Aloha to all,

October is upon us already, and we not only have the Harvest Moon to look forward to on October 6 but also a Friday the 13th in the week that follows! And of course, there's the annual night of All Hallows' to celebrate to at the end of the month on October 31 -- Halloween!

As for the Harvest Moon:
Some people claim that the harvest moon shines brighter and more golden than during normal full moons. However, since the time between moonrises on successive nights is shorter in autumn than at any other time of year, there is very little darkness between sunset and moonrise. The extra dose of lighting afforded by the full Moon closest to the equinox is what gives the Harvest Moon its name. In the southern hemisphere, this week's full Moon behaves in exactly the opposite way: there will be an extra long time between moonrises from one evening to the next.

And Friday the 13th?
A Friday occurring on the 13th day of any month is considered to be a day of bad luck in English-speaking cultures around the globe. Similar superstitions exist in some other traditions. In Greece and Spain, for example, Tuesday the 13th takes the same role. The fear of Friday the 13th is called paraskavedekatriaphobia, a specialized form of triskaidekaphobia, a phobia (fear) of the number thirteen.

Following are the individual monthly forecasts for each of the 12 signs of the zodiac which offers a more whimsical consideration of the annual Halloween celebration. Beyond that you'll find some monthly updates and announcements from Celestial Living Arts. Look for each of these headings below:

* October Monthly Forecast for Halloween
* CelestialLivingArts.com...coming soon!
* Individualized Celestial Living Arts Astrology Reports
 

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* OCTOBER MONTHLY FORECAST

What's in your closet for Halloween -- Hollywood-created superhero or ancient mythical, icon? For those looking to do something a little different this Halloween season, I'd like to suggest taking your imagination on a tour of the zodiac for ideas in concepting and designing this year's Halloween costumes. Each sign of the celestial zodiac is richly imbued with its own symbol and thousands of years worth of history and cultural evolution. A description of symbology for of each of the 12 signs of the zodiac follows:

ARIES: (March 21-April 19):
This go-getter sign is symbolized by the Ram and rules the head. Aries is the first sign of the zodiac, the point where it begins its cycle on the vernal equinox which gives it the official honor of kick-starting the Astrological New Year. Symbolized by an animal of great daring and courage, Aries is related to dawn, the season of spring, and the beginning of life. Much like the spirit of spring, those born under Aries are forever looking forward, never backward. In essence, Aries governs leadership and initiative by natives who are joyful, dynamic, assertive, outspoken and brave -- and occasionally a little too headstrong, impatient and impulsive.
How to Trick or Treat as an Aries: Must be the first one to get a handful of trick-or-treat candy.

TAURUS: (April 20-May 20):
Taurus is the second sign of the zodiac, represented by the Bull, which is renowned for strength and stamina. For centuries, worship of the bull has been prevalent throughout parts of the ancient world including Greece, Egypt, Assyria and Persia. Even today in India, Nandi (the Sacred White Bull of Siva) continues to remain the object of much veneration. The symbolism of the bull is synonymous with solidity, vitality and endurance. It is also linked to storms, hurricanes, thunder and the crescent moon. Taurus lays the fertile ground for spring's garden, bringing forth productive and beautiful growth. Like the bull, Taurus does not move unless there is something worth moving for and can be counted on as one of the most steady, reliable and faithful signs of the zodiac.
How to Trick or Treat as a Taurus: Take your time picking over the cheap candy to find the most elegantly wrapped, expensive confectioneries. Settle for nothing less.

GEMINI: (May 21-June 20):
This third sign if the zodiac is symbolized by the Twins representing duality. In Egypt, Gemini was once known as the "Two Stars," named for Castor and Pollux, the two brightest celestial bodies within the constellation. These stars have also been formerly referred to as Hercules and Apollo, and Triptolemus and Iasion. The symbolic glyph is literally the Roman numeral II, and the theme of twofold dichotomy is the key to the meaning of this sign. Dominated by the planet Mercury, the planet of speed and communication, Gemini individuals have a joy of expression, a quick mind and a certain sparkle that creates lively exchange wherever they go. Stick-with-it-ness is their greatest challenge.
How to Trick or Treat as a Gemini: Take a bite out of each piece of candy and leave the rest for someone else.

CANCER: (June 21-July 22):
For most, Cancer is synonymous with the Crab, but was first viewed by the ancient Egyptians as a scarab or dung-beetle. The Greeks later elevated the constellation to a giant crab which, as the story goes, nipped at the heels of Heracles, thus prolonging the course of the historic battle with the monstrous Hydra. When the crab was ultimately crushed beneath the feet of Heracles, his bravery was commended by Hera, who as the wife of Zeus, placed this constellation in the night sky. Cancer is the fourth sign of the western zodiac. In the northern hemisphere the Sun enters Cancer at the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. In the southern hemisphere, the Sun's entry into Cancer marks the shortest day. Known for their hard, protective shell and defensive claws, it's the soft underbelly that many come to love most about their fellow Cancerian crabs.
How to Trick or Treat as a Cancer: Enjoy the treats but be sure and "nest egg" a stash for future consumption. Keep a tight security watch on the goods.

LEO: (July 23-Aug. 22):
A the fifth sign of the zodiac Leo derives from the Latin leo or the Greek leon, both of which mean Lion. However, the name is possibly Semitic in origin coming from the Hebrew word, labi. Leo is known as the "royal sign," symbolic of exuberance, leadership and courage. Radiance and warmth is associated with this zodiac sign which emanates from the Leo personality to touch the hearts of friends and admirers. Leos easily exude leonine pride and often wear their hair in a way that suggest a lion-like mane or highlights a regal face framed with a crown of fur.
How to Trick or Treat as a Leo: Take the throne when it comes to dividing up the candy amongst your subjects and admirers. Let them eat cake too.

VIRGO: (Aug. 23-Sept. 22):
As the sixth sign of the zodiac, Virgo heralds the end of summer and nearing of the harvest. The origin of its name has become lost over time but among European and Middle Eastern mythology, Virgo has always been a symbol of fertility and production of crops. Some sources maintain that Virgo began as The Great Mother, a Sumerian Corn Goddess, while in Egypt, she was Nidaba, Goddess of Grain, whose harvest began when the Moon was in her constellation. In medieval times, Virgo was associated with the Virgin Mary. However, in most depictions, Virgo holds a sheaf of wheat or an ear of corn, emphasizing her role as Goddess of Fertility and Agriculture. This is an unassuming sign, but one that rules over dedicated, hard-working individuals who depict precision and purity and are prepared to dutifully serve to the extent of martyrdom on occasion.
How to Trick or Treat as a Virgo: Request locally grown, organically produced treats and offer to compost the rotting pumpkins.

LIBRA: (Sept. 23-Oct. 22):
As the seventh sign of the zodiac, Libra is quite fittingly most recognized as the Scales of balance and equality -- the origin of the word Libra derives from the Latin root meaning "balances" or "scales." At this time of year, the Sun enters Libra when day and night are of equal length during the autumnal equinox. Often, a statue of the Goddess of Justice holding the scales or balances is erected over the domes of modern court houses. In ancient times, this constellation was associated with the judgment of the living and the dead. Libra is the only inanimate sign of the zodiac, the other eleven representing either animal or human forms. Those born under this sign are natural arbitrators and diplomats, constantly seeking balance and harmony -- the downside of this ongoing quest being the possibility of indecision.
How to Trick or Treat as a Libra: Keep an eye on those who are helping themselves to more than their share and, with aplomb, offer to help them distribute the goods equitably.

SCORPIO: (Oct. 23-Nov. 21):
Scorpio is the eighth constellation of the western zodiac and is symbolized by the Scorpion. The stories regarding this mythological association are varied with a popular version telling of how Juno, the wife of Jupiter, sent the Scorpion to do battle with Orion after the Hunter became overly enamored with his own abilities and boasted of his superiority to all living things. Scorpio is probably the easiest celestial constellation to observe in much of the southern hemisphere and as far north as the Mediterranean, since it is clearly defined in the night sky and actually looks like the mythological creature which it is supposed to represent. In astrological circles, the sign of Scorpio has built for itself a fearsome reputation. With a passionate, uncompromising and no-nonsense nature, there are few ambivalent feelings where Scorpio is concerned -- whether it's love or hate, it's always intense. Best of friends or worst of enemies, you can always count on a Scorpio for their passionate commitment and enduring battles.
How to Trick or Treat as a Scorpio: Survey the offerings, take what you desire and then obsessively strategize to get any piece of chocolate or candy you wanted that did not make its way into your trick or treat bag.

SAGITTARIUS: (Nov. 22-Dec. 21):
Sagittarius is the ninth sign of the western zodiac and is symbolized by the Archer. The glyph for Sagittarius is also similar to the constellation, with the archer's arrow pointing upwards ready to be shot into the sky. The line across the arrow is said to symbolize the fact that Sagittarius is a centaur, half human and half horse. Not unlike the high-spirited and expansive Sagittarian, the constellation itself is also rather large when compared to many of its celestial neighbors. Its stars are not especially bright, but Sagittarius does enjoy the unique distinction of containing the true center of our own galaxy. The centaur is also commonly associated with this sign, marking a connection which stretches back to the traditions of ancient Greece and Rome. Sagittarius's Jupiter-ruled influence inspires good humor and optimism, while also imbuing a philosophical inclination, a chronic curiosity and a burning desire to learn more about other people and the world. One of the few obstacles the Sagittarian will be challenged to surmount is knowing when enough is enough.
How to Trick or Treat as a Sagittarian: Learn to say "trick or treat" in another language like Farsi, Mandarin, Swahili and/or Hawaiian.

CAPRICORN: (Dec. 22-Jan. 19):
Capricorn is the tenth constellation of the western zodiac and is symbolized by the Goat. The glyph contains the v-shape of the goat's head and the fish tale of the sea-goat, since the constellation of Capricorn is found in the "southern seas" of the celestial sphere. Alternatively, it has also been described as the goat bending down on its knees (Capricorn and its ruler Saturn, have domain over the knees, teeth and skeletal system). Goats are recognized for their surefootedness and their ability to scale the highest mountains and rockiest terrains. Their slow but sure assent to the top is their reward for dedicated work and discipline. Determined achievers in all that they do, these hard-working goats need to remember to enjoy themselves and others along the way.
How to Trick or Treat as a Capricorn: Enter a contest to win -- best costume, the most loot, the biggest pumpkin, anything that rewards and recognizes you for your hard-won achievement.

AQUARIUS: (Jan. 20-Feb. 18):
Aquarius is the eleventh constellation of the western zodiac and is symbolized by the Water-Bearer. Although many people think the Water-Bearer falls under a water sign, it is in fact an air sign. The glyph for Aquarius denotes air waves or radio waves and particularly relates to rapidly traveling information and communications through the air. Classical myth associates Aquarius with Ganymede, a mortal prince and homosexual lover of Zeus, who subsequently secured gainful employment as the cupbearer of the gods. Before that, this constellation was prominent during the annual flooding of the Nile. The Egyptian hieroglyph for water still identifies this sign. With high ideals and hopes for humanity, Aquarians are frequently at the forefront of new progressive thinking and often ahead of their time.
How to Trick or Treat as an Aquarius: Start a global win-win movement that promotes "treat or treat" on this night of All Hallows' Eve.

PISCES: (Feb. 19-March 20):
Pisces is the twelfth and final constellation of the western zodiac and is symbolized by two Fish yoked together swimming in different directions. The area of the sky that this constellation occupies has been associated with piscatorial lore since the earliest of times, but in classical mythology it was connected mainly with the escape of Aphrodite (a/k/a Venus) and Eros (a/k/a Cupid) from the monster Typhon. As a water sign Pisces is ruled by Neptune, God of the Seas. If Pisces seems sacrificially willing to go wherever the tide takes him, it is because this sign has that very ability to embrace creative chaos and seemingly swim in two different directions while being immersed in the larger flow around him -- easily losing sight and sense of his own separate self interest or direction.
How to Trick or Treat as a Pisces: Wander from neighborhood to neighborhood, even pull an all-nighter trick or treating and then give every last bit of it away to those less fortunate.

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