By Lola Babalon


This first part of October comes with a bit planetary drama, as we enter another eclipse cycle. Eclipse times are highly charged with emotional energy. Anything can happen during these weeks, or maybe nothing at all. But usually there is plenty of shifts, changes and overall tension to go around.
This month promises dynamic changes in relationships, both at home and abroad. The polarities of Sun and Moon (Papa / Mama) are conjunct, along with Mercury and Jupiter (the Trickster / Teacher ) all in the sign of Libra. That’s going to tilt the scales of balance pretty good. And Venus, the Ruler of Libra opposes Mars retrograde in the signs in their detriment. All that was hidden before wants to come out and be known. Temper, passion and potential short circuits between the head and the heart. Attitude adjustments and personal growth experiences as people wake up from old ways and patterns and find new value and meaning. Potential for deep interpersonal adventures as chemistry meets opportunity. Love rules!
Mars is retrograde, straight overhead, in the most elevated, highest part of the sky. On a more global level watch out for high drama, tension, impatience and lack of control. If this picture looks a bit ominous, relax. Mercury and Jupiter, the trickster and the noble teacher are also meeting in Libra, the sign of polite cooperation, carefully navigated equilibrium. Everything is possible at all times, as the future is being born from the now. Think good thoughts because thoughts create reality. And get together with people. How about having a meeting, a sharing, a Love In? And Centering too.
Libra is the sign of cooperation, consensus and a heightened sense of fair play and justice for all. There will be lots of cardinal and fixed energy, read that as push and resist. And little mutable or Earth energy, which means lots action / reaction with little focus. There is also a Yod a.k.a. the ‘Finger of God’ aspect between Sun/Moon, Saturn and Uranus. This Yod provides lofty ideals, responsibility, integrity and the courage to find and follow ones own path.
Those most strongly affected by this rollercoaster are the cardinal signs. Capricorn, Aries, Cancer and Libra’s, especially when born between the 1st and 26th of the month.
To stay centered during these trying times, try this: Too much Air? Apply Earth!
Don’t just think or talk about it, do something productive. The more practical and physical the deed is, the better.

Calendar:
Here are a few planetary highlights for the waxing Moon cycle. You will be more sensitive to these influences if your birthday falls on or near them:

Oct 3,
Solar Eclipse, New Moon 11* Libra,
As above, and then some. Good for making new beginnings in all aspects of life, especially relationships, partnerships, joint finances, enterprises and education.

Oct 5,
Mercury conjunct Jupiter
Now is the time to talk about everything. Good for negotiations and to see all sides of an issue. Combine that with careful hatching of plans, cooperation and compromise. For couples and friends this is a fine day for radical honesty, truth sharing, to establish rapport or venture into the unknown territory.

Oct 7,
Venus enters Sagittarius, Sun trines Neptune
Now there’s a recipe for mixing romance and adventure. The day has a dreamy and tender quality as people become more attuned and sensitive to each other. Venus in fun loving Sag inclines to long walks and pleasurable activities in nature.

Oct 8,
Mercury enters Scorpio, Moon conjunct Pluto
Begins a period of deep thinking, soul searching and analyzing things. You may feel moody, tender or introspective. Use Sage smudging to clear your space, take a salt scrub or for the hardy types: a dip in the ocean.

Followed by a few days with minor aspects and lots of Air energy: ideas being shared, as there is much thinking, negotiating and planning ahead.

Oct. 13,
Mercury trines Uranus
A good day to invent something, anything! Find a new and unusual way to reach out and connect with others. Intuition is at an all time high, especially for the Water signs. (Pisces, Cancer & Scorpio)

Oct 14
Venus squares Uranus
Are you ready for adventure, need more excitement? This day brings an opportunity to blast through previous limitations. Much need for individual freedom of choice, strange synchronicities and powerful friendships between women.

Oct 15,
Mercury squares Saturn, Sun sextiles Pluto
This weekend is good for doing long, patient paperwork tasks. Also facilitates the writing of business plans, dealing with joint finances and taking care of family matters.

Oct 16,
Venus trines Saturn, trines Moon in Aries
Today there’s a grand Fire trine, which is good for creativity, the performing arts, sports and recreational activities. There is mutual enjoyment between different age groups. Feel encouraged to take the kids to see their grandparents, or to make time for some fun and games. Life is tough enough already, you may as well have a good time.

Oct 17,
Lunar Eclipse, 24* Aries
Sun conjunct Jupiter, and there still is a grand fire trine between Venus/Pluto in Sag, Saturn in Leo, and the Moon and south node in Aries. Hmmm! That’s a lot of Fire energy, especially for the Fire signs (Aries, Leo & Sag).
How to best handle the hot potato? Too much Fire? Apply Water!
Go for a swim, dip, soak, nap or walk on the beach. Home cooking, bodywork and liberal applications of TLC will help.
Some decisive action is required. No more sitting around, do something!
More about this Eclipse and the planetary Halloween Party in the next issue. Until then, much love to all and many blessings -

To be continued.



A Slice of Heaven is a biweekly astrology column that highlights the current planetary alignments and provides empowering self-help tips. Lola Babalon is a Topanga Astrologer, Psychic and Herbalist. She is available for consultations, in person or on the phone and can be found online at www.sexpeace.net, or 310-596-0295.