This week, Saturn in Scorpio, a death and depth defying sign, is joined by Mercury moving retrograde, so that the two planets are face to face, approaching one another. Mercury will communicate readily in the mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo Sagittarius and Pisces) and in the air signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius), though is likely to become fixated on emotional issues in water-fixed sign Scorpio.

Saturn is going to be testing through limiting issues, focusing on what is a traditional view, and giving Mercury little room for expanding on point-of-view. Stick with the job, with the program, as it is either a forced situation, or one where authority is in your own hands. Stability is important, and Saturn will test us and in Scorpio will make you undergo a transformation. Resist the easy way and rise above the situation to find where your true values are.

The Sun joins the pair in Scorpio, and will shine some light on these secret issues, hopefully stimulating change in a positive direction.

Transiting Moon leaves Leo, to lead us to take up the spade or tools of your trade and begin the tasks of practical life survival. You can come out of this if you are able to explain without undue elaboration. The game is over, and now you start to pick up the pieces, and find your way forward.

You are reluctant, with the Saturn in Scorpio, digging every deeper, and want to protect yourself from prying eyes. As the Moon moves into a sextile aspect with Jupiter in Cancer, you gather your forces. Yet, soon after on Wednesday, the Moon will be in square aspect to Venus in Sagittarius, so the little bird will tell the story with self-righteousness.

After opposing Neptune, the shadow of the psyche, the Moon then meets up with Mars, trine aspect to Pluto and quincunx aspect to Uranus, and those two planets are in a long term conflict over issues of universal importance. The match is struck, the light is lit, and you feel energized again, to ward of attack from forces beyond your control.

This is a week of goblins and witches, so be prepared to encounter strange things events, without losing your center. Stay calm until the storm is over.