October: Month of the Wood Dog

Month of the Wood Dog:
October 8 – November 6

Each year there is a month zodiac sign which clashes the with the zodiac sign of the year. These months can signal disruptions and act as a catalyst for change. The incoming Dog month is not only the month that clashes with the year but it might just be the most impactful clash month we have encountered in quite some time.

First, the Four Pillars chart of this year shown below, contains 4 pillars which all clash with each other, indicating four challenging months this year represented by these four zodiac signs. We have already experienced three of these challenging months, and the Dog represents the fourth and final month indicated by the chart. As the year zodiac represents the foundation of the year’s energy, a clash of this pillar will likely be the most impactful of the four most difficult months of this year.



Secondly, and most notably, the two most ferocious clashes of the Zodiac signs is that of the Dog and the Dragon. For starters the Dog, also known as Aries in Western astrology, is the the sign of the god of War. This combative energy will certainly be felt on a global scale and with so many global conflicts already in play escalation is more likely than not. The Chinese metaphysical description of the Dog and Dragon is that of two mountains clashing indicating a tectonic collision of Earth shattering proportions. The earthquakes experienced during this month could be literal or those of political, economic or of the global conflict variety. Any and all of these potential effects may be experienced world wide.

While this sort of clash can be destabilizing and fear inducing, there is one important thing to keep in mind and that is that the most productive clashes are those that occur when earth signs like the Dog and Dragon meet. In short, this means that while stressful ultimately these changes can be useful and necessary for progress, and growth which serve to create a new and better order. This month, may we remember to mine these moments of uncertainty for gems of opportunity.

What is certain this month is that change is coming. We won’t have to wait long to get an idea of where we are heading as the following Pig month will bring the winter season and the start of approaching Snake year’s influence upon the unfolding events for the remainder of the year, which I will share in greater detail as we get closer to the new year.

The I Ching hexagram of this month is #39 called ‘Obstruction’  which uses the images of the Water trigram upon the Mountain trigram to illustrate for us the wisdom in dealing with challenges. Both fording a river and climbing a mountain are arduous and difficult if not impossible tasks. The ancient texts advise that when tackling adversity or challenges that are beyond our capability, the best way forward is to pause and gather strength needed to overcome them. The challenges and changes indicated for this month may present situations that are well beyond the control of an individual. In such cases we can either come together to meet tackle the adversity with collective strength, or withdraw to gather individual strength and resources to proceed forward when conditions are more favorable. There may be many things happening in the world at large this month which are cause for stress or anxiety so self care should be a high priority. This can look like taking a break from the news or social media or doubling down on your fitness regime or meditation practice to resource yourself while you wait for the dust to settle. Time and energy invested in oneself is never wasted, and will give you the energy you need to move forward when the obstructions have fallen away.

While October may be a challenging month for the collective, there is much that I am looking forward to personally, including several upcoming courses. There is still time to sign up to learn more!

UPCOMING CLASSES & WORKSHOPS!
Monthly Energy Workshops!


For those who wish to go into greater depth exploring the monthly energies, I will be offering monthly online workshops to expand upon the insights in these monthly forecast to tell you more about the Feng Shui and astrological energies impacts for each month, and more importantly what it means for you. It will not only be a time to receive more information but also to ask questions and perhaps a little divination as well. The first monthly astrology class will be Tuesday, October 1 , 2024 at 7:00 pm EST.
Single Class Drop-In Rate $27
https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=24963388&appointmentType=67145131
Save $108 when you subscribe for a year:
https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=24963388&appointmentType=67145143

Four Pillars of Destiny, Foundations in Chinese Astrology
Online: 4 Days, 2 Weekends, October 5-6 & October 19 -20


Everything we do in life involves human interaction, whether its friends, family, clients or co-workers. Join me to learn the ancient wisdom of 4 Pillars of Destiny also called BaZi Chinese Astrology, to gain insight into all of your interactions with others. 4 Pillars Chinese Astrology decoding is a critical skill for Feng Shui applications, Auspicious Date Selection, and an incredibly useful tool to understand others in any profession. This course will offer the foundation you need whether you want to use it personally or to become a professional astrologer. This course is also a pre-requisite for advanced 4 Pillars Astrology which will be offered in March of 2025, stay tuned for more information!
For more information or to register please visit: https://bethgracefengshui.com/aaom/
or email me: bethgraceconsulting@gmail.com

Fall Magic: Exploring Intuition, Elements, and Energy
Kripalu Center, On Campus October 27 – November 1
https://kripalu.org/presenters-programs/fall-magic-exploring-intuition-elements-and-energy

NAVIGATE THE LIMINAL SPACE

The time of Samhain, or Halloween—when the veil between the physical world and the otherworld is thin—offers a unique opportunity to deepen your connection to spiritual realms and subtle energies.  

Join intuitive reader, Cynthia Papa-Lentini, and Kripalu faculty member, Beth Grace, for a week of inquiry, exploration, and heightened sensitivity. Cynthia and Beth will lead you through a variety of exercises to access and trust the energy in and around you. They will also introduce a variety of hands-on intuitive tools including dowsing, tarot, and nature-based divination that you can utilize to expand your connection to your spiritual self.   

Spiritual Retreat to Ireland, August 2025!



We invite you to join us in Ireland for the Celtic festival of Lughnasadh, a time to savor and celebrate the beginning of the harvest season with a feast for your soul. The magic of the Wicklow Mountains is the perfect cauldron to nourish both your body and spirit with daily yoga, excursions to mystical sites, spiritual and metaphysical teachings, and delicious meals shared with friends. Retreat pricing includes lodging, meals, excursions, and programming. Spa services are available but not included. Space is quite limited and filling up quickly, be sure to reserve your spot as soon as possible! For more information please visit: https://bethgracefengshui.com/retreats/