Overview
Uranus continues to cling to the North Node of Destiny while T-squaring task-master Saturn which is opposing gentle Venus as September gears up, disrupting our lives and upending the status quo in disturbing ways. Saturn-square-Uranus is the aspect that marked 3 big COVID surges last year, so we probably can expect another COVID surge this winter before it fades into the background in 2023 as Saturn separates from its square to Uranus. And it looks like we’ll be dealing with Monkeypox too! UGH!
On September 1st, the Scorpio Moon hugs the South Node opposite Uranus, raising some unsettling memories of past misdeeds – whether our own or those of others. On September 3rd a restless desire to travel the world may surface, probably under the veil of a longing to escape from our shattered realities. Or it could represent glimpses from other lifetimes morphing into fantasies as the Sun trines Uranus conjunct the North Node for the entire first half of the month. This Sun is also T-squared by Moon opposite Mars, so impulsive acts or outbursts are likely on the 3rd. Then as Venus enters Virgo on the 5th, love kindles acts of kindness and service. However, Moon’s trine to Mercury in Libra on the 7th just before conjuncting Saturn in Aquarius on the 8th may mix appreciation with some irritating “constructive criticism”.
Mercury Retrograde
On September 9th we enter a long 4-week period of Mercury retrograde mishaps and breakdowns. All the outer planets and Chiron are now joined by Mercury in the state of retrogradation or slow down, so it is NOT the best time to push ahead, sign contracts, get married, or start a new business, but planning for these activities is fine. It’s wise to wait until after October 2nd (when Mercury goes direct), or better yet, after October 18th (when Mercury clears its shadow) to initiate important new ventures. It IS a good time to review plans and to take some ‘R & R’ – such as reading a good book, meditating, walking in nature, writing in a journal, playing an instrument, and generally resting up. Take some time for yourself to rebuild your strength and confidence. Getting clear about your motives and goals will help clarify your decisions moving forward.
Saturn / Uranus
With the building Saturn-square-Uranus aspect, there’s tension between the old and the new, the past and the future, “old-school ways” and cutting-edge innovation, the Right and the Left, but there’s also plenty of social attraction/repulsion happening as Mercury-in-Libra opposes Jupiter-in-Aries for a couple of weeks mid-month. This is especially good for hanging out with family and friends, as well as taking care of chores and unfinished business that slipped through the cracks during the more chaotic times in our lives. It’s also time to catch up with friends or attend to those tasks that were pushed aside in busier moments.
Full Moon
September 10th marks the weekend of the Full Moon in Pisces opposite Sun in Virgo – a good time to consider others and help out however you can during this Sun-in-Virgo season. It’s also a positive time to reaffirm your favorite brand of spirituality as Moon conjuncts Neptune in Pisces. This lunation forms a lovely mystic rectangle with the Nodes/Uranus which projects our paths forward into a more-conscious future. However, relationships may be tense for a few days as Venus squares Mars in hard aspect to Pluto, fueling anger, frustration, arguments, and possible public protests, further aggravated when Sun trines Uranus on the 11th, which can be both activating and disconcerting. On the 14th, the Moon conjuncts Uranus, stirring further personal and emotional uncertainty and potential disturbance.
From becoming exact under the Full Moon on the 17th, the Sun opposes Neptune for half the month. This can open our idealism and sensitivity on the one hand, while being confusing and demoralizing on the other. Self-assertiveness is down, but don’t slide into playing the victim or the martyr. And beware of deception as your powers of discernment are low mid-month, so reflect well before making any commitments… best to wait until your thinking clears.
Moon in Gemini trine Saturn in Aquarius on the 17th is good for conversation, negotiation, and problem-solving while on the 19th the Moon in Cancer trines Venus in Virgo, deepening feelings of love, and by the 20th Venus trines Uranus, bringing in some romantic excitement.
Fall Equinox
As the Equinox Sun enters Libra on September 22 with Venus and Mercury by its side, diplomacy improves, and we feel a compulsion to express ourselves more freely. However, on the 23rd retrograde Mercury backs into Virgo again for 2 weeks during which we tend to be somewhat self-critical. And we could feel a bit ditzy with romantic fantasies on the 24th as Venus opposes Neptune.
NOTE: the Fall Equinox chart looks troublesome for the USA because the Uranus/North Node conjunction is staddling the Ascendant (as others witness our political dilemmas with dismay) while T-squaring Saturn (constraint and upheaval). Pluto sits on the Midheaven in Washington, DC. as we examine the conundrum of the hard choices before us and how they will impact our national future. These placements suggest disruptive changes (revolt?) within our country over the next 3 months, which includes the Midterm election period in November. Could this indicate a change in administration with dire results? Pluto trines Mercury, indicating deep penetrating considerations, while Uranus trines Venus, renewing our relationships with allies and friends during this disruptive period. Because these planets are well-aspected, they could soften any negative effects. But with Sun and Mercury opposite Neptune, there is still much deception, and conspiracies will continue to be rampant, whether real or imagined. Confusing Times such as these can be confounding!
New Moon
September 25th brings the New Moon in Libra, amplified by the presence of Mercury and Venus, making this Sunday a delicious day of relaxation and sharing. However, a couple of challenging days will follow as Venus-conjunct-Mercury (social inclinations) trines Pluto-sextile Neptune (visions of a better world), bringing up issues around intimacy, while enhancing our powers of persuasion.
On the 28th Mars in Gemini trines Saturn in Aquarius for some serious but lively discussions and activation of a strong work ethic. The final days of the month may bring a mix of romantic flourishes and dreams of daring adventures contrasted by the actuality of our responsibilities this Fall.
Happy Harvests!