September; Saturn squares Uranus and Mercury retrogrades

 

We have been dealing with the Saturn-Uranus square for going on two years now, and during September and October we will see these planets square off again creating disruption through at least the end of November. Both Saturn and Uranus are retrograde which typically present us with the most challenging times as opposed to both planets being direct.

Saturn comes within 1 degree of Uranus in September which is the fourth and final square or clash so we can expect changeability and unexpected events especially as we approach mid to late September. In October, Saturn and Uranus will square off at 18 degrees for the first 12 days of the month and we can expect it to be intense.

A square between two planets represents change, but it is often not easy.  Saturn in astrology rules our structures and Uranus is the planet of sudden and unpredictable events. The Saturn archetype represents true reality and is associated with security, restrictions, the law, organization, control and government. It represents the State and its legal system and all conservative bodies. It also represents authority, tradition and time.

The Uranus archetype represents the need for change and freedom, originality and independence to go about things differently. It stimulates innovation, brilliance and genius. It is associated with coups, earthquakes, aircraft and spacecraft and is considered disruptive in a hard aspect, which it is. Uranus is often involved in separations, divorce, and other events and while in Taurus it is associated with love, money, food and food production, the Earth and personal as well as societal values and events.

When Saturn and Uranus clash it becomes an inevitable collision between the new and the old and change or disruption becomes unavoidable.  Most of the time however, when Uranus is involved, change was needed and will ultimately lead to a better solution. Sometimes however, change comes suddenly and can be disorienting for a while.

 What this aspect does in your own life depends on where Saturn and Uranus fall in your own personal chart. Since this affects the world we are all a part of it but you will be affected to a greater degree if you have fixed planets (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio or Aquarius at 16-20 degrees) in your chart. If you don’t know, it is advisable to look online, or of course you can call an astrologer who knows!

The energy of this final square will go into November before it begins to fade. The results however, can play out for a long period of time and bring lasting consequences.

Venus enters Virgo

Venus enters Virgo September 5^th and will remain in this sign until September 29^th. Venus in Virgo energy brings wisdom, calm and discerning energies to the picture which will be considerably different from flamboyant Venus in Leo we are leaving behind for another year.

Venus is the goddess of love, values and money and is considered ‘at its fall.’  In Virgo which means the energies of Venus and Virgo are not especially compatible. That does not mean this sign is bad or negative, but the energy does not operate as smoothly as it does in say, Libra where it is where it is considered to be ‘at home.’ Virgo can be a very warm, caring, solid and empathic energy, and every sign has its good points and darker side.

The shadow side of this sign is being overly picky or demanding and we can come across to others like this if we are not aware. You may feel as though you are trying to help others help themselves but your desire to help may not be wanted or misunderstood. Therefore it is important to remember during Virgo’s transit most will ask for help if they feel they need it. Hurt feelings or separation can arise if Virgo’s critical nature gets the upper hand.

While Venus is in Virgo we will show our love in more practical ways. For example, rather than wining and dining our love interest we will approach things in a more down to earth manner such as helping with a move, running errands, taking the dog to be groomed or anything of this nature that makes love and affection more real and tangible. Virgo thrives when they are of service to others in some way.

Venus in Virgo can be a great helpmate, loyal friend or lover and you may feel in no rush to begin a mad, passionate affair but rather go more slowly getting to know the true nature and personality of your love interest as Virgo is cautious and seldom jumps into a wild fling just for the excitement.

With Venus in Virgo we become much more interested in the how and whys of a relationship.  Rather than a fiery, whirlwind courtship that may end as dramatically as it began, Venus in Virgo is the time to look at what makes you and others really tick and Virgo puts a high value on things that last. Practicality is a valuable asset of Virgo and can go a long way in terms of making things real, secure and lasting.

Venus-Virgo is typically warm, giving and interested. Red hot passion may not be the first item on the agenda but passion may well end up being the end result once Virgo determines someone is really worth their time and capable of showing stability. Virgo projects a very earthy and natural type of passion, when they feel they are in the right relationship.

Mercury turns retrograde

Mercury turns retrograde September 10^th-October 2^nd joining the five outer plants in their retrogrades. This time it will retrograde through two signs; Libra and Virgo. Mercury is at 8 degrees of Libra when the planet of communication turns stationary retrograde in September. This means the energy is changing as the planet prepares to shift and move backward. Actually, the planet only appears to move backward in an optical illusion but the retrograde energy is real. As the planet ‘stations’ September 10-14^th, energy changes and we will experience the obvious Mercurial shift in energy at this time. The stationary retrograde and stationary direct periods are generally the worst times of the retrograde.

What does Mercury do?

Mercury rules all kinds of communication, verbal and written, speaking, learning, even listening and thinking, as well as all forms of electronic communication. It rules formal agreements and contracts, buying and selling, travel, transportation, and shipping. It rules pets and young people.

 What to expect

Communication can break down, slow down, or stop altogether. People can become confused; change their minds, job interviews can slow down, and things, projects and people can change their course of direction, sometimes unexpectedly. Equipment can breakdown, whether it is a computer, a coffee pot or a car. It is hard to get decisions from others, and if you do, they could change their mind after Mercury turns direct. New information about important matters often comes to light during this cycle.

 Mercury in Libra

As Mercury retrogrades in Libra issues will arise concerning relationships, partnerships and marriage. We will seek greater harmony in relationships and focus on whether the relationship is working and if our needs are being met.  If you don’t currently have a relationship, you may think about it more during this part of the retrograde. If you are in a bad relationship it could end. At times, we can reconnect with those from the past whether it is an old lover, business associate, friend or acquaintance. We may also go back to things that we began in the past.

Mercury retrograde in Virgo

September 24^th, Mercury retrogrades back into Virgo where it will spend the rest of the retrograde. Mercury in Virgo will be more focused on work and health. Since Mercury is the ruler of Virgo, thinking may not quite be up to par, and issues could come up relating to work or health, so if this is the case it could be time for a checkup.

Mercury in Virgo is discerning and focused on details, although this could be a little problematic with Mercury retrograde. While Mercury is in this sign the potential exists for missed deadlines, delays, or issues with communication on a professional level or you may have to focus more on day to day activities.

And then there is the well known Virgo tendency to be too critical. Issues here can crop up and you could come across as being ‘critical’, as opposed to offering ‘constructive criticism,’ You may feel that others are treating you in this manner and you could do the same, so it will be important to be aware of how we come across to others while Mercury moves through Virgo.

 What to Expect

First of all, Retrograde Mercury can be a time of reconnecting with those from the past in some instances. This does not mean reconnect to a former, toxic relationship, but reconnect with those who have been tried and true. Go back to the things from the past that have served you well and reconnect. You could hear from relatives, old friends and on occasion old loves. You could experience pleasant trips down memory lane. It’s time to take care of those things you have put off, and clear your closets, both literally and figuratively. It is a time of finishing up old projects as opposed to starting new ones, and re-accessing, reviewing and redesigning our lives and work.

 What not to do and avoid

Don't make important changes such as starting a new job or project if possible, launching a website, buying big ticket items, closing on real estate, buying electronic equipment, getting married or engaged, having elective or cosmetic surgery, launching new endeavors, signing contracts or even choosing paint colors! Of course, there are some exceptions: Let's say you need a job and one comes up during the retrograde. Don't turn it down, as a job on a retrograde is better than no job. Things may change after you begin. For example, there could be a shift in the direction of the job, or you may not have understood the nature of the job, or it may not last forever. If you have to have surgery under a doctor’s orders, go ahead. Surgeries are performed successfully every day of the year, and retrograde Mercury can be about correcting something. If you have to sign a lease or another document, ask a lot of questions. Go over things several times, and enlist the judgment of those you trust.

 What to do

This is the time to stop, look, and listen to our inner voice, so that you may move forward with clarity and confidence when Mercury turns direct again. It is a time of personal realignment with the world and realignment in our own world. You may reach a sense of completion with something by the time this cycle ends.

Just like the crab that moves sideways, sometimes we have to take this approach and move sideways before we can really move forward. This is just part of the natural flow. Rewrite, rework, rethink and do anything that begins with re !

 Mercury turns direct and its shadow period

Mercury turns direct October 2^nd, and while this is good news we are not really out of the woods yet. Remember, the ‘stationary’ periods are typically the worst for delays and glitches, and sometimes new information is revealed and things can change again at this time. The ‘stationary direct’ period in this case is October 2-5^th. After this things shift more toward normal and between October 5^th through the 16^th. Mercury goes through its post retrograde shadow period where things slowly return to normal. By October 17^th it’s full steam ahead once again.

Significant dates

 Mercury opposes Neptune August 21^st, and is within orb, or very closes again September 30-October 5^th.  This aspect creates confusion, lack of clarity and tiredness or melancholy. The September 30-October 5^th period will be the worst.

Mercury opposes Jupiter September 2^nd and again September 18^th and October 12^th. While this is generally considered positive, things can get blown out of proportion.

Pisces full moon

This month’s full moon falls in the sign of Pisces and this is the last full moon of the summer, and the same day Mercury retrogrades. With retrograde Mercury on a full moon sometimes events connected with the full moon can be delayed, usually by only a matter of a few days.  Ironically, or not, Pisces represents the last house of the zodiac which has to do with endings as we enjoy the last few weeks before fall.

Pisces rules the 12^th house which represents things that are hidden such as spirituality and the subconscious mind, and Pisces is a healing and spiritual sign. It rules medicine, theater and film, art and the creative, psychic and spiritual world as well as our own and the collective receptivity. Most importantly this sign rules compassion, something the world is in dire need of at this time.

The Moon sextiles Uranus which can give the energy an uplifting feeling along with a desire to tryout some new ideas or concepts. It will also conjunct Neptune which can be dreamy and uplifting, or alternatively confusing with very little clarity so this is not the best time to make important decisions. This is a moon to go with the flow on as Pisces is mutable and always shifting and changing. Don’t be surprised if your dreams aren’t more vivid than usual.

Fall solstice is here

September 22^nd, the Sun enters Libra and this is the fall solstice which arrives at 9:04 PM, EDT ushering in the Libra season!

On this day, the Sun conjuncts Mercury. With this transit we can expect a great deal of communication whether it is by phone, email or in person. As the Sun rules the ego, this aspect can come across as others acting in a willful manner, and egos can come into play as can restlessness and irritation.

Libra is the sign that rules the 7^th house of marriage, partnerships and courts and Libra’s ruling planet is Venus. Venus is concerned with money, beauty, love and values and our energies will be focused on relationships and others during this time, or alternatively you could meet someone new that becomes significant with the Sun in Libra.

Make plans to socialize to the extant you can but don’t overbook yourself and then flake out. This can be the downside of Libra along with procrastination. Libra can get so caught up in the pursuit of fairness, justice and looking at things from a detached angle they sometimes never get where they want to go by over thinking every point of view they encounter.

Since Libra is an Air sign thoughts and ideas at this time will be large, and somewhat detached. Air signs are the thinkers and initiators, and don’t like to slow down most of the time. This will be amplified because of Mar’s transit through Gemini, so our actions during this season will come as a result of ideas.

Libra does not like arguments, ugly comments, sordid situations or cruelty. The big clash you were expecting to have with your new boss or your best friend about the way things are going may no longer seem so important after all. With Libra, people want to feel the love most of all.

You may find yourself getting more annoyed with anything that does not contribute to your own personal harmony, and may want to eliminate those who create drama or trauma in your life. The Libra season will be time to take a look at who is in your life, why they are there, and whether your own needs are being fulfilled in the important relationships in your life.

Venus enters Libra

The planet that rules money, values and love enters Libra August 29^th where it will remain until October 23^rd.  Venus in Libra is considered ‘at home,’ and very powerful. Venus is actually ruled by two signs-Taurus and Libra. Venus has been considered at its fall in Virgo, which means Venusian energy does not operate smoothly or at its best, so we can expect a major energy shift for the better.

Relationships of all types may seem lighter, happier and people will be more inclined to keep the peace rather than arguing, being critical, or bringing up deep seated issues. This sign is much more relationship and partner oriented. Rude, crude or abrasive behavior will be a real turn off for most people with Venus in Libra.

As this placement affect us all, social justice will likely become front and center with Venus in Libra, and we could see a little more compromise and desire to cooperate. Women’s issues may also be forefront with this placement.

Venus in Libra likes style and attractiveness. Now is the time to improve your wardrobe, hairstyle or anything else you feel is not up to par. Libra is drawn to beauty and it could be hard to stay on a budget if you see something that grabs your eye!

Venus in Libra is a Cardinal Air sign which predisposes a logical nature, and Cardinal signs don’t slack off. Being an Air sign, Libra likes conversation, intelligence and those who can communicate their feelings and aren’t afraid to do so. Venus in this sign is romantic, soft and likes situations that are pleasing to the senses and the intellect.

With Venus in Libra you could have a problem making up your mind about something. As this is a sign concerned with justice and fairness sometimes it may be hard to come to a concrete conclusion because of a tendency to look at all sides of the issue. This sign can also procrastinate. Equality between partners is forefront on the minds of those with Venus in Libra. At times you may compromise rather than rock the boat.