To say September looks easier, can’t come without a few qualifiers. Most notable is Mercury retrograde – and so far this is a particularly difficult one. We will spend (most of) the first half of the month with him still in retrograde, and the last half still in the shadow. However, even the retrograde becomes a little less problematic as other stressful aspects ease up.

EARLY SEPTEMBER – A TIME OF NEPTUNE

September begins with a somewhat surreal feeling. There are no major challenging aspects in the first couple of weeks. What we do have is a series of harmonious aspects to Neptune, as well as Jupiter’s retrograde return to Pisces on the 8th. This is Jupiter’s own sign, co-ruled by Neptune. The same day Venus will enter Scorpio, followed by Mars mid-month.

Neptune is a strange planet. In fact, the strange and bizarre fall within Neptune’s rulership. His influence inclines us toward confusion and uncertainty. In this way Neptune’s energy works well (though not helpful) with Mercury retrograde. There will be an increase in retrograde effects such as general confusion, things forgotten or misplaced, and misunderstandings. However, in trade-off there will be a decrease in retrograde effects such as accidents, equipment/electronics malfunctions, and "little glitches" with serious consequences.

A Mercury retrograde may cause innumerable troubles in the external (living our daily lives), but it is a gift in terms of working with the inner realms. When a planet turns retrograde our focus in that area turns inward. As Neptune casts his spell throughout the last of this retrograde, we are given an opportunity to re-connect, on an inner level.

Have you been having more than your share of challenges? Has some part of your life been turned upside down this year? The overwhelming odds are that you answered yes. Wherever the long-term aspects, and August triggers, fall in your chart it’s not easy. There is a long-term effect of re-structuring, major change, coming to crossroads, facing karma… and it’s happening with a flurry of chaos. That leaves the question "How do you feel about it?" Like a kitten who has been spun around and forgotten where she was going, you probably aren’t to sure.

Mars and Venus (who stay within orb of conjoining each other all month) will both trine Neptune early in the month. As Neptune is currently conjoined with Chiron, the healer, they will also form trines to him. This combination speaks of healing the spirit and soul; embracing one’s inner fires and desires; and feeling rather than knowing.

It’s not the best time to sit down, think things through, and figure things out. Instead it’s a time to feel, experience and dream. Intuition is often the best guide at times like this. Without the resource of a clear head, and firm grounding you can often become more aware of your inner feelings, and psychic senses. With Mercury retrograding in Virgo, you’ve probably been answering the question "How do you feel about it" by trying to sort out what you think of it. Try to remove that part of the equation – just let yourself feel without trying to justify or explain yourself (especially to yourself) with logic. You will be surprised to find the thinking part – details and logistics – following the flow later in the month. After Mercury goes direct, and our attention returns to the tangible world, it becomes possible for the mind to follow the heart.

MID MONTH – CHANGING TIDES

The energies will shift, very literally, midmonth. On the 12th of September, Mercury will go direct – snapping our attention back to the dates and details; here and now. The very next day Pluto will also go direct, introducing a whole new level of intensity.

The retrogrades of outer planets, such as Pluto, don’t have a dramatic effect on daily life. They can, however, have a pretty noticeable effect for a few days as they change direction. Expect a power surge around September 13th. In the long term, Pluto now in direct motion will add a new dimension of intensity to current situations.

On September 14th Mars will enter Scorpio (following Venus who entered Scorpio about a week before). This increase in Scorpion energy intensifies Pluto’s power, as he is co-ruler of Scorpio. The other ruler is Mars himself, naturally empowered in his own sign.

The mid-month shifting of energies will be almost tangible, as we move from retrograding inner focus to direct outer focus, and from a spike in Neptune’s dreamy, flowing energy to a spike in Pluto’s dark, intense energy. This is the point when things begin falling into place, and sharp clarity manifests out of nowhere. The shift in energies, and in focus culminates on the 18th as Jupiter conjoins Uranus in Aries. Suddenly, it’s all about action, forward momentum.

LATE SEPTEMBER

From the 18th of September throughout the rest of the month, there is a sense of urgency, a level of intensity, and a rather heavy atmosphere. Pluto remains strong throughout the rest of the month, giving a significant power boost to any kind of ritual work. It’s especially good for power-building rituals.

The same day Uranus and Jupiter conjoin, September 18th, Mars and Pluto sextile. This brings another surge of power and intensity, beginning around the time Mercury stations, and continuing throughout Full Moon. These two planets have naturally compatible energies, as the co-rulers of Scorpio.

Mars is a planet of action, decisiveness, quick movement, and aggression. Pluto, the mythological ruler of the underworld, is the deep and dark in any situation. When these two work together the pot boils over. Power struggles come to a head, decisions must be made, and something must be done. There is a sense of urgency and intensity.

Only three days later begins the highlight of September. On the 21st the Sun opposes (still tightly conjoined) Jupiter and Uranus; the 22nd Mabon/Autumn Equinox; and the 23rd Full Moon. How significant is this? The Full Moon is an astrological opposition – the Sun is in the opposite (Zodiac) point as the Moon. Mabon occurs when the Sun reaches a specific Zodiac point – 0 degrees Libra. This Full Moon is not just the Sun opposing the Moon, but the Sun at (Nearly exactly) the powerful point of Mabon opposing the Moon. Furthermore, the Mabon Sun is not only opposing the Moon, but Jupiter and Uranus as well. You can think of it as a super-charged Full Moon, super-charging the Sabbat.

The last days of September bring the passing of Mercury retrograde’s lingering hold – he will exit the retrograde shadow on the 26th. Near the end of the Month there are only two significant aspects, but they have a very significant impact. On the 25th the Sun squares Pluto, and on the last day of the month conjoins formidable Saturn.

The Sun/Pluto square carries the strength of Pluto’s energy through the end of the month. This is an aspect of challenge, and need for decisive action. Pluto is the planet of death; like the Death card in the Tarot, this does not mean literal; it doesn’t always even mean negative. The completion of a cycle, the release of a burden, or the closing of a preverbal door are "deaths". These "deaths" are followed by "re-births" of new cycles, new freedoms, and opening doors. Hence, Pluto is also the planet of re-birth, reincarnation, and renewal.

By now the light of the Moon is waning, and the light of the year is waning. Pluto’s energies flow well under these circumstances. It is a time to shed old skins. There are challenges to be faced, the slate must be cleared in some way to do it. The fire and power to do it are there. The question is, are you willing?

The very last aspect of the month is Sun conjoining Saturn. The planet of strength and wisdom, or the planet of fear and repression. Most importantly, he is the planet of endurance. You may find yourself faced with the choice to run forward or backward; release those invisible chains or hang on tight to the familiar restrictions. Whatever you choose, remember you are under Saturn’s watchful eye. It won’t be easy, but it will be harder to change your mind later.

Full Moon – Aug 24 9:04am PST

Experiencing the Dreamer’s Moon

Full Moon in Pisces has a bit of a surreal, dreamy quality. This Moon falls amidst some of the most difficult astrological aspects we’ve seen in some time – not to mention that Mercury recently turned retrograde. Still the Pisces Moon feels somehow peaceful and hopeful. If you are fortunate enough to have clear skies on this night, take a moment for Moon-gazing. Chances are, you will feel the magick.

Full Moon is a time of illumination and revelation. Under this Moon those revelations are internal, and powerful. Don’t expect sudden new awareness, like flipping a switch. That isn’t how Pisces Moon works. Like the Sea, gradually eroding, drawing, seeping and gently flowing – this Moon can open inner realms without your conscious mind even being aware of it.

There is a bit of a wait-and-see feeling to this Moon. As overall difficult conditions (including Mercury) continue, the mundane physical world continues in a state of confusion and perpetual irritation/mishaps. It just seems a bit surreal and disconnected. You may find yourself thinking, feeling or reacting a bit differently than usual with no idea why. Dreams, daydreams, fleeting thoughts, and wistful moments may be your best clue. Unfortunately, clues may be all you have for a while.

Throughout the waning phase, and until the retrograde has passed, the after effects of this Moon will continue unfolding. The most important thing to do on this Full Moon doesn’t actually involve doing anything. It is about feeling, experiencing, and – most of all – opening yourself up.

Your deepest emotions, wounds, desires, fears and hopes often don’t fit well with current situations, plans or social structure. These things get pushed farther back, and deeper down until you lose touch with little pieces of yourself. Vital, powerful little pieces. Now, they are ready to surface. Not in sudden dramatic fashion, but slowly bubble to the surface. This Full Moon, making powerful aspects to Pluto, provides the crack in that inner wall, allowing it to begin seeping out.

The Power of Pluto

The ongoing T-square configuration of Jupiter, Uranus, Pluto and Saturn is particularly strong this month. All aspects involved are less than 4 degrees apart on Full Moon. However, this Moon brings an opportunity to find a bit of peace, and balance in middle of chaos. The Full Moon is sextiling Pluto, with the Sun trining Pluto. Easy, harmonious aspects to a key planet in the disharmony we’ve all been feeling – that is the gift this Moon has given us. They are called easy aspects, but it’s not a guarantee they are easy to work with.

Pluto is a planet of depth, darkness, and power. Here, darkness does not necessarily mean evil or bad. Those areas may be Pluto’s territory, but so is the dark of the Moon and the dark of the year. He is ruler of the underworld, and of death/rebirth as well as occult matters. These are topics most people find uncomfortable, though Pagans typically don’t shy away from them – giving us an edge in navigating Plutonian realms.

The least-discussed planet in the T-square, Pluto is arguably the most important. This is the source of power, and the grounding force. Much of Pluto’s influence is buried so deep within – or alternately happening on such massive scale – it doesn’t even feel like anything is happening.

Uranus is breaking down walls; Saturn is presenting long-overdue karma; Jupiter is opening doors and redefining beliefs. These kinds of things define and describe the events going on, so they get the attention. So, what is Pluto doing so important , without even being noticed? He’s providing the power. He is drawing from and speaking to the depths of your soul. Pluto is the force assuring the energy of these forces isn’t wasted on the subtle or shallow. Nothing less than raw, soul-level reality will satisfy Pluto.

The Sun-Moon aspects to Pluto lend extra power to spell working, but use this power at your own risk. Magickal practice, like anything else, is susceptible to miscommunication and undesirable results under a Mercury retrograde. There is, however, a very retrograde friendly use for the power. The most important thing to remember during a retrograde is that our attention is naturally turned inward.

Navigating this Moon

This Moon is a good time to focus on any areas you feel stuck – internally. Writers block, emotional blocks, repressed memories, faded inner fire, energy blocks… Effects can vary greatly, but we all occasionally suffer from self-inflicted blockages and repression. Usually, we don’t even know what they are. We simply know "this won’t go right"; "I can’t go there", or "I just don’t have it in me.."

Think about whatever feels blocked, let yourself contemplate and imagine. You don’t need answers, or certainties. Not this minute, not today. You just need to be willing to go there and you will find, over the next month or so, that elusive clarity forming all on it’s own. You won’t even realize what has came to light, until you look back at the uncertainty you felt under this Moon.