The solar month of Virgo (August 23 – September 23) brings another Eclipse season, Pluto and Venus turning direct, the beginning of the coming Mars retrograde cycle, and, Saturn entering Virgo for almost three years. This Saturn in Virgo transit will include three retrograde cycles, rather than the usual two, over the next few years. This solar month will find us really looking at the archetype of Virgo, with all its energy – via Saturn – in our consciousness through 2010.

The Evolutionary Astrology mantra for Virgo is: I discern with intuitive wholeness. Mercury is the ruler of Virgo so this archetype engages our left-brain and analytical talents. This time – Mercury also rules Gemini – we are faced with self-improvement lessons. As Virgo follows Leo we move from the top of the pyramid to the bottom, learning lessons that we are not the center of the universe. We are a most important part, and, so is everyone else. Virgo helps us transition to the equality lessons of Libra.

Virgo is the essence of adjustment. It brings old patterns to a crisis in order to evolve and grow – Virgo is a mutable sign. However, many times we resort to old behaviors, thoughts and patterns once the crisis has passed. So the crisis repeats until we actually do change. Virgo is learning to mentally adapt. We do this either in response to the changing realities of our life, or in order to change our realities. It’s a two-way street.

Virgo opposes Pisces on the zodiacal wheel. Pisces, ruled by Neptune, brings the potential for perfection and completion, causing Virgo to become aware of all that is lacking. This brings Virgo to the crisis of seeing the cup “half empty” or “half full” – a major lesson for Virgo and 6th house archetypes. Virgo can run into the mental blocks of trying to figure something out in order to understand its Pisces polarity of the larger whole – God/Goddess or whatever term we use. The whole is greater than the parts that make it up.

Perhaps one of Virgo’s biggest lessons is to understand that perfection is a process. It is not achieved by standing still; rather, one foot in front of the other, step-by-step, lesson-by-lesson. Think about this in terms of evolving our soul. Why is one person born with the silver spoon and another into poverty? We get as many chances (lifetimes) as we need until we get it right – evolve, perfect and become the next avatar. If only it were that easy!

The Virgo-Pisces axis always brings religious/spiritual lessons in today’s world, at the latter end of the Piscean Age. These lessons are intensified with the Eclipses taking place in this polarity this solar month. We are taught to believe in a perfect god that then makes us feel guilty. Virgo’s ability to discern and intuit natural spiritual laws and principles from human-made conditioning can bring immense releases and relief from this conditioned guilt.

Yet, it takes practice, practice, practice every time guilt arises within us. Am I guilty? By whose standards? Do I agree with this conduct of right and wrong? What are my beliefs? Many souls are pondering these questions in various religions and belief systems all over the planet today. Sadly, perhaps even more souls blindly accept whatever they are conditioned to believe.

Utilize the analytical abilities of Virgo to discern for yourself how best to align with natural, spiritual laws and principles. When Virgo learns to dance with Pisces intuition then we have the best of both worlds – inductive and deductive logic working together. It is similar to this quote from Louise Hay: “Everything I need to know is revealed to me, and everything I need comes to me in my highest and best time/space sequence.”

August 23 - Mars makes the first of three oppositions to Jupiter on August 23 at 10/11 degrees Gemini-Sagittarius. The next two are December 26 (Mars retro) and April 24, 2008, and both are in Cancer-Capricorn. This begins the Mars retrograde cycle of planetary aspects, including three oppositions to Pluto and three waning sextiles to Saturn.

Here Mars in Gemini can question which direction to go and what to believe. Mars likes to be in charge and yet Jupiter in Sag comes along with a deeper inner power and knowledge. This can create struggle over which who is right and who is wrong. We think we know the answers and then more facts are revealed.

Planetary oppositions are learning to balance opposing archetypes of energy. We usually have something old to throw off in order to bring about a new understanding. Mars-Jupiter can create power struggles over who has the upper hand. Both need to learn give and take. These “battles” can take place between the facts and our beliefs in Gemini-Sagittarius.

Facts can change our beliefs and belief systems color how we interpret the facts. How well can you step outside your own beliefs and objectively look at things? Pay attention to what frustrates you with this aspect and you will find out where you are limited in detaching to consider new perspectives. Watch out for arguments. Listen as much as you would like to be heard. The Sun squares both Mars and Jupiter this month so the crisis over beliefs and actions will be processed for a while.

Strive for honesty in actions. Karma is lessened when we refuse to play games. Mars and Jupiter will meet two more times over the next eight months so this theme will continue. How are your evolving Jupiter in Sagittarius beliefs changing your desires to create? Prioritize what is important to you and Mars in Gemini will know which way to act, what to do next.

August 24 - Mercury makes a waning square to Jupiter on August 24 at 10/11 degrees Virgo-Sagittarius. Mercury gets involved in this Mars-Jupiter picture as well in early solar Virgo. Mercury is active in its rulership so information may come along that helps you through this Mars-Jupiter “how shall I move forward” dilemma.

Jupiter is freshly stationary direct in its own sign, so the ah ha’s are coming forth. Mercury in Virgo may need to watch out for over analyzing everything. It needs to trust Jupiter here. Let your own intuition come forth. Ask for it. Let go of whatever old thought patterns no longer serve you and try out a new one from a new belief. Does it bring relief?

August 25 - Mercury makes a waxing square to Mars on August 25 at 11/12 degrees Virgo-Gemini. Next comes the push to do something. To the degree we are really listening, inward and outward, we can receive clarity of action. Mercury-Jupiter has had to sort through the facts to get to the bottom line. Now Mercury-Mars can figure out what to do next.

Another Virgo archetype is worthiness. When we realize the world does not revolve around us, we are just a part of the Whole; we can fall into low self-esteem. If this is happening for you, there may be some procrastination in early solar Virgo when the lesson is to keep moving. The crossroads with Mercury waxing square Mars is moving in the directions that are meaningful to you. The other side is talking just to talk and busyness that doesn’t get anywhere.

All through solar Virgo, and especially with these first few aspects, just keep inwardly asking “How can I self-improve?” Ask until answers come. Make a repeated effort with actions until you succeed to the next plateau.

August 25 - Venus makes the second of three oppositions to Neptune on August 25 at 20/21 degrees Leo-Aquarius. The first one was June 30 and the last opposition is September 21. We have opposing forces again between planets and this time the higher (Neptune) and lower (Venus) octaves of love. Venus retrograde points toward more meaningful love, so this second opposition may find us ready to hear what Neptune in Aquarius has to say. Or, we may be forced to listen.

This Venus retrograde cycle goes from 2/3 degrees Virgo back to 16/17 degrees Leo. There are lessons around finding deep inner self-love versus looking for outer substitutes. Venus retrograde is the rarest of all retrogrades (only 10% of the time) so it behooves us to pay attention. Venus retro reviews our inner relationship with self and outer relationships with others.

This is a time for relationship confusions to clear up. Perhaps new information or a new understanding comes forth. Every eight years Venus retrograde cycles return to the same spot in the birth chart. Think back to 1999, 1991, 1983, 1975, etc. What repeating themes do you notice?

Neptune’s passage through Aquarius is very slow (1998 – 2011) yet it demands objectivity in our belief systems. This Venus-Neptune opposition is changing our beliefs about love. There could be self-worth issues, self-importance issues, or wanting a partner to be our defacto god/goddess. We will always end up disappointed when we substitute a lover or friend for a direct relationship with Universal Source. Venus retro can point to God/Goddess in some way.

How can you quest to evolve your relationship with your self, and with God/Goddess? Venus retro brings lessons of self-reliance on the deepest levels. This is what then attracts the partners who are best for us. If you find yourself in the midst of criticism, temper tantrums, disappointments or love triangles, they all point to self-love first. Ask for clarity. Ask for honest, objective feedback and listen to it. Look for repeating themes.

August 28 - The Full Moon of Pisces, also a Lunar Eclipse, is on August 28 at 4/5 degrees Virgo-Pisces. When an Eclipse season starts with a Lunar Eclipse it busts open the emotional energy needing to be addressed. Full Moons and Lunar Eclipses are also oppositions of the Sun and Moon with the Earth in the middle, all lined up. Yet again this month, we find opposing forces in need of balance.

This Lunar Eclipse may find us processing through feelings of guilt that create atonement or anger energies. It is very important to realize that whatever we find in our life, we have energized in some way or another, consciously or unconsciously. Be careful of victimization, or blaming others. How have you created these situations in your life? No excuses. Accept self-responsibility. Make an effort to do things differently than in the past.

This Eclipse season may find us processing through anger. You can turn it into motivation to change your world. How can you create healthier boundaries with others so that you do not become angry? It is the Pisces Moon that is eclipsed during the Moon’s South Node eclipse season. We are meant to release Piscean emotional denials, and guilt, and face emotional self-responsibility in some way. No projections.

Work issues can come up through Sun in Virgo. We may feel like a slave to our job or career. We may feel persecuted or unappreciated. Here comes the healthy boundaries lesson again. Unconditional love honors and insists upon healthy boundaries. Virgo is learning to be of service to others, yet in healthy, respectful ways. It may be time to move on from your current work. It may be time to speak up about things. Or, you may be acting superior to others and you are the one in need of learning respect.

This Eclipse season is a time to take our self-healing to the next level. It is a time to face reality, put our feet on the ground and then reach for the sky. It is time to treat others as we would like to be treated, and stand up to those who do not. Let the emotional upheavals come forward and set you free to evolve into the new you. Take self-love to your next level. Be gentle with yourself. Your emotional body is always the barometer of where your life is. What changes in your self will make you feel better?

August 28 - Mercury makes an opposition to Uranus retrograde on August 28 as well at 17/18 degrees Virgo-Pisces. We could find ourselves in the midst of confusion or clarity. Sun and Mercury in Virgo want reality and Moon and Uranus in Pisces would just like to escape, which side will win?

Those who have been striving to ground themselves in what is real may find their next step revealed. Virgo is about learning to be gentle with ourselves, loving self instead of criticizing and mentally beating our selves up. We could get some major insights into old thought patterns we no longer need. What are the repeating themes to be addressed? Practice, practice, practice your new thought patterns. Create new mantras, prayers and affirmations. Put emotional energy into them, which is even more important than verbalizing. The emotional body mediates between the mental body and physical manifestations.

Those who have been playing escape reality games may face reality shocks. With Venus retrograde we may face new realities in our relationships. Our lover was not who we thought he/she was. Our friends may not share the same values anymore and surprise us with their words. The job is not taking us anywhere and we realize we are ready to let it go and move on. The upsets happen when we need re-alignment with where our soul intends to go.

Communications will be a major theme with this Mercury-Uranus aspect. Pay attention to any repeated themes. Address things. Avoidance will only create bigger upsets. Uranus retro is working to reveal any illusions. Mercury can create new realities from whatever is revealed. The Eclipse energy can help us expose and let go of old, old beliefs that no longer serve us. Go for it. It may help to ground the emotional body with bodywork.

September 2 - Saturn enters Virgo on September 2 for the next two-plus years, until October 29, 2009. It also retrogrades back into Virgo briefly from April 7 to July 21, 2010. Our individuated consciousness now turns to all the Virgo archetypes – self-improvement, service, awareness of whatever is lacking, health issues, etc. Saturn in Virgo will bring many areas to a state of crisis over the next few years in order to affect change and growth.

Saturn wants stability and security. The fixed energy of Leo could relate. Now mutable Virgo can feel like quicksand. Where are our foundations? We feel on edge. What happened to all those creative ventures we started? Saturn in Virgo could bring disappointment and disillusionment to whatever is not working anymore – job, money, health, relationships and beliefs are common themes.

Saturn represents the individuated consciousness or how we structure our consciousness, how we process everything that comes to us. Beyond Saturn lay the outer planets and the unconsciousness. Saturn wants to contain things in order to feel secure. With Virgo this could revolve around intense mental analysis over right and wrong. We have each been conditioned by family, friends, society and authority figures. They have instilled standards of right/wrong conduct that we may now question. We may feel guilty if we do not conform, another Saturn function.

Any physical health crises represent unprocessed or suppressed emotions that lingered long enough to crystallize. Saturn in Virgo will force us to focus on taking care of ourselves, not just physically – add on mentally. We may worry excessively about our state, or lack thereof, of wellbeing, creating more pressure and crisis. Whatever we focus upon expands. National health crises may arise globally.

Virgo will represent the physical manifestations of whatever is unhealed or wounded within us. The Pisces polarity represents the core spiritual woundedness we must address. As human-made conditioning arose upon the planet, namely through religion, our natural relationship with Universal Source was reduced to needing intermediaries in order to connect.

In the westernized world, religions have conditioned us to believe in an angry, perfect male god outside of us. Well why would something perfect create this mess? Is it not possible Universal Source – God and Goddess – is an Evolving Force? Could we be on a grand evolutionary journey from the least evolved being to the most evolved with all of us in a continual state of evolution? Virgo can feel guilty for even pondering these questions. Yet ponder we must.

We have been conditioned for about 5,000 years now to think god is perfect, judging our imperfections. We have created arbitrary standards of right/wrong conduct imperfect humans cannot maintain. It has lead to conditioned guilt that has become unconsciousness for many, many lifetimes. Now Saturn in Virgo will bring this guilt up into consciousness. A blessing actually, because now we can look at it anew.

This conditioned guilt has lead to feelings and actions of atonement. We can know conditioned guilt when we feel guilty yet know we haven’t done anything, i.e. we didn’t take our friend’s favorite book yet when they ask us, we act like we did so they then accuse us and it escalates from there. This is easy-to-recognize conditioned guilt. Now imagine this over lifetimes and you cannot even remember what you feel guilty about yet you do. It trips you up in all kinds of places. Bless Saturn in Virgo for bringing this energy into our consciousness so we can release it. No one is perfect, that is why we are here – to perfect ourselves. Mistakes can be the greatest gift!

We can also have conditioned guilt that creates anger, anger at the human-made judgments. We want to lash out and hurt as we feel hurt. It can create a repeating cycle over lifetimes to the point we do not even know what we are angry about. Many times it will revolve around respect, both giving and receiving. We have learned to strike first and now we do not know how to stop. Enter Saturn in Virgo, bringing thoughts into consciousness to help you recognize these patterns that can help you change them.

Saturn in Virgo will continually bring on a crisis in order to affect evolution. Find an area of life where evolution does not exist. From earth to sky, plants to animals to humans, evolution is the most natural law we find. Saturn in Virgo must find peace in the process. You will have repeated chances to evolve your consciousness into self-acceptance and then grow from there. May you be most successful.

September 2/3 - Mercury makes a waning square to Pluto retrograde on September 2/3 at 26/27 degrees Virgo-Sagittarius. Here is another crisis over what to believe. Our souls desire to be free and have fun, yet Mercury in Virgo makes us feel guilty. Life is supposed to be hard work. Why? Says who?

This is an aspect to help us question our beliefs on deep soul levels. There is energy to let go of old beliefs (conditioned thought patterns) and create new ones. Beliefs really are conditioned thoughts. Look at all the many differing belief systems various religions and cultures have been conditioned with. Truth, especially universal timeless truth, is not dependent upon our belief in it. It just exists and we can recognize it or not.

Use your brain. Any crisis is attempting to shake you up to look at things differently. What do you need to mentally grasp on to in order to feel secure? Watch out for verbal manipulations, a sure sign of insecurity. Go for inner security and freedom. Speak truth as best as you know it.

September 3 - Mars makes a waxing square to Uranus retrograde on September 3 at 17 degrees Gemini-Pisces. This Mars aspect happens only once, yet Jupiter (which Mars just opposed) makes three waning squares to Uranus this year. There is a connection going on. Mars is weighing which way to move while our cherished beliefs get exposed for less than the whole truth.

Uranus retro in Pisces is working to reveal any illusions or escape tendencies. When this happens Mars does not know what to do. We could find ourselves running in circles. Slow down and breathe. Find a spot of quiet and center. Meditate. Uranus can also reveal deep truth, it just may not be pretty. Yet Mars will then know how to move forward. Flexibility is important in this fast changing world. Mars will retrograde back into Gemini early next year so pay attention to Uranian messages here.

These two planets tend toward power struggles and action is needed. Just remember to strive for truth rather than being right at all costs. Mars needs to act from the Uranian insights not against them. There is a lot of mutable energy in the aspects this month and this can allow us the flexibility to change when necessary.

September 3 - Venus retrograde makes a waxing sextile to Mars on September 3 at 17 degrees Leo-Gemini. It is a busy Labor Day weekend this year. Strive to see another’s point of view before speaking. Venus and Mars have interesting interactions when they go through their “every other year” retrograde cycles. Instead of the usual three chances with a retrograde cycle Venus and Mars can create multiple aspects one, two or three times. There are two waxing sextiles and the next one is October 16 at 7 degrees Virgo-Cancer. (Venus and Mars create three waxing squares over the course of 2007.)

There is opportunity for growth in relationships with this aspect. Venus retro is reviewing all kinds of things – what is important to me? Mars is bringing opportunity to try a different way. Be open to new relating possibilities, both with your self and others. As Venus helps us figure out what we really want Mars can spark the ideas on how to create it. Go for it.

Venus has three heavy aspects each with Saturn, Neptune and Pluto during this retrograde cycle. This Mars interaction can be a brief respite of fun and even spontaneity, teaching us new relating patterns. What feels good for you?

September 3 - The Sun makes a waning square to Jupiter on September 3 as well at 11/12 degrees Virgo-Sagittarius. Yet again we will question what truth is and how this relates to what we believe. There could be some type of letdown or crisis. We could find out those closest to us may not share the same beliefs as us. It may lead to arguments. Can you agree to disagree?

When our beliefs are exposed as false in some way it can create an identity crisis for us. We have defined our self based upon “such and such beliefs” only to have the bottom fall out. Who are we? We must search for a new identity and purpose. This will fall in with the solar month’s theme of adjusting self.

All around us from personal to familial and friends to social and governmental groups Jupiter in Sagittarius is exposing any lies. It leads us to ask what is truth? Sun in Virgo can be figuring out the same themes and we can feel hurt and angry. The resolution is to align your self with the broadest levels of truth or natural law you can find. Then you can minimize the upsets.

September 5 - Mercury enters Libra on September 5 for two weeks until September 27. This is a fast passage for Mercury and it is leading the inner planets again. Equality in relationships will be a theme, and may set the stage for lessons to come this fall when the other inner planets pass through Libra.

Mercury in Libra can be very polite and sometimes not express itself for fear of hurting someone’s feelings. Careful. With all this mutable energy, speaking up is necessary. Mercury in Libra can also be good at listening. Pay attention and make sure your emotional body feels the same way as the words stated. Mercury in Libra needs a bit of Aries directness sometimes. If someone seems to be talking around a subject, just point blank ask your questions.

Venus will be turning stationary direct in a few days, so mental ah ha’s around relationship issues can be sparked as Mercury moves into Libra. An extra effort in communications could be good over the next few weeks so that everyone is clear about these evolving needs in relationships.

September 7 - Pluto turns stationary direct on September 7 at 26/27 degrees Sagittarius. This is the completion of its five-month retrograde cycle that started March 31 at 29 degrees Sag. This is also Pluto’s last complete retrograde cycle in Sagittarius for the next 248 years. Next year’s retro cycle is split between Sagittarius and Capricorn.

For the last five months our soul has been throwing off old desires, separating desires. Now as Pluto turns direct again, and Venus tomorrow, it is a weekend to understand our selves on deep, deep levels. We are becoming aware of new desires, hopefully returning to Universal Source desires. These desires will revolve around Sagittarian themes – beliefs, deeper meanings and intuition, freedom, adventure, growth and expansion, education and knowledge, travel, etc.

We are reaching new understandings about ourselves and desire to evolve from these new foundations. One of the most basic is our beliefs which we all have, even if we proclaim to not believe in anything. That is still a belief. Beliefs are again, conditioned thought patterns, usually from family, culture and religion. Pluto’s slow passage through Sag (1995 – 2008) has had us question all our beliefs, and hopefully evolve them. Beliefs change over time. As we mature we may rebel against the beliefs we were raised with and find out what we believe in as an individual. We will gravitate to others whom share the same beliefs or philosophy.

The archetype of Sagittarius can range from extreme religious beliefs to alignment with natural, spiritual laws and principles. The latter has less to do with beliefs and more to do with observation and correlation of nature and natural laws. Sag seeks truth, and in natural law one looks for timeless, universal truths. These are the types of ah ha’s achieved when Pluto turns direct in Sag. Even many consensus religions are realizing we have to learn how to all play in the same sandbox called planet Earth.

Pluto direct is a time to deepen our intuition in regard to what our soul is working upon. We make new insights now, which leads to those new evolving desires. If you find yourself in a defensive mode, you are feeling threatened. Something, perhaps a lie, is being exposed that shakes up your foundation. It may be necessary in order to realign your soul with more natural ways.

This could be a time period to feel good about ourselves and the directions our lives are taking. Sag is the optimist of the zodiac. It always looks for the silver lining. With Sun in Virgo it is finding the cup half full and figuring out how to fill it up overflowing. Can you find peace with your self?

Pluto, which represents the soul, has a dual-desire nature – to separate and return, away from and back to whatever caused our existence, evolving through the journey. This usually operates unconsciously. On one hand we desire to become and know we exist. Yet we desire to know what it is all about, find meaning. We ebb and flow, exhausting the separating desires until the desire to know That which created us becomes more and more conscious. Pluto direct in Sagittarius brings all this to the surface, even if we just desire to be happy. It creates this desire for our lives to be meaningful.

Pluto tends to want security and Sagittarius wants adventure. There is a compromise now in some way that works for us.

September 8 - Venus turns stationary direct on September 8 at 16/17 degrees Leo. This retrograde cycle started July 27 at 3 degrees Virgo. Venus barely made it into the Virgo adjustment process before backing up into Leo again. This has been a Venus retro cycle to learn about our selves, and how we relate to others.

There could have been time periods over the last six weeks when we asked the universe, and those in our lives, “What about me?!” How well have you learned to deeply love your self on inner levels? When we fail to do this, we look for it outside of ourselves. This Venus retro in Leo points to Aquarius and objectifying that we all search for these answers. If each of us would learn to take care of our own needs, we could create a self-reliant universe. That is a deep Venus retro lesson.

The universe doesn’t revolve around you, yet you are a very important part of it just like everyone else. What new ways to love your self have you discovered? Are you putting them into practice? That will be the theme as Venus direct moves toward and through Virgo. When we acknowledge and love our inner child we grow up and learn how to share with others.

For some with low self-esteem, this Venus retro has been about speaking up, standing up to others and creating healthy boundaries. Virgo can give until it self-sacrifices. Then “no” becomes a very healthy word. Those with too much ego have had some bubbles burst. Those in need of some ego have felt pressured until they busted out, demanding their rights to exist for themselves.

As Venus turns stationary direct we are all creating a new inner relationship with our selves. This then leads to new relating patterns with others. It may be time for some relationships to end and/or new ones to start. Current relationships have been under review and change. Our needs change when Venus retros so of course our relationships change. Let it happen, make it happen.

September 8/9 - Mars makes a waxing trine to Neptune retrograde on September 8/9 at 20 degrees Gemini-Aquarius. We can turn our deepest thoughts and desires into action. This is a time to be heard. The air signs make these two planets all about communications. As always with Neptune, strive to be direct and honest. Mars in Gemini can go for both sides of the mouth as well and that doesn’t work in the long run. Speak the truth so it comes back to you.

There could be great connections with this aspect, like being in the right place at the right time. We could have a lot of ideas coming through now so pay attention to the repeating themes in order to know which possibility to take into action. Mars like Gemini; it just has to be careful with trying to do too much. Neptune can visualize it all and yet have no concept of what it takes to actually do it. In other words, we need to see which ideas to act upon and which ideas need to remain fantasy.

This could also be a time period for exploring new friendships. We are fresh off of Venus direct so we know what we are looking for in love again. Keep your feet on the ground and create a foundation of friendship. Then see where things go. Mars has so many possibilities right now, and we have part of its retrograde cycle this winter in Gemini. It may take time to know which desire we really wish to follow through on. Just keep an open mind about things.

September 9 - The Sun makes its annual opposition to Uranus retro on September 9 at 16/17 degrees Virgo-Pisces. This is the highlight – time for answers – of Uranus’ retro cycle from June 23 (18/19 Pisces) to November 24 (14/15 degrees Pisces). Listen to repeated messages for your themes.

Sun is midway through Virgo and it is feet on the ground time for dreamy Pisces. Whatever illusions, delusions and fantasies Uranus is revealing land on Virgo’s turf. This is good and bad. Good that Virgo can figure out what needs to change in facing reality. Bad in that Virgo can get caught up in criticism and judgment rather than realizing we all need our dreams. Where is that famous balance again?

Uranus intends to liberate us so we can be who we truly are. It can be pretty scary to face reality sometimes in order to do so. This is when Virgo needs to be gentle and forgiving, yet firm when we do not want to let go of the fantasy that is totally unreal for us at this moment in time.

Uranus retro in Pisces can also bring up unconscious memories of previous traumas, even if it is just weird feelings we can’t quite figure out and we just wish to escape again. Utilize Sun in Virgo to self-heal, or help those close to you heal. That is what this Virgo-Pisces polarity does the best when it strives to be healthy. It creates a healing environment with healthy boundaries. What is your next step in self-healing?

September 11 - The New Moon of Virgo, also a Solar Eclipse, is September 11 at 18/19 degrees Virgo. Self-healing can be the quest for this Solar Eclipse – don’t let it slip away or make excuses to do it later. What is it you need to do to really take care of your self? Chances are it includes activities that must become lifestyle changes.

One of Virgo’s specialties is repeated efforts – reducing calories and increasing exercise anyone? – until we achieve a new plateau. This eclipse season is on the Moon’s South Node in Virgo so the theme is releasing guilt, blame, criticism, etc., all the Virgo “cup half empties.” What we focus upon expands. What new beginnings can you initiate to love your self better, be kinder to your self and just know that you are OK?

Saturn is just beginning its transit through Virgo so the themes are coming into consciousness. This Solar Eclipse is setting intent and following through however many times you have to try. Does a baby stop trying to walk just because it falls down a hundred times?

Virgo can tax the nervous system through its ruler Mercury. Get into your body and breathe. Recharge your batteries in nature. How many loving affirmations can you create about this temple your soul resides in? How much emotion can you put into stating those affirmations? Virgo is loving our selves in all our imperfections!

September 13 - Mercury makes a waning sextile to Jupiter on September 13 at 12 degrees Libra-Sagittarius. This is another aspect for great conversations. We can get into deep subjects and really understand how someone else thinks if we make the effort. This aspect can be about finding the common ground in our differences.

It can be about minimizing the differences for the common good. Even with our closest partners we have differences. Yet we find a way to get along and agree to disagree if necessary. This is a concept that could be practiced amongst groups and countries. Sagittarius is realizing we are all going to the same place via many different paths, about 6.5 billion paths. What a world we could create if human souls recognized we each have different names and concepts for god, yet it is the same energy.

As Jupiter finishes up its last few months in its own sign of rulership, take time for conversations. Strive to find that common ground with your neighbor or acquaintance of a differing belief. Many baby steps create leaps of growth.

September 17 - The Sun makes a waxing square to Mars on September 17 at 24/25 degrees Virgo-Gemini. This is a checkpoint for the coming Mars retrograde cycle. The highlight of every planetary retro cycle is its interaction with the Sun in the middle of appearing to travel backwards in the sky from the geocentric (Earth-centered) viewpoint.

This Sun-Mars square can bring some type of crisis over our desire nature. Are we doing what we really want to do? Is our life moving forward as we desire? Take some inventory now. You will find yourself revisiting things during the next Mars retrograde cycle November 15 – January 30, 2008 from 12/13 degrees Cancer back to 24 degrees Gemini.

Mars has a two-year cycle through the zodiac so our conscious desire nature – the instinct to become – follows two-year patterns. This is a crisis point and a realignment point if we are not happy. We are meant to be letting go of old desires and manifesting new ones. Mars could be stuck in wanting to do too much again, and the Sun has come along to help figure things out. Prioritize and prioritize some more. Talk it out and then walk the talk.

September 17 - Mercury makes the first of two waxing sextiles to Venus on September 17 as well at 18/19 degrees Libra-Leo. The second one is October 16 at 7/8 degrees Scorpio-Virgo when Mercury is retrograde. Mercury and Venus never get very far apart from our geocentric viewpoint. Maybe that is why our thoughts tend to be consumed with our needs.

As Venus now moves through latter Leo for the third time, we truly have some idea of what we each need to be happy. Mercury has come along with opportunities for communicating those needs. We can even realize that everyone else in our life is doing the same thing, and therefore balance the give and take in conversations and actions.

Make an effort to take your relationships to new levels. Start with how you relate to your self – self-talk. Then do the same with outer relationships. Just remember: only you can make your self happy on the deepest levels.

September 18 - Mercury makes a waning trine to Neptune retro on September 18 at 19/20 degrees Libra-Aquarius. Mercury is the messenger between Venus and Neptune before they oppose each other one more time yet. Mercury-Venus is getting very personal about our own needs. Mercury-Neptune is looking at the larger picture of things.

This aspect is about getting clear with communications. Those souls clinging to co-dependencies may try word games, manipulations and dishonesty. What is your own conscience reminding you about in your head? Free and clear? Do not play games with your self. It just get out-pictured right back at ya. Go for honesty, even if it is unpleasant as it is easiest in the long run.

We can also find like-mindedness here and experience deep connections with others. When intimate relationships have foundations of friendship, it is something to fall back on when our issues come up for healing and clearing. Look for friendship first in any relationship you want to take beyond the acquaintance level of interaction. Then when the relationship has run its natural course it can end back at friendship. Seem strange? It is actually a natural way to move through relationships. Hummm……

September 19 - The Sun makes a waning square to Pluto on September 19 at 26/27 degrees Virgo-Sagittarius. The majority of aspects this solar month have been in mutable signs – a chance to adapt and evolve ourselves. It is actually a lot easier than cardinal or fixed signs. So even if we experience crises this month, we can move through it if we try. Make the effort.

This waning square is about letting go of old desires, perhaps related to old beliefs. If you find your self criticizing things you may be feeling insecure about some changes on the horizon. Sun-Pluto always wants to feel special and noticed, and be in charge. These mutable signs might not allow this to happen so we create a fuss. Can you see a larger picture and go with the flow?

Pluto is starting to move forward again yet there are still adjustments to make. This may revolve around inner self-worth issues. The more inwardly secure we are, the more we can be flexible. No more procrastinations either. What is next on your self-improvement journey? What is really important to you? What are you doing about it – barking orders or taking care of your own needs?

September 21 - Mars makes the first of three oppositions to Pluto on September 21 at 26/27 degrees Gemini-Sagittarius. The next one is January 2, 2008 (Mars retrograde) barely in Gemini-Sag and the last opposition is March 7, 2008 at 1 degree Cancer-Capricorn. The conscious (Mars) and unconscious (Pluto) desires of the soul are at odds with each other, and searching for some type of peace.

This can actually be a time to manifest some of the deepest desires within our soul. The question becomes “Is this really what I want?” Mars-Pluto runs with a two-year desire nature cycle. This is the apex of creating what we want. Mars may be trying to do too much and then nothing gets accomplished. So we get three chances to figure it out.

We may also find ourselves vacillating between freedom and commitment of some sort. We want the ability to do whatever we want and yet we want others in our lives to be there for us when we need them. This energy may come right back at us from others. Where is the balance of both freedom and commitment? We might talk the self-reliant talk but do we really act that way? Are there any manipulations taking place? It is a good clue to insecurity under the surface.

Pluto is direct again and moving forward with our deepest desires. Mars is charged with working out the details. The Sun has been in the middle trying to please everyone. These mutable signs relate to the need to be honest with our selves and with others. We reap what we sow, and with three of these Mars-Pluto oppositions that will definitely be the case.

It may be time to really be honest with those we are in relationship with. Venus is direct and we now know what we need. Pluto is direct, revealing the depth of our soul. Mars needs to have some direct communications about our evolving needs and desires. If something needs to be addressed, do so, it is not going away. Virgo can go into avoidance and that just creates another crisis. Strive for a balance of power, a balance in as many areas as possible.

September 21 - Venus makes the third and final opposition to Neptune on September 21 as well at 19/20 degrees Leo-Aquarius. The first two oppositions were June 30 and August 25 in the same signs. This can be a powerhouse day. Mars-Pluto and now Venus-Neptune – relationship issues need to be addressed. Again, nothing remains static. Evolution will take place one way or another. As we evolve, our needs (Venus) and desires (Mars) also change and therefore our relationships change.

Venus makes its third aspect to Neptune, Pluto and Saturn over the next month so we have opportunity to test our next level of self-reliance. This allows us to be in relationships because we desire to be there, not because we are needy. Neptune will look at this first, and shock us into more self-reliance if need be. It is about being able to meet our own needs in such a way that we can see what another actually needs, rather than what we wish to project upon them. That way what we actually need comes back to us as well.

We can evolve into relationships that are self-reliant where all are acknowledged as special and unique with value to bring to the relationship. It isn’t competitive; it is cooperative. It is how we are naturally meant to get along. May you be successful evolving into this type of relating.

May God/Goddess bless you through Sun in Virgo!

If this is your first time reading my forecast………I suggest reading the entire forecast to receive an overall impression of the energy for the month, and then refer back to it as things arise. My intent and desire are to help you understand the opportunities for personal changes on emotional, mental and spiritual levels from which manifest the physical reality of your world. I send you blessings for a growing, evolving month!

Please visit www.evolutionaryastrology.net and join our EA email list if you would like to receive a notice when this monthly forecast is posted.

Astrology by Kim Marie
4702 Cliff Drive
Rapid City, SD, 57702-6816
605-348-5111, 877-348-5111
www.astrologybykimmarie.com
www.evolutionaryastrology.net

2007-2008 Jupiter aspects to Saturn, Uranus, Neptune & Pluto
10-25-06 Jupiter waxing square Saturn, 23/24 Scorpio-Leo (3)
10-31-06 Jupiter waning semi-sextile Pluto, 24/25 Scorpio-Sagittarius (once)
11-23-06 Jupiter enters Sagittarius
01-22-07 Jupiter waning square Uranus, 12/13 Sagittarius-Pisces (1)
03-16-07 Jupiter waxing trine Saturn retro, 19/20 Sagittarius-Leo (1)
05-06-07 Jupiter retro waxing trine Saturn, 18/19 Sagittarius-Leo (2)
05-10-07 Jupiter retro waning square Uranus, 17/18 Sagittarius-Pisces (2)
10-09-07 Jupiter waning square Uranus retro, 15/16 Sagittarius-Pisces (3)
10-29-07 Jupiter waning sextile Neptune retro, 19/20 Sagittarius-Aquarius (once)
12-11-07 Jupiter conjunct Pluto, 28/29 Sagittarius (once)
12-18-07 Jupiter enters Capricorn
01-12-08 Jupiter waning semisquare Neptune, 5/6 Capricorn – 20/21 Aquarius (once)
01-21-08 Jupiter waxing trine Saturn retro, 7/8 Capricorn-Virgo (3)
03-18-08 Jupiter waxing sesquiquadrate Saturn retro, 18/19 Capricorn - 3/4 Virgo (1)
03-28-08 Jupiter waning sextile Uranus, 19/20 Capricorn-Pisces (1)
05-21-08 Jupiter retro waning sextile Uranus, 22/23 Capricorn-Pisces (2)
06-26-08 Jupiter retro waxing sesquiquadrate Saturn, 19/20 Capricorn - 4/5 Virgo (2)
09-08-08 Jupiter waxing trine Saturn, 12/13 Capricorn-Virgo (4)
11-12-08 Jupiter waning sextile Uranus retro, 18/19 Capricorn-Pisces (3)
11-21-08 Jupiter waxing trine Saturn, 20/21 Capricorn-Virgo (5)
11-28-08 Jupiter waning semisextile Neptune, 21/22 Capricorn-Aquarius (once)
01-05-09 Jupiter enters Aquarius
01-12-09 Jupiter waxing semisextile Pluto, 1/2 Aquarius-Capricorn (once)
01-27-09 Jupiter waning semisquare Uranus, 5/6 Aquarius – 20/21 Pisces (once)
01-30-09 Jupiter waxing sesquiquadrate Saturn retro, 5/6 Aquarius - 20/21 Virgo (3)

2007-2010 Saturn aspects to Uranus, Neptune & Pluto
08-31-06 Saturn opposition Neptune retro, 17/18 Leo-Aquarius (1)
02-28-07 Saturn retro opposition Neptune, 20/21 Leo-Aquarius (2)
06-25-07 Saturn opposition Neptune retro, 21/22 Leo-Aquarius (3)
08-06-07 Saturn waning trine Pluto retro, 26/27 Leo-Sagittarius (once)
09-02-07 Saturn enters Virgo
11-04-08 Saturn opposition Uranus retro, 18/19 Virgo-Pisces (1)
02-05-09 Saturn retro opposition Uranus, 20/21 Virgo-Pisces (2)
09-12-09 Saturn waning inconjunct Neptune retro, 24/25 Virgo-Aquarius (1)
09-15-09 Saturn opposition Uranus retro, 24/25 Virgo-Pisces (3)
10-29-09 Saturn enters Libra
11-15-09 Saturn waning square Pluto, 1/2 Libra-Capricorn (1)
01-31-10 Saturn retro waning square Pluto, 4/5 Libra-Capricorn (2)
04-07-10 Saturn retro leaves Libra
04-26-10 Saturn retro opposition Uranus, 28/29 Virgo-Pisces (4)
05-02-10 Saturn retro waning inconjunct Neptune, 28/29 Virgo-Aquarius (2)
06-27-10 Saturn waning inconjunct Neptune retro, 28/29 Virgo-Aquarius (3)
07-21-10 Saturn enters Libra
07-26-10 Saturn opposition Uranus retro, 0/1 Libra-Aries (5)
08-21-10 Saturn waning square Pluto retro, 2/3 Libra-Capricorn (3)

4702 Cliff Drive Rapid City, SD 57702-6816 605-348-5111, 877-348-5111 Email: astrokmk@aol.com www.astrologybykimmarie.com www.evolutionaryastrology.net