NorthPoint Astrology Journal: Your guide to planetary energies for
Please note that this issue of the NorthPoint Journal covers two weeks. The next issue will be posted on Sunday, October 2.
September 19 to 25:
Aspects for September 19 to 25:
MON: Venus sextile Mars, Venus sesquisquare Neptune, Venus semisquare Saturn
TUE: Mercury trine Pluto
WED: Mercury direct 10:30pm PDT (THU 5:30am GMT)
THU: Sun enters Libra/Equinox 7:22am PDT (2:22pm GMT)
FRI: Mercury trine Pluto, Venus enters Scorpio
SUN: Uranus conjunct Eris, Uranus square Vesta, Vesta square Eris, Sun conjunct Jupiter
WITH LAST FRIDAY'S Lunar Eclipse only just starting to appear in our rear-view mirror, we'll be working with its lingering influence and the insights it inspired for a while longer. This will be most apparent for the next two weeks, until the new lunar cycle starts on September 30.
But eclipses also establish a theme for the next six months, so we will continue to evolve our understanding of recent developments until the next pair of eclipses in February 2017. In particular, we'll want to watch events during the first half of December, when the Sun is 90 degrees beyond its current position. This should be a time when we are able to observe more clearly the next step in the process that began with our September eclipses.
MERCURY is virtually standing still in Virgo this week, emphasizing the capacity of the mind to evolve and to come up with new solutions to existing problems. Making this an even more powerful time, Mercury is in a supportive trine aspect with Pluto throughout the week. The trine is exact on Tuesday while Mercury is still retrograde (slowly moving backward). Then Mercury goes direct on Wednesday, and on Friday the Messenger Planet then catches up to exactly trine Pluto for a second time.
We will be considering deeper concerns with this Mercury-Pluto dance. Whatever we begin studying at this time, we will dive into with passion, and will become transformed through the process.
THE LIBRA EQUINOX is on Thursday at 7:22am PDT (2:22pm GMT). The chart drawn for that time is said to provide some information about our journey over the coming season.
The Moon is in Gemini in this chart, which means communication will be a major theme for the next three months. In the positive, we will be more open to new experiences and information than usual. However, our emotions can fluctuate quickly, making it harder to make up our minds about what we really want and need.
The Sun and Jupiter are aligned at the time of the Equinox, which should help us feel more optimistic, broadminded, and willing to take risks. We will need to watch a tendency to take on more than we have time for, and for overdoing in general.
Another very positive element of the Equinox chart is that Mercury is aligned with the North Node, the point that represents our highest evolutionary path. This alignment in Virgo will help us think through our options with greater discernment, knowing more clearly what decisions will take us forward, and which choices will put us in reverse.
NEXT SUNDAY, Uranus exactly aligns with Eris, the minor planet discovered in 2005. These two planets have been in close proximity to each other since May, so the day of their exact conjunction may not stand out in a significant way. Still, these are two powerhouse planets, and we may see some breakthroughs around the day of their alignment.
We are still discovering how Eris works energetically -- it often takes many decades of research after a planet is discovered for us to gain the evidence needed to confirm its effects. Still, most astrologers are in agreement that Eris represents a very strong, assertive feminine influence that is willing to fight for what she believes in. Astrologer Henry Seltzer writes that "Eris is a Feminine Warrior archetype in support of soul intention."
As Eris and Uranus align in Aries this week, the power of the feminine is liberated and activated. We will want to watch for ways in which our evolution is being quickened, for evidence of a shift in attitudes or awareness, and for increased rebellion by those who feel radical change is needed.
IF YOUR BIRTHDAY IS THIS WEEK: In the coming year, you will find your attention drawn to philosophical or spiritual concerns. You may feel very excited about a new opportunity for self-expression in these areas. You will also be learning how to move beyond differences of opinion that once sidetracked your efforts. Learning new skills in this area enables you to channel your efforts more effectively and efficiently.
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September 26 to October 2, 2016:
Aspects for September 26 to October 2:
MON: Venus opposite Ceres, Pluto direct
TUE: Mars enters Capricorn
THU: Venus sesquiquadrate Chiron
FRI: New Moon 5:11pm PDT (SAT 12:11am GMT), Mars trine Ceres
SAT: Venus trine Neptune, Mercury opposite Chiron
SUN: Sun quincunx Neptune, Mercury quincunx Uranus, Mercury quincunx Eris
PLUTO has been moving very slowly for the past week or more, in preparation for changing directions on Monday, September 26. When a planet moves slowly (from Earth's perspective), its influence is more focused, and we tend to feel its effects more profoundly. Since Pluto is associated with a process of deep transformation, the last 10 days of September and the first week of October may be particularly life-changing, especially for anyone who has planets or points in their birth charts between 14 and 16 degrees of cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, or Capricorn).
Pluto has been retrograde since April 18. Over the past five months, we have been dealing with psychological issues that we may have successfully buried or ignored in the past. Events have conspired to help us face some of our deepest fears, so that we no longer are controlled by them.
When we successfully handle Pluto's lessons, like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz who discovers that the red shoes she has been wearing are her ticket home, we find that we've always had the power we need within us. The journey we take on our way to that realization is a necessary part of the transformation process, for it reveals the hidden strengths and courage we didn't know we possessed.
MARS enters Capricorn on Tuesday, strengthening our resolve to put effort into achieving important ambitions. Mars will be in Capricorn until November 8, helping us patiently move in the direction of our goals. A Mars-Ceres aspect on Friday encourages us to include the welfare of others as one of our top priorities.
Relationships may go through some changes this week. With Venus now in Scorpio, we're motivated to explore emotional issues with greater honesty, in hopes of deepening our connections. Along the way, however, we'll need to accept the short-term discomfort that accompanies a shift in relationship dynamics. The Venus-Neptune trine on Saturday should help ease the tension, as we are less demanding and more able to trust the process.
THE NEW MOON on Friday is in Libra, the sign of peace, balance, and harmony. As this new lunar cycle begins, we are aware of the need to bring more of these qualities into our lives, and we start to consider ways in which we can accomplish this important objective.
The Sun and Moon are within four degrees of Jupiter for the lunation, increasing our belief that it really is possible to create the new world we long for. The Sabian symbol for the location of the New Moon acknowledges our desire to reconnect with what holds most value and meaning:
"Three 'old masters' hanging on the wall of a special room in an art gallery: The need to return to Source during a confused search for new value in a chaotic society."
ASTROLOGER Dane Rudhyar's interpretation of this symbol guides us more deeply into its meaning:
"The number three suggests completeness; esoteric traditions speak of the three-fold Soul, or of three fundamental 'Rays' -- of Power, of Love-Wisdom, and of Intelligence-in-Action. Meditation, in its deepest sense, is a return to Source -- and an attempt to re-identify oneself with one's archetypal essence of being ... and now, after confused but challenging wanderings, to identify oneself consciously with this essence. The finer forms of one's culture provide the means to do this."
WE WILL BE ADJUSTING to recent changes over the weekend, especially on Sunday, when we have three quincunx aspects in effect. This type of aspect indicates that we have learned something, and based on that learning, we realize we cannot continue along the same road we've been traveling.
Our new route does not necessarily need to be a dramatic change -- but it does need to take into account the shift that has happened within us. To only continue as we have will be to deny the process of growth and evolution that is underway in our beings.
IF YOUR BIRTHDAY IS THIS WEEK: This year, your challenge is to find balance between your need to collaborate with partners and your desire to accomplish certain things on your own, without assistance from others. Your enthusiasm and willingness to take risks will draw you forward into new experiences. If you feel more competitive than usual, consider whether it is a reaction to having gone along with another's wishes and against your own needs one too many times.
In peace,
Pam
Copyright Pam Younghans 2016. All rights reserved.
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