PLANETARY NEWS OCTOBER 2026 from Komilla Sutton

UNSETTLED | VENUS MERCURY RETROGRADE, JUPITER GANDANTA

Planetary weather slowly turns unsettled in October, with major turbulence in November 2026. Venus turns retrograde on 3 October, followed by Mercury retrograde on 24 October; both creating unexpected problems and delays. The Sun begins its annual debilitation transit from 17 October and joins Mars in Cancer, which is already debilitated. Finally, Jupiter ends its second transit to Cancer with its first of three gandanta transits to Leo. Overall, the planets get more unsettled as we progress through October. Thankfully, there are no major conjunctions, but the disruption and weakness in the transit will impact us one way or another.

WHAT TO WATCH in OCTOBER 2026

Jupiter goes into Cancer Leo on 31 October. At the start of October, Jupiter is still in a glorious mood: Hamsa Mahapurusha yoga by transit for Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn; excellent for Scorpio, Sagittarius, and Pisces too. Largely a positive Transit, with unsettled energy and a lack of support at the end of the month. Sagittarius and Pisces need to keep their balance as October ends.

Venus in Libra turns retrograde on 3 October to 13 November. While Venus is strong in Libra, it goes retrograde, creating turbulence and obstacles. We usually feel unsettled, especially around 3 October. Taurus and Libra will experience this transit more acutely, making them hesitant to make decisions. It is a good time to reflect and meditate on what's happened over the past two years. Venus retrograde is usually challenging for relationships, so watch for any disputes or disagreements it brings up.

Sun in Virgo and Libra The sun in Virgo is a more analytical Sun; until 17 October, then it goes into debilitation. As Venus is in Virgo, even when retrograde, it gives support to the Sun and cancels its debilitation for November. However, we should watch our confidence levels.

Mercury in friend Libra turns retrograde on the 24th. Mercury is in a good zone, but on the 24th it turns retrograde in Libra, which can mess with communication, travel, and decisiveness. Gemini and Virgo need to take extra care.

Three planets in Libra Venus, Sun, and Mercury are all in Libra; it can make us think of justice and trade. Decision-making may be harder in the second half of October, as Libra is very indecisive.

Benefics under Debilitated Influence All month, Jupiter is being influenced by debilitated Mars, Venus and Mercury by the debilitated Sun after 17 October. This can bring down the planets' energy and take away the feel-good factor. Debilitated planets also encourage people to compromise and make wrong choices, so be careful.

Keep an eye on the Navamsha D9 In the panchanga below, Navamsha features strong in October, so read up on the transits being influenced by their navamsha positions.

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OCTOBER 2026 PANCHANGA

Key dates in OCTOBER 2026 - compiled by Keiko Shanti. (https://keikoshanti.com)

All times listed are UTC (Coordinated Universal Time.)
All times for festivals are for India.
Mean nodes are used.

As we start the month of October...

• Jupiter is exalted in Cancer (until 31 October 2026) in Ashlesha Nakshatra.
• Mars is debilitated in Cancer (until 12 November 2026) in Pushya Nakshatra.
• Venus in Libra is about to turn retrograde on 3 October 2026.
• From mid-month, we have the debilitation of the Sun and Mars, so we have to watch our vitality.
• Navamsha D9: Jupiter is in Aquarius, and Saturn is in Sagittarius Navamsha, creating a Parivartana Yoga (until 8 October).
• We are slowly building up towards the Jupiter-Ketu conjunction in Leo, exact on 11 November.