Well, this week is getting off to a galloping start. Already I’ve got at least two Mercury retrograde mix-ups and one jaw-dropping shocker. And it’s only Monday!

The dominant energy this week is Saturn’s opposition with Uranus at 25 degrees Virgo-Pisces. Neith and I both have been writing about this, and there’s not a whole lot more to say. If you need a refresher, check out my Saturday Extra! posts on August 22 and August 29.

This heavyweight aspect is amped up several volts by Friday’s New Moon at 26 degrees Virgo. As if that’s not enough, Mercury is retrograde and backtracks from Libra into Virgo on Thursday. At the New Moon, he’ll be sitting at 29 degrees, which for all practical purposes is conjunct the New Moon.

The New Moon typically represents new beginnings, but it’s sure tough to know what this one will bring, given the complications. Typically, when Mercury is retrograde at the New Moon, outcomes are delayed until Mercury returns direct. In addition, we may have to finish up some old business before we can start fresh, and that could end up being an arduous process.

The New Moon isn’t until Friday, but we’ll feel the effects strongly on Thursday, when the Sun opposes Uranus and conjoins Saturn.

Although Jupiter and Neptune aren’t directly in aspect with this New Moon, they are indirectly involved via the mutual reception between Uranus and Neptune, as well as the inconjunct from Saturn to Neptune. To those who believe that healing isn’t taking place, I’d like to point out that what looks like continual wounding is a form of healing. Just like a physical wound that needs to be kept open to drain, we’re being kept open and raw in order for the old patterns to release. It is painful, I know.

In any case, Neith will have more on this heavily charged New Moon, either tomorrow or Wednesday, so check back.

Speaking of Neptune & Co, Venus opposed Jupiter last week, and this week she opposes Chiron on Monday and Neptune on Tuesday. The Moon enters Leo on Monday and acts as an amplifier on Tuesday and Wednesday. Normally, we need to be wary of Venus-Neptune transits, which can translate to deceptive romantic relationships and self-delusions. Although this certainly may be the case this week, I think it’s possible our eyes will be opened, thanks to the “interference” of sobering Saturn.

Before re-entering Virgo on Thursday, Mercury squares Pluto, the second of three passes he makes during this retrograde cycle. If you find yourself obsessed with one subject or person, stop to think about why. For example, if you can’t stop thinking about a certain someone who isn’t right for you, perhaps there’s a message for you about what you need to learn before you can find someone better. The lesson may not be anything more than recognition of an unconscious behavior pattern.

This theme continues through the weekend, as the Sun conjoins Mercury on Sunday. Also on Sunday, Venus enters Virgo and trines Pluto. Although this normally lusty combination is in earth signs, the planet of love and desire is subdued in the sign of the Virgin. Passion is tempered, and we can stop long enough to remember to take safety precautions. This applies whether you’re in a physical relationship or undertaking some other endeavor.

Much love and courage to you all,
Pat

Image: Disoriented? On the edge? Yep, that would be this week. For the life of me, I can’t figure out what’s what in this photo, of a shop window designed by director David Lynch for the Galerie LaFayette in Paris. This week could read like a David Lynch script. Stay tuned. Photo by Bertrand Guay for Agence France-Presse.