is to give us the chance to go back and do things differently – quite appropriate, since it will be retrograde during the 2020 US Presidential Election, and won’t resume forward motion until November 13th.
Jupiter will turn direct on Saturday, ending its four-month retrograde cycle and bringing things back into balance on a personal level. It may take a few weeks for it to get ‘back on track,’ but once it does, we’ll find it easier to see the gifts in any blockages or delays Mars creates, as it begins its bi-annual retrograde cycle.
September 14 – 20
Except for Thursday’s new Moon in Virgo, things are pretty quiet on the astrological front this week, and should flow along pretty smoothly.
Monday’s Leo Moon will bring out our generous and gregarious sides, making for joyful interactions and heartfelt exchanges.
Tuesday and Wednesday the Moon travels through Virgo, making this the perfect time to attend detailed work, create a new budget, or make plans for a special upcoming event.
If you’ve been neglecting yourself physically or financially, the New Moon in Virgo will spur you into action to get things back on track, so starting a new class, exercise routine or scheduling a minor procedure will be easy under this influence.
The Moon dances through Libra on Friday and Saturday, casting a lovely and balanced tone to our movements. Romance will be in the air, and partnerships and friendships of all kinds will flourish.
Sunday’s Scorpio Moon will call us to go inward and relax to restore our energy and enjoy the wave of soulful and spiritual peace in the heavens.
September 21 – 27
The Sun will move into Libra on Tuesday, setting the stage for a month of loving, balanced and nurturing energy. Partnerships may grow stronger and those still looking for true love will have an open window from the Universe to meet their soulmates.
In fact, Monday’s Scorpio Moon is the perfect time to set your intentions for the month ahead, as its karmic nature can open doors that have been closed to you for years, so on the eve of the Sun’s move into Libra, take some time to meditate, write down your wishes or dreams. and then turn them over to the Universe for manifestation!
Thursday and Friday will be our most productive days of the week, so don’t worry if you can’t seem to get anything done until then, as you’ll make up for lost time in an instant.
The Moon will inspire us as it travels through Aquarius on Saturday and Sunday, spurring us to investigate new places, people, activities and creative ideas. Take advantage of this innovative cycle, as once Mercury moves into Scorpio on Sunday, our thoughts will turn inward to focus on more spiritual matters for the next few weeks.
September 28 – October 4
There are all kinds of activity happening in the heavens this week, with two planets going direct, one changing signs and a full Moon as the cherry on top! Saturn comes up first, as it turns direct on Monday after almost five months of retrograde motion. Once it gets some traction in a few weeks, earth signs (Capricorn, Virgo, Taurus) will finally experience some major breakthroughs, while the other signs of the zodiac will appreciate a return to discipline and balance that it brings. The Aries full Moon occurs on Thursday, and because it is also known as the Hunter Moon, it can often create the catalyst for new beginnings, provided we are finally ready to release the past and let go of things that are holding us back. This Full Moon calls for us to look into our hearts and minds and see what needs to be cleared out so that new opportunities can appear.
Venus moves into Virgo on Friday, and this can make the planet of love a little fussy! Try to keep an open mind and don’t dismiss anything because you don’t think you’ll like it. On an up note, Venus in Virgo can also bring out the humanitarian side of our natures, as well as an eye for detail, redecorating ideas and organizational projects.
The week will end with Pluto going direct, which will set the tone for social change and heightened awareness of the world around us over the next eight months.
The Magical Energy Of The Moon
The Moon has a powerful influence on our lives. Not only does it determine the tides of the ocean and how plants grow, but you may have noticed it also affects our mood! Connecting to the powerful phases of the Moon can bring enlightenment to your life by way of the moon’s cycles and movement. It can shape our lives and the choices we make. Being in tune with the Moon’s powerful energy can bring you greater awareness of body, mind and soul.
Depending how the Sun, Moon and Earth align on a particular day, only a part of the Moon is usually visible to us. The tracking of the Moon’s phases goes back thousands of year in various spiritual traditions and cultural customs. Traditionally, the New Moon is considered to be the start of the month and a good time to start anew. And the Full Moon is seen as a time of celebration, delight, and mystery.
A Full Moon occurs every 29.5 days, when the Earth is situated directly between the Sun and the Moon, making it appear to us on Earth as a complete circle… illuminated and breathtaking! Native Americans relied on the Moon to guide them in daily life. They gave symbolic names for each of the Full Moons, based on the unique events of each particular month of the year.
January – Wolf Moon
The January Moon is thus named due to the cold, snowy winters, when wolves would howl hungrily outside tribal villages, looking for food. January’s Full Moon is also known as ‘Old Moon’ and ‘Ice Moon.’
February – Snow Moon
February’s Full Moon is named for the abundant snow that usually occurs during the month. The snow made it hard to hunt, and food in the winter was scarce. Therefore it is also known as the ‘Hunger Moon.’