September is typically the time when we settle back into our routines after the summer, but this year we may find that the waning summer and early fall are anything but routine. The skies are buzzing with activity, and we’re likely to be pretty busy down here on earth, too. With an eclipse on August 18th already behind us, and both Mercury and Ceres stationing to retrograde on August 31st, we join the action already in progress...

    September starts with a solar eclipse (not visible from the Wisdom area) on September 1st. This eclipse highlights the energy of Virgo – associated with service and health – a sign that has been prominent in our collective psyche since last summer when Jupiter and the north node of the moon both entered the sign. With Ceres newly retrograde, we’re brought back to concerns about health care, our food supply, and possibly other health-related issues. Saturn is closely square to this eclipse, and we may find that belief systems are conflicting with the data: political and religious clout may seek to influence the analysis of disturbing data. However, with Mercury joining Jupiter in Virgo the next day, persistence may help the truth to get out.

   Jupiter leaves Virgo for Libra on September 9th, having taught us (or tried to teach us) lessons of reserve, focus, and service – messages that Ceres will be highlighting for the rest of the year. In Libra, Jupiter takes a more open, social approach to relationship and commerce, giving a more upbeat feel to our interactions, on all levels.

   On the 11th, Venus squares Pluto, an aspect that can amp up tensions in partnerships. However, this is also an opportunity to prioritize relationship – and what we want and need from it – in our lives. Restrictions from society or family may bristle against our desires, or there may be some conflict between work and romance. 

   The next few days will hold plenty of potential for conflict, as the sun, Mars, and Chiron make a tense t-square in the sky just before a lunar eclipse on the 16th. A t-square is like a table with one short leg, threatening to spill things on the floor. Lunar eclipses are powerful new moons that bring to light feelings and actions. From the 13th through the 16th, we’re likely to find that all areas of life are warming up for a late-summer heat wave. The ‘missing leg’ of the t-square is Gemini, suggesting that communication is the key to relieving built-up tensions.

   Relationship is likely to be back in focus on the 18th and 19th, as Venus opposes Uranus and makes an easy sextile to Mars. These aspects suggest the need to be individuals within partnership, to do our own thing and let partners do theirs. It calls for relationship between two whole people, rather than compromise where we give up part of ourselves for the other.

   Mercury stations to turn direct on the 22nd, the day of the autumnal equinox. While communication and technology snafus should start to minimize, remember that it is often in the days around a Mercury station that the most dramatic confusion occurs.

   On the 23rd, Venus wades into the dark waters of Scorpio, where’s she’ll remain until October 18th. In Scorpio, Venus wants us to go deep in our relationships, and surface niceties (so prominent when she is in Libra) are discarded so that we can get to the core of the matter. Socializing takes on a somewhat goth vibe with the goddess of love in this sign, so it may be time to curl up with a good mystery/romance – or live one! When Venus emerges into the sign of the archer at the end of October, the mood will lighten considerably.

   The 26th and 27th feature some very big shifts, as Pluto stations to turn direct while the sun meets Jupiter and Mars enters Capricorn. Although there is a great deal of complexity in these aspects, one manifestation is likely to be a renewed sense of purpose and the determination to see things through. With the new moon on 30th, this may involve endings as well as beginnings, but use this energy to set priorities – and plan action – for the rest of the year.

   Mars and Jupiter tangle on October 5th, and aspect that can set duty (Mars in Capricorn) against formality and rules (Jupiter in Libra). How do we accomplish things? Do we go slowly through channels, filling out each form and schmoozing our way to the end, or do we recognize the need for swift, decisive action, rules and manners be damned? However you answer that question, you’re likely to encounter the other side of the story, from yourself as much as others.

   In a sense, Mars and Jupiter may setting the table for a similar but more intense conflict between the sun and Pluto on October 7th. With this aspect, the stakes are higher as we wonder who really has the power? The sun in Libra represents the rule of law and those who administer and adjudge it, while Pluto in Capricorn represents the power brokers who pull strings behind the scenes. It could be difficult to know who has the upper hand in the conflict, and results are likely to be varied and changeable. Carefully watch politics – office as well as national – during the first week in October. The conflicts are real, even if the motives are obscure.

   When Mercury squares Mars on the 13th, we’re likely to get the next installment in the drama. Usually, Mercury/Mars aspects involve heated words, but with the Cosmic Messenger in polite Libra and the Celestial Warrior in structured Capricorn there could be some passive-aggression in the air. Listen carefully to the subtext of what folks are telling you, and challenge yourself to express your ideas and feelings as directly as possible.

   Things finally come to a head over the next few days, as the sun opposes Uranus, and Mercury squares Pluto, at the full moon in Aries. Overt or hidden, power plays are very prominent with this energy. What was held back (out of courtesy or as a strategy) is revealed. We have less patience for protocol, and feel the need to get moving. If you have an agenda, this is a good time push for it. If not, you may want to duck out of the way of those who are feeling more vigorous. 

   The full moon brings matters to light, but doesn’t necessarily complete the action. The drama continues through the 19th and 20th as Mars meets Pluto and Mercury opposes Uranus. Both verbal expression and action reach a peak. Patience is low, enthusiasm high, at this time. 

   Perhaps having had enough of Libra diplomacy, the sun enters Scorpio on the 22nd (joined by Mercury two days later), to consolidate power, and maybe take a more defensive stance. If we’ve been feeling threatened by the high-stakes activity, the end of the month could be a time of tactical retreat.

   Sparks fly yet again at the end of the month, as Mars squares Uranus on the 29th, as Venus meets with Saturn just a day before the new moon in Scorpio. Mars/Uranus challenges us to keep our heads when tensions get high. Venus/Saturn usually has to do with decisions in relationship and finances, and with the new moon a day away, it could be a time of endings. These potentially explosive (or implosive) aspects end a very charged month. 

   On the collective level, October is likely to show very polarized political and social scenarios, with much competition for power (appropriate enough for an already tense election season). Personally, too, we’re challenged to discover who really has the power in our lives: at work, in our relationships, and otherwise. Inaction and passivity in the face of these challenges isn’t much of a virtue, yet wise and compassionate action may be difficult to manifest. Breathe deep.