October Culturescope: Your Horoscope-Inspired Guide to Things To Do and Places To Go This Month

Broadsheet Culturescope is a new series in which we recommend the best things to do this month based on your horoscope. Astrology not your thing? We get it – the Broadsheet office is divided, too. If you’re simply looking for some weekend inspo, skip straight to the culturescopes for some of the best things to see, explore and do in Sydney this month.

Mercury retrograde officially ended on October 2, but it may take until the middle of the month for the haze to lift. If you know about this infamous astrological cycle, or you felt its chaotic effects last month, you’ll be glad to know clarity and forward momentum is on the way.

Libra season is now in full swing, so expect things to get fun. This is, hands-down, the most social time of the astrological year, when we tend to feel more friendly, lively and agreeable. Libra, symbolised by the scales, is all about balance. So it’s a good time to reflect on relationships and create extra joy with your loved ones, and in your own life.

You’ll feel motivated with the arrival of the Aries full moon on the 10th – Aries energy is confident, courageous and impulsive. And the sun and Venus both move into Scorpio on the 23rd, changing the energy from light and harmonious to intense and brooding. This is not the time for small talk. Have the hard conversations, no matter how confronting they might be.

And October 25’s Scorpio solar eclipse will highlight the parts of your life that need change. Eclipses are one of the most powerful astrological events and exist to shake things up. You might not be looking for major upheaval, but it’s best not to resist it – welcome the unexpected and enjoy the ride.

Aries

Your attention shifts to your nearest and dearest. It’s an excellent time to create moments for conversation, connection and love. When was the last time you went on a date? If you’re in a relationship, you may be inspired to put a little extra effort into your love life. If you’re single, don’t be surprised if someone new comes your way. The Scorpio eclipse is a particularly transformative time for Aries. Carve out some alone time for reflection.

Culturescope: It’s date-night time.

Taurus

Libra season may inspire you to begin some new – and beneficial – habits. You’ll experience an injection of energy that supports good intentions, but you still need to put in the effort. Meanwhile, the Scorpio eclipse is a good time to deepen your relationships or transform things. It brings fresh partnership energy, which could mean a new romance, engagement or business partner, or an overdue break-up.

Culturescope: Tap into that newfound vigour and take a beautiful nature walk just outside Sydney. Looking for a physical challenge closer to home? Here are five 60-second stretches you can introduce to your daily routine, without leaving the lounge room.

Gemini

You’ll be feeling more sexy, playful and social during Libra season – make the most of it. Think about the events or activities that get you excited, and create time for serious fun. You may feel ready to kick off a new creative project, start a romance or begin a new hobby. This is the time to explore.

The Scorpio eclipse may also shake up your day-to-day, creating room for these passions or inspiring you to invest in your wellbeing. Changes at work are also on the cards.

Culturescope: There is a tonne of fabulous things happening around Sydney this month. If you’re feeling creative, try a pottery class. Feeling more daredevil? Give bouldering a go at these two spots.

Cancer

Your home and family come into the spotlight this month. Honour the desire to spend a little more time on the couch. It’s won’t be all Netflix, though. You may find yourself inspired to move, renovate or redecorate. You may also be evaluating your family relationships, visiting loved ones or welcoming a new family member.

When the Scorpio eclipse arrives, you’ll be motivated to have more fun. When was the last time you spent time doing something playful or creative? Romance and dating may also be on the agenda but Scorpio energy can be quite intense, so try and enjoy it for what it is – fun.

Culturescope: Spring-clean your house, your mind, your car, your pantry. If you’re one of those looking to zhoosh up the house, these handy tips for selecting the right artwork will make the choice a little easier.

Leo

Community and conversation come into focus in Libra season: get out there and connect with your friends. You’ll feel more relaxed in social situations, so tell your mates how you feel. Expressing your needs can make you feel vulnerable, but this is a great time to push yourself. The Scorpio eclipse may bring an unexpected change to your household. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by family affairs, be sure to take some quieter time for yourself.

Culturescope: Grab a meal at one of the city’s quieter restaurants for this month’s catch-ups, so you can have proper conversation.

Virgo

Libra season is a great time to work on your self-confidence at work; stop wasting energy on things that aren’t moving you forward. Focus on money and how you’re making it – ask for that pay rise or start the side hustle you’ve had on the backburner. At the Scorpio eclipse, you may feel an urge to shake up the way you communicate and try new ways (and platforms) to share your ideas.

Culturescope: The National Institute of Dramatic Arts has a tonne of classes aimed at boosting your confidence in work scenarios, including Public Speaking Bootcamp, Creating Excellent Communicators and Presenting With Confidence.

Libra

Your birthday season is a great time to refresh your look or reinvent yourself. What new projects do you want to start? What do you want to experience? Once you have your answers, you’ll know where to focus your energy. The Scorpio eclipse may change the way you make money (start a business, explore investment opportunities) or encourage you to pay more attention to your bank balance.

Culturescope: This is the time for a new haircut, piercing or tattoo. If you’re on a budget, give yourself a trim at home – but with these tips to avoid catastrophe.

Scorpio

You’re likely to be feeling quieter and more reflective this season. You may like to look back over the last 12 months and consider where you’ve been feeling stagnant or which habits you want to change. Let go of anything keeping you stuck. The Scorpio eclipse will bring positive opportunities. It’s a time to explore new hobbies, freshen up your wardrobe and adopt healthier routines.

Culturescope: Plan a trip to Lake Tyrrell, the “sky mirror”, and see things from a different perspective.

Sagittarius

Cocktails, dinner, a gallery opening, the footy – don’t be surprised if you find yourself saying “yes” to all of them. With Libra season comes catching up with your extended friendship groups. During all this activity, you may be inspired to take stock of which networks and communities make you feel most connected, so you can focus your energy in the future.

The Scorpio eclipse is a powerful time to care for yourself and indulge in whatever activities feel most nurturing. If you have a spiritual or meditation practice, you may feel motivated to lean into it, with better results than ever.

Culturescope: There are so many fun ways to catch up with pals in October: festivals dedicated to inner-west's best food and drinks purveyors, an exhibition about Darlinghurst Gaol and the National Art School or get your dance on at Pleasure Playhouse. For those wanting something meditative, we love the classes at Bodylove Pilates Studio or you can try it at home with help from The Broad Place.

Capricorn

Career momentum is on the cards. You might attract extra recognition for your work or identify new opportunities to step up. You’ll also have additional clarity on the professional direction you want to take, so spend time thinking about your career goals.

With the Scorpio eclipse, listen to those inclinations to contribute to something bigger. New friendships and connections may come into your life; think about setting boundaries to strike the balance between supporting others and nurturing yourself.

Culturescope: Celebrate those work wins at one of the city’s best new bars, or, if you’re looking for a quieter space to contemplate your next career move, head to the Chinese Gardens.

Aquarius

You’ll be feeling adventurous and optimistic this month, and longing for a change of scenery – a weekend away will feel even better than usual right now. Your mind will be open and you’ll have an urge to learn new things, challenge your perspective or share your ideas. The Scorpio eclipse signals a new chapter in the career arena. It might mean a new role or promotion, or a desire to change direction.

Culturescope: Get out of town to a picturesque winery.

Pisces

Things may feel more intense during Libra season, so cherish quiet moments and carve out time for self-care. Keep your eyes open for opportunities to create more trust and intimacy in your relationships. At the Scorpio eclipse, opportunities to immerse yourself in a topic you’re passionate about, or begin a new research project, may present themselves.

Culturescope: Bliss out with a facial by The Skin Bar.

alisonlasekastrology.com
Things To Do in Sydney

Alison Lasek is an astrologer who has worked in arts, culture and communication for more than 15 years, including six years at the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art. She has contributed to publications including Art and Australia, Runway Journal and Vault magazine, and studied under British astrologer Alice Bell.