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Number 78

 A heavy retrograde focus at the start of this month calls us all to reflect on what we have been working to achieve and a stressful Full Moon chart later in the month intensifies the energy of the Cardinal Cross that has been active for the last few months.

 I have included a brief discussion of the Australian Election at the end of the September Overview.

 

Blessings

Christine Rothwell

' 03 9584 6532

Email: christiner@netspace.net.au

Website: www.christinerothwell.com.au

 Contents

1. September Overview
2. Spring Equinox
3. 2011 Astrology Classes.

·        Beginner’s / First Year on Thursday nights

·        Intermediate / Second Year on Monday nights

·        Advanced / Third Year one Saturday afternoon per month

4. Consultations and Gift Certificates

 

1.    September Overview

 The month starts with Pluto, Neptune, Uranus, Jupiter and Mercury all retrograde. The retrograde motion of the planets is a geocentric or earth based phenomenon that means the planets look as if they are moving backwards from our vantage point here on Mother Earth. This is a potent time for reflection as we are all being called on to review whatever progress we have been working towards over the last several months.

 As the planets appear to move contrary to their normal pattern they symbolize a shift in how we may experience their energies; they can offer us a new angle or perspective on our patterns and beliefs. Obstacles may suggest that you are operating from an old paradigm that is no longer congruent with the person who have become or are in the process of becoming! So, if things are slowing down in some area of your life, or you are feeling blocked or frustrated, see if you can sit quietly and discover a new way forward that is more compatible with your inner truth and core self.  

The possibility for illumination around these blocks is particularly potent at the times when the retrograding planet opposes the Sun. This month sees both Jupiter and Uranus reaching the climax of their retrograde cycles when they are at the closest point to the earth for 2010. [See September 22 below for more information] This brings the energies and processes that they symbolize much closer to consciousness so we can develop greater clarity regarding our Jupiter and Uranus functions. The opposition has the potential to be illuminating or explosive! 

Mercury is currently retrograde and will conjunct the Sun on September 3, a process that heralds a new Mercury cycle. The time when Mercury disappears in the blaze of the Sun [when it is within 10 degrees of the Sun or combust] is a very powerful time for seeking answers to concerns that may have arisen since the retrograde process began [ early August]. This is the most powerful time for introspection and meditation.  The ‘combust’ phase ends around September 9 when Mercury will re-appear in the morning sky just before the Sun rises. In esoteric terms this is the most intense and powerful part of the retrograde process as this is when Mercury assumes his alter ego as Psychopomp and Guide to the Underworld. In this role Mercury is associated with the Egyptian scribe Thoth, who has access to the Wisdom of the Universe, also known as the Akashic Records. 

Key dates in the current Mercury retrograde cycle

·         Full time of influence: August 1 to September 27

·        Exact dates: August 21 to September 13

·        Sensitive degrees: 5 to 19 degrees of Virgo

·        Time for insight: September 3 when New Mercury Cycle begins [Mercury conjunct the Sun]

·        Time to act on new ideas / beliefs: September 13 to 27 

Remember, Mercury retrograde always provides us with the opportunity to free our thinking from habitual ruts and develop a more conscious set of mental attitudes and beliefs. Concerns may arise over the first few weeks and the answers and insight can appear when the new cycle begins on September 3, Sit with your insights until after September 13 when Mercury goes direct. The next few weeks are the time to express your insights and put new plans into action. 

The New Moon in Virgo falls on September 8 and it is a relatively stress free chart that augurs well for setting and anchoring new intentions. 

Pluto stations at 2 Capricorn 47 on September 14 as it prepares to resume forward motion. The times when a planet stations are when it is said to be most powerful - it is as if the God is standing still and demanding we notice him.  Pluto stationery invites us to engage in deep soul searching,  confront our fears and own our shadows and whatever we have buried there. This station highlights all the fears and issues that Pluto’s current transit of Capricorn has constellated as it stands at the apex of the current Cardinal Cross. 

Jupiter moves back into Pisces on September 9 and conjuncts Uranus on September 19, for the second of three exact ‘hits’. This conjunction marks the beginning of a new 13 year Jupiter / Uranus cycle. The Jupiter/ Uranus cycle is said to be about social [Jupiter] and technological [Uranus] innovation and break-throughs. The three exact dates are

• June 8: in Aries
• September 19: in Pisces
• January 4 2011: in Pisces 

During this time Jupiter will act as a catalyst for the energy of Uranus in Aries and Pisces, much as it did when it joined Pluto in Capricorn in 2008, signalling the Global Financial Crisis. We may hear of some remarkable scientific discoveries and breakthroughs, but there is also the potential for conflict as the Arian archetype resents any restrictions on its freedom.  

Jupiter and Uranus are both freedom loving signs and this conjunction provides a strong counter point to the fearful and contracting energy of the rest of the Cardinal Cross: Pluto square Saturn and Saturn opposite Uranus. We may all feel inclined to ‘break out’ in some way and express our individuality; just make sure it is something you are prepared to be challenged over as there is much tense energy still around.

On September 22 the Sun opposes Jupiter and Uranus, heralding the key moment in retrograde cycle of both these planets. We have the capacity to gain greater clarity and consciousness about how we are utilizing these energies.

Jupiter symbolizes the principle of growth and expansion. While Jupiter is retrograde issues about faith, hope, optimism and confidence [or the lack of] may come to a head, especially in the house where Jupiter is transiting. This transit can be quite deflating if we have been inflated; but it also challenges us to put our ego [Sun] out of the picture and see things in the cold, clear light of reality and adjust our hopes and visions accordingly. We can gain insight into what blocks our growth and this can lead to new plans. Try not to over-react or blame others for your situation, this will just inflame the situation.

Uranus symbolizes the desire for change, freedom and liberation. While Uranus is retrograde issues may arise in the house where Uranus is currently transiting, calling us to make changes, express our individuality and become more authentic. The danger with Uranus is acting unpredictably and causing chaos rather than meaningful change.

The Full Moon falls on September 23 in the sign of Aries is an extremely potent lunation. It falls on the day after the Jupiter / Uranus conjunction and the day of of the Spring Equinox [Southern hemisphere]. It also triggers the Cardinal Cross as the Moon conjuncts Uranus and Jupiter, the Sun conjuncts Saturn and both the Sun and the Moon square Pluto.  This is quite a very stressful configuration and as it falls on the Libra Ingress of the Sun [the Equinox] the energy will be around for the next three months. Lunations such as this can act as trigger points for challenging aspect patterns so we could see a rise in tension [personally and collectively] that can produce reactionary responses [Uranus conjunct Jupiter] as well as conservative, authoritarian and fear based responses [Saturn]. Certainly the global financial markets could respond negatively to events over the next three months. 

As always, the best way to work with this energy on a personal level is to find your centre and listen to your inner truth. 

A Word on the Australian Election 

The Australian Federal Election took place on Saturday August 21, the exact day that Mercury made its station and turned retrograde. This suggested that the result would not be available on the night and may take some time to be clear. The key dates in the current Mercury retrograde cycle may be when breakthroughs appear:

• September 3 when Mercury conjuncts the Sun
• September 9 /10 when Mercury becomes visible and moves away from the solar blaze
• September 13 when Mercury moves direct.

 

The chart for the end of voting [in WA] also suggests confusion with Pisces rising and unpredictable/wildcard energy with Uranus and Jupiter conjunct the Ascendant. This has certainly manifested through the rise of the independents [very Uranian] holding the balance of power.  

The cardinal t-square is prominent in this chart and along with the Moon in Capricorn [the Moon rules the masses in Mundane Astrology] they emphasize the move to a more cautious, conservative and perhaps fearful mood.  

2.    The Spring Equinox

September 23 marks the Libra Ingress, better known as the Spring Equinox in the southern hemisphere. At 1.09 p.m. Australian Eastern Standard Time the Sun will move into the sign of Libra and be exactly overhead at the equator. This marks the time when day and night are of equal length and it is the turning point that marks the time when the daylight begins to prevail over the darkness. From this point forward the days will grow longer as the Sun gains power and strength. It is time to let go the darkness of winter and embrace the fertility of spring. At this time of year it is the Warrior/Amazon energy that we invoke to assist us to move forward into the new cycle.

Esoteric writers say this is a magical time when the magnetic field of the Earth is influenced by the Sun’s position directly overhead the equator. A doorway or portal opens to other realms due to a reduction in the Earth’s magnetic field. This is a powerful time for ritual and meditation that can offer us wisdom, inspiration and guidance.  The equinox portal is open for about 24 hours either side the exact moment. 

 A Private Spring Equinox Ritual

Choose a candle in a colour that symbolizes your desire. Begin by having a ritual bath or shower to wash away the darkness of winter and the past year. As you bathe, see and feel the past being released so you can embrace the exciting new energy of Spring. When you are ready sit quietly, centre yourself and invoke your Highest Inspiration then call for the assistance of your Inner Warrior as you light your candle. 

Reflect on what you wish to manifest in your life [making sure that you do not influence the free will of any other individual] and record you intentions in your journal or on a special piece of paper. Now sit back and visualize your desire manifesting as you gain strength and power from the Spring Sun. Most importantly FEEL the pleasure and joy that comes from the realization of your desires. 

When you have finished give thanks and surrender your desires as the Universe may have other plans [often even better] than you have imagined.  Keep your candle to light whenever you need to energize your desires.

Ring Lucy on 0418 382 925 if you would like to attend an Equinox Ritual on Sunday September 19. 

Workshops and Classes

 Contact Christine on 9584 6532 or christiner@netspace.net.au for a brochure. 

 

Blessings

Christine Rothwell