October Challenges You to Get Out of Your Comfort Zone and 4 Zodiac Signs Will Be Left Questioning Everything

0Biggest Struggle Horoscope, LibraAstrologer Valerie Mesa shares your horoscope for October, including what will be your biggest obstacleThe cosmos isn’t asking you to get comfortable this October!

This month is swirling with intensity, thanks to a series of Fixed energies in the sky, locking in squares and oppositions.

Between Venus Retrograde in Scorpio and Pluto direct, one thing’s for sure: themes of power, control and release are coming up for review. Expect memories to resurface, along with unexpected power struggles.

For instance, Mercury in Scorpio squared off with Mars in Leo on Oct. 2, making conversations sharp and arguments more likely. That same day, Mercury clashed with Pluto retrograde, too, adding obsessive thinking and suspicion to the mix!

Then, Venus began its retrograde journey on Oct. 3, prompting a re-evaluation of relationships, values and what you’re willing to tolerate in the name of love or intimacy.

Mars also made an opposition with Pluto retrograde that day, putting our personal will at odds with forces out of our control, which could’ve inspired defiance and a battle of wills.

This was followed by an opposition between the Sun and Saturn retrograde in Aries on Oct. 4, which could’ve felt like a sobering reality check.

Next, Mercury will join Venus retrograde in Scorpio on Oct. 6, which sets the stage for conversations, ex-lovers or financial truths to resurface.

We can’t forget about Pluto stationing direct, happening on Oct. 15 in the cerebral and socially conscious sign of Aquarius. This moves the slow work of transformation forward, along with the consequences of whatever’s been uncovered.

Shortly after, the first quarter moon in Capricorn brings us to a crossroads and point of tension that calls for discipline and commitment.

Venus will also clash with Pluto retrograde on Oct. 20, which is easily one of the most emotionally charged aspects of the month, as themes of possessiveness or the fear of loss could make or break relationships.

Then, Mercury will join the love planet on its retrograde journey through Scorpio, bringing us back to past conversations, thoughts and unspoken feelings. This is the epitome of unfinished business, so allow room for things to unfold.

In the meantime, read on for your biggest challenge in October according to your zodiac sign.

Expectations are your demise in October, so be crystal clear with plans moving forward, Aries. On Oct. 3, a disagreement over a shared commitment probably stopped being about the money. A friend could’ve gotten defensive when you asked for clarity, but the pressure peaks around Oct. 20, when Venus clashes with Pluto, and the question of who owes what, and who gets a say in the plan, can turn into quite the power struggle.

Since early this month, your closest connections have been under a microscope, Taurus. Questions about support, commitment and how much you’re willing to tolerate are no exception. However, around Oct. 20, when your planetary ruler, Venus, clashes with Pluto, that same tension mirrors back into your personal and professional life. A late-night work task left undone or a missed family dinner could trigger conversations you’ve been avoiding. Be clear with your boundaries.

The less you commit to in October, the better, Gemini. For instance, when Mercury clashed with Mars on Oct. 2, an e-mail, a coworker’s tone or a task dumped on your desk could’ve felt bigger than it should have. Granted, skipped meals or a lack of sleep could have also contributed to the tension, but fresh perspective is easier said than done when you’re feeling depleted. Keep in mind that same square returns on Oct. 30 when your celestial ruler, Mercury, is retrograde, so you’ve been warned.

There’s a fine line between what you want and what you can afford, Cancer. Since Oct. 3, matters of love, creativity or a child’s needs could’ve become entangled with money worries. Relationship decisions are no exception, as you could be considering what this love story is actually costing you. Then, around Oct. 20, Venus will face off with Pluto retrograde, and an ex or shared investment could complicate things you thought were simple.

Keeping an open mind is your biggest struggle in October, Leo. On Oct. 3, for instance, when Mars opposed Pluto, a disagreement with a partner could have shed light on your differences, specifically your core values. Since then, a family dynamic or living situation could be top of mind. Either way, the tension continues, especially on Oct. 30, when you could be tempted to defend your pride, but at what cost? Consider what you’re trying to protect, or maybe what image you’re trying to uphold.

Some thoughts are better left unsaid, Virgo. On Oct. 2, for instance, your celestial ruler, Mercury, clashed with Mars, stirring up resentments you’ve been keeping to yourself, which more than likely slipped out. Nevertheless, since then, anxiety could be affecting your routines and though you say everything’s fine, deep down you are very self-aware. Around Oct. 24, old conversations could start replaying in your head, perhaps inspiring you to revisit a past situation, and Oct. 30 brings similar tension. Take notes, and pay attention to your thoughts and triggers.

Be gentle with yourself and your wallet, Libra. Since Oct. 4, a reality check about money or your own limits could’ve hit you hard, or perhaps you noticed how often you say quiet as a way to keep the peace. Around Oct. 20, however, your celestial ruler, Venus, will clash with powerhouse Pluto, highlighting a difference in values, whether with a friend or lover. Whether it be about your spending habits or a crush who isn’t meeting you halfway, don’t overcompensate, even if you feel pressured to smooth things over. Address the elephant in the room so it doesn’t lead to resentment. Things get easier after Oct. 25.

Despite your poise and quiet demeanor, you could be dealing with more than enough in October, Scorpio. Since Oct. 2, concerns could’ve started to pile up, whether it be a boss’s expectations or a significant other’s demands. Take a breather. Your birthday season kicks off on Oct. 23, and the sun’s ingress into your sign will energize and revitalize you. However, try not to let the attention you’re getting add more pressure. Besides, by Oct. 26, the sun will clash with your modern ruler, Pluto, which is where you could feel stuck between a rock and a hard place. Choose your battles wisely.

Ready or not, October challenges you to face your fears, Sagittarius. Since Oct. 3, once Venus stationed retrograde in Scorpio, old emotional baggage could’ve started to resurface. Whether it be a memory, lingering regret or fear you thought you’d outgrown, the monsters under your bed are alive and breathing. The exhaustion of it all could make bigger decisions more difficult to trust, but as October unfolds, you have no choice but to take the leap and trust the process. For instance, Mercury retrograde will clash with Mars on Oct. 30, which could trigger issues with travel plans or legal matters. Don’t hesitate to postpone and make the necessary changes. Ask for confirmation in writing if possible.

If things feel off in your network or friend group, you’re not imagining it, Capricorn. Since Oct. 3, social dynamics and online interactions could be making you spiral into overthinking, whether it be a comment with subtext or a post you wish you hadn’t seen. Then, around Oct. 20, when Venus clashes with Pluto, that tension could expose deeper issues around money, trust or control. Maybe a friend keeps borrowing from you and leaving you drained, or someone is taking your transparency for granted. Take a step back, even if just for now.

The last thing you want to do is comply, but at least compromise, Aquarius? Since Oct. 3, when Mars clashed with Pluto retrograde in your sign, power struggles in your closest connections — who takes charge and makes decisions — could’ve come into focus. Career matters and other people’s expectations could also feel heavy right now, and if you’re coupled up, be mindful as you could completely dismiss your partner or, worse, see them as your literal opponent. By Oct. 26, things could come to a head that could leave you with no choice but to make an important decision.

Your lifestyle is a reflection of your philosophy and belief systems, Pisces. However, since Oct. 2, when Mercury clashed with Mars, work demands and health routines you’ve neglected could’ve come to a head. The same square returns Oct. 30, and the pressure could circle back, whether it’s a schedule with no breathing room or a lack of night’s sleep. Something’s gotta give. Consider what you’re willing to sacrifice and, more importantly, what you need to change for your well-being and peace of mind.