October Themes and Energies

What Numerology and Tarot Have to Say

I always pay attention to October, because it seems to hold a clue for what is likely to show up for us for the next year. The reason this is, is because since October is the tenth month of the year, in numerology, we would add a “1” to the numerology for this year and the energies are likely to be similar to at least some aspect of our lives in the coming year.

We are entering into a “9” month in numerology. We arrive at this number by adding the numbers up individually for the month and the year. Thus 1+0+2+0+2+4=9. Also if we do it this way, 10 for October added to 2+0+2+4 equals 18, and 1+8=9. Let’s talk about all of these numbers and what they mean.

First of all. the number 10 in the Tarot is the Wheel of Fortune, so every October, something shifts. I normally feel it energetically, but also October is the month where the seasons begin to change in some areas of the world. The days begin to be a little shorter. The nights become a little cooler. The leaves begin to change. October is when all of the fall festivals are in full swing and many people celebrate Halloween, when death and rebirth are celebrated. Spirits do seem to be overly active in October, and many say the veil between the living and the dead becomes thinner. I find myself a little busier in October, just based on my line of work, and maybe people are just thinking about their deceased loved ones more, or their own psychic senses seem a little more noticeable.

However, every year, October is affected by the energy of the numerology of the current year, and this year we find ourselves in an “8” year. Eight is the number of power, money, spiritual awakenings, self-empowerment, infinity, and stepped-up-events. In other words, whatever has been going on, it always seems to me that the energy of 8 steps up that theme to another level.

This month, the ten added to the 8 equals 18. The number 1 is the number of beginnings, self-realization, leadership, the individual, the self, and illumination. If we add that energy to the energy of 8, we may find that the struggle for power, fame, money or control becomes even more aggressive or emotionally charged. Add in the energy of the Tarot card for the number 18, which is the Moon, and we have a theme of emotionally charged people and events. I am not an astrologer, and I try not to watch too much of it so that my own insights are not affected by what others say, but the little I have been paying attention to seems to indicate the astrology agrees.

The number 9 is the last number before we start over again, so traditionally, the number 9 speaks of endings, completions, and wisdom. Hopefully by the time we go through all the numbers, we have some insight or wisdom which we have gained through our travels through each number. So it is no surprise that the ninth card of the Tarot is the Hermit.

The Hermit is not just about retreating back away from people, although often this is the case. It is seeking wisdom which often can only be found in solitude. If we are around other people, whether physically or through the media, we are affected by their moods, emotions, opinions and perspectives. In solitude we can really have time to reflect, to listen, and obtain wisdom and guidance from our own soul or our own spiritual communicators, Guides, Angels, or whoever we may be talking to.

The other aspect to the energy around the number 9 is that of thinking about and caring for others. October may be a month where you are focused on service to others in some way.

I also find that often the number 9 attracts spirits who do not inhabit living bodies, so in addition to October generally being a month where spirits are more active, if we add in the energy of the number 9, this theme may be stepped up a notch. Spirit activity may be even more charged than normal. If you have loved ones on the other side and sometimes feel their presence or receive signs from them, this may increase this month.

The number 9 also seems to be present in end-of-life activities, like wills, life insurance, end of life planning, caring for elderly or those who are getting ready to transition. If you are going through a life shift of some kind, you may find the number 9 showing up. Endings always precede new beginnings, so take heart! The end is never really the end. It is just a transition. Life is ever-evolving, ever-changing. Closing one door is opening another one.

Just like I often say in all of these articles speaking of various themes and energies, these themes may affect you more or less based on your own personal numerology and soul contract. If you find that all is well in your world, find someone who is going through a loss or ending of some kind and offer comfort to them. One day you will need that favor returned.

Here are the minor 9 cards of the Tarot: the Nine of Wands, Nine of Pentacles, Nine of Swords, and Nine of Cups.

As you can see, we have a mixed bag here.

Nine of Wands: You are almost there! You may have one more thing to complete before you really emerge from a struggle of some kind. Don’t pay as much attention to the struggle as to the lessons learned and the perspective gained. The reward is coming soon.

Nine of Pentacles: Enjoy this time of luxury, success, wealth, and contentment. You may receive a financial windfall, especially if you are woman. Don’t overspend or look down on others who may be less fortunate.

Nine of Swords: You may be extremely anxious, worried, or perhaps have some sleep issues. You may be experiencing guilt, shame, regret or fear on some specific issue or perhaps in general. (Are you sensitive to energy? This can also cause lack of sleep.)

Nine of Cups: This is the card of wishes come true. You are experiencing the fulfillment of a dream or goal of some kind. Celebrate! However, watch out for a bit of pride or for someone who seems a little too confident, arrogant, or narcissistic. Also watch who is keeping this person’s secrets (see that table behind him and those cups? What is hiding there and who is assisting in the cover up?)

At the end of this month, do a little evaluation, both of what came up for you personally and what kinds of things happened on the world scene. Some of these themes may show up again in 2025.

Next year we will be ending a nine year cycle before we go back to the beginning or start again, so pay attention. You can also look at things that happened in other 9 years. We had a major election in 2016. Whether or not you were happy with the results is not the point. It was a major shift in our American politics which is coming up again for us now. In 2007 the official beginning of the financial decline happened in December 2007 and Barack Obama declared his candidacy for president. Interestingly enough, perhaps a forgotten or lesser known fact is that a faction of the Lakota people sent a letter to the State Department declaring their secession from the Union as the Republic of Lakota.

Will some of these themes show up again in 2025, perhaps shaped a bit differently?

Time will tell.

What we don’t really finish in a 9 year, we normally carry over into the next 9 year cycle until we really complete it.

Just remember that life continues despite world happenings. Personally, we will always have ups and downs. As we evolve our own personal spiritual soul and our own consciousness expands, we become less and less affected by what is happening in the world. We just keep doing good and living our lives and we will be fine. Focus on Divine Love. Emanate it out into the world, to your neighbors, friends, and family and don’t forget to send some to yourself. The more we do this, the less and less we collectively create wars, conflicts, and divisions. When we have a little more, we give a little more. When we have a little less, hopefully the favor is returned.

Every day, do something kind. Put an extra quarter in the meter before you leave your parking spot. Pay for someone’s coffee. Help someone load their groceries. Pick up trash when you are outside taking your walk. Each small act of kindness collectively makes the world a more pleasant place to be.

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