LIFE

October Horoscope: The 5 Signs Healing Deep-Seated Wounds

by Cole Prots

Photo Illustration by Ashley Peña

Jupiter has a 12-year cycle. Every year, as the largest planet in our solar system moves from one zodiac sign to the next, the gas giant also takes some time to retrograde. Thankfully, Jupiter transits have an optimistic tone. Jupiter is the planet of growth, joy, wisdom, travel, and adventure—all things that help us gain a willingness to see the world as a glass half-full. Since May 25 of this year, Jupiter has been transiting through Gemini—which is incredibly fun if you need an excuse to tap into your inner child.

Since late May, the vibes have been “act like a sponge and take it all in.” With Jupiter in Gemini, now is the best time to pretend you are back in primary school, learning about your favorite subject for the first time. Jupiter in Gemini can be a bit of a loose cannon, though—it’s like that scene in Spongebob where a bunch of versions of our favorite cartoon sponge runs around his brain, throwing papers into different filing cabinets. As much as we have the capacity to store tons of information, Jupiter in Gemini can overwhelm us, especially when it comes to new concepts that have pushed us to a new worldview. That’s why Jupiter retrogrades are so fab: we get to wring out the sponge in our minds and look at what we’ve soaked up.

Jupiter’s retrograde will take place from October 9, 2024, to February 4, 2025, giving us about four months to reflect and revisit. For those in school, this could be as simple as looking back at the syllabus and doing a review mini-quiz. However, if you aren’t fortunate enough to have your life lesson plans laid out, here is how we make do.

Revisit communication insights and social connections.

What were some of the big miscommunication moments from the past few months? Jupiter in Gemini, though incredibly powerful when opening up lines of communication, can also scatter signals and leave us confused. Maybe you are learning faster than someone else, or a piece of information you shared is outdated—thankfully, this is no one's fault! These moments are the key to examining how Jupiter in Gemini has been shifting your perspective on the world.

Additionally, as you grow, so does your social circle. What changes have you noticed with the people you spend time with? Jupiter in Gemini wants everyone to yap because yapping connects us, and humans are social animals, so we need to yap. The shift in your social life is part of Jupiter pushing you.

Over the next few months, take some time to reflect on how the give and take of information has shaped your life recently and what lessons those tense moments taught you. This reflection can help you.

Stay curious and cautious.

Right now, it is essential to maintain mental flexibility. Everyone needs to dig deep and imagine their mind is Simone Biles, flipping across the mat—because there will be times when you feel confusion. Part of this reevaluation process is continuing to learn through it. If you discover something you learned in June holds new, contradicting evidence, then explore this new evidence! If you feel some information isn’t entirely accurate in your gut, listen to that voice and follow it! Jupiter in Gemini balances logical thinking (Gemini) and our intuition and faith (Jupiter).

Caution is critical, though! Jupiter is already throwing curve balls left and right, seeing what helps us hit a home run and what causes us to strike out. Overexaggeration of ideas or beliefs could be challenged during retrograde. Right now, we should carefully plan before expanding into new areas of knowledge or communication. Although we can still receive and retain information right now, how intentional we are about our learning will make or break our big brain moments.

Be extra aware of travel plans and locale.

Jupiter is the planet of travel—and any retrograde can and will throw plans out the window, so you need to be extra cautious. Especially with the holidays coming up during Jupiter retrograde, make sure you are booking those plane tickets and hotels early to secure your spot! Furthermore, if you run into delays or need to make changes, do not fight them. The more you resist pivoting and shifting how you move through the world, the more Jupiter will continue to shake things up.

You might find that nostalgia also creeps in a bit during Jupiter retrograde. Your trip to your childhood home strikes a chord and causes you to miss your past life. Even visiting a new place gives you a strong sense of déjà vu. Jupiter retrograde can be considered a “reflection of the journey,” as humans. (That journey, of course, technically starts with life and finishes with passing on.) Reflect on your journey and how you’ve carried all your travels and lessons with you.

Duality is a beautiful thing.

Lastly, you must cosplay as a Gemini and embrace the spirit of duality. Jupiter in Gemini magnifies the twin spirit—bringing everything in duos. But not always literally. Gemini’s dual nature may emphasize the need to rethink decisions or reconsider opposing viewpoints. This might cause some difficulty in making clear decisions because of the bouncing back and forth. While revisiting choices and pathways, ensure they align with long-term growth (Jupiter’s influence). That’ll help you decide which path to take next.

This entire retrograde is about learning from the past. Reviewing lessons learned in previous phases of life, especially related to intellectual growth, travel, and social interactions, helps us to identify when we need to choose between two or more paths at a crossroads. Identifying patterns that need to be adjusted for future progress will help with personal growth in communication and intellectual pursuits. Remember that the journey is equally beautiful as the destination, and the butterfly effect is real, so choose carefully.

Let’s look at some key dates during this Jupiter Retrograde, so you can be fully prepared to tackle this cosmic cruise.

On November 18, Jupiter in Gemini and Mercury in Sagittarius will oppose each other. Usually, this one-day transit wouldn’t shake things up too much. However, there is a Mercury retrograde in Sagittarius, so this one-hitter becomes a three-hitter. From November 11 to December 26, be cautious of misunderstandings and jumping to conclusions. Patience is a virtue, and you’ll want to take things particularly slow. Gemini and Sagittarius are sisters, but messy sisters—they both can be sharp-tongued and quick to draw conclusions—so the push-and-pull between these two will challenge us not to make the same mistakes they do.

On December 24, we have the second of three Jupiter in Gemini square Saturn in Pisces hitting. The first was August 19, 2024, and the last will be on June 15, 2025. Jupiter and Saturn squaring up is like slowing down for speed bumps on an open road—you have the whole road open, but can’t charge through without potentially damaging your car. The same vibes apply to us: we feel this momentous potential with Jupiter in Gemini, like a kid in a candy store gobbling up all the sweet treats we find. However, big daddy Saturn reminds the kid in us that too many sweets will give us a tummy ache. Jupiter and Saturn squares are cautious when taking transits. We can still indulge in the sweets, but only after we get home and have a nourishing dinner. It’s an added reminder to be patient over the next few months and not leap forward without thought or intention.

As you prepare for Jupiter, read your rising sign horoscope for the most accurate interpretation of what you can expect! Additionally, remember that this is a four-month transit, so you have time to work with all the magic and mayhem coming your way.

Aries

This is a time to reevaluate your communication style. Perhaps you’ve been too quick to speak or haven’t been as mindful as you should in your interactions. Jupiter retrograde in Gemini affects the third house, which governs communication, siblings, and short-distance travel. The retrograde encourages introspection, asking you to refine your approach to social exchanges. Old misunderstandings with siblings or close neighbors might resurface, giving you a chance to heal and resolve them. Travel plans could be delayed or altered, urging you to reconsider your daily routines and connections with those around you.

Taurus

You might start to rethink your relationship with money and the material possessions you've accumulated. Jupiter retrograde in Gemini highlights your second house of values, finances, and self-worth. Financial opportunities that seemed promising could slow down, forcing you to reconsider long-term security rather than short-term gains. On a deeper level, this retrograde pushes you to assess your self-worth and values. You may begin questioning if your current pursuits align with your true sense of worth, or if you’ve been chasing superficial goals. It’s a time to reframe your values and work towards financial stability that feels meaningful.

Gemini

You’ll likely feel a pull to introspect about your identity, appearance, and how you project yourself to the world. With Jupiter retrograde happening in your first house of self, this period is highly personal. The retrograde might pause personal growth or expansion, allowing you to evaluate whether your outward persona aligns with your inner self. You could feel less confident than usual, but this slowdown is essential for recalibration. Use this time to work on your self-image, habits, and health, ensuring that the person you present is an authentic reflection of your deeper self.

Cancer

This retrograde period is about deep reflection, healing, and retreating from the world to process subconscious patterns. Jupiter retrograde in Gemini transits your twelfth house of spirituality, isolation, and hidden matters. Old fears or unresolved traumas may resurface, but this is an opportunity to heal them. You might feel called to spend more time alone, reflecting on your spiritual beliefs or seeking solitude to recharge. This is a powerful time for spiritual growth, and you may gain insights through meditation, dreams, or revisiting past experiences. However, it’s crucial to avoid escapism or self-sabotage during this period.

Leo

You may need to reconsider your place within social groups or rethink the goals and dreams you’ve been chasing. Jupiter retrograde in Gemini impacts your eleventh house of friendships, social circles, and long-term goals. Friends from the past may reappear, offering opportunities to mend relationships or see them from a new perspective. Alternatively, you may feel the need to step back from certain groups or networks to assess whether they still align with your future aspirations. This period offers a valuable opportunity to realign your long-term vision and ensure that your social connections support your personal growth.

Virgo

You may experience a slowdown in your professional life, causing frustration as career growth or recognition feels delayed. Jupiter retrograde in Gemini impacts your 10th house of career, public life, and reputation. However, this retrograde gives you the chance to reevaluate your career goals and the path you’re on. Are you pursuing something meaningful, or have you worked solely for success or status? Old career opportunities may resurface, giving you a second chance to pursue them with more wisdom. It’s an excellent time to assess your professional reputation and ensure it aligns with your core values.

Libra

You may reconsider your beliefs, worldview, or long-term educational goals over the next few months. Jupiter retrograde in Gemini affects your ninth house, the domain of higher education, travel, and personal philosophy. Travel plans, especially long-distance or international, could face delays or revisions. The retrograde also offers a chance to revisit spiritual or philosophical studies you may have set aside. You could reconnect with mentors or teachers from the past, offering renewed wisdom. This period is about gaining a deeper understanding of what you believe and expanding your mind more reflectively.

Scorpio

This period asks you to rethink how you approach deep emotional bonds and financial partnerships. Issues related to debts, loans, or shared finances might come up for review. Jupiter retrograde in Gemini impacts your eighth house, governing shared resources, intimacy, and transformation. You may also experience internal shifts around trust and vulnerability, prompting you to look at where you’ve been withholding or overextending emotionally. The retrograde offers an opportunity to heal deep-seated wounds, especially those related to power dynamics in relationships. It’s a time of introspection that can lead to profound inner growth and transformation.

Sagittarius

This time could bring a reevaluation of your significant one-on-one connections, whether romantic or business-related. Jupiter retrograde in Gemini transits your seventh house of partnerships and relationships. If unresolved issues exist in your partnerships, they might resurface, asking for clarity and closure. It’s also a time to rethink your approach to relationships. Are you compromising too much, or have you been overly focused on your needs? Old relationships may come back into your life, allowing you to reflect on patterns that need adjustment. Use this time to redefine what balance in relationships means to you.

Capricorn

You may feel a slowdown in your everyday tasks or projects, prompting you to reconsider your approach to productivity. Jupiter retrograde in Gemini highlights your sixth house of daily routines, work, and health. Health routines you’ve neglected might demand attention, and this retrograde offers the chance to heal long-standing physical issues. It’s also an excellent time to rethink your work-life balance. You might realize that the small daily habits you’ve been maintaining are not supporting your larger goals. Use this period to realign your daily life with practices promoting mental and physical well-being.

Aquarius

You could find yourself rethinking your creative projects or romantic pursuits. Perhaps a creative venture you’ve been working on feels stagnant, allowing you to refine it with more depth and insight. Jupiter retrograde in Gemini affects your fifth house of creativity, romance, and self-expression. In love, you might revisit past relationships or question the type of romantic energy you’ve been attracting. This period can be an excellent time to reflect on how you express yourself authentically and whether you’ve been holding back. It’s a decisive phase for redefining what brings you joy and passion.

Pisces

This period calls for introspection around your domestic life and emotional security. You might need to revisit family dynamics or reconnect with your roots. Jupiter retrograde in Gemini transits your fourth house of home, family, and emotional foundations. Issues related to your living situation could arise, such as reconsidering a move or remodeling your space. On an emotional level, you’re being asked to reflect on what makes you feel safe and secure. This is an ideal time to heal old family wounds and establish a stronger emotional base for the future.