September 2008

September Overview: Jupiter retrograde; Pluto direct; Venus/Mars new cycle; Mercury retrograde

Although we can feel reluctant to admit that sun and fun season has come to an end, we’ll don the yoke of back to work or school routines quite naturally. Getting down to business may be a slow gait to begin with (especially for those dealing with Gustav and other crises), but past this first week of September, the unleashing of Jupiter (Sept 8) and powerhouse Pluto (Sept 9) from their retrograde cycles flicks a big forward thrust switch. Note the coincidence – television programs are making the switch to high density viewing on these dates. Jupiter and Pluto in direct motion again signals that the race is on in full force; it’s the start of the final stretch to the US November 4 presidential election. It should come as no surprise to see political campaigning intensify greatly in coming weeks.

When Jupiter tours retrograde, we are prompted to inner questioning which necessarily results in an adjustment or revision of direction. This has certainly been the case for Hillary Clinton, whose political momentum unraveled once Jupiter began retrograde (followed by Neptune retrograde, Pluto retrograde backing into Sagittarius, and the final nail on the coffin, Uranus retrograde.) Now, as Jupiter completes retrograde, she has repackaged her message and has returned to the public spotlight with resilient force (her speech at the DNC was described as dynamic and inspiring.)

Pluto’s return to direct motion signals its final tour of Sagittarius, Sept 9 through end of November, provides one last opportunity to secure the option on our future by reaching out to maximize on the best and brightest of potentials now. Choice is still up for grabs. Once Pluto leaves Sagittarius, the dictates of a new program and new world order will be upon us. The necessities of Pluto in Capricorn’s era (through 2024), that of the restructuring of everyday reality, will place significant new limits on our every move.

Venus and Mars begin a new relationship cycle Sept 11 in the sign of Libra, with Mercury tagging along. As a social sign, this Libra fresh start suggests that we can attract new people, and new types of people too. We also have an opportunity to create a new way of expressing ourselves when in relationship. This new approach extends to the way we attract and handle money too, and how we evaluate and create our overall material wellbeing. Mercury’s involvement suggests friends can cross the threshold to lovers, and that lovers have the potential to become better friends. Mercury and Mars also suggest that there can be separations, partners, friends, or acquaintances can leave our lives now too.

On a broader note, Mercury suggests it pays to advertise, so know that appearances factor more prominently now. McCain seems to have gotten this message; note his choice of a woman as his running mate (does this act ring of transparency?)  It is interesting to note that on the Nov 4 election, Mercury will start the day in the sign of Libra but finishes it in Scorpio. (Scorpio can be empowering and has many fine attributes, but it can also correlate to underhandedness, secrets, manipulation and subterfuge.) While it appears that Obama seems have to gained more media prominence and seems to many as the obvious favorite (Mercury in Libra), don’t under-estimate the power of the competition or behind the scenes workings. We may not truly know who will win the race until the last moment, but we can expect the results to illicit a very emotional outpouring. Beyond the controversy and backlash, hopefully Nov 4 will translate into a vote for positive political change in keeping with the advancing times (rather than create a throwback to the past.)  I will write more about the election planetary influences in a future post.

Noting that the last three Venus/Mars cycles (Nov 2006, Dec 2004, and Dec 2002) have initiated in the sign of Scorpio have been particularly transforming. Many of us have been working through our personal shadow journeys and also through relationship betrayals and loss. For those who have faced a tough go, hopefully this next Venus/Mars cycle in Libra will tip the scales in the other direction so that our desires call forth from a more loving and joyous pool. This new Venus/Mars cycle lasts until April 22 2009 and provides opportunity for the taking. Reach out in a new way and you could create a winner’s hand.

On a general note, mover and shaker Mercury’s involvement with Venus and Mars suggest your best advantages lie in knowing who you friends are and what they are up to. Agents, friends, mediators, promoters, and lawyers can be instrumental in providing that leg up. It pays to get moving, get circulating, get educated. Talk yourself or your products up; network, socialize, scout, negotiate, compare, compete; write, compose. Mercury in Libra can also ignite a spirit of friendly competition, which can sometimes be a good thing. Then again, competition can also be costly or disconcerting, (especially if we find ourselves in a three-way relationship that has not been agreed upon.)

Mercury turns retrograde Sept 24 to Oct 15. The free-flowing influence of Neptune can ignite romance and creativity, but it also suggests that we can be more susceptible than usual to seeing what we want to see. Our folly can be in projection, expectations, laxity, over-indulgence, vulnerability. We can take things too casually, assuming that others are on the same page, or that they will play fair. We can get lazy or indulge in financial wastefulness. While it’s possible to get away with a little more, in some cases, it can prove to be costly later. Keep principles and integrity in mind and don’t cross unacceptable thresholds. Of course, the typical Mercury retrograde warnings are in effect: lock up, take extra precautions with your health and valuables, don’t drink and drive, don’t take promises at face value, don’t ignore warning signals and think safety first. On another note, if you have felt jammed up or are usually a resistant type, this pliable Mercury/Neptune combination can help you to drop your guards long enough to let others in.

Jupiter in Capricorn and Saturn in Virgo facilitate each other beautifully this month and stay in trine through the end of the year. This manifesting combination brings the longer-term bigger-picture into a sharper, down to earth view. It is one of planning, foresight, and visible results. When you employ a realistic, eyes-open approach combined with patience, diligence and extra caution through Mercury’s retrograde cycle, greater than usual strides can be made. If you can see it as possible, it is already half-the-way built.

Dates to note: Sept 3, 8, 9, 11 – 14, 20, 21 – 24.  (Full Moon, Sept 14; New Moon Sept 29.)

Mercury retrograde: Sept 24 (22 Libra) to Oct 15 (7 Libra)

ARIES (MARCH 20 – APRIL 19)

Put head and heart together and you’ll find yourself heading in the right direction with plenty extra to show for yourself. It’s a time to lay new foundations and to harvest the benefits of past efforts too. Determination and resolve are among your chief assets, a proper attitude and consistent work ethic serves you well too. As the saying goes, it isn’t so much what you know, but who you know. Mercury, Venus and Mars in Libra have signed you up for a popularity contest. The month ahead puts an especially high emphasis on your social life, your connections, and your public persona. Libra stars also draw added attention to the balancing act between needs and wants. Teamwork, significant partnerships, joint ventures, and key people/supporters factor more prominently now too. Pertaining to romance, friendship, or business/financial matters, a key person can enter your life now.  A new business venture/investment with a friend, a sibling, or your significant other could be lucrative, so long as you start with open, honest communication, fair play, equal participation, and there’s no unsavory competition between you. It’s a month to make connections, gain support, groom customer loyalty, and to engage in talks and negotiations. A lucrative contract can be in the works, Banking, contracts or legal negotiations can also be top priority. Take care of business before Mercury turns retrograde. Although the cycle can be a mild one, there’s a propensity for buying into the potential or romance, and for missing the real story.  Sept 3, 4 can bring you to an important decision or finalization. Sept 8, 9, 11 -15 can move circumstances into a faster forward. Mercury retrograde can see a backtracking on promises, or find you reuniting with friends, acquaintances, or lovers. Jupiter and Pluto in direct motion can take you out of a holding pattern with professional matters or personal ambitions; watch for more opportunity and recognition your way.

TAURUS (April 20 – May 20)

It shouldn’t be too difficult to plug into a new schedule or daily routine. You are likely to feel an instant camaraderie with new co-workers, fellow students, etc. In fact, you could spend more time talking than working while Venus, Mercury, and Mars enjoy each other’s company (Sept 8 – 17.)  Jupiter and Saturn can bring an “in charge” feel, suggesting you should maintain a good grip on most things. Still, don’t take things or people for granted or you could be in for surprise, especially Sept 11 – 13, when Sun and Uranus oppose (watch for an abrupt eruption, or interruption.) Conversely, these dates could provide an opportunity of significance. Sept 17 – 21, problems, conflicts, divided camps, sensitivity, and expenses can begin to inflate. Listen to your growing intuition and don’t procrastinate. Know that the upcoming Mercury retrograde cycle (Sept 25 to Oct 14) can give you run for it, put safeguards in place. Avoid gossip and don’t divulge information that could later boomerang on you. Money or efforts can be wasted, promises or plans can dissolve, expectations and trust can see a let down. This Mercury retrograde also compromises immune systems, so pump up on vitamins and health regimes too. Jupiter and Pluto’s direction change (to direct motion) suggests better progress can be made, but it also suggests that there’s no avoiding the truth. Confront what you need to and get it handled. While Mercury retrograde can give you extra time (to observe or feel your way along) or extra practice (re problem solving), in reality, there is no room left for the marginal. Don’t be fence sitter now; a full commitment is your best recipe for success.

GEMINI (May 20 – June 20)

Once you get up and rolling, you will quickly get used to the change of season. Summer may soon be but a distant memory. While that may seem like a tragic thought, in actuality, Uranus, along with Jupiter and Pluto returning to direct motion, can make you feel like the brakes have just come off, especially re important professional, financial, or relationship matters. The days leading up to the Full Moon Sept 15 can be highly charged; watch for significant personal or career breakthroughs, major decisions, news, settlements, and answers, or unexpected detours, expenses, etc. Overall, the month ahead suggests connections and inroads can be easily made; cooperation, teamwork, and sharing are at an optimum while Venus, Mars, and Mercury join forces in Libra. Mars in Libra keeps your love life/prospects vibrant. You’ll also appreciate the fresh infusion provided by a new focus (work ambitions, creative projects, people).Note that the start of Mercury’s retrograde tour is a good time to coast; but it can find you slacking off, getting sidetracked, or spending more than you should. Know you can easily swayed by advertising or sweet talkers. While you might not know with certainty where your new relationship/new life is going, enjoy the moment for what it’s worth and worry about tomorrow when it shows up. Then again, if nagging doubt or suspicion is crowding you, try to honor it and stay observant. Time will reveal all. If a separation or departure becomes necessary, (job, relationship, financial re-organization, etc.) it can most likely be handled amicably/smoothly.

CANCER (June 22 – July 22)

September offers a fresh start where it counts the most. They need you, they want you, they love you; family/family concerns and involvements are likely to keep you especially occupied. They can be your best support system; it seems you can support yourself better now too. Your ability to connect, convey, and communicate is in good shape; you can easily gain approval and favor with clients and those in authority/power positions. As the month advances, you’ll surpass some of your own roadblocks. Sept 11 – 16, are busy, happening days; the Full Moon puts life on a much faster spin. Sept 20 – 22 takes you over another important threshold/puts you in the know. Modify your technique, plans or ambitions as the moment calls for. Reconnections, with family or those who have captured your heart can be sweet. Mercury retrograde can put you in a nostalgic and or romantic frame of mind. When love is good (and especially if it is a new chapter), romance can be all-consuming – you could feel somewhat lost without them. If you are newly on your own, know facilitating stars make transitions easier to handle. Still make sure you stay productive where you need to be. Resources, time, and opportunity can be put to great advantage – or they can be just as easily wasted. Your social life can get quite cozy; friends can grow more like family. Then again, Mars in Libra can also bring a severing of times or/conflict that pierces the heart or burns a hole in your bank account. Creativity can be a gusher now too, make sure you set aside priority time and you are likely to feel very pleased with yourself. The revitalizing New Moon Sept 28 begins yet another new chapter, one that is full of potential, making it possible for you to fall in love all over again – with yourself, with another, or simply with life.

LEO (July 23 – Aug. 22)

By the second week of the month, your fall schedule is likely to be in full swing. It appears you’ll play as hard as you work, both sides of the scale are stacked. News and conversation travels fast, you’ll have no problem reaching out, sharing, and connecting with plenty of like-minded souls. With Venus, Mercury, and Mars in cahoots, you are likely to be burning the candle at both ends while you keep extra irons in the fire too. Of course, there’s only so much of you to go around, and there will be times when you simply can’t be in two places at once. Note that Mercury retrograde may keep you spinning wheels. When important choices aren’t clear-cut, take it as a sign to watch and wait. If it is a minor decision (like between one fun thing or another), know you probably can’t go wrong with either. When confused about important best picks, aim in the direction of change, newness, and freedom, but make sure its solid enough to provide a comfortable security level too. Still, Mercury retrograde is best for open-ended talks, research, exploring possibilities, and trial runs. If possible, delay decisions, contract signings, and final votes until mid October.  The Full Moon could bring disruption, interruption, added expense or effort. Dates to watch: Sept 3, 4, 11 -13, 15, 17 – 21.

VIRGO (Aug 22 – Sept 21)

Make allowance in this first week and give yourself time to acclimatize to new routines. Past Sept 5, you’ll start to pick up better speed. In fact, Sept 8 starts a full thrust couple of weeks. Jupiter’s return to direct motion (Sept 7) empowers you –  you can and you will, heads-up everyone! Set your mind to doing and you will achieve something substantial to show for yourself. Harmonizing with reduction expert Saturn in Virgo throughout the month, you’ll have a knack for the work smarter, not harder routine. This combination makes you efficient, organized, dedicated, and realistic. While that may sound typical of your sign, your boundaries are now likely to be better placed. (There’s no need to be enslaved, by needs, desires, or approval.) Pluto’s return to direct motion (Sept 8) is yet another giant step forward re the loving yourself more agenda. The Full Moon Sept 15 could bring a time to harvest a window of opportunity; something unexpected could land in your lap/work out to your advantage. Be prepared to jump in lightening-quick when the moment arrives. Watch for a co-worker, teammate, or special friend could factor into the equation. A clean bill of health or some other good news could set you free. (Friends, loved ones, or co-workers could plan a special birthday surprise for you.) Similarly, be careful with risks (such as an office romance) or financial whims as Mercury’s retrograde cycle is often a trickster one. Once Mercury retrograde gets rolling, you can be harder to stay on top of what you need to. You can find yourself (or others) slacking off or dissipating more. Do not be overly casual on the job; you never know who is watching!

LIBRA (Sept.23 – Oct.22)

Faith, it does you great justice. Jupiter’s return to direct motion (Sept 8), along with a steady stream of background support from Saturn now help you to harness a solid sense of self-confidence. You deserve whatever you reach out for, so make sure to design it right and take action on it too. Saturn’s position can offer you more than just inner strength; there may be someone in the background who provides instrumental support. If you need to apply for subsidies, grants, etc. file your claim anytime after Sept 3 and get the paperwork there in good margin prior to Mercury’s retrograde cycle (Sept 24.) Pluto’s return to direct motion (Sept 9) signals it is time to take your ambitions to the next level. There is more out there for you, start looking for it. Mars in Libra (Aug 20 – Oct 3) favors new initiatives. It’s time for a new walk (Mars), a new talk (Mercury) a new look (Venus); experiment all you like and aim to be an attention-getter. The Full Moon Sept 15 could bring a surprise opportunity (perhaps around work, study, or subsidies) or something new to tackle. Mercury retrograde can help you to tap a creative wellspring; it is especially favorable for musicians, actors, composers/writers. This Mercury retrograde influence can also be very romantic, or it can find you driven to championing worthy social causes and actively fund raising. On another note, Mercury and Neptune can make you susceptible to sweet talk or advertising hype. You are also particularly vulnerable to viruses, flues, etc. so make sure to pump up on vitamins.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21)

You probably have plenty cooking on the backburner (that’s not so unusual for you.) This is your month to keep on the watch and to get a better feel for “the lay of the land”. It’s also a good time to catch-up with yourself, to dote on your lover, and/or to immerse yourself in creative projects. You can afford to take a little extra time over this first week to get your act together, to revamp your resume or repertoire, to relax, to heal, to rethink, or regroup. You’ll feel the energy around you shift as Jupiter (Sept 8) and Pluto (Sept 9) return to direct motion. By the time the second week of the month arrives, you’ll have a sense that the shotgun has just been fired; it’s time to launch initiatives and campaigns, and to groom more solid inroads with supporters, potential clients/employers, etc.   Sept 11, 12, things can really start to fly/take off. This energized momentum will continue through the eventful Full Moon, Sept 15; expect to peel back more layers and to have more “ah, ha” moments. The weekend could bring a special celebration, an event to attend, or a getaway opportunity. Sept 17 – 21 can move you past a hurdle or block. (Let spontaneity sweep you away.) Family bonding is both sweet and comforting in the last couple of weeks of the month. In this regard, Mercury retrograde serves as a reminder to count your blessings. Venus enters Scorpio Sept 23; bringing you new resolve and more favored attention too. The New Moon Sept 28 pumps up your charisma and mystique; curiosity about you grows. The New Moon is set to launch an opportunity and (positive) attraction cycle, but of course, you can only go so far during Mercury’s retrograde cycle. You’ll have to acquiesce to the fact that much is beyond your hands or control. Concentrate on working your end to the best of your abilities and let the rest of the chips fall where they may.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov.22 – Dec. 21)

As Jupiter (Sept 8) and Pluto (Sept 9) return to direct motion, perspective grows, and answers arrive; this fresh momentum is set to catapult you into a much faster forward. In fact, once you decide to get a move on, you could turn a sharp corner. Jupiter and Saturn bring a realistic sense of where you are at and how much work you face; their influence will also point you in the direction of your next best resources. It pays to establish good inroads with parents or those in positions of authority. If you are in their good books, they will be a good tap when/if you need them. Sept 20 – 23, others can be quite pliable. if you need to talk to a bank manager, or petition for a private loan, do it between Sept 6 and 11. Efforts net results, it’s a simple equation when Jupiter and Saturn team up; exercising your parental authority and keep an eye on long term benefits. You could feel the Full Moon build as early as Sept 12. Something or someone could put you on a sudden move. Affecting home, career or social life; there could be a chain of events, or a chain reaction set off. Perhaps you’ll find that new address or job. Then again, the Full Moon could simply bring an enlightening workshop or presentation to attend, a birthday party, or some other special occasion to celebrate. Watch for Mercury retrograde to put you back in touch. There will be plenty of opportunity to reconnect. Mercury retrograde could also find you revisiting a cherished goal that had been previously set aside. Don’t hesitate to take a second look.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19)

A new chapter begins. Sept 4 onward, Sun, Saturn, and Jupiter can see you gaining important ground. It’s also a time when you gain confirmation, acceptance, or other news. Aim high and make long-range plans, Saturn and Jupiter will benefit you to the end of the year. Still, Venus, Mars, and Mercury in Libra suggest you need to factor in greater flexibility and put more holes in your schedule too. Keep an open door policy and stay watchful for added potentials to become visible as you move along. Life picks up speed in the second week, thanks to Jupiter (Sept 8) and Pluto (Sept 9) returning to direct motion. In fact, Sept 11 – 17 could be jammed packed; watch for a steady stream keep you on the go – and on your toes.  Things can open up wider or veer off in a new direction prior to the Full Moon as Uranus oppose the Sun (Sept 11, 12). Sept 18 – 24 can see you progress and puts you at a good plateau. Expect to find even more (choice, options, information), Sept 20, 21; new frontiers can open; important inroads can be made.  The combination of Venus, Mars, and Mercury in Libra can put you into a higher professional profile. Appearances count; your popularity can grow. Libra stars can also find you better able to delegate and to equalize responsibilities, or find you taking on more than your share. You may find yourself as the go-to person; others (parents, bosses, partners) can be more dependent on you. Mars, Mercury and Venus can put the focus on borrowing, legal matters, or a significant contract (home, family or business.) It can be time to renegotiate with your company or bank; it could also be time for an official split or merger. While the cost saving could be attractive, legal assistance is the better way to go. The New Moon Sept 28 can signal the start of a new chapter (personal and professional), but there can be delays or more legal hoops to contend with until Mercury retrograde completes (Oct 15.) While Mercury is retrograde, rely on tried and true, call on a mentor and/or repeat a past success. The New Moon extends your good run, and can increase your visibility and popularity even more. Appearances count! Still end of the month cans signal the start of an overall improvement to your current balancing act and time to reapply or try round two. Still, if possible, don’t finalize decisions or opinions while Mercury is retrograde (Sept 24 – Oct 15.)

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18)

While month ahead is set to launch a busy social cycle, overall, Neptune’s relationship with Venus, Mars, and Mercury can put you into an easy-going and relaxed frame of mind. Your popularity can grow; your articulate, flirtatious, and passionate delivery makes you a natural charmer now. Introduce yourself or your products; others tend to be readily accepting. Support and camaraderie comes readily. Rapport with people of all walks is easy to find; new social circles (and support groups) can feel like a natural fit. While education costs can be dear, it is money very well spent, don’t hesitate to sign yourself up. Creative juices appear to be well ignited too.  September’s stars can be especially fortuitous for those of you in performing arts, for those seeking public office and/or for gaining more notoriety.  Financial, health related, or emotionally charged, Sept 11 – 15 can bring surprising news or sudden opportunity – be prepared to jump in (or out) quick. Sept 18 – 20 takes you over another major hurdle or threshold. (Things will have a way of turning out just fine, so know that excessive worry over finances, lovers, or loved ones does you no good at all.) For some, Venus, Mars, and Mercury can also energize new love, perhaps a long distance love interest. Libra stars also bring opportunity for travel; getaway weekends can be fun and/or relaxing. When Mercury turns retrograde, be careful not to spread yourself too thin; legal issues can be re-ignited; agreements may need to be renegotiated. Promises or potentials can go unfulfilled; differences can widen to the point where you can feel like you are speaking two different languages.

PISCES (Feb. 19 – March 20)

It’s time to cut old behavior patterns or relationships out of the mix. Sept 3, 4 Sun/Saturn can help you to solidify resolve, plans, or they can bring you to a “no turning back now” gateway. If you have had a difficult time moving past the past, you could be surprised at how much distance you’ll cover, especially between Sept 6 and 22. Past Sept 8, Jupiter brings answers and/or a sense that important goals are within better reach. Pluto return to direct motion (Sept 9) says the time is ripe; how high up do you want to position the ceiling and what steps are you willing to take to make it happen? It can be a simple formula, especially when you combine inspiration with can-do realism. Sept 11 through the Full Moon, Sept 15, Uranus is set to break you out of a rut and/or can bring you a newly found sense of freedom. Anything is possible. Whatever is ignited, it could catch fire quick; Venus, Mars, and Mercury teamed in Libra, could ignite a passionate love affair. This Full Moon could also bring a surprising extra to deal with. Be careful when racing around, you could be somewhat accident prone or forgetful when it comes to important details. Sept 20, 21 can bring offers, contract signings, important transitions, official steps, the need to defend your position, or to create a strategic shift. Someone important (a boss, important client, or financial investor) could change their thoughts about you. Mercury retrograde can find money slipping through your fingers more than usual. It’s a good time to plan a get away or to simply bring a take the pressure and coast a little more.