September 6th ~ 13th

Changing is not just changing the things outside of us. First of all we need the right view that transcends all notions including of being and non-being, creator and creature, mind and spirit. That kind of insight is crucial for transformation and healing.  ~ Thich Nhat Hanh

Are we sure Mercury is Direct?

Yes it is. But one of the hallmarks of this most recent retrograde phase of Mercury was its changeableness, its surprising and sudden twists and turns, which also preceded the retrograde. On July 21st, Mercury made the1st of 3 squares to unpredictable Uranus. The 2nd square occurred just before the Full Moon on August 19th, right in the middle of the retrograde phase. And now that Mercury has ended its retrograde phase it makes its 3rd square this weekend. 

Unpredictable, changeable, excitable and perhaps a bit impulsive, we often feel rushed, scattered and beside ourselves when Mercury makes these sharp angles to Uranus. So if you feel like you are losing your mind, cannot concentrate, and jumping into the pool before check to see if there is any water in there. That’s the square aspect between these two. Thankfully (!) Mercury returns to its home sign of Virgo on Monday to restore order, and get us all back on track. Finally! Mercury being direct again helps. The New Moon in Virgo last week also helped. But having Mercury return to the organized, and practical sign of Virgo will make all of our lives that much easier. 

We’ve been getting a lot of green lights. But the path is riddled with detours. So it helps to have a plan. And it helps to be informed with the correct information so that we know what we are dealing with! Even if it is not as we had originally thought. It’s not unusual to change your mind during the shifts and turns of the retrograde cycle of Mercury. Be prepared to change your mind or change your plans yet again this weekend. Be flexible, and  before you know it, once Mercury enters Virgo at the end of this weekend, all the pieces of the puzzle will fit together, and you’ll be able to see a clear way forward. 

Mars in Cancer

On September 4th, Mars entered Cancer, and there are many reasons why this is so important for us. Mars is what motivates us and gets us moving. In Cancer there is a strongly protective quality, that wants to make sure that we are safe, that we are indeed on the right track. Mars in Cancer can put us all in defensive and protective mode, but there are reasons for this. For now that Mars is in Cancer it will position itself at that sacred turning point, at the bending of the Nodes. This is that point between the Nodes of the Moon, that feels like we are at a turning point in our lives. For it is here that Mars aims to fulfill the behests of the North Node in Aries, that has been compelling us (through the eclipses) to fulfill our potential. 

Mars entering Cancer will affect each of us a bit differently. But for many, there can be this feeling of being between 2 orders in our lives, one which represents our past, and another that represents the future. And through our actions, our decisions and choices we are making this month, we will be making some sort of impact on what that future is going to look like. Will we secure our place in the scheme of things? Will we create the circumstances to establish that new order that the North Node in Aries has been taunting us with? Will we make our lives safer? 

Mars will be in Cancer from September 4th through November 4th when it will enter the sign of Leo. On December 6th, Mars will then station retrograde and return to Cancer in January where it will remain until April 19th. So Mars will be in Cancer for an extended period of time, veering back and forth to Leo. 

While in Gemini we were being shown many paths, many options, different points of view, and opinions. Now that Mars is in Cancer we are being asked to make choices. But to do so carefully and considerately.  We are being asked to be careful because it can feel as if so much is at stake. This will be even more so, for due to its retrograde period from December to February, Mars will make 3 oppositions to Pluto, which will remind us just how important our choices really are.

The first opposition on November 3rd, will be just before Mars enters Leo on the 4th. And because Pluto enters Aquarius on November 19th, the other two oppositions will occur when Mars is in Leo on January 3rd and at the end of April. These will be dates for us all to keep an eye on.

Mars in Cancer is motivated to action when called on to shore up the ramparts and defend hearth and home. We tend to circle the wagons when Mars is in Cancer, defending our own: our turf, our family our loved ones, and the things that matter most to us. It could take a lot for Mars in Cancer to rise to the occasion. However, like the strong Mama bear she is, Mars in Cancer will leap into action when her loved ones are in danger; while also making sure that the home is sound, and that there is enough in the larder to keep everyone healthy and sound. She is the hero who lifts the car off the child, who stands up to bullies, and secures the perimeters. Just know that when Mars in Cancer feels called to action, as she will when opposing Pluto, she will be a force to be reckoned with. 

The Saturn Cycle

On September 7th (or 8th, depending on where you are in the world), the Sun will make its opposition to Saturn right in the middle of its retrograde phase. It is at this crucial opposition to Saturn that the Sun is shining a light on the obstacles that are standing in our way. Once again, Pluto is standing in the wings reminding us that we are also at a critical juncture in history. So there are our own regular, everyday obstacles that are standing in the way of progress, but then there are also those existential forces that are looming over us, that are seemingly beyond our control.

But in our own lives, it is especially important for us all to understand what those things are that are holding us back, and preventing us from moving forward with our lives. These can be external things. Or they can be internal. Which can include our own fears, our lack of confidence, our attachment to the past and resistance to change. Which in turn leans towards avoidance, procrastination or stagnation. 

Saturn also gives us the tools and means to confront those obstacles by internalizing that positive attributes of self-discipline, determination, organization and duty. 

• What useful tools or information are you becoming aware of that will help you to overcome your current obstacles or challenges? 

• What reality are you now needing to face, which you can no longer ignore? 

• What dreams or illusions have you outgrown, that no longer support the person you are now?

• Where are you stuck, or simply lack the confidence to move on to the next step?

For this week’s horoscopes, click the link below: 

HOROSCOPES