Everyone Has a Voice. But Who Is Worth Listening To?
Oct 12-18
TRANSITS
I almost didn’t write this week’s website article.
Life has been particularly busy lately, and in keeping with Libra season, I’ve been making a conscious effort to find more balance between work, rest, my personal life, and simply enjoying the things that make me feel alive. I have a tendency to keep myself occupied, so I’m also learning to give myself the grace to slow down and smell the roses once in a while.
My personal life has also been rather interesting lately. Let’s just say Venus retrograde in Scorpio has brought a few familiar themes and unfinished matters back into the picture, some of which have certainly warranted my attention. But I’ll save those stories for another time, assuming I ever decide to share them.
But something happened over the past 24 hours that made me reconsider skipping this week’s website article. It’s a subject I’ve been discussing with my students, clients, and friends for some time, particularly with what’s happening on social media and within the astrological scene.
With Pluto firmly in Aquarius and Uranus in Gemini, we’re living through remarkable changes in how people communicate and acquire influence. Practically anyone can now express their opinions, share information, and reach thousands, even millions, with just a few taps on their devices. That’s wonderful, particularly for people with knowledge, wisdom, talent, and something worthwhile to share.
We’ve also seen the less admirable side of this. People have become extraordinarily bold behind their keyboards, making pronouncements and presenting themselves as experts with a confidence and bravado they might be hesitant to display in person. With practically everyone wanting to become influential or have a say, some individuals seem to believe a strong opinion, a confident delivery, and enough followers are all it takes to establish themselves as authorities.
So, since when did having an audience become a qualification?
Attention has become a currency, yes, and some people have learned to make a very good living out of it. I have no issue with that, provided there’s something of value behind the attention. What concerns me is how easily we mistake visibility for credibility, sometimes without even checking whether there’s anything substantial behind it. Is there enough experience, wisdom, and judgment behind these claims? And what are their intentions? I’ve always believed intention matters, especially because attention carry tremendous influence.
And I’ve seen how quickly people accept a claim simply because enough others believe it. Repeat a lie often enough, the saying goes, and people begin accepting it as the truth. Social media makes it frighteningly easy. A lie doesn’t become true just because a million people believe it.
And this is precisely why I’ve always advocated critical thinking. I’ve instilled it in my children since they were young, carried it into my corporate career when I was managing teams, and made it one of the first things I emphasize in my astrology classes. I want students to question what they hear, see, and read, understand why an interpretation makes sense, and develop their own judgment. I have no interest in producing students who blindly believe what they hear or simply memorize interpretations and repeat them as unquestionable truths.
I’ve also been observing this recurring issue within the astrology community, where some enthusiasts have barely scratched the surface of their studies yet already offer paid readings as professionals. I always welcome newcomers; we all start somewhere. But enthusiasm alone doesn’t prepare someone to interpret another person’s life. This is precisely why I advocate for REAL Astrology, grounded in substantial learning, practice, technical competence, wisdom, and professional ethics.
Which brings me to another related issue: the recent podcast controversy involving Josh Aquino, eldest son of Kris Aquino, who is on the autism spectrum. I was absolutely enraged when I saw the clip. What possesses grown men to ridicule someone who has special needs, call him “walang kwenta,” and think there’s anything remotely amusing about it? What gives anyone the license to behave that way? A microphone may give you an audience, but it doesn’t give you the right to humiliate someone for content.
What Pluto Is Bringing Into Focus
Pluto stations direct at 3°04′ Aquarius. Pluto concerns entrenched power, control, and the exposure of things we’d rather leave buried, while Aquarius directs our attention to communities, institutions, and networks. I’ve been telling my students that the longer Leo–Aquarius nodal cycle also raises questions about recognition, influence, public image, and who deserves to remain in positions of power.
Venus retrograde in Scorpio is approaching a square to Pluto. It raises questions about values, money, motives, manipulation, and the ways influence can be used to excuse or conceal questionable behavior. It doesn’t mean a scandal is written in the stars, but it’s a good time to ask who we’ve been listening to, and why.
Despite all the unpleasantness and volatility we’ve witnessed recently, I actually consider this a promising week astrologically. The Sun in Libra sextiles Jupiter in Leo on October 15, followed by Mars in Leo trine Saturn retrograde in Aries on October 16, bringing opportunities for recognition, worthwhile connections, and progress through disciplined effort. If you’re going to attract attention, make sure it’s for the right reasons. There’s a difference between becoming famous and becoming infamous.
And I’d love to see more knowledgeable, capable people make good use of these opportunities, especially those who’ve spent years developing their skills but haven’t necessarily been the loudest people in the room. There’s nothing wrong with wanting recognition, particularly when you’ve worked hard for it. What matters is having something worthwhile to contribute and being prepared to take responsibility for it.
With the Moon, Mercury, and Venus retrograde in Scorpio, and following the recent Venus–Mars square, I was anticipating heightened sensitivities, egos, harsh words, and confrontations that could get particularly nasty. Grievances and deep-seated resentment weren’t likely to stay buried, either.
Well, that Threads advice has aged rather well. Although, really, basic human decency shouldn’t require an astrological warning.
What interests me more is what happened afterward. The remarks provoked widespread criticism, and the podcast eventually lost its network contract. The same technology that gave the hosts a voice and an audience also allowed people to condemn their remarks, call them out publicly, and demand accountability.
With Pluto stationing direct in Aquarius, I’m reminded of just how much power individuals and communities can wield through these platforms, and why the responsibility that comes with influence matters so much. I’m not suggesting the planets caused the controversy; it’s a real-world example of the issues I’ve been talking about.
Interestingly enough, a few days before the backlash erupted, I posted a stern warning on Threads:
“Do yourself a favor, don’t get on people’s nerves today and in the next few days.”
Why REAL Astrology Matters to Me
The same scrutiny should apply when you’re choosing an astrologer or teacher. A professional astrological reading involves considerably more than memorizing planetary meanings or knowing which zodiac signs are supposedly compatible. There are calculations, planetary conditions, house rulerships, aspects, timing techniques, and the ability to synthesize the entire chart accurately without inventing a narrative that the chart cannot support. It’s not enough to rattle off planets in signs or repeat what an app has generated. You need to understand how the entire chart fits together. Otherwise, what exactly is the client paying for: a professional interpretation that adds value, or something they could have generated themselves with AI?
But technical knowledge alone isn’t enough. Astrology also requires wisdom, sound judgment, ethics, and the professional demeanor to handle another person’s fears, vulnerabilities, and deeply personal concerns responsibly. Astrology has historically been associated with esoteric traditions, with much of its early practice entrusted to trained specialists and, in some traditions, initiates who devoted themselves to mastering its complexities. In those traditions, serious preparation was non-negotiable. Astrology was regarded as a sacred discipline, and I believe that seriousness and sanctity deserve to be preserved rather than lost in the careless commercialization and bastardization of its practice.
I’m all for making astrological knowledge more accessible. It’s precisely why I write weekly horoscopes for PhilSTAR L!fe and GMA News Online because I understand that people have to begin somewhere. Even looking beyond your Sun sign and becoming familiar with your Moon and Rising signs is a step toward understanding that real chart interpretation considers the entire birth chart, not just one placement. I’d rather encourage that curiosity and then help people go deeper.
There has been a lot of interest in astrology, and being interested and being qualified to read professionally for others are two entirely different things. If you intend to offer readings, then substantial formal study, proper training, and practical experience are expected, because you’re dealing with people’s lives, and that responsibility has to be earned. This is not something to be taken lightly.
Imagine walking away from an inaccurate reading with a frightening prediction about your marriage or family. Some people carry that fear for years, and worse, may end up making decisions that cause real harm just because they trusted an inaccurate prediction that had no sound basis.
My own first reading was botched, which led me to investigate astrology rather than simply accept what I was told. Coming from a professional background that included the medical industry, where I was accustomed to evidence-based approaches, I wasn’t inclined to accept claims without questioning them. That led to years of formal study in traditional and modern astrology, including their history and philosophical foundations, across Eastern and Western traditions. I brought to that training experience in corporate work, executive consulting, and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Having interpreted close to 2,000 charts, conducted live, on the spot chart readings, and undergone extensive training, I still consider continuing education essential, and being able to explain the basis of my interpretations a professional obligation.
I’m also proud of OM.MNL’s relatively low-key community, which includes doctors, lawyers, psychotherapists,cexecutives, and department leaders who are willing to be students again. Their achievements don’t make them automatic experts in astrology. What I admire is that they know serious learning takes work.
If you’re choosing an astrologer or astrology teacher, I encourage you to look beyond popularity and social media presence. Consider their training, the quality of their work, and their professional demeanor and conduct over time. If you’re considering a course, it’s also worth looking at the students they’ve trained and how well those students can apply what they’ve learned. An introductory webinar can help you understand your own chart, but reading professionally for others requires far more. That’s why I offer introductory webinars alongside our longer Astrology for Astrologers program.
Don’t Overlook This Week’s Opportunities
The Sun–Jupiter sextile is an opportunity to make the most of your connections rather than sit around waiting to be noticed. If you’ve been working on something worthwhile, reach out to people who could open doors, offer support, or help bring your work to a wider audience. You might be surprised by what a conversation or a well-timed introduction can lead to.
Mars trine Saturn brings another kind of opportunity, particularly for those returning to unfinished projects, developing their expertise, or preparing to take on greater responsibilities. If there’s something you’ve been meaning to accomplish, this is a good time to get serious about it, make the necessary preparations, and follow through. Ambition is wonderful, but at some point, you have to deliver.
If you’ve been preparing something meaningful, send the proposal, make the introduction, or put your work where people can see it. I want capable people recognized for what they’ve spent years learning.
Relationships and shared finances, however, deserve a little more discernment. With Venus retrograde in Scorpio approaching its square to Pluto, old attachments, unresolved issues, or complicated arrangements may demand attention again. Before welcoming something back into your life, consider whether anything has genuinely changed and whether it’s still worth your emotional investment. Not everything that returns deserves another chance.
As for which opportunity or relationship these transits might activate for you, that depends on your natal chart, not just your Sun sign.
For some, the emphasis may be on career opportunities, recognition, or professional relationships. For others, it may involve finances, personal commitments, or an important relationship that needs reconsideration. The difference lies in which houses these transits activate, the natal planets they contact, and the larger timing patterns operating in your chart.
I’d love to see more deserving people take up space this week, I’d also love to see more of us ask questions before handing anyone our trust:
What have they actually done to earn it? Everyone Has a Voice. But Who Is Worth Listening To?
Read Your Weekly Horoscope
For your October 12–18 forecast, read your Sun, Moon, and Rising signs in Monica Morales of OM.MNL’s weekly horoscope on Philstarlife and GMA.
Go Deeper With This Week’s Astrology
A weekly forecast gives you the larger story. Your birth chart tells us where that story is actually happening for you.
The same transits can bring opportunities in career or relationships for one person, financial matters for another, and something entirely different for someone else. Your chart reveals which areas of life are being activated, the natal planets involved, and how these developments fit into the larger cycles of your life.
If you want to understand what this week’s astrology means specifically for you, book a personalized astrology reading.
And if you’d like to learn how to interpret these patterns for yourself, explore my webinars and masterclasses, or take your studies further with our 12-week Astrology for Astrologers program.
In my upcoming webinar, The Astrology of the Rest of 2026: Timing, Risks & Opportunities, I’ll walk you through the major astrological shifts, important dates, potential risks, opportunities, and turning points still ahead, and how you can use this knowledge to make more informed decisions.
BOOK A READING • EXPLORE WEBINARS & MASTERCLASSES • JOIN A 12-WEEK ASTROLOGY PROGRAM
For updates on upcoming webinars, classes, and astrology events, follow @om.mnl on Instagram.
Weekly horoscopes reflect collective astrological themes. For guidance based on your individual birth chart, current transits, and personal timing, explore a personalized astrology reading.
Author Bio
Monica Morales is the founder of OM.MNL, a professional astrologer, wellness advocate, speaker, and strategic consultant. Internationally trained in both traditional and modern astrology, she has interpreted more than 1,500 charts and has advised entrepreneurs, executives, business leaders, professionals, and public figures.
Drawing from over a decade in corporate leadership within the medical and biotechnology industries and her background in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Monica brings a uniquely holistic and practical perspective to her work. Passionate about her advocacy of real astrology and mind-body-spirit wellness, she is committed to teaching astrology beyond superstition and Sun signs alone - bridging ancient astrological wisdom with practical, modern application to help people make more informed decisions and better understand life’s timing.
Discover your cosmic blueprint. Time your best life.
For astrology readings, consultations, courses, webinars, workshops, professional astrology certification programs, speaking engagements, or wellness collaborations, connect with Monica via OM.MNL on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, or email ommnl88@gmail.com
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