October 2012 Monthly Horoscopes & Overview
By Kelli Fox, The Astrologer
Planetary Ingresses and Lunations:
October 3rd: Venus moves into Virgo
While Venus is in Virgo, and depending on how this influence affects other planets in your birth chart, you may find yourself holding high ideals in love. You won’t be likely to settle for someone who doesn’t meet your standards, preferring solitude to imperfection. In fact, this could be a favorable time for working on your most important and lifelong relationship — the one you have with yourself.
Self-acceptance will be a big lesson now, especially when it comes to your feeling of attractiveness. You might find yourself picking apart your appearance, criticizing yourself for what you see as faults and imperfections. If there’s an area of life where you could make a positive difference — like improving your self-care habits through diet or exercise — this is an excellent time to do so. But for those parts of yourself that are beyond your control, practice loving yourself just as you are.
You may find that you’re more critical of potential suitors or, if in a relationship, of your partner. Although you may think you’re being “helpful,” your words could be received as harsh or judgmental. At the same time, you could be more sensitive to other people’s criticism, as you may feel less confident than usual. Luckily, you’re willing to work through any relationship issues that come up during this time, and you can make lasting improvements in your partnership.
October 4th: Jupiter turns retrograde
Jupiter, that big, fat, gaseous giant of the solar system, is retrograde about one-third of the time. Both the retrograde and direct stations — the points at which Jupiter seems to turn around in its orbit — occur when the Sun trines Jupiter, which is considered to be a favorable aspect. This leads us to suspect that, unlike the common perception of other planets’ retrograde periods, Jupiter Retrograde has a positive effect. During Jupiter Retrograde, the Sun opposes Jupiter. At that time, Jupiter rises exactly at sunset and grandly marches across the sky all night long. It is very bright and close to the earth during this time.
Since Jupiter rules expansion and exaggeration, these regular turning-back periods are kind of like a self-cleaning oven: They keep things from getting out of hand. Retrograde motion slows down Jupiter’s tendency to make things bigger. It’s almost a sort of automatic braking system.
Jupiter is very much about our belief systems, and when it’s retrograde, we are more likely to follow our own path rather than be led by others. It’s an excellent time to clarify within yourself where you stand on any particular issue, and also to develop personal faith, self-reflection and independent learning.
At the times when Jupiter turns in either direction, it’s best to avoid long-distance travel or legal appointments, if possible. Jupiter’s energy is strong at these times, and you may find headlines that reflect Jupiterian themes.
October 5th: Mercury moves into Scorpio
Under the influence of Mercury in Scorpio, and depending on how this transit affects other planets in your chart, you may find yourself seeking deeper meaning and core truths. With intense focus, you’ll dig beneath the surface to get to the bottom line, mentally clearing away the meaningless data and uncovering the essence of what’s really important. Intellectual intensity can turn into obsession — once your mind latches on to an idea or train of thought, you won’t want to let go until you’ve taken it all the way to its logical conclusion.
Watch out for a tendency to think more suspiciously and even cynically during this time. You’re not likely to take people’s words or ideas at face value, instead always looking for the deeper meaning or hidden motivation. At worse, you could be consumed with paranoid thoughts. Your best bet is to say what you’re thinking and get a perception check. However, you could have a tendency now to hold your cards close, afraid to reveal your inner world. You might even expect other people to guess what you’re thinking and feeling, which can lead to misunderstandings.
You might find your mind drawn to the dark side now — mysteries, thrillers, magic and the occult fascinate you. In your longing to understand people’s inner workings and motivations, you might also read up on psychology or astrology.
October 5th: Saturn moves into Scorpio
Under the influence of Saturn in Scorpio, and depending on how this transit affects your natal chart, your willpower and endurance are legendary. Once you commit to a goal, you’ve got the drive and persistence to see it through to the end. You might even be considered obsessive in your approach, tenaciously pursuing your passion to the point of neglecting other areas of life.
Deep intimacy becomes more of a priority, and if you’re willing to do the work, committed partnership can be extremely rewarding. The biggest challenge is to be willing to reveal your true feelings, to let your vulnerability be seen by your partner. As you do the work of uncovering more of your authentic self, you’re likely to get in touch with your core issues and deep-seated fears. If you’re courageous enough to explore your own dark side, you have the potential to free yourself from old emotional patterns that hold you back.
Watch out for a tendency to try to control the people you’re closest to. Motivated by fear, you’ll want to hold on tightly to what you’ve got, both in your relationships, and when it comes to finances and possessions. A big lesson during this transit will be letting go — trusting in the deeper life process of death and rebirth, and letting go of what’s become stagnant in order to create space for new growth.
October 6th: Mars moves into Sagittarius
Under the influence of Mars in Sagittarius, and depending on how this transit affects other planets in your own chart, you’ll broaden your horizons and approach life as a daring adventure. You may find yourself constantly on the move, restless to explore new vistas and impatient with the daily grind. Personal freedom is a high priority now, and you’ll feel an urge to break free from any relationship or situation that feels stifling. “Don’t fence me in” could be your theme song.
Energy is high and you’ll enjoy physical exercise and competitive sports. Spending time in the wilderness, away from the people and pressures of your ordinary reality, recharges your batteries and fuels your inspiration. Travel — especially to foreign destinations — could also be on the agenda now, as you long to expand beyond the familiar and encounter different cultures.
During this transit, you’re likely to feel enthused about a variety of pursuits, and your zest for life is contagious. You easily attract people with your adventurous spirit and optimistic outlook. Just watch out for a tendency toward recklessness and irresponsibility, especially when it comes to other people’s feelings. You could be guilty of “foot in mouth” syndrome now, blurting out whatever comes into your mind without thinking through the consequences. Be quick to offer a sincere apology, and you’re likely to be forgiven.
October 15th: New Moon in Libra
The Libra New Moon shifts your attention to relationship issues with business associates, your sweetheart, and your friends. Cooperation is vital to a harmonious life. You may just be starting to fathom the interconnectedness that we all share in the big scheme of things.
Consider the bonds that you have with others. Are the connections you have ideal? Compromise is at the heart of peaceful coexistence. Evaluate whether you are getting a fair shake when it comes to dealing with others. Are you being fair and reasonable as well? This may be a time when you may seek to address many of these kinds of questions. Respect, love, and trust are generally earned, so ponder how to develop these qualities within your relationships. Try to surround yourself with objects that are pleasing to the eye. Seek to beautify your life with colors that calm you. In doing so, you create an environment which is conducive to pleasant interactions. Black walls with protruding sharp metal objects wouldn’t be the most uplifting place to have a romantic evening, for instance. Think of ways with which you can be more open to divergent views. You can’t easily change others, but you can change your own behavior. Plan to address balance issues if you are currently involved in an association that is unequal. You may want to peruse a couple of books for some ideas on how to proceed.
October 22rd: the Sun moves into Scorpio
During the Sun’s stay in Scorpio, and depending on its influence on your natal chart, you may get in touch with deeper and darker aspects of yourself. You’re not interested in the superficial, and instead want to dive into the depths and uncover what’s hidden beneath the surface.
You might seem mysterious to others, and may only reveal yourself to those who have proven that they can be trusted. Your feelings are intense, and you might be afraid that you’ll scare people away if they see how passionate and extreme you can be. In reality, you’re probably scared of making yourself vulnerable. But if you hide your emotions and inner truth, you’ll miss out on the intimacy and authentic connection that you’re longing for. If you take the risk of revealing yourself, you can deepen and strengthen your bond with a significant other.
Your desire to explore the depths and to use your intuitive powers to uncover hidden motivations could lead you to study psychology or astrology. Investigation and research can also be rewarding. You’ve got the focus and willpower to see any project through to its completion, which means digging until you get to the root or core of the issue. You’re relentless in your pursuit of truth.
Under the influence of the Scorpio Sun, you have the potential to heal from old wounds and transform a situation that has become stagnant. The key is being willing to let go of the past, release what you’ve outgrown, and forgive yourself and others.
October 28th: Venus moves into Libra
Under the influence of Venus in Libra, and depending on how it affects your personal birth chart, your social life could be in full swing. Gracious manners come naturally to you now, and your charms are irresistible. You easily attract friends and lovers and may find yourself to be quite popular, with your social calendar booked solid.
If you’re single, you may long to be in partnership, and might even compromise your ideals, preferring to be coupled up than to be alone. You’re also more likely to see the good in everyone, so you’re less critical of potential mates. If you’re in a relationship, this can be a sweet time for rekindling the romance and bringing out the best in each other.
You might go out of your way to avoid conflict or confrontation during this transit, smoothing over any differences of opinion to keep the peace, even if that means sacrificing your own needs or desires. You’re an excellent diplomat and negotiator, able to see both sides of a situation and find the common thread that brings people together.
Collaborative projects flow easily, as you’re able to work harmoniously with others and cooperate toward a shared goal. Justice and fairness are important to you now, and you do your best to create results that are a win for everyone involved. Just be sure that, in your quest for balance, you’re receiving as much as you’re giving.
October 29th: Mercury moves into Sagittarius
While Mercury transits Sagittarius, and depending on how it affects planets in your birth chart, you could find yourself broadening your worldview and exploring a variety of subjects. There’s an urge to expose yourself to new ideas and perspectives, especially of a philosophical nature. You ask yourself life’s big questions, wondering, What does it all mean?
Nitpicky details, facts and figures are less interesting now, and you make decisions based on intuitive knowing rather than logical analysis. This is an excellent time to focus on your ideal vision for the future, though not so favorable for figuring out the steps it will take to get there. Planning and practicality can come later. Optimistic thinking and faith in positive outcomes characterize this transit.
You can be a highly entertaining storyteller now, and you may have a tendency to tell tall tales. You make broad, generalized statements that you might not be able to back up with any hard evidence. As long as you don’t become arrogant and think that your “truth” is the only one, people will forgive you, since you tend to come from a place of generosity and idealism.
In your longing to stretch beyond the mundane world of the familiar, travel will appeal to you, especially to foreign countries. You might feel compelled to brush up on your foreign language skills or learn about different cultures.
October 29th: Full Moon in Taurus
During the Taurus Full Moon, you may see some monetary rewards for financial maneuvers you made at an earlier date. Having pledged to stick by your initial instincts, this could be a period of fulfillment where see the benefits of your monetary strategies. Perhaps, additional benefits will be revealed where you had not anticipated before. With that little extra cash flow in hand, you can afford to splurge a little on yourself.
You’re likely to be more ‘chill’ with a Taurean moon, which can make you grounded and relaxed. In this blissful state, engage in the finer things that life has to offer. Go out with friends or your main squeeze to a fab restaurant of culinary repute. You’re not likely to pass up on dessert — maybe even two of them! Even if people around you seem to be in a huff, you’re likely to stay centered and retain your cool.
Relationships can be quite satisfying as well. Loving feelings can be easily expressed through touch and whispers. This is also a delightful time for smaller social events where you can spend quality time with each person. Life can feel quite rich and satisfying with all the lovely gifts of comfort at your disposal. No one will fault you for your little indulgences. On the contrary, they will probably join you in them! However, watch the tendency to use money as a way of determining power dynamics in your interactions. As the moon begins to wane, curb your spending.
Monthly Horoscopes:
Aries
On the 2nd you have a sense of what’s right, an intuitive awareness of which path to take. Exercising and eating well feel especially great on the 3rd. On the 4th you become aware of ways in which you can become a better communicator. Constructive Saturn moves into your 8th House of Shared Resources on the 5th and frustrations in a collaborative project may arise. Yet, today also ushers in an important two-plus year period. Its focus will be on forging deeper and stronger relationships.
Your planetary ruler, warrior Mars, moves into your 9th House of Vision on the 6th and your sights are set upon accomplishing your goals. Your energy may seem somewhat depleted, for no apparent reason, on the 7th. The New Moon on the 15th ushers in a new chapter in a relationship. Since Mars is in friendly connection to innovative Uranus as well, it’s a day where doing things differently seems very intriguing. Attending to your responsibilities feels nurturing on the 20th and 21st.
When the Sun moves into Scorpio on the 22nd, you’re focused on solving mysteries and finding answers. On the 28th you’re overwhelmed by optimism. While it can spur you on towards achieving your goals, be careful that you don’t work so hard that you burn out. The Full Moon lights up the sky on the 29th while also focusing your attention on your finances. Open communication with someone with whom you are intimately connected may help alleviate any tension.
Taurus
The 3rd is a big day for romance. That’s because your planetary ruler Venus moves into your 5th House of Self-Expression. And when it does, it opposes poetic Neptune, causing idealistic notions of love that can either inspire or disappoint. On the 4th, you catch a glimpse into how you can better manage your money.
On the 5th, constructive Saturn moves into your 7th House of Partnership. Frustrations with a friend may arise. Today ushers in a two-plus year period where you put relationships to the test, evaluating them under a proverbial microscope. You can apply a sense of purpose and determination to construct something quite beautiful on the 9th. Been thinking of starting a new exercise regimen or wellness program? Consider doing so on the New Moon on the 15th.
A sense of exuberant generosity fills your heart on the 16th. Just watch you don’t give away more time, emotions or money than you actually have. When the Sun moves into Scorpio on the 22nd, you’re focused on playing peacemaker. On the 25th you’re readily able to access words to express the things you most cherish.
Being of service brings you extra pleasure on the 28th – just watch your boundaries. When the Full Moon lights up the sky on the 29th it shines light on how you are feeling in one of your close relationships. Are your needs being fulfilled? If not, having an honest talk with your partner or friend can help you both reach a new level of understanding.
Gemini
On the 4th, wise Jupiter turns retrograde in your sign. You’ll catch a glimpse of how you can better express yourself and have a more positive outlook. The 5th is another big day for Gemini. Both your planetary ruler, messenger Mercury, and constructive Saturn move into your 6th House of Service. Your attention is drawn to understanding how you can be happier at work. Today ushers in a two-plus year period of enhancing your well-being so you can look and feel your best.
Your mind is clear and filled with piercing thoughts on the 10th. Looking to begin a creative project? Consider doing so on the New Moon on the 15th. It’s also a day where fun and romance fill the air. You can clearly express your values and the things that are important to you on the 16th. Rather than broadcast it far and wide, just share it with those near and dear. When the Sun moves into Scorpio on the 22nd, you’re focused on how to be of service and help someone in need.
On the 25th you more clearly understand how to make your work even more rewarding. Kids can teach you a lot, especially on the 28th. If you’ve wanted to have a heart-to-heart conversation with a friend, plan it for the 29th. Tune into your intuition and come from a compassionate place – – you’ll be amazed at what will occur because of it. This may help to reduce possible stress that may be inspired by today’s Full Moon.
Cancer
The 3rd is a great day to dive into a book. Reading and learning will bring special pleasure. Tune into your inner wisdom on the 4th.It will provide you with great insights into the attitudes and habits you inherited from your family. On the 5th, constructive Saturn and messenger Mercury move into your 5th House of Self-Expression. Roadblocks in the romance department may surface. Yet, you’re quickly able to identify and express what you perceive is occurring. Also, today ushers in a two-plus year period where through hard work you can find greater access to your profound creativity.
On the 6th you get an overwhelming desire to do something important for your health. The 7th and 8th are your special power days as the Moon is in your sign. You feel especially aligned on the 15th. Today’s New Moon occurs in your 4th House of Roots, inspiring a new phase in your relationship with your family and your home. On the 22nd when the Sun moves into Scorpio, spending time with children – – or simply being playful and acting like one – – seems really important. A home-cooked meal brings even greater pleasure than normal on the 28th.
The Full Moon on the 29th could feature a fair share of stress. For Cancer, issues of tension relate to how to maintain your individuality while being a vibrant part of a group. In addition to your astute feelings, you can also rely upon your mind today to solve any problems that arise.
Leo
Tune into your inner wisdom on the 4th. You’ll get great insights about how to gain more from satisfaction from your friendships. On the 5th, constructive Saturn and messenger Mercury move into your 4th House of Roots. Use your communicative prowess to soften any ruffled feathers with relatives. Also, today ushers in a two-plus year period where you will more clearly understand how to make your home more nurturing.
On the 9th your planetary ruler, the Sun, harmonizes with expansive Jupiter. Spend time with others – – social interactions can bring you opportunities for luck and growth. Start a new book or writing project on the New Moon on the 15th. When the Sun moves into Scorpio on the 22nd, you’ll find it easier to connect to your feelings. People are especially attracted to you on the 23rd as your generous and warm-hearted nature shines through very strongly.
You experience a sense of limitation on the 25th. Maybe it’s time to pursue another course of action. You may find yourself with more nervous energy than you’re used to on the 28th. Connecting with friends – – via in person conversations or emails – – may do the trick to bring you back to center. You’re torn between your responsibilities at work and at home on the 29th. To remedy this Full Moon stress, see how you can attend to both. On the 30th, you’re feeling determined to pursue what you desire. Set your sights on what you want and go after it.
Virgo
You radiate beauty and charm on the 3rd when love planet Venus enters your sign. Tune into your inner wisdom on the 4th and you’ll catch a glimpse on how to best proceed along your career path. The 5th is an active day for Virgo. Both your planetary ruler, messenger Mercury, and constructive Saturn move into your 3rd House of Communication. Your attention is drawn to how to better get your point across. Also, today ushers in a two-plus year period that will help you more clearly express yourself.
Your mind is filled with piercing thoughts on the 10th. The New Moon on the 15th marks a new chapter in your financial life. On the 16th it’s easy for you to tell other people what you value. When the Sun moves into Scorpio on the 22nd, you are reminded of the adage “Good fences make good neighbors.” On the 25th your mind is exceptionally bright. A conversation you have gives you insights that help clarify just why it is you are pursuing the life path you have chosen.
Your talents shine on the 28th. People around you notice your charm and the unique contributions you make. You’re drawn to communicate with your family on the 29th. Yet, with Mercury is in stressful square to imaginative Neptune, conversations may feel a bit muddy. Given it’s also a Full Moon today, emotions are running high. Stepping back to look at the bigger picture is a great stress-reduction strategy.
Libra
On the 3rd your planetary ruler, gracious Venus, opposes imaginative Neptune. While your love life may feel more inspired, make sure that your romantic visions are rooted in reality. Tune into your inner wisdom on the 4th – – you’ll get great insights that help you refine your long-term goals.
On the 5th, constructive Saturn and messenger Mercury move into your 2nd House of Resources. Frustrations arise if you don’t feel self-sufficient. Also, today ushers in a two-plus year period of focusing in on how you manage your money. Conversations on the 6th seem especially combative, especially for your Libran taste.
On the 9th you’re determined to pursue something that is of great import to you. You feel especially radiant on the 15th when the New Moon in Libra arrives. Treat it as an additional birthday day – and celebrate yourself. If you’ve overcommitted to too many plans or obligations, stressful consequences may occur on the 16th. Invite friends over for dinner on the 20th.
When the Sun moves into Scorpio on the 22nd, engage in an activity that shows off your skills and talents. The 28th is a great day for Libra as Venus moves into your sign. You feel in harmony and your social graces emanate strongly. You may not always ask for help as you don’t want to impose upon others. But on the Full Moon on the 29th, it may be the best strategy in order to alleviate tension that’s been brewing.
Scorpio
The 3rd is an especially social day for Scorpio. Tune into your inner wisdom on the 4th – – you can gain great awareness about how to foster your most intimate relationships. On the 5th, constructive Saturn moves into your sign, where it will be for the next two-plus years. During this time, growth is experienced through hard work. If frustrations arise today, pursue the most diligent and realistic solution to remedy the situation.
Watch out being too impulsive when making financial decisions on the 6th. On the 10th your mind is sharp and your speech determined. The reason? Your planetary ruler, probing Pluto, makes a friendly connection to mental Mercury. If you feel like taking more time than usual to rest and relax on the 15th, do so. It’s a great way for Scorpio to spend the New Moon.
You’re feeling especially good on the 16th when the Moon is in your sign. The Sun moves into Scorpio on the 22nd, ushering in a month-long period of passion, intensity and getting to the bottom of things. You should feel right at home.
The Full Moon on the 29th illuminates the relationship area of your life. You learn about ways to make partnerships work. Yet, the path to this awareness may be filled with some temporary tension and stress. Since Pluto makes a sweet sextile to the Sun on the 30th, you should bounce back pretty quickly from any Full Moon stress. You’ll feel immersed in a sense of powerful intuitive awareness.
Sagittarius
You could feel a little off on the 4th as your planetary ruler, lofty Jupiter, goes retrograde. But once you regain your bearings, you gain great insights into your relationship patterns. On the 5th, constructive Saturn and messenger Mercury move into your 12th House of Intuition. Your dreams may be more vivid. Also, today ushers in a two-plus year period of discovering a greater connection to the world within and around you.
When warrior Mars enters your sign on the 6th, you feel especially assertive and impatient. Relationships of all sorts play an important role on the 9th, a day where you are gifted with amazing opportunities. Join a group of like-minded folks who share your interests on the New Moon on the 15th.
If someone’s goals don’t align with the core values shared by others, there may be tension around the office on the 16th. When the Sun moves into Scorpio on the 22nd, you could find yourself wanting some quiet time. Others may be a bit on edge on the 28th, even going so far as picking a fight with you. Don’t overestimate the ease of the situation – – instead approach it from more a more conservative vantage point.
On the Full Moon on the 29th you’re focused on your well-being. Make a plan to incorporate more relaxation into your lifestyle. Since Mercury moves into your sign today as well, you’re able to clearly communicate your thoughts and visions. It will likely be a day filled with a lot of dialogue and social exchange.
Capricorn
What would be considered work on any other day seems more like pleasure on the 2nd. Tune into your inner wisdom on the 4th – – you can gain great insights into how to bolster your health and well-being. On the 5th your planetary ruler, constructive Saturn, enters probing Scorpio. It will reside in the sign of mysteries for the next two-plus years. During this time you may find your friendships transformed. Additionally, while it may require commitment, participating in group activities or civic-oriented projects may yield great rewards.
Art – whether it be music, literature, or photography – may comprise an important facet of your day on the 10th. Have you been considering beginning a new phase in your career or picking up extra responsibilities at the office? If so, focus on this on the New Moon on the 15th. When the Sun moves into Scorpio on the 22nd, you’re intrigued with the latest tech gear. Alternatively, it may be a day where you find yourself really shining through your online interactions.
When Saturn unites with the Sun on the 25th, hard work really pays off. The day will only be frustrating if you limit yourself to finding quick-fix solutions. You garner great recognition on the 28th. Hardworking Capricorns sometimes find it difficult to carve out time in their schedule to have fun. Yet, the Full Moon on the 29th demands that you schedule in some play and creativity. If not, the day may be one of stress and tension.
Aquarius
Digging below the surface and uncovering truths holds great value for you on the 3rd. Tune into your inner wisdom on the 4th. You will gain great insights into your personal creativity and what you need to relax and have fun.
On the 5th, constructive Saturn and messenger Mercury move into your 10th House of Responsibility. While you could find work frustrating you’ll be clearly able to express your thoughts as to why. Also, today ushers in a two-plus year period where your career path seems as if it’s under the microscope. Your energy runs strong on the 10th when the Moon is in your sign. If you’ve had the travel bug recently, spend some time on the 15th researching locations of interest. After all, it’s the day of the New Moon, which falls in your 9th House of Long Journeys. Also today your planetary ruler, innovative Uranus, harmonizes with warrior Mars. You’ve got the stamina to pursue your goals.
When the Sun moves into Scorpio on the 22nd, you shine at work and are able to express your true vitality. Far-away cultures hold great intrigue on the 28th – – rent a travel-oriented movie or go out to an ethnic restaurant. Has the attention you’ve been paying to your work life pulled you too far away from family responsibilities? If so, stress may arise on the Full Moon on the 29th. It’s the day where spending time at home may feel especially nurturing.
Pisces
There could be trouble in love land on the 3rd when gracious Venus makes a tense opposition to your planetary ruler, poetic Neptune. Yet, the issue may be nothing more than a misunderstanding. Maintain clear communication or else over-idealization and subsequent disappointment may ensue.
Tune into your inner wisdom on the 4th – – you can gain great insights into family dynamics. The 5th is a big day for Pisces. Constructive Saturn moves into your 9th House of Vision. This initiates a two-plus year period where diligently assessing long-term goals can be really fruitful. Also today, Neptune is in harmony with messenger Mercury. Conversations are sweet and inspire juicy personal connections.
You’re feeling especially assertive at work on the 6th. Be clear about your boundaries – – what you will and won’t do to help another – – on the 7th. If not, you’ll find yourself giving away too much time and emotion. Dreams can be forged into reality on the 10th. The New Moon on the 15th ushers begins a new phase in your most intimate relationship. When the Sun moves into Scorpio on the 22nd, you’re dreaming of far-away lands and exotic cultures.
The 23rd is a magical day as Neptune harmonizes with the Sun. You radiate immense grace and everyone sees you for who you are. Passion is in play on the 28th. Relieving stress on the Full Moon on the 29th may be as simple as reading the fine print. While the big picture provides you with great understanding, be attentive to the facts and figures that present themselves.