Today is Monday, Oct. 17, 2016
Hebrew date is 15 Tishrei 5777
Islamic date is 15 Muharram 1438

Mayan Tzolk’in Day is 9 k’ib’
Mayan Long Count is 13.0.3.15.16
Julian Day is 2457679

Today’s Birthdays: Rita Hayworth (1918-1987), Evel Knievel (1938-2007), Mae Jemison (1956), Ziggy Marley (1968), Wyclef Jean (1969), Eminem (1972).

“I am not reggae, I am me. I am bigger than the limits that are put on me. It all has to do with the individual journey.”
— Ziggy Marley

Special Comment: Step Back From Power Struggles
It was a crazy week last week, we all agree, and the Full Moon that was driving your local frenzy has passed by. The Moon is in cooler, calmer Taurus as we begin the week.

There is approaching an aspect of some genuine influence: Mars conjunct Pluto in Capricorn. Mars has been big news all year, as it went through its retrograde in Scorpio and Sagittarius. Now Mars is well beyond those signs, in mid-Capricorn, and it’s about to meet up with Pluto — the longtime dweller and agent of change.

The first thing you need to know about this is that some people around you are likely to pick up on it as license to be a control freak.

These people are always lurking in the shadows looking for an opportunity to exercise their skills, and this is the week to avoid them. I am tempted to say “at any cost,” and it would be worth some effort to spot them in advance and step out of their way; not engage them; acknowledge them minimally if at all.

Apply this idea to everyone: higher-ups, colleagues and people who report to you; to partners, parents and children. For the purposes of this aspect they are all the same. The moment you detect a control drama, or the invitation into one, turn on your anti-magnetism and move in another direction.

This is not the week to be a spiritual teacher to creeps. What makes them creeps is that they don’t care. You could easily slip into a controversy by taking the enlightened role and trying to spread good vibes. You might save your love and light for those who appreciate you.

Moon Phase: Moon is in Full phase and enters waning gibbous (Disseminating) phase on Oct. 19 at 1:49 am PDT / 4:49 am EDT (08:48:57 UTC).
Next New Moon is in Scorpio on Oct. 30 at 10:38 am PDT / 1:38 pm EDT (17:38:08 UTC).
Corresponding Full Moon is in Taurus on Nov. 14 at 6:52 am PDT / 9:52 am EDT (13:51:59 UTC).
Moon Sign: Moon is in Taurus and enters Gemini on Oct. 18 at 7:30 am PDT / 10:30 am EDT (14:29:41 UTC).
Sun Degree: 24-25 Libra.

Planetary Stations and Sign Changes
Pallas stations direct at 12:31 pm PDT / 3:31 pm EDT (19:30:37 UTC).
Rhiphonos enters Virgo at 1:15 pm PDT / 4:15 pm EDT (20:15:27 UTC).

Interesting Selected Aspects
— Ceres square Thereus at 10:55 pm 10/16 PDT / 1:55 am 10/17 EDT (05:55:09 UTC).
— Vesta opposite Crantor at 6:62 am PDT / 9:52 am EDT (13:52:18 UTC).
— Sun sextile Pholus at 12:48 pm PDT / 3:48 pm EDT (19:48:29 UTC) and Orius at 2:00 pm PDT / 5:00 pm EDT (21:00:03 UTC).
— Venus trine Vesta at 1:15 pm PDT / 4:15 pm EDT (20:15:24 UTC).
Planetary data courtesy of the wonderful Serennu.com by Tracy Delaney.

If Your Birthday is Oct. 17
(The Day of Precarious Balance) | Get Your Libra Birthday Reading
A revolt of some kind is brewing within you, and you know it’s the right thing. You’ve come to the end of your tether and not only that, you want more for yourself. You also know rather than believe it’s possible. You might be concerned that making a decision at a point of frustration is not a good idea, though moments when you acknowledge your real feelings are power tools.

Written in the Planets
Today the Sun forms a sextile aspect to a hot little object called Pholus. The second centaur planet (after Chiron), Pholus provides a link back to the past. If you want to know where your tendencies came from, and the stuff you worry about personally, or problems you can’t seem to solve, trace them back a few generations and see what you learn. Do this long-form rather than twitter style. Reach into the past by way of your living relatives. Pay special attention to people who struggled with alcohol, rage or both. It’s good to understand the things your immediate ancestors were pissed off about. Not only did it influence them, it currently influences you. Once you get a clue what that’s about it becomes easier to deal with. One effect of your research may be that you’ll discover something precious: common ground with your parents and grandparents.