By Stella Woods

Buy Low, Sell High

Astrologers love cycles and given all the talk of global financial crisis and stock market crashes, I decided to check out the Australian All Ordinaries Index to see how the stock market has fared over the past 20 years.

In 1991, the share market index was at 1605. Four years later, when Pluto (god of wealth) entered optimistic Sagittarius, it had moved up to 1905 – an increase of 300 points. However, when Pluto left Sagittarius 12 years later in late 2007, the index had climbed to a massive 6779, but as soon as Pluto went into pessimistic Capricorn in 2008, the index dropped to 3296. Today the All Ordinaries Index is at 4321. This gives us the following figures.

Average market increase per year 1991-1995 - 75 points or 5 % annual compound growth

Average market increase per year 1995-2007 - 406 points or 11% annual compound growth

Average market increase per year 1991–2011 - 136 points or 5% annual compound growth

The optimism fostered under Pluto in Sagittarius produced an amazing bull market which everyone took for granted, particularly those with large amounts of money invested in shares and super. Pluto in Capricorn has brought what the brokers call 'a correction'. The clear message is that markets move both up and down.

Key Astrological Events – October

The late September new moon in Libra opposed Uranus in Aries and squared Pluto in Capricorn meaning the theme for the first half of October is the need to balance conflicting points of view. Libra desires harmony and cooperation, Aries desires heroic action and Capricorn aims for a practical solution, so perhaps this month we will see progress on the asylum seeker issue which at the time of writing appears to be in stalemate. Julia Gillard is a Libra and her birthday falls on the 29th September meaning her solar return for the next year is indelibly tied in with this new moon energy.

Given that we are all in a period of revolution, it seems clear to me that the old ideas of left and right, right and wrong, good and bad need to be shelved and that all of us, both on an individual and a global level need to work together to find common solutions. While politicians argue and take the high moral ground, the world is changing. In years to come, I believe we will see the Wikileaks saga as as important a catalyst for revolution as the Communist Manifesto and the American Declaration of Independence were for revolutions in Russia and the US.

Jupiter in Taurus in her retrograde phase asks us to look beyond material possessions and invest in the things that give real value to day to day life. Friends, family, love, sex, food, fresh air, sunshine, water, health, our bodies, our gardens, nature and the abundance that is all around us.

Mars remains in Leo all month giving fuel to the Uranus in Aries flames and stirring up passion, vitality and energy. October is a good time to get projects off the ground, particularly for performers, leaders, entrepreneurs or creative types. The energy is especially favourable for fire signs Leo, Aries and Sagittarius.

Venus moves into sensual Scorpio on the 9th in the lead up to the Aries full moon on the 12th. With both Scorpio and Aries ruled by Mars, this is a time of passion. Passion in relationships, passion in commitment to causes and passion to live life to the full. The Sun conjuncts Saturn at the full moon helping ground the energy.

Mercury joins Venus in Scorpio on the 13th, followed by the Sun on the 23rd and culminating with the Scorpio new moon on the 27th. The second half of October is therefore particularly favourable for the water signs, Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces. The Scorpio energy asks us to get rid of dead wood in our lives.

Featured Sign Libra

The Sun travels through air sign Libra from 23rd September until 24th October this year. Libra is the seventh sign of the zodiac with keywords "I balance" and "I seek my other half". Those born under the sign of the Scales promote love and harmony and teach us about the importance of give and take. They adore relationships, are often cultured or artistic and are experts in charm, diplomacy and negotiation. Negatively, Librans can be superficial, indecisive, manipulative or dependent and because they hate unpleasantness or disagreement, they often avoid conflict and bury their heads in the sand. In medical astrology, Libra rules the kidneys, lumbar region and skin, so when Librans are out of balance they tend to suffer from lower back pain, kidney problems, urinary tract problems and skin diseases such as eczema. The Libra colours are ivory, pink, turquoise and blue. Libra's greatest lesson is to learn to develop their 'inner partner' and become whole rather than seek an outer partner to feel complete.

Moon Placements - October

Launch projects at the New Moon, bring them to completion in the period from just before the Full Moon to the Third Quarter phase and wind them down and reflect on developments in the week before the next New Moon. Important events such as parties, conferences and weddings are best held close to the Full Moon or when the Moon is in the same sign as your sun (star) sign

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Stella Woods is an astrology consultant and teacher based in St Kilda, Melbourne. Contact Stella for course details and private readings on 03 9534 5021 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit www.stellastarwoman.com to sign up for Stella's free AstroUpdate or read your Monthly Stars.