Zodiac Trax: October Forecasts 2016

zodiac trax oct2016

Planetary Overview

Oct 7 3:55AM Mercury enters Libra
Oct 16 12:23AM Full Moon in Aries
Oct 18 3:01AM Venus enters Sagittarius
Oct 22 7:45PM Sun enters Scorpio
Oct 24 4:46PM Mercury enters Scorpio
Oct 30 1:38PM New Moon in Scorpio

Wtf it means:

Libra’s symbol is The Scales, a symbol for equality, balance, and harmony. The Sun and Mercury are in this sign at the start of October, promoting a certain balance for the entire Zodiac, and a reminder that there are two sides to every relationship. We’ll embrace our personal passions as the full moon appears in Aries on the 16th. After the 18th, romance and affection could be kicked to the backburner, in favor of a focus on life ambitions à la Sagittarian influence. But first, Venus transits Scorpio until the 18th, and everyone’s love life may be subject to a lil’ scrutiny, as the Scorpion is ever-searching for the truth and deep connections. Expect these tendencies to intensify as the Sun, Mercury and a new moon also pass into the water sign in the last half of the month.

ARIES | TAURUS | GEMINI | CANCER | LEO | VIRGO | LIBRA | SCORPIO | SAGITTARIUS | CAPRICORN | AQUARIUS | PISCES

Aries
aries

Aries (Ruling Planet: Mars; Element: Fire) If you’re a typical Aries, you’re a risk-taker. You’re a fire sign, so you’re adventurous, brave, and lively — all traits that attract others to the Ram, although most find it hard to keep up. You’re always down to try new things. You impulsively take up a new projects and yet still find the time to be passionate about them. However, Aries, you can be quite arrogant, thinking that you know everything, and you tend to be insensitive, impatient and stubborn, even to the point of being confrontational. Your motto is, “Act first, ask questions later.”

When Mercury moves into harmonious Libra on October 7th, which is also your opposite in the Zodiac, you should make space to focus on how to promote balance and equality in your life. The full moon in your sign about a week later could open doors for you, if you’ve been actively working towards that. On October 18th, Venus also enters a fire sign, Sagittarius, opening up some space for communication along with new experiences-- it’s a good time to travel! Both the Sun and Mercury transit Scorpio later in the month, and suddenly your tone may shift, becoming more serious, with no patience for superficiality. With a new moon in this sign on October 30th, this could be a good time for research, especially as an outlet for any strong emotions you might experience rn.

Your Trax: To promote a harmonious environment, where you can bounce ideas off of people who support you, absorb the harmonious vibes of Bettye Swann’s “Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye.” If you don’t do oldies, you can find the some more serious and mysterious duo energy in this cover of “Don’t Dream It’s Over” by Flock of Dimes and Sylvan Esso. And if you haven’t listened to moody jam-quartet Warpaint’s new album, Heads Up, do yourself that favor this month.

Dates to watch: 23rd, 24th
Your events:  10/23 Big Freedia @ Brighton Music Hall
10/24 Pujol, Banana, Sun Young, + more TBA @ Charlie's Kitchen

Taurus

taurus

Taurus (Ruling Planet: Venus; Element: Earth) The textbook Taurus is generous, dependable, and down to earth. Persistence and patience are key virtues to a Taurus, thus, you rarely encounter failure. But change is hard for you. Although you generally have an easy going attitude, you are stubborn and demanding when you are being rushed or pressured. Also known for being self-indulgent and lazy, you tend to all-too-easily ignore others’ emotions. It’s also easy for you to become materialistic and possessive, and often jealousy is a common downfall for the Bull.

The start of the month could be stressful for you, as lively Libra enters Mercury and encourages you to finally take care of any work that’s been piling up. Then, there’s a full moon in Aries on October 16th, prompting a time for exposing truths and dumping emotional baggage. The planet of love’s shift into Sagittarius two days later will only fuel a tendency to be serious, passionate and intense. But when the Sun, Mercury, and a new moon all enter Scorpio (and your relationship sector), you’ll appear a little more compromising and balanced, in both personal and professional situations. The last week of October will be a good time for new commitments, so keep a lookout for a new business or romantic partner.

Your Trax: With Mercury in Libra, you should focus on being productive, and ditch the rest of your stresses. Listen to Out of the Garden, the latest, sharpest, power-pop LP from Tancred. And since this will be a more emotional month for you, (with the dumping of emotional baggage and all) DUMP HIM has probably the most appropriate moniker for these purposes. But if you’re just looking for music to let loose to, Sløtface have you covered with their track “Take Me Dancing.”

Dates to watch: 25th, 26th
Your events: 10/25 La Sera & Springtime Carnivore @ Brookline Teen Center
10/26 Mura Masa @ The Sinclair

Gemini

gemini

Gemini (Ruling Planet: Mercury; Element: Air) Out of all the signs, you, Gemini, are the most communicative, on top of being the most clever. The Twins are flexible; you can adjust to any situation. Your enthusiasm for a variety of subjects makes you versatile and charming, but it’s hard for you to stay dedicated to one thing for a long time, and you tend to bite off more than you can chew. You suffer from constant FOMO, and you can’t make a decision to save your life.

A dreamy start to the autumnal season is upon you, with your ruling planet (Mercury) in fellow air sign Libra on the 7th. This location for Mercury, plus a new moon in Aries later in the week, could be the creative kick you’ve been needing to reach your dreams. Lovely Venus transits Sagittarius, your opposite on the Zodiac, on October 18th and lights up your relationship sector. Make time to talk things out with a loved one and enjoying their company during the first half of the month. Then, there’s a new moon, Mercury, and the Sun’s transit into Scorpio on the 30th, 24th, and 22nd respectively, which means loads of efficient energy coming your way. Harness this energy by working on small projects, making lists, improving your routine, and settling any social issues.

Your Trax: To reflect your dreamy state at the start of the month, chill out to everyone’s favorite 90’s shoegaze group, Slowdive. If you’re into that, anything by Mazzy Star is an obvious follow-up. Later in the month, with astrological positions in Scorpio you ought to be feeling more theatrical, entertaining, and comfortable speaking. To reflect that, why not give Regina Spektor’s new album, Remember Us To Life, a shot?

Dates to watch: 1st, 2nd, 27th, 28th, 29th
Your events: 10/1 Diarrhea Planet @ Sinclair, 10/1 & 10/2 Meadows Music & Arts Festival,
10/5 Porches & Japanese Breakfast @ The Sinclair
10/2 Taking Back Sunday @ The Paradise
10/27 Weyes Blood, Mini Dresses, Los Greys @ First Baptist Church
10/28 Spookfest 2K17, a Ladyfest Boston Benefit Halloween Cover Show @ O'Brien's
10/29 Temples @ Brighton Music Hall
10/29 Cass Mccombs @ Cafe 939

Cancer

cancer

Cancer (Ruling Planet: Moon; Element: Water) Everyone says you’re overly emotional, Cancer. And it’s true. But your emotions also fuel every aspect of your otherwise creative, intuitive, spontaneous, loving and protective personality. And you are generally a faithful friend, Moonchild. You motivate and persuade others easily. But the Crab is moody and unbalanced. You fluctuate between clingy and icy, depending on your mood and how pessimistic you’re feeling that day.

Your love sector lights up later in the month when the Sun, Mercury, and a new moon all transit this part of your chart. Expect passionate Scorpio’s influence to focus all your time and attention on love-- whether it’s doing work that you love, attending to the cutesy details, or opening up with any romantic partners. Plus, the planet of love’s location in fiery Sagittarius on the 18th will fuel your passionate and creative side. Other than that, a full moon in Aries on the 16th may prompt a high point, if you’ve been responsible with your time lately. If you haven’t, those responsibilities will weigh heavily on you with this full moon, but you can deal. Lastly, Mercury’s nostalgic influence around the 7th will help you express yourself, especially if you surround yourself with familiar faces in familiar places.

Your Trax: Love and nostalgia will have great influence on you this month, and there are a couple songs that defy the passage of time. Carole King is as classic as they come, and her song “So Far Away” is one you need to know. Then, “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” by Roberta Flack is nostalgia incarnate. Alternatively, “Operator (That’s Not The Way It Feels)” by Jim Croce has the same effect. But if oldies aren’t your thing, then at least try incorporating classic-sounding vocals into your routine with modern songsters like Shannon Shaw of Shannon and the Clams, Angel Olsen, or Margaret Glaspy.

Dates to watch: 3rd, 4th, 30th, 31st
Your events: 10/3 Nylo, Yuna @ The Sinclair
10/3 Built to Spill (Night One) @ The Paradise
10/4 Built to Spill (Night Two) @ The Paradise
10/4 Peach Ring, Dent. Olivia W-B, Pinky Promise @ Midway Cafe
10/4 James Blake @ House of Blues
10/30 Hinds, Cold Fronts @ Mid East Down

Leo

leo

Leo (Ruling Planet: Sun; Element: Fire) Another energetic fire sign, you are known for your headstrong pride and dominating ego. But the Lion can also be quite affectionate, not to mention a loyal friend who demands the loyalty in return. In fact, you demand a lot of things. You can be impatient and arrogant when others won’t alter their opinions at your request, but are sensitive to anything that could wound your ego. You like to talk big game, Leo, but more often than not, you go home crying.

Fellow fire signs Aries and Sagittarius will fire up some strong emotions this month, as the full moon on the 16th brings a focus to your beliefs-- and you’ll either become defensive of them, or walk away from the ones that don’t line up. Then, while the influence of Sagittarius might have you staying in your comfort zone around the 18th, it’ll also create opportunities for you to feel romantic and playful. This is also a great time for brainstorming, as breezy Libra in Mercury will pave the way for open, though scattered, communication. In the last half of the month, Scorpio dominates the skies, and you can expect to feel more emotional, but in a nurturing, motherly kinda way-- just make sure you’ve got a solid support system in place. This is a great month for new ideas, especially as the new moon lights up the night on the 30th, so if you feel you’ve got a good idea (romantic or otherwise), run with it. Something successful should culminate in the next six months.

Your Trax: A band like Trophy Dad might provide you with some sensitive lo-fi bedroom rock if you’re tryna deal with feels but also spark some creative fire this month. Alternatively, Toronto band Alvvays makes noisy, melancholic music that does well both in the background and the forefront. For the more emotional times while Scorpio is present, consider the last, most traditionally produced album by Frankie Cosmos, which radiates good, sensitive vibes.

Dates to watch: 5th, 6th, 7th
Your events: 10/5 Japanese Breakfast, Porches @ Sinclair
10/6 Warpaint @ The Paradise
10/6 Nice Guys @ O’Brien’s
10/6 Descendents, Beach Slang, Night Birds @ Royale
10/6 Sunflower Bean, Lemon Twigs @ Brighton Music Hall
10/6 Rock Against the TPP in Boston- Mirah, Debo Band, Taina Asili y La Banda Rebelde, Foundation Movement, bell's roar, Tigerman WOAH + more TBA @ Spontaneous Celebrations
10/7 Littlefoot, Friendship, Du Vide, Request Freebird, Tuxis Giant @ Modesthaus
10/7 Merchandise @ Great Scott

Virgo

virgo

Virgo (Ruling Planet: Mercury; Element: Earth) You’re a natural problem solver, Virgo, and you are extremely practical. Your intelligence, trustworthiness, and attention to detail usually make you the best person for the job. You’re adaptable, for an Earth sign. You’re also analytical, sometimes to a fault. You can be overly critical and a harsh perfectionist, but only because you’re afraid of exposing your own vulnerabilities.

A slow and stubborn start to the month is in store for you, with your ruling planet transiting Libra on the 7th. Days later, a very serious full moon in Aries will leave you with emotions on either side of the spectrum, and it might be helpful to find an outlet for the frustrations to come. Consider starting little projects, especially domestic ventures as Venus touches Sagittarius on October 18th. With the planet of love in this location, your heart swoons for someone sweet, supportive, and who understands your emotions. So when the Sun and Mercury shift into Scorpio only days later, there’s a good chance that your social encounters will bring you this sweetie- just in time to plan your couples’ costume! If not, things will perk up as the new moon in Scorpio comes into full view on the 30th, and another positive interaction awaits.

Your Trax: To help things flow calmly and smoothly this month, why not create an equally calm, smooth soundtrack for October? Something like Hum by Eerie Wanda, a sparkly psych-pop band from Amsterdam, NE, could do the trick. “Ladies Don’t Play Guitar” by Tennis similarly provides soothing, fuzzy pop melodies. And If you’re looking for something a little less indie-pop, Orlando, FL band SALES makes alt-electro music that’s soft, sweet, and sassy.

Dates to watch: 8th, 9th
Your events: 10/8 BARCC Benefit Show - Elizabeth Colour Wheel, Ricecrackers, Ozlo, Mint Green @ The Democracy Center
10/9 Crystal Castles @ The Sinclair
10/9 Whitney @ Great Scott

Libra

libra

Libra (Ruling Planet: Venus; Element: Air) You, Libra, are the charming, tactful one. You have a magnetism about you. Socially, you are gifted. You can talk your way out of anything, and justice is a valued virtue to The Scales. But like most air signs, you can become detached and unreliable. You’re so indecisive sometimes that, more often than not, you bail completely, and you don’t do well with confrontation.

The planet that rules communication (Mercury) is in your sign, on October 7th, and this means a surge of ideas, opinions, attention, and opportunities for open communication. Harness this energy by putting yourself out there, either amongst your social group, or your community at large. Adventurous Sagittarius will fuel your mental fire when your ruling planet enters the sign on the 18th. Venus is also the planet of love, and when it’s in this sign, you’ll yearn for a mental connection with any potential partners. If you don’t get that, a full moon in Aries could sway you to walk away from a relationship altogether. Then, as Scorpio dominates the skies later in the month, your mental energy should decelerate, giving you time to think about your decisions and see them through to the end. Slowing down should bring you some stability, just don’t become too stuck in your ways.

Your Trax: Since you’ll be feeling so social toward the beginning of October, wanting long conversations and someone to have them with, music from Lucy Dacus should be low-key and long-winded enough to satisfy. An album like Dumb Luck by Dntel is more downtempo electro-pop but could have the same effect. Then the new moon toward the end of the month will bring in calmer vibes, so if you need something to match that, try something more acoustic and light like Boston’s own Paige Chaplin.

Dates to watch: 10th, 11th
Your events: 10/10 Kaleo @ House of Blues
10/10 Sacred Stone Internet Rock Benefit Show - (T-T)b, Puppy Problems, Clox King, Really Great @ www.deepshred.net
10/11 Leaner (Tour Kickoff), Stevenson, Michi, Muddler @ Great Scott

Scorpio

scorpio

Scorpio (Ruling Planet: Pluto; Element: Water) Scorpios are truly a mixed bag. You can be passionate, but resentful. You can be ambitious and determined, but manipulative in the process. And although the Scorpion is one the most faithful of the signs, you struggle with trust and possessiveness, with forgiving and forgetting. However, Scorpio, you are still indeed a true water sign— sensitive and intuitive. And your emotional strength is what sets you apart from every other sign.

This month, you’re sliding from one side of the spectrum to the other. The start of October will be quiet and slow with Mercury transiting Libra and a full moon in Aries. It’s a good time to work alone on something you’re passionate about, and don’t be surprised if being around people drains the life out of you. But when the Sun enters Scorpio on the 22nd, it’s time for you to take the spotlight. It’s ok to feel excited about your own opinions and ideas, and when Mercury transits your sign two days later, you should let these thoughts be heard. They could wind up being something really successful in about a year. And the new moon in your sign on the 30th will give you a lucky boost for any projects that you start now, too. Lovely Venus will have you feeling affectionate while it’s in your sign, but when it shifts into enterprising Sagittarius on the 18th, you should dedicate yourself to getting paid and pursuing stable love interests. What a notion!

Your Trax: You’ll feel more introverted before things shift into your sign mid-month, but your imagination will remain super active, like any true water sign. Albums like Kississippi’s 6-song release We Have No Future, We Are All Doomed and Tough Love by Forth Wanderers are dreamy enough to feel non-invasive, and complex enough to keep the creative juices flowing. After the Sun enters Scorpio on the 22nd, you need to take charge. Kick things up a notch with heavier Easthampton shoegaze band Kindling or try Laika, a 7-song LP by Turnip King.

Dates to watch: 12th, 13th, 14th
Your events: 10/12 Slingshot Dakota, Kississippi, Off & On, Lilith @ O'Brien's
10/12 Christine and the Queens @ The Paradise
10/12 Allston Pudding Presents: Halsour (EP Release), Big Eyes, Kindling, Laika's Orbit, Dæphne @ Mid East Up
10/13 SALES, Roz and the Ricecakes, Strange Mangers @ Mid East Up
10/13 NOTS, The World @ ZuZu’s
10/14 Jroy Divorbison, We Can All Be Sorry, White Laces, Jarva Land, The Owens @ Trixie's Palace

Sagittarius

saggitarius

Sagittarius (Ruling Planet: Jupiter; Element: Fire) Sagittarians are crazy, fun, and wild. You’re a generous friend, and always try to be straightforward. The Archer is an intellectual, passionate about philosophy and travel. But with this passionate energy, and your constant need for independence, comes a carelessness typical of most fire signs. When honest, you tend to be tactless. When ambitious, you can be impatient and inconsistent. And you are prone to taking things for granted.

With Venus in your sign and a full moon that lights up your love sector, the start of October promotes cute n’ affectionate vibes and a big decision about a relationship. Plus with Mercury in Libra on October 7th, you’ll feel chattier, and do your best work amongst a group of original thinkers. Make your love life a priority while you’re feeling indulgent and romantic, because when Scorpio enters the Sun and Mercury on the 22nd and 24th, respectively, spending time alone is gonna seem a lot more alluring. Social interactions will drain you, and you might have trouble expressing yourself, but this is a good time to go with your gut. Just wait until after the new moon in Scorpio on the 30th to quietly pursue an opportunity, romantic or otherwise.

Your Trax: With #relationshipgoals on the mind this month, consider gaining some positive inspiration about the human connection by listening to some supergroups. The June release from Case/Veirs/Lang (i.e. Neko Case, k.d. lang, and Laura Veirs) hit the nail on the head. Similarly, Jenny Lewis, Tennessee Thomas, and Erika Spring produced amazing work this summer as NAF (Nice As Fuck). Go for Our House on the Hill by The Babies or Lykke Li/Miike Snow/Peter Björn & John as LIV singing “Wings of Love,” if you’re into more folky/indie-pop stuff.

Dates to watch: 14th, 15th, 16th

Your events: 10/14 Jroy Divorbison, We Can All Be Sorry, White Laces, Jarva Land, The Owens @ Trixie's Palace
10/15 Brand New @ Cross Insurance Arena (Portland, ME)
10/16 Margaret Glaspy, Palehound @ The Sinclair
10/16 Told Slant, Yowler, Puppy Problems @ Great Scott

Capricorn

capricorn

Capricorn (Ruling Planet: Saturn; Element: Earth) Another practical Earth sign, Capricorns are more calculated than most. You are also a natural goal-setter, and tend to get what you want by being sensible, patient, cautious and disciplined. The Seagoat is not a rule-breaker. And, sometimes, all this hard work can make you pessimistic, stubborn, and shy.

The planet of communication (Mercury) transits harmonious Libra, and it would be wise to use the start of October to work on long-term life goals behind closed doors. Then, the full moon in Aries on the 16th brings an opportunity to finish a project you’ve started from the ground up, and might even put you more in tune with your feelings. Venus appears in Sagittarius two days later, keeping you in the shadows-- affectionate and creative, but only while no one is watching. Make sure to hold onto any innovative, passionate energy tho, because when Scorpio touches the Sun, a new moon, and Mercury later in the week, the water sign’s wistful influence will bring you out of your comfort zone. The last two weeks of the month should prove to push the envelope, especially if you surround yourself with new friends, new causes, and different routes than what you’re used to.

Your Trax: Scorpio has a trailblazing influence this month, and so should your recommended tracks for October. First things first, Solange’s new album A Seat at the Table may be the artist's most innovative, important release yet. Danny Brown also had a recent album drop, and its industrial, electronic, raw sound could be just unconventional enough to inspire. For something softer, you might consider Jinsang, from California, who incorporates smooth jazz into their short tracks.

Dates to watch: 16th, 17th
Your events: 10/16 Margaret Glaspy, Palehound @ The Sinclair
10/16 Told Slant, Yowler, Puppy Problems @ Great Scott

Aquarius

aquarius

Aquarius (Ruling Planet: Uranus; Element: Air) The most loyal of the air signs, Aquarians are known for their ability to make a lot of friends and their wide range of interests. The Water Carrier is the weird but charming, creative, independent type. But your independence can easily read aloof and detached. And like any air sign, you can be particularly inconsistent and unpredictable. Though, of all the air signs, you’re the most set in your ways, partially because of your strong moral compass and humanitarian instincts.

Emotional connections may seem lacking in October, while the planet of love (Venus) transits ambitious Sagittarius mid-month. So if you need to deal with relationship responsibilities, do it earlier in the month when Mercury (the ruler of communication) is in fellow air sign Libra. This is the time to share experiences and opinions, and meditate on big ideas. Plus, with the full moon in Aries on the 16th, the first half of October is also a good time to clear up any misunderstandings, and finish small projects. Then, the Sun and Mercury shift into Scorpio on the 22nd and 24th, respectively, and long-term goals should be your main focus. The new moon on the 30th (also in Scorpio) will bring practical, responsible, disciplined vibes. Harness that ambitious energy by setting goals, working hard for what you want, and making good impressions. If you’re on the right path, your endeavors will all be worth it.

Your Trax: You may not be feeling super emotional rn, so to encourage taking tender care of communicating within your relationships this month, consider a quirky, sensitive album like friendship porn by Yours Are The Only Ears. For something a little more substantial, try Happy Abandon, an orchestral shoegaze rock band from Chapel Hill. Perfect for pushing the envelope, Blue Smiley, a fuzz rock band from Philly, satisfies. But a band like Downtown Boys could really light a fire in you, especially if you need help setting goals around the end of October.

Dates to watch: 18th, 19th, 20th
Your events: 10/19 SHOW MOM FEST 4
10/19 Ladyfest Boston Benefit Show- Cotton Candy, Wendy Eisenberg, Gilmore Tamny, TBA @ Industry Lab
10/19 Joyce Manor, The Hotelier, Crying @ The Sinclair
10/20 Lady Pills @ Club Bohemia
10/20 Quintron & Miss Pussycat, Earthquake Party, Dyr Faser @ Mid East Up

Pisces

pisces

Pisces (Ruling Planet: Neptune; Element: Water) Your head is in the clouds, Pisces, and you have a grand imagination. But this way of thinking can often delve into escapist territory, and you have no problem deluding yourself to avoid harsh realities. You can be a pessimist who blames things on bad luck. And like any other water sign, you’re sensitive. But The Fishes in particular are intuitive to others’ feelings, and, although you often feel misunderstood by most, you have the ability to understand many people from all different walks of life.

If you need space in your ~love life~ this month, take it. Just don’t let communication suffer as a result, especially as messenger Mercury transits ever-candid Libra and lights up your intimacy sector. You can make connections in high places while Venus is in Sagittarius around the 18th, if you can keep confident. Though, that might prove difficult with the full moon in Aries, which prompts insecurity and sensitivity, as well as the ending of a second job or side gig. But don’t worry! The mood of the month shifts as the Sun, Mercury and a new moon shifts into Scorpio, who offers opportunities for expansion and new experiences. Utilize these good vibes by learning, sharing, writing, or speaking up. And as the 30th rolls around, consider making travel plans, or take on a new class-- anything that expands your horizons will benefit you right now.

Your Trax: You might be feeling extra sensitive about what others think about you, and you could use some confidence boosters this month! Obviously, a Spice World recommendation seems to be in order. Then, there’s always this classic by Sleigh Bells. If you need something that feels just as good, but sounds a little more low-key, Chastity Belt’s 2015 album Time to Go Home should work.

Dates to watch: 20th, 21st, 22nd
Your events: 10/20 Lady Pills @ Club Bohemia
10/20 Quintron & Miss Pussycat, Earthquake Party, Dyr Faser @ Mid East Up
10/21 PUP, Cayetana @ The Sinclair
10/21 Prior panic (EP release show), Model/Actriz, Cyberbully @ The Democracy Center
10/21 Phantogram @ House of Blues
10/22 Leaner, Dimmer, Dæphne, Big Boy Club @ Make Out Point