Well here we are at the October Full Moon and a lunar apogee. Richard Nolle in the USA has suggested that such times might bring moments of calm on Earth: especially if apogee coincides with the Moon at maximum declination - not the case this time. Of course it is possible that the Sun-Saturn conjunction in Libra (where Saturn is exalted), and which is exact on October 13^th, will contribute to a 'common sense prevailing' factor which again takes the edge of the usual Full Moon lunacy. The Moon doesn't reach maximum declination until next Monday (17^th) - coinciding with other aspects which point to hot-debates and a certain degree of screaming (most likely in the banking sector)!. It may be that this month there will be a delayed-Full Moon factor.

It is not unusual for faults in the Earth's crust to experience exaggerated movement at lunar apogee. Given the links between Mars-Saturn and Pluto between now and the Sun's move into Scorpio (23^rd), land-slips may well occur. So, perhaps this is a time for key alert and increased health and safety in the mining sector generally.

This sector could come into the spotlight in the coming weeks anyway. There is much to suggest that precious metal prices will enjoy another surge before the next Full Moon (November 10^th).

At the time of writing all six sunspot groups are relatively quiet. However, Earth's magnetic field may still be reverberating from the coronal mass ejection which took place just before the last New Moon (Sept. 26^th) which ignited a series of geomagnetic storms. If you've been feeling slightly 'off' of late, it may be that you are experiencing above average related geopathic stress. 

Of course, this is not good news for retailers whose Christmas period could be decimated as last year. Those who barely managed to keep going could find the early part of next year very tough indeed. If the Uranian planets are taken into account, there is a nasty configuration in February which could coincide with tough times (poverty and bankruptcy) for some.

This week, and on astro-cue another big banking story broke. There will be more. As has been stated in both these letters and the subscription service, the issue of sovereign debt will not go away quickly and could yet turn even more serious.

As viewed from Earth, Saturn and Pluto will be in loose fifth of a circle apart from one another between November 2011 and August 2012. Around November 11^th, March 28^th 2012 and mid-August 2012, the present crisis could turn to catastrophe. So far - and unless this week's Sun-Saturn conjunction coincides with the much-needed strong leadership demanded - it seems we are headed for a break-up of the Eurozone next summer. It is very hard to see how difficulty could be resolved in the next few weeks - there is simply too much planetary tension around.

There are indeed some extremely difficult planetary pictures formed and forming. It isn't too difficult to focus on the revolutionary nature of this period. Yet underneath the difficult aspects are some rather more constructive ones. Though in the UK at least the number of recorded small business start-ups is falling, it is perhaps the case that there is much going on that cannot be measured.

On a train trip into London recently I overheard a group of allotment owners in full barter-mode. It was clear that no cash would be involved. I then read of a US model for bartering services that will be launched in the UK: small examples of a cash-less society. It may be that as we approach the next Transit of Venus which completes an 8 year period begun in June 2004, we will also see real change in values and money-mechanisms.

I shall be listening out for further signs of 'under the radar' activity on my forthcoming trips. This coming weekend I am sharing a platform with my colleague Margaret Gray in Dublin where we will be exploring different aspect of the Sun's role and looking closely at 2012. I will then be speaking to the Association of Professional Astrologers on Saturday October 29^th before an event in Toronto in November. You can find details of these events on the website where I also hope we can soon make available last Sunday's webinar on the UK property cycle.  I am slightly technically challenged here - if you can't wait, then do email your interest. The cost is £25.

For now, wishing you all a 'quiet' Full Moon!

Yours from the stars

Christeen