By Dorene Carrel
September is highlighted by Pluto going stationary direct in mid-month, bringing a new sense of empowerment into our lives. The New Moon in Libra follows this trend, being the fourth of six Super Moons for this year. The Sun will also make a powerful alignment with the Super Galactic Center later this month.
We begin the month under the beginning of the August 28 New Moon in Virgo, which carries forth the themes of efficiency, pragmatism and discernment. We are being called on now to be more versatile and flexible, as events can move more rapidly at this time.
Since Mercury has turned direct, some key aspects will now be repeated over the next few months to give us a second chance to rethink decisions or gain a new outlook. On August 8, Mercury in Leo opposed Neptune in Aquarius, which could have led to errors or deception. On September 8, Mercury will again oppose Neptune at the same degree and sign, which will give us the perspective to ideally obtain a better outcome. Mercury’s entry into Virgo today should help us sort out the details and gain more discernment.
From September 11-14, Mercury makes a favorable grand earth trine with Jupiter and Pluto. This aspect gives an expansive and empowering outlook that will also provide substance for one’s ideas. This would be a good time for taking constructive action to improve one’s business or finances.
The Full Moon occurs on September 12 at 19 Pisces. Pisces themes include increased sensitivity and intuition, along with being emotional, compassionate and inspirational. The shadow side is being impractical, deceptive and escapist. Although there can be a conflict between the ideal and the real, a challenging Saturn aspect can bring some needed grounding.
This lunation cycle favors learning or teaching, especially subjects involved with spirituality or creativity. The Sabian symbols for these degrees suggest the importance of cooperative effort to reach worthwhile goals. A secondary meaning reads: “…and at the appointed time the individual’s needs will be met among those to whom he is linked by a spiritual (or biological) web of energies.”
On September 16, Pluto turns stationary direct at 5 Capricorn. Since Pluto moves slowly now, this energy is intensified throughout the month. This is a good time to look at power and control issues, along with what needs to be released so we can move forward. Where in our lives can we become more empowered? Since this degree is also conjunct last year’s June lunar eclipse, events now may relate back to that time period.
On September 18, we may experience some relationship or financial challenges when Venus squares Pluto. If we can find better ways to cooperate, any mistrust or resentment can be alleviated. Mars enters Leo today, which brings more optimism and drive for accomplishment.
The Autumn Equinox takes place on September 23 at 0 Libra, ushering in another energetic wave. Also today, Mars in Leo trines Uranus in Aries, which encourages us to take an energetic, unique and innovative approach. On September 24, the Sun aligns with the Super Galactic Center at 2 Libra. As the World Degree is triggered by these dynamic aspects, this week could be a powerful time resulting in major world events and earth changes. The upcoming lunation aspects will also add to this momentous effect.
The New Moon occurs on September 27 at 4 Libra. This is the fourth of six Super Moons for this year, with each one expanding our energy field and consciousness. The focus for the next month will be on the Libra themes of relationships and partnerships; and how to achieve more cooperation, equality, balance, peace and harmony in our lives. The shadow side of Libra tends toward indecisiveness and striving for peace at any price. The Sabian symbol for this degree suggests a similar cooperation theme: “Around a campfire a group of young people sit in spiritual communion; the necessity to unite with kindred spirits as one enters unbeaten paths illumined by the still-insecure light of a dawning intuition of new values.”
This powerful lunation aligns with Mercury and forms a challenging t-square with both Uranus and Pluto. This energy can result in innovative actions by some individuals, while others may be very rebellious and strong-willed. This can easily lead to dissension as opposing forces war against each other. Mercury in Libra suggests that balanced communication and cooperation will be key factors in resolving any conflicts. During this month it will be beneficial to practice really listening to each other rather than just speaking from our own personal agendas. For further background on creating more harmony in communications, I recommend the book, Nonviolent Communication, by Marshall Rosenberg.
On September 29, there may be more relationship conflicts when Venus aligns with Saturn. Now our own personal needs may take precedence and we may feel more isolated from others. However, a favorable aspect from Sun/Mercury to Mars quickens the pace with new ideas and possible opportunities.
In October the New Moon aligns with bountiful Jupiter. Blessings for a joyful autumn!
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Dorene Carrel is a professional astrologer with over thirty years of experience, offering birth chart, transits/progressions and relocation astrology readings. She is certified in Astrocartography. For more information, contact Dorene at dorenea5@yahoo.com. Paypal accepted.
All references to Sabian symbols are from An Astrological Mandala: The Cycle of Transformation and Its 360 Symbolic Phases, by Dane Rudhyar.
Check out my astrology blog at www.astroconnections.blogspot.com for ongoing astrological observations on current events, people, trends, etc.
Background and previous columns can be found at www.alcseattle.com. Donations also gratefully accepted. Send to P.O. Box 432, Seahurst, WA 98062