Current Planetary Influences

SEPTEMBER 2018

    Maya Angelou said: "We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty." This month is a month of high energy toward change and transformations. In astrology the transformations and changes are often evident by the impact of the 5-outer planets upon the 5-inner planets.  

   The 5 inner planets – Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus and Mars are the personal identity and expression of our identity. When there is an outer opposition or square or other hard aspect to one of these parts of our chart we experience a necessity to make a change. It has been said by many spiritual and wise teachers that we humans don’t make changes unless we are forced to. Yes, change is challenging but natural and just think of self as a butterfly as the outcome of the change – free to fly and light on beautiful flowers.

  When one of the 5-outer planets – Saturn, Jupiter, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto activates a square, an opposition, a sesquiquadrate or quincunx to one or two of our personal planets we are forced to pay attention and make necessary adjustments and changes. We often don’t realize what all the influences at play are but we know something is up. Sometimes these outer planetary cycles take on very personal experiences as in a law-suit or divorce or insults from others. Keep in mind that generally these harder aspects create hurtful and painful experiences which nudge us forward into personal growth.

   There are other aspects that can occur that are equally important and offer more ease for change. These are the trines, sextiles and quintiles. So when there are trines there could be harmony and opportunity to grow your talents and skills.

   In the early part of this month we have a rather amazing “fusion”-like chart with a Grand Fixed Square, cosmic grand cross, a Grand Earth Trine, and a “Psyche Drain” (see below for explanation), This blending of hard and easy aspects provides a gem of a time to grow, change and to express your talents and highest purpose in life. The key is to understand and utilize the understanding in an alignment for the greater good of all.

   With so many different planetary cycles impacting our collective and our individual consciousness it is especially important to take a moment and reflect on what the planetary cycle is saying. The great wisdom of many spiritual teachers reminds us to ask questions – many questions. It is likely that the blending of all these aspects will heighten our ability to realize that humanity and life of all kinds on this planet share the same air and water and have similar hopes and dreams. It is a time to find common ground with others.

    Neptune, the planet that has the wisdom to guide us toward discernment of where to put the effort and where to relax is in a trine with Jupiter all month and we as a collective can gain a great deal of wisdom or a great deal of confusion from this trine. Neptune and Jupiter in a trine make it easy to increase and expand illusions but also wisdom and awareness.  The highest octave of these planets assures us that we can expand universal laws for the good of all.

   Neptune is named for the king of the seas. Neptune represents consciousness that is deeply imbedded in all of us through our memories. Neptune takes us beyond the ordinary into the great ocean of collective un-consciousness. Deep inside these realms reside hidden agendas and hidden memories that tend to act as blind-spots.

   It is as if we can be led into a mirage we think we see but it is really just an illusion with this planetary influence. Yet, just as we begin to give up hope and struggle for water or the relief of the illusion we could also hear a voice that gives us great wisdom and understanding. Is this voice just craziness or is it God or what is it? It is awareness that bubbles up as we surrender and give up the idea that we have control.   

       The Grand Fixed Square and cosmic grand cross may seem like a set-back to some old problem that has not been solved successfully. This Grand Fixed Square has Mars, Venus, North Node and Uranus as the planetary influences and is likely to emblazon societal issues that encompass ethical and honorable relationships of all kinds. There is potential passion that feels curbed and hindered from going forward into what seems to be a better future. It is a month to hold onto your values and principles and whatever you are passionate about. The squares are not meant to keep you from expressing your passion but there will be bumps and detours on the way to change. Persevere.

   The ”Psyche Drain” can create a sense of overwhelm and a halt in the flow of things while there is constant spin on what is wrong rather than what is possibly the solution.  I have spoken often about the psyche drain which is my own term for when 1 planet is in a sesquiquadrate aspect to 2 other planets which are in a square to each other. This blending of 3 planets has a significant impact on our charts. It can influence a complete shutting down of normal functions as in the case of the recent death of the honorable Senator John McCain. At the time of his death there was a psyche drain occurring to his chart.  

   In John McCain’s birth chart there is a square between Neptune and Jupiter and on the 25th of August when he passed at 4:28 PM in Phoenix, Arizona Uranus was in a sesquiquadrate to his natal Jupiter and Neptune creating surrender and release from his body. May he be with the Light and with peace. 

   Psyche Drains can be intense and transformational moments in our collective history as there was a psyche drain on the day of the March 11, 2011 Japan’s tsunami and on the day and time of the Indonesia tsunami on December 26, 2004 as well. I have observed that people who have this in their birth charts tend to be guided to work through major health issues or tendency toward frequent injuries. Their particular way of coping with this potential overwhelm in their charts is usually how they learn to surrender and connect with God. Elvis Presley had a psyche drain in his chart as an example. He was able to cope when he was following his heart’s desire to sing Gospel. However as he became more and more a pop star and in the movies he must have coped with drug use.

   Throughout this month it is important to take time for reflection for how to listen to self, to others, and to nature. It may seem challenging to surrender and to listen but I am guided to say how important this activity is throughout the month of September. Here is a simple little meditation to practice this month – Take several deep in-breaths and fill your body with light with each in-breath. When letting out the out-breaths release all dark spaces and feelings. You can do this in a standing position (Tai Chi stand with slightly bent knees) or sitting. In fact, if standing have your hands palm inward with in-breaths and when exhaling turn your palms outward. You will get a release of stuck energy through your hands. Try doing this right at a moment of high intensity and find peace coming back to your life.

   One thing is certain every minute counts. This is a time to release what doesn't serve you any longer and to engage in new ventures. It is a time to balance the practical with the ideal and honor what is sacred. Finally, it is a time to respond to life with positive and confident thoughts and actions.

SEPTEMBER MOON AND PLANETARY EVENTS (Tropical Astrology)

  There are several times throughout this month that the Moon is void of course during the night which could enhance sleep. The following list of when moon is void of course is for waking hours and for at least 4 hours in MDT:

Sep 11 – Moon void/course 4:59 PM to 12:16 the next day

Sep 14 – Moon void/course all day

Sep 16 – Moon void/course 5:16 PM throughout the night

Sep 19 – Moon void/course from 11:11 AM to 5:53 PM

Sep 21 – Moon void/course 11:14 AM to 6:28 AM next day

Sep 24 – Moon void/course all day

Sep 26 - Moon void/course 4:29 AM to 1:17 AM the next day

Sep 28 – Moon void/course 4:37 PM to 7:27 AM the next day

  On all of these times it is best to be extra conscious and centered with your activities – especially if driving a car or working with machinery of any kind. The void can be a positive time for healing sessions, practicing Yoga and meditation, reflecting and working with positive affirmations. This is generally not the best time to start something new or try learning something new. When the Moon is void of course it is not a time to start learning or doing something new. It is easy to forget your wallet, phone, purse or keys while the Moon is void of course. Take your time and be aware of hidden meanings and experiences.

Sep 3 – Venus begins shadow period (25 degrees Libra) before it goes retrograde October 5. The actual retrograde station is on November 16. The clearing of the shadow extends after Venus goes Direct on the 18th of December.

    Venus rules our values and our relationship with society; our friendships and relationships of love and pleasure. On a mundane level Venus rules earning money. This is a time when issues are likely to be revealed about self-worth, self-image and self-confidence. So for 3 ½ months the focus is how to improve and cultivate your talents and skills while finding joy and pleasure in relationships and the expression of your values. Go with your deepest feelings and trust your intuition.

Sep 5 – Saturn goes Direct and is stationary for 1 day before and 1 day after

    This planet of structure and rules is ready to take control and manifest. Dive into what Saturn is here to teach each of us – to prepare, organize and to practice patience. The downside of Saturn is to feel envious, jealous and hyper-critical. The upside of Saturn is to be all-accomplishing and to be realistic about what is possible. Reach out to others to accomplish important tasks.  

Sep 8/9 – Moon at Perigee

    The Moon at Perigee is when the Moon is closest to the earth and is similar to a building or waxing time of the Moon. This is a day for intimate and deeply connecting with those you love and care for. However, when connected with the New or Full Moon this adds intensity toward the Moon’s emotional energy and it is called the Super Moon.

SEP 9 – Virgo New Moon

    This Super New Moon is the fusion chart mentioned above and is filled with powerful potential. It is important to learn from the challenges and align with the trine of Saturn, Uranus, and Mercury. These three planets are providing each of us a time to communicate ways to resolve old problems. These problems are connected with technology but also old ways of communicating – spoken words – the old and the new are blended for change. A slip of the tongue could go a long ways into history. Overall, this grand trine gives us opportunity to utilize the power of speech – whether it is on social media or in person. The quest is to solve problems – not create them. The quest is to narrow the divisive nature of our times into a more harmonious nature.

   The Grand Fixed Square and Cosmic Cross include Uranus, North Node, Venus and Mars which is a power-packed package of explosives filled to the brim with passion and anger. Yet, there are new avenues to take that will clear away the former road blocks. It will take a lot of worthwhile effort. Stopping for the delays can actually bring about a whole different response than is expected. Keep listening to others and allay fears that it isn’t worth your time. The issues of our times are not hidden and people are beginning to see what can be done to improve relationships of all kinds. and persevering will manifest a better future.

   It is important to note that Uranus is in the Grand Fixed Square, the grand trine and the psyche drain. So, the planet of change is highlighted in triple time. The greatest teaching we can get from this planetary influence is to let go of what holds us prisoners in fear, in thought, and in blind-spots of unconscious behavior. Instead this planet of change is awakening each of us to become clear and aware.

Sep 9 – Venus enters Scorpio until October 31 

    Wherever Venus travels she brings a gift. This gift is wrapped in bright red ribbons and influences us to follow our passions. Look where you have Scorpio in your chart and embrace the gift of depth and passion for personal transformations. Overall, this time can bring about changes in the power of the feminine. On a personal level, with Venus in Scorpio the shadow of fear of not having enough money or talents or stability is likely. Shine light on this fear with engaging in positive ways to improve skills and resources. Follow your passion…

Sep 11 – Libra Moon on its South Node

   This is a time when people can be easily insulted or overly guarded and sensitive. It’s a day when relationships are a struggle. Just count to 10 or say a mantra before reacting and you will be rewarded with a more peaceful day.

Sep 16 – first quarter Moon at 24 degrees Sagittarius

   This is the time of the month when form emerges. We are in the waxing phase of the moon and are encouraged to take action. Start new activities with a lot of enthusiasm and celebrate being alive and having wonderful friends.

Sep 20 – Moon at Apogee

   The Lunar apogee is similar to a waning Moon phase when the energy is contracting and the Moon is farthest from the earth. People tend to feel more anxious with this phase because they are aware that there is less and less time to get things done. Be patient, be patient, be patient… stay centered and fill your heart with light. Take responsibility for your actions and be with peace.

Sep 22– Mercury enters Libra - autumn arrives in Northern Hemisphere at 7:54 PM MDT – Sun enters Libra

  This is a beautiful time of the year when people love the color of the leaves. This love of color and beauty is a theme of Libra energy. It is a time to inhale the beauty and wonders of nature and friendships. With Mercury in Libra we will enjoy a healthy debate. Keep listening so that you can really hear the other person’s point of view; as the shadow of Libra is Aries and Aries in shadow doesn’t listen that well.

Sep 24/25 – Full Moon (Harvest Moon) at 1 degree Aries at 8:54 PM MDT (24th)

    This chart has the Fixed Grand Square with the cosmic cross also which could add a rare opportunity to transform the karmic tendencies of our society. The cosmic cross lines up each point of the square with its opposition. There are other squares that indicate that collective karma is up for us to release from our consciousness. I say this because Saturn is in a square to the Mercury/Sun and to the Aries Moon which adds an additional T-square that is separate from the Grand Fixed Square (which has 2 T-squares) and cosmic cross. This feels extremely stressful.

   The tone of this chart also feels rather reckless, headstrong and filled with quarrels. The stress is amped up even more with these planetary influences embracing the Full Moon phase of the month. Find relief in music, one-on-one personal contact and the sharing of your ideals. When we work through some of our karmic tendencies as a society we realize how imperfect we are but also where we can make improvements.

  The rare cosmic cross that occurs all month is going to be about listening to other points of view and finding a common ground for all.

Sep 25 - Moon on its North Node   

   This Aries Moon can feel highly self-conscious. There is a sense of not being good enough or not smart enough or such thoughts. Shift these thoughts into creative imagination and ways to improve your life, home and relationships.

    Thanks for stopping by. See you next time..

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