In life there are bends in the roads, times when one door closes and another opens. When eclipses are involved, life can move rather quickly and suddenly in another direction. Astrology teaches us that eclipses are the drivers of fate and October will contain two of them — a lunar eclipse on October 8 and a solar eclipse on October 23 — that will create a new narrative for the next six months. Needless to say October will be an important pivot point for many. And with Mercury in retrograde from October 4–25, much of the action may take until November to unfold.

Before we get to the horoscopes, here’s your Mercury Retrograde checklist:

• Don’t freak out; live your life.
• If you can afford to put off signing or committing to something till November, then please do.
• If changing your mind will cost you $$$, then wait till November to make an investment.
• If you can’t wait, just make space to make adjustments later.
• Do yourself a favor and avoid buying a car, computer, or a house.
• Breathe in, breathe out. Retrace your steps. Meditate. Reflect. Adjust. Revise.

__________

If you know your rising sign, read the corresponding entry below in addition to your Sun sign. If you are new to the zodiac signs, check out my 101 level primer.

__________

ARIES

Surrender has never been your strong suit, Aries. Then again, the last few years have taken you deeper into a process that has often put you at the mercy of powerful cosmic forces. With that in mind, how would it feel to lay down your sword this month? To stop fighting? To let the wave wash over you? The Aries lunar eclipse on October 8 will bring you to the threshold of yet another transformation. You may find yourself making a leap of faith, traveling into the unknown, or making a radical change. With Mars, your ruling planet, spending most of October in Sagittarius, much of this month will focus on journeys, wisdom, and a search for truth. Another eclipse on October 23, this time in Scorpio, will put a major emphasis on themes of life and death over the next six months. Before you get too nervous, note you’ve already been taking inventory of the dark ever since Saturn arrived in Scorpio two years ago. Instead, this may be the month where the different threads finally start to come together and give you clarity about many things in your life. By the end of the month your focus will turn towards career and ambition as Mars will trade Sagittarius for Capricorn on October 26. Nevertheless, you have a dynamic six months ahead of you, Aries. Book your consultation to learn more about how October will unfold for you.

Key Themes: Relationships, shadow work, transformation, breakthroughs, epiphanies, surrender, power, finance, legacies, taxes, debt, faith, philosophy, travel.

Note: If your birthday falls on April 5 plus or minus four days, the coming year will bring a total transformation and awakening.

__________

TAURUS

As an earth sign, you’re all about the things you can touch. But much of the action this month will take you into the realm of the unconscious mind and the exploration of your deeper motivations and feelings — not exactly the solid ground you’re used to. The lunar eclipse on October 8 will put an emphasis on recovery and retreat from the world over the next six months in addition to spiritual exploration. A good counter to all this inner work will be a focus on your physical health in October. With the Sun and Venus highlighting nutrition, diet, and wellness, this may be the month when you decide to make needed changes from kicking a habit or going to the gym. But it’s the solar eclipse on October 23 that will be a driving force into next year. In fact, there will be big changes ahead in relationships and if you’re single, this eclipse will have all the hallmarks of a major relationship entering your life. This may be romantic as well as a business or professional relationship. If you are in a committed partnership, get ready for a new chapter. If you are thinking of ending a relationship, this month may be the month you decide to leave. Book your consultation to learn more about how October will unfold for you.

Key Themes: Spirituality, addiction, recovery, retreat, health, wellness, diet, nutrition, hospitals, relationships, partnership.

__________

Gemini

Starting October 4, Mercury will reverse course for much of the month. Also known as Mercury Retrograde, this will be a natural time for you to pull back and regroup, turning your focus away from action and towards reflection. Mercury is Gemini’s planetary ruler after all and its pivot points will highlight two areas in your life — health and day-to-day routine as well as creativity and identity. You may use the retrograde to get to the bottom of a health mystery or use the energy to make a powerful change in diet and exercise — especially later this month, around the time of the October 23 solar eclipse. Then again, with Saturn’s long term residency in the area of your chart governing health and nutrition, this will be the perfect time to check in with the changes you’ve been working on over the last two years. As for the lunar eclipse on October 8, you may see a shake up in a friendship over the coming months as eclipses have a habit of bringing a long simmering concern to the forefront. Or a brilliant idea or humanitarian ideal may instead cause strife and separation from others. With the North Node of the Moon still in Libra, try to find peace and consensus if you have an argument this month. Book your consultation to learn more about how October will unfold for you.

Key Themes: Health, organization, purging, freedom, individuality, self expression, creativity, genius, separation, relationships, arguments.

__________

Cancer

Of all the twelve signs, the last few years have probably affected you the most, Cancer. You are a sign so deeply aligned with emotional security and feelings of safety that the changes wrenched upon you since 2008 have left a trail not unlike a scar. In many ways you’ve been forced, back against the wall, to react to a world and relationships in a profound place of transition. The eclipses this month will be another stepping stone in a process that has unfolded over the last few years. While change has never been your favorite activity, by now you are practically a warrior, battle tested and battle hardened. Never forget that. Especially when you come to a fork in the road in your career this month. If presented with the option of taking a leap of faith or staying where you are, you may be pleasantly surprised by the new life awaiting you just around the other bend if you take that leap. Choose to stay where you are and you may find it increasingly hard to hold onto old ambitions and ideas of what it means to be successful in the world. The South Node and the planet Uranus in the part of your chart governing career as well as status will mean that in order for something radically new to come into your life, something old must leave. The solar eclipse on October 23 will give you an extra shot of confidence to make that change. Book your consultation to learn more about how October will unfold for you.

Key Themes: Career, transition, unexpected changes, unexpected windfalls, risk, confidence, radical transformation.

Note: If your birthday falls on July 7 plus or minus four days, the coming year will be a turning point.

__________

Leo

Although Jupiter’s arrival in Leo in July has brought many blessings with it, it’s times like these that will remind you of fate’s twists and turns. When the Sun, your ruling planet, moves into line with the heavy duty combination of Uranus and Pluto in early October, you can’t help but transform. Throw in a lunar eclipse on October 8 and you will be poised for a breakthrough, but not before the requisite breakdown. The eclipse will challenge your faith, but hiding in the rubble of transformation will be an epiphany. You may have a powerful realization this month that will not only who you think you are, but deeply held beliefs about yourself and the world as well. If change has you a bit nervous, just remember that Jupiter is in Leo and providing a fair share of luck and nerve. Don’t be afraid to be bold, to leap into the unknown, to write down all the ideas buzzing through your mind this month — even the ones that push you outside of your comfort zone. Later in October, the focus will shift towards home and family. A solar eclipse on October 23 will usher you into a new six month period that may bring anything from a major move and a change in the home to a new beginning in your family. It will be time to build upon the foundation that Saturn has had you laying out over the last two years. Book your consultation to learn more about how October will unfold for you.

Key Themes: Awakening, breakdown/breakthrough, ego versus the transpersonal, loss of faith, ideas, beliefs, creativity, changes in home, a move, family, legacies.

__________

Virgo

Much of the focus this month will fall on money and the material, from the income you make to the resources you drawn on — all thanks to the October 8 lunar eclipse in Aries. If you drawn money from benefits, trusts, or even client income, you may experience a shift over the next six months. What may at first seem like a loss may instead turn out to be an opportunity to completely rethink how you make and spend your money. Uranus in conjunction to the lunar eclipse will invite you to innovate and think outside of the box. This may also be the month where you make a radical change regarding debt. With Saturn in Scorpio until the end of the year, there’s no time like the present to get a handle on spending. Another facet of the lunar eclipse will be its potential to touch on deep psychological material. You may have a sudden realization or awakening about a heretofore hidden emotional issue with the eclipse helping you to release and heal. Moving forward into the solar eclipse of October 23, the narrative in your life will shift towards voice, communication, travel, writing, and learning. This may be an major time when you start a manuscript, take a class that has an important influence, or tap into more clearly expressing how you feel in a liberating way. Book your consultation to learn more about how October will unfold for you.

Key Themes: Money, finance, debt, income, benefits, trusts, psychology, power, healing, release, transformation, voice, communication, writing, travel.

__________

Libra

For a sign so used to being in partnership, you’ve had to learn tough lessons in self reliance and individuality this year. The South Node of the Moon and its passage through the relationship area of your natal chart has been a slow goodbye to someone important in your life. If you’re in a serious partnership, maybe you’ve even felt the growing tension of a relationship that no longer works. With that in mind, the lunar eclipse on October 8 may bring this long simmering matter to a head and this may be the month when you and a partner decide to separate. On the other hand, before you get too nervous, it may be a time when you two decide to sit down and make needed adjustments while still maintaining the relationship. Both of you, however, may be feeling a deep need for individuality and freedom that will need an outlet regardless. Note that this counts for ALL close one-on-one relationships, not just romantic. Looking to the October 23 solar eclipse, the spotlight will be on money and finance. You may be pleasantly surprised by a sudden change in your bank account. Over the next six months you may come across new ways to draw in income. A friend or professional connection may be an unexpected resource into next year. Book your consultation to learn more about how October will unfold for you.

Key Themes: Relationships, freedom, need to individuate, find new expression, letting go of a partnership,

Note: If your birthday falls on the October 8 lunar eclipse plus or minus four days, the coming year will be quite dynamic.

__________

Scorpio

Scorpio, this is your big month! How will you use the powerful hand that the cosmos will deal you in October? It’s hard to believe that you may have an ace in the hole, especially after the abysmal start to 2014. (Remember the first half of the year when you wanted to tear your hair out during Mars retrograde? What a difference ten months make.) Further, your ruling planet Mars will make a dynamic alignment to Uranus and Jupiter in the form of a triangle in the sky. It’s safe to say that you will be quite motivated this month and ready to tackle anything that life throws your way. Career and achievement will continue to be major themes thanks to lucky Jupiter sitting pretty at the top of your chart like a king. The lunar eclipse on October 8 will put a focus on work and organization as well. In fact, you may be so busy this month into next that eclipse will force you to sit down and start drawing up serious lists to get everything organized and scheduled. Careful not to overwork yourself as health may also be sensitive. The big news will be the October 23 solar eclipse right smack on the first day of the Sun’s arrival in Scorpio. The spotlight will be on you over the next six months and with help from Neptune, get ready for magic and creativity and maybe a little glamor and romance as well. Don’t forget to dream big! Book your consultation to learn more about how October will unfold for you.

Key Themes: Money, career, success, status, work, making adjustments to health and daily routine, organization, rebirth, revitalization, creativity, magic.

__________

Sagittarius

What a dynamic month ahead! With Mars in Sagittarius over the last few weeks, you’ve been restless and ready for action. The buildup to the lunar eclipse on October 8 will feel like an archer pulling back his or her bow and taking aim. So, where will you point the arrow? What will be in your sights? If you have energy and enthusiasm in abundance this month, what will you put it towards? The lunar eclipse will also hint that something will change — some aspect of self or how you express your identity and creative passion. When Uranus is involved, we can’t keep the status quo. We have to innovate or else. Then again, Sagittarius, you’ve always been up for the adventure of the unknown. Keep that in mind as events may move quite quickly this month, even with Mercury Retrograde from October 4–25. Maybe Mercury Retrograde will be the breaks you need in an otherwise fast paced month. The solar eclipse in Scorpio on October 23 will turn the narrative towards the mystical and unconscious. The next six months may have a distinct theme of inner, intuitive, and spiritual exploration. It will also be the end of the road in some way. Scorpio is Sagittarius’s 12th House — the last house. Even though you will be filled with overwhelming creativity and fire this month, there will be the sense that something is coming to an end. When Saturn enters Sagittarius at the end of December, you will have better clarity as to what that will be. Book your consultation to learn more about how October will unfold for you.

Key Themes: Creativity, self expression, identity, take charge, breakout, innovation, exploration, travel, spirituality, the end of a journey.

__________

Capricorn

Along with your cardinal sign brethren, you’ve had a bit of a rough go of it lately. And between Pluto in Capricorn and Saturn in Scorpio, you’ve been to hell and back in the last couple of years. All the strain has taken a toll and you may find that this month will be a time when you crave the quiet and the solitude of retreat. Meditation and spiritual exploration may also be a strong theme as you spend October resting and seeking deeper meaning to all that you’ve been through lately. The lunar eclipse on October 8 will bring matters to a head in the home and family. You may make a decision to move in the coming weeks or feel a restless impulse to make a radical change to your surroundings. A parent or family member may also need your attentive care if they are recuperating in the hospital. If we look toward the October 23 solar eclipse, we will see a much better outlook. In fact, career and achievement may be a major focus over the next six months. Venus, your career planet, will be right on the eclipse and you may find doors quickly opening for you as well as finally achieving a long held dream or goal. A major friendship may also enter your life or opportunity to give back, help others, or be the humanitarian. Networking and group affiliations will also be a big theme over the next six months! Book your consultation to learn more about how October will unfold for you.

Key Themes: Home, family, moving, a change in the home, endings, retreat, dreams, meditation, spiritual exploration,

Note: If your birthday falls on January 6 plus or minus four days, the coming year will be a turning point.

__________

Aquarius

As the most intellectual and visionary sign of the zodiac, you’re never short of brilliant ideas, Aquarius. And with the lunar eclipse falling in the part of your chart that’s all about communication, writing, and speaking, you will have a decision ahead of you — what to do with all these ideas? Will you write a manuscript? Collaborate with a partner or group of people to get them out into the world? Is there a fear that your ideas are too radical or forward thinking and will not be well received? Not to worry, Aquarius. It’s your inherent role in the zodiac to be the conduit for futuristic concepts and new ways of doing things. Allow your genius to run free this month, even if it puts you out there. October will also be a busy month as well, filled with phone calls, emails, texts, travel, and volley of words back and forth. A solar eclipse in Scorpio on October 23, right on the highest point in your chart will mean that the next six months will have a major focus on career and status. You will be entering a public time in your life — a time when there will a focus on what you do and what you have to share with the world. There may be a career change in the months ahead, from a new job to taking a bold step up the ladder of your ambitions. This may also be a time when you feel as though you’ve finally arrived towards a goal after much hard work and commitment! Book your consultation to learn more about how October will unfold for you.

Key Themes: Writing, speaking, communication, chatter, movement, curiosity, collaboration, genius, innovation, career change, the public, ambition, status, goals.

__________

Pisces

This month the spotlight will be on your wallet, the income you make, and the things you own. Let’s be honest — money tends to make people a little nervous. We’re acutely aware when we don’t have it and afraid the good times won’t last when we do. With the October 8 lunar eclipse landing right in the section of your chart governing how you make your money, you may find yourself at a turning point or having to make a decision this month. Is it time to think out of box? Innovate how you earn a living? Move everything online? Look for clients overseas? Take a leap of faith? Seeing how Mars will be in your career house for much of October, there may be bigger changes ahead that will directly tie into income. Like I said, Pisces, don’t be nervous. Innovate! The solar eclipse on October 23 will begin a big chapter for you that will highlight long distance or foreign travel, philosophy, religion, belief, higher education, and law. The next six months may be quite busy as you jet from one location to another, seeking out adventure and new experiences. You may even travel for work or go back to school in order to move ahead in your career or get published. Another facet to the next six months will be a deeper search for truth and meaning, an inward journey as well as an outward one. Book your consultation to learn more about how October will unfold for you.

Key Themes: Money, how you make your income, the things you buy, resources, finance, career, status, innovation, client income, benefits, foreign travel, journeys, truth, wisdom, philosophy, belief, law.