October 2008 Forecast
By Gwynne Mayer MA

October will begin with the continuing saga of Mercury Retrograde which, as you all can see, is affecting the communication on Wall Street, the USA Government and all of those who are involved with their finances and investments. The economic situation is frightful if you listen to the communiqués from the news networks as even they don't know how to read the confusion that surrounds these Mercury Retrogrades. Much of the energy of the retrograde will solve its own problems if left without too much interference. The forecast for each sign will have something to do with that signs approach to finances and the general way money and monetary means are perceived, personally. If you know your ascendant and moon sign, then you can also read under that sign as well as they are of major importance in your chart. The Mercury in Virgo retrograde began on the 24th of September and will continue to the 15th of October, going back to its original point of retrograde on October 30th, for those of you who follow this important transit. Enjoy!

Aries --- Aries becomes quite befuddled with the retrograde in the house of their priorities, health and money because of the confusion and the lack of organization that occurs alongside this retrograde as it occurs in their solar 6th house. The Aries must make a concerted effort to stay calm and not spend on impulse or act on impulse when in regards to their finances, joint of individual. This often sets in motion some stress for those who act on impulse, as most Aries are prone to do, claiming it is their 'instinct'.

Taurus --- Taurus has this retrograde occurring in their fifth house and this will affect finances of children or some of the more risky investments made. Definitely watch the retirement funds as they are affected in the market, 401K etc….Tauruses will have to keep note of those persons that they must collect monies, as those monies may not be available at this time. Taurus must also watch overeating, overdrinking, anything that is delving too much into the senses so that they don't add to the stress on their bodies at this time.

Gemini --- Gemini is affected in the 4th house which is around home and those things that apply to home, especially if they have offices in their home. This can become quite frustrating and disorderly if they don't take their time and organize to keep things current and in categorical spaces. Gemini can fritter more energy away during this time and add to their nervous stress or connections to home and the peace that should come with 'being at home'. Communications with those loved ones in the family may also come up with problems, especially if siblings are involved.

Cancer --- Cancers will find their communications are not timely and will become confused over shutting others out or being shut out by others. This can be hurtful and confusing to the family and those who they value as of ultimate importance in their lives. Cars and transportation need to be looked at as well. The overall maintenance of the mode of transportation is important and should be thoroughly completed. Hurt feelings and repressed emotions will be a problem during this time so, after October 15th, you will see the light of day.

Leo --- The retrograde is occurring in Leo's 2nd house of money spent and partnering with finances. It will be confusing so pay special attention on the first of the month as to which bills you are paying and be certain that these are not underpaid or overpaid. It might be time to look at a budget and actually adhere to it, which is something a Leo will balk at, due to the restraining features. Leo's must hold tight to their monies during this time and rethink how they are spending as to how much is coming in to the coffers and how much is going out. Entertainment and enjoyment are very important to Leos but this might be a time to reconsider until the end of the retrograde.

Virgo --- Virgos are having a real frustrating time with this as it is affecting their anxiety levels and the ability to get things completed, monies are just one of those things. Virgo may have to look at how stress is affecting their diets and plans to be healthy. It might be time to get professional diagnosis as to health and well being and that will include holistic methods of healing as well. Virgos respond very well to holistic medicine rather than the medical model. The thinking processes of which Virgos are so prolific may also be stalled at this time so writing and production of written materials may grind to a halt. It is time to rest up!!

Libra --- The retrograde occurs in the 12th house of the Libra and it is time for the hidden agendas to come forward and be counted in those lives of Librans, including the stresses that have caused body ailments and pain. Sometimes our psychological pain is revealed in the actual pains in the body and that is something we Librans do not like to look at, much less deal with. Librans have a tendency to sweep deep emotional concerns under the rug and never confront the root cause of their concerns. This is not a good thing during a retrograde or the Libra will be faced with outer occurrences, maybe accidents that call attention to those repressed issues.

Scorpio --- The retrograde occurs in the solar 11th house of the Scorpio and will cause those under this sign to reconnect to their goals and the very things that make them 'tick'. It is a good time for reorganizing 'goal oriented' materials to be set to produce by the end of October. It is also time to reevaluate friends and those who contribute to your goals as there have been some miscommunications between you and those you thought were your friends. Scorpio needs an overall plan of operation out of which to work and represent the essence of who you are. Now is the time!

Sagittarius --- This retrograde affects your career and the place where you carry out this career. There may be some miscommunications about what and how you are proceeding in the area of career and vocation. You might want to add some things to your resume that would broaden your vision and look at not putting limitations on who and what you represent. You are highly individualistic and need to represent that individualism in your own career orientation. Make sure you are on the same page as those with whom you communicate in the 'place you operate'. Make sure you are communicating very clearly with others who might not know you as well. There may be some dissatisfaction with what you are doing right now. Wait until the end of October and make changes if needed.

Capricorn --- This retrograde affects your 9th house and it is time for you to look at your overall philosophy of how you operate within the structure of your intellect. Some disappointments have occurred that seem not to represent who and what you are about. You have a tendency to go about your business and not let others know the roots of your philosophy and what you hope to attain. This communication has definitely interfered with your most recent events. Now is the time for honesty and straight-forward communication as to your convictions and your philosophical concerns. This will prove to be more in line with your soul essence toward the end of October.

Aquarius --- This retrograde affects your 8th house and will cause you to reevaluate your savings, your monies, your insurance, etc. It will also make you look at a much needed revision in your plans and the way you handle finances and anything that depends on others. Oftentimes the Aquarian waits for a remarkable event, including 'accidents' to make them look at the necessary issues that need to be addressed. This time don't wait and let the universe remind you in such a way. It can get real dicey if you don't pay attention. Start budgeting and looking at your overall picture and you will notice a positive change immediately.

Pisces --- This retrograde occurs in your 7th house which is about intimacy and partnerships. There may be a lack of both of these right now. Why is that? It might be because you don't communicate nor find the time to help out monetarily or in other ways to the partnership. It also may mean that you don't engage in partnership due to your own sense of failures in this regard. Start building a future where you can depend on yourself for trustworthiness and honesty and you might see partnering in a much different way. Sharing equally is not a new idea, but one which you need to look at more closely. That means equal communication. Some of that is lacking recently.