Monthly Astrological Insights for October 2020

Date Posted: September 30, 2020

On October 14, Mercury turns retrograde in sidereal Libra, an air and cardinal sign ruled by Venus. About the same time and for about a week or so  (until October 21) it will directly oppose the Uranus in Aries.  I wouldn’t be surprised if this particular week turns out to be extremely volatile from political events standpoint.  In addition, because Mercury stays retrograde until November 4, the day after the US presidential election, it’s significant from the uncertainty of the election outcome standpoint.

The mighty Mars (which turned retrograde on September 10) in sidereal Aries, a fire and cardinal sign ruled by Mars joined Aries resident explosive retrograde Uranus creating tremendous uncertainty to the already volatile political atmosphere in the United States. It has been a drama of the decade.  Furthermore, the planetary impulses of both Mars and Uranus are likely to activate the force of nature that might appear to be very painful and deadly, and frequent occurrences of natural and man-made calamities.  More on the retrograde Aries Mars is below.

On September 28, the lunar node Rahu entered in Taurus and Ketu in Scorpio.  The lunar nodes on average enter in their preceding signs respectively once every 18 1/2 months.  The lunar node axis, in Vedic astrology, is considered as a karmic axis.  The times when things go sour and we can not explain why with any logic—-“why me? or why it’s happening to me?  What did I do wrong?”  fall in the realm of lunar nodes.  The idea (karmic theory or principle) is– it’s a process of karmic redemption or working out of Karma as they call it.  Thus, knowing the Karmic axis in the natal chart, one can understand why the related houses in the natal chart can be very challenging.  

The other important planetary event pertains to President Trump.  For him, the  most serious challenge for this month comes from the lunar node Rahu’s transit. 

Rahu conjuncts (with in a degree) to his natal Sun (the planet of his profession and ego) for at least the next two months. As reflected in his natal chart, Rahu-Uranus conjunction in the 10th house is closely tied with his destiny to the destiny of the USA.  And the return of Rahu progressively becoming in conjunction with the natal positions of Sun (29 deg 54 min Taurus), Rahu (27 deg 44 min Taurus) and Uranus (24 deg 52 min Taurus) will certainly likely to bring that final blow to his karmic connection to this country’s destiny.  In addition, the opposition of the transiting Saturn to his natal Saturn will be very intensive and painful for him.  The details of the influence of Rahu’s transit and other transits for President Trump are provided below.

Retrograde Mercury (Oct 14 – Nov 4) 

On October 14, the planet Mercury becomes retrograde in sidereal Libra. It will stay retrograde in Libra until November 4. Typically retrograde Mercury means anxieties, communication breakdowns, unexpected delays, frustrations, missing deadlines, unforeseen obstacles and disappointment in daily chores. Retrograde Mercury in Libra means more frustrating periods for educators, entertainers, judges, philosophers, artists, dancers and musicians. This is not a good time to start a new project or venture, but rather reflect on what’s been done so far.  Also, this is the best time to cleanup that closet and do other chores that you have been postponing due to lack of time.

In addition, if you have dominating Mercury in your birth chart and if Mercury is currently your operating planet, then you are more likely to experience the pronounced effects of retrograde Mercury during this period with respect to matters signified by the house it’s currently transiting through in your Gochar (transit) chart.

Retrograde Mars (September 10 – November 14)

From the planetary influence standpoint, one of the major events of 2020 is the retrograde Mars which on average occurs once every two years.  On September 10, Mars became retrograde in the sidereal zodiac sign Aries. With its retrograde motion it returns to the sidereal Pisces on October 4.  While in Pisces Mars becomes direct on November 14, and then with its direct motion enters Aries again on December 24, 2020.  

Astrologically speaking, what does the retrograde Mars mean? And what can we expect from the retrograde Mars?

In general, when a planet turns retrograde, the positive energy offered by that planet is expected to slowly diminish.  In case of Mars, being a planet of total independence, amazing energy, high ego, and less maturity usually make things worse with incredible speed. 

For those of you who have poorly placed predominant Mars in birth charts and if it’s influencing you through the current Gochar (transit) chart, then you are very likely to experience a sudden setback in your professional as well as in other activities.  You may have to repeat things over many times to get it right, or you may have to deal with unfortunate and totally unexpected circumstances, and in general, you may end up in having a very frustrating experience. 

During Sept 10 – October 4, while in Aries, the retrograde Mars is likely to be unfavorable for those who have Aries, Taurus, Virgo, Libra, Capricorn, and Pisces as a rising sign or ninefold ascendant.  It’s going to be very intensive and frustrating period if you have Mars influencing you through the current Gochar (transit) chart.  Staying low key and riding this challenging period out may be way to go.  If you must take a risk, be on guard. In particular, politicians,  fire fighters, surgeons, metallurgical, electrical and computer engineers, designers, construction workers, people who work in military, leaders, managers are likely to be more affected than others.  

During October 4 through November 14, the retrograde Mars will be transiting through Pisces. The Pisces retrograde Mars is going to be unfavorable for those who have Aries, Leo, Virgo. Sagittarius, Aquarius and Pisces as a rising sign or ninefold ascendant. It’s going to be very challenging and frustrating period if you have Mars influencing you through the current Gochar (transit) chart. In particular, activists, social reformers, religious leaders, hospitals, doctors, psychiatrists,  psychologists, people in asylums and charity organizations are likely to be more affected than others.  

At a collective level, expect a political tension building among developed nations.  Destruction of wealth due to natural calamities (fires, flooding, tornadoes, earthquakes, etc.) or man made accidents (social and/or political unrest) are also very likely. Other possibilities include a sudden rise in terrorist activities, escalation in a warlike climate between Israelis and Palestinians, and of course increased covert activities among nations. Since the US presidential election is during the first week of November, the retrograde Mars will certainly make its Mars in providing us a sensational political drama.

Rahu’s entry in sidereal Taurus (Ketu’s in Scorpio)

On September 28, the lunar node Rahu entered in Taurus and Ketu in Scorpio.  The lunar nodes on average enter in their preceding signs respectively once every 18 1/2 months.  The lunar node axis, in Vedic astrology, is considered as a karmic axis.  The time when things go sour and we can not explain why with any logic—-“why me? or why it’s happening to me?  What did I do wrong?”  fall in the realm of lunar nodes.  The idea (karmic theory or principle) is– it’s a process of karmic redemption or working out of Karma as they call it.  Thus, knowing the Karmic axis in the natal chart, one can understand why the related houses in the natal chart can be very challenging.  

If one looks at the bigger picture, the working (karmic redemption) of lunar nodes is in a way a necessary step for personal and spiritual growth.  Unless one goes through karmic experiences, there’s no potential to realize the significance of life (or life purpose or self).

For those who are born with Taurus or Scorpio as rising signs (or to some extent Taurus and Scorpio as Navmansa ascendant or Moon sign) are likely to feel that energy of these nodes for next 18 months or so.  It’s lot changes in life, and only through awareness one can transform to the next level of understanding of oneself (self-knowledge).

About President Donald Trump and his current challenges

President Trump’s operating Gochar planets (the planets that presently active for him) for October continue to be Saturn, Venus and Mercury.  

During October the transiting retrograde Saturn will be in the sidereal Capricorn, in the eighth house  of his Gochar (transit) chart. In his ninefold Gochar (transit) chart, Saturn will also be in the 8th house for the entire month. The transiting Venus will be in sidereal Leo (the 3rd house of his Gochar Chart) till Oct 23 and then in the fourth house for the last week of the month. The Mercury will be in the fifth house in his transit chart where it becomes retrograde on October 14 and remains in the 5th house.

From Dasa standpoint, Saturn continues to be unfavorable, being in the eighth house of his Gochar (transit) and in the eighth house of his ninefold Gochar (transit) chart.  As a result, President Trump will continue to be self-destructive and face challenges in dealing with his friends and adversaries alike. In addition to be frustrated and depressed, he is likely to be in the company of wrong people. Despite the on going Coronavirus crisis, he will continue to misbehave by driving his own agenda with no evidence or proof and have friction with his cabinet members, members of the Coronavirus task force and political adversaries. Overall chaos, fear,  confusion and disappointment will likely to dominate to describe his political experiences.

The manifestation of the 3rd and the 4th house resident transiting Venus is likely to be favorable for him from prestige and showmanship standpoint. Mercury will be unfavorable for him for reacting slow to the needs of people he governs, and after it becomes retrograde on Oct 14, Mercury will certainly be responsible for him causing feud with women in politics.

The most serious challenge for him continues to be, however, from the lunar node Rahu’s transit.  Rahu’s closest conjunction with his natal Sun (the planet of his profession and ego) happens during the first week of October. This may prove to be disastrous for him from being deeply humiliated and health standpoint.

Also, as reflected in his natal chart, Rahu-Uranus conjunction in the 10th house is closely tied with his destiny to the country’s destiny.  And the return of Rahu progressively becoming in conjunction with the natal positions of Sun (29 deg 54 min Taurus), Rahu (27 deg 44 min Taurus) and Uranus (24 deg 52 min Taurus) will certainly likely to bring that final blow to his karmic connection to this country’s destiny.  In addition, the opposition of the transiting Saturn to his natal Saturn and Venus will be intensive and painful for him.

Thus, during October and the following months, the challenging transit of Rahu and Saturn may prove to be a devastating blow to his presidency during this explosive political climate, his governing failures and mishandling of coronavirus crisis.

Global Insights……..

The important challenging planetary configurations for October include: Pluto-Rahu (Oct 6-9) quincunx; Pluto-Neptune (Sept 8 – Oct 8) and Uranus-Saturn (Oct 17-25) ninefold quincunxes; Saturn-Mars (Sept 26 – Oct 2), Pluto-Mars (Oct 6-12) squares; Pluto-Rahu/Ketu (Oct 18-27) and Neptune-Uranus (Oct 30 – Nov 21) ninefold squares.

The Pluto-Rahu (Oct 6-9) quincunx may become responsible for an eruption of new waves of violence in the Middle-East, particularly in Syria,  Palestine-Israel and Afghanistan-Pakistan regions. 

The Pluto-Neptune (Sept 8 – Oct 8) ninefold quincunx means a strong possibility of an outbreak of violence and terrorist activities in the Middle east, especially in Syria, Iraq, Israel and Palestine region. In addition, the occurrences of natural as well as man-made calamities are more likely. Some of the east-European countries, Russia, and China may experience political as well as social turmoil.

The activation of Uranus-Saturn (Oct 17-25) ninefold quincunx may result in social or political turmoil in the USA, Russia and/or China as well as tensions rising among them.

The manifestation of the Saturn-Mars (Sept 26 – Oct 2) square may be reflected inlikelihoodofa short term but very intensive friction between India and Pakistan. Terrorism and violence around the world, especially in Iraq and Israel-Palestine area will be on rise. Outbreak of an undesirable happening, and occurrences of both natural and man-made calamities are strong possibilities.

The Pluto-Mars (Oct 6-12) square may become responsible fornatural and man-made calamities including Covid-19 outbreak all around the world.

The activation of Pluto-Rahu/Ketu (Oct 18-27) ninefold square energy may result in a new wave of renewed violence in Syria, Afghanistan, Israel and Palestinians as well as outbreak of Covid-19 around the world.

The manifestation of the Neptune-Uranus (Oct 30 – Nov 21) ninefold square may be reflected in sudden shift (either positive and negative) in relationship between USA and Russia and magnificent advances in science and technology through innovations, inventions, and discoveries.

The important auspicious planetary configuration for October includes Neptune-Saturn (Oct 2-17), Saturn-Rahu (Oct 20-27) and Pluto-Uranus (Oct 11-25) ninefold trines; Neptune-Jupiter (Oct 2-19) sextile and Saturn-Jupiter (Oct 8-17) ninefold sextile.

The manifestation of the Neptune-Saturn (Oct 2-17) ninefold trine may be reflected in significant progress in the  technological areas, especially in medical field (Covid-19 vaccine) via inventions and discoveries. Spiritual and to some extent religious activities are likely to impart positive energy, creating a very healthy atmosphere around us.

The Pluto-Uranus (Oct 11-25) ninefold trine may become responsible forextraordinary time for technological discoveries and inventions. 

The impulse of Neptune-Jupiter (Oct 2-19) sextile maybe reflected in new and positive changes occurring in religious, academic and social fields.

The Saturn-Jupiter (Oct 8-17) ninefold sextile may become responsible for world religions enjoying their activities with positive experiences.

The countries that are more likely to be affected during this month are:  United States, Russia, China, Middle-East (Syria, Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Palestine-Israel regions), India and Europe.

      Natural and Man-made Calamities……..

      The natural calamities like extreme weather conditions, wildfires, hurricanes, heavy rains, snow storms, air crashes as well as man made accidents are likely to occur throughout the entire month.

      Earthquakes: Based on the Earthquake prediction model V, the earthquake(s) of magnitude 7 or higher, if occur, are likely to occur on October 4, 7, 12, 16-18, 20-22, 24, 26Please note that these dates refer to the Universal time (GMT). For your convenience, the earthquake predictions for the entire year 2020 are provided at Earthquake Predictions 2020. While man-made calamities may manifest themselves in terrorism, unrest, violence, accidents, and air crashes, the natural calamities are likely to include extreme weather conditions such as severe cold winters, and equally intensive droughts, hurricanes or typhoons, thunderstorms, earthquakes and fires