Astrological Forecast for September 2008

September is always a month of beginnings as we settle back into our routines after summer, kids begin the school year (although this always seemed to me more like the end of vacation than anything else), and there is a general sense of getting back to work. The summer heat gives way to cooler weather, or at least it usually does, and work seems less of a burden, if not exactly fun.

This September, the skies are mirroring our earthly routine. We begin the month just a day after the New Moon, always a time of beginnings. In the sign of Virgo, this New Moon is very much about planting the seeds for what we hope to accomplish in the last part of the year, while at the same time Virgo is also the harvest sign, as we begin to reap what we have accomplished thus far. If you’re feeling that you need to get more done and that you’re not meeting your goals, use the early part of the month to really set your intentions and make plans for what needs to be done. Given that we’re talking about Virgo, make short range objectives that you can meet on a step-by-step basis, rather than grand plans that might be harder to put into action.

The theme of beginnings continues on the 3rd, as the Sun conjuncts Saturn. The Sun represents vitality, the very source of life and energy, while Saturn is all about limitations, fears, and work. Yet it is also Saturn that actually builds structures in our lives, so that the Sun and Saturn stand in almost the same relationship to each other as energy and matter. The sun-Saturn cycle is then about the dance between pure creative energy and solid material, between unlimited potential and concrete reality. The conjunction that starts this cycle is the very beginning of the creative process, not unlike the moment when the sculptor first sees the block of stone she is going to carve.

Once again, we’re talking about Virgoan energy, however, so the creative process that begins now will probably have to do with some very down-to-earth realities. It is a good time to tackle issues having to do with work and all kinds of human services. Collectively, we can look to this time to get a sense of where things are going on issues like health coverage and education, while individually we’re asked to decide what we want to build in our lives. As with the Virgo New Moon, we are being told that it’s not too late to make the effort needed to get the results we need. On the 3rd itself, though, we might feel Saturn’s drag more than the Sun’s light, so don’t let a serious mood overwhelm your optimism.

The month ends with a New Moon on the 29th, in the sign of Libra. While Virgo asks us what we want to begin to work on, Libra asks us what we want to beautify, what we want to share, and who we want to share it with. There is a real contrast between the outgoing, sociable nature of Libra and the quiet, introspective time of the New Moon, but remember that we also need time to rest and reflect on our social activities.

Beginnings are not the only theme this month. Both Jupiter and Pluto will station to move direct on the 8th. This is the second time this year that two planets have changed direction on the same day. Pluto stations are full of concentrated intensity, while Jupiter usually pushes us to see the upside to everything. It’s easy enough to pick out the Plutonian problems - hidden motives, secrets, power struggles - but Jupiter also has a darker side, involving excessive pride, arrogance and intolerance. The two together should make for quite a day - look to national and international politics for the most dramatic manifestations of these two energies, although you and I might very well act out the parts ourselves. Remember that the energy of the stations can be felt several days before and a day or so after, so keeping your cool isn’t just a one-day affair.

Other days to watch would include the 7th, when Mars is in a tense aspect to Jupiter. Watch for quick tempers and snap judgments. From the 9th through the 11th, Venus will be aspecting these same two planets, creating a very high-energy time for our relationships. This can be very good when things are going well, but will probably be challenging for relationships that are under some stress.

In general, the second week of the month, from the 7th through the Full Moon on the 15th, is very intense. It is certainly a good time to put plans into action, if those plans were well thought-out and approved by your better judgment around the New Moon. Impulsive moves are just as likely with these aspects, however, and the outcome of those is less than certain.

Finally, on the 24th Mercury will station to go retrograde. For those unfamiliar with this cosmic gremlin, the short answer is to avoid buying electronics, automobiles and other communication devices. Also try to avoid signing contracts and making agreements, as they often need to be redone later. You’ll probably see an increase in all kinds of mix-ups with the mail, email, and travel, and be sure to back up your computer prior to the retrograde. Mercury will be retrograde until October 15th.