As the Sun moves into Libra on September 22nd, less than nine hours after Mercury stationed direct, we may be reflecting on the big changes we’ve been going through (or resisted going through!) as a result of this summer’s reality review. Change is hard for most of us. Even if we say are we are willing we naturally will meet mental resistance from within and without. If it is a paradigm shifting change with what may seem like an overload of new truths that may have been very hard to hear, it additionally requires a top to bottom, internal to external reordering of how we operate, mentally, physically and spiritually. And that takes some major integration time! The eclipse season is now over so the changes that are needed, if not already done, are known and in process, at the very least on the intention level. During this period, which commences with the Sun crossing the equinox point commencing a new three-month cycle, the cosmos additionally offers up other planetary shifts to nudge us along, and supporting aspects that offer the space and grace to incorporate ongoing transformational experiences. Concurrent planetary energies, however, may also generate the feeling of it all being so BIG. Actions not taken may yet burst forth with great enthusiasm, or exaggeration. Therefore, tuning into the gift of Libra will be essential in maintaining equilibrium and the Sun here embodies it at the core of our being. Libra’s gift is “ease,” according to Dane Rudhyar, who sees this word in a deep and powerful way as the complete absence of fear in relating to others and the world around us. “Deep inside of himself,” writes Rudhyar, “the Libra type could often find (if he only dared investigate) an unconscious, subtle but often most powerful, resistance against total relatedness. This resistance exists just because total relatedness is the next step for him.” The fear of total relatedness pretty much explains all the problems of this world, which are definitely too big for any person to solve alone. The Sun in Libra knows it takes a global village to overcome the great struggle to achieve total relatedness, so as this zodiacal month unfolds may we come to the realization that, “One can only grow in selfhood through inclusiveness; but through the degree of inclusiveness which matches one’s capacity for assimilating what is being included and absorbed.” That capacity, explains Rudhyar, grows as we move away from restricting fear and into the openness of love.
The astral village continues to support our earthly efforts to focus on what needs handling when Mercury in Virgo trines Pluto in Capricorn on September 23th for the second time in just a few days, and thus keeping the spotlight on the power of sustained attention. Discussed in the last AstroCast, the previous aspect coincided with Mercury stationing direct. This one coincides with Pluto stationing direct on September 26th. Bookended by the course reversals of both planets involved intensifying their energy, this influential double trine in practical earth signs doubles down on its penetrating, analytical quality, offering the tenacity, investigative fervor and a little seductive persuasion to go deeper into our psyches until we root out those obstructionist fears to total relatedness. If left unchecked, those fears may reveal the dark side of Pluto where persistence devolves into obsession where our minds endlessly circle the wagons of our precious thoughts, however false they may be. Coming up for air and regular check-in’s with others for objectivity may be required for those inclined not to let something go.
Venus enters Scorpio on September 23th, where she exalts the experience of total relatedness. Here she has an increased desire to go deep with other knowing that experience will mean the death of her ego and the birth of her soul expressing without fear. Venus in Scorpio knows only an authentic experience of love can take her to a place beyond fear, and that it takes a strong commitment between lovers to foster the environment for this kind of alchemic process to happen. Love for Venus in Scorpio is after all an occult endeavor requiring knowledge of the fundamental life forces at work beyond the physical plane, beyond the mind and into the magical arena of quantum cosmic love. It also requires a complete “non-identification” with other. It bears repeating this wonderful quote from Rudhyar: “To be consumed by the Fire, and nevertheless be tender of the flame – this is the goal. And this goal can only be reached by using this most magical gift of the Spirit; the power of non-identification.”
The Sun conjuncts Jupiter in Libra on September 25th, providing the potential to instill some much need joy into our spirits, or perhaps just making everything going on seem much BIGGER. Jupiter is by far the largest planet in our solar system and archetypally it amplifies everything it touches. In Libra, Jupiter’s concern with equity in relationships may have us looking at the philosophical reasons for achieving balance and asking who is best served when there is an equal exchange of energy circulating between beings? What can we learn when we make an effort to see eye to eye with another? With the fall out from this past season of changes very much still in the integration process, there could even be a sense of overwhelm with a large influx of people all asking for face time. The Sun/Jupiter planetary pair asks us to be fully engaged at the societal level, and to have fun with the process. Fortunately, Sun/Jupiter also has a managerial prowess so we will be able to juggle our social schedules deftly. Sun/Jupiter loves a good game and will insist we play nice. Social etiquette rules in the game of total relatedness sets up everyone to win.
The manner in which we act, what motivates us and how we go about getting what we want are all under the domain of Mars, the action planet who governs also how we assert – and defend – our right to selfhood. When he changes signs there is a palpable correlating shift on earth. After the last couple of months in fiery Sagittarius where he spent driving us into spontaneous adventures of the heart or meaningful causes worth fighting for, Mars enters Capricorn on September 27th, kicking it into a much more methodical gear where advance planning is the preferred way to ensure a desired outcome. Through November 8th, Mars will endeavor to assert his “personal integrity,” the gift of Capricorn according to Dane Rudhyar, into the structures of civilization and put his personal desires into the service of humanity. Rudhyar likens the Capricornian paradox as the need to infuse the individual creative spirit into our forms of living. Otherwise they become oppressive and overgeneralized, and hence serving no one successfully. “What is needed is a new impregnation by the spirit, a new arousal of the spiritual power of personal integrity within the hearts of countless individuals,” says Rudhyar on Capricorn. “Man is the maker of forms. But these forms are prisons without the animating power of the spirit.” Mars in Capricorn represents the opportunity for each individual to be self-governing in a way that serves the creative spirit in relation to the collective expression of society.
The Moon joining the Sun in Libra on September 30th brings home the theme of total relatedness into the new lunar cycle. This New Moon, therefore, is about coming to a sense of “ease” with all that was, all that is and all that will be, with others in our lives as with all life. “Ease is the absence of the ghosts of yesterday and the utter identification with an inclusive tomorrow,” writes Rudhyar. “Natural growth of inherent potentialities, ease and logic of development, elegance of unfoldment – these are the jewels of the art of living; these are the tests of mastery. For the ‘Master’ is the artist supreme in the noblest of all arts, the art of living.” This ease, ironically, does not just happen and this is the importance of really delving into the meaning of a word. While ease implies a completely relaxed state it actually takes significant effort. Consequently, the ease of total relatedness may be the greatest struggle of humanity! According to Rudhyar writing on Libra, “Struggle may be necessary; but the one great struggle that brings health of soul and body is the effort to overcome inertia, spiritual indifference and the doubt that there will be a victory. Not a struggle against any particular entity, to be met with strained muscles, contracted heart and tightened will; but instead a struggle for understanding, inclusiveness, breadth of vision and a greater light – a struggle for an ever more relaxed sense of openness to life and to God. It is an effort, without it being a conflict. It is, more truly, a constantly deepening eagerness for identification of the ego with the greater Self.” As we go through the month, may we find all our conflicts transform into a simple need to make an effort. May we become open to who we are and allow others in our lives to express themselves as freely. “Ease is the fragrance of a love so harmonious that the participants share one another wholly, in feelings and in deeds. Ease is the fragrance of happiness. It is simplicity become peace; peace singing to itself in the silence of a consummated living.” As this month of total relatedness unfolds, may we experience ease in the call and response of love.
With her total relatedness sensibilities in full-on Scorpionic immersion focus, Venus makes harmonious connections with two outer planets in quick succession that provide support and encouragement for us to move beyond the superficial into a transcendental experience. Venus trines Neptune in Pisces on October 1st, opening a gateway to the divine romance and an experience of love that is beyond anything we read about in romance novels. Neptune is the higher octave of Venus and when she makes contact with him, total relatedness moves into the domain of cosmic spirit. As she trines Neptune, if Venus in Scorpio can even but touch on the state of non-identification, she may find herself becoming a flowing stream of unconditional love. On October 5th, Venus forms a sextile to Pluto in Capricorn. Naturally intense Pluto, being the ruler of Scorpio, will amplify Venus in Scorpio’s mission to deepen her commitment to become completely authentic in relationships. Intention, effort and continuity are what is required to ultimately enable her expression of the divine romance to be utterly real and therefore quite powerful.
A stabilizing sextile between the Sun in Libra and Saturn in Sagittarius on October 4th beams down disciplined energy that may inspire us to actually enjoy all that effort we are putting into total relatedness. As we make the effort to become aware of who we truly are, the universe responds with the support we need to continue the path – and encouragement with the successes we achieve along the way when relationship crises are solved and interactions become harmonious. We may come to see the importance of a well-ordered life as a freeing agent. Yes, believe it or not, discipline leads to freedom. If we are not constantly dealing with crises we have much more energy and time to be creative with others.
The steadying factor of Sun/Saturn may mitigate the building square between Mars in Capricorn and Jupiter in Libra that becomes exact on October 5th. This aspect will most likely contribute to the sense of everything seeming utterly expanded outside our normal frame of reference, and quite outside our operating comfort zone. Jupiter in Libra is concerned with justice and the square to Mars in Capricorn, already focused on instilling the aliveness of spirit into worn out social structures, may become the crusader with a larger than life mission to fight for a near and dear cause. Big movements backed up by an equally vociferous and potentially exaggerated sense of personal authority may appear quite aggressive to anyone in the way. To avoid throwing our weight around just because we can, a sense of objectivity is important to ensure the self-involved ego is taken out of the equation so it doesn’t get carried away with its own zeal. When fighting for the underdog, effectiveness is lost when the crusader is also the one at the head of the line for any of the spoils of war. The practical benefit of the Mars/Jupiter planetary pair is a tremendous amount of energy that could be well utilized in a spirited adventure. Be it a large public collaborative art project, an expansive restructuring endeavor at work that requires a concerted team effort to shift into new roles, a sports match or political debate, the vitality and sheer chutzpah to get it done is available for the taking. What will be needed for it to be a win-win situation is for us to keep the Libra theme of total relatedness close at heart.
“Your task is not to seek for love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it.” Rumi (b. September 30, 1207)
Here’s the data (using Pacific Time and planetary positions rounded to the nearest whole degree, unless otherwise noted):
September 22 – Sun at 0° Libra at 7:22 a.m.
September 23 – Mercury trine Pluto at 15° Virgo/Capricorn at 1:36 a.m.
September 23 – Venus at 0° Scorpio at 7:51 a.m.
September 25 – Sun conjunct Jupiter at 4° Libra at 11:59 p.m.
September 26 – Pluto station direct at 15° Capricorn at 7:59 a.m.
September 27 – Mars at 0° Capricorn at 1:08 a.m.
September 30 – Moon conjunct Sun (New Moon) at 8° Libra at 5:11 p.m.
October 1 – Venus trine Neptune at 10° Scorpio/Pisces at 10:14 a.m.
October 4 – Sun sextile Saturn at 12° Libra/Sagittarius at 9:59 a.m.
October 5 Venus sextile Pluto at 15° Scorpio/Capricorn at 2:20 p.m.
October 5 – Mars square Jupiter at 6° Capricorn/Libra at 2:45 p.m.
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