The erupting skies of October and November 2022 are set to deliver a crescendo of volatility and disruption with the potential for genuine and real change.
The Solar Eclipse in Scorpio on 25/10/22 and the Lunar Eclipse in Taurus on 08/11/22 coincide with the final instalment of the major ongoing Saturn/Uranus square, which is coming to the end of its two year alignment.
This convergence makes the next six weeks a period of powerful backlash and resistance against widespread encroaching authoritarianism, abuse of power, inequality, climate crisis and run away greed.
Eclipses A Solar Eclipse is a New Moon that occurs when the Sun is within 18°31' of the nodes. A Lunar Eclipse is a Full Moon that occurs when the Sun is within 12°15' of the nodes.
The nodes, known as the North Node and South Node, are mathematical points that mark the intersection of the Moon’s orbital path around the Earth and the ecliptic.
The proximity of the lunation to the nodes dictates whether the eclipse will be a total or partial eclipse.
The Solar Eclipse on 25/10/22 is a partial eclipse. The Sun and Moon meeting at 2° Scorpio, with the South Node at 13° Scorpio. This means that both the Sun and Moon will be 11° away from the intersecting points/nodes. In this instance it is too far away to be a total eclipse.
The Lunar Eclipse in Taurus on 08/11/22 is occurring at a much closer proximity of 2° to the North Node, making it a Total Lunar Eclipse. All Lunar eclipses within 3°45' of the nodes are total eclipses.
The diagram below by astronomer/astrologer Gemini Brett gives a geocentric perspective of the North and South Nodes, at the intersection of the Moon's orbit and the Ecliptic (the observed path of the Sun from Earth)
As with all astrological alignments, eclipses are part of wider cycles. Eclipses return to the approximate same degrees and sign every 18-19 years. These corresponding eclipses belong to a family of eclipses called 'Saros Series'.
According to astrologer & researcher Dr Bernadette Brady in her groundbreaking book 'Predictive Astrology: The Eagle and the Lark', eclipses within a particular Saros Series keep their significations given at the initiating first eclipse in the series, and continue to express those overarching themes throughout the entire cycle. A Saros Cycle, as we will see, can last not just centuries, but millennia.
On the discovery of Saros Series, Brady writes:
'By 747 B.C. the Babylonians could accurately predict the timing of an eclipse. By the 4th century B.C. they had recognised that the eclipses occurred in series. These series were named Saros Series or Cycles by the Greek lexicographer Suidas in the 10th century A.D. (The word "saros" means repetition or to be repeated.)'
The Saros Cycle for the upcoming Solar Eclipse on October 25th belongs to the 'South 6' Saros Series as catalogued by Brady. The South 6 series began with its initiating eclipse in the year 1046, with subsequent South 6 eclipses every 18-19 years and will end April 8th 2293.
In her book, Brady gives the original aspects for the first eclipse in 1046, noting the Solar Eclipse (Sun & Moon) was conjunct Venus.
The initiating 1046 eclipse also has a Pluto/Mars opposition, and adds that Venus/Sun/Moon are at the Uranus/Node midpoint in the chart.
Brady writes of the South 6 Saros Series;
"This eclipse series is about being forceful and taking power. It has a manic flavour about it with great force or strength manifesting in the relationship area. Individuals experiencing this Saros Cycle may experience sudden events like falling in or out of love, or sudden sexual encounters. The individual may also exert a huge effort in group activities."
The last time we had a South 6 eclipse was 14th October 2004. For those of us who are old enough, it is an interesting exercise to look back through these eclipse cycles to see what themes were playing out at that time for us. Whilst we might not see an exact replica of those experiences due to differing transits from other planets, we can often find themes repeating. On a personal note, that was interestingly enough a time that I did meet a new partner unexpectedly.
Have a think back to the week or two either side of October 14th 2004 and what was happening for you. Maybe you can already see some repetition, or perhaps you will watch it unfold over the coming weeks.
Event Chart of the October Eclipse on October 25th at 11:48am
Venus is tightly conjunct the Sun/Moon at 2° Scorpio, reinforcing the Venusian interpretations Bernadette Brady gives for the South 6th Saros Series.
This gives the eclipse strong Venusian themes through a Scorpio lens. Indeed, women and their sexual power will be once again rising. We cannot ignore the myth associated with Pluto, modern ruler of Scorpio. That is the myth of Hades and Persephone, and the abduction and sinister sex crimes that come with it. Sadly, on the world stage at least, we are likely to see themes of sexual crime, stalking and possibly abduction, particularly against women.
Finances and Investments are highlighted at the Solar and the Lunar eclipses, with more sudden and disruptive economic crashes and volatility more likely towards the Lunar eclipse on November 8th due to its close proximity to Uranus.
For finances and the Solar eclipse we could expect revelations of extortion, corruption in investment schemes, pensions, and tax evasion when looking through the Scorpionic lens of corruption and crime. Thinking back on the combination of a new beginning and simultaneous decrease or ending, we could see a scrapping of economic policy in favour of a new one. If so, these might play into the strong likelihood of serious economic shockwaves around November 8th.
Therapeutic and Provocative Art - Sun, Moon & Venus in Scorpio
For artists and perhaps too, people in therapy, or other psychoanalytical practice, this can be a rewarding time of exploration into depths not previously reached, harnessing Scorpios urge to excavate and find what's hidden at the depths. This is of course all part and parcel of Scorpio's well known process of transformation.
Venus in Scorpio is offering us the chance to actually enjoy or at least feel more at ease with a journey into the shadows, to retrieve the riches and treasure buried amidst the otherwise useless detritus we've discarded into our unconscious.
The once powerful but disowned and shamed aspects of ourselves inevitably leaks out, into the collective through destructive and unconscious means, reappearing in our lives through the guise of others and situations that appear to thwart us with exactly the energy we have suppressed.
The penetrative quality of Scorpio and its urge to burrow to the depths allows for the retrieval and reclamation of what is hidden. This can lead to an alchemical process of purging and purification, turning shame, denial and fear into pure power and strength, which can be felt as strongly physically as well as it can psychically. Venus in Scorpio can help us find the immense value and beauty in that which we've buried, and make for the most evocative and powerful art.
Artist and Musician Bjork with Sun Moon and Ascendant in Scorpio, and Artist Tracy Emin, Moon in Scorpio spring to mind with their transformational and purging themes.
Artist Tracy Emin, Moon in Scorpio
Bjork, Sun, Moon and Ascendant in Scorpio
Venus in Scorpio
Venus is considered in 'detriment' in Scorpio according to traditional methods of judging the condition, or 'dignity' of a planet in any given sign.
A planet is deemed to be in its detriment when it occupies the zodiacal sign opposite its home sign(s).
In this case we see Venus placed in Scorpio, which is the sign opposed to her home sign of Taurus. So Venus is in detriment in Scorpio. The same is true for Venus in Aries, as Aries is the sign opposite the other sign that Venus rules - Libra.
The experience of the planet in detriment (also known as 'exile') is likened to being in a unfamiliar environment that is diametrically opposed and hostile to ones natural surroundings, needs and tastes. One can imagine being as far away from home as one can be, in a foreign country, in a house with people that speak a different language that you don't know, and where the surroundings, structures, decor and tools available have no resonance or familiarity with you.
Scorpio is a Mars ruled sign. Venus looks for congeniality, peace and beauty, whereas Mars is primed for battle, asserting his will and self orientated achievements. Mars is very at home in Scorpio, and more naturally equipped than Venus, to deal with the more unsavoury facets of life and human behaviour.
Venus is obliged to bring sweetness, charm, pleasure and beauty through the lens Scorpio, even though this Mars ruled sign is antithetical to her aims. Venus wants to bring softness, joy, social cohesion and collaboration. In Scorpio, Venus has to somehow achieve her agenda from the dank dark alleys and nooks of the treacherous underworld.
When we see a planet in detriment in someone's natal chart, the person will certainly run into challenge or frustration, but over time can learn to find brilliant ways to express their challenged planet, finding their unique and great strength. One notable recurring theme I see on the aesthetic level of Venus in Scorpio, is that is provides for some seriously seductive 'Goth Couture' vibes.
One example I love to give of Venus in Scorpio is Bailey Sarian, photographed above.
Bailey found her niche and fame as YouTube make-up artist with a dark twist. Applying seductive make up on camera, Bailey captivates her audience with femme fatale charm, regaling spooky stories of haunted horrors, chilling serial killers, and all things grim from her candle lit cave. I remember watching her video and the penny dropping in my mind. 'This chick must have Venus in Scorpio' I thought. I checked and sure enough, she has Venus in Scorpio, and she's taking it all the way to the bank.
Venus = Make-Up & Beauty, Scorpio = Horror & Spook
Bailey's Venus enables dwelling in the taboo and gruesome to be transformed into an enjoyable aesthetically pleasing experience, and this you could say has become her superpower.
Aside from showcasing this very literal manifestation of Venus in Scorpio, another goal here is to encourage students or fans of astrology that are deciphering their own charts, not to internalise negative interpretations of a planet that is in detriment (or any other configuration for that matter). When in a natal chart, the person is constantly working with that energy throughout their life, learning to get the very best from it.
They can and do become your greatest and most unique asset over time!
Those with personal planets (Sun, Moon especially, Venus, Mercury or Mars) and any of the four angles (Ascendant, Midheaven, Descendant, Imum Coeli) at 0 - 4° of the fixed signs Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius will be feeling the Solar Eclipse most strongly.
The way the eclipse plays out for you will depend on the particulars of your natal chart, but passionate intimate relationships (possibly secretive ones), women, girls and friendships are strongly highlighted through Venus.
The Scorpio Eclipse has Sun, Moon and Venus, close-ish, to the South Node.
The South Node has a quality of decrease, which can be anything from letting something go in one's mind, to losing something or someone, whereas the North Node is a point of increase and amplification.
So taking the theme of decrease, endings or loss and then adding in the fact that Solar Eclipses indicate new beginnings adds a little complexity.
We have new beginnings on one hand and letting go or endings on another.
One very basic example of how this combination of a South Node, Solar Eclipse with Venus, Goddes of Love might play out, is ending one romantic relationship to start a new one. I'm sure this will be a relatively common scenario, with varying shades of Scorpionic passion and secrecy.
Uranus Square Saturn: The Mahsa Amini Protest
One of the many places in the world where we are seeing the Saturn Uranus square play out is with the inspiring and brave feminine revolution playing out in Tehran and surrounding areas, with the death of 22 year old Mahsa Amini.
Mahsa was violently beaten by 'morality police' in September 2022 for allegedly refusing to cover her head, and died soon after from what looks to be her injuries.
An Iranian protestor holding a picture of 22 year old Mahsa Amini who died following brutality from Iranian 'morality police'.
The Uranus/Saturn square is front and centre here, bringing citizens out onto the streets in protest, demanding progressive change (Uranus) and to overcome authoritarian old and outdated tradition & regime (Saturn).
This October Scorpio Eclipse, with all its feminine weight as seen by a Grand Trine of Venus, Lilith and Juno, will see growing support with prominent women adding their voices from around the globe.
Whilst the regime attempts to reinforce its authority (Saturn), the freedom fighters (Uranus) are emboldened and not going to back down. With this square being the last square they make, Uranus isn't just looking for unrest and a bit of part time anarchy, he's looking for breakthrough, progress, and real change.
The November 8th Lunar Eclipse is in many ways, Uranus' last big opportunity in all current tussles of tradition vs progress, authority vs freedom etc, across the world. This is it's moment to force Saturn to make concessions. Actions we take now CAN make a difference. Add your support to the causes you are passionate about as now is the time to make a genuine difference.
US Elections/November 8th Lunar Eclipse - Highlighting the Final Saturn/Uranus Square
The 90° square aspect brings friction and tension, unlike a harmonious 120° trine aspect, where the energy flows smoothly. We experience a more intense charge that creates a pressure cooker situation. Things are messy and challenging, but the higher levels of friction inherent in a square forces breakthrough where it's needed.
The Lunar Eclipse in Taurus on November 8th coincides with US midterm elections. Voters are being purged from the registers in attempts to influence the outcome as political and public tensions rise. With the Lunar Eclipse taking place on election day, so closely aspecting Uranus and the North Node, we can expect shocking and unexpected developments on and around the day.
One thing to note is that both Joe Biden's and Kamala Harris's charts are strongly aspected at this Lunar eclipse. It isn't out of the realms of possibility that this eclipse could bring about an unexpected shake up for both.
We will undoubtedly see powerful shocks erupting in other regions of the world including here in the UK, where the timing is ripe for breakthroughs in strike action and amidst political and economic chaos.
I haven't checked events political or otherwise, that occur around the 8th November for the UK, but I can promise we'll see fireworks to remember.
It is interesting that Liz Truss's appointment as Prime Minister happened as Mercury was stationary in the sky and about to turn retrograde, indicating that her premiership would very quickly be rethought and revised. If she's going anytime soon, it will be during these eclipses.
Events in Ukraine and Russia are likely to also reach a height and turning point, with both leaders personally affected by these current transits. Perhaps a sudden strike that tips the scales one way or another is about to occur.
I guess the big question in all of these battles of freedom vs control, is, who is going to win?
Saturn or Uranus?
I'm backing Uranus, the 'irrepressible force', to force Saturn, the 'immovable object' to make serious concessions at the very least.
With the eclipse and North Node highlighting Uranus I feel he has his golden window of opportunity for a meaningful strike, breakthrough and liberation.
Aspects for October/November 2022
Sun square Pluto: October 19th - Exposure of attempts to undermine leadership, threats to life of leaders, power plays between world leaders and other powerful men.
Venus square Pluto: October 20th - Exposure of attempts to manipulate/dominate women and stock markets, financial corruption, sexual abuse and scandal, female power.
Saturn Station Direct: October 23rd - Intensification of Saturn in Aquarius significations, including the attempt to retain and double down on authoritarian policies in conflict with Uranian attempts to break free, social restrictions, delays and restriction of supply chains and resources.
Scorpio Solar Eclipse: October 25th - Similar but intensified significations of Venus square Pluto.
Mercury square Pluto: October 27th - Exposure of attempts to subvert & manipulate information.
Jupiter retrograde into Pisces: October 28th - Inflation, oil prices, flooding, news relating to the sea and oceans, increased calls for compassion and support/international aid to support the freedom of the oppressed and suffering.
Mars retrograde in Gemini: October 30th - Intensification of Mars in Gemini significations, mental stimulation but with a sense of treading water, frustration causing conflictual heated communication. Cyber Attacks, Strong winds and attacks from the air in conflict zones.
Total Lunar Eclipse in Taurus: November 8th - Sudden and shocking developments closely tied to the Saturn/Uranus square, coinciding with US elections, financial shocks and disruption, earthquakes and power surges/blackouts
The Good News
Those of us affected (anyone with planets around 18° of the fixed signs Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius) have been feeling this stand off too, between the need for restraint and caution, and the need for progress and new ventures. If you're feeling stagnant and frustrated, in desperate need of breakthrough/liberation in a particular area of your chart/life, then nows the time to get ready and actively participate in the astrology.
The warning with Uranus/Saturn is not to be so frustrated by Saturnian restraint that we go pedal to the metal and are all out reckless, rather we need to satiate both. We need advancement and innovation, renewal and progress, whilst being respectful to our wider responsibilities, limitations and structures. Actions taken at this time are going to have the power to break the stalemate.
Soon after the November 8th Eclipse, Saturn begins to separate from Uranus for the final time, bringing a resolution to this fractious two year heavyweight title fight.
Saturn will steadily make his way through the last third of Aquarius, where he has been for the last two and a half years, before making his way into Pisces in March 2023.
Just a few weeks after Saturn moves in Pisces, Pluto will change signs for the first time in over 14 years from Capricorn into Aquarius!
October and November therefore is reinforced as THE turning point before we move into new territories in the Spring of 2023
December to March is a period of integration and dealing with the unfolding events.
I know I entitled this section 'The Good News', but in all honesty I haven't yet fully or deeply considered the Saturn or Pluto ingresses at the world level, and have only been interpreting the shifts in natal charts for clients.
My notion of good news in this instance is rather more that, at this stage, I'm feeling a change is as good as a rest :)
On that note I will sign off before my hands go numb from typing, and wish you a passionate, deep diving, soul enriching eclipse season, and empowering Saturn/Uranus square. With a gentle reminder that you have to break a few eggs to make an omelette, but with a little care and caution, you can avoid a lot of mess.
Wishing you all the breakthroughs you've been waiting for.
Heather@invokingvenus
NB: The partial Solar Eclipse on Tuesday 25th October 2022 will be visible from here in the UK!!
*If you wish to view the full event you will need to observe the spectacle earlier than the time I've given, as this is for when the Sun and Moon are in exact zodiacal alignment in my geographical location. Be sure to check a reputable astronomical source for viewing times local to you.
**With the Moon only covering 35% of the face of the Sun, make sure to view safely with eclipse glasses or at a managed viewing event with appropriate safety precautions.
