by Lina Elisabeth Preston 4 min read

Astrological Highlights: September 2023

One of the main astrological events this September is Jupiter becoming retrograde in Aries on September 4. Jupiter remains retrograde for almost four months, until December 30.

Another very important event this month is that Rahu enters the Gandanta zone as he prepares to transit from Aries into Pisces.

What kind of energy comes from a retrograde Jupiter in Aries? 

Let’s first take a look at the nature of Jupiter.

Jupiter's Role

Jupiter is the largest planet in our solar system and significantly impacts the astrological chart wherever he is placed. Jupiter expands everything he touches. Fortunately, his energy is benevolent.

Jupiter governs wealth, children, and travel. His expansive nature helps us to gain knowledge. If Jupiter is involved in our career, work might center around children, teaching, law, consulting, and professions requiring expertise in some way. 

When Jupiter retrogrades on September 4, three malefic planets influence Jupiter: Mars, Rahu, and Saturn.

Global Restlessness

Jupiter has been in Aries since April. Aries is the first of the twelve signs. The energy in this sign is active and assertive.

Rahu is also transiting Aries. Since April, Jupiter has been in the company of Rahu in this sign. 

Rahu is restless in Aries as he moves toward Pisces. Rahu always moves in retrograde direction, and Rahu will transit the tumultuous gandanta zone (between Aries and Pisces) from mid-September to mid-December (true node). Planets in gandanta can manifest as a sense of being out of control. Rahu expresses collective consciousness. Rahu stays in gandanta for about three months.

“May you live in interesting times”, is a saying that seems to fit now. Our souls have incarnated at this time for a reason.

Physical Energy

Aries is ruled by Mars, a planet that expresses force and physical energy.

While Jupiter is in a sign ruled by Mars, he encourages us to exercise. This is a good use of the energy in Aries, and it increases our stamina and health. It is a good time to be in nature or join a gym. 

Connecting to Inner Wisdom and Guidance

A retrograde planet is close to Earth, and the energy of Jupiter is powerful while retrograde. 

A retrograde Jupiter suggests a need to slow down. The shift in the energy of Jupiter can make us reconnect and reflect on past events. It can be a time that brings up unresolved issues but also opportunities to release and purify some old karma. It is a good time to work on changing attitudes that are not helpful. 

Jupiter is the guide, the counselor, and the teacher. He represents truth and dharma. He is called Guru, or Brihaspati, in Sanskrit. 

A retrograde Jupiter stimulates a desire for inner awareness. We may be attracted to things that help us to center ourselves, for example yoga, chanting, and meditation. This will help us to realign with our true selves.

Jupiter is retrograde in Bharani Nakshatra from September 4 until November 28

A Nakshatra, or Lunar Mansion, is one of 27 sectors along the ecliptic. Bharani nakshatra is the second of the 27 nakshatras. 

Jupiter in Bharani is philosophical and makes us reflect on life and the nature of our souls. This is a deep nakshatra for Jupiter. 

Venus, the ruler of Bharani, holds the seed for new life. Bharani means “she who bears” and refers to the carrying and the development of new life. The symbol of Bharani – a yoni, represents fertility, birth, and rebirth.

Interestingly, the deity of Bharani is Lord Yama, the God of Death. Venus attracts the soul to Earth, but Lord Yama guides the soul back to the astral plane. Bharani tells us of birth, death, and rebirth. We face the consequences of our actions in the cycle of life. 

Bharani expresses transformation, change, and creativity. The retrograde Jupiter expands our inner awareness and will guide us through a time of change.

Jupiter is retrograde in Ashwini Nakshatra from November 28 until December 30 

At the end of the year, Jupiter continues his retrograde and returns to the first nakshatra, known as Ashwini. 

It is said that Ashwini brings the dawn, where new light enters. Ashwini is ruled by Ketu. Ketu encourages us to let go and be non-attached to the past.

A Time of Change

The world is going through a period of significant change.

We are especially blessed to have the wisdom and guidance of a retrograde Jupiter as we go through a time of profound change.

September 2023 Astrological Dates to Remember

  • September 4: Venus is now direct in Cancer
  • September 4 - December 30: Jupiter is Retrograde in Aries 
  • September 14: New Moon in Leo
  • September 15: Mercury is now direct in Leo
  • September 17 - October 17: Sun in Virgo
  • September 15 - December 15: Rahu is gandanta (true node)
  • September 30 - October 1: Venus is gandanta and moves into Leo 

 

Blessings,
Lina

Lina Elisabeth Preston
Lina Elisabeth Preston

Lina Elisabeth Preston has been doing astrological consultations for 20 years. She is a certified Jyotish Visharada and member and practitioner with the Council of Vedic Astrology. Lina also works with vedic gemstones. A long time meditator and disciple of Paramhansa Yogananda, Lina lives with her husband Binay at Ananda Village, a spiritual community in Northern California. Lina and Binay founded their business Northern Lights in 1990.



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