Guest article By Dorene Carrel
September is highlighted by the dynamic t-square pattern formed by Jupiter, Uranus and Pluto. Last month Venus joined this planetary trio. This time Mercury, the planet of communication, joins them to form a cardinal grand cross. This will likely cause a quickening effect for both world and personal events, as we are challenged to process more information and make important decisions. Pluto turns direct this month, which increases our sense of power dynamics and encourages us to take a deeper approach. The Autumn Equinox, on September 22, is always a significant turning point for contemplating new beginnings.
The New Moon occurs on September 5 at 13 Virgo. It opposes Chiron, conjuncts the asteroid Vesta, and is in favorable aspect to Jupiter. Virgo is ruled by Mercury, which emphasizes the communication theme for this month. It is concerned with the areas of work and health, along with the link between body, mind and spirit. Other themes include being efficient, pragmatic, discerning, critical and detail-oriented. Is there an area in your life that can undergo more analysis and refinement this month?
Chiron encourages us to heal our deeper wounds, while having compassion for self and others. Vesta provides dedication to find our sacred work or align with our higher purpose. Jupiter will help us gain perspective and open to higher opportunities. The Sabian symbol for this degree, “An aristocratic family tree; a deep reliance upon the ancestral roots of individual character,” suggests honoring our heritage and inner foundations of strength.
On September 9-10, Mars in Leo forms a challenging square to Saturn in Scorpio. This combination can cause much frustration, as there can be blocks or delays. It has been compared to driving with the brakes on. It is best to avoid making any new beginnings during these few days, but rather to proceed with patience and focus on current tasks.
From September 14-19, Mercury in Libra joins the ongoing t-square of Pluto, Uranus and Jupiter to form a cardinal grand cross. This covers from 9-17 degrees of the cardinal signs of Aries, Libra, Cancer and Capricorn. Mercury rules our perception, communication and intake of information. The need to focus and simplify will be greater at this time, as will communicating with clarity and balance. There will likely be a heightening of events on the world stage, including some surprises and reversals. Mercury energies can be both sudden and changeable, as additions and corrections are made along the way.
On September 18, Venus in Scorpio aligns with Saturn and the North Node, which can result in our feeling limited or judgmental in relationships or finances. There could also be more focus on power dynamics. The favorable sextile to Pluto this same day offers new opportunities and deeper insights that can lead to a beneficial resolution.
On September 19 the Full Moon occurs at 26 Pisces 41. Pisces themes include compassion, sensitivity, intuition and dreams, along with inspirational, visionary and spiritual activities. The shadow side includes deception, confusion and escapism. This lunation favors meditative practices, connecting with our dreams and working with imagery. The Sabian symbols for these degrees, “A group of aristocratic ladies meet ceremonially at a court’s function,” and “The harvest moon illumines a clear autumnal sky,” suggest the importance of established ancient traditions that help us to clarify and connect with our deeper values and aspirations.
Pluto turns direct on September 20, lending power, passion and depth to any new endeavors. On this same day, Saturn in Scorpio forms a sextile with Pluto in Capricorn for the third and final time. This combination should provide us with a grounded stability to help turn our visions into accomplishments with lasting value.
The Autumn Equinox arrives on September 22 to help us gain balance and perspective for important new beginnings.
Venus in Scorpio makes a favorable trine to Jupiter in Pisces on September 26, favoring all social and networking activities. Venus also squares Mars in Leo on September 28, which can be a passionate and feisty combination. Mercury enters Scorpio on September 29, bringing depth of insight to all endeavors.
October brings Mercury retrograde – stay tuned!
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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 ofTransformation 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.