Fall is in full swing, the days are shorter and the air is nice and crisp!
Often referred to as the season of the witch, the autumn season marks a time of harvest, reflection, and release, when Mother Nature, herself, shows us that letting go is part of the cycle.
Granted, Libra season usually brings a sense of ease after a hyper-focused and diligent Virgo season, as there is greater focus on relationships, beauty and balance.
This year, however, things feel a bit different, so if you’re wondering if something feels off, you’re certainly not imagining it.
Think about it: Venus — the planet of love, relationships, values and beauty — is retrograde, so the usual light-heartedness brought on by this breezy season is overshadowed by the goddess’ descent into the Underworld, marking a time of deep introspection.
So, instead of focusing on what’s pleasant on the surface, we’re being called to take a closer look at what we value, who we invest our time in and where we’ve been compromising more than we should.
This retrograde makes the timing of this lunation especially meaningful.
Every month, Mother Moon completes a journey of phases, and the new moon marks the beginning of her lunar cycle, where she joins forces with the sun and vanishes into the night sky.
Astrologically, this is equivalent to a reset and clean slate, making it ideal for planting seeds of intention and starting something brand-new.
This month, that new beginning kicks off in none other than Venus-ruled Libra, a zodiac sign associated with partnerships, harmony, compromise and choices.
This Air sign (and lunation) collectively encourages us to reflect on how we show up for others, consider what we’re ready to commit to and where things are out of balance.
With Venus retrograde, however, this isn’t time to jump into something brand-new. On the contrary, it’s a call to start over, yes — but with honesty, integrity and clarity.
More importantly, the essence of Scorpio, has everything to do with the shadowy undercurrents of our surroundings, as well as the darker attributes in ourselves we choose not to see. This is where the real work begins, and why this lunation isn’t as charming or Venusian as it normally would be.
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Renewing itself at exactly 17 degrees of Libra, on Oct. 10 at 11:50 a.m. ET, look at where this degree point lives in your birth chart, and which astrological house this Air sign occupies, as this is the area of life where this reset will be felt most personally.
Remember, the sun (ego, soul purpose) and moon (intuition, emotional foundation) are conjunct, so this new chapter is centered around Libra themes: connection, peace, harmony and partnership.
As a cardinal air sign, Libra influences the way we start conversations, express our thoughts and show up in social settings. It also speaks to our relational needs and values — what we have in common with others and the people we genuinely enjoy being around.
On that note, this reset is presenting us with the opportunity to see these dynamics from a fresh perspective, and consider whether something is still worth the investment.
This is, after all, a very Libra question, as this sign weighs out the pros and cons, and considers both sides of everything before making a decision.
It’s time to make a decision, and chances are you’ve been feeling a heaviness building as this approaches, which is no coincidence.
For instance, on the day of this lunation, the sun will be in opposition to Saturn retrograde (it has been for about a week) and the moon joins that opposition several hours before the new moon. This, in turn, creates delays, setbacks and a sense of pressure.
At the same time, while Libra’s instinct is to compromise and make sure everyone’s happy, this could bring up questions like: Will people still like me if I do this? Am I being motivated by what others think and need? Am I giving up what I want for the sake of this relationship?
Fortunately, amidst the tension of it all, Jupiter in Leo forms a supportive sextile to this lunation, nudging you to have confidence and courage to pursue your desires, even if it ruffles some feathers along the way.
Jupiter is also sitting at the eclipse point (August’s solar eclipse in Leo), so eclipse energy is likely resurfacing, while Jupiter expands and amplifies it, feeding into the decisions you’re having to make at this time.
Again, let’s go back to Venus, because as the new moon approaches, the love planet will form an exact square to Mars in Leo, while also making a conjunction to Mercury, who is currently in its pre-retrograde shadow phase.
Mars can be louder and more assertive, while Venus retrograde does the opposite, reviewing and processing everything coming up for review. Still, Mercury is supportive in Scorpio, as the messenger planet is more aware and discerning under this lunation, picking up on messages and information you might otherwise miss.
However, Mercury and Venus retrograde are still clashing with Mars, and Mars is currently in opposition with Pluto retrograde in Aquarius.
This triggers an intense fixed T-square led by power-hungry Pluto and all in all, this foreshadows a collective shift toward the future, where we’re moving into unfamiliar territory, beyond what we can predict and what our higher selves can fully process.
Something needs to break down in order for us to evolve, but those fixed energies aren’t making the process easy, as they prefer to keep things as is and stay put.
Also, Mercury and Venus are personal planets, tied to communication, the mind, and daily reality (Mercury), and to self-worth, confidence, and what we earn and create (Venus). Mars adds our self-assertion, motivation, and energy, but with Pluto leading the way, we're left with no choice but to surrender and release resistance.
Relationships, businesses, collective endeavors, and our personal willpower are showing us where we're on very different pages as individuals. And though we may not be able to find common ground, no one wants to change their position.
That's why this new moon is about making a new choice on how to handle things moving forward. Some conversations may need to happen, new options and opportunities could come up for review, and the tension could persist throughout the month of October.
In the meantime, read on for your new moon in Libra horoscope and affirmation.
Aries
Have an honest conversation, and stop avoiding the elephant in the room, Aries. This new moon lands in your seventh house of partnerships, asking whether a relationship still deserves your time and energy. Saturn's opposition weighs (while in your sign) on you with obligation, while Mars, your ruler, is squared by Venus retrograde, so tempers are bound to flare when you finally speak up. Don't swallow your needs just to keep the peace. Business partnerships, contracts, and love connections may all come up for review throughout the month. New moon affirmation: I choose partnerships that honor my fire, and I speak my truth with love.
Taurus
Embrace the reset in your day-to-day routine, Taurus. This new moon falls in your sixth house of work, health, and rituals, shining a light on how you spend your energy on a regular basis. Venus, your ruler, is also retrograde in Scorpio, your opposite sign, so you may be reassessing coworkers, habits, or commitments that feel one-sided. Saturn's opposition, too, adds pressure, urging you to stop overextending yourself for others' approval. Expect conversations at work or about your wellbeing all throughout the month. Choose the routines that nourish you, even if someone is openly displeased. New moon affirmation: I create daily rhythms that honor my body, my worth, and my peace of mind.
Gemini
Follow your heart, unapologetically, Gemini. This new moon lights up your fifth house of romance, creativity, and play, inviting a fresh start in how you flirt, create, and live life to the fullest. Still, the influence of Saturn (opposition) could make you second-guess whether your passions are practical or whether others will approve. Jupiter and Mars in your third house of communication fuel bold words, so a message, a pitch, or a confession could change things. Trust your instincts. New moon affirmation: I give myself permission to create, love, and play without apology.
Cancer
Consider what home means to you, and what you need in your personal life, Cancer. This lunation activates your fourth house of home, family, and emotional foundations, calling for a fresh start in the way you nurture yourself and others. Saturn's opposition, however, could shed light on where you've held the family peace at the cost of your own needs. Meanwhile, Pluto in your eighth house asks you to release inherited patterns and entanglements that no longer serve you. New moon affirmation: I'm building a safe, loving foundation that starts with honoring my heart.
Leo
The new moon activates your third house of communication, siblings, and daily affairs, Leo, asking you to reconsider the way you speak, listen, and share your ideas with others. The influence of Saturn's opposition, however, could make you hesitate, worried that honesty will cost you approval. Meanwhile, Venus retrograde and Mercury in your fourth house stirs up family dynamics and personal matters, while Mars opposing Pluto in your seventh house can also spark power struggles with partners. Choose your words wisely and stand firm. New moon affirmation: I speak with courage, clarity, and compassion; I trust my inner voice.
Virgo
Reassess what you're worth, and what you’re willing to tolerate, Virgo. October’s new moon ignites your second house of money, values, and self-esteem, offering a fresh start in how you earn, spend, and value yourself. Saturn's opposition to the new moon, however, could simultaneously highlight where you've undercharged, overgiven, or stayed somewhere out of obligation. Venus retrograde and Mercury in your third house bring honest conversations, paperwork, or negotiations back around for review.Don't settle for less just to keep the peace. A financial or professional decision may arrive soon and the tension could linger throughout the month. New moon affirmation: I know my worth, and I choose to nurture what aligns with my core values.
Libra
Choose yourself first, Libra. Happy new moon! This one’s got your name on it, and it’s making your solar return all the more powerful when considering your yearly reset. Luna’s opposition to Saturn, however, reminds you that relationships come with responsibility, and you cannot keep shrinking to keep others comfortable. Venus, your ruler, is also retrograde in your second house of money and values, so you're reconsidering what you want and what you're worth in the process. Mars squaring Venus may trigger disagreements, but it also gives you the nerve to make a decision. New moon affirmation: I am allowed to take up space, and I choose what feels true for me.
Scorpio
Retreat and go within, Scorpio. The new moon will ignite your enigmatic 12th house of rest, closure, and subconscious realms, offering a quiet reset before your solar season begins. The influence of Saturn could also reveal where exhaustion, secrets, or guilt have been contributing to your choices. Also, with Venus retrograde and Mercury in your sign, you're called to reflect on who you are and how you show up. Jupiter and Mars in your tenth house of career simultaneously push you toward visibility, but Pluto in your fourth house of home suggests real change starts from within. Release what you have outgrown. A decision about your path may come through intuitively. New moon affirmation: I release what no longer serves me and rise from the ashes like the phoenix.
Sagittarius
Reevaluate your circle of friends, Sagittarius. This lunation is touching down on your 11th house of friendships and community affairs, inviting a fresh start to your network and who you surround yourself with. However, with Saturn in opposition, this can reveal friendships or groups that no longer share your values… and you may hesitate to step away nonetheless. Venus retrograde and Mercury in your twelfth house suggest the answers lie in quiet reflection rather than opinion. Expect invitations, group conversations, and a decision about your sense of belonging in the world. New moon affirmation: I choose to surround myself with people who celebrate my authenticity and support my goals and dreams.
Capricorn
Take control of your professional path, Capricorn. October’s new moon will renew itself in your 10th house of career, reputation, and public standing, marking a fresh start in how you pursue your goals. Meanwhile, taskmaster Saturn, your ruler, opposes the lunation, so you could feel the weight of responsibility and wonder whether your ambitions still match your values. Venus retrograde and Mercury in your 11th house bring professional networks and long-term plans up for review. Make a decision that reflects your integrity, even if it disappoints someone in the process. New moon affirmation: I am building a career that fuels my passions and supports my well-being.
Aquarius
Expand your worldview and broaden your horizons, Aquarius. The new moon is igniting your ninth house of travel, higher learning, and personal philosophy, kicking off a fresh chapter when it comes to what you believe and where you're headed. However, Saturn will be in opposition, leading you to question whether a belief, a course of study, or a plan abroad is still worth the commitment. Venus retrograde and Mercury in your 10th house have you reviewing your career path and public image. But with Pluto in your own sign opposing Mars, you're also transforming, just as your desire for freedom is tested. Release the need to be understood by everyone. Trust the timing. New moon affirmation: I will follow my curiosity, trust my change of heart, and move toward what inspires me.
Pisces
Immerse yourself in what you’re passionate about, and what is true to you, Pisces. The new moon falls in your eighth house of intimacy, shared resources, and transformation, setting the stage for a fresh start in the way you trust, merge, and surrender. Saturn's opposition, however, can reveal where emotional or financial dependence has kept you stuck in compromise. Venus retrograde and Mercury in your ninth house simultaneously push you to reconsider beliefs about love and self-worth. A conversation about money, commitment, or boundaries may be overdue. New moon affirmation: I release what drains me, and welcome the transformation ahead with an open heart.
Valerie is an astrologer, writer & visual storyteller. She writes horoscopes for PEOPLE—formerly PopSugar, StyleCaster, Elite Daily, among others. For more of her work, check out valeriemesa.com or follow her on Instagram @valeriemesa.
