The astrological forecast for October is based on Vedic astrology and the Panchanga (Vedic calendar) whose five limbs include:
1) day of the week (Vara)
2) day in the lunar cycle (Tithi)
3) half-day in the lunar cycle (Karana)
4) zodiacal position of the Moon in lunar mansion (Nakshatra) and
5) relationship between the positions of the Sun and Moon (Yoga).
Also considered are various sidereal transits and unique Panchanga combinations also called Yogas. In this general forecast based on traditional meanings, times given are Pacific Daylight Time.
LUNATION and ECLIPSE DAYS:
The New Moon Day (Amavasya) begins the lunar month, and the Full Moon Day (Poornima) shows the month’s unique qualities.
Poornima (Full Moon): Monday, October 10 at 4:38 P.M. until Tuesday, October 11 at 7:05 P.M. in sidereal Pisces in soft and gentle star Revati Nakshatra.
Amavasya (New Moon): Tuesday, October 25 at 4:45 P.M until Wednesday, October 26 at 12:55 P.M. in sidereal Libra in swift natured star Swati Nakshatra.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1
Today’s Moon in the friendly and humanitarian star Anuradha Nakshatra naturally encourages a collective project. Five planets gathered in sidereal Virgo suggest a strong element of perfectionism and attention to detail.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 4
Venus enters Libra until October 27, where this planet of romance and affection becomes especially well-placed and encourages greater sweetness and stability in relationship.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 6
During this month of numerous Vedic festivals, today marks the culmination day of Navaratri, the nine-night festival of the Goddess known as Vijaya Dashami (Victorious Tenth Lunar Day). This is considered one of four uniquely favorable days of each year, when major new beginnings of all kinds are especially blessed. Among today’s various meanings: today marks the victory of goddess Durga as a demon-slayer, symbolizing the success of our efforts at overcoming our own particular inner demons or outer tests.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 9
This is one of the more harsh days in early October, where the Moon in edgy star Poorva Bhadrapada (symbolized as a two faced man) may bring the unsettling and dreamlike experience of walking between two worlds.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11
Tonight’s beautiful bright Full Moon marks the harvest festival known as Sharad Poornima, dedicated to Lakshmi, goddess of spiritual and material prosperity. It is believed that she grants blessings to those who stay awake on this night, worshipping her and fasting on milk (or milk substitutes like coconut water) kept outside in an open vessel to absorb the cooling, calming essence of moonlight. Ayurvedically, this intake of cooling milk serves as a seasonal remedy and ceremonial reminder to balance one’s fiery pitta element after the hot summer.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13
Saturn is in exact degree as the Sun today and hidden in solar rays (deeply ‘combust’) throughout most of mid-October. This affliction to practical Saturn may leave us continually and perhaps needlessly wondering if we are mature enough or working hard enough.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 18
The Sun enters sidereal Libra today: important beginnings are traditionally avoided on days of solar ingress.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21
Today’s Moon in close conjunction with determined Mars and in the shrewd and hypnotic star Ashlesha Nakshatra (symbolized as a coiled serpent) may bring situations that involve rushed circumstances and hidden information. This is a day to step back to find one’s own quiet center when crossing paths with persuasive salespeople and others who may have a strong agenda.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 26
Today’s New Moon marks the main day of India’s major festival Deepavali, the ‘Festival of Light.’ Puja (ritual worship), gift-giving and many shining oil lamps signify the victory over darkness within and the radiant awareness of one’s inner light.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 31
Venus exerts a pervasive yet complex influence today, where this planet’s themes of sensuality and luxury can easily cross a line into tawdriness or gluttony. This is a Halloween to pause and reflect before opting for a racy costume, a major lavish purchase or extra handfuls of chocolate. (Venus and Mercury are within one degree apart, forming the adverse too-close conjunction known as ‘planetary war’; Venus becomes the ‘conquering’ planet owning to higher northern latitude.)
Tamiko Fischer is a practicing Vedic astrologer. She welcomes your comments and inquiries by phone (505) 310 – 8929 or e-mail: tamiko9@hotmail.com. Website: www.tamikofischer.com
