Astrological Highlights: September 2018

Many planets are placed in favorable signs during September and most of the retrograde planets are now turning direct. Saturn ends his long retrograde on September 6th.

Saturn Turns Direct Again

Saturn has been retrograde since April 17th, and is turning direct on September 6th. Saturn is a slow moving planet, and for a time this shift causes Saturn to almost remain at a standstill. In the Vedic chart, Saturn stays at 8 degrees Sagittarius in the Mula Nakshatra throughout the entire month.

Saturn represents our foundations, and Mula Nakshatra represents our roots. This month gives us an opportunity to reflect on the choices we have made in the past and the choices we want to make now in order to move forward.  

The essence of Sagittarius is a quest for truth, and the sign also governs law. Many legal battles are fought at this time touching the core of American values.

As individuals we need to take a responsibility for our values and for our relationship with truth. How are we living according to our values? How well are we connected to Mother Earth and how are we treating her?  Saturn is asking us to all take responsibility for our actions.

Mars is Powerful and Direct

Mars is once again moving direct and is therefore powerful in Capricorn, its sign of exaltation. The actions of Mars are now decisive and focused.

Mars will soon catch up with Ketu for the third time in 4 months. Shortly after the fall equinox on September 22nd, the two planets will meet again at 10 degrees Capricorn.  Because Mars was recently retrograde, it has crossed over Ketu two times already, on June 7th (direct) and on July 19th to 23rd when Mars was retrograde.

Mars continues to be strong in Capricorn until November 5th, the day before the US midterm elections. On November 6th, Mars moves into Aquarius. Mars is at its strongest on November 2nd and 3rd when it is at its point of exaltation: 28 degrees Capricorn.

Bring on the Rain

The full Moon in Pisces on September 24th is in the Nakshatra Uttara Bhadrapada. This nakshatra is related to heat and burning. Here in the Western United States we need to be on the alert for fires at this time, especially since the close conjunction of Mars and Ketu also makes for hot energy.  

People tend to be emotional during a full Moon and this energy sometimes relates to strong emotions and feelings of anger. The shakti of Uttara Bhadrapada also has “the power to bring the rain”. We will certainly welcome the rainy season here in California. However, “the power to bring the rain” can also refer to an ability to bring release and cleansing after a period of tension.

Mercury in Exaltation

The Sun is in its own sign of Leo until September 17th. Mercury is also in Leo during the first part of the month. Both the Sun and Mercury are in Virgo after September 18th. This favors communication, discrimination, commerce and trade.

A Strong and Positive Libra

Venus is the brightest object in the sky after the Sun and the Moon. We often see Venus as a bright steady light before the sun rises in the morning, or after the sunset in the evening.

In Sanskrit Venus is called Shukra. Shukra means clear, bright and pure. In Indian mythology, Shukra was the spiritual guide for the Asuras. His role was to guide and uplift the selfish and immoral demons. Through Shukra’s refined nature, charm and attractiveness, he was able to bring truth, joy, peace, harmony, beauty and creativity even to places where deception, lies, and conflict had ruled.

It is our good fortune to have Venus enter Libra on September 1st. Venus enjoys being in Libra. The symbol for Libra is the balanced scales showing a need for taking both sides into consideration. It is under the influence of Libra that we find the diplomats and  peacemakers.

During September and part of October, Jupiter is also in Libra.  Both Venus and Jupiter are guiding planets but with different agendas. Jupiter guides through wisdom and law. Venus guides through the power of attraction, upliftment and joy.

The world is currently experiencing many conflicts and much divisiveness. Kala Sarpa Yoga is still in effect. This means that while Rahu is on one side and Ketu is on the other, all the planets are positioned between them on the same side of the zodiac. Increased imbalance and conflicts in the world are felt during such times.

It is only the Moon that breaks the Kala Sarpa yoga intermittently every two weeks. The lunar nodes have a lot of power during Kala Sarpa.

Mars will break up the Kala Sarpa Yoga by moving on the other side of Ketu after September 26th.  Benefic planets in Libra will also do a great deal to bring balance and harmony to situations of conflict.

Maha Purusha Yoga                          

Mahapurusha yoga means that a planet is in its own or exalted sign in one of the angular houses. These yogas bring out the most positive expression of the planet.

Many people will experience Mahapurusha yoga by transit this month. Mars and Mercury will be in in their sign of exaltation and Venus is in its own sign. If one of these planets also are in an angle in your chart you will experience Mahapurusha yoga by transit.

Venus in Libra and Mars in Capricorn give Mahapurusha yoga to the cardinal signs. Mercury in Virgo brings Mahapurusha yoga to the dual signs.

The Mahapurusha yoga for Venus is called Malavya yoga and brings strength to the favorable qualities of Venus. The Mahapurusha yoga for Mars is called Ruchaka yoga and the Mahapurusha yoga for Mercury is called Bhadra Yoga.

Malavya Yoga for the Cardinal Signs

Venus stays in Libra until January 2nd, 2019. Mars is in Capricorn until November 5th. This will have a positive influence on everyone but especially the cardinal signs: Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn.

If you have your rising sign, Sun or Moon in one of these cardinal signs, the following is especially relevant for you. But do note that these descriptions are general, and other factors in your chart also need to be taken into account.

Aries: Other people can be very helpful to you at this time, your relationships are positive. Venus’s energy is also favorable for finances, especially if you have your own business. This may also be a good time to sign contracts. The power of Mars in Capricorn helps you to be capable and assertive at work.

Cancer: You may have been going through some changes recently due to Rahu’s influence in your first house. This can be a good time to relax in your home with your family. This is also a good time to find a home, buy property or a new car if you are looking for one. Venus in your fourth house is a positive influence which can make you  feel happy. This may be a good time to study, especially if it’s related to art and creativity.

Libra: Venus in your first house is helpful for your level of confidence and feelings of well being. This is a good time to start something new, especially if it is something creative. It is also a good time to work on your home and property. The placement of a strong Venus in your first house can have a beneficial influence on your health. It is a great time to do yoga and other forms of self improvement.

Capricorn: Mars in your first house can give you focused energy at this time that will help you get a lot done. A strong Venus in your tenth house may help you come up with new and creative ideas. Venus also rules your fifth house, which is a house of creativity, children and investments. This placement can be a positive influence in your relationship with your children and it is a good time to have fun together.

Dates to Remember:

Blessings,
Lina