In the Stars September 20-27, 2020...shining light on the astrology of the week: Autumnal Equinox
Mars’ tense square to Pluto and Saturn pushes limits and edges, and keeps things moving. While it seems that every week for a long time has been tense, greater tension mounts this week toward a peak pressure point at the end of the week as Saturn stations on Monday, September 28, and Mars and Saturn move toward an exact square on Tuesday, September 29th.
Saturday the 19th is Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish holiday intended for reviewing actions during the past year, and looking for ways to improve ourselves, our communities, and our world in the year to come. Rosh Hashanah marks the beginning of a 10-day period culminating with Yom Kippur (the “Day of Atonement”). Prayer and reflection are aspects of the Jewish experience of Rosh Hashanah, and the Scorpio Moon invites us into this deep space.
The week ahead through Yom Kipper on Monday, September 28, is a holy week that includes International Day of Peace on Monday the 21st, the Autumnal Equinox on Tuesday the 22nd, and American Indian Day on Friday the 25th. The month of September continues to be one for hard work, and that is the best thing you can do with these tense energies. The next ten days call for rolling up your sleeves, harvesting, and getting a lot accomplished. Get prepared for the volatile, challenging autumn and early winter ahead.
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Sunday is an emotionally rocky day. A Moon-Uranus opposition sets the stage for a turbulent morning. The Moon is in the deep emotional waters of Scorpio. Mercury and Pluto make an edgy square, and we may feel emotionally reactive due to a Moon-Venus square. We feel the complexity of problems, and are ready to tackle deep issues.
Monday is a lighter day than the last two days. The Scorpio Moon makes benefic sextiles to powerful planets Pluto, Saturn, and the Sun, giving confidence and inviting serious work. After a short midday void Moon period (11:13 – 12:32 p.m. PDT), the Moon bounces into optimistic Sagittarius where silver linings shine brightly.
Autumn officially arrives in the northern hemisphere on Tuesday at the equinox when the Sun ingresses into Libra. The day is sunny and sweet thanks to the Sagittarius Moon forming a trine to Venus in Leo. Celebrate the turning of the seasons.
On Wednesday Mercury and Saturn square; the tension can be used for problem solving or diving deep into work requiring focus and discernment. The Moon is void of course for most of the day from 10:32 a.m. through 4:16 p.m., during which time it is best not to hold critical meetings or to make decisions. A Moon-Mars trine in fire signs motivates us to get a lot accomplished. The Moon is in hard-working Capricorn the next two days, so dig in and plan to get a lot accomplished.
A Mercury-Mars opposition on Thursday can fuel determination and focus. A Moon-Uranus trine may bring some nice surprises or deliver some innovative ideas.
Friday packs a big punch of intense energy as the Capricorn Moon makes hard aspects to five planets, including the Capricorn stellium Jupiter, Pluto, and Saturn. Saturn is especially strong the next few days as it is slowing down to turn direct on Monday. This day carries powerful, grounded earth energy. Make this day count and make great strides.
Although some of the pressure is off since the Moon moves on to Aquarius on Saturday, there is a high-pressure aspect with Mars making a square to stationing Saturn. We are ready to shake off the hard work we’ve put in over the last few days, and do something social. Gather with friends if you can safely do so, or touch base by phone or Zoom. With the Moon in Aquarius this weekend we are ready to turn our attention to the collective. Volunteer for a political or social cause, or at least write a check to a campaign or cause of choice. The Sun and Moon align in a benefic trine. The Moon’s square to Uranus calls out our desire for freedom and independence.
Again on Sunday we want freedom and space. Mercury moves into Scorpio for the next month where it will take us on deeper explorations. The day is quiet on the planetary front, setting the pause button for time out. Saturn moves toward its station, setting limits and demanding attention to responsibilities.
Monday, Yom Kippur, the day of atonement is the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. During the 10 Days of Awe between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, people are supposed to reflect on their misdoings, and ask for forgiveness. This is a good practice for all of us, whether or not we are Jewish. The spiritual Pisces Moon on Monday sets the stage for this day of meditation and renewal. Saturn turns direct after a five-month backward movement. Remember that when a planet changes direction its symbolism is heightened. This is a serious, demanding, and tension-filled day with Mars making a tight square to stationary Saturn. Yet there is some ease from the Moon’s benefic aspects to Mars and Mercury, and a creative Venus-Mars trine. Hopefully these benefic aspects will ease the pressure of the Mars-Pluto conjunction.
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The Week in Short:
Sunday: Turbulent, emotionally agitated day. Plow ahead.
Monday: Strong, courageous work day. Silver linings shine.
Tuesday: Celebrate the Autumn Equinox on this sunny, enthusiastic day.
Wednesday: Optimistic, energetic day. Moon VoC 10:32 a.m. – 4:16 p.m.
Thursday: Excellent day for planning, innovation, and accomplishment.
Friday: Make great strides on this powerful work day.
Saturday: Take a rest and connect with a friend.
Sunday: Take some space and honor limits.
Monday: Saturn stations direct. Yom Kipper, day of atonement. Tense, demanding day.
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Ten Things to Do with Venus in Leo (September 6 – October 1)
1. Play with your children or grandchildren.
2. Wear a smile and be joyful!
3. Express appreciation.
4. Adorn yourself with gold jewelry.
5. Make a greeting card—and send it.
6. Dance joyfully!
7. Make life a game.
8. Be generous.
9. Update your wardrobe with bright colors.
10. Splurge a little on something fun.
Moon Void-of-Course: This is the time when the Moon makes its last major angular aspect with a planet before it moves into the next zodiacal sign tropically. This void time, when the Moon is not aspecting a planet, but rather floating on its own, is a time when things don’t come together and it is difficult to make good decisions. Purchases made during void Moons often turn out to be unsatisfactory and not work out. Appointments often don’t come together, and meetings don’t result in progress or sound, lasting decisions. We more easily get lost or meander in trying to get somewhere. The VoC Moon times for the next month are listed below so that you can plan meetings, decisions, and purchases at times when the Moon is not VoC; and use the void times for gardening, reading, and routine task work.
Void-of-Course Moon times for the month ahead (one lunar cycle):
Pacific Standard Time:
September 21: 11:13 a.m. – 12:32 p.m. (Moon into Sagittarius)
September 23: 10:32 a.m. – 4:16 p.m. (Moon into Capricorn)
September 25: 8:36 p.m. – 11:08 p.m. (Moon into Aquarius)
September 28: 0:18 a.m. – 8:34 a.m. (Moon into Pisces)
September 30: 10:29 a.m. – 7:47 p.m. (Moon into Aries)
October 2 at 10:47 p.m. through October 3 at 8:12 a.m. (Moon into Taurus)
October 5: 11:41 a.m. – 9:03 p.m. (Moon into Gemini)
October 7 at 6:57 p.m. through October 8 at 8:45 a.m. (Moon into Cancer)
October 10: 9:03 a.m. - 5:24 p.m. (Moon into Leo)
October 12: 7:30 a.m. - 9:56 p.m. (Moon into Virgo)
October 14: 3:47 p.m. – 10:54 p.m. (Moon into Libra)
October 16: 3:11 p.m. – 10:05 p.m. (Moon into Scorpio)
October 18: 2:43 p.m. – 9:43 p.m. (Moon into Sagittarius)
GMT (Greenwich Mean Time):
September 21: 19:13 – 21:32 (Moon into Sagittarius)
September 23 at 18:32 through September 24 at 0:16 (Moon into Capricorn)
September 26: 4:36 – 7:08 (Moon into Aquarius)
September 28: 8:18 – 16:34 (Moon into Pisces)
September 30 at 18:29 through October 1 at 3:47 (Moon into Aries) October 3: 6:47 - 16:12 (Moon into Taurus)
October 5 at 19:41 through October 6 at 6:03 (Moon into Gemini)
October 8: 2:57 - 16:45 (Moon into Cancer)
October 10 at 17:03 through October 11 at 1:24 (Moon into Leo)
October 12 at 15:30 through October 13 at 5:56 (Moon into Virgo)
October 14 at 23:47 through October 15 at 6:54 (Moon into Libra)
October 16 at 23:11 through October 17 at 6:05 (Moon into Scorpio)
October 18 at 22:43 through October 19 at 5:43 (Moon into Sagittarius)
