Sidereal Transits Pluto stations direct Oct 3 Venus enters Libra Oct 4 Mercury opposite Uranus Oct 7 Venus opposite Uranus Oct 12 Full Moon in Pisces (Revatī) Oct 13 Sun enters Libra Oct 17 Mars leaves combustion Oct 22 Mercury enters Scorpio Oct 23 New Moon in Libra (Svātī) Oct 28 Sun opposite Uranus Oct 28 Venus enters Scorpio Oct 28 Mercury conjunct Venus Oct 31 Mercury stations retrograde Oct 31 Mars in Virgo. Saturn in Sagittarius. Mars transits Virgo throughout October, and until November 10. Virgo is not Mars' favourite sign of the zodiac. Mars is about taking action, gaining courage through doing something. Virgo thinks and plans more. So, we can end up feeling frustrated when its all talk. Frustration is further emphasized because of Saturn's aspect to Mars. Saturn brings more pressure to bear and the world will likely express this in a general sense of tension and fighting restrictions. Mars looks to Saturn from its frustrated position and it can get very tense indeed. Although the world experiences this as more fighting (Mars) the establishment (Saturn), you, as an individual, can make the most of this transit by being more focused in your actions, slowing down and paying attention to all the details involved. Yes, it may become a little frustrating, but if you are aware of the need to take stock and allow for more planning, you can make the most of these transits. The exact Saturn/Mars aspects occur on October 28. Oh, what a surprise, just in time for Brexit! When Saturn and Mars 'face-off' like this, it creates delays and anger at the setbacks. At least Mars leaves combustion while in Virgo, on October 22. It was a hot summer in every sense of the word, but now we have to deal with the fallout form all that heat. What happens when we get overheated? We end up feeling dry, physically, mentally and emotionally. This is the natural progression from summer to autumn, of course, but this year is particularly drying. So, we are likely to see this play out in more fires, I'm afraid, and a general sense of burn out. Again, you as an individual, can use these transits to be more focused, deliberate and mindful in your actions, accepting that more time is needed to get it right. Keep your cool. Pluto stations direct Oct 3 Pluto operates at the background of awareness, as a force of destruction. Destruction is necessary, of course - on every level of our being. If we are not clearing out - thoughts, habits, things, emotions, even cells - then we don't leave room for something new to emerge. Pluto is stationing direct in October, but it's a very slow-moving planet, so don't expect to see something pop into your awareness that obviously or instantaneously - unless you are particularly tuned into the planet. I have often seen it in client's charts that they are not so tuned into Pluto, especially if it impacts them more! Pluto represents our unconscious, so basically it's our blind spot. For example, someone with Pluto rising in their birth chart may dig so deep (Pluto represents the underworld, which is another way of saying the unconscious) that they lose self-awareness, as this is what the 1st house or rising sign is all about. They may know themselves on a whole deeper level, but on a certain level they may be blinded. Look to see where Pluto is placed in your own birth chart, to see what area of your life you tend to remove things, perhaps to the point that you do not have enough of that thing, as well as a lack of awareness of your unconscious needs. And look to Sagittarius right now, where Pluto is stationing, and has been since 2005, to see where there is a need to remove things from your life, as well as being more aware of the unconscious drives involved. Generally, Sagittarius represents laws, teachings, guidance and ethics. Hmm. Do you think there is a lack of these at the moment?! Pluto's transit in Sagittarius shows up as a lack of clarity, seen more obviously around the world in leaders - you know, the people who are supposed to know better! Now that Pluto is stationing, it marks a turning point, in many ways. Although Pluto will return to Sagittarius in June 2020, and until January 2021, this station marks the beginning of a slow turn around into Capricorn, leading to the beginning of a destabilization of all that was built upon a lack of clarity. If anything is built on shaky ground, well, you know what needs to happen... 2020 begins a period of 20 years of tearing down anything built on what is false, as Pluto transits sidereal Capricorn. We will likely see the collapse of many things we thought to be well-established. There is noting to fear in this process, as it's in your best interest, and involves all of your being, including your unconscious desires. The good news here is that Pluto leaving Sagittarius can leave way for more clarity about what is right at least. We need this to give order to what we are building for the future, while accepting that pulling down what stands in the way is part of the new build. Capricorn represents what we have established, where we strive for an aspiration we have previously laid out in Sagittarius. Pluto's turnaround in October begins the process. Venus in Libra Oct 4 - 28 Venus is debilitated for the first few days of October, exact on October 2, and leads to a feeling of lack and low mood for the first few days. But that quickly changes as Venus moves from its weakest position to one of its strongest; from the first half of Citrā in Virgo, to the second half of this lunar mansion in Libra. Once it moves into Libra, especially the first 20 degrees of the sign, it is particularly strong and we welcome it. Think of an artist carving, painting, making or perfecting a piece of work, or a dancer perfecting a piece. While doing so they are not necessarily enjoying it as they try to get it right. This is what Venus is like in Virgo. But then, Venus moves straight into a place of strength in Libra, where the artist would share their piece. This is the enjoyable part of creativity and one reason Venus is happy in Libra. Libra is all about balance, harmony and compromise, all Venus related things. Although Venus' recent debilitation is good for saying what needs to be said, not necessarily being nice, Venus in Libra represents more of an ability to see the other person's point of view, to compromise and create more a peaceful environment, overall. That isn't to suggest October is all love and peace - not with the Mars and Saturn aspects, but it does suggest at least more compromise is possible during a tense period. Mercury and Venus oppose Uranus Mercury and Venus oppose Uranus in Aries while they transit Libra. Mercury opposes Uranus on October 7 and Venus opposes on October 12. Uranus brings with it some surprises, perhaps even shocks, and a general sense of excitment around changes. Uranus in Aries is all about me, I mean, you - you know what I mean! It's all about individuality, a trend we can see the world over. It's opposition to the compromise of Libra is highlighted in October, and the awareness of the opposition between these two signs only increases as we go through the month; especially once the Sun moves into Libra from October 17. While Mercury and Venus transit Libra, it points to a stark contrast between individuality and the ability to see the other person's point of view. Full Moon in Pisces (Revatī) Oct 13 The Moon is full at 22.07 BST in the soft lunar mansion, Revatī, which is all about guiding us from one stage to the next. Ultimately, this is about guiding our souls from this life to the next, but while we are alive, it's all about guiding us from one stage of life to the next. The Virgo stage, as the Sun continues to transit the sign, points to the details of our life, how our lives work (or not), while Pisces points to letting go of all of the details and letting things be as they are. This is not simply giving up, of course. It's a state of acceptance of all that is, of letting go into the all-that-is in the moment, granting us the ability to go with the flow. The full Moon is aspected by Jupiter by exact degree, and is a comforting transition in many ways. It points to a need to feel into the transition more than trying to work things out intellectually. Yes, by all means, do that too. But this full Moon offers a counterbalance to all the mental frustrations that we are building up in Virgo with Mars. Relax a bit more and let go a lot more for this full Moon phase. When you do, you actually tap into a deeper power that is running the show anyway. Much like when we struggle with a problem (Virgo) and we leave it for a while and daydream (Pisces), we are granted an insight into how to proceed. Sun enters Libra Oct 17 The Sun enters its sign of debilitation in October every year. This year, the debilitation is cancelled by Venus, which is transiting here until October 28. When the planet which rules a debilitated planets' position is also present, it is seen as a cancellation. Now, before you go thinking this is a strong Sun, its really a compensation for a sense of lack. It's not that we don't feel the lack, it's that we can rely on other things, other people, to help us through. The Sun's weakness is a sense of lack of vitality and confidence, of a connection to a Higher Self and purpose, of a lack of rhythm and energy. The Sun's 'strength' in Libra is the ability to forgo our own concerns for others' needs. It's not just about what we want, of course. We live our lives with, and for, others. Those with the Sun in Libra, those born between October 17 and November 16, are more able to serve others, as they are more tuned into others' needs. They can 'find themselves' in a relationship, although they may just as easily lose themselves! We can overdo it when we compromise, of course, and must find a balance, and this is what Libra is all about. That balance is not always achieved from the outset and we may compromise too much, before realizing we haven't looked after our own needs. Venus' transit in Libra always helps. This may be by socializing more at at time of year that we feel the darkness creeping in, at a time of year many feel this a sense of fear of the darkness. Libra is dark. The sign's colour is black. It's where we loose our Higher Self (Sun) in the interaction. This impacts our sense of confidence and self esteem. Venus helps by being picked up by others. We can also pick up our mood with dressing up in nice clothes, surrounding ourselves with nice things and enjoying ourselves and others. Darkness isn't all bad, of course. Cultures all over the world use it to see what is important. The darkness is actually a way of finding our source of light - our true light which is our connection to something Higher. Mercury in Scorpio Oct 23 - Dec 25 (in Libra Nov 9 - Dec 5) Mercury moves into Mars' sign by the end of October and for most of the rest of the year. Mars and Mercury don't work well together. Mars is action. Mercury is thinking. Sometimes, they are forced to work together, however, and it can work out. This is the case while Mars is also in Virgo until November 10. That's because they're in each others' signs. This exchange is helpful, as you could imagine Mars placed in Scorpio and Mercury in Virgo post-exchange. This strengthens both planets. This can show courage in dealing with fears, communicating what is needed and doing what needs to be done. However, Mercury is also slowing down and preparing to retrograde in Scorpio. As it does so, it is joined by Venus, as they come to the same degree by October 30/31. This is seen as a 'planetary war' in Vedic astrology, as both planets battle it out at the same degree, longitudinally. Wars are never good - for anyone, no matter who wins. We could imagine Mars replacing Mercury as well, which would put Mars and Venus togther in Scorpio. A passionate mix, in a sign that is all about joint resources and big changes. Scorpio tends to make things feel like a life or death situation, although it's not necessarily. There will certainly be a lot of passion being expressed on both sides of an argument, and again, Brexit comes to mind, but whatever you have going on at this time will be expressed through this exchange. The Moon will join Mercury and Venus on October 30 and 31, before crossing into Sagittarius by the end of October 31. This points to a lot of uncertainty around Brexit; whether it will go ahead at all, and if it does, lots of uncertainty and fear about its impact. No surprises there then! >>> Daylight Saving Time Ends Oct 27 <<< New Moon in Libra (Svātī) Oct 28 The new Moon in Libra is the darkest night of the year in many ways. It's obviously not the actual darkest night. That comes during the winter solstice. The darkness of this time of year is more of a sense of moving into the dark months, which is more challenging than the actual dark period. Yet this darkness is celebrated throughout the world with festivals of various kinds. There's the day of the dead in Mexico and the festival of lights in India. The Sun is debilitated, at its weakest at this time of year, while the Moon is dark for the new Moon phase. It's a time of year to pay homage to the dead, to light up the dark night so we can bring ourselves into the light while not avoiding our darkness. We do this with the help of those who have gone before us. There is a need to draw the energy inward at this time of year, as this is a reset point. But there's also a need to light our way through the darkness, to uplift the spirit and commune with others, to help others deal with their own darkness if they experience this in a more negative way. By overcoming our own darkness, we can help others with theirs. But also, by helping others with their darkness, we help ourselves. If you're depressed, it's easier to feel better by focusing on others' needs, then it is to address your own problems. When you look for problems, you will only be aware of your problems. But if you seek to alleviate others' problems, you light their way. And you uplift yourself in the process. This new Moon phase is placed in the lunar mansion called Svātī, which is all about carving out an individual path. This is done by being open, aware and willing to change. Change is certainly on the cards for this new Moon as the Sun opposes Uranus on the same day. Sun-Uranus connections bring surprises, and sometimes shocks. This creates an unnerving edge to this new Moon phase, and an excitement that cannot be denied. New Moons are always a more 'flighty' period, anyway. They offer a pause for the changes that you are making; changes that are necessary, but may not necessarily feel easy. With this new Moon the Sun is in debilitation by exact degree (10 degrees of Libra), where we may have less confidence around uncertain and exciting changes. It's like the butterflies we feel on doing something new. Even if we decided to make the changes ourselves, we can still feel the excitment and uncertainty of our decision. The most challenging expression of this is when we don't make any decision, as we try to adapt and lose focus in an ever-changing environment. This is what the sign Svātī is all about and what we think of when we think of Libra. We think of those predominantly Libra as those who compromise so much that they must make big changes that can sometimes make them feel scattered - like the wind, the ruling deity of Svātī being Vāyu, the wind god. Ultimately, this actually brings strength and Vāyu is the known as the 'deity of life', representing the life force and the power of carving out our own path. Venus in Scorpio Oct 28 - Nov 21 Venus' initial transit in Scorpio creates a passionate mix of transits we must manage, for fear of letting things get out of hand. Venus leaves Mercury behind as Mercury is moving slowly at this time, preparing to start moving back to Libra, to begin to renegotiate. We all will be renegotiating in some way. Once Mars joins Mercury in Libra by November 10, Venus will exchange signs with Mars. This is a better situation in November, overall. In October, however, we have to deal with all the uncertainty which we are not confident about because of the Sun's debilitation. The Sun's biggest lesson is to trust our Higher Self, that all is as it should be, even when it doesn't look that way from another standpoint. And we must love ourselves despite our jealousies, obsessions, insecurities and vulnerabilities. We must love our dark corners and hidden side, as much as our light, if we can say we truly love ourselves, and can then love others. And we must make peace with uncertainty, which is what Venus in Scorpio is all about. Mercury stations retrograde
Mercury is retrograde from October 31 to November 19. It will station at 3 degrees of Scorpio and appear to move back to 17 degrees of Libra. As soon as it returns to Libra, from November 9, it is joined by Mars, which leads to some very passionate debates and negotiations. The initial retrograde of Mercury in Scorpio, from October 31 to November 9, is full of uncertainty. That week may see Brexit kick in, or it may see further delays and frustrations which spill out into all kinds of chaos. This is because Jupiter is also crossing over the last degree of Scorpio - again, as Mercury moves back to the beginning of Scorpio, to return to the negotiations in Libra. Jupiter's return to the last degree of Scorpio leads to a lack of clarity, which may mean a lack of clarity about what the rules of negotiation are. As always, when you see a Mercury retrograde phase coming up it is telling you that you are too far ahead of circumstances and once Mercury stations retrograde you are asked to review all that has been in recent times. Mentally, a Mercury retrograde period is very stimulating. There are too many things on our minds and we can make mistakes. Be mindful of this in terms of business dealings, travelling and such. And because Mercury stations in Scorpio the initial retrograde is particularly emotive, yet held back and frustrated because of Mars' transit. Patience is key as things seem to come undone by the end of October. Some things need to, of course, while some things need to be redone. Mars, Venus and Mercury in Combustion With all these planets in combustion in September, more heat can lead to more explosive situations. You can personally use the heated situations to purify your life, of course. Mars' combustion in particular is very strong for that. Mercury is sharp as a tact and moving very fast through Leo. Mercury is combust more than any planet and used to it, leading to further clarity. However, Venus is not so happy being so close to Mars while in combustion, and then moving into debilitation in Virgo by September 9. Many of us will feel this as a burnout after a stressful summer. Mars and the Sun are very strong at the very center of sidereal Leo, which is also the Leo division, showing a powerful surge of energy that will be more obvious in our leaders and governments - for better or worse. Fire doesn't just heat, it illuminates, and helps us to see truth from falsehood, to remove weaknesses and cut through problems. However, Mars is also opposite Neptune, exact by September 14, which shows a certain amount of ambiguity around humanitarian and government issues, despite all the indications of heat purifying our perceptions. Clarity is possible during this period, if only we are clear about what is no longer clear! Pluto re-enters Pūrvāṣāḍhā Sep 8 to Oct 26 As Pluto returns to the lunar mansion ruled by the goddess of water, it joins Saturn and the south node's tight conjunction in a sign that is all about going with the flow, clearing a path, and, sometimes, going overboard. All the maritime analogies can be used for this exuberant and uplifting sign. So, how does Pluto, Saturn and the south node influence a sign that is all about going overboard with optimism? Have you noticed the last number of years being a little 'doom and gloom'? These planets are known as tamasic in Vedic thought, which means they resist change, are dark, decaying and sometimes troublesome. Although there are many benefits to their combined transit, such as seeing where we are stuck, they mostly create challenges to the natural flow of life. Water-related issues are obvious expressions of these transits, either a lack of, or damage from, water. There are too many examples of note, but just recently the dam threatening to burst in England was one of the most symbolic in relation to these transits. The south node (Ketu) would blow it up, but Saturn holds things back. There is a sense of a dam about to burst. Do you feel it?! All that begins in earnest from the end of the year and into the beginning of 2020. For now, we have more outworn beliefs to remove, beliefs that are in the way of progress in the long run. Sagittarius is all about being clear, hopeful and expansive, and we must remind ourselves of this in 2019, and trust that clarity and optimism, even if only an attentive one, returns once the excavation has been completed. Venus enters Virgo Sep 9 After Venus' blowout in Leo; after the passion and grand gestures, the highs and lows, it moves into its sign of debilitation in September and we feel a sense of lack to some degree. Things may feel a little dry this month. Thankfully, as Venus enters Virgo, Mercury joins it and cancels its debilitation. This is good news and a better situation, overall. However, we still have to be mindful of overdoing it, especially those who are Taurus or Libra rising, or anyone in a Venus cycle or sub-cycle. Venus is opposite Neptune before it moves into Virgo, bringing a sense of vagueness around relationships and finances, two of the key significations of the planet. As I write this, there is much turbulence in the economy because of Venus' combustion. As Venus enters it's sign of debilitation it is also still in combustion (close to the Sun). Venus is combust until September 19. When the planet of love and compromise, money and the economy, is weak by combustion, we feel this in our lives as a sense of lack of the good things that make life comfortable and enjoyable. An example of this would overdoing the indulgences and not feeling too good about it. Or feeling like there are no enjoyments in life at all, or you are not being appreciated. As I mentioned, Mercury is cancelling this debilitation, so its not all bad. It's not that there are no pleasures to experience with Venus in Virgo, it's just that we may not appreciate them as much, or more importantly, we may not appreciate others as much. Venus in Virgo starts picking holes and criticizing. Be aware, that everyone is experiencing this transit, so be mindful of seeking validation for something you already are, i.e. loved.Life is precious. You are precious. It's just sometimes we feel the need to be reminded of this more. Give others a smile and comfort those who feel 'less than' in any way. If you observe yourself or others acting in ways that seeks validation, remind yourself of this need at this time, without self-criticism or judgement. Mercury's concurrent transit is helping out a great deal, making it easier to say what needs to be said and plan our lives more effectively. Just make sure to include others in your plans. Mercury enters Virgo Sep 10 Mercury is opposite Neptune on September 7, so be mindful of what you're being told at this time. Mercury remains in combustion until September 21, but unlike other planets, Mercury is used to being combust. Mercury moves into its sign of exaltation, cancelling Venus' debilitation somewhat, although Venus brings down Mercury somewhat too. Mercury and Venus come into exact conjunction on September 13. This also means Mercury is less effective at doing what it does best in Virgo, i.e. scheduling and organizing, but it's a small price to pay in order to keep the peace with everyone and leave aside some of our more detailed planning. September is best spent doing at least some planning, while paying attention to an important part of scheduling in the first place: that is, enjoying it! This time of year is great for planning our routines at the change of season, getting a balance between the more detailed aspects of life, while learning to let go a little and let things play out as they will. Taking up a new area of study, or furthering skills, is promoted during Mercury's exaltation, as are any kind of health improvements and daily routine tweaking. North Node (Rāhu) enters Ārdrā Sep 12 The Moon's north mean node moves into Ārdrā on September 12, while the true node enters this lunar mansion on September 27. Either way, September sees the beginning of a period of more extreme events around the world and more adjustments on our part in relation to these unsettling events. Ārdrā is symbolized by a teardrop and the word Ārdrā itself means 'moist'. This can relate to clearing the air, as storms do, or the ability to clear the air with a good cry. I've often seen when the Moon transits Ārdrā someone around me has a good cry, or I feel the need to clear something from my life. This sign also represents renovation, for example. From tears, comes a sense of renewed clarity which is what the symbols of the sign: a teardrop and a jewel, are all about. Rāhu is said to rule this lunar mansion, as it is associated with this sign in terms of the planetary cycles. This brings more awareness to the north node and its elusive and sometimes chaotic influence in the center of Gemini for the next few months. By the time Rāhu has left this lunar mansion in May 2020, the world will not be the same. That's a big statement, I know, and this will play out in politics and world events, as well as travel and everyday business dealings, including changes to the internet, I imagine. Ārdrā is a sharp lunar mansion where we see the bright star Betelgeuse. Some astronomers beliefs this star went supernova many years ago, but the light hasn't caught up with us yet. I think this is apt considering the role of the evasive and shadowy nature of Rāhu. While this lunar mansion can bring a great deal of critical thinking, it usually comes after a period of confusion. It's as if we must make more of an effort when challenged by extreme emotions or events, as the sign is said to bring courage and purpose in overcoming challenges. A head's up for what's coming down the line: the last time Rāhu transited through the sign was 18 years ago, when we experienced one of the biggest shifts in the world when the trade powers were bombed, fueling a sense of fear and shock (Rāhu), while instilling in us fearful responses that have changed the way we travel (Gemini) for ever more. Expect some big changes in how we trade, travel and communicate in the next year. This can also include innovations in any of the above, of course. By the time Mars reaches opposition to Rāhu in the New Year, in February in particular, we are likely to see some big events that change the conversation. Rāhu in Ārdrā shows extremes in violence as it is ruled by Rudra, a fierce form of Śiva, while Mars is the incendiary device when placed with Rāhu's counterpart, Ketu, which will be transiting the equally devastating Mūla. Many tears are shed because of Ārdrā and Mūla, but from tears comes purpose, from fear comes the courage to make changes - big changes. This is further emphasized because, just as in 2001, Saturn and Pluto are coming into contact again as Mars joins the nodes. In 2001, Saturn and Pluto were nearly exactly opposite by degree, in Taurus and Scorpio. These signs represent hidden aspects and financial concerns that underpinned the attacks. In 2020, Saturn and Pluto are conjunct by exact degree, from January 12, 2020, creating a need for reform, one that we have not seen in many a decade. As they come together in the sign of righteousness (Sagittarius) and the establishment (Capricorn), we can expect to see some big shake ups in the world order. We're seeing this already in 2019 as Saturn and Pluto are in the same sign (Sagittarius), coming within 3 degrees of each other. When they opposed each other in 2001, there was more of an opposition to structures, and when they conjoin there is a change to make that can not longer be ignored. The nodes return to the position they were placed in 2001, during the attacks, in April 2020, but because there is a solar eclipse at this same degree, on December 26, 2019, we can expect the end of the year and into the New Year to see some big upheavals around the world. As I mentioned, this may be due to attacks involving travel, business and the internet. I would hope that this is just a cyber attack, but it would have to be a pretty big event to disrupt the world in order to appease the planets and express what they asking for. It's likely to be more extreme than a cyber attack, I'm afraid. By April, as Rāhu returns to the first section of Ārdrā, which is the Sagittarius section, Ketu will return to the position it held in 2001, in the Gemini section of Sagittarius. In other words, although Rāhu is placed in Gemini and Ketu in Sagittarius, once they move into a particular division (9th division of the sign) they are placed in the opposite sign in this important divisional chart. Which means they are swapping signs and ideologies. These are challenging placements for the nodes, some say debilitated positions, which bring out their less savoury notes. But on another level they are both exalted, so we can see the dragon rear its head in some big ways. This exchange of signs was another reason, among many others, that we saw the attacks on 9/11. This is another reason why I can be quite certain an event on a large scale will occur in 2020. Look to your own chart to see where events challenge you to make the necessary adjustments. Count from your rising sign to Gemini and Sagittarius, to see the areas of your life impacted, while counting from your Moon sign to see how you feel about these changes. And get on board now, as Rāhu enters Ārdrā in September 2019, giving you a sense of what is coming down the line. Full Moon in Aquarius (Pūrvā Bhādrapadā) Sep 14 The Moon is opposite the Sun at 05.32 GMT +1 on September 14. Neptune is very close by, which means it is opposite the Sun and Mars (see chart) on this day, showing a confused full Moon phase in many respects. The lunar mansions involved are both fierce, one ruled by a form of Rudra and symbolized by a sword, as well as a coffin, the other by a bed for pleasure. While these signs are all about a passionate search, either for pleasure or ultimate release, ultimately the full Moon points us to the truth of who we really are, beyond all the trappings of this world. The Moon's sign shows some violence because of a certain idealism, as we take a stance against all that is false. But because it is conjunct Neptune, we are unclear as to what we're fighting for or who we are fighting. Issues of humanitarian concern are reaching a climatic point for this full Moon, it seems. Sun enters Virgo Sep 17 After a period of the Sun's strength in its own sign, the Sun moves into Virgo where we must lay out a plan for all those big wishes. As the saying goes, 'pride comes before a fall'. Leo naturally leaves way for Virgo in the scheme of things. In other words, we must take all of those grand ideas and apply them in the real world. Some dreams will not stand the test of Virgo, while others are simply put to the test, especially as Saturn aspects the Sun and all the planets placed therein. The Sun in Virgo is harvest season, as we gather forth and take stock of our lives. Some things need our careful attention and a calculated approach. As long as we don't overdo this tendency, we can make the most of this period to plan and manage effectively, while forgoing the need to micro-manage, which leaves us feeling bogged down in red tape. Remember, Venus is with Mercury in Virgo at this time, and less than impressed with all the work load! Take some time to simply enjoy your organizing, and with those you would like to spend time with; those who have similar interests as you. This will make it easier to get things done. Saturn stations Direct Sep 18 Saturn being stationary all month gives the sense of things grinding to a halt, especially as it aspects all the planets lining up in Virgo. This can add a sense of pressure to our everyday schedule and planning, as well as in world events which feel the pressure. As it does so, it is exactly conjunct the south node, Ketu which increases fears around these big issues. As I have written many times in the previous months, the Saturn-south node conjunction is not an easy one. On the one hand, it points to things which have come up to be dealt with now, however, on the other hand, it shows a lack of ability to do what is right (Sagittarius). And as Saturn stations direct, the pressure is further increased, despite our fears around doing the right thing. Generally, Saturn's station increases tension in our lives and unless you have an outlet and are making the necessary adjustments, it can force the issue in ways I'm sure you would prefer to avoid. Thankfully, once Saturn moves direct in the coming weeks, it will finally part from the south node, releasing us from this back and forth. It is rare for anyone to do what they should do from the outset. We usually wait until we have no choice left. The world is experiencing this on a large scale, of course, such as the environmental issues, but we are all experiencing this in some form or other. Saturn is the consequences of our choices that were not helpful to others at the time, but as long as we accept what we must endure something as a form of pay back, we can do so with grace and humility. Saturn turning direct helps us to move on, bringing with it a slow release of pressure all month and into October. Saturn conjunct the south node (true node) on September 28 and into the beginning of October, is the last exact conjunction this year and one which we will all be happy to see move on. Mars enters Virgo Sep 25 Mars enters Virgo in a combust state on September 25. It will remain in combustion until October 22. While Mars likes it in Leo, it is less enamoured with Virgo, getting stuck in details and red tape. But at least it's coming out of combustion while visiting the sign, reappearing the Night sky in November. The other complication for Mars is that Saturn aspects Virgo, while Mars sends a powerful aspect back to Saturn and the south node conjunction placed in Sagittarius. Anytime Mars and Saturn 'face off' like this it creates tensions around the world and frustrations in our lives. It is not coincidence that Brexit occurs with Mars in Virgo. More on this next month. Mars wants to push things forward quickly, while Saturn gets us to look at the big picture and slow down. As long as we are mindful of this combination, we can deal with any perceived delays or setbacks with more grace and humility, using this period of Mars in Virgo, from September 25 until November 10, to be more strategic and considered in our actions. Saturn's aspect on Mars, and all the planets in Virgo, creates a sense that something must give. So, tale a step back and you will feel more able to make the adjustments, then if you were trying to force things ahead prematurely. The end of September favours everyday tasks we may have been putting off for other, more impressive, activities during the summer. While Leo is extrovert and dynamic, Virgo is calculated and introverted. And while Mars is less able to just do something in Virgo, this period can be used to get your life organized and everything in order. New Moon in Virgo (Hasta) Sep 28 The new Moon in Virgo and the lunar mansion Hasta emphasizes a need for order and efficiency. However, we may feel pressurized into maintaining order because of Saturn's aspect to this new Moon and for the coming lunar month. The Moon is new at 19.26 GMT +1, marking a new start for a month that feels less about fun times and big blow outs, and more like getting down to business. Hasta is represented by a hand, and the word literally means hand. It is ruled by the Sun god, especially in relation to the sunrise, where we have a sense of a new dawn and clarity afforded us. This new Moon highlights a need to make some more positive changes in our lives, including better routines and tighter schedules that fit with a healthier and better version of ourselves. Mercury enters Libra Sep 29 Mercury leaves its sign of exaltation and moves into Venus' sign ahead of Venus itself. This means Mercury and Venus exchange signs for the next few days, until October 4, when Venus enters its own domain. This exchange is helpful to Venus' debilitation and very much welcomed, especially as it marks the first planet to move out of Saturn's restrictive gaze. Libra is all about compromise, of sensitivity to the needs of others and of harmony in our lives. If life were all about our schedule and efficiency, it would be very drab indeed. This marks the beginning of a more favourable period to reach out to others and to hear their points of view, and enjoy their company once again. Once we have scheduled our lives, we are reminded that we share our lives with others, and it's what makes life worth living. Sidereal Transits
Mars exact combustion Sep 1/2 Mars conjunct Mercury Sep 3 Mercury exact combustion Sep 3 Venus opposite Neptune Sep 4 Mercury opposite Neptune Sep 7 Venus enters Virgo Sep 9 Mercury enters Virgo Sep 10 Sun opposite Neptune Sep 10 Rāhu (mean node) enters Ārdrā Sep 12 Mercury conjunct Venus Sep 13 Full Moon in Aquarius (Pūrvā Bhādrapadā) Sep 14 Mars opposite Neptune Sep 14 Sun enters Virgo Sep 17 Saturn stations direct Sep 18 Mars enters Virgo Sep 25 Rāhu (true node) enters Ārdrā Sep 27 New Moon in Virgo (Hasta) Sep 28 Saturn conjunct true south node Sep 28 Mercury enters Libra Sep 29 |