“I will not allow my life’s light to be determined by the darkness around me.” — Sojourner Truth
The Sun In Libra, September 22-October 22
Each season begins with a pro-active cardinal sign. The Sun slips into Libra and autumn begins on Tuesday, September 22nd. Libra is the sign of partnering, engaging the mirror that every relationship presents. Ruled by loving Venus, Libra’s eternal question may well be, why can’t we all just get along? This is the time to seek harmony with friends as well as rivals.
The Libra Sun is part of a fabulous air sign grand trine along with socially conscious Pluto and Uranus, two outer planets representing evolving global trends. A new world order is being born. The beliefs, needs and expectations of millions of people around the world will have a big impact on how events unfold. The Sun also stands across the Zodiac from idealistic Neptune. Be clear about who you are dealing with. Putting others on a pedestal carries distinct risks, although seeing the best in people as well as selflessly serving higher callings can be hugely rewarding. Planetary retrogrades and sign changes present unexpected challenges as well as opportunities this fall. Adjustments will need to be made but I remain optimistic that people of goodwill will prevail.
Life moves rapidly while the first few days of autumn pass. The waxing Moon reaches her peak at midday on Saturday, September 26th. This is the full Harvest Moon in Aries. Luna is part of a three planet stellium, along with Neptune and Saturn. It is time to work towards dreams, with absolute faith and conviction. Because the Sun’s advance into Libra has intensified the trine energies to Uranus and Pluto, this is an especially favorable weekend for networking. Progressive forces remain in play through Monday the 28th but watch your speed Monday morning. After a fairly mellow Tuesday, resilient energy proves effective the afternoon of Wednesday the 30th. Persist, and you will not be disappointed.
Thursday, October 1st presents moments of clarity but conflicting energies soon take hold. A profusion of changes add to confusion and raise the chances of a regrettable error. Proceed with caution on Friday the 2nd when mental Mercury is at odds with both Mars and Pluto. Make sure you know what you want. Mars moves into a trine to Neptune that evening. This aspect has been known to make dreams come true. On the other hand, Mars is also opposing Pluto on Saturday, a harbinger of tensions with partners and potential outbreaks of hostilities. Venus also turns retrograde in Scorpio on Saturday, and the last quarter Moon could increase emotional complications. Weekend challenges continue.
On the morning of Sunday, October 4, the Sun is at odds with Saturn. This is inventory taking time. Prune out, pare down and maximize efficiency. Clarify goals. Release things, ideas and commitments that are no longer of use. Focus instead on essential goals and passions. Treasure those souls who assist and enable your growth and progress. Saturn may temporarily delay. Use any down time to fine tune plans.
The working week beginning Monday the 5th ushers in a series of fruitful and enjoyable days. Mercury is conjunct Venus on Tuesday the 6th. Look for this benevolent, beautiful omen in the western skies just after sunset. Mars’ Wednesday morning sextile to Uranus promotes decisive action. Like-minded folks make good allies.
On Saturday, October 10th the Libra new moon launches a new activity cycle. As you set goals and begin initiatives, patience and careful planning are advisable. With Venus and Mars at odds, successful partnering will surely require tact and superb diplomatic skills. On a lighter note, Saturday evening is a fine time for a spirited get together.
After several relatively mellow days the Sun engages Jupiter early on Thursday, October 14th. A favorable lunar alignment to Jupiter follows later in the day. Both aspects boost spirits and increase the likelihood of welcome news. Late Thursday night Pluto resumes forward motion in early Aquarius. Realignments of friends and colleagues are likely. A more equitable distribution of power and resources could also occur this week. Sunday the 18th’s first quarter Moon in Capricorn has the potential to be another status altering event. Financial concerns and emotional needs may warrant a radical shift in strategy. The Libra Sun stage concludes with another few mellow days.
The Sun In Scorpio, October 23-November 21
The Sun enters Scorpio as dawn breaks on Friday, October 23rd. A void of course Moon holds sway until mid-afternoon. Moods move through a series of ups and downs. Interests vary, one thing and then another intrigues. By late afternoon the Moon’s presence in Aries brings a noticeable uptick in energy and enthusiasm. The Scorpio Sun is conjunct retrograde Venus. Reunions and reminiscences activate deep emotions. Friday night social events are warm and friendly. During the wee hours of Sunday morning, Mercury turns retrograde in Scorpio. Longings for lost loves and happier times can be intense. The waxing Aries Moon encourages living passionately. Lunar alignments to Mars and Jupiter keep hearts open and passions high.
Sunday night sees the waxing Moon enter Taurus. Minutes after midnight on Monday, October 26th, the full Hunter’s Moon in Taurus is exact. The intensity of feelings can feel all-consuming because Pluto is testing the opposing Sun, Venus and Moon. Past mistakes and regrets may be affecting. Forgive yourself, then get busy improving upon previous failures. Connecting with dear friends and loved ones helps lighten the heaviness. Kindness is another path to healing and personal transcendence.
On Friday, October 30th retrograde Mercury’s early afternoon square to Mars offers second chances. Make amends, revise plans. Borrowing from examples set by admired, heroic leaders could be appropriate. During the afternoon and evening of Saturday the 31st, the Halloween stars invite mingling. Neptune adds magic as well as spiritual elements to spooky nighttime events. Daylight Savings Time begins at 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, November 1st. With the uneasy last quarter Leo Moon Sunday afternoon, no doubt the time change will take getting used to. If you have social plans, check to see that everyone is in synch.
Most folks comfortably hit their stride on Monday, November 2nd. Election Day controversies are written in the Tuesday stars. The waning Virgo Moon’s afternoon square to rebellious Uranus indicates chaotic conditions are likely. Voters can be expected to reject the status quo. Hopefully, Venus’ Wednesday sextile to Jupiter helps secure peaceful resolutions. However, uncertainties may linger. Wednesday the 4th also features the Scorpio Sun’s conjunction with retrograde Mercury and a lengthy void of course Moon period. Many things may seem to be “up in the air.”
The cosmos shifts into a more decisive mode later in the week. Even so, mixed trends sustain certain doubts. Nefarious actors could make a move on Saturday, November 7th, but at this late stage of the lunar cycle, efforts to interfere with other people or subvert election results will probably fail.
During the wee morning hours of Monday the 9th, the Scorpio new Moon initiates a new activity cycle. Personal rivalries are due to intensify. Ideological and legal battles will be protracted. Four retrograde planets suggest that history is a good teacher. Some issues will not be resolved for weeks or months. Genuine kindness, affection and caring prove mightier than squabbles. Do your best to maintain ties in a spirit of friendship. We really do have to all get along.
Friday the 13th features two significant celestial events. Mercury and then Venus resume their forward motion. The communications oriented Winged Messenger is in early Scorpio and at odds with Pluto. The reasons behind a change of opinion or plans may not be apparent. Be slow to judge. Fortunately, Venus occupies harmonious angles with Mars, Jupiter and the lunar nodes. Generosity of heart and spirit fosters friendship and unity. Fueled by the dynamic Mars/Jupiter conjunction, fun, excitement and other passions run hot over the weekend of November 14th and 15th.
The first quarter Aquarius Moon of Tuesday the 17th ushers in several days of controversy. While testing the Scorpio Sun, the waxing Moon stands opposite Mars and Jupiter. Opinions are probably inflexible. Exaggerations are likely. Pride and partisanship can be insufferable. Reactions can be extreme. If you want to be heard, speak softly. Listen intently and respect different views. With the Sun testing Jupiter and Mars, these tense conditions hold through the afternoon of Thursday, November 19th. Those who manage to contain and direct the energies can achieve stunning results. Scorpio season concludes under mellower skies. Saturday night November 21st is one of the season’s best for a festive party or other gathering.
The Sun In Sagittarius, November 22-December 21
Under a waxing Moon the Sagittarius holiday season begins at full tilt. The Sun arrives in the Sign of the Archer shortly after midnight on Sunday, November 22nd. A lunar trine to Mars quickly gets the ball rolling. The Sun forms an inspiring trine to Neptune on the 23rd. Artistic, spiritual and humanitarian interests are served. The full Beaver Moon is exact during the morning of Tuesday the 24th. Friendships and unifying alliances are supported. Altruism is also encouraged. The Moon is close to Uranus, making this a good time to pay attention to your intuition. Embrace the outlandish, dare to express your true self. Tuesday is also a good day to prepare for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. For those on the go, Tuesday travel is recommended, as Wednesday’s mixed influences can bring extraordinary complications. Mars enters Virgo Wednesday evening, energizing cooks as well as travelers. A lunar trine with Venus oversees many happy reunions that night.
Thanksgiving Day sees the Moon arrive in maternal Cancer during the predawn hours. Gatherings embrace long held traditions. Losses are also felt as the Moon tests Saturn during the late afternoon. Fortunately, Venus is nearing a favorable sextile to Jupiter. The aspect helps sustain a celebratory atmosphere. Hearts are strong, blessings are gratefully noted. A lively social calendar continues into the weekend. Shoppers stay busy and moods are generally upbeat. Uranus’ Sunday morning trine to Pluto draws likeminded people into closer agreement. A sobering solar trine to Saturn is the last major aspect of November. Realism is respected. The urge to improve the world is strong as we turn the calendar page.
December 1st features the last quarter Moon in Virgo. Folks quietly go about their business, invested in sharpening skills and making positive contributions. A sea change occurs late in the week. After a quiet, productive Thursday, Friday, December 4th brings several potential issues. Mercury forms a post-midnight square with Jupiter. The testing angle can inflate expectations and lead to errors in judgment. Venus arrives in sultry Scorpio during this same overnight period. Relationship dramas are likely as Venus is also nearing a testing angle with Pluto. Good natured helpfulness is a wise way to reduce tensions. Most worrisome is Mars’ early afternoon square with Uranus. The alignment can be dangerous. Accidents, explosions and hostilities can occur suddenly. Minimize risks. Slow down. Carefully consider options as well as the likely ramifications before acting or speaking.
Quieter moods prevail as the weekend of December 5th and 6th passes. The Moon is waning. Keep your focus on projects already under way as the working week begins. Thinking about the future makes some souls eager to get on the way but astrological wisdom dictates waiting until Tuesday evening of the 8th’s Sagittarius new Moon to start anything new. Wednesday the 9th is a busy and at times demanding day. Compromises may be hard to reach but at the end of the day there is much to celebrate.
Stoic Saturn resumes forward motion on Thursday, December 10th. It is time for deeper commitments and second efforts at seeing dreams to fruition. An idea borrowed from another time or culture could prove vital to succeeding.
Saturday, December 12th brings more comings and goings. Neptune turns direct, Jupiter turns retrograde and a string of lunar aspects make the day feel busy and full. Neptune in Aries fuels idealism of all persuasions. Artists, spiritual adepts and reformers are sure to find new strength in their dreams. Jupiter’s retrograde could precipitate important shifts in the fields of education, politics and law, as well as international relations. A forgotten project could soon take on new life. Perceptions and minds are notably sharp Saturday night. Be tactful and wise about what you choose to share.
The holiday spirit burns brightly as the mid-December days pass. The Sagittarius Sun’s trine to Jupiter gladdens hearts, despite the scarcity of daylight. The aspect is exact during the afternoon of Friday, December 18th. The good vibes linger into the start of the weekend. Sagittarius season and autumn end on Monday the 21st. Hopes remain high as the winter solstice nears.
Eric Linter offers a complete range of astrological services including readings and classes. Contact him at stars@ericlinter.com or by telephone at 508-541-4115. Read his Daily Forecast on the Spirit of Change homepage at spiritofchange.org or sign up to receive Eric’s daily forecast right in your inbox each morning.




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