The New Moon in Libra

October 10, 2026 11:50 AM EDT

Sun/Moon at 17 Libra; Sextile Jupiter

Venus retrograde in Scorpio; Venus Square Mars

As Shakespeare once penned, and that it still can be true- in the stars or in our hearts- that “ the course of true love never runs smooth.”

This new moon report extols the virtues and values of Libra, sextile Jupiter and therefore open to an unlimited sense of possibilities…and yet… It also contains a higher amount of relational friction than is to be usual or expected, and that awareness brings the imperative need to resolve any long-standing issues that can support or disrupt our relationships!

Across the fields of astrological commentary and inquiry, the movement of Venus, going retrograde in Scorpio…and then back to Libra, has occupied much thought and discussion. I will be sharing a variety of outlooks and recommendations from astrologers that will be the centerpoint of this week’s column…

Beginning with author and astrologer Lynn Hayes, who offers us her reflection on the meaning of Venus being retrograde:

“The Venus retrograde cycle is a beautiful dance between Venus and the Sun that over a period of 18 months creates a flower of evolution. Like any retrograde cycle, Venus in retrograde offers an opportunity to revisit the past and make corrections where necessary and appropriate.

Here we have Venus in Scorpio at the beginning of October… this is a theme of the month: How much to give, and how much to fight. As in everything, the Universe strives for balance and so must we.

Like all New Moons, this Libra New Moon marks the beginning of a new lunar cycle: an opportunity to refresh our relationships and change our patterns of interaction. With Venus retrograde, we may be called to revisit some issues that we thought were behind us, which is an odd counterpoint to the fresh new lunar cycle marked by the New Moon.

Venus, the ruler of the Libra New Moon, is currently in Scorpio where she is empowered and transformative, not afraid to feel the hard feelings and cry out for what is needed.”

Now, in the many discussions about Venus, there is the inner dimension of these energies, impulses, and desires that also require some examination and consideration for how they might influence us…

Astrobutterfly research group makes these observations. They write:

What satisfies Venus is the feeling that we live in true alignment with who we are.

That we stay with our feelings long enough to understand what they’re telling us – and make choices that express that truth. If we want closeness, can we express that desire instead of testing whether someone will chase us when we pull away?

Yes – Venus is self-worth, but self-worth isn’t self-soothing, and Venus’s question is whether we’re true to ourselves, not whether we feel nice about ourselves.

If we tell ourselves ‘I don’t care’ when we care deeply, we are not honoring our Venus. If we want to be seen but act as though we need no one, we are not honoring our Venus.

At her core, Venus doesn’t care about outcomes. She isn’t asking us to become whoever we need to be to get someone to love us, or to say the ‘right’ thing to get the response we want.

She cares about being true to ourselves. Recognizing what makes us, us – and living in alignment with that truth.

But how do we recognize it? We can’t find it in someone else’s approval, or wait for another person to confirm it before we trust it. We have to sit with ourselves long enough to see who we are, beyond who we’ve learned to be for others.

It’s an inside job. Venus’ symbol is the mirror. The Venusian mirror is not about vanity. The mirror isn’t there to tell us whether we’re desirable or worthy of love. It’s there to show us ourselves. And this is not easy. We’ve spent a lifetime accumulating layers of conditioning that have blurred that mirror.

We look into it, but we can no longer see our own reflection – only a distorted image that we’ve come to believe is us.

Even the most stubborn part of us may finally admit: whatever we’ve been trying to make work by denying how we feel is no longer working. And we realize that continuing to do what we’ve been doing means fooling ourselves.

Since the retrograde phase of Venus is an extended one, traveling “backwards” through both Scorpio and then back into Libra, it is important for us to look at what outlooks and strategies would be most helpful and affirming; what approaches would suit problem-solving, and what insights would give us the best opportunities for a positive result.

Astrologer and artist Dana Gerhardt, writing in her collaborative column, Mooncircles, gives us these guidelines on how best to cope with and understand Venus retrograde, which will be with us until the middle of November… She writes:

The Five Venus Retrograde No-No’s

Don’t rush into a new relationship. Romantic or business, the attraction may be irresistible—but what exactly are you falling for? During Venus retrograde, it’s easy to project your unmet desires onto someone who seems to promise everything you’ve been missing. Enjoy the attraction. Just give it time to reveal itself.
Don’t make a permanent decision based on a passing unhappiness. Your Venus may be restless, irritable, or suddenly convinced she’s been settling for crumbs. She might be right! But ending a relationship isn’t always the answer. Unless waiting would cause harm, give yourself time to understand what really needs to change.
Don’t assume the past is calling you back for a reunion. Old lovers, friends, and unfinished relationships have a way of resurfacing during Venus retrograde. Sometimes they bring a second chance. Sometimes they’re simply reminding you of an old pattern you’re finally ready to outgrow. Before reopening the door, ask yourself what you really want from the encounter.
Don’t confuse wanting something with needing to buy it. That gorgeous sofa, irresistible bargain, or promising investment may look like the answer to your dissatisfaction. But Venus retrograde can scramble our sense of value. Research carefully, especially before making major purchases or financial commitments. Sometimes the real desire has nothing to do with the object.
Don’t try to fix an inner dissatisfaction with an outer makeover. A new wardrobe, dramatic haircut, or cosmetic procedure may seem like just the thing to revive your spirits. Experiment, play, rediscover old favorites—but postpone expensive or irreversible changes if you can. The woman who emerges from Venus retrograde may have very different ideas about beauty.

Lastly, Robin, of Wicked Audacity, offers us these recommendations based on our rising signs…

So what’s your new beginning about?

Aries Rising: Partners, clients, contracts, legal agreements, one-on-one providers, or open enemies.
Taurus Rising: Health, illness, coworkers, employees, contractors, pets, or obligations.
Gemini Rising: Children, romance, dating, sex, hobbies, games, gifts, or pleasure.
Cancer Rising: Home, family, land, property, moving, renovations, or your private life.
Leo Rising: Siblings, cousins, neighbors, local friends, short trips, communication, or practical skills.
Virgo Rising: Income, spending, possessions, resources, budgeting, pricing, or investments.
Libra Rising: Health, appearance, identity, attitude, interests, or your preferences.
Scorpio Rising: Rest, isolation, recovery, mental health, hidden enemies, intrusive thoughts, or behind-the-scenes matters.
Sagittarius Rising: Friends, allies, mentors, benefactors, social or professional networks, long-term hopes.
Capricorn Rising: Career, reputation, authority, leadership, visibility, or recognition.
Aquarius Rising: Higher education, books, foreign travel, religion, philosophy, astrology, divination, or spirituality.
Pisces Rising: Death, fear, debt, taxes, loans, inheritances, estate planning, or other people’s money.