By Norma Jean Ream
Eclipse and Equinox Mark Societal Changes
The Autumn Equinox, on September 22, began the fourth quarter of the year. The Solar Eclipse at the last degree of Virgo on that day was a stark announcement of the shifts we are making as a society. The next three months will carry the theme of closures and final completions of old business and the examination and purging of outdated systems and routines. It is a time for personal inner review and release of old attitudes. With endings come new beginnings, so be brave, if not bold.

Libra season is the period of equal day and night. Brilliant Venus is the planet ruler of Libra, and it is still in the analysis process in Virgo until October 13. Venus is in the morning star phase, in the sign of service and helping hands. This supports a period of review of community services and preparation for emergencies. Mercury in Libra is still under the Sun’s beams, suggesting meetings of negotiations or reevaluation of Community needs.
The Planetary picture includes a diamond Kite, a formation we have seen in a couple of previous important lunations. The general influence of such geometry is positive and brings forward recognition of Truths revealed. As the outer planets of this structure are retrograde, we can expect many global situations from last spring to return to the focus of public attention.
Mars has strong dignity in Scorpio as it takes the action point of a formation called the Finger of Fate in a wedge-like form to Saturn and Neptune combo in a soft sextile connection with Uranus. This aspect structure is one of compromise and adjustments. The deeper problems come up through the social discord of philosophical and religious differences in complex communities. Saturn and Neptune are the foundation of many conflicts as Saturn represents traditions and societal rules, while Neptune represents ideals and beliefs in possibilities, our dreams and hopes. These two are in a merger phase that is unique to their regular fourteen-year intervals, as they are meeting at the World point 0 Aries, which will be completed on February 20, 2026. They are currently retreating into the end of Pisces, which makes the energies very diffused, fuzzy, and confusing. Add the revolutionary energy of Uranus, a planet of sudden, unexpected events, mixed into the combination, and we have eruptions of emotional extremes.
The theme of Mars is to sort out the real, the truthful, from the illusions or deceptions, and help us assimilate ideas that can resolve misconceptions. Mars is also in a challenging square to Pluto, always a powerful and stressful dynamic, giving a deeper frequency vibration to our choices of why we do what we do, and how to evolve to have a better sense of purpose and self-value. Mars is moving quickly through these contacts, giving us about six weeks to concentrate on in-depth refinement of the mission.

The Full Moon on October 6 is in mid-Aries, the other sign ruled by Mars. Mercury enters Scorpio that day and takes on the Apex position of the Finger of Fate aspects to Uranus and Neptune, each at 0 degrees. Neptune still excites the World Point, and Uranus in Gemini focuses on travel, information, and communication technologies. This Fall could introduce innovative technologies and systems that are unique and intriguing to the public in new entertainment and personal connectivity.
This might be a time of more attention on the 3-I Atlas Interstellar Body that will be behind the Sun from our perspective and in the territory of Mars through midmonth. The lineup of planetary bodies will emphasize Water element events. This translates to we may have more storms and serious disasters from earthquakes and landslides in areas that have had drought and fires. The Solar emissions and comets in our system can bring electrifying influences on the Earth that we have not experienced before.
Pluto will station direct on October 13, in a close trine aspect with Uranus, and Neptune will be at the midpoint between them. These are the slow energies that change the larger social structures of nations and the global systems. Venus enters Libra on the same day and creates a grand trine in Air element the next day. The high influence of these bodies in harmonious relationships is that the value of civilization becomes more precious, and where perhaps, peace becomes more possible.
On October 19, Mercury and Mars are conjunct in Scorpio and may stir up rumors and accusations that challenge people across social divides. This energy is stressful and challenging in the dark period of the lunar phase, which could start trouble on social media. Try to stay centered and not get into agitated exchanges. Things will settle down with the New Moon in Libra on the 21st.

The New Moon is at the end of Libra, with Venus early in her own sign, supporting an improved dialogue where there has been tension. Jupiter in late Cancer aids in working out the storylines that have been causing dissension and offering a broader outlook in renewing friendships and business relationships.
The Water element gets another grand trine as we end the month. Mars to Saturn, and Mercury to Neptune, have the ease of agreements in solidifying financial deals. Jupiter in Cancer is still in direct motion and nearing the USA Mercury, which gives goodwill and agreements with other leaders on the world stage.
Jupiter will trine Saturn for several weeks after it retrogrades on November 11, and Saturn stations direct on November 28. This interaction between Jupiter, planet of expansion and growth, in trine to Saturn, planet of contraction and solidification, is in a phase of their 20-year cycle that suggests fruition and flowering, growth and improvement leading to stability. We may all feel like we are gaining ground and momentum in our lives.

Norma Jean Ream
about Norma Jean Ream
Norma Jean Ream has been a resident of Kalapana SeaView since 1988. Astrology has been her passion since 1970. She has a B.A. in Astrological Studies East and West from Kepler College and NCGR Level 4 Certification. Her specialty is in Traditional Western astrology, and she writes articles on Mundane (world events) for her own website, www.AstrologyHawaii.com. She wrote and taught a course in Traditional Astrology for IAA, an online college for seven years. She serves clients with a variety of offerings including personal consultations, Electional timing, Relocation decisions, Horary questions, and Children’s Charts for Parents.