Defensively Approaching the Threshold: Moon in Taurus & IX The Hermit

Daily Horoscope for Thursday, October 9, 2025

You’re reading the AstroMommy daily horoscope — a forecast that hopes to shine a light in the dark, helping us all see where we’ve been, where we are, and where we’re going. Thank you for being here! To access the full horoscope and card reading, please consider becoming a paid subscriber. Every bit of support means the world to me and means that I can continue to bring you the truth from the cosmos.

Good afternoon, friends!

This morning, while driving my AstroSon to high school, I noticed a grown man walking down the street who caught my eye. He was wearing black sweats and a hoodie pulled up tight around his face, carrying a large stick, which prompted an impromptu talk about how to walk down the street with a confident, “Don’t mess with me!” vibe.

On my way back home, I saw another man who made me do a double take — an older guy walking his dog, carrying a baseball bat, with that same defensive energy. It struck me as strange that two unrelated people, within minutes of each other, were broadcasting the same “back off” signal to the world.

Then, AstroDaddy and I got into a little argument about how easy it is to misunderstand each other and slip into defensive language when we don’t mean to. There it was again, this defensive posturing, playing out between my husband and me. What was going on?

Now, you guys know that I report on the transits every day, so of course, the wheels in my mind started to turn when I noticed all of these individual yet mirroring situations.

First, Mercury square Pluto retrograde is still lingering, which can symbolize obsessive, paranoid, and defensive behavior, cue the two dudes brandishing their wooden weapons. Add in Mars forming a sesquiquadrate to Saturn retrograde today, and it’s no surprise if we’re encountering moments of friction, frustration, or overly guarded responses. To top it off, Venus is now within three degrees of her upcoming opposition to retrograde Saturn, perfecting on Saturday, which could absolutely explain the relationship tension and sensitivity.

So, what can we learn from all of this?

Today’s astrology invites us to peer behind the curtain of our perceived reality and take note of the clues we’re being shown. We may not yet have all the information to piece together the whole picture, but the Taurus Moon’s grounded and hardworking approach, harmonizing with Jupiter, Venus, and Saturn, could help us sift through confusion and reconnect with what’s tangible, enduring, and true.

The tarot’s guidance reminds us that transformation begins in solitude: by shedding what no longer fits, we uncover the inner light that can guide both ourselves and others through change.

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Okay, let’s get into...the astrology

(all times are in Eastern time unless mentioned otherwise)

Early in the morning, we may have felt as if we were in a strange movie with a phony wizard controlling reality behind the proverbial curtain, catching glimpses of the truth that shimmered through the veil.

The day gets much easier as time goes on.

The Moon in Taurus makes harmonious aspects to the Nodes, Jupiter, Venus, and Saturn retrograde, indicating that there are opportunities to make long-lasting connections today. Loving feelings are easier to access, to share with others, and to accept today, as the Moon reconnects Venus and Jupiter’s sextile from yesterday, transferring the light from the greater benefic to the lesser benefic.

This shows an emotional awareness of the beliefs and attitudes that create feelings of security and safety while also delivering constructive criticism that is meant to inform, teach, and guide rather than cut down, belittle, or berate. It’s a day to teach someone how to do something for themselves, enabling self-sufficiency and independence, offering feedback that builds rather than breaks.

In the evening, Venus perfects a quincunx to Chiron retrograde while Mars makes a sesquiquadrate to Saturn retrograde. First, there may be a change or separation from an old wound we’ve identified with; then comes the test of endurance: a challenge, delay, or setback that requires patience, discipline, and perseverance to move through.

(See the footnotes for a list of today’s transit times¹.)

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The Tarot

What is the guidance for today?