october 2026 astrological forecast
By Carl Mamula
Retrograde season is upon us...
October brings with it a Mercury Retrograde, yes, but this one is preceded by its more glamorous sister Venus Retrograde. Venus Retrograde occurs every 18 months so, and this period marks a time to review and reflect on all Venusian matters such as love and relationships, money, beauty, values, taste and desire, the finer things in life.
Venus stations retrograde in Scorpio on October 3, turning her eye toward Mercury which is holding an impressive t-square against Mars in Leo and Pluto in Aquarius. This is definitely an intense way to start off the month: think power struggles and hidden tensions among the individual vs. the collective. However, Mercury in Scorpio, a natural sign for both Mars and Pluto, is very well placed to navigate this energy with strong perspective. There's a potent lesson available for you here if you can find it. Look for the powerful message you need to hear and tune out the typical drone of news about all the awful things going on the world. Likely this message relates to something you can be empowered to take action on. Mars is freshly divinely inspired coming off of a trine with Neptune in Aries on October 2. And with Venus making her way back to Mercury to cross paths, there will be ample opportunity to sit with any new insights and review what we really want.
On October 4 the Sun in Libra opposes Saturn retrograde in Aries, highlighting challenges in the area of self vs. other. This is a social season we're in, but our own ambitions ask us to make space for them too - even as we're still figuring things out.
In the evening of October 6, Mercury and Venus conjoin. We also see Mars catch support from Uranus in Gemini via sextile, morning of the 7th. This is a great time for some kind of creative crystallization or integration. Maybe doing something you love sparks a brilliant idea. Our true desires come sharper into focus and we may very well be downloaded a pathway of how to go after them.
On October 10, we have the New Moon in Libra. We also have Venus squaring Mars the same day. Relationship conflicts may emerge as we try to reset or renegotiate our priorities. There's always the chance to give someone grace, but don't sell yourself short in the process.
Pluto goes direct on October 15, also a day where the Sun receives a lovely sextile from Jupiter in Leo. New movements are stirring in the collective. A dramatic story may be unfolding, but this feels like a light moment of enjoyment - and we get a boost of productivity too, with Mars trine Saturn on the 16th.
Things get a little spicier once Venus perfects its square to Pluto on October 20. Thinking back to the beginning of the month, Venus has reached the point Mercury was sitting in a t-square to Mars and Pluto as her retrograde began. This is a great time to do a check-in against any insights we may have gleaned during that stage. Are they still relevant, and are we putting them into practice? Is there something we need to let go of that's holding us back from achieving our desire - or is a false desire what's truly holding us back? Answering this could poke at some sore spots as the Sun opposes Chiron in Aries on October 21.
On October 23, the Sun enters Scorpio, coming into conjunction with Venus late that night, then Mercury stations retrograde in Scorpio within several hours. This Scorpio season asks us to hit the pause button almost from the jump. This is so we can shine a light on the reflective work we've been doing and take some time to appreciate any inner transformation that's occurred. Mercury will retread most of the ground it's walked this month to ensure you don't miss any lessons.
Venus moves back into Libra on the 25th, ready to recalibrate and look for the harmony it gravitates to. Late that night we have the Full Moon in Venus-ruled Taurus, which stokes some tension as Pluto involves both luminaries in a t-square perfecting with the Sun the following morning. This is sensuality and intimacy with a dark tinge and an undercurrent of revolution in the air. We may have our eye fixed on a desire, but this is a night where fate decides what we'll actually receive.
The last days of the month have just a few bumps in the road. Sensitivity may resurface with Venus opposing Chiron on the 28th, and Mercury squaring Mars on the 30th could activate some triggers as well. But Halloween looks relatively clear for some drama-free revelry, as we've all probably had enough real thrills with the Pluto-powered t-squares this month.
Good luck this October, and may all the planetary movements serve the highest good of yourself, your loved ones, and the world at large. Blessings!