Category Archives: Forecasts

New Moon in Sagittarius, November 27, 2008

New Moon in SagittariusAll you Archers out there will be thrilled to learn that this is a quintessential New Moon in Sagittarius. Not only are the Sun and Moon conjoined at 5°49′ Sagittarius, but Mercury and Mars are within a couple of degrees as well. Yes, it’s time to celebrate Sagittarius!

It is fair to say we will all be feeling this stellium wherever it falls in our charts, urging us to think big and maybe take a chance or two. Sagittarius is interested in exploring different ideas and drawing concepts from many different cultures to build something new and interesting. With the drive of Mars in Sagittarius coupled to Mercury’s free-wheeling thinking in Sagittarius, this is a great time to travel to far away places, even if it’s only from your armchair. It is also time to put the intense introspection of Scorpio behind us for awhile.

Jupiter, Sagittarius’s ruler, is still in Capricorn, but he is conjunct Venus, and both are sextile Uranus, who stations direct three hours before the New Moon. This is a lot of creative, expansive energy looking for an outlet, and we might as well take advantage of it while we can. Indeed, from this day until the end of December, all the planets will be direct. So check and see what you have put off, because forward thinking is what will be rewarded.

Another big shift taking place the day before the New Moon is Pluto’s move into Capricorn, where he will remain until 2023. We have discussed numerous possibilities about what this move will bring and will continue to do so as Pluto settles into his new sign. In this chart, Pluto is exactly trine Vesta in Taurus, underlining the awareness of Capricorn being a feminine, earth sign and serving as a reminder of the inherent power abiding in nature. The season of Capricorn in the northern latitudes is one in which all the action in the growing cycle takes place beneath the surface, awaiting release to burgeon forth during Taurus’s season of late spring.

For now, the opposition between Uranus in Pisces and Saturn in Virgo is separating and will continue to do so until Saturn goes retrograde at the end of December. I am quite happy to catch a breather from this opposition before the second pass is exact on February 5, 2009. Right now, Uranus forms a lovely sextile with Venus and Jupiter, with Saturn trine that pair – a great pattern for actualizing and manifesting your favorite creative projects.

The Sabian symbol for 6 Sagittarius is, a game of cricket, with the keywords GROUP SOLIDARITY. Fairness and cooperation are needed to achieve collective goals. The stellium in Sagittarius on this New Moon encourages sportsmanship and fair play while keeping in mind it’s the process, not the result, that is important. We have spent far too much time and energy as a collective on “winning” during the Pluto in Sagittarius years, and now that Pluto is in Capricorn, we can start working together steadily to achieve our goals.

Let’s all enjoy this exuberant New Moon and brace ourselves for a wild ride over the next month. Remember to take time to express your appreciation for friends and family and practice kindness to all.

Libra with Scorpio risingposted by Neith . . .

Of course, today is the day to write your New Moon abundance checks! Here’s how.

Weekly Forecast November 17: Sun and Mercury enter Sagittarius

Thy Templed Hills, Maxfield ParrishWell, I certainly can tell that Mars is in Sagittarius! The traffic picked up this weekend, I burned a bunch of food, and people weren’t shy about expressing their anger.

Unlike Mars in Scorpio, which tends to seethe silently, Mars in Sagittarius tells you exactly what he thinks. Sagittarius is ruled by Jupiter, the god of extremes who throws a volcanic temper tantrum, gets it out of his system, orders a round for the entire house, and insists that everyone drink and be merry.

Mars rules motors and moving parts, while Sagittarius rules vehicles. Put that together, and you’ve got a lot of people on the go in planes, trains, and automobiles. But Sagittarius also is the hunter and lover of the great, wild outdoors (thus my image for this week). They seem incongruous, but then, as I mentioned above, this is a sign of extremes.

Sagittarius is definitely the theme this week, with Mars as the advance party for the Sun’s entry in the sign of the archer on Friday and Mercury’s arrival on Saturday. This is the start of the winter holiday season in much of the world, too, although I have to tell you that it sickens me to see all the Christmas displays in the stores so early. I know that’s their way of dealing with a sinking economy, but still…

On a day-by-day basis, here’s how the week stacks up:

On Monday, Mercury in Scorpio squares Neptune in Aquarius. It may be time for a reality check, but don’t assume that means your bubble is burst. Sometimes we don’t give enough credence to our dreams, since society in general tends to discourage this. And while I’m a big proponent of staring truth directly in the face, I also know that there are times when fantasy and imagination can be survival mechanisms. As with many things, the key is awareness. As long as you know you’re doing it, it’s probably OK.

Tuesday through Thursday are fairly quiet, except for any activity that might be stirred up by Mars in fast-moving Sagittarius. Friday is the big day, when the Moon in Virgo activates the ongoing Saturn-Uranus opposition, Jupiter trines Saturn, and the Sun changes signs.

The Moon is just one activator that will keep the Saturn-Uranus opposition in flux even though the first exact pass is behind us. Neith and I both have written a lot on this topic, and you probably know by now how this aspect is playing out in your life. Jupiter’s trine to Saturn provides an opportunity to take steps toward making real changes in your life. Uranus is stationed, about to go direct next week. Once that happens, change will come swiftly and may feel out of control. Having some long-range goals in mind will help you make on-the-spot decisions, if necessary, and will provide grounding.

We all should feel some lightening up once the Sun and Mercury enter Sagittarius, so plan something fun this weekend. That said, Mercury is in his detriment in Sagittarius, mostly because he tends to blurt out the truth without thinking. This is definitely not the time to ask, “Honey, do I look fat in these jeans?”

Love and blessings,
Aquarius, the sign of astrologyPat

Image: Thy Templed Hills, by Maxfield Parrish, 1936.

Weekly Forecast November 10: Full Moon in Taurus/Scorpio, Venus and Mars Change Signs

Walking a tightropeThere’s a lot going on this week, and no matter what your Sun or Rising sign is, you’ll feel a shift.

We’re still in the wake of the Saturn-Uranus opposition, a long-term aspect with far-reaching consequences. The effects are going to take a couple of years to shake out. The challenge here is to walk the fine line between making much-needed changes in your life and being practical and grounded.

Throughout the week, major aspects will release the energy of this opposition, much the same way that an earthquake releases pent-up earth energy. Most of these aspects are positive, and I’m hopeful that this will help tip the balance in favor of maximum change while keeping within tolerable bounds the disruptions that inevitably come with that change.

On Monday and Tuesday, the Sun in Scorpio makes favorable aspects to both Saturn and Uranus, along with Jupiter, which currently is sitting at a near-exact sextile to Uranus and trine to Saturn. Jupiter, a benevolent influence somewhat tempered by his residence in Capricorn, moves into an exact sextile with Uranus on Thursday and trines Saturn next week. Growth starts in your head; what you think and what you believe, both about yourself and the world, can limit your possibilities. New doorways will appear, but to see them, you may have to be ruthless in examining errors in your thinking.

On Wednesday (late Tuesday in later time zones), Venus conjoins Pluto in the last degree of Sagittarius before moving into Capricorn several hours later. Depending on where this conjunction falls in your chart, you may become obsessive or possessive about something or someone. The feelings themselves may be fleeting, but don’t discount deeper, underlying motivations. It all flows into better self-understanding.

Also on Wednesday, the Moon in Taurus amplifies the Saturn-Uranus opposition and forms a grand earth trine with Jupiter and Saturn, providing still more cosmic support for keeping an even keel while abruptly changing course, if necessary.

Thursday is the Full Moon, with Sun in Scorpio and Moon in Taurus (the Full Moon always falls in the sign opposite the position of Sun). Neith has written a full report already, and she also noted that this is the start of Day 6 of the Galactic Underworld (according to Calleman; I’ll have more on this in a day or two over on The Pisces Chronicles). Not only will this Full Moon activate events of the current eclipse series, but it marks a major shift in planetary energy.

Mercury squares Chiron on Friday, calling attention to our deepest wounds. This is never comfortable, but it is a necessary part of the healing process. Accepting the pain, even for an hour or two, will do you more good than resorting to your favorite painkiller, be it an actual drug or escapist behavior.

The Moon enters Cancer on Saturday and, along with Mercury, keeps the energy of the Saturn-Uranus opposition in full flux for the entire weekend. Add to that the entry of Mars in dynamic Sagittarius, and we’re all in for a wild ride. I’ll have more on Mars in Sag in next week’s forecast.

To sum up, if you’re overwhelmed and feeling a sense of inner chaos, so is everyone else, and this is not a bad thing. We’re all ready for change, and this is a necessary phase.

Much courage and love to all…

Aquarius, the sign of astrologyPat

Image: World High Wire Championships in Seoul, South Korea, in October 2008. Photo by Lee Jin-man for the AP.

Full Moon in Taurus, November 12-13, 2008

 Full Moon in Taurus is here
The Full Moon on November 13 (late November 12 on the West Coast of the United States and points west) is a powerhouse at 21° 15′ Taurus, opposite the Sun in Scorpio. Neptune in Aquarius exactly squares both luminaries, creating a turbulent atmosphere with many unfolding possibilities.

Neptune stationed direct on November 2 but will remain at 21° until mid-December. As usual, we have a choice between using the tenacity of the fixed-sign T-square to cling to our illusions or to start manifesting the changes we need to continue down the path to becoming our authentic selves.

With Mars in Scorpio conjunct the Sun, this may be the time to start unearthing long-buried anger issues and allowing the light of the Sun to help us find the key to unraveling these. Stress abatement can be a prelude to better overall health, and unresolved anger and resentment are definitely sources of stress. Scorpio does not receive the acclaim it deserves as a healer, especially of wounds relating to suppressed rage. The tension created by the 90° aspect can be very useful in prodding us to finally do something, and Neptune in its highest expression represents unlimited compassion and acceptance, providing balm to emotions (the Moon) and self-image (the Sun).

There is a second T-square in this chart with the waning Saturn-Uranus opposition as the base and Pallas in Gemini at the apex. Pallas in Gemini is razor-sharp with words, and it may be a good idea to count to ten before expressing the frustration of dealing with the results of the Saturn-Uranus opposition. By the Full Moon, those of us who got hit by this opposition will be well aware of the challenges it has and will create in our lives. Here, the tension of the T-square brings out the warrior goddess side of Pallas-Athena. Slaying those around us with words is not likely to accomplish much, even though it may feel good in the moment.

Ameliorating the harshness of the two T-squares is a grand trine in earth between the Moon in Taurus, Saturn in Virgo, and Jupiter in Capricorn. This pattern features the practical but comforting side of earth and is celebrated by an emphasis on quality rather than quantity. Prepare your favorite comfort food, put on some relaxing music, and see if you can find someone to give you a good foot massage to help ease the turmoil and tension swirling around. This pattern also favors those willing to eat their vegetables first and then enjoy dessert.

An innovative aspect is the trine between Uranus in Pisces and the Sun and Mercury in Scorpio. This is an excellent time to take on a research project that requires digging deep to get all the facts and to think outside the box. Scorpio delights in gathering data and compiling it behind the scenes before presenting the finished product to a properly awed audience.

Venus, having moved into Capricorn the day before, is trine Ceres in Virgo. These two combine to offer support and nurturance with little fanfare but a great deal of class. Don’t be surprised if you opt for elegance and simplicity in buying for your home or wardrobe.

The Sabian symbol for 22 Taurus is, White dove flying over troubled waters, with the keyword GUIDANCE. Here we find reassurance by maintaining perspective and seeking inner quiet during times of emotional upheaval. As the Saturn-Uranus opposition cycle is beginning to unfold, this is important to hold in your heart and mind.

For the Sun at 22 Scorpio, the Sabian symbol is, Hunters shooting wild ducks, with the keywords SOCIALIZATION OF INSTINCTS. The Sun conjunct Mars in Scorpio in this chart is far more socialized in the expression of aggressive instincts than, say, Mars in Aries. Scorpio is inclined to weight the consequences before taking action and is very controlled and contained in expression for a martial sign.

Shining light on Neptune’s illusions and Saturn’s doubts and fears can help lessen the impact of those tendencies in our lives. We always have the choice of acknowledging our darker aspects within and forgiving ourselves our shortcomings, but no one will hold our feet to the fire and force us to do so – barring a major Pluto transit, of course. For all those who just want a lighter atmosphere, Mars will be moving into Sagittarius on November 16 and the Sun will follow him on November 21. Hang in there and practice kindness!

Libra with Scorpio risingposted by Neith . . .

Weekly Forecast November 3: Saturn Opposite Uranus

The castration of Uranus by Saturn
The big news this week is the opposition between Saturn in Virgo and Uranus in Pisces, which is exact on Tuesday.

The main reason this aspect is so challenging, both individually and collectively, is that the energies represented by these two planets are diametrically opposed. Saturn is about structure, tradition, limitations, and all that is concrete and tangible, whereas the energy of Uranus is erratic, chaotic, innovative, and unconventional, with a spark of creative genius that can’t be contained. Pit these two opposite each other, and you have a classic tug-of-war between the urge to maintain the status quo and an urgent need for change.

On Monday, the Moon in Capricorn conjoins Jupiter and aspects both Saturn and Uranus, further increasing the intensity of this opposition. We may experience specific events related to Saturn and Uranus, but keep in mind that the effects of a long-term outer aspect like this last for months, and you no doubt have already bumped up against a situation that will persist for the next couple of years.

Also on Monday, Venus squares Saturn and Uranus, reminding us to try to see the bigger picture instead of choosing sides.

Tuesday is Election Day in the United States, and the Saturn-Uranus opposition has a clear role not only in the election itself but in the new administration. To our foreign readers (Real Astrologers has readers in 110 countries around the world), I wish to say, as I’ve written elsewhere, that I don’t believe the United States is so important that we set the standards for the rest of the world. Events in the next four years were set in motion long ago, and we are simply a player in that unfolding drama, which is taking place on the world stage, not just here at home.

I’ve posted an expanded version of this forecast on my personal blog, The Pisces Chronicles, and Neith and I will be writing more about Saturn and Uranus for those who are interested.

That would be enough intensity for one week, but there’s more. Indeed, November is shaping up to be a tumultuous month. For those who have felt stuck in a rut, this will be a good thing, but change typically isn’t easy, especially when it happens suddenly and swiftly.

On Monday, Mars squares Neptune at 21 degrees Scorpio and Aquarius. There will be a lunar eclipse next February at 21 degrees Aquarius, one of an ongoing series of eclipses in Aquarius and Leo that began last February and will continue until August 2009. You already know how this energy is playing out in your life, so just be prepared for developments this week that aren’t likely to be very pleasant.

On Tuesday, Mercury sextiles Pluto before entering Scorpio, the sign that Pluto rules. Rather than trying to banish obsessive thoughts, follow them down into those dark places and fearlessly shine light on them. This is how enlightenment happens.

The Moon is in Aquarius on Wednesday and Thursday, amplifying the dreamy and psychic energy of Neptune, who’s just yawning and stretching as he returns direct. On Saturday, the Moon in Pisces conjoins Uranus and opposes Saturn, and once again we’ll be painfully aware of the tension.

Much courage and love to all…

Aquarius, the sign of astrologyPat

Image: The Defeat of Uranus by Saturn, by Giorgio Vasari and Gherardi Christofano, 16th century, Palazzo Vecchio, Florence. I’ve used this frightening image before, but I’m repeating it, because it so beautifully illustrates the Saturn-Uranus opposition.

Ask Our Readers: The Saturn-Uranus Opposition

Next Tuesday (November 4), the first of five Saturn-Uranus oppositions will be exact at 18° on the Virgo-Pisces axis. I’ve received a sharp reminder that this is an aspect to be reckoned with.

A few days ago, a routine delivery of heating oil turned into a huge mess in short order. We are now in the process of cleanup, and a complete return to normalcy has yet to be determined. In my chart, Uranus is transiting my fourth house and Saturn my tenth, and the opposition is triggering my natal Mars-Uranus inconjunct.

So, anyone else starting to see the effects of this opposition in their charts and lives?

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I also want to express my heartfelt appreciation for all the truly amazing stories you have been willing to share about Pluto transits and the subsequent profound rearranging of your lives. Part of the reason Pat and I started Real Astrologers was to provide an opportunity for this kind of sharing, because this is how we all learn more about ourselves and astrology.

Libra with Scorpio risingposted by Neith . . .

Weekly Forecast October 27: New Moon in Scorpio, Neptune Direct

spider-web.jpgThis week, we celebrate Halloween, Samhain, Day of the Dead, All Saints, and various permutations that are all linked to the symbolism of Scorpio and its ruler, Pluto.

To our readers in the Southern Hemisphere, I apologize, because this is all backwards for you. But for us here in the North, we’re heading into shorter days and into the part of the yearly cycle when plant life is dead and rotting back into the ground. It is our time to turn inward and to allow certain parts of ourselves to die so that we can be regenerated at the beginning of the new cycle.

Not coincidentally, this is the time of year when the veil between the worlds lifts, and many of us become psychic, even those who normally aren’t. Pay attention this week to your dreams and flashes of intuition, especially around the New Moon on Tuesday. As usual, Neith has written a complete report, so I won’t elaborate here. I will add only that this is a great time to think about where you want to go and what you want to become, and to visualize yourself there.

Mars, the traditional ruler of Scorpio before Pluto was discovered in 1930, is powerfully placed in Scorpio this week and makes several aspects to other planets, starting with Chiron and Jupiter on Monday. The square with Chiron could be biting, but the sextile with Jupiter provides energy for manifesting immediate needs. This is not pie-in-the-sky stuff, but down-to-earth and measured. Often what we want and what we need are two different things, and we can be lured toward the former to our detriment.

As I write, we’re already feeling the influence of Tuesday’s New Moon, which we’ll feel equally as strongly on Wednesday, as the Moon carries the energy of this lunation to Jupiter, Mars, Saturn, and Uranus throughout the day. Expect to feel ripples from this lunation through Friday.

Also on Wednesday, Mercury trines Neptune, the third and final pass in a three-part aspect that began around the time Mercury went retrograde in late September. We’re still thinking and talking about the same relationship issues, only now we can begin to make big progress and move beyond the obstacles that were hanging us up. Neptune is stationed in preparation for returning direct on Saturday after his annual five-month retreat, making this a powerful time for healing.

On Thursday and Friday, Mars triggers the opposition between Saturn and Uranus, which is exact next week. If you’ve been nervous and anxious about this aspect, you should start getting a clue now as to how it’s going to play out for you. Also, watch the news headlines, as this is one of those aspects that strongly affects the collective.

On Friday, Venus sextiles Chiron, which is not a major influence, but it is a healing energy nonetheless, and every little bit helps.

Love and blessings to all,

Aquarius, the sign of astrologyPat

Image: Spider web in Tagelswangen, Switzerland. Photo by Steffen Schmidt, AP.

New Moon in Scorpio, October 28, 2008

Moon against the trees The power and mystery of Scorpio moves onto the scene with the New Moon on Tuesday at 5°54′ Scorpio and is enhanced by the presence of Mars, co-ruler of Scorpio along with Pluto.

If we consider the combination of the New Moon’s sense of being pregnant with possibilities and Scorpio’s capacity for regeneration, we begin to get an idea of what is ahead. Of course, since it is Scorpio in charge, it’s very likely something will have to be released or die before the new can emerge.

The Sun and Moon essentially are unaspected by the other planets, but Mars in Scorpio stands in for them by aspecting just about everything. In fact, all the planets in earth and water signs form a pattern called the basket or cradle, with the base being formed by the waxing opposition of Saturn and Uranus. It is as if the energy being generated by the opposition is being moved outwards through Jupiter in Capricorn and Mars in Scorpio. This energy in general is more subtle in expression than the same formation in fire and air would produce. Mars is at home in Scorpio and is incredibly powerful, but is much more inclined to work behind the scenes rather than on center stage. Jupiter is constrained in Capricorn and isn’t up to make bold statements right now. The overall result is a sense of gestation and biding one’s time.

Mercury is thankfully direct now in Libra and is trine Neptune in Aquarius, encouraging us to look at the big picture with detachment and compassion. With Neptune currently at a standstill preparing to go direct on November 2, it is a good time to turn inward and contemplate where we are on our individual paths and what changes we want to implement. Here, too, we are in a holding pattern.

The increasing tension in the atmosphere is aided and abetted by a tightening T-square with Venus at the apex and Saturn-Uranus as the base. This formation will be exact on November 3, the day before the presidential election in the USA. On a personal level, if you have planets or angles at 18-19 degrees of Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, or Pisces, you will no doubt already be aware of the tension! Thankfully, once we are past November 4, these energies will start to slowly dissipate.

Pluto is now at 29° Sagittarius and is grinding down the days until he moves into Capricorn. If the feedback we are getting on Real Astrologers is any indication, there are many people who are hovering between trepidation and anticipation of that move. Pat and I plan on addressing these concerns over the course of the next month or so as best we can.

The Sabian symbol for the New Moon at 6 Scorpio is, The gold rush tears men from their native soil, with a keyword AMBITION. Here, the desire for passionate intensity of Scorpio presses forward in a search for new values and achievements with little regard for the cost. The waxing square from Mars in Scorpio to Neptune in Aquarius cautions all to be aware of hidden costs and unwarranted expectations. Here the classic “unwritten contracts” of Scorpio are fully in play, and if we don’t carefully examine our motives and expectations, we can be seriously disillusioned.

Overall, this New Moon lends itself to contemplation rather than action and actively encourages us to take stock of resources both internal and external in preparation for the release waiting at the Full Moon in Taurus on November 13. For now, practice patience and kindness and remember each of us holds our own unique truth. Be well!

Libra with Scorpio risingposted by Neith . . .

Of course, today is the day to write your New Moon abundance checks! Here’s how.

Weekly Forecast October 20: Sun in Scorpio, Chiron Direct

The Sun enters Scorpio this week, heralding the time of year (in the Northern Hemisphere) when we turn inward and start thinking about the long winter nights ahead. At the same time, Chiron goes direct this week, just as Mercury is forming a trine, the third and final pass in a three-part transit resulting from Mercury’s recent retrograde. (Post continued below.)

Jason and his Teacher, by Maxfield Parrish

First, let’s look at the Sun’s entry into Scorpio on Wednesday. With Mars and Venus ahead of the Sun, we’ve already had a good dose of Scorpion energy over the past few weeks. Venus moved on into Sagittarius last week, but Mars remains in Scorpio until November 16. Mars is the traditional ruler of Scorpio, which is ruled by Pluto in modern astrology, but the Warrior is still potent here.

Both Mars and the Sun are ego-affirming bodies, and in Scorpio, they will go after what they want without apology. This isn’t a bad thing, especially for those of us who either have been taught to defer to others or who believe that the Universe, God, Spirit, Source, or some mysterious higher power will provide for us. How far would über-Scorpion Bill Gates have gotten if he had entrusted his garage business to the Source?

Most of us aren’t comfortable in such ruthless shoes, and yet we don’t like not getting what we want, either. Scorpio is often described as a sign of tests and challenges. When we go after what we want, we typically meet with obstacles, as though someone is asking us, “How bad do you want it?” As the Sun moves through Scorpio, we’ll find out…

Chiron turns direct on Saturday and is stationed direct on Sunday when the trine by Mercury is exact. I’ve written here and on The Pisces Chronicles, my personal blog, about the significance of Chiron and Mercury, with the lunar North Node and Neptune in conjunction. Mercury, Chiron, and Neptune all went retrograde within hours of each other in late May. Mercury was in Gemini, in a close trine with Chiron, and now here they are again, in a trine as both go direct.

My take on this is that we have had a rare and precious opportunity over the summer to revisit old wounds, some of which go to our very foundations, perhaps even carried with us into this incarnation. In some cases, we have had to relive those old wounds, and now we have a chance to move forward with the next step in our healing. If your issues are with another person, this weekend will be a good time to talk through where you’ve been and where you want to go from here. Or, it simply may be time to move on in your own mind.

Do keep in mind that Mars will square Chiron next Monday (October 27), and you could feel the effects of salt rubbed into those wounds. If you’re still open and raw, this will be a test for you. If you’ve done a good bit of healing over the summer, you may be surprised by how well you can take a hit and not be fazed.

Also on Sunday, Mercury squares Jupiter in Capricorn, which likewise is a third pass in a three-part aspect. This is good for long-range planning and also for correcting errors in your thinking. After all, what we believe does affect our external circumstances.

Much love and courage to all,
Aquarius, the sign of astrologyPat

Image: Jason and his Teacher, by Maxfield Parrish, 1908. In classical mythology, Chiron was the wounded healer who mentored gods and heroes, including Apollo, Achilles, and Jason.

Weekly Forecast October 13: Full Moon in Aries, Mercury Direct

Mercury and Psyche, by Adriaan de Vries I won’t be so bold as to proclaim that all hell is going to break loose this week, but do be prepared for major movement.

With the Full Moon in dynamic Aries just as Mercury is stationing direct, much of the activity that has been stalled over the past three weeks could take place all at once. To get an idea of how you may be impacted personally, look at where Libra and Aries fall in your natal chart.

Neith already has written a complete report for Tuesday’s Full Moon, and I will add only that growth and change, even when positive, can be unsettling. When we seek to fulfill our heart’s deepest desires, we typically have to go through a period of testing and challenge, and we need to do the work. Rarely do we value what is handed to us on a silver platter.

On Wednesday, barely 24 hours after the Full Moon, Mercury stations at 7 degrees Libra. The Messenger passed this degree on September 3. Think back to what was happening around that time for you and what has (or hasn’t) transpired since then. This will give you a clue about what to expect this week. It may take a few days for Mercury to gather speed before you see any results. I’d give it until Friday.

As I was searching for an appropriate image for this week’s forecast, I found reference to Mercury in the story of Cupid and Psyche. Quick and dirty plot summary:

Venus, jealous of Psyche’s beauty, sends her son Cupid to foul up the young woman’s love life. He botches the job and falls in love with her, but he attempts to keep his identity secret by coming to her only at night, in the dark. Through trickery encouraged by her sisters, she discovers who he is, and he flees. She is so desolate that she wants to kill herself and eventually appeals to Venus, who makes her perform a series of tasks until she is deemed worthy of true love.

The sculpture in the photo depicts Mercury, transporter of souls, carrying Psyche to Mount Olympus, where she is granted immortality and allowed to marry her beloved.

In classical mythology, Mercury is the only god who has free passage to and from the underworld. Symbolically, this speaks to our thought processes and how our thoughts impact our lives. Libra not only is an intellectual air sign, but it is the ruler of relationships. For women especially (but not exclusively), the trials and tribulations of love are among the most painful in our lives, and they are often what causes us to grow, evolve, and attain higher consciousness.

Speaking of Venus, the planet of love leaves jealous Scorpio on Saturday and enters merry Sagittarius, where she is more light-hearted. Her downfall here is only that she may party a little too hard and overindulge herself and her friends. She also can be competitive, but as long as you keep it fun and friendly, there’s no harm in a good contest.

Love and blessings,
Aquarius, the sign of astrologyPat

Image: Mercury and Psyche, by Adriaan de Vries, 1593. The Louvre, Paris. Mercury bears Psyche aloft to Olympus where, after forced to undergo many trials by a jealous Venus, she attains immortality and is reunited with Cupid, her beloved.