Astrological forecast (horoscope) for September 2006.

Almost everyone knows about astrology’s 12 signs. The signs are indeed important in astrology, but their popular use belies astrology’s real breadth and depth. One of the most useful and universally applicable applications of astrology is the “weather forecast” of energies we can see when we watch the planets move through the signs. As they do so, they connect with each other in various ways, challenging or harmonious. As above, so below— here on earth, we see the drama of the macrocosm played out in the microcosm. It doesn’t matter what sign you are— knowing the lay of the land up ahead gives you a great perspective on your life and experiences.

A formation called a T-square appears in the heavens this month. A T-square is a stress signal made up of two planets opposite each other, and a third planet at 90° angles to both, like a letter T.
Saturn opposite Neptune signals a need for each of us individually to live our dreams and face our fears. It thins the veil between reality and unreality, and brings people’s true feelings closer to the surface. It’s much more difficult to hide now. And those who have lied and deceived must stand accountable. So I doubt this will be an easy Fall in Washington DC! In fact, the last time this opposition appeared in the heavens, the Watergate scandal broke.

Fall 2006 t-square

The third leg of the T-square is Jupiter, which governs courts, cops, long journeys, and your philosophy. And abundance— Jupiter magnifies what he touches, representing grandiose gestures, which, in this instance, may not be grounded in reality! It’s important at this time to take things slow, and don’t gamble more than you can afford to lose! Jupiter (lots of) squares Neptune (confusion, idealism) this month, and Saturn (responsibility, work) in October.

Meanwhile, a pair of Eclipses lights up the skies. Eclipses are often seen as ominous, and I suppose they can be. Brady’s interpretation of the current Saros series (below) certainly is. But Eclipses also highlight areas of life where new developments are due to occur between now and next Spring.

Separation and loss. To be parted. To finish something, and to feel sad at its completion. Physical injury is also possible through over-straining one’s strength. This is not the time to undertake strenuous physical activities.
Bernadette Brady, Predictive Astrology

In his book on Eclipses, Carl Jansky’s take is that Eclipses uncover things. We all have parts of ourselves, problems we choose to put off for the time being, things we sweep under the rug. Then Eclipse time comes, and no more rug! No more hiding. Uncomfortable as that is at times, it can be quite useful. If the Eclipse comes within 3 or 4 degrees of a planet or angle in your birth chart, the energy is even more powerful for you.

September 1-7

The first week in September, leading up to the Lunar Eclipse, there are some pretty good planetary aspects. Jupiter trine Uranus happened in water signs Scorpio and Pisces at the end of August, and on September 2-3, Mercury in Virgo lines up with both, bringing visionary ideas and inventive solutions to the market and workplace. Then September 5-6, the Sun does the same. So it’s a good time to get work done and get other people on board with your project.

The Lunar Eclipse happens September 7 in Pisces, the most sensitive and psychic sign of all. Full Moons always bring emotions to the surface. The Lunar Eclipse is a super-charged Full Moon. So pay attention to what comes up.

September 8-16

Mars moves from hardworking, earthy Virgo into diplomatic and nicey-nice Libra early on the 8th. Mars is what we desire, what motivates us, and the way we take action. Libra tends to be indirect, desiring harmony but settling sometimes for surface harmony even if things are seething underneath. It doesn’t matter how many daisies you dress it up with, if it’s a turd, it’s a turd. Do yourself a favor and be direct. Diplomatic, but direct. Mercury squares Pluto on the 8th, drawing us all to the core of things and tempting us to break taboos. Take it easy, don’t force things. If you find yourself in a pickle, listen. Let the other guy do the talking. People are goofing up and showing their true colors all over the place. Mel Gibson, George Allen, and I’m certain there will be others.

This Mercury Pluto square may also coincide with a serious weather event. I’m sending my prayers out to all of you living on the coast these days.

The weekend is nice, with not much serious going on (after maybe a tense Saturday morning), and some nice Lunar aspects.

Libra

Add the finishing touches, and tie up loose ends on Monday the 11th and Tuesday the 12th, as Mercury moves through the last degree of Virgo and prepares to enter Libra on Tuesday afternoon. Mercury in Libra is concerned with fairness, balance, and tit-for-tat. We tend to consider all points of view, and this may bring out the reputed indecisiveness of Libra. But not just yet. Mercury will meet up with Mars on Friday. Mars knows what he wants and isn’t afraid to fight for it. How to handle this? Go after your desires, assert yourself, but do it in a kind way. Make the other guy think it was his idea in the first place (something Libras are really good at). Let go of small injustices, foibles. Is it worth being angry about? Is it truly unfair, or just annoying?

We all need a little more space and independence on Friday. It’s a wild night for a party, and maybe a bit of high drama for some, as the Sun squares compulsive Pluto, exact Saturday night. Easy does it. Is it that important? Life or death? If not, let it go.

September 17-24

Dali's melting clock

The Jupiter Neptune square (part of this month’s t-square) is at full power this week. So be extra careful around water and chemicals, medicines and even foods1, as we tend to be extra sensitive, and also a little spacey. Pay attention to the ideas that come up, but don’t let it involve you in something too complicated, that you don’t completely understand. Confusion is in the air. Our collective head is in the clouds, and we’re extra prone to inflated ideas about the ideal person or the ideal situation. You may be overlooking something important. Keep in mind that we’re all more open to the spiritual reality behind the material manifestation. When this happens, what we usually think of as reality becomes more fluid. Time does funny things. Sleep patterns are unusual and dreams are intense. We tend to be more intuitive, and sometimes say or do things without knowing why. Keep your sense of humor about it, and you’ll be a lot happier!

We’re in the final Lunar phase, a time of finishing things up, and getting ready for a new beginning. Things happen in their own time during this quieter Lunar phase— don’t rush to a decision. There’s a bit of good news on Sunday the 17th and Monday the 18th as Venus sextiles lucky Jupiter. It may be a bit of good financial news, or the puzzle piece finally fits.

The Solar Eclipse in Virgo on Friday morning signals a time to set intentions and goals related to your job, your health, employees, co-workers, or the way you manage your schedule. This eclipse is a bit strange, as it happens in Virgo’s anaretic degree. (That’s a fancy word for the last degree of Virgo.) There’s a quality of being on the edge, close to the cusp, or doorway, of the next sign. I’m not one of those who thinks that these last degrees are a blending of the two signs. The Eclipse is in Virgo, not Libra. But there’s an idea of finishing something up in this Eclipse. Being almost, but not quite, done. It’s kind of like when you move out of your home. You get all the big stuff packed and loaded up, and you’re pretty well tired out, but there’s always a seemingly never-ending supply of little odds and ends, and of course the cleaning up still has to be done. You’re still in the old place, but you’re aware of and moving toward a new beginning. Make a clean break with the past, and move on to the next step.

Over the weekend, the Jupiter Neptune square is in full effect. This is a repeat of the energies that first appeared January through March of this year. So this may be a time when some situation that first appeared at the beginning of the year resolves or comes to fruition. In addition, Venus squares obsessive Pluto, bringing out intense desires in some folks. Keep it in perspective, and play it safe when you go out this weekend.

September 25-30

Fog clearing over redwoods

Listen. The Neptunian fog begins to clear, revealing good, solid solutions as Mercury sextiles Saturn and Pluto, Monday through Wednesday. It’s a good time to negotiate contracts, make your point and listen to others. The Sun and Mercury are in diplomatic Libra, a sign that loves fairness and balance. Venus will join them in her home sign on Saturday morning. Venus is extra powerful here, and the urge to partner up and smooth things over is strong. As long as you’re not avoiding necessary confrontation or wallpapering over your true feelings, it’s all good. Make sure you take a few moments to relax and enjoy.

Mark your Calendar!

The best days for you high priority plans are September 2-4, 6, 18, 27.
Keep things simple September 8, 10, 11, 13-16, 20-24.

1 I recently became aware of the powerful effect spicy food has on me. I have a very hot constitution (Pitta dosha in ayurveda) (yes, I’m a hottie). I started to realize that eating something very spicy, garlicky or gingery before bed will keep me up half the night, agitated and unable to settle down. I was studying ayurveda at the time, and it was quite the revelation! Jupiter magnifies, and Neptune represents sensitivities. So it’s a time when you might discover some sensitivity of your own. Pay attention to your body’s signals.