AstroWatch

*Any times indicated are for the Pacific Time Zone.

*Remember, these are just transits and they too, like a kidney stone, shall pass.

Forecast for 2026

What about 2026?  Will it be different?  Yes, in some ways.  2025 was a “9” year (2+0+2+5=9), the end of a cycle, symbolizing a year for finishing things in preparation for 2026, a “1” year (2+0+2+6=10; 1+0=1), the beginning of a new cycle, symbolizing a year for starting new things.  For reference, the previous “9” year was 2016 (2+0+1+6=9), and the previous “1” year was 2017 (2+0+1+7=10; 1+0=1).  Did you start or acquire something in 2017 that culminated, ended, was sold, or disposed of in 2025?  If so, that is the essence of these nine-year recurring cycles.

 So, will 2026 be better? Will it feel different?  In many ways, probably not, as there is a lot of energy and dynamics that are carrying over.  With most long cycles, things don’t make sharp changes; they flow as one year fades away and the new year grows and takes over. 

Forecast for October 1-10-2026

October begins with Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto, and Chiron retrograde and the Moon out-of-bounds north and Pluto out-of-bounds south.  It will end with Mercury, Venus, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Chiron retrograde and only Pluto out-of-bounds south.  There will be four aspects by the Moon on the 1st, followed by Mercury square Mars, the first of five exact major aspects on the 2nd.  On the 3rd, Venus will station retrograde (5 of the 8 planets are now retrograde), and Mars will oppose Pluto.  On the 4th, Mercury will enter their shadow for their last retrograde of 2026 as the Sun opposes retrograde Saturn.  The Moon will make five exact major aspects on the 5th, followed by Mercury conjunct/opposite Venus on the 6th.  The 7th offers up four major and three quincunx aspects, followed by the 8th with no major aspects.  The 9th offers five exact major aspects followed by the Libra New Moon and Venus square Mars on the 10th.

10/01/26 – 12:05 am – fast (OoBN) Moon waning air trine Sun

October starts with this pause and plan your next action trine.  The air element represents how we think and communicate, appropriate considering the time.  Is your brain running so you can’t get to sleep?  Is there an issue, memory, song, or such that you can’t get out of your head?  If something keeps you from falling asleep, if a dream or something wakes you in the night, note what it is, the time, and as much detail as possible.

Just 30 minutes later (12:35 am), the Moon will make a waning inconjunct/ quincunx to shadow stationing Venus at 8 Scorpio 25’.  This is the first waning aspect.  Perhaps you will receive a wake-up regarding something that you did not get finished yesterday; or perhaps it will just be a suggestion to take some time tomorrow to review any pending work and make sure that you don’t have anything leftover that needed to be completed last month.

Venus entered 8 Scorpio on the night of September 27.  She will station retrograde on October 3, at 8 Scorpio 29’.  She will spend ten days at 8 Scorpio before returning to 7 Scorpio.  Those with planets or sensitive points at or near those degrees may feel this the strongest.  Those with planets or sensitive points at 7 or 8 degrees of one of the other fixed signs, Taurus, Leo, or Aquarius, may also feel this more strongly.  Some may be feeling it already.  More about this later in the forecast.

10/01/26 – 5:49 am – fast (OoBN) Moon waxing sextile retrograde Saturn

This is the pause and review of any new things started recently sectile.  It could pertain to any new things started this week or even last week.  First chance you get today, you may want to review any new things started recently and make sure that they are on track and on time.  If something isn’t, fix it, take whatever action is necessary to get it back on schedule.

10/01/26 – 7:42 pm – fast (OoBN) Moon goes Void-of-Course

Following a waning finish something sextile to shadow Jupiter, as She crosses 19 Gemini 48’, the Moon will go void-of-course for over 17 hours, which will take you through tomorrow morning.  It might be best if you focus on work in progress tomorrow morning and set aside any new things that might come in until after the Moon enters Her home sign of Cancer.

10/02/26 – 2:14 am – Mercury waxing fixed square Mars

This crisis of action square is the first of five exact major and two quincunx aspects today.  What could make this day more chaotic than others is that the same players, Moon, Mercury, Mars, Neptune and Pluto are each involved in two or more of these aspects.

Coming at this time, you might have a dream, sudden insight, feeling, or other sensation.  If so, note what it was, the time, and as much detail as possible.  There will be value in it for you later.  This aspect also suggests the possibility of arguments, harsh words, and words spoken in haste, without thinking as Mars wants to act now!  Fortunately, coming at this time of night, most will sleep through this.  However, with both Mercury and Mars moving relatively slowly, the effect of this aspect could linger throughout the day as a subsequent aspect won’t necessarily fully replace the energy of the aspect before it.

Just over six hours later (8:15 am), Mercury will make a waning inconjunct/ quincunx to retrograde Neptune for the first quincunx of the day.  With retrograde Neptune involved, this could easily re-energize Mercury’s earlier aspect to Mars.  Speak clearly or don’t speak at all.

10/02/26 – 12:54 pm – fast (OoBN) Moon enters Cancer

Now in Her home sign of cardinal water Cancer, some may feel a shift as they feel a need to care for or protect themselves or others closest to them.

Less than one hour later (1:43 pm), Mercury will make a waning fixed crisis of consciousness square to retrograde (OoBS) Pluto for the second major aspect today.  This is the consolidate and get ready to complete square.  Do you have any work that is due or past due?  If so, the energy of this aspect can support you in your efforts to get it completed.  Remember, choose your words carefully before speaking.

10/02/26 – 3:18 pm – Mars waxing fire trine retrograde Neptune

This pause and review of any recent actions trine is the third major aspect of the day.  This suggests that you may want to take some time to review what you have done so far today.  Make sure that you have completed what you have started to do.  That things are on track and ready to be completed.

10/02/26 – 5:38 pm – fast (OoBN) Moon waxing cardinal square retrograde Neptune

This crisis of action square is the fourth major aspect of the day.  If you are still working, what action are you taking?  With Neptune involved, caution is required as He may try to mislead you sometimes.  You can’t afford to be confused or indecisive at this time.

Just 31 minutes later (6:09 pm), the Moon will make a waxing inconjunct/ quincunx to retrograde (OoBS) Pluto for the last quincunx of the day.  This is their last aspect before their opposition.  With Pluto retrograde and out-of-bounds south, the past is emphasized.  Your surprise may be a reminder or insight into something that you have done or failed to complete in the past.  Is it something you didn’t finish or is it how you did something and how you might utilize it to help you now?

Less than 1/2 hour later (6:36 pm), the fast (OoBN) Moon will make a waning pause and plan your next action fire trine to Mercury for the fifth and final major aspect of the day.  Coming at this time, this may be about making plans for tomorrow, which is Saturday, or it could be about work for next week.  It is always a good idea to plan ahead.

10/03/26 – 12:16 am – Venus stations Retrograde

Appearing to pause at 8 Scorpio 29’, Venus will build up Her energy as She prepares to retrace Her steps back to 22 Libra 52’, where She will station direct on November 13, 2026.  Those with planets or sensitive points between those degrees may be in for a more challenging six weeks or more.  Five of the eight planets that can go retrograde are now retrograde.  This creates added energy that can lead to obstacles, delays, or needing to redo things.  Extra care and attention to details can help to minimize these problems.  Don’t try to force things to fit or happen, work smarter, not harder.

Venus will have spent ten days at 8 Scorpio, before She will finally return to 7 Scorpio late on October 7.  Venus rules relationships, possessions, money, love, things we desire, or are passionate about.  Avoid starting a new relationship or making a major purchase or other financial commitment during Her retrograde.  Focus on what you have, your existing relationships and possessions.  This can be a good time to do research or learn more about something or someone that you are considering acquiring or having a deeper relationship with.

10/03/26 – 3:15 am – fast (OoBN) Moon waning water trine retrograde Venus

This is the pause and plan your next action trine.  Be open to insights, ideas, or guidance from outside yourself.  Note any dream, insights, “a-ha” moments, feelings, or other sensations that come to you in the night or on waking.

Just 24 minutes later (3:39 am), Mars will oppose retrograde (OoBS) Pluto.  As Lord of the underworld, Pluto may offer guidance through dreams, particularly more challenging or disturbing dreams.  If you have one, note as much detail about it as possible.  How did it make you feel?  Why did you feel that way?

This is the midpoint in their current cycle which began with their conjunction on January 27, 2026.  Did you start on a new long-term project around that date?  If so, how is it coming along?  Is it ready to be “harvested,” that is, is it ready for finishing touches and to be completed?  Harvesting a crop isn’t the final stage for utilizing it.  There are other things to be done with the crop before it is ready for consumption.

10/03/26 – 6:25 am – fast (OoBN) Moon waning cardinal square Sun

This cardinal crisis of consciousness square suggests that even though it is early in the month, you may want to spend some time focusing on older work to make sure that it stays on track and that you don’t get behind schedule with it.

10/03/26 – 8:08 am – fast (OoBN) Moon goes Void-of-Course

Following a waxing cardinal crisis of action square to retrograde Saturn, as She crosses 11 Cancer 22’, the Moon will go void-of-course for almost 32 hours.  With most of the other planets in the early degrees of the signs they are in, the Moon’s void-of-course periods will be longer than usual.  This will shift as the planets move deeper into the signs they are currently in.  To the extent that you can, set aside any new work until after the Moon enters fixed fire Leo.

10/04/26 – 2:10 am – Mercury enters their Shadow

As Mercury crosses 5 Scorpio 02’, they will enter the shadow for their last retrograde of 2026.  They will station retrograde on October 24, at 20 Scorpio 59’ and will station direct on November 13, at 5 Scorpio 02’.  This will be their longest retrograde in terms of zodiac covered, over 15 degrees, and also their shortest in time retrograde, 20 days.  This suggests that this coming retrograde could move faster, have greater extremes, so prepare yourself.

10/04/26 – 5:29 am – Sun cardinal opposition retrograde Saturn

This is the midpoint of their current cycle which began with their conjunction on March 25, 2026, at 4 Aries 43’.  Did you start a long-term project or program around that date?  If so, how is it doing?  Did you finish it early or have you set it aside or forgotten about it?  If you haven’t finished it or discarded it, this morning would be a good time to check it out and decide what you should do next.  Oppositions symbolize harvest time and also finding a balance between two different but complementary energies.  Check yourself?  If you feel out-of-balance in any area, focus on regaining your balance there.

Almost five hours later (10:21 am), shadow Mercury will make a waxing inconjunct/quincunx to retrograde Uranus for a possible midmorning surprise.  Choose your words carefully.  Be sure to check the addresses on any text or emails you are sending.  Make sure they are only going to your intended audience.

Just 31 minutes later (10:52 am), as She crosses 27 Cancer 04’, the fast Moon will return into the boundary of the Sun.  Now in the confines established by the Sun, some may sense a feeling of normalcy.  Emphasis on the future should lessen for the next several days.

10/04/26 – 3:54 pm – decelerating Moon enters Leo

After a long void-of-course, the Moon finally enters the home of the Sun, fixed fire Leo.  It may seem that others are vying for your attention more than usual.  Some may feel a need to change their appearance, perhaps a new hair style, or new clothing to update their style.  Don’t overspend.  Ask a trusted friend or family member before making any dramatic changes.

10/04/26 – 8:37 pm – decelerating Moon waxing fire trine retrograde Neptune

This pause and review of any recent actions trine offers an opportunity to review what you have done today.  Do you have any concerns?  Perhaps a feeling that you left something unfinished?  If so, note what it is and check on it first thing tomorrow.

Just 36 minutes later (9:13 pm), the decelerating Moon will make a fixed opposition to retrograde (OoBS) Pluto.  Pluto is exerting extra energy at this time as He is preparing to station and go direct.  He has been at 3 Aquarius since the morning of August 8.  He will station direct on October 10 at 3 Aquarius 05’.  Because He moves so slowly, the He won’t leave 3 Aquarius until the morning of December 19, that’s over four months at 3 Aquarius.  Those with planets or other sensitive points at 3 or 4 Aquarius may feel this the strongest; however, those with points at 3 or 4 degrees of one of the other fixed signs, Taurus, Leo, or Scorpio, may also feel this.

Less than two hours later (11:01 pm), the decelerating Moon will make a fixed fire conjunction to Mars.  This meeting in Leo could disrupt your evening or your sleep.  If you have trouble falling asleep or if something wakes you in the night, note what it was with as much detail as possible.  Be sure to include what and how you were feeling at that time.

10/05/26 – 1:15 am – decelerating Moon waxing sextile retrograde Uranus

This pause and review of any new things started recently sextile is the first of five exact major aspects by the Moon today, the first two coming in the night.  Be sure to note any dreams you may have as there could be important information in them for you.

Less than 1 1/2 hours later (2:43 am), the Moon will make a waning fixed crisis of consciousness square to shadow Mercury for the second aspect of the day.  With shadow Mercury involved, be sure to note any unusual sounds, conversations, voices, or ideas that you hear or that come to you in the night, or when you first wake.

10/05/26 – 6:20 am – decelerating Moon waning fixed square retrograde Venus

This third aspect of the day is another crisis of consciousness square.  This square is the downsize, eliminate, consolidate, prepare things to be completed.  Note anything different, unusual, or that caught your attention this morning.  Pay close attention to any “signs” you may see or receive this morning, particularly as you go to work.

10/05/26 – 11:11 am – decelerating Moon waxing fire trine retrograde Saturn

This pause and review of any recent actions trine is the fourth aspect of the day.  Start by reviewing what you have done this morning, then you may also want to consider what you did over the weekend.

10/05/26 – 1:38 pm – decelerating Moon waning sextile Sun

This finish something sextile is the fifth and final aspect of the day.  Coming early in the afternoon, you may still have time to finish something.  This aspect relates back to the New Moon of September 10 and any new thing started at that time.  This sextile also serves as a reminder that it is time to consider what new thing you want to start at the coming Libra New Moon in five days.

10/06/26 – 3:22 am – decelerating Moon goes Void-of-Course

Following a fixed fire conjunction with shadow Jupiter, as She crosses 20 Leo 33’, the Moon will go void-of-course for 16 1/2 hours.  You may want to focus on work in progress and, if you can, set aside any new things for tomorrow as the Moon won’t enter Virgo until this evening.  If you have something new you want to start with this powerful conjunction, either start it before this time, or use the void-of-course to rethink, reconsider what and how you are going to do it.

10/06/26 – 5:10 pm – shadow Mercury conjunct/opposition retrograde Venus

From our viewpoint on Earth, they appear to be conjunct as they are at the same degree and minute of Scorpio.  However, they are actually on opposite sides of the Sun as Mercury is direct and on the far side of the Sun away from the Earth and Venus is retrograde and on the near side of the Sun and will pass between the Sun and the Earth on October 23.

This apparent meeting is at 8 Scorpio 13’.  The Sabian Symbol for this degree is “A dentist hard at work.”  Dentists fix teeth.  This suggests the need and ability to fix things.  It may about be solving problems, issues regarding relationships, or fixing some aspect of whatever you are working on.  The downside of this is being unable or unwilling to fix something.  To avoid a little problem only to have it become a BIG problem that will require more effort, resources, and time to fix later.

10/06/26 – 7:53 pm – decelerating Moon enters Virgo

Some may be able to feel the shift from fixed fire Leo to mutable earth Virgo.  Time to shift your focus from your appearance and that of others to taking a more analytical approach to your work, your life, and your appearance or that of others.  What is it you like or don’t like about it?  If you must criticize yourself, someone else, or something, do so constructively.  Explain why and offer a different solution, style, or approach.

10/07/26 – 12:36 am – decelerating Moon waxing inconjunct/ quincunx retrograde Neptune

This is the first of three quincunxes and four major aspects today.  Neptune rules our dreams so be sure to note any that you may have with attention to details such as colors, location, people, animals, weather, and what and how you were feeling.

Just 42 minutes later (1:18 am), the Moon will make a waning inconjunct/ quincunx to retrograde (OoBS) Pluto for the second quincunx of the day.  The third quincunx will be the last aspect of the day this afternoon.  This combination could add details or changes to any dreams you may have.

10/07/26 – 3:42 am – Mars waxing sextile retrograde Uranus

This pause and review of any new things started recently sextile is the first major aspect of the day.  If something wakes you early, be sure to note the time, what it was with as much detail as possible.  This could relate to any new thing started around the time of their conjunction, July 3, 2026, or it may also relate to any new things started recently.

Less than two hours later (5:22 am), the decelerating Moon will make a waxing mutable crisis of action square to retrograde Uranus for the second major aspect of the day.  Coming at this time, this aspect suggests that you may need to “hit the ground running” as your day starts.  Be open to insights from all around you.  Let your creative juices flow as you find yourself dealing with the unexpected and unique situations.

10/07/26 – 10:08 am – decelerating Moon waning sextile retrograde Venus

This finish something sextile is the third major aspect of the day.  Check your due dates.  Find something that you can finish, it could be some new thing that you need to finish getting started.  You should feel better knowing that you have accomplished something.

Less than two hours later (11:57 am), following another waning sextile, this one to shadow Mercury, the fourth and final major aspect of the day, as She crosses 9 Virgo 08’, the decelerating Moon will go void-of-course for over 37 hours.  It is another very long void-of-course.  If you have new things to get started, you may want to do them before this aspect.  Otherwise, if you can, set them aside until after the Moon enters Libra tomorrow.

Just over three hours later (3:18 pm), the decelerating Moon will make a waxing inconjunct/quincunx to retrograde Saturn for the last aspect of the day.  Hopefully, this will be your last surprise of the day, though with Saturn the “Time Lord,” the surprise may arrive later.

10/08/26 – There are no exact major or quincunx aspects between the ten planets today.

That doesn’t mean that they won’t be making aspects to your planets or other sensitive points.  Note any unusual events in your life, changes in how you are feeling, surprises, etc., as these could indicate an aspect by a transiting planet to one of your natal planets or sensitive points.  Be sure to include the time you noticed it, whatever it is you are documenting.

10/09/26 – 1:11 am – average Moon enters cardinal air Libra

It is very early Friday morning so most will probably sleep through this.  Some may feel a shift when their day starts as the Moon moves from sometimes indecisive, mutable earth Virgo into cardinal air, let’s do it, Libra.  Relationships, personal, work, and the desire or need to cooperate and work with others may take center stage for the next couple of days.

Just 44 minutes later (1:55 am), shadow Mercury will make a waning inconjunct/quincunx to retrograde Saturn.  Did something surprise and wake you?  As with all nighttime aspects, be sure to note any dreams, insights, surprises, feelings, or other sensations that may come to you during the night or on waking.

10/09/26 – 5:56 am – average Moon cardinal opposition retrograde Neptune

This find your balance opposition is the first of five exact major aspects by the Moon today.  It could be another roller coaster ride for some.  If you are one of them, try deep breathing, closing your eyes, focusing, then count to ten or one hundred, until the tension and anxiety levels come down.  Don’t lose your cool.

Less than one hour later (6:44 am), the average Moon will make a waning air pause and plan your next action trine to retrograde (OoBS) stationing Pluto, the second aspect of the day.  Here is an opportunity to review your plan for today, Friday.  With Pluto involved, image what action you need to take to get the best possible outcome.  Then do it.

10/09/26 – 10:52 am – average Moon waxing air trine retrograde Uranus

This pause and review of any recent actions trine is the third aspect of the day.  Take a few minutes to review any recent actions that you have taken.  Make sure that you have completed them and that you have gotten your desired outcome.  If not, fix, change, or redo it.

10/09/26 – 1:26 pm – average Moon waxing sextile Mars

This pause and review of any new things started recently sextile is the fourth aspect of the day.  It is their first aspect since their conjunction, late on October 4.  Did you start anything new with this energy?  If so, how is it coming along?  Is it on track and on time?  If not, what do you need to do to get it back on schedule?  Consider also what your next action to keep it moving forward should be as their next aspect is the crisis of action square.

10/09/26 – 8:54 pm – average Moon cardinal opposition retrograde Saturn

This is the fifth and final aspect of the day.  It is Friday night.  If you are out, pay attention to the little details.  If anything feels off, ask yourself what and why?  It is the dark night of the New Moon, and with five planets retrograde and two more in their shadows, you may want to avoid the shadows and stick to the well-lighted areas.

10/10/26 – 8:50 am – average New Moon cardinal air conjunction Sun

This New Moon is at 17 Libra 22’.  The Sabian Symbol for this degree is “Two men placed under arrest.”  This suggests that you may need to explain your actions or account for your time to someone, perhaps a spouse, other family member, co-worker or friend.  This is also a good time to start that special thing that you have been thinking about.  For those with planets or other sensitive points at or near 17 Libra or Aries, this New Moon may be extra powerful for you.  Those with planets or sensitive points at or near 17 degrees of one of the other cardinal signs, Capricorn or Cancer, may also get a boost from this New Moon for any focused actions they may take.

10/10/26 – 2:31 pm – retrograde Venus waxing fixed square Mars

This is the second of three crisis of action squares that the celestial lovers will make.  Their first was a mutable square on July 29, 2026, from Venus in Virgo to Mars in Gemini.  This one is from retrograde Venus in Scorpio to Mars in Leo, and their third will be another mutable square on January 16, 2027, from Venus in Sagittarius to retrograde Mars in Virgo.

10/10/26 – 4:07 pm – average Moon goes Void-of-Course

Following a waxing pause and review of any new things started recently sextile to shadow Jupiter, as She crosses 21 Libra 01’, the Moon goes void-of-course for over 16 hours.  It is Saturday afternoon, which should make it easier for most to not start anything new during this time.  If something new comes up, set it aside until tomorrow morning, after the Moon enters Scorpio.  You may want to take some time to review any new things started recently to see how they are developing.  If need be, take appropriate action to get it back on track and on time.

Forecast for October 11-20

On the 11th, the Moon will make five aspects, and Mercury will reach their maximum elongation from the Sun.  The 12th has just one quincunx and one major aspect by the Moon, followed by two major aspects by the Moon on the 13th.  The 14th has four major aspects by the Moon, followed by the Sun sextile Jupiter and Pluto stationing direct on the 15th (now there are four planets retrograde).  On the 16th Mars will trine retrograde Saturn, one of five aspects, followed by three aspects each on the 17th and 18th.  There will be six major aspects on the 19th followed by only two on the 20th.