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SEPTEMBER 2006 The month of September is the witness to several challenging planetary events including two eclipses, one on the Fall Equinox which adds a powerful dimension to this lunar event. This has been a difficult year, with one challenging cycle after another. The good news is that after September we will have a breather for a little while. The
square of Jupiter to Saturn, which began last December and takes
its final bow this month, has challenged our confidence and sense
that life has meaning (Jupiter) with the hard cold voice of reason
that Saturn brings. We are seeing this in the financial world,
where consumer confidence has reached the lowest point since December
when Jupiter and Saturn first collided. We are also entering a
cycle of Saturn opposing Neptune, a difficult period where Saturn's
urge to create form and establish solid structures meets the principle
of Neptune which is to dissolve and transcend form in the material
world. This combination will affect most personally those of us
with planets in the fixed signs of Scorpio, Taurus, Leo and Aquarius
and will challenge us to keep our feet on the ground (Saturn)
while ascending into realms of And Pluto, having been traveling retrograde since March and having experienced somewhat of a setback itself recently, turns direct although it is still moving extremely slowly over the next two months or so. Once Pluto turns direct there will be only two planets retrograde, or in apparent backwards motion. The sense of being stuck is starting to lift, and despite the difficulties that we have endured during these challenging planetary times there is a new sense of strength and clarity that will help us to navigate any difficulties that arise. However, Pluto's change of direction may bring some disorientation as the old cycle of transformation completes itself and begins anew. On September 3, Mercury (communication) makes a harmonious aspect to expansive Jupiter while challenging the rebellious Uranus, making the first few days of September a challenging time for communication. When Mercury and Uranus meet there tends to be a great deal of argument and lively discussion, although the generosity of Jupiter may help to smooth the waters. If navigated properly, though, Uranus can open up new ways of looking at the world if we can give up our need to be right. Venus
(relating to others) enters Virgo on September 6, the sign that
seeks perfection and humility, joining both Mercury and Mars in
that sign. Virgo is typically a "cooler" sign, seeking
continual improvement through practical application of clear methods.
This then is a great time to begin projects that require planning,
because the focus is on detailed thinking and technical ability.
Mars enters Libra, the sign of balance and relationships, on September 8, bringing an increased focus to achieving balance in our relationships with others. Mercury follows shortly thereafter on the 12th and there is an opportunity there for a greater ability to see another's point of view. When Mercury conjuncts Mars in Libra on September 15th, we could see greater potential for arguments as combative Mars joins the discussion (Mercury), but this could just lead to lively discussions as Mars energizes the airy detachment of Mercury. Relationships may become strained around September 16 when Venus in Virgo, requiring commitment and security, interacts with freedom-seeking Uranus. Any conflicts we have between our desire to connect with loved ones in our life and our need for a more independent experience will come into play during the few days before and after the 16th. A harmonious aspect between Venus and Jupiter on the 19th will soften this conflict and create space for a freer expression of affection and love, as well as expand (Jupiter) the Venusian desire for beauty and harmony in all aspects of our lives. All of this leads us to a powerhouse of an solar eclipse that occurs very near the Fall equinox on September 22. This eclipse is at the last degree of Virgo and forming a challenging aspect (square) to Pluto demonstrating the intensity and power of this lunation. The Solar eclipse occurs at the New Moon, times of beginnings, where the Sun is temporarily obscured by the Moon and the instincts take over. The keyword for this event is CHANGE and evolution. This is a time to listen to your inner voice, to get in touch with your deepest instincts. If you've been on the fence about a decision, this event will push you off into your future. Any time Pluto is involved, a certain level of trust is required as we embrace the change that life is calling for. Jupiter is approaching a square to Neptune during this period that will expand (Jupiter) the danger of illusion (Neptune), and perhaps bring us into conflict between our belief systems (Jupiter) and our experience of truth (Neptune). This dynamic is enhanced by the addition of Mercury's thought process and communication skills on September 23 that brings us a step closer to divine intelligence and conscious awareness of the more subtle influences that surround us. The Jupiter/Neptune dance culminates on September 24 and is followed by a series of positive Mercury influences to Saturn (on the 25th) and Pluto (the 27th) that will help us to process the Jupiter/Neptune expansion through the mental realm where it can be converted to understanding and wisdom. The key to this month's dynamics is conscious awareness and letting go to the personal evolution that awaits us. Be well, and enjoy the ride! |
creativity
and fantasy that expand us and connect us to the divine (Neptune).
Not an easy balance to achieve! From a global perspective, Saturn/Neptune
cycles often witness the dissolution (Neptune) of governments
(Saturn) and erosion of power structures. For example, in 1989
when the current Saturn/Neptune cycle began, the Berlin wall was
torn down marking the end of the Cold War, the Communist party
in Czechoslovakia was overthrown, and the Soviets retreated from
Afghanistan. Saturn events are never enjoyable, but always leave
us with a little more wisdom and a little less gullible than before.