Whole Life Times: Braving the Shadows

October 2005 | Astrology

Braving the Shadows

by James Jarvis, M.A.

Halloween is a great time to get up close and intimate with the spooky, scary shadow aspects of ourselves. How comfortable are you with your dark side? Does it scare the daylights out of you? As we shine a light on our shadow qualities, we free up massive amounts of creative energy that can be directed elsewhere.

When Mars at 23 degrees Taurus goes retrograde on 10/1 at 5:16pm (til 12/9) it sweeps closer to Earth than usual, and on 10/30 it will be the closest, at a distance of a trifling 43 million miles. Mars in retrograde motion lets us look at how consciously we use our energy and personal will. Look to see if you are holding on to patterns that prevent you from manifesting what you really want in life.

On 10/3 at 5:24 am we begin a new Moon cycle at 10 degrees Libra. New Moon in Libra offers a great opportunity to learn how to balance your diet, your work and play, and your need for independence with your need for intimate relationships.

With Venus in Sagittarius 10/8-11/5, the focus is on sharing your joy and enthusiasm. The root word of enthusiasm is en theo or in God and it is this attribute of divine inspiration represented by the sign of Sagittarius that wants to flow from our hearts. What really counts is our ability to share.

Mercury travels through the sign of Scorpio 10/8-30, helping us learn to tell the microscopic truth. Mercury in Scorpio is like the surgeon’s knife, cutting to the core of a problem and excising it. Sometimes just the simple act of telling the truth can help release suppressed energy that prevents us from being intimate with those we love.

The full Moon in Aries on 10/17 at 7:14 am asks us to speak out boldly about what we need for emotional fulfillment. It helps us to become fully aware of our needs so we can be present and authentic with others. Only when we can truly nurture ourselves and honor our own needs for independence, autonomy and freedom can we truly be in relationship with others.

The Sun moves into Scorpio on 10/23 at 2:43 am. The Scorpio principle involves the descent into darkness to transform the ego and to emerge as a powerful bearer of light. Our job in Scorpio is to model the highest use of passion and power.

With Jupiter moving through Scorpio from 10/25 through 11/24/06, the focus is on expanding consciousness (Jupiter) through the acceptance of the personal and collective shadow (Scorpio). As we learn to accept the so-called “negative” parts of our personalities—anger, hate, greed, lust, control and so on—we let go of the resistance and suppression of the shadow that causes suffering. Once we allow these shadow areas to just exist without judging them or projecting them on others, a new freedom and expansion is brought forth personally and collectively.
Neptune completes its five-month retrograde on 10/26 as it goes direct again at 14 degrees Aquarius. During the retrograde period we had an opportunity to see how deeply connected we are to spirit. To feel more connected to guidance that informs and gives direction and meaning to your life, try meditation, imagery work or visualization to awaken the sixth chakra between your eyes, the center of intuition. As this center opens, you will become more aware of the subtle guidance of Neptune.

Venus in Sagittarius conjunct Pluto in Sagittarius 10/27-29, facilitates our connecting with our passion and our righteous indignation. Venus in aspect to Pluto asks you to speak your convictions and heal any wounds you may have around expressing your truth or your passion.

For Sun, Moon and Rising Signs

Aries 3/21-4/20
You have a strong desire for making money this month. Opportunities for cooperative or joint ventures may appear. It’s also an excellent period for contractual agreements.

Taurus 4/21-5/21
A new relationship may enter your life this month bringing more passion. This may be a new friend or perhaps a new lover who literally sweeps you off your feet.

Gemini 5/22-6/20
Your thinking is expansive and you are able to see the big picture. It’s the perfect time to take a retreat so you can tune into your next steps. Pay attention, as your intuitive abilities are heightened.

Cancer 6/21-7/20
Feeling anxious? If so, it’s because you are receiving a lot of intuitive information from higher mind. Take some time to download all of your thoughts and ideas on paper—that will create calm.

Leo 7/21-8/22
Communicating with others is easier this month as you are committed to win-win situations. Your ability to tune into what others are thinking and feeling is strong now. Trust what your intuition is telling you.

Virgo 8/23-9/22
Your relationship needs may seem a little contradictory—you have a strong need for both independence and merging. Being truthful about both allows you to be more present and authentic.

Libra 9/23-10/22
Detachment helps you gain a better perspective on relationship issues. Put your needs first for a change. When you clearly and dispassionately state your needs, others will stand and applaud.

Scorpio 10/23-11/21
You have an opportunity to uncover core beliefs this month. Notice if you hear any negative beliefs that don’t serve you. Those beliefs may be about being overly responsible vs. having fun.

Sagittarius 11/22-12/20
New creative projects may be initiated this month. It’s time to put your passion into action! You are being asked to show up as a leader, particularly in group projects that require a lot of initiative to get going.

Capricorn 12/21-1/20
You are on a quest for deeper meaning and a way to serve. Your compassion for others is heightened now. Use this heart information as clues to what issues are important and where you might serve.

Aquarius 1/21-2/18
This may be the perfect time to catch up on all the “deferred maintenance” at home. Putting energy into making things ship-shape will free up energy you can then direct towards your career.

Pisces 2/19-3/20
You have an opportunity to create balance in your financial affairs. Stepping back and getting clear on where you stand financially will be very beneficial now. As you get clarity, you will create an opening for more abundance.

James Jarvis, M.A. is a master astrologer, transpersonal counselor and professional life coach. To contact James, call toll-free 866.454.8199 or e-mail [click to e-mail].

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