A paradox is as near to the truth as the mind can get - true or false?

Libra is the expression of perfect harmony, which in life is always temporary, a movement of the scales across symmetry of value. One could say, then, that Libra is destined to be almost always disappointed, thwarted, let down - and always alert to the moment when balance passes through. The fact that Libra recognises harmony when it arises tells us that it is innately harmonious of itself, able to balance the dreams and the facts, the spiritual centre of each person and their human qualities. The disappointments follow when Libra allows itself to believe that justice must always be seen to be done, or that beauty is permanent. With wisdom, Libra appreciates the rightness of natural movement, and smilingly holds the balancing pole of an elegant tightrope walker.

How we think is what we see

This month, undermining thoughts are liable to be the problem we notice in those moments where our self-awareness is watching (Mercury on the New Moon): ‘It’s not my fault so it’s not my responsibility’ or ‘What should I do!’ or ‘They ought to . . .’ or ‘It shouldn’t be like this!’

Hopefully, we may also be more than usually able to detach from our habitual thought processes (Uranus opposite Mercury) enough to see how they trap us in experiencing more of the same. Often, it takes only seeing what we are doing to ourselves, to be freed from those habits.

What’s likely to wake us is having to deal with practical situations that come suddenly ‘out of the blue’ (Pluto square Sun/Moon/Mercury and Uranus). We may even have instigated those awkward situations ourselves when in a more optimistic mood. It may have appeared that more could be achieved than turns out to be possible (Jupiter trine Pluto and square Mars in Leo). Unforeseen circumstances may well upset our plans - perhaps the best response is gratitude for having been saved from something that could have been worse further along the path. That may be a case of ‘sour grapes’ but it can help us let go of unrealistic hopes.

The best way to prepare for this is to slow down, pause, talk things over, and over again. We need to be careful not to let a burst of impatience upset a delicate discussion (Uranus opposite Mercury). This month may not be the time to manifest plans, but to take care of the people, and deal with situations only as they arise.

Relate to what is there, not what isn’t

Libra is relating constantly, to whomever and whatever is there. The focus on that one ‘other’ needs to be in the moment. We get hung up in relationship when we extend our thoughts to what the other may be getting up to in those moments they are not with us, wanting in fact to control the situation.

We may well start this month becoming aware of all those times we’ve been hurt (Venus crossing over Saturn). From 9 October to the end of the month, we may find ourselves experiencing and expressing both old hurts and present time momentary ones (Venus into Scorpio trine Chiron in Pisces). When any planet connects with Saturn, who insists on the bare facts, our small selves tend to respond with anxiety. With so much planetary energy in Libra this month, the anxiety is very likely to focus on our relationships.

As long as we notice, and drop, our tendency to identify our whole self with the pain, getting into recriminations and resentment, the second half of this month could lead to healing a whole raft of emotions from childhood, a major positive adjustment in the way we relate.

Anxiety versus Trust

Anxiety is a symptom of lacking trust in the natural abundant flow of life. So we are up against that human state of trying to control the future with our planning minds. We know really that we are more than just a bunch of personality characteristics whipped into shape by our ego-self. But when driven by survival needs, that is all we experience. It’s difficult to speak about that which is greater than ‘me’, in a way that doesn’t immediately start defining just what it does. I know that all things are an expression of it. When I experience it, I feel safe and joyful. I tend to call it ‘spirit’, meaning being that is boundless, but this is not a definition, only pointing towards my experience of it. God, Goddess, All That Is, ground of being, true nature . . .

We need to allow input to our conscious living from that which lights our hearts, and which chose to express through this earthly experience for a while. All we need to deal with is what presents itself to us at the moment, and it’s how we do that that sets the style of our own unfolding future. We are not blind in the present, and with interest, and pleasure in each other, we can step joyfully forward letting that ‘greater’ unfold it all.