Astrological Forecast Autumn 2023
Dreamy planetary influences mid-November conspire to make the world a kinder, gentler and happier place where dreams come true.
Artwork©KenjiroMorita/123rf.com
Autumn Equinox and Sun in Libra — September 23-October 22
Here on the U.S. east coast autumn officially begins when the Sun enters Libra a few hours after midnight on Saturday, September 23rd. Libra is a cardinal or proactive sign. Outwardly, the Sun’s sign change signals it’s time to get busy readying for cooler weather. Inwardly, key relationships call for attention. Fittingly, the day’s gritty Capricorn Moon supports taking on ambitious challenges.
The days of late September fly by, hastened by the waxing Moon. Autumn’s first full Moon is on Friday, September 29th. The Harvest Moon in Aries is exact before dawn, at 5:58AM EDT. Peaceful and productive partnering is spotlighted. A “we first” attitude sustains harmonious relationships. However, that same afternoon Venus is at odds with Uranus. Unexpected expenses can strain partnerships. Schedules may be disrupted. Bear with changes, especially those that cannot be controlled. More agreeable energies arrive Saturday, September 30th, when mental Mercury is in a fabulous trine with Uranus. Gatherings, both planned and spontaneous are glorious, making for memorable times. This sparkling day could see more than one epiphany.
Mercury remains active the first few days of October. The communications planet is simultaneously in two meaningful alignments. On Monday the 2nd, Mercury opposes Neptune and the very next afternoon forms a trine with Pluto. The first aspect can induce mental laziness or quite the opposite — spurts of inspired creativity. Tuesday’s trine is great for accurately sizing up people and situations. As the Buddhist saying puts it, “First thought, best thought.” Doing deep research and strategizing with partners are also favored activities.
Early Friday morning October 6th, a change of priorities and plans could be under way. The last quarter phase of the Moon often prompts soul searching and reevaluations of current commitments. With the Moon in loyal Cancer, making a substantial change can feel daunting. Mixed trends over the weekend of the 7th and 8th can sustain a keen sense of struggle. On Sunday the 8th, Mars is in an exact square with Pluto. Do your best to calmly persist while navigating turbulent emotional waters.
A total surrender to love is advisable around the time of Venus’ annual opposition to Saturn after midnight on Tuesday, October 10th. Pluto resumes forward motion later the same day. Responsibilities that are the foundation of long term relationships are priorities. Mellower times follow over the next few days under the waning crescent Moon.
The new Moon in Libra during the afternoon of Saturday, October 14th is also a solar eclipse. Look inside your heart, but putting the needs of others first is underscored. Make decisions jointly, especially where accountability is an issue. Healthy partnerships can thrive during the coming weeks, provided responsibilities are shared openly and willingly.
The mid-month period hums along, but the weekend of the 21st and 22nd brings a spicy mix of starry influences. Tensions abound on Saturday under the first quarter Moon in Capricorn. Venting is tempting, but it’s far better to treat others with kindness and understanding. Fortunately, Venus is in a fantastic trine with Jupiter, supporting loving ways. Mercury’s Sunday arrival in Scorpio helps folks make good choices, thanks to a reassuring trine angle with wise old Saturn.
The Sun in Scorpio — October 23-November 21
Scorpio season begins during the noon hour on Monday, October 23rd. A solar trine with Saturn promises a productive week. Loyalty and persistence are rewarded. The pace of life soon accelerates. Mars is nearing an opposition to Jupiter, and for some people, things cannot happen quickly enough. The aspect is exact at noon on Saturday, October 28th. Later that afternoon the full Moon in Taurus is eclipsed. Notable gains and realizations are probable. Slow down enough to savor your victories. Be open to changing plans. Saturday night celebrations are boisterous.
Sunday, October 29th is also a high energy day. Enthusiasm and anticipation are both incredibly high. Choose your words thoughtfully and don’t hurry. The future will take its time becoming known. Friendly vibes increase as Halloween nears. Visionary types clearly see the best in others as Venus trines Uranus the morning of the 31st.
November arrives with mellow moods. Excitement quickly builds. On Thursday, November 2nd, the impact of the Scorpio Sun testing Jupiter is felt. Hopes and expectations are on the rise. Friday, November 3rd, brings a fantastic sense of possibility as well as strong emotional ties with associates. Far-sighted idealists continue to make a strong impact on Saturday. With Saturn in Pisces returning to forward motion on the 4th, be bold. Imagine the impossible becoming probable.
Some matters are reconsidered under Sunday, November 5th’s last quarter Moon in Leo. Be flexible. Don’t let pride hold up progress. The week of Monday the 6th, is slow going at first. The advantages of teamwork become increasingly clear during the late afternoon. Midweek negotiations and problem solving are made easier by Mercury’s sextile to Pluto but a difficult impasse is likely to occur on Friday, November 10th. It may be wise to take a long weekend timeout. It’s late in the lunar cycle and on Saturday, November 11th, Mars makes a dangerous opposition with Uranus. Proceed with caution.
Get back to business with Monday, the 13th’s Scorpio new Moon. Mars is close by the Sun and Moon and the trio stand in opposition to unpredictable Uranus. Haste can lead to many unwanted complications under such a challenging alignment. Potential breakthroughs are worthy of careful consideration, but don’t look for instant gratification. Take one careful step at a time.
From Tuesday, November 14th through Friday the 17th, there are many happy hours. In her own sign of Libra, Venus is an active player. Artists, creative types and lovers of all persuasions can and do make the world a kinder, gentler and more beautiful place. Late that week Mars and the Scorpio Sun conspire with Neptune to make dreams come true. A Friday night soiree combines pleasure with professional opportunities.
Important gains continue to be made on Monday, November 20th, and Tuesday the 21st. The powerful Sun/Mars duo in Scorpio aligns with Pluto. Use the potent energies well. Working with others is particularly favored.
The Sun in Sagittarius — November 22-December 21
Hopeful, freedom-loving Sagittarius is our perennial gateway to the holidays. It should be no surprise that the Sun enters the Sign of the Archer November 22nd, the day before Thanksgiving. Here in the States this promises to be an exceptionally busy travel day. The pull of an open highway is strong.
However, on Thanksgiving Day a morning square between the Sun and Saturn cautions against getting carried away by speed, emotions, thoughts or words. Do your best to maintain self-control. Respect the rules of the road. Thursday’s feasting features improving trends. By late afternoon hearts and minds are buoyant. Early Friday morning, November 24th, feisty Mars arrives in Sagittarius. Political and religious persuasions are passionately held this holiday season. Mars’ Saturday morning square to Saturn plus a nearly full Moon create a smoldering weekend atmosphere. If you elect to inform or educate, keep it light and employ humor. Be respectful of others’ opinions, no matter how wrong-headed they may be.
During the predawn hours of Monday, November 27th, the Moon is full in Gemini. Mercury is square, confusing Neptune the same morning. At one time or another we all have to live with mysteries and unanswered questions. This is likely to be one of those occasions. Inspired folks are wise to pursue creative outlets and serve less fortunate souls. The final few days of the month are quiet.
December, with her depth, darkness and twinkling holiday lights, begins with many serious considerations. Mercury, newly arrived in Capricorn as of the 1st, is in a sextile with Saturn. The alignment emphasizes practicality as well as longevity. The first two days of the month are good for planning and shopping for utilitarian gifts.
Don’t overlook or minimize a partner’s emotional concerns during Sunday morning, December 3rd. Simply being present and holding space for your loved ones is a precious gift while Venus is at odds with Pluto. Loving and living are easier as the working week of Monday, the 4th gets under way. Both Venus and Jupiter bring emotional and material rewards. On Thursday, December 7th, Mercury combines with Jupiter to promote optimism, faith and encourage scholars, students and travelers. Moods remain festive into the weekend. Saturday, the 9th, features a great night for a seasonal gathering.
Sunday drivers are advised to use caution on December 10th. Monday the 11th is another upbeat day, but it is the final full day of the lunar cycle. Hold off on launching new enterprises until after Tuesday evening’s Sagittarius new Moon. The fresh activity cycle has a few wrinkles. Mental Mercury turns retrograde on Wednesday, December 13th. The midweek planetary indicators are positive, but plans may need to be revised.
During the evening of Saturday, December 16th, challenging square aspects between the Aquarius Moon and Uranus, as well as the Sagittarius Sun and Neptune, can cause indecision and confusion. Drive safely and watch out for inclement weather. Pay attention to what you put in your body. Monday, December 18th is a plus day for traveling. Be ready for a change of plans in the days leading up to winter solstice. Autumn ends and winter officially begins the night of Thursday, December 21st. Keep looking up!
Eric Linter offers a complete range of astrological services including readings and classes. Contact him at stars@ericlinter.com or by telephone at 508-541-4115. Read his Daily Forecast on the Spirit of Change homepage at spiritofchange.org. Attend Eric’s talk “Using Astrology to Make Your Dreams Come True” at the Natural Living Expo, Sunday, November 12 at 10:30.
