New Moon in Virgo: Healing ourselves

 

The New moon for September falls in the morning hours of September 17, at 25 degrees of Virgo bringing the Virgo season to a close within a few days. Virgo is the sign that rules the 6^th house of work, health and service to others. Virgo is strongly connected with healing that can occur on a mental or physical level. Now is the time to focus on your health, well-being and healing what ails you or those you are close to.

Mercury in Libra has entered the Cardinal square that is ruling the skies creating havoc and stress these days or in other words, retrograde Mars in Aries square Saturn, Jupiter and Pluto in Capricorn. This is harsh and frustrating energy that will be with us well into October. On this moon Mercury (in Libra) is square Jupiter, which has a tendency to blow many things out of proportion or we could hear some type of news concerning courts, lawyers or the law. Mercury will square both Pluto and Saturn during this lunar cycle on September 21 and 23^rd, bringing more issues to light that could also create tension and stress in our own lives and on the world stage.

This New Moon in Virgo can come across to some as overly critical or picky but at the end of the day Virgo was made to help others. This Virgo moon may come across like a teacher or counselor who is there to support you even though you may not like all she has to say.  Virgo is all about hard work and achieving a state of excellence by doing things correctly.

This Moon is supported by Pluto which will bring about some profound and deep feelings as well as Saturn, the planet of material things, responsibility, hard work and older people. It is also supported by Jupiter, the planet of gain and expansion which is now direct. This is all positive and some good can come of it especially through Dr.’s, lawyers, older people, or someone who inspires you.

The Sun and the moon are conjunct as they are on every new moon, but they oppose Neptune in Pisces which is a powerful opposition ruling the 6^th/12^th axis of the zodiac, or the houses of healing and service to others. Pisces/Neptune rules the 12^th house of hospitals, endings and things that are unseen such as faith, religion and compassion or lies and delusion. Neptune in Pisces represents the suffering of large numbers of people in the world at this time.

On a personal level suffering could be caused by some sort of personal delusion such as a toxic relationship you need to let go of or something else such as Covid, unemployment, health issues, financial problems or any other number of things depending on where it falls in your chart.

In the collective we are currently dealing with a worldwide pandemic, financial and political issues, race relations, propaganda, massive wildfires and lost lives as well as hurricane damage. There are those without homes or money such as the millions of migrants who seek solace in other place far from their birth. As this moon conjuncts Neptune in the US chart, we could hear more news about Covid or race relations.

We will see many of these situations play out over this new moon; issues with the sick, stranded, and those who have lost homes or loved ones. We will also watch those who come to the forefront to help and serve as well as others who bury their heads in the sand. Of course everyone is not called to serve or help at every turn but we will see these polarities in society play out.

At this juncture you may see or be involved in a situation where you have a choice of helping someone else, or showing compassion or you could get caught up in the suffering or delusional side of Pisces. In this case you may experience a loss or ending and need compassion from others yourself. Virgo can also deal with self care, and getting real about many things.

In society, the incongruities of these two extremes; serving others or suffering will play out in obvious ways. Water related weather issues could be a problem along with more negative news about Covid. We will see those who decide to help in practical ways such as Dr.’s, nurses, rescue workers or those who work in religious groups providing assistance as an example. We will also see those who choose to ignore or deny others suffering, or promote propaganda which creates more division.

This moon is all about service to ourselves and others or closing our eyes to the difficult events that are unfolding every day. Do you choose to help others (Virgo) or will you contribute to the lack of clarity, divisiveness and the suffering of others by refusing to acknowledge their plight? Not all are meant to run large philanthropic organizations or make decisions that affect big groups of people.  The new moon may simply bring new awakenings and awareness of those around us as well as ourselves. Sometimes a simple nod or friendly hello to someone who is feeling downtrodden and hopeless can create a positive affect that can change someone’s direction. The energy is all there on this new moon, it is up to us to direct it.

The God of War turns retrograde

^{Mars turns retrograde September 9th at 28 degrees of Aries. It will remain in a stressful square with Saturn all month.}

^{Some things that could happen with retrograde Mars:}

^{-You begin a passionate love affair that  seems like the ideal to the point you are thinking of wedding bells. Mars turns direct and you discover that he (or she) actually has a girlfriend (or boyfriend) they have had a falling out with and decided to ‘give it another try.’}

^{-You get a job that seems like a perfect match and things go well. Mars turns direct and you discover your new boss is really an ogre.}

^{-You go on a pleasant hike at the local park, slip on wet leaves and find yourself in the ER and a cast for the next two months.}

^{While these examples are worst case scenario, retrograde Mars is definitely a transit to respect and be aware of We will make many changes during these weeks, and awareness is important. Let’s look deeper!}

The planet Mars rules our action, our egos and men. It also rules passion and sex, our ability (or inability) to assert ourselves, and how we pursue our goals. It is the planet that rules war and police as well as guns and violence which is why astrologers refer to Mars as “The God of War.” Mars placement and sign it occupies in your chart indicate how you approach your objectives, take action and in a woman’s chart it shows the kind of man she is attracted to (along with the Sun and Venus). Mars is typically associated with men, and Venus with women but they are not entirely gender specific and we all have both planets in our charts.

When we have a difficult Mars transit occurring by square or opposition especially, we typically suffer some type of setback, agitation or anger. Mars transits can also indicate surgery or accidents but typically this is not the case, as we will experience multiple Mars transits each year. If a difficult Mars transit occurs along with another more substantial transit it can play a role in major life changes or events.

Mars entered Aries June 27^th and will remain there until January 6, 2021. Mars is Aries is very powerful as it is considered by astrologers to be ‘at home’ in this sign. Aries rules the first house of the zodiac which represents the self; or ourselves. With Mars in this sign we are interested in our own priorities and wishes. Which means everyone else is interested in their priorities as well, and herein lies the problem. Mars in this sign is not prone to compromise or backing up and can be very aggressive. Unfortunately, we will see a great deal of aggression and anger in the world during this cycle and especially the latter part of September into October as Mars will bring some major clashes in all likelihood between opposing forces.  Politics will play a big role and we will see political scandals and those who behave very badly. During the time Mars is retrograde we will back up and reconsider many situations and how to deal with them more effectively going forward.

Mars is within orb of Saturn all month. This will be a frustrating time where we could experience some anger issues, frustration and setbacks.

Mars retrograde  occurs once about every 2 years. Mars was last retrograde June 27-August 23, 2018. Take a look back at what was happening in your life at that time and you could have a clue as to how things will go this time.  When Mars turns retrograde it can coincide with major events if it is aspecting your personal chart as well as significant world events. People complain of low energy, tiredness, frustration and anger. We often become more accident prone with retrograde Mars, and we may reconsider many different situations.

Retrograde Mars can affect your love life as if Covid  and social isolation wasn’t  bad enough. Mars is associated with our sex drive and how we approach this area of life. Some may experience a low libido or even lack of interest in sex. Relationships can change or end altogether with a retrograde Mars, but unless your relationship is in trouble anyway, it is unlikely it will end. Beginning a new relationship on a retrograde Mars is questionable at best. Even if it seems as though things are going beautifully, it could change when Mars turns direct. If you are single it may be a good idea to take some time out for YOU.  Do the things you like, start a diet or exercise program in preparation for when Mars does turn direct. Just take a break from dating new people, or move forward at your own emotional risk.

Mars rules metal and this includes cars and knives. It is important to remember when the warrior planet turns retrograde we need to exercise more caution in our day to day activities so we don’t end up in the emergency clinic. Don’t take unnecessary risks on a physical level or while driving. Mars also rules or stamina and if you seem overly tired you may simply need more rest during this nine week period.

August 13-24^th Mars squared, or clashed with both Pluto and Saturn. This was harsh energy and many experienced problems, frustrations and issues at this time. We saw major world events involving the political world, protests and police shootings, severe wildfires in California, and hurricanes that caused devastation in the Caribbean and the Southern border of the US. As Mars retrogrades and hits this degree again we will experience these same cardinal clashes for the second time September 29, (Mars square Saturn) and October 9, (Mars square Pluto). Of course these dates represent the day the transit is exact, and we will feel the energy in the days before and after just like we did in August. If you were affected by Mars on the above mentioned dates, you will likely be affected again.

Below is a chart of the area of life retrograde Mars will affect you. If you know your ascendant use that, if not use your Sun sign.

Aries-the 1^st house of self and self-interest

Taurus-the 12^th house of isolation, hospitals and places of seclusion and the subconscious mind.

Gemini-11^th house of groups, friends and wishes.

Cancer-10^th house of career and reputation.

Leo-9^th house of education, travel, publishing, religion, law and world view.

Virgo-8^th house of sex, investments, taxes, debt and joint finances. It also represents transformation and in some cases you could hear of a death.

Libra-7^th house of marriage and partnerships.

Scorpio-6^th house of work and health.

Sagittarius-5^th house of children, friends and love.

Capricorn-4^th house of home and family as well as the personal foundation.

Aquarius-3^rd house of neighbors, short trips and imeadeate family.

Pisces-2^nd house of money, finances.

Mars will finally turn direct on November 14, and after this date things will begin to ease up and return to normal. This will be the time to implement all of the plans we have thought about and re-considered over the past several months. Mars will remain in the sign Aries until it moves into Taurus on January 6, 2021.

Full moon in Pisces: Real or not?

When the Harvest Moon occurs in October close to the autumn equinox, September’s moon is called the ‘Corn Moon.’ The full moon lunar peak for September occurs at 1:22 AM, EDT September 2, at 10 degrees of Pisces.

The Full Moon in Pisces has great sensitivity and perception. This energy can however, create insecurity and make things seem worse than what they really are or alternatively you can benefit from the creativity or spirituality that is also associated with the sign. For some this can be a magical or other-worldly type of energy and for others it may bring up deep seated issues that can relate to emotionalism and endings.

Pisces rules the 12^th house of the zodiac or the segment of the chart that concerns endings, hospitals, places of confinement and our subconscious thought. The 12^th house can also be associated with things that are secret and hidden that are revealed at this time. Pisces/Neptune has a tendency toward bringing up information that was previously hidden and the revelations can be deeply emotional. Sometimes the dream can even die.

The planetary rulers of the sign Pisces are Neptune and Jupiter. Neptune is the planet associated with delusion, confusion and illusion or lies along with dreams, psychic experiences, creativity and drugs.  Neptune can be a double edged sword and you can soar to the moon or sink to the lowest depths. Jupiter is the planet of gain and expansion and it increases whatever it touches for the better or worst. With this moon our judgment may also be clouded. It will be a thin line to walk between your perceptions which will be heightened and your sense of what is real and what is not real.

The Sun’s opposition to the Moon can bring family, home and intimate relationships into focus. Opposing forces such as what you want, balanced against what you have can drain your energies at this time if you are not careful.

The Moon’s sextile to Uranus can bring about sudden and unexpected situations, especially relating to women, or new ways of approaching things. As the Sun also trines Uranus we may look at new ways of approaching old problems.

The most significant energies connected to this moon are associated with the Cardinal t-square between Mars in Aries, Venus in Cancer and Pluto-Saturn in Capricorn. A t-square is a stressful aspect that pulls in the energies of all planets involved.

Venus opposing Saturn can be difficult for love, expressing your feelings or social events. Some people can feel lonely, unloved or unlovable, and some relationships may end at this time, but typically it would be those that are tottering on the edge and are not stable. This can also be a transit indicative of financial issues. Venus square Mars can create an interest in romance but it is frequently based on the physical rather than an emotional connection. This can also indicate jealousy and emotional issues between the sexes.

Mars square Saturn is typically indicative of blocks and frustration. At this time and especially the few days before most people will experience a block somewhere in their lives.

Mercury in Virgo may come to the rescue however as Virgo is a stable and grounded sign. As the planet of communication meets up with Saturn this will give us the ability to discern what we need to know and look at things in a more practical and rounded way.

September 2020: Jupiter and Saturn turn direct, Mars retrogrades!

During September Mars turns retrograde, making a total of 6 out of 10 planets retrograde for the first several weeks of the month slowing things down so we can reconsider our ideas and plans.  

Jupiter, the planet of gain and expansion finally turns direct increasing our chances of success just before mid-month.  By the end of the month Saturn will also turn direct allowing us to move forward on certain projects that may have been put on hold and find our direction. The Sun enters Libra in September, marking the fall solstice and the official start of fall.  Venus the planet of love, leaves Cancer for Leo providing us with a little more summer fun before the colder weather and Mercury, the planet of communication will move through three signs this month. It’s an action packed month, so let’s get started!

September’s full moon

We begin the month with magical full moon in the sign of Pisces. This Full Moon has great sensitivity and perception and for some it will seem like an other worldly or spiritual energy. This is a great time for any creative idea or spiritual pursuit. Pisces is known for its compassion but this moon will be a double edged sword. As Pisces is ruled by the planet Neptune (and Jupiter) you can soar to the highest of highs or sink to the lowest of lows.

Pisces rules the 12^th house of the zodiac or the segment of the chart that concerns endings, hospitals, places of confinement and our subconscious thoughts. The 12^th house can also be associated with things that are secret and hidden that can be revealed at this time. Pisces/Neptune has a tendency toward bringing up information that was previously hidden and the revelations can be deeply emotional.

Neptune is the planet associated with delusion, confusion and illusion or lies along with dreams, psychic experiences, creativity, religion, compassion, theater and even drugs. It is also associated with the ocean and water and we will see events connected to both. 

 Jupiter is the planet of gain and expansion and it increases whatever it touches for the better or worst. With this moon our judgment may be clouded as the moon will conjunct Neptune. It will be a thin line to walk between your perceptions which will be heightened and your sense of what is real and what is not real. In the larger picture it begs the question of what are we willing to do as a society/world to help those less fortunate or marginalized.

The most significant energies connected to this moon are associated with the Cardinal t-square between Mars in Aries, Venus in Cancer and Pluto-Saturn in Capricorn. A t-square is a stressful aspect that pulls in the energies of all planets involved.

Venus opposing Saturn can be difficult for love, expressing your feelings or social events. Some people can feel lonely, unloved or unlovable, and some relationships may end at this time, but typically it would be those that are tottering on the edge and not stable. This can also be a transit indicative of financial issues. Venus square Mars can create an interest in romance but it is frequently based on the physical rather than an emotional connection. It can also indicate jealousy and emotional issues between the sexes. Mars square Saturn is an ongoing transit through September that creates a certain amount of frustration, and it represents blocks we must overcome.

Mercury in Virgo may come to the rescue as Virgo is a stable and grounded sign. As the planet of communication meets up with Saturn this will give us the ability to discern what we need to know and look at things in a more practical and rounded way.

This Moon will play out in the world in terms of unclear and convoluted situations and hidden information may be revealed. It is likely we will hear news of religion or faith based groups and we will also see instances of great compassion and creativity. Neptune rules the ocean, water and gasses and we will be dealing with water related weather situations.  The Moon’s conjunction with Neptune will not be positive concerning the spread of Covid-19.

Big changes in communication as Mercury enters Libra

September 5, the planet of communication leaves Virgo to enter Libra. Over the next three weeks our thoughts will turn toward partnerships of all types. Many of us will be thinking of romance as Libra is ruled by Venus, and Libra rules the 7^th house of marriage and partners. As Mercury in Virgo can be somewhat critical, Libra likes to find balance and please others. Conversation will take on a friendlier as opposed to critical tone. Libra is about finding balance, after all.

September 27, Mercury enters Scorpio until where it will remain through most of October. Scorpio rules the 8^th house of transformation, secrets and sex. While in this sign communication will be investigative in nature as Scorpio likes to dig into issues and the superficial will not suffice. As an intuitive water sign Scorpio often goes on feelings and intuition, especially when something does not seem right. Deep feelings will come to the surface and we can expect to see some drama play out in conversations.

Venus enters Leo

Romance will take a different turn as Venus enters Leo September 6^th. Shakespeare must have been thinking of Venus in Leo when he wrote, “All the world’s a stage and all the men and women merely players. They have their exits and their entrances, and one man in his time plays many parts.” Leo is bold and dramatic and many will play out their dramas in real life at this time. There will be a great deal of acting out and people will speak their minds and their needs in a bigger way.  Some may appear or come across as flashier or make grand gestures toward those they are romantically attracted to. Venus in Leo is about having fun, and can perhaps extend the excitement of summer just a little longer.

Mars turns retrograde

September 9^th, Mars turns stationary retrograde at 28 degrees of Aries, and it will remain retrograde until November 14^th. When Mars is retrograde people complain of tiredness, low energy and anger or agitation. Sometimes people operate in a more manipulative manner instead of facing conflict openly. Physical complaints can appear, frustration may increase, and people may experience more ‘bad moods.’  Mars rules our ego and actions so many things can change direction at this juncture. Mars also rules men, so we may also experience some relationship changes over the next few months as this powerful planet changes direction.

Mars is in Aries, the sign of its rulership making it very powerful. Aries rules the 1^st house or the self, so there will be a focus on the self, or what each individual wants.

As with any retrograde planet, we will backtrack during this time, re-consider our options and some things may be delayed or changed.

As Mars is in a Cardinal sign, this means energy is prone to changeability and action. Mars will square Saturn, Pluto and Jupiter and during these times we will see change, stress and anger when this occurs. Mars squared Pluto August 13^th, and it squared Saturn August 24^th.  We saw many events at this time including protests, shootings, wildfires and hurricanes. While Mars only moves a couple of degrees away from Saturn this energy will occur again September 29^th but it is basically with us for most of September. 

Mars will square Pluto again October 9^th. If you were affected on the above mentioned dates, you will be affected again as Mars repeats these transits. It is possible that some of the same issues will re-occur. It is highly likely we will see protests and police activities as well.

Mars-Saturn relates to frustration, blocked energy, aggravation, and potential arguments, accidents and disagreements. Mars is the God of War, and Saturn is the taskmaster, often acting like a brick wall stopping or slowing down our efforts. 

Mars rules our energy and in some way it may seem restricted. This can be a period where we don't have the vigor we are accustomed to, and we may feel limited or slowed down in some way.

The best way to deal with this transit is to proceed with caution, slowly and methodically as you go about your activities.  Used constructively, you may accomplish more than you think.

The best advice is to use caution in your dealings with others as they can lash out if angered or irritated, and you could regret bringing up controversial subjects. Use care as this can lead to accidents.

Jupiter turns direct!

September 12^th, Jupiter finally turns direct at 17 degrees of Capricorn. Jupiter rules our luck and expansion and it has been retrograde since mid-May. If Jupiter turns direct on a planet in your chart amazing things may happen and your luck or gain can increase.  This is typically a positive and upbeat change. Look below to see where Jupiter affects you. Use your ascendant if you know it, otherwise your Sun sign. Jupiter will affect us all in some way.

Aries-10^th house of career and reputation.

Taurus-9^th house of travel, publishing, education, world view and legal matters.

Gemini-8^th house of partner’s money, sex, credit and transformation.

Cancer-7^th house of relationships and partnerships along with courts.

Leo-6^th house of work and health

Virgo-5^th house of love, friends and children.

Libra-4^th house of home and family.

Scorpio-3^rd house of immediate family, co-workers, neighbors.

Sagittarius-2^nd house of money and income.

Capricorn-1^st house of self.

September’s New Moon

September 17, a new moon falls at 25 degrees of Virgo. The Virgo season is the time to get our life in order as we wind down from the summer months. Virgo rules the 6^th house of work and health and Virgo has a connection to healing, both mental and physical. Now is the time to set your intentions for the upcoming month.

The Libra season

Fall arrives as the Sun enters Libra at 9:31 AM, EDT. This is otherwise known as the Fall equinox and the Libra season is upon us. Libra is the Cardinal sign of fall when the weather begins to change in many parts of the country.

Libra rules the 7^th house of marriage and partnerships, and Libra’s ruling planet is Venus. When the Sun enters Libra we tend to think more about relationships and partnerships and make more of an effort to get along and compromise with others as Libra does not like conflict. The symbol for Libra is the scales of justice.  Keywords for Libra are social, romantic, fair and just, elegant and charming. On the negative end Libra can be passive-aggressive, fickle or at times obsessive.

The Cardinal squares of Mercury

September 17, Mercury squares Jupiter and this becomes part of the New moon energy. This is typically a positive and upbeat transit but conversation or other situations may become blown out of proportion.

September 21, Mercury enters its Cardinal square to Pluto. As Mercury, along with Jupiter, Saturn and Pluto are in Cardinal signs-Libra, Cancer, Capricorn or Aries-this square can bring significant change in the world and our lives. Mercury square Pluto is prone to digging for answers and nothing superficial will suffice. This transit can bring new information to light or be prone to obsessions, arguments and irritation. Problems may arise with communication, especially in relationships and this will be a significant news day. Mercury squares Saturn September 23, and this can manifest as a tiring or draining day. Conversation will be on the serious rather than light side, leading to important discussions. It is important to keep a positive attitude as this transit can lean toward the negative if we allow it to.

September 24, Mercury opposes Mars in Aries. This is a day prone to arguments, irritation and potential accidents. On the positive end it could be a good day for debate or planning if you can avoid getting verbally heated to the point of a disagreement.

Saturn turns direct

September 29^th, Saturn stations direct at 25 degrees of Capricorn. When transiting Saturn is retrograde, and we experience a Saturn transit in our personal charts, the retrograde of Saturn is typically the most difficult period of the transit. Saturn turned retrograde May 11, and retrogrades every year for about four months. You have been experiencing a difficult Saturn transit if you have planets in your chart at 24-26 degrees of Capricorn, Cancer, Libra or Aries.

As Saturn turns direct this can be good news for many issues and situations that have been stuck or in some way or unproductive, and this is true for both the individual and the collective.  Saturn can represent a reality check in many areas of our lives and even in the world, especially as it stations direct.

While Saturn was retrograde many problems were internalized that were cloudy and difficult to figure out. As the planet of karma or the taskmaster as Saturn is called goes direct, we find resolutions to issues that may have been difficult to solve and we can start moving forward, especially in the area of work and business. If you are starting a new business it is always best to start it with Saturn direct if possible.

Other transits of significance in September:

September 4^th, Venus square Mars. This is indicative of jealousy and trouble between the sexes. The other side of this transit is sexual attraction, but if this is the case it may be based purely on the physical. Money issues could crop up.

Mercury also sextiles Venus on this day which is positive, upbeat and good for any type of communication or social activity. This day is overall positive in terms of social matters.

September 9, the Sun trines Jupiter. This is an upbeat and positive day for business or pleasure. Expand your world in some way.

September 11, the Sun opposes Neptune. This falls within 48 hours of Mar’s retrograde and is confusing and there is often a lack of clarity. At worst this transit is deceptive so be careful what you believe and Mars backward motion could make things worse. It can seem melancholy, but can also stimulate your intuition.

September 15, Venus squares Uranus. Uranus is the planet of sudden and unpredictable events. This can be a day of surprises where you try something new or approach things in a different manner. Change can be inevitable on this day so it can be a day of excitement or a day of unanticipated surprises. Best to go with the flow and enjoy the unexpected. It is possible there will be unexpected financial news or change.

September 17, the Sun trines Saturn. This is an excellent day for work or accomplishment that occurs in an easy manner.

September 28, Venus trines Mars. This is a positive day for love or your social life. It can also be of benefit financially or for business.

Mars square Saturn: Blocks and frustration

Mars has entered its square to Saturn which will not complete until August 24^th. We will feel this energy in the days before and after this aspect. As Mars turns retrograde September 9^th, it is moving very slowly making ‘the God of war’ more powerful. This transit will repeat itself during Mar’s retrograde September 28- October 1. Issues that crop up now may come up again when this transit returns.

This will aspect your chart personally if you have cardinal planets: Aries, Libra, Cancer or Capricorn at 25-26 degrees.

Mars-Saturn relates to frustration, blocked energy, aggravation, and potential arguments, accidents and disagreements as well as basic irritability. Mars is the God of War, and Saturn is the taskmaster, often acting like a brick wall stopping or slowing down our efforts. 

Mars rules our energy and in some way it may seem restricted. This can be a period where we don't have the vigor we are accustomed to, and we may feel limited or slowed down in some way.

Mars-Saturn is often associated with cruelty in astrology or situations that seem this way.

The best way to deal with this transit is to proceed with caution, slowly and methodically as you go about your week. Used constructively, you may accomplish more than you think.

My advice is to use caution in your dealings with others as they can lash out if angered or irritated, and you could regret bringing up controversial subjects.

This transit will play out in the world as well as our personal lives and we can experience significant news-not that everyday isn’t significant at this time, but Mars-Saturn will be bigger than normal.

Saturn-Mars transits typically involve military and police affairs, and we can expect to see a great deal of upheaval over these few days. Unfortunately, violence would not be surprising.

Mars enters its Cardinal squares

Mars has entered its square to Pluto which will represent a tense and volatile time in the world. This transit is exact August 13-16, but the energy will be felt in the days before and after. Mars then enters its square to Saturn which is exact August 24^th, but the energy will remain with us throughout the month of September as Mars turns retrograde September 9^th. It may be worthwhile to pay attention to what happens over these days as these squares will repeat themselves several times before Mars leaves Aries in January 2021.

Mars-Pluto is an obsessive and volatile transit capable of producing conflict, anger, rage and abuse on many levels. Some things may end, but for some situations and projects may also come together at this time. Projects and situations reaching a peak can be one manifestation of this transit. Situations or additional information can also be revealed as Pluto transits typically reveal new information. Pluto-Mars often relates to manipulation, sex, money, power or control. Mars-Pluto transits at their worse are indicative of physical violence, jealousy and rage.

At its best, this transit may transform or regenerate something that needed to change.  Issues may finally be resolved one way or another and this can include relationships, business, and they way you approach things. It can also eliminate old conditions and create new ones, but even if this is the case, nothing comes easily at this time.

The best choice with a transit like this is to use clear thinking and pick your battles carefully because if you take a shot and someone, expect repercussions.

You will experience this transit to a greater degree if it is aspecting your personal natal chart. If this is the case you have a Cardinal planet-Aries, Libra, Cancer or Capricorn at 23-24 degrees. If this does not affect your personal chart you could see this transit play out in terms of those around you.

On the world stage Mars-Pluto transits typically deal with violence and aggression, the abuse of power, media, finances and those pushing an agenda.

In mundane astrology Saturn represents the state and its institutions, as well as control and propaganda.

Mars rules men and guns and this transit is also connected to crime and criminal undertakings or forcing an agenda. It can involve nuclear weapons or events. This aspect hits the chart of Donald Trump who is on a downhill swing due to Pluto’s opposition to his natal Saturn which often deals with a loss of power. Mars will set off the Pluto-Saturn opposition in his chart and bring major problems and issues to the forefront.

Mars will also square Mercury in the chart of Vladimir Putin, setting off his transiting transiting Pluto-Mercury square. This will deal with propaganda, secret information and it is possible new information will be revealed.

Mars will square Pluto again October 9^th and December 23^rd.

Mars squares Saturn

Following Mars square to Pluto it begins its square to Saturn becoming exact on August 24. Mars-Saturn transits relate to frustration, delays and obstacles. Much work can be accomplished with a great deal of effort.

Mars rules our energy and in some way it may seem or feel restricted. This can be a period where we don't have the vigor we are accustomed to, and we may feel limited or slowed down in some way.

Mars-Saturn can result in anger and it is often considered a transit of some form of cruelty or it may seem that way.

The best way to deal with this transit is to proceed with caution, slowly and methodically as you go about your week. Used constructively, you may accomplish more than you think.

My advice is to use caution in your dealings with others as they can lash out if angered or irritated, and you could regret bringing up controversial subjects.

Saturn-Mars transits typically involve military and police affairs in the world and we can expect to see a great deal of upheaval over these few days if not violence.  

Mars will remain within 2 degrees of Saturn throughout the month of September, giving us a lengthy period of time under this restrictive energy.

Mars –Saturn will be exact again September 29^th.

Mercurial energy changes as the planet of communication enters Leo

Due to its retrograde we have gone through a nearly 2 and a half month long season of Mercury in Cancer. Energy changes drastically when the planet of communication enters Leo August 4^th.

We have experienced two retrogrades so far this year in water signs. Mercury was retrograde in Pisces February and March. This has given us a long period of emotional reflection and awareness and there are many things we should have learned during this time about our own emotional lives and those of others but now they way we think and communicate will change considerably.

 Leo is ruled by the Sun which represents us or our true inner self. Our perspective can become ego-centered (which we will see plenty of) or it can become focused on what our needs really are without being self centered toward others. At this time we have the possibility of focusing on what we really need and want. Mercury in Leo is a time to be your own best supporter, as well as those of others. The focus of Mercury over the next 2 weeks will be on what brings us the most joy, happiness and fun.

Mercury in Leo is more expressive, playful and dramatic than any other sign. While Mercury is in Leo the way we speak or even write can be designed to get others attention or simply get some type of rise out of someone else. Our communication takes on leonine qualities and the way we present ourselves and our ideas will be far more bold, expressive and direct. At best self expression can manifest itself in a creative and dramatic manner meant to draw in those who are most significant whether in love, friendship or business.

At worst communication can be too dramatic in nature and lean toward emotional outbursts rather than a creative expression of what we want. Take care not to let your conversation become too over bearing, demanding or provocative toward others. They same goes for being overly exuberant in your expression of emotions. Think about what you really wish to convey before expressing it. As Leo is a fire sign it may be hard to tone things down and come across in a manner that doesn’t overwhelm others. We can also expect a certain amount of gas-lighting and attention grabbing maneuvers with Mercury in this sign. But, all in all communication should tend toward being positive, upbeat and a little more playful if not enjoyable. That’s not bad in these overly serious times.