Welcome to Indy Maven’s astrology column coming by way of Kelli Jenkins, better known around Indy as one of the Spellsisters. Check out their website and Instagram feed for even more info from the world of horoscopes and tarot, or to book a private reading.
October 2026 Overview
I would tell you that the astrology this month is pretty heavy, but at this point, astrological strife feels par for the course, don’t you think?
October is split evenly with two distinct energies. We enter the month basking in the gentle diplomacy of Libra season, and end it with the brooding intensity of Scorpio season. It feels like something settles in the air, only to have been replaced with a fresh storm at the end of the month.
On the 3rd, Venus begins its retrograde in Scorpio. It’ll move back through Libra until it rights itself on November 13. That same day, Mars opposes Pluto, which is also retrograde. Venus turns the focus inward right up against a tense backdrop; the power dynamics are power dynamic-ing. You could feel these transits as building resentment. Try not to overreact. It’ll pass.
That same day, the moon is in its last quarter, in Cancer, so you’d be wise to treat this day as a release valve. Let this be a turning point. Let go of the need to control the narrative. It will be whatever it will be, whether you attempt to apply muscle or not.
Then, the New Moon in Libra on the 10th offers a good chance to set clear, fresh intentions, especially ones that focus on balance in relationships. Now would be a good time to make a decision you’ve been weighing. By then, Venus will already be retrograde, so this isn’t an ideal moon for starting something brand new. The better bet is focusing on a recalibration. Ask yourself: what is already in motion that needs more fine tuning?
Figure this out before the 23rd, imo, because that’s when the Sun slips into Scorpio. Here, whatever has been hiding comes to the surface. At the same time, a Venus cazimi occurs. This is a crucial point where Venus exactly conjuncts the Sun, basking in its rays. Generally, a cazimi is seen as a point that has the power to initiate completely new cycles. If you’re open to receiving them, powerful messages could make their way to you under this aspect.
On the 24th, Mercury stations retrograde in Scorpio, too, through November 13. All month, relationships come under review, but now, communication feels strained, too. It would be super easy to fall into the trap of putting your foot in your mouth, or starting something you can’t finish. This month, calculate, but don’t mince words.
IMPORTANT DATES THIS MONTH
October 3 — Venus retrogrades through Scorpio and Libra
Avoid impulsivity. Symptoms may include but are not limited to: over-spending, poor judgment, encounters with exes, old friends resurfacing, the desire to make a dramatic change to your appearance (but don’t do it until Venus goes direct. Or do, if you want. idk, it’s your hair).
October 3 – Mars opposes Pluto retrograde
More intensity. Check your ego against the backdrop of the power dynamic.
October 10 – New Moon in Libra
This new moon is an opportunity to set something right, especially anywhere balance and fairness are missing.
October 15 – Pluto direct in Aquarius
It’s like erosion: quietly, slowly rearranging the ground beneath your feet without you even noticing. Throughout Pluto’s retrograde things have been tilting imperceptibly, unseen, especially when it comes to power dynamics. Now things are beginning to move forward again. Maybe now an ending that hasn’t quite ended will finally conclude.
October 23 – Sun enters Scorpio
Secrets may be revealed–nothing can hide forever. Scorpio season thrives on depth, passion, and intensity. Whatever’s lurking just beneath the surface will surface.
October 23 – Venus Cazimi in Scorpio
A brief, but powerful energetic reset, even mid-retrograde.
October 24 – Mercury stations retrograde in Scorpio
Issues surrounding communication and relationships are entangled with each other, and now they’re under a microscope.
October 25 – Venus retrograde re-enters Libra
Pumping the brakes on all the heavy Scorpio vibes.
October 25/26 – Full Moon in Taurus
You could suddenly realize you’re defining yourself by something that is simply not you. You just can’t be defined by what you have or what you do.
Birthday Royalty <3 Libra (September 23 – October 22)
The first 3 weeks of the month bring bright days for you. It feels like the sun and stars are shining just for you and like maybe—just maybe!—everything is going to work out alright. But as Venus, your ruling planet, begins to backtrack in its retrograde march, some challenges come your way, especially when it comes to finances. Watch for leaks in your bank account all month. You can still live it up and have good times without taking unnecessary risks.
Tarotscope | The High Priestess: Something true is obscured for a reason. There’s no need to dig for it—it will be revealed at the right time.
NOW FOR THE REST OF YOU...
Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)
A quiet season of reflection and solitude comes your way this month, and this could be exactly what’s needed right now. You tend to be introspective by nature, so after a few months of everything feeling like too much, this is what restores your equilibrium. By the end of the month, you are back in high demand, so take the time to slow down. Seriously.
Tarotscope | Ace of Wands: Something is brewing. You do not need to tell anyone for it to become reality.
Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)
Big changes, planned and unplanned, may have come over the past 6 months. While September was all about resetting and reflecting on your evolution, this month feels more social for you. It’s sort of unlike you, but it’s okay if, even with an overflowing inbox, you don’t feel ready to move out of your cocoon yet. Tiptoe into some of the opportunities brought your way. It doesn’t have to be all or nothing. For you, this season is about striking the perfect balance between secretive solitude and being an open book.
Tarotscope | 6 of Swords: It might feel like you’ve been in rough waters. This moves you through them.
Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)
You’re in peak performance mode, and your efforts and dedication could be recognized this month. You have the potential to elevate even further, especially in your career. It could be a risk, but this is a good time for risks, if it feels right. Socially, you could feel misunderstood. People simply are not operating on your plane of productivity. Don’t punish them for that.
Tarotscope | The Star: Optimism is a safe bet.
Aquarius (January 20 – February 18)
You are no stranger to feeling misunderstood. In fact, it might be your default. Venus and Mercury retrograde could have you putting your foot in your mouth, but you’ll get the chance to clarify your intentions and clear any confusion. You are best off spending the month scouring—your home, your inbox, and your belief systems could all use an overhaul.
Tarotscope | 4 of Wands: Your external environment is a reflection of your inner wellbeing (or turmoil).
Pisces (February 19 – March 20)
New sources of income, a surprise check, or happy accidents could benefit you this month. And it’s a good thing, because you might find yourself spending more than you expected on something you can’t live without. Sometimes, a splurge is simply the right thing. Other times, it feels impulsive and leads to regret—which is possible under this month’s retrogrades. Only you can check that temperature.
Tarotscope | Page of Pentacles: Sometimes surprises are life changing in an awesome way. Sometimes they’re jarring and can derail you.
Aries (March 21 – April 19)
This month, Mars and Jupiter collaborate to boost your creativity and bring you fresh ideas. This could be exactly what you need to break out of a rut. This is inspiring, but watch out because it could be so inspiring that it motivates you to spend more money. Be careful to avoid overextending yourself or overcommitting to something that sounds okay but not perfect.
Tarotscope | Temperance: Enthusiasm can easily lead you to go overboard.
Taurus (April 20 – May 20)
This month feels challenging for you in a way that you usually aren’t challenged. It feels exceptionally difficult to stay on top of everything and this makes you feel frazzled and unnerved. On top of that, you find yourself in the middle of misunderstandings and drama that feels intense now, but will later seem silly. So it’s best not to get wrapped up in anyone else’s agenda. Go with the flow but be direct and firm with your boundaries.
Tarotscope | The Hanged Man: Inaction does not equal passivity. Sometimes it’s just better to wait before striking.
Gemini (May 21 – June 20)
Excuse me, but could it be that you might be the only one that’s making sense right now? You could be asked to lead a project or a team, which is a good opportunity but presents some challenges. You’re just trying to help, but that can make other people feel like you’re unnecessarily getting involved. It’s better to stay composed and turn the other cheek. Later, you could find yourself on the other side of the table.
Tarotscope | Knight of Pentacles: You have the upper hand, but things are constantly in flux. This is not permanent.
Cancer (June 21 – July 22)
Be mindful of the bones you pick. This month, minor issues that you turn into major problems will stick. Don’t start problems over little things that are ultimately inconsequential. Throughout October, you have the potential to blow things way out of proportion, and while it might seem like a big deal in the moment, you’ll look back on it and realize just how trivial it was.
Tarotscope | The Devil: A wound never heals if you keep picking the scab.
Leo (July 23 – August 22)
You are ultra-motivated this month, and this gives you the amazing chance to make big moves. Suddenly, it’s way easier to just do the things, and anything you’ve been putting off is going to the top of your list. This could be a good month for you to focus on home or self improvement projects. At the end, be sure to celebrate with your closest people.
Tarotscope | 8 of Pentacles: Whatever you’re working on requires diligence, but you are poised to make it all happen.
Virgo (August 23 – September 22)
Money matters are a key focus this month. It’s possible you will receive a boost, which could lead you to want to overspend. Sometimes, it can be good to spend more than you normally would, but exercise caution… you don’t always need what you want, which sometimes makes the “wanting” a fleeting moment. Maybe you should sleep on it. Venus retrograde has you wanting to bask in material delights. Mercury’s retrograde could make you regret them.
Tarotscope | 6 of Wands: You feel generous and everything seems within reach. It’s only within reach because of what you already hold.
Photo of the Spellsisters by Schwebach Photography.
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