This month we experience two significant astrological events. First, Venus turns retrograde in the sign of Libra on October 5, 2018, which prompts us to cultivate greater self-love, and increases the desire for balance and harmony in our relationships.  Second, Jupiter, the great benefic planet, shifts signs on October 11, 2018, moving to the transformative sign of Scorpio for more than a year.  With Jupiter in Scorpio our focus turns to exploring the mysteries of life and becoming conscious of our innate strength and power.

Venus is traveling through one of its favorite signs, Libra, from September 1, 2018 until January 1, 2019. During this four-month period, Venus goes retrograde for about six weeks, from October 5 to November 16, 2018. Venus normally goes retrograde every other year. Retrograde planets are closer to the earth and therefore stronger.  Things also slow down with retrograde energies.  Areas of life ruled by Venus may not behave normally or even reverse, so patience is required now. Also if Venus is a dominant planet in your chart, then this retrograde period will impact you in a more significant way.

Venus rules love, relationship, marriage, art and creativity, healing, the divine feminine, nature, and finance. A big emphasis during the Venus retrograde period in Libra will be about love, relationship, and healing. We are reviewing our relationships in order to include greater authenticity, integrity, and wholeness. This is a special time for healing old, emotional traumas and increasing our self-worth. Ex-partners can return or memories from past relationships can surface now for completion and closure.  Venus retrograde is usually not the best time to enter into new relationships, but wait until Venus goes direct.

Especially with Venus traveling through the peace-loving sign of Libra, notice if you ignore your own needs in order to keep harmony in your environment. Is this creating balance within you? Do you need time for greater self-care? Do you have issues about lack of support in love? We are refining love with Venus retrograde, so try not to confuse love with pleasure or infatuation. We are examining our definition of real love, beyond the physical, and learning how to best express it.  Be patient with yourself and others. See and feel love and compassion with everyone you meet, and in all you do. Have gratitude and stay balanced.

Materially, we reconsider and review our financial plans and resources during Venus retrograde. We can also scrutinize our involvement and agreements with business partners. What do we really feel is truly valuable in our lives and are we honoring that?  In light of the current political scene, women’s issues that have not been acknowledged or long-hidden may now come up for reconsideration and healing. Creative projects and artistic endeavors are also highlighted.

Our perceptions may not be as clear when Venus is retrograde, and we can make choices too quickly with highly-charged emotions. So remember, this is really a time of gathering insight, learning, and review. Then when Venus goes direct on November 16, all of these Venus –ruled themes move forward with greater solidity and perception.

Jupiter, the great benefic planet, changes signs, moving into Scorpio on October 11, 2018 until November 4, 2019. This is a major astrological event when expansive Jupiter changes signs, and now Jupiter gives the sign of Scorpio its beneficence. Jupiter is happier in Scorpio, than it was during its previous transit through Libra, as the sign of Scorpio is ruled by Mars, and Mars is friendly to Jupiter. In addition, if Scorpio rules a positive house for you, then this transit becomes even more auspicious for you.

Jupiter, planet of wisdom, spirituality, and education, in the intense and passionate sign of Scorpio, creates strong urges to add greater spiritual content to our lives, and to uncover hidden, mystical truths. Finding deeper meaning to life is indicated. Jupiter in Scorpio can also amplify our feelings and intuition. We find it easier to be disciplined and devoted to our meditation practice and personal sadhana. Jupiter in Scorpio also helps us to face our shadow, enabling us to deeply heal, transform and change.

Jupiter is also the major planet that rules money, prosperity, and generosity.  Jupiter’s nature is to give, so find those things that help bring about a positive transformation in the world and donate your time and money to those causes. But watch for the extravagant side of Jupiter especially while in the sign of intense Scorpio, and monitor your spending and be discerning with investments. Moderation is the key.

Scorpio is also a sign that rules medicine, science, and healing, so more focus will be on research, diagnostic procedures, and innovative or alternative healing modalities. Jupiter also rules law, ethics, and morality, and in the fixed water sign of Scorpio we feel very passionate about our convictions and we deeply want the truth and what is best for all concerned.  But watch for self-righteousness, hidden motives, and addiction to power in our world.

Jupiter in Scorpio ultimately helps us to be more decisive, and increases our inner strength and will power. Allow this transit to transform you and help to uncover your innate talents. Commitment to our highest ideals and creating a secure, spiritual foundation in life is possible.