Astrology: Tempted by the Fruit of Another
By Hilary Harley
October 2026
October 2026 is not the light and airy Libra October we usually expect or experience. This month, Venus turns retrograde through mid-November.
Retrograde cycles are not negative. They are part of the natural order to renew energy; as such, it is helpful to apply the RE words when navigating this October: research, restore, review, remember, renovate. Now is not the time to initiate new projects or relationships. In other words, hold off on anything or anyone requiring an investment of time, energy or money until mid-November.
Venus rules beauty and artful living and the sun in Libra during October. While Venus rules love, money and relationships, desirable qualities all, on a deeper dive–we find Venus governing our values, skills, talents and self-worth. In short, if we want the good life: love, money and all that comes with it, we must be in the right relationship to our values.
When Valuable Venus comes to a standstill in the sky on Sunday, October 4th, she sends a message. In Scorpio, we feel her reach into the deepest corners of ourselves: our power, our sexuality, our shared financial assets, our soul. Venus doubles down, tightly conjoined to Messenger Mercury in Scorpio. Their message: stop making excuses and face matters at hand. Your values and self-worth await your efforts.
Enter temptation. This month, Venus retrograde in Scorpio offers copious amounts of temptation such as an illicit affair or spending money on expensive things you cannot afford. A pro tip: between October 4th and November 15th, ask whether you can wait before spending time and money on a certain person or product. If it is not urgent, best to hold off during October.
Astrologer Hilary Harley presenting at United Astrology Conference, Chicago. September 4, 2026.
Fear Of Missing Out (FOMO) is powerfully persuasive, the feeling if you don’t know what tempts you might disappear, whether a romantic liaison, piece of jewelry or a business deal. The question is: will you succumb to the quick fix only to be disappointed later on? Before committing to anything this October, ask direct and open-ended questions and look under the hood rather than signing straight away on the dotted line.
October 10th, the new moon in Libra invites us to be scrupulously honest in our relationships, especially with our own self. Libra seeks to balance and bring to order what is chaotic. Mercury and Venus bound together in Scorpio tell us something just doesn’t feel right. Trust your gut. Your spidey senses tingle through October 13th as the moon joins Mercury and Venus in psychic Scorpio.
Follow your intuition especially when Powerful Pluto turns direct motion on October 17th. Watch for peer pressure and group dynamics at play, such as a refusal to budge on matters of joint assets or investments, gender and sexuality. Use October wisely to do your homework, research and review information. Mid-November and beyond is the time to launch initiatives.
Under a waxing moon, Messenger Mercury turns retrograde on October 23rd, the same day that the sun enters Scorpio. Use this time to research and review facts and finances. Until November 15th, it is not the time to book travel, sign significant documents, or buy major items: homes, cars, real estate, or major investments. If you have an emergency, such as a broken refrigerator, laptop or washing machine, make sure you purchase the extra warranty for any replacement as you may very well need it.
Any dirty deeds are eventually revealed, under the approaching full moon in Taurus on Sunday, October 25th. Expect significant announcements.