Celestial Notebook Overview September 2008

‘Before we can give something of ourselves to others, we must first possess ourselves.’ Ignazio Silone

Until the Libra Equinox, the Sun (), indicative of our essence, is in Virgo (). Virgo represents our quest for wholeness, integration of body and spirit and sacred service. Originally the word, ‘virgin’ referred to a woman who was independent, unmarried and complete unto herself. The Vestal Virgins initiated men into sexual mysteries and served as healers for men returning from war.

The Virgo-Pisces polarity symbolises the integration of body and soul – matter is spirit incarnate. ‘We are spirit in form, love made flesh, eternity playing with time and space.’ Stephanie Austin

As the evolutionary pace quickens, the Virgo within gently insists that we take care of ourselves physically, mentally and spiritually. All aches and pains are indications that a part of us is demanding attention. Have appreciation for the brilliantly designed work horse you inhabit!

Our gratitude could lead us to another item on the Virgo agenda: humility. True humility is not about self-deprecation, it is more about a state of adaptability and openness – evaluating each situation and discerning what is relevant NOW, what is essential and what is superfluous. As we become more discerning we become more skilled helpers and healers, being of service not only to others but also to ourselves: we offer what is useful, not sacrificing or neglecting our self.

Saturn (), The Master of Reality Checks, has been in Virgo since the beginning of September 2007 and remains in the sign of true self acceptance until June 2010. (Saturn does enter Libra at the end of October 2009, but then retrogrades into Virgo before it finally let’s go.) We are all feeling the clarifying effects of Saturn: are we working in service or in servitude? Saturn in Virgo calls us to work smarter, not harder and to focus on improving our quality of life especially where our own health and the health of the environment is concerned. Those with natal placements in Virgo will be feeling this transit more acutely.

The first two weeks of the month are weeks of accelerated growth. The New Moon on 30 August is closely conjunct Saturn mandating that this month be a disciplined one – not the discipline to work harder or to achieve more, but discipline to use the energy we have wisely. On 3 & 4 September the Sun is conjunct Saturn and these will be days of facing up to reality, of hard, hard work and we will probably feel restricted by circumstances teaching us the lessons of responsibility and containment. For those who deserve it, there may be extra responsibilities in the form of promotion: we will be held to account for better or for worse!

On 7 September there is a First Quarter Moon which invariably means that we need to take urgent action to manifest whatever we are working on. The problem is that both Jupiter () and Pluto () are stationary, poised to turn direct, and the celestial guidelines are that we need to bide our time – it takes a few days before the movement forward, upward and outward is supported by the Universe.

Jupiter stations direct on 7 September at 12° Capricorn. Pluto stations direct at 28° Sagittarius on 8 September. All retrograde phases represent a time of review, release and realignment. Pluto retrograde in Sagittarius created opportunities for us to become aware of the beliefs that have been blocking our evolutionary progress. As Pluto picks up speed we will feel ready to move on (or move out).

Jupiter, the ruler of Sagittarius, at the moment in Capricorn (), is less expansive than usual, but believes that if we remained focussed and if we persevered anything is possible. If we could remain true to the revelations we experienced during the retrograde phase we will be better able to separate ourselves from previous social standards, blindly followed, that have been stifling our inner growth. As Jupiter accelerates, we need to be aware that the challenge is not to jump to confusions and to rather work toward meaningful change than trying to convince and control others.

The Full Moon on 15 September at 22° 54’ Pisces-Virgo conjuncts Uranus () at 20° Pisces (), fuelling the imperative to think out of the box. Uranus is the Cosmic Wild Card and full moons are naturally arousing: it will take more effort to remain grounded and centred: our frustrations may get the better of us and we will be tempted to throw caution to the winds and make changes for the sake of change. Be clear on your long-term goals before you walk out. As it is, Mercury (), Messenger of the Gods, turns retrograde on 24 September at 22° 49’ Libra, emphasising the need to tune in to our heart’s desires.

The entire month Mercury and Mars (), The Mythic God of War, tango through Libra (). Mars in Libra is a heroic negotiator and we will be motivated to bring greater fairness and justice into the world: walking your talk is what it is about this month.

The most powerful way to reroute the frustration or passivity of Mars in Libra is to work towards achieving inner harmony. We can’t please all of the people all of the time and gently expressing what we treasure, what we dread and what we need to reconcile equips us to operate in the world from a place of true power.

‘It is not enough to be industrious; so are the ants. What are you industrious about?’ Henry David Thoreau