OCTOBER BREAKUP CURSE! Tish & Billy Ray Cyrus, Courteney & David Arquette And MORE! What Is Going On?

There has been an abnormally large number of celebrity breakups in October — is it just a coincidence or is there a reason behind it? HollywoodLife.com investigates!

We haven’t gone a week in October without hearing about a new split! Not only have long time marriages like Billy Ray and Tish Cyrus, and Courteney Cox and David Arquette come to a shattering halt, but some of our favorite younger celeb couples have also parted ways, including Shia LaBeouf and Carey Mulligan, and Penn Padgley and Blake Lively. What’s the deal? Is there an October breakup curse?

It turns out, it might not be coincidental and there IS something behind this odd breakup season! HollywoodLife.com consulted with Los Angeles-based relationship counselor and astrologist, Dr. Craig Martin, who explained how the current position of the solar system is putting relationships to the test — some will pull out stronger than ever, while others will crumble under the pressure.

“We’re just beginning a time period where Saturn is in Libra,” he said. “Libra rules relationships, while Saturn rules focus, and also restraint and constriction.”

So, what does that mean to us?

“When something like this time occurs, relationships get put to the test,” Dr. Craig explained. “Saturn is the energy that clears out the things that no longer have a purpose for you. It helps clear out relationships that no longer serve you, or help you accomplish what you’re trying to achieve.”

He continued, “It’s like putting the relationship under a magnifying glass — everything becomes clear. When couples discover it’s not really working, they agree to separate. Although, many times it will make a relationship even stronger than before.”

Saturn only recently came into Libra (earlier this fall), which may be why there’s been a higher volume of breakups in October.

“When one of the planets enter the new sign, it has a lot of energy,” Dr. Craig said, adding, “The greatest impact will be throughout the next few months.”

Luckily, we don’t have to worry about Saturn coming into Libra frequently — this particular cycle occurs approximately once every seven years.

We started to get concerned — if this is the season for breakups, should we even consider starting new relationships?

Thankfully, Dr. Craig reassured us that new relationships aren’t “cursed” just because Saturn is in Libra.

“It’s not a bad time to start a new relationship,” he said. “It just makes it more serious. Right now new relationships will end more quickly if they aren’t on the same page. It’s harder to have a honeymoon period right now.”

We can’t help believe there’s actually something behind the October breakup season — and if Dr. Craig’s rational is accurate, we can expect to see more breakups through the beginning of 2011. Who do YOU think is next?