Hi Everyone

It’s hard to believe that the summer is almost over and we’re talking about the fall. August ended with 5 planets in retrograde motion – Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto. From our perspective on Earth these planets are moving from west to east, although we know they aren’t in reality. This change of apparent movement is all part of the celestial dance of the planets. However, if you’ve felt that things don’t seem to be moving, or they’re moving in the wrong direction, this can be how the energy of retrograde planets feels. Retrograde motion is part of the action and repose rhythm of the universe, but we humans don’t always do repose well. It can also feel like an inner/introverted time, in which meditation, contemplation and alone time take center stage. It can also feel like stagnation, frustration and impatience.

September

The five retrograde planets continue to appear to move from west to east during the month. This will continue to be an inner time for many of us. And starting on the 9^th, we will have 6 planets in retrograde motion, with Mercury changing directions at 11:38 p.m. EDT on that Friday. He’ll be at 8⁰ Libra, an air sign focused on relationship, fairness and balance. He’ll back into Virgo by the last week of the month. Virgo is an earth sign that likes to categorize and analyze in a practical way.

The square (challenging) relationship between Saturn in Aquarius and Uranus in Taurus continues throughout September. I would refer you to Astro Doings July-August for a more complete analysis of the challenge between antithetical principles represented by these two planets and signs.

The Autumnal Equinox occurs on the 22^nd when the Sun enters Libra at 9:04 p.m. EDT. The Harvest (Full) Moon occurs on the 10^th at 5:59 a.m. She’ll be at 17⁰ Pisces. The New Moon occurs on the 25^th at 5:55 p.m. She’ll be at 2⁰ Libra.

October

October will be a busy month with 4 planets changing direction and a solar eclipse.

Direction changes

Three planets that change direction will be ending their retrograde period and start moving from east to west by our perception, and one planet will begin a retrograde period. When a planet changes direction, it stops for a bit, sort of like a fan changing direction, so the degree and sign where it makes the change can be felt rather intensely. The speed at which the planet normally moves will determine how quickly it starts moving forward.

• Mercury: Mercury goes direct on October 2^nd at 5:07 a.m. He’ll be at 24⁰ Virgo and will move back into Libra on the 10^th.

• Pluto: Pluto ends its 5-month retrograde period on the 8^th at 5:56 p.m. She’ll be at 26⁰ Capricorn. She’ll stay at 26⁰ throughout November, and at the time of the US elections will be conjunct (at the same degree or very close) to natal Pluto in the house of values and resources in the US (Sibley) chart. Pluto rules the underworld and represents deep seated attitudes, fears and beliefs both personally and collectively. Those with planets in late degrees of Capricorn, Cancer, Libra and/or Aries may feel the impact of this change of direction more strongly than others.

• Saturn: Saturn goes direct on the 23^rd at 12:07 a.m. He’ll be at 18⁰ Aquarius. Saturn is the ancient ruler of Aquarius (before Uranus was discovered). While Aquarius is often described as the innovator, revolutionary and destroyer of old, out-moded forms, Aquarians can be very stubborn in their opinions. While they are all about change, it’s for usually for someone else. Saturn can represent restriction, lack and a refusal to change the way things are, so this is a challenging placement. Used positively, Saturn will provide wisdom, practicality, and time to consider any change that is made.

• Mars: Mars, the planet of war, initiator, innovator, and poorly controlled impulses will start his retrograde period on October 30^th at 9:26 a.m. He’ll be at 25⁰ Gemini. He’ll be retrograde for the rest of the year, and during this period we may be less impulsive and may look before we leap. This energy can also be used for any inner changes we want to make. Gemini is an air sign that wants to explore everything for about 5 minutes. It is the sign of the writer and teacher and is endlessly curious, potentially providing energy for inner exploration.

Solar Eclipse

This is a partial solar eclipse that will not be visible in the US. It occurs on the 25^th at 2⁰ degrees Scorpio. A solar eclipse generally represents a new beginning and/or a new pattern emerging. Scorpio is a water sign that penetrates the depths of our being. It understands on a very deep, and not always obvious, level. It also can see into the depths of others, which can be rather disconcerting. You cannot fool a Scorpio – s/he’ll see right through it. For those with placements in early degrees Scorpio, Taurus, Leo and Aquarius this can be a time of new beginnings and deepening understanding of self and others. The eclipse will last about 4 hours, which means this will be a sensitive point for the next 4 months. Anytime a planet, Sun or Moon, transits the degree of the eclipse, the energies of 2⁰ Scorpio will be triggered – an opportunity to revisit them for further understanding and potential change.

The Sun enters Scorpio on the 23^rd at 6:36 a.m. The New Moon (solar eclipse) occurs on the 25^th and the Full Moon on the 9^th at 4:55 p.m. She’ll be at 16⁰ Aries.

Have a lovely early fall and enjoy the dance of the planets.

Peace and abundant blessings,

Margaret