Low-Down Archives September 2006

Happy Solar Return to all Virgos! While the Sun is in Virgo, we are all honorary Virgos. You are encouraged to clean out the toxins in your body and mind. Organise and tidy up your life, in whatever ways it is "a mess." And take stock of the ways you give service and make a contribution to the world around you. Take some time to pay attention to the details and precision of what you do, and appreciate how much you can do with very little. During this transit, organisation, useful procedures and practical application come together to form the key that opens the door to effectiveness, efficiency and improvement. This is a good time to adopt a service-oriented attitude, whether that involves being helpful to someone else or dedicated to your own healing and betterment. You could volunteer your time. Or, perform some "random acts of kindness." Or, just do something nice for someone. Projects and problem solving may work a bit better if you take an analytical, methodical approach to them (rather than intuitive or guessing). This is a good time to assimilate and "digest" the results of any preparation you've been doing toward a project, goal or production. Weed out what doesn't work and what doesn't support your efforts, and then reorganise and simplify whatever is left. Just don't get so carried away that you throw away something that's important to you or your goals.

Aug.23 � NEW MOON in VIRGO (00:31 Virgo) ("What's a New Moon?" Read article about the Sun-Moon cycles.)

The New Moon in Virgo begins a new cycle in our lives that affects areas of health, work, service, daily routines, organisation and perfecting all that we can be. You might be involved in those areas directly, rejuvenating your routines or starting new ones. For instance, looking for or starting a new job (work), or getting up earlier to meditate or jog (health). Or, you might be doing activities that impact those areas. For example, someone might ask for your help (service), or it might be time to do some cleaning up before the new school year starts (organisation).

This New Moon also takes place in the first degree of Virgo � a very powerful placement! The Sabian Symbol for this degree is "In a portrait, the best of a man's features and traits are idealized." This image emphasizes the focus of perfectionism of Virgo � striving to perceive and work with the best in ourselves and others (perhaps even at the expense of ignoring things that should be acknowledged).

The New Moon is almost unaspected, suggesting it may be difficult to integrate this drive for perfectionism and idealism with other issues that are active during this cycle. The themes and energies that emerge with this New Moon might appear sporadically, unpredictably or swinging between extremes. As an example: you might be all inspired to start a new fitness program, but the next day you're too busy doing something else and your fitness priority drops like a stone. The end result might be that you wind up exercising too hard to make up for it and then suffer more than usual with sore muscles. It may help (although not be easy) to create a structure that can help smooth out the peaks and drops of activity.

It's also possible you may experience a "split" between what you are striving to achieve and what is realistically attainable. This is echoed by the Saturn-Neptune opposition, which pits concrete realism against heartfelt idealism. However, there is a potential for spiritual transformation during this cycle. This might manifest not just by seeing your highest potential, but also acknowledging and embracing the inherent strength and power you have to influence the outcome of your efforts.

What might get in the way is inhibition from believing that you should be "nice" (instead of empowered) or that you must compromise your interests to the point where those interests are no longer a priority. As a result, you might fall into over-indulgence or over-confidence to compensate. What needs to be faced is the fact that, while you have an abundance of empowerment available to you, you can't control everything and some outcomes simply can't be predicted or controlled.

So...how do you sharpen your focus on your highest potential without becoming so ideal-bound that you lose touch with the less pristine facts of reality? This is the question we will wrestle with during this cycle, each of us coming up with our own answers.

Aug.24 � Mercury trine Pluto (24:07 Leo/Sagittarius)

It is possible to dive deep below the surface now, in your perception of situations, other people and yourself. If you have been working on trying to understand the deeper motivations and dynamics of what is happening in your life, there could be a breakthrough now. The light may finally go on in the darker corners that have eluded you, and your penetrating insight. You could find a way to articulate these perceptions and speak your mind in a way that is unusually powerful or intense (so be careful you don't inadvertently blow your audience out of the water). This transit can bring an opportunity to shed and leave behind old worn out perceptions or ineffective forms of communication. Try writing down your thoughts and ideas to capture the energy of this transit. This is the only exact pass for this transit, since Pluto was out of range when Mercury came through this area two months ago.

Aug.26 � Venus conjunct Saturn (17:20 Leo)

The serious structure and responsibility of Saturn combines with the desire for pleasure, beauty and material abundance in Venus. This can be a good time to make concrete plans about financial matters (e.g., investments, budgeting, purchases, etc.), although this will work best if you do some serious research first, rather than simply going for whatever seems to "feel good." This is a time to begin a process of commitment, whether that involves developing your resources to achieve a certain goal, or negotiating the terms of a relationship or partnership. However, in order to clear the way for new commitments to flourish down the road, sometimes old commitments must be brought to a close first. So this may also be a time when previous involvements or plans may come to an end, especially if they no longer fulfil your needs or lack enough potential to reach your desired goals. In a similar way, you might find yourself blocked from being able to move forward in the areas of relationships, finances or pleasures. These areas may require some reworking or reconsideration before you're ready to proceed.

Aug.27 � Venus opposite Neptune (17:59 Leo/Aquarius)

Romance, idealism, fantasy and imagination are blossoming into a bright aura right now, which is likely to influence your relationships, interactions, finances and values -- for better or for worse! Compassion, caring and selfless giving can be good ideals to aim for, as long as you remember that ideals tend to lose some of their shiny glow when they're translated into hard reality. If you forget this, the end result may be disappointing or disillusioning. Disappointment may also indicate that there have been hidden hopes or high expectations that no one can really live up to. Aim to balance your innocence and longing with the judgement of your older, wiser, mature self; and do a reality check with a trusted friend or adviser if in doubt. That said, this can also be a very creative and inspiring time -- just remember to keep one foot on the ground.

Aug.27 � Mercury enters Virgo (until Sep.12)

Mercury moves into its own sign of Virgo, where it brings an awareness of health, healing, work and service. This is a good time to be analytical, methodical and focused on improvement. But be careful not to get so lost in details or perfectionism that you can't see the forest for the trees. This energy is well spent by finding ways to make your work and the pursuit of your goals more efficient and effective. Try organising your activities better and prioritizing them according to what works well and what needs improvement and how. This is especially true for any health issues that keep getting pushed to the back burner. Whatever your plans, this transit can help you organise an effective strategy to move you forward.

Aug.28-Oct.17 � T-Square (Saturn OPP Neptune, SQR Jupiter) ("What's a T-Square?")

T-Square - Saturn opposite Neptune square Jupiter We're attempting to chase the blues away, but could wind up creating more problems than we solve if we're not careful.

This is a kind of reincarnation of a previous T-square, when Saturn was opposing Chiron and Jupiter T-squared both of them (Jun.11 to Aug.02). Except instead of involving Chiron, we have Neptune. Saturn brings manifestation of our visionary ideals, hopes and dreams (Jupiter and Neptune), but the stress of the aspects often brings conflict and struggle in the process of trying.

Our desire for freedom, truth and understanding (Jupiter) may conflict with the harder realities of the situation (Saturn), as well as our willingness to believe what we want to believe regardless of the truth (Neptune). Other people in our lives might play out the role of any of these planetary energies, while we identify with another one.

On the other hand, this combined energy could also be used to challenge our understanding of "what is" � to separate our fantasies and ideals from what is realistically attainable. This may be necessary in order for us to manifest whatever vision we aspire to, since ideals often need to be modified before they will fit into the world of practicality and order. Difficult choices may have to be made, choosing "this" and letting go of "that" in the manifestation process.

If you are especially attached to the dreams, fantasies and hopes you need to weed out, you could wind up feeling some disillusionment, disappointment or depression. It can help to keep bringing your focus back to what you are aiming to achieve (or what is possible to achieve), not on what you fear you are losing. At the same time, it is also important to give yourself gentle support for any difficult feelings you might have. If you find yourself grieving the loss of "what might have been," it's possible you need to sculpt a new vision of what to aim for that is more consistent with what is realistic.

At its best, this T-square can bring your ambitions, goals, dreams and potential into manifestation through a balance of hard work and endurance of vision. This is the signature of the imaginative artist, or the practical philosopher, or the spiritual teacher, or the mystic whose beliefs are shaped and tempered by experience.

Aug.29 � Jupiter trine Uranus (13:02 Scorpio/Pisces)

Insight, ideas and inspiration characterise this transit. It is an excellent time to break free of old outmoded beliefs and judgments, which can make room for new perspectives, opinions and wisdom. Innovative ideas come together within an expanded context that gives them new meaning. You can breathe fresh air into your spiritual beliefs and opinions by taking an open-minded approach and trying on new ideas. Unexpected, unusual or "lucky" opportunities may arise that allow you to get out of old ruts and advance toward future possibilities. If you have been feeling stuck in your quest to gain truth, understanding, spirituality or meaning, this transit could bring a release that allows you to get past your resistance. However, even "good" aspects have their drawbacks and this is no exception. It can be tempting to sit back and allow the opportunities to come to you, but not follow through on them�being all ideas and no sustained action. Your behaviour could be somewhat erratic and unpredictable, as your direction may shift and change with every new possibility that presents itself. This transit's greater agenda is to open the door for you to stretch beyond your known horizons and touch the edge of the Universal Mind.

This is the last of three passes of this transit (Nov.27.2005, May.04.2006 and Aug.29.2006). Think back to last May and November. Did you recognise opportunities to celebrate liberating wisdom? Have you expanded your knowledge to include ideas that didn't initially look like they fit into your worldview? Were you able to break free of old understanding that no longer served you? This final pass is a time when you have the chance to apply and integrate what you have learned.

In fact, the Full Moon (Lunar Eclipse) on Sep.07 will see the Moon conjunct Uranus. Throughout this lunar cycle, we will have a chance to find ways to integrate this lightning bolt of brilliant wisdom into our lives. Be open to what it can bring, and use your best judgment when choosing how to act on it.

Aug.29 � Mars square Pluto (24:05 Virgo/Sagittarius)

This can be a volatile combination of energies, which can generate enormous stress and conflict, but can also motivate you go beyond your perceived limitations. The biggest dangers with this transit include obsessive control, violence in response to frustration, and natural reactions of anger being blown out of proportion into rage. However, if you are able to harness this energy and put it to productive use, it can fuel your ambitions and drive you to push past the barriers that are in your way (including your own discouragement or lethargy). There can be a fine line, though, between empowering yourself with determination and courage versus forcing the issue in a way that creates more problems than it solves. And there is a difference between being obsessively attached to the outcome versus discovering that you have more courage, strength and tenacity than you thought you did, when your back is against the wall. Sexual tension can be strong under this transit, so it is wise to use some good judgment about whether or how to act on that. Power struggles with others can become very intense, so strive to be clear in yourself about what you really want and how you can assert your interests without inflicting the emotional equivalent of nuclear war.

Aug.31 � Saturn opposite Neptune (17:53 Leo/Aquarius)

This is the first of three passes of the Saturn-Neptune opposition. The other two passes occur on Feb.28.2007 and Jun.25.2007.

This is a very complicated combination of energies! Saturn represents the physical world; Neptune represents the spiritual realms. Saturn is about discipline and hard work; Neptune is about faith and trust in the Universe. Saturn brings us face to face with hard reality; Neptune brings us to our imagination, fantasies and illusions. These two planets mix together like oil and water!

At their best, these energies combine to manifest the highest potential and vision that we can imagine. Yet, this kind of idealism typically loses something in the translation and we can easily wind up disillusioned, disappointed and depressed. In addition, we often harbour hidden hopes, fears, dreams and illusions that can come flooding out and overwhelm us if we don't see them coming.

Life does not consist of only the physical world of the sensory experience and logic. We are sentient beings that are greater than the sum of our parts. You might believe that life extends into a spiritual dimension that transcends and exceeds the physical. Or, you might believe that "what you see is what you get." Either way, our human experience stretches beyond simple creaturehood, and our potential reaches far beyond mere impulse gratification.

Saturn and Neptune challenge us to find the illusion in the reality and the reality in the illusion. This takes us into the liminal or "in-between" spaces � that transitional gap between one thing and another. When Saturn and Neptune combine, we are in both places at once and yet in some place that is neither.

With this being the opposition aspect, it is the fruition of the conjunction that took place in 1989. At that time, you began a new relationship with that liminal space. You set off on a journey of exploring the connection between the physical and the non-physical, the logical and the intuitive, the practical and the inspirational, the known and the unknown.

By now, our journey has brought us to a point where a new ability to recognise and be open to both realms has emerged. In fact, we may be more attuned to each of these realms more clearly now, yet may need to work on how to bring them together. It is now our job to work with our awareness if these energies and integrate them into both our spiritual and practical approaches to life.

As we do this, we may find that one energy tends to overpower the other and it's difficult to keep them in balance. For instance, if you are more comfortable with the solid realism of Saturn, you may try to define, structure or suppress the more nebulous experience of Neptune. If you are more at home in Neptune's intuitive, imaginative realm, you may want to cloak the harsher Saturnian reality in "sweetness and light."

This transit is about finding a balance between these extremes that will allow us to exist in and embrace experiences from both worlds. Our humanity has elements that belong to both worlds. It is time to bring the two together to manifest our dreams and to raise our mundane existence above mere survival.

Sep.01 � Sun conjunct Mercury (08:38 Virgo)

During this transit, your sense of self and purpose can become merged with what you think, perceive and say. On one hand, this can make for an easy flow of ideas and communication from inside your brain to the external world. It can also increase your perceptions and observations of the world, as you file it all away in your internal database. On the other hand, you may find yourself a bit tongue-tied, as it could be hard to separate your sense of self from your perceptions and ideas enough to find the words to adequately express them. In that case, just observe and go with the flow; the words will come later. It can also be a time when it's not easy to be objective, especially about yourself and how you bring yourself to the world around you. It's like your Being automatically expresses and sets into motion the things you think, perceive and want to say. This can help you to feel like your sense of self is shining effortlessly, but if your thoughts and perceptions are in conflict with other parts of you (e.g., emotions, needs, objectivity) then it might become a time when you act a little too quickly with blinders on. Strive for balance and self-honesty before you act.

Sep.01 � Venus trine Pluto (24:05 Leo/Sagittarius)

Close one-on-one connections with people (close friends, lovers, partners of all kinds) will tend to gravitate to a deeper, more intense level now. Instead of automatically doing the diplomatic, "nice" thing, you may find it is more fulfilling to share more of your authentic feelings. It may be possible now to connect with people on a deeper level, while still ensuring that your interests are equally balanced with theirs. The trick is to do this without trying to control or overpower the other person, and it may be easier to avoid those traps now. You could make some deeply intimate connections with people under this transit. Financial dealings with other people may also go smoothly, although it might be wise to get clear confirmation that you're both on the same page about the fine print.

Sep.03 � Mercury opposite Uranus (12:50 Virgo/Pisces)

This is a wakeup call! You are asked to open your mind so that you can see something about your life, yourself or your situation that has eluded you until now. It might be a shocking revelation that changes your whole perspective...or it might also be a delightful surprise that adds a new dimension you hadn't thought of. However it manifests, you are in a position to see your situation more clearly and objectively -- although this can also make it seem like this energy is outside of you and happening TO you. However, if you look closely inside yourself, you may see thoughts, perceptions and impressions that correspond to the external events and participate in the interchange. Emails, Internet chats, and interaction with technology may be part of this transit as well. Communication may be a bit erratic or unpredictable, so be careful not to speak thoughtlessly or carelessly. However, you may find that words and perceptions come to you intuitively and spontaneously.

Sep.03 � Mercury sextile Jupiter (13:50 Virgo/Scorpio)

You may have an abundance of ideas and words to express them under this transit. There is the potential (if you reach for it) to put ideas, facts and thoughts together into a cohesive whole. You may find you can understand the overall patterns in a situation, or you are able to see the Big Picture, better than usual. New insights and a change of perspective may abound, as your stream of consciousness flows abundantly with optimism and visionary possibilities. You may find yourself more talkative than usual, as you try to share and convey the new ideas, inspiration and knowledge coming into your mind. Write down your best ideas for later development, since you may be having too much fun now playing with ideas to want to stop and make them manifest just yet. There is a chance that you may be so elated and confident that you might come across as a bit overbearing or even as a "know-it-all," so be sure to listen too.

Sep.04 � Pluto stationary Direct (24:05 Sagittarius) ("What's a station?" Read article about Stations.)

For about a week before and after, you may experience energy that is intense, compelling and transformative, as Pluto changes direction to its normal forward motion. If you've been going through deep, cathartic changes in your life over the last 6 months to a year, you may find that this station brings a shift in how you are able to approach those changes. This might be a time when you feel the weight of power struggles or loss in your life, but it can also be a time when you find empowering strength in yourself that you didn't know you had. Above all, it is a time when your deepest, most authentic Self can start to emerge and be reborn anew.

Sep.05 � Sun opposite Uranus (12:45 Virgo/Pisces)

This transit brings an encounter with the Awakener! This could come in the form of another person or outside situation that shakes you out of your habitual routine and pushes you to try a new approach to your situation. Life may be very unpredictable right now, requiring you to be spontaneous, innovative or independent in the way you respond to it. This could be stressful or exciting! It is actually showing you a new path in the darkness, like a lightening flash in the night. If you feel startled or caught off guard, or confused about what to do next, find your internal centre and try to be open to what the situation is illuminating for you. You now have a chance to shed some old habits and ways that you are stuck, if you can stay centered in the middle of the whirlwind. You may experience revelations -- that "ah-ha!!" feeling -- which could open up new possibilities and opportunities for you. However, it might feel like you have little choice but to try these new things (rather than freely choosing them). You could find yourself reacting to others with a powerful impulse to throw off the shackles of anything that feels restrictive, to reclaim your independence -- although this could also be motivated by a fear of commitment or responsibility too. It is wise to check your own inner motives, feelings and assumptions before automatically dismissing, rejecting or rebelling against other people.

Sep.06 � Venus enters Virgo (until Sep.30)

Under this transit, it is possible to fall in love with purity, precision and analysis. It is a time to invest in health, efficiency, and your contribution to the world around you. The beauty is in the details, as you embrace a labour of love in your life. Just don't get so enamoured with pristine splendour that you get lost in perfectionism and unable to accept the natural imperfection that exists in all life and humanity. Each of us is the Universe's perfect child, but we are also in a state of becoming and growing and are therefore likely to make human mistakes. Remember that we're here for the journey, as much as the destination. This part of the journey takes us into service and devotion, whether that is focused on another person or on ourselves.

Sep.06 � Sun sextile Jupiter (14:19 Virgo/Scorpio)

This is a time when your understanding of the Big Picture and your place within it has the potential to click into place. As a result, your confidence and self-esteem can be quite high right now. Your ability to see opportunities and possibilities more clearly can produce an experience of being "lucky." Your insight into life and the world around you may be especially bright, optimistic and inspired. This is a "feel-good" transit, when your sense of self can seem to expand and become free. You may feel especially connected to spiritual energy during this time. Just be careful that all this self-assurance and "knowing" doesn't backfire, by overestimating the extent of your knowledge or underestimating the reaction of your audience. It is possible to become a bit self-indulgent under this transit, so be careful not to overdo it. Beyond a reasonable caution, this is a transit to enjoy!

Sep.07 � FULL MOON and LUNAR ECLIPSE in PISCES (15:00 Pisces/Virgo) ("What's a Lunar Eclipse?" "What's a Full Moon?" Read more about Pisces.)

It's Eclipse time! Twice a year we have a pair of eclipses � a Lunar Eclipse (which is a very precise Full Moon) and a Solar Eclipse (which is a very precise New Moon). This particular pair of eclipses happens to have the Lunar Eclipse first. Eclipses have a reputation for bringing high stress and intense experiences. One reason for this is that we are much more open and vulnerable during these times, and our reactions affect our surroundings and other people more than usual.

So...what are we likely to be most sensitive to, with this Lunar Eclipse in Pisces? The mystical! The magical. The idealistic. The creative. The intuitive. Anything that connects us to universal love and beauty. And anything that leads us into fantasy, illusion, escapism and longing. All of the above.

It will probably be helpful to take some "alone time" and to get in touch with our true feelings and intuition inside. Or do things that put us in touch with our inner stillness. Listen to music, or feast your eyes on something exquisitely beautiful (art, nature, etc.). Surrender to your highest calling, wherever that takes you.

�But! don't lose touch with your reality check! When we try to find Pisces in people, situations and experiences that go beyond what is realistic, practical or "common sense," we can risk becoming lost in wishful thinking or escapism. And that's not always a good thing.

This is a time when it's easy to slip into the "in-between spaces" that are neither "here" nor "there." In other words, it can feel like you're in a twilight that is actually a place of powerful transition. This power comes primarily from two places, and balanced by a third place.

(1) With the Moon conjunct Uranus, it is by letting go of old habitual ways of experiencing things, and by being open to new ideas and "feelings," that you can move through this twilight and into a place of new possibilities. You may also have dealings with groups, friends or community that engage your vision of ideals, creativity or spirituality.

(2) With four planets in Earthy Virgo, it is possible to be well-grounded as you float through this transitional time. Although it might be difficult to forge ahead with plans and intentions, it will help to focus on what CAN be done in the here-and-now that will speak to a better future. However, there is a risk of getting stuck if you try to make everything perfect before you're willing to embrace change.

(3) Balance this by looking deeper to discover the underlying truths and possibilities � beyond surface events, beneath conscious awareness, between what is known and what is hidden. Your instinctive wisdom may be challenged now by idealism versus practicality, by visionary longing versus hard-nosed realism, and by creative flow versus concrete functionality. However, the struggle that comes out of these challenges can give you new insight and perspective that will benefit your journey through those "in-between transitional spaces." It is through your understanding and spiritual depths that you can discover the hidden gifts in recent struggles, disappointments and discouragement.

This Lunar Eclipse also brings with it a full emergence of themes, patterns and issues that have emerged since the Solar Eclipse in Aries back on Mar.29.2006. At that time, an intense transformation began to release a new sense of Self, assertiveness and ability to take action. New ideas and insights emerged then that have been percolating in your consciousness.

These now emerge through your intuition, feelings and personal connection with others. For the next 6 months or so (until the Solar Eclipse on Mar.19.2007), these themes will continue to unfold as you integrate and assimilate them into your life.

Sep.08 � Mars enters Libra (until Oct.23)

This is a time when aggression, anger and directness may have to be expressed gently, diplomatically and gracefully. Libra is not the most comfortable sign for Mars, since his typically sharp-edged and forceful nature becomes blunted and filtered through Libran softness and tact. It's a bit like dressing Star Trek's "Worf" in a tutu. ;-) However, when these energies combine and work well together, what can emerge is the passion to fight for justice and fairness. This is "the fisted hand in the velvet glove," and can create situations in which you must respond more like a charming but crafty ambassador than a brute force boxer. On the other hand, with force, aggression and directness somewhat blocked or unavailable as options, it may be difficult to respond decisively or purposefully to conflict and challenge. You need to rely more on your wits than your impulses, and strive for a win-win solution than a clear victory.

Sep.09 � Mercury square Pluto (24:05 Virgo/Sagittarius)

You are faced now with a challenge to empower your communication and perceptions, although this may not come easily. It could involve having to face some rather difficult truths that might be a bit disturbing or hard to accept. However in doing so, you gain a deeper understanding and acceptance of yourself, your situation and your role within it. Obsessive or persistent thoughts that are morbid or paranoid are possible, which could be helped by finding something more positive to focus on or a creative outlet. Communication (from others or yourself or both) could be intense, intimidating or even downright damaging, since it may be tempting to get caught up in power struggles and domination. But communication can also be used now to heal, by cutting through hypocrisy and insincerity in order to reach a deeper authenticity and truth -- like lancing a boil so that healing can take place.

Sep.12 � Mercury enters Libra (until Oct.02)

Mercury glides into Libra, bringing awareness and new ideas about your style of interaction and how you communicate with others. It may be easier to speak (and listen) with gentleness, fairness and diplomacy during this time. Thoughts, ideas, communication and negotiation could reach a state of increased balance and harmony, and you may be especially sensitive to other people and your environment. You could be more motivated to balance criticism or anger with gentleness and diplomacy. On the other hand, interaction could also become a carefully crafted game in which truth, honesty and facts are replaced by manipulative strategy and "white lies" designed to avoid hurt feelings. Indecision and "fence sitting" are possible under this transit, since you are able than usual to see many different sides of a situation. It might help to bounce your ideas and thoughts off someone who can be a good sounding board and give you feedback. It may be easier now to reach a win-win solution to conflicts, which is fair to all concerned -- but be careful you don't make incorrect or self-serving assumptions about what the other side wants.

Sep.15 � Mars trine Chiron (04:50 Libra/Aquarius)

The healing of assertive energy and willpower mark this transit. It is bound to be easier to get past any inhibition you might normally feel about being assertive, expressing frustration and anger, and putting things into action. Perhaps you are able to reconcile some internal guilt or fear that has held you back in the past. Or, maybe you are finally able to reach a state of acceptance or resolution that allows you to move beyond a conflict or struggle that has been keeping you stuck. Applying your willpower to problems has a better chance of succeeding now because you're likely to be more attuned to the path that leads to peace rather than more conflict. It's possible you might choose to use this energy in the defence of another person, a cause or something else you feel passionately about. It's possible to focus your energy, intent, motives and actions in ways that are healing, healthy, balanced and constructive.

Sep.15 � Mercury trine Chiron (04:50 Libra/Aquarius)

Your mental focus and communication now get an injection of healing energy. Cynicism and depression may soften now, as you become more receptive to a more optimistic viewpoint. If you have been caught up in escapism or "stinkin' thinkin'" (thinking you're more in control of your impulses than you really are), you may now find some relief and healing. Mental argument and critical "self-talk" can now find some reconciliation and acceptance that brings some peace of mind. You have increased ability to find the right words and understanding to help others with their problems. Compassion and empathy may be more accessible because you can identify your own experiences with what you see in others. You might also find someone who can give you good advice or support about your own problems -- possibly a teacher or mentor -- or you could become this to someone else.

Sep.15 � Mercury conjunct Mars (04:56 Libra)

Spontaneous or impulsive words may come flying out of your mouth under this transit! If you've been struggling to keep opinions or observations to yourself, you might find it hard to keep them quiet, especially if you feel strongly about the situation. You might see things as more "cut and dried" than usual. Although you might feel frustrated if things don't happen in a direct, quick, straightforward way, it can also be a good time to make decisions and move forward with plans. On one hand, this can have a positive effect because it can give you courage to speak your mind and assert yourself candidly and honestly. On the other hand, you might also come across as abrupt, cranky, argumentative or even downright hostile, especially if you've been stuffing down anger or resentment for a while. This transit represents a new beginning in how you can handle self-assertiveness, communication and decision-making. By "listening to" your impulses, passions and urge to speak your truth, you can get an idea how your "inner voice" wants to emerge -- and how to do that without annihilating the other person. ;-)

Sep.16 � Venus opposite Uranus (12:19 Virgo/Pisces)

Relationships, social interaction, material resources and emotional balance may be a bit unpredictable or unstable around this time, as Uranus the Awakener sounds a wake-up gong in these areas. You may be more inclined to act out of character, to experiment or be reckless in relationship, social or financial matters, which could be liberating or disturbing, exciting or upsetting. Circumstances or other people might create a situation in which you are forced to respond in an unusual or unfamiliar way. The idea behind this energy is to become more flexible and more open to a broader vision of what is possible in those areas. There may be weak spots in the affected areas which this transit illuminates by creating problems, so that they can be repaired and strengthened, or else broken and released so that new opportunities can come in. Trust the process and keep your eyes open to seeing new truth and insight.

Sep.16 � Sun square Pluto (24:07 Virgo/Sagittarius)

This can be a challenging time, when your sense of purpose, identity and direction may feel blocked, overpowered or regulated by forces beyond your control. You may find yourself confronted by difficult situations or people, requiring that you rally an unusually strong show of power to keep from feeling powerless or overwhelmed. The trick is to center yourself in empowerment rather than simple power -- that means your power comes from within yourself rather than from controlling people and situations outside of yourself. You might find yourself involved in power struggles or abandonment, either in the present or stirred up from the past. You might be forced to let go of your attachment to something or someone due to circumstances beyond your control. However, this can also be a time when you reach inside yourself and find you have more strength than you thought you did. Adversity may inspire new assertiveness and purpose in you -- empowerment born of conflict and struggle.

Sep.19 � Venus sextile Jupiter (16:23 Virgo/Scorpio)

There is an abundance of creative inspiration, material enjoyment, feel-good pleasure in the air! Your luck and opportunity to attract money, love, resources and self-esteem are high right now. It may be relatively easy to attract the people, possessions and opportunities you want or need, but you'll still have to work to get them. On the other hand, your eyes may be bigger than your stomach (as mother would say) and you might be tempted to charm, flirt or bluff your way through a situation more than usual. There may also be a tendency to self-indulgence. These are not necessarily bad things, but it's probably wise to remember to use this energy to enhance your best judgement, not override it.

Next Update: SOLAR ECLIPSE and New Moon in Virgo - September 22, 2006. Nope, that's not a typo. We really do have a SECOND New Moon in Virgo coming up, and it's a Solar Eclipse!