September Forecast

Mars in Cancer  Aug. 18th - Oct. 5th

Mars represents action, force and courage.  When placed in Cancer we are more likely to be inactive and can become discouraged.  Discipline can go out of the window, as the way in which we feel in the moment takes a leading role.  We may feel like going to the gym, for a walk or practicing whatever discipline we normally practice, however, we may also feel like staying in bed a bit longer or putting things off.  There is nothing to be done except to be aware of this lack of discipline while Mars is moving through Cancer. 

Be aware that we may start acting out if we feel we do not have the strength to hold our own.  Someone proficient in martial arts, for example, would not need a vulgar display of strength.  The weaker we are, the louder we shout and the harder we have to try.  We try to access the strength of Mars by expressing its more base instincts.  Mars represents strength and courage which we may try and access through violence.  It may seem a strong word to use, however, violence can be expressed in many subtle ways on a day-to-day basis; usually through trying to control a person or situation, as we try to force results.  Accidents can result from trying to force something.  If you are starting a new exercise regime at this time of year then start gently.  If you were born with a weak limb chances are you will work on that limb until it appears stronger than the others.  However, it is coming from a place of weakness,  not strength - so take your time. 

Those with Aries or Scorpio as their rising sign should watch this Mars transit carefully.  You do not have access to great strength during its transit and may feel under confident as a result.  This is partly due to your rulers debilitation, but also because of Saturn's restrictive influence on your ruling planet.  You may overcompensate for the lack, but this will only lead to more problems. Take some rest and take it easy on yourself until  October.  Aries individual's may find it expressed more in the home environment, which is what we all have to deal with in some way or another with Mars in Cancer; relating to the home and private life.  Scorpio individual's may find they try and bully others into believing what they believe to be true.  When Mars gets involved we feel like we have something to prove.   

There will be a general sense of frustration felt with this transit which may spark many more world-wide calamities.  Man-made and natural disasters are very probable, when we take Mars' aspect to the Saturn/Rahu conjunction taking place in Libra into account - as well as Saturn's mutual aspect to Mars.  Saturn's 10th house aspect, being the most challenging influence from Saturn, will ensure there is a tense environment as we move into autumn.  Uprisings will meet with a lot of frustrated energy and the results may be explosive.  When we add the fact that Mars and Venus are both debilitated at the same time, then there is little or no possibility for patience or agreements being reached.  We can see this in the political debates at present and difficulty in coming to any agreements which is leading to a lack of action. 

The exact mutual aspect between Mars and Saturn occurs on September 9th, as Saturn and Rahu also come head-to-head.  The days and weeks either side of this powerful conjunction mark an increasing sense of frustration felt around the globe, but are more intensified this September.

Saturn and Rahu Conjunction in Libra

This conjunction has been building over the previous few months and reaches its exact conjunction in September (true nodes from the 12th, mean nodes from the 22nd) at either 14 or 15 degrees of Libra, depending on whether we look at the true position of the nodes or the mean calculation.  Either way, whatever planets you have at these degrees of Libra will be feeling the pressure in September. 
There is also an exact mutual aspect between Saturn and Mars leading up to this conjunction, just as the Moon comes around to join Saturn, Rahu and Venus in Libra on the 9th and 10th of September.  These days are particularly activated as a result.  However, we must keep an eye on the whole month of September if we are to navigate our way skillfully through this unsettling conjunction. 

Though this whole year has felt the effects of the Rahu/Saturn coming together, as we have seen in recent global events relating to equality - or the lack thereof,  these powerful aspects and conjunctions have been reaching this climactic period in September.  They both continue to transit through sidereal Libra until next year; Rahu first leaving for Virgo in July, then Saturn for Scorpio in November.  This still leaves a feeling of pressure on the sign Libra and the ideals we hold until the year 2016.

Rahu exaggerates Saturn's environment and therefore a weakened Mars has a powerful and exaggerated Saturn to contend with this September.  An example of this is the common man (Saturn) and his need for rebellion (Rahu), weighing heavily on any military force (Mars), as well as the anger and frustration (Mars) directed at the established order (Saturn) and their underhanded tactics (Rahu). 

Taking Mars' square aspect to Rahu alone is enough to set off some extreme events, be it man-made or natural, but when we add Mars' debilitation and the mutual influence of Saturn and Mars, we experience some tense and frustrating times in our lives.   Who was not left feeling frustrated at the attacks on innocent civilians and children in Syria?  Mars represents the nerves and attacks, leading to chemical warfare, when aspecting Rahu which represents poisons.  The Mars/Saturn standoff has led to a reluctance to take more action (Mars), based on feelings of doubt (Saturn).  The attack in Syria occurred as soon as Mars entered Cancer, throwing his influence onto Libra and the Saturn/Rahu conjunction contained therein.  Watch for the exact mutual aspect of Saturn and Mars on September 9th and 10th, especially if you are strongly influenced by Saturn's or Mars' signs. 

Thankfully there are some beneficial influences this September which balance the extremes of Rahu and Saturn.  Firstly we are experiencing an exalted Saturn, leading to a more responsible reaction to events.  The inclusion of a strong Venus by September 6th and the influence from Jupiter from a position of strength in its own lunar sign;  are all softening the blows, in what could otherwise have been a much harder time to deal with.  We are spared to some degree by the grace of Jupiter and the sensitivity of Venus. 

Take your time with these transits and take a back seat for a while.  Plan your schedule with plenty of rest and some moderate exercise.  Leave any risky behavior and important events for a more advantageous time if possible.  Use the Saturn/Mars combination to be more exacting in your movements if you insist on being more active and slow down.  Direct your energy in helping others who may be challenged by these transits. 

Jupiter enters Punarvasu Sept. 1st

Jupiter enters the lunar sign Punarvasu on September 1st, remaining there until January  next year, before it backs up into the sign Ardra once again.  Jupiter rules the sign Punarvasu which relates to Jupiter concerns such as religion, virtue and philosophy.  Jupiter will be right at home for the coming months, giving us a taste of the benevolence to come when it enters its sign of exaltation (Cancer) next year, but more important at present, bringing a discerning influence to the erratic energy in Libra. 

Punarvasu is represented by a quiver of arrows.  This gives a sense of aiming an arrow to cut through the incessant stream of information (Gemini), in order to get to the gems of wisdom.  The goddess Aditi is the deity associated with this lunar sign and one which brings a softer, feminine influence and more freedom than in the previous sign of Ardra, which is destructive in nature.  We can become more philosophical in relation to the destruction which has had to occur in our own lives, and in the world at large, once we have gained some distance from the actual events.  We can now also look forward to a more advantageous time with regards to what Jupiter represents, both generally and specifically for us all. 

If you have any planets in the sign Punarvasu, (the last 10 degrees of Gemini and first 3 degrees of Cancer) then they will experience the expansion of Jupiter.  This expansion does not merely happen on the physical plane.  It brings a depth of awareness and connection with the whole of existence. 

         'You know how Jupiter will mostly wait for clouds to gather head
          Before he hurls the lightning'
                                    - Anything Can Happen
                                      Seamus Heaney  (13 April 1939 – 30 August 2013)
http://www.rte.ie/news/player/2011/0911/3048584-seamus-heaney-reads-anything-can-happen/

New Moon in Leo Sept. 5th

The Moon reaches the Sun's exact position in Venus' lunar sign Purva Phalguni which is contained entirely within the solar sign Leo.  This occurs at 12.37 GMT on September 5th, as Venus itself prepares to move out of its sign of debilitation (Virgo) and into its own sign Libra.  This new Moon marks a dry emotional climate, as we transition to a more physically dry climate in autumn. 

The new Moon is airy (Vata) in nature and Venus represents the much needed injection of fluid into our life experience.  With Venus weakly placed during the new Moon we may feel less than juicy.  Those who are more watery (Kapha) in nature may feel like they have more energy during this new Moon phase.  This is particularly the case if one experiences excesses of water ailments and the resulting lethargy.  However, most who are not so juicy will experience the drying effect as less than advantageous, and energy levels may be low.  This is compounded by the debilitation of Mars this month, resulting in less vigor overall and a lack of drive and discipline in making healthy lifestyles choices.

Mercury Exalted in Virgo Sept. 5th - Sept. 25th

Mercury's strength in its own sign will allow us all to communicate effectively with each other, as important changes continue to take place in our lives.  On the new Moon day Mercury moves into a place of strength, before gathering more and more strength over the coming days. 

The changes in how we interact with one another is a major theme of this year.  We evolve alongside our relationships and our relationships evolve alongside us.  Now with Mercury strong we can communicate with a more practical mindset.  Without Mercury all of the current ideals would be nothing more than wishful thinking and all we have gained would not be put to practical use.  When we can communicate effectively about how we want to shape our new world, we can relate to others experiences in a more rational manner.  We can, with Mercury's strength, deal with what we have to deal with in a more emotionally detached way, and get on with the business of living life.  The aftermath of a storm may not be exciting, but we need to get on with the clean up regardless. 

Use this time to say what is on your mind.  Looking ahead to October and Mercury's retrograde period in Libra, we can see a need to look back over the events currently unfolding and perhaps unraveling in our lives.  In September we can at least work on keeping some practical concerns in our minds eye, while the changes currently taking place offer up more revelations in the weeks to come. 

We may wish to complete schedules for the autumn and plan routines.  However, due to Mars' debilitation we may not feel up to carrying them out until October.  Though we may be feeling discouraged this month, but we must keep our minds settled in some routine.  Mercury moves ahead of the Sun, just as our minds run ahead of our circumstances, as we get ahead of ourselves this autumn and the influence of airy planets with Mercury keep us wound up.  By the end of October we will have to pull back and reassess when Mercury begins to move retrograde once again. 

Venus in Libra Sept. 6th - Oct. 2nd

Will Venus rescue the situation in September?  Venus enters its own sign Libra on September 6th and is immediately influenced by the presence of Saturn and Rahu's conjunction, as well as Mars' influence from the sign Cancer.  Venus is overcome by the fiery and airy planets to such a degree that it is questionable whether or not it is able to rescue the situation in September.  However, it must be said that even a little bit of Venus goes a long way.  In other words, a little bit of sensitivity and charm can do the situation the world of good after September 6th. 

Venus continues to move in its weakest sign for the first few days of the month and we have seen the evidence of this splashed all over our lives of late.  Whether it has been an insensitive remark made or a feeling of being scrutinized; we have been exposed to the insensitivity of a debilitated Venus.  Agreements have been harder to come by and the world at large has suffered due to a lack of accord, leaving us all feeling unappreciated.  This is now changing with Venus entering a place of strength.  

Venus is the planet which has the power to bring us back to life, figuratively and literally speaking.  It represents the water element and its life-giving properties.  With the fire of Mars heating it up, the air of Saturn drying it up and the turbulence of Rahu stirring it up; it will be a shaky time in September.  It is, however, a time of revolution and is more conducive to looking at all our relationship as a platform to evolve from, not get stuck in. 

Venus is receiving an influence from Jupiter while in Libra, so we can expect the situation to be kept under control by a more discerning approach at least.  Venus also breaks the Kal Sarpa Yoga which forms when all the planets are on one side of the nodal axis.  This has created an unsettling environment this year thus far.  Venus ends the uncertainty of this influence on September 19th, though we may need some time for the conjunction of Rahu and Saturn to fade from the forefront, in order to feel the ease of any uncertainty.

The sweetness of Venus may at times be put under duress and passions and impulsiveness can lead to inappropriate actions.  These transits in Libra are asking humility from us all individually and collectively.  It would be better to use Venus' presence in Libra to ease a path through these changes responsibly, than to look for a way out of the intensity by simply overindulging.   This may all be too much for some fragile human relations and we would do well to keep others in mind in case we stomp all over their toes.

Sun in Virgo Sept. 16th - Oct. 16th.

Autumn has come once again for those in the northern hemisphere.  The flowers of summer are wilting and the leaves begin to loose their luster.    Gradually nature displays more of this drying effect.  We see autumn as a beautiful time of year and yet we often fail to realize that what we find to be beautiful is actually death and decay.  If we were to have the same view of anything which is drying up in our lives, be it a relationship, our bodies or our resources, we would have an easier time with the passage of time and the inevitability of our trajectory. 

Food must be harvested to be eaten and become part of our being.  In other words, death if part of life.  We could view all things we take in and assimilate into our being as food, whether it is food for the body, mind or soul.  Gather what you have grown and integrate whatever you need to sustain you for the coming months, giving attention to the more practical concerns of this time of year. 

Full Moon in Pisces Sept. 19th   (Harvest Moon)

The Moon reaches exact opposition to the Sun on September 19th at 12.13 GMT in the lunar sign Purva Bhadrapada,  The Moon is fullest at 2 degrees of Pisces in a lunar sign which is represented by the deity Ajaikapada, a type of sea creature which brings us into the fathomless depths of our being in Pisces. 
This lunar sign is ruled by Jupiter which is now also placed in its own lunar sign Punarvasu.  The last sign of zodiac, Pisces, and the lunar sign Purva Bhadrapada are both ruled by Jupiter, allowing us to reach beyond the mundane world, and to a more philosophical approach to our lives. 

The full Moon in Pisces has the Sun placed in Virgo and dealing with the details of our life experience, while the Moon can disappear into another world of fantasy, ecstasy and release.  Pisces represents the need to let go of an identity with a small self, in order to experience something more profound and unimaginable in our daily, mundane lives during harvest season. 

Southern Equinox Sept. 22nd

The equinox occurs at 20.44 GMT on September 22nd this year.  This is the point where the night and day are equal and the day or night begin to contract or expand, depending on which side of the equator you live.  We may have to be easier on ourselves if we do not get our sense of balance together until October this year.  Allow for longer period of readjustment with the intense transits of September keeping us busy, yet unproductive.

The villain has risen to his feet and looks the hero square in the eye.  As the drying winds pick up around the two figures, neither are willing to budge from their spot, but stand transfixed.  The camera zooms in on the villains face and his eyes seem to withhold a secret knowing.  After this confrontation he will gain an upper hand on our hero and will tackle him to the ground once again.  By the winter solstice on December 21st he will have completely overcome the hero and we must succumb to the darkness.  We do not do this by trying to shut it out, but by opening up to it and accepting it in fully.  When we do this the villain no longer seems like a villain, but simply a void - an absence of light.
 

Mercury in Libra Sept. 25th - Nov. 31st (Retrograde Oct. 21st - Nov. 10th)

Mercury leaves its sign of exaltation on September 25th, entering a friendly, if somewhat chaotic, environment in Libra.  This can bring a much needed injection of intellectual understanding with regards to this area of life.  The revolution which has been taking place in our own lives will benefit from some factual analysis, as we attempt to make ourselves clearly understood.  I say 'attempt' because with Rahu and Saturn involved it is possible we will be misled or mislead others inadvertently.  When we add Mercury's retrograde period in October and November, we cannot expect things to be clear right away. 

Mercury will play a big role in trying to uncover facts, making recent events more easily assimilated by our intellects.  This will take the form of news reports and analysis, but also reflection and review of our own life experience.  Eventually it will bring the much needed insights once the retrograde period has gathered all we need to assimilate.  Due to Mercury's retrograde period it will remain in Libra for just over two months, giving us ample opportunity to work it all out. 

OM TAT SAT