There’s a new feeling in the air and it’s not just the cooler weather. It’s a viral phenomenon that TikTokers have dubbed the ‘October Theory’.
The term has been mentioned in more than 36 million posts on the app and has quickly become an internet sensation. But what does it mean?
TikTok creators have explained that when October arrives, it brings with it the need to start over. This spooky month has been referred to as a “mini January” or a “second New Year.”
People may find themselves setting goals, longing for change, refreshing their space, and simply trying to organize their lives just as they would when January 1st arrives.
But there are different components that ultimately make up the term “October Theory.”
The term ‘October Theory’ has been mentioned in over 36 million posts on TikTok, and creators have explained that when October arrives, it brings with it the need to start over.
The creators took to the platform to explain the theory and how people can find themselves setting goals, longing for change, refreshing their space, and simply trying to organize their life just as they would when January 1st arrives.
With only 83 days until 2025, some have experienced the urge to speed up as the holidays approach.
“There are only a couple of months left in the year, and this gets people thinking about what’s been going on in their lives this past year, what they’ve been doing and what changes they want to make before the year ends.” ‘ said TikTok user Chloe Van Berkel in a viral video that has racked up more than 1.5 million views.
“Because of that, this is a time when a lot of people are going to make a lot of big life changes and a lot of big life decisions, and a lot of canonical events are going to happen for a lot of people right now.” .’
As the warm weather leaves and the days begin to get colder and shorter, those who long for something more in their life, like a new goal, are experiencing the October Theory in its full effect. Bustle reported.
Brianna Paruolo, psychotherapist and founder of On Par Therapy, reiterated the viral belief and said there are several reasons why October is so inspiring.
“The fall season often sparks a natural inclination toward transformation,” she told Bustle. “As the leaves change color and fall, we are reminded of the beauty of letting go and embracing new beginnings.”
Another reason for the change in attitude could be due to the fact that ‘hot girl summer’ is officially over and we are now approaching ‘cuffing season’.
“This combination of environmental changes and social rhythms creates a perfect storm for personal transformation,” he added. ‘Allowing us to shed old habits, just as trees lose their leaves, and cultivate new aspects of ourselves.’
Another reason for the change in attitude could be due to the fact that ‘hot girl summer’ is officially over and we are now approaching ‘cuffing season’.
“Many people are realizing that they want someone special to spend the holidays with,” Van Berkel added in his viral post.
The new season also means the beginning of a new school semester, a time of healing or breaking up relationships, and when many companies and jobs begin hiring again.
Not only can psychology support the viral theory, but astrology may also play a role in explaining the phenomenon.
Inbaal Honigman, psychic and astrologer, told Bustle that the first three weeks of October are Libra season, a season that brings with it a time of balance, ideas, thoughts, and planning.
Videos on TikTok have pointed out that starting a new habit in October when you’re inspired gives you a head start into the new year.
“There are only a couple of months left in the year, and this gets people thinking about what’s been going on in their lives this past year, what they’ve been doing and what changes they want to make before the year ends.” ‘ said TikTok user Chloe Van Berkel in a viral video that has racked up more than 1.5 million views.
“It’s not just the season of finals, but also of new beginnings,” Honigman said. ‘For example, quitting a job that is not useful to you will inevitably result in a better job appearing. Saying goodbye to a toxic partner will attract a better one.”
He explained that October comes “hot on the heels” of the autumn equinox, the day of perfect balance between light and darkness.
“We enter October having said goodbye to the sun and the fun of longer days and having accepted longer nights as the norm,” he added.
“So October is the first month of darkness and helps us understand where we want to be.”
Scorpio season is next to arrive, beginning on October 23 and lasting until November 21.
Scorpio is a water sign and water signs are ruled by Pluto, which is said to be the planet of transformation.
Honigman noted that Pluto is connected to the Death tarot card. Despite sounding dark and creepy, the card actually represents rebirth, liberation, change and abandonment.
A psychotherapist and an astrologer weighed in on the theory and agreed that there are many reasons why October is so inspiring.
When October awakens creativity and the need to transform ourselves, we are better equipped to enter Scorpio season and take the next steps to become a better version of ourselves.
Videos on TikTok have pointed out that starting a new habit in October when you’re inspired gives you a head start into the new year, and Paurolo seems to agree with those people.
“Research suggests that it takes an average of 66 days for a new behavior to become automatic, although this can vary depending on the complexity of the habit and individual differences,” he added.
“Starting in October, you’ll have approximately 90 days until the new year, enough time not only to form a habit but also to start seeing significant progress.”
But the evidence can be seen through the thousands of inspirational videos posted on TikTok of people experiencing the October Theory in its full form.
“October is more of a New Year than the New Year itself,” Honigman added.
Therefore, it is very possible that we will see many changes and new goals in the coming weeks, not only in others, but also in ourselves.
