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September, 2016

Happy

Birthday

Virgo

Virgos !

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Solar Return

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Discover where to place

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year for optimum

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If your Sun Sign is Virgo, email me with your name and

SOLAR RETURN

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margaret@

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Quan Yin

Goddess of Compassion

August 28, 2016

Hello Everyone:

We've had quite the monsoon season here in Arizona this summer, with lots of overcast, damp and torrents of rain. I know that many of you around the country, have also been experiencing quite a change in your usual summer weather.

So far, the energies of this year (2016), have been geared toward an inner journey, more of a 'solo' time. As we come into September, more particularly the last week of September and the beginning of October, we may feel a natural shift toward feeling more outwardly focused, as we spend more time enjoying pleasurable pursuits with others. Opening ourselves to new experiences, seeking out stimulating and welcoming environments, where we can have fun, while enjoying social interaction, may be calling to us!

I wish you a happy transition into Fall.

love,
Margaret

Last Look at

Saturn -Neptune

Square

Has transiting Saturn in Sagittarius and transiting Neptune in Pisces been messing with your personal planets?

If the Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, or Mars in your natal chart happen to be in mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces) at 8 - 13 degrees, then the answer is, yes! This combination comes together for the last time, Mid May through Mid October this year. In mid October, Saturn will move away from being in transit to Neptune.

How you are likely to experience this influence depends on which planet in your natal chart, is being aspected by Saturn and Neptune.

Let's take a look below:

Saturn/Neptune to Sun:
You may experience a lack of purpose, and clarity about your direction in life; notice a general lack of enthusiasm and inspiration about the present and the future; feel disconnected from your intuition.

Saturn/Neptune to Moon/Venus:
You may feel blocked and disconnected from your heart, as you long to experience more love, joy, happiness, and connection. You may feel a lack of appreciation and support from those whom you are close to.

Saturn/Neptune to Mercury:
You may notice that your experience of time and space fluctuates quite a bit more than what you're used to, perhaps interfering with sustained focus, concentration and decisions making abilities.

Saturn/Neptune to Mars:
Motivation and drive, along with a sense of continuity and capacity to achieve objectives, is what can be challenged here. A certain type of patience is required, in order to offset a feeling of being held back.

When visiting (transiting) planets come into temporary relationships with the planets in our birth chart, a new 'dynamic' is created. Understanding what this dynamic is all about, how it influences us, is one of the keys to help us align with universal energies and principles.
If we recognize that these influences have something significant to teach us, and we're open to doing this type of self inquiry, much psychological and spiritual growth can take place.

When I was studying astrology in Sydney, Australia in the late 70's, early 80's, there was no computers and computer software for astrologers. We calculated and drew up charts the old way, by using a form of mathematics, that made my hair curl.

For me personally, my calling to study astrology, was happening parallel to my spiritual awakening. I was experiencing my spirit for the first time, along with my connection to the Universe. Needless to say, I wasn't operating much from my left brain, so the math exercises associated with my new interest created a great deal of frustration for me, and I wasn't so sure I was cut out to learn astrology.

Then one seemingly ordinary Saturday night, just as I got into bed, and before I turned off the light, I was to have an experience that would open up a whole new window into astrology, which would teach me to 'feel' the vibration of a planet, in order to understand its nature.

I was aware of a huge white light near the door into the bedroom. When I adjusted my vision, I could see that a figure was standing in the middle of the light. I'm looking at someone who seemed to be about 7 foot tall. As I focused my full attention on this figure, I was looking into the eyes of the mythological "Neptune". He held my gaze for some time, while he telepathically transmitted information and visual experiences to me. He was showing me, and teaching me about the deeper qualities of the sign of Pisces, for which he, Neptune is the ruler. As it turns out, Neptune is also the 'ruler' of my own chart!

Well, this was a mind altering experience for this 20 something 'would be' astrologer. This 'other worldly' experience stayed with me for a bit. I don't think my feet actually touched the ground at all the next day. It did the trick though, of promising this new field of interest had much to reveal to me.

Lots Going on with

the Eclipses this Month

There are two eclipses taking place this month. Because eclipses generally 'amplify' the effects of 'lunar' energy, our emotions can feel more sensitive and vulnerable, as can our nervous system.

Most of us can sense the energies of the eclipse beginning to build at least a day or two prior to when it actually takes place, and often at least a day or two afterwards. If we tend to be very sensitive to lunar activity, we may feel it 3 or 4 days before and after. If the degree of an eclipse interacts strongly with planets in our natal chart placements, we can feel the effects for quite some time.

Given the astrological signs which are being activated during the eclipses this month, Virgo and Pisces, they lend themselves to understanding and perhaps contemplating the wisdom of the saying: 'As Above, so Below'

Solar Eclipse in Virgo - Sept 1

This eclipse takes place just a few days after Mercury goes retrograde, also in the sign of Virgo.

This eclipse can really play havoc with our capacity to feel grounded and generally connected to our body. So much so, it may mimic the feeling of jet lag. Our nervous system can get mixed messages, as we teeter between physical and mental tiredness, and amped up nervous energy, which doesn't allow us to rest deeply.

Resting well, eating lightly, hydrating well, limiting freeway driving, and creating a peaceful and calm environment, can all contribute greatly to our sense of well being during this eclipse.

Though our emotions can feel quite fragile, and perhaps flat, there are some positive Jupiter influences coming forward on Sept 2, which are most helpful in bringing balance and a sense of well being.

Let's take a look at the different influences surround- ing this Solar Eclipse:

1) Solar eclipse takes place on September 1, at 9 degrees of Virgo, at 2:03 am PST.

2) Virgo Moon enters into a T-square configuration in mutable signs, when it squares Saturn (Sagittarius) and opposes Neptune (Pisces) - 3:30 am - 4:45 am)

3) Moon squares Mars in Sagittarius, at 11:39 am

4) Moon trines Pluto in Capricorn, at 1:00 pm
(This is a great influence for helping accurately assess our energy levels.

5) Virgo Sun squares Saturn (Sagittarius). This is exact at 8:20 pm)

Sept 2

1) Virgo Sun opposes Neptune (Pisces) at 9:38 am

2) Mercury conjuncts Jupiter in Virgo, exact at 10:18 am.

3) Moon conjuncts Mercury in Virgo, at 3:00 pm.

4) Moon conjuncts Jupiter in Virgo, at 3:13 pm)

Additional note:

The Asteroid, Ceres, who carries the positive and uplifting mother earth energies, is in Taurus and making a positive trine to this Solar Eclipse in Virgo. What a great source of protection. If your spirit is tuned in with mother earth, the land, and the environment, this would be a great time to do ceremony, give prayers, offerings, and so on.

Lunar Eclipse in Pisces - Sept 16

How might we experience this?

While this lunar eclipse opposes Mercury in retrograde (Virgo) and creates the often experienced 'other worldly' energies associated with lunar activity in the dreamy sign of Pisces, it can also pick up other vibrations from masculine power planets overshadowing the feminine power planet, Venus.

A subtle 'passive/aggressive' theme around this Lunar Eclipse, can trigger power issues within personal relationships, sticky experiences associated with financial power, and of course 'control' issues.

It's also likely that the tensions of this eclipse can play out within ourselves, as we find ourselves going back and forth between taking a more passive role, and then a more aggressive role toward that which we're experiencing at the time.

Let's look at this more closely, by reviewing the bigger picture around this Lunar Eclipse:

Prior to the Lunar Eclipse:

1) Sept 11: Venus (Libra) squares Pluto (Capricorn). This amplifies experience around our relationship with money and may spill over into the relationship with those whom we are in financial agreements with. The theme seems to center around whether to embrace a financial matter from a generous and easeful approach, or demonstrate economy and restraint.

2) Sept 12: Mercury (Virgo) squares Mars (Sagittarius). This placement leans toward a show of force in communication.

3) Sept 13: Sun (Virgo) squares Mars (Sagittarius). This placement creates a desire to flex our individual will, so that we feel we have the upper hand in any given situation.

4) Sept 15: Pisces Moon conjuncts Neptune and squares Saturn (Sagittarius) from 12:00 - 2:00 pm. We are aware of fluctuating emotions and an ungrounded feeling

The Lunar Eclipse

5) Sept 16: Lunar Eclipse at 24 degrees of Pisces, at 12:05 pm PST. At midnight, the masculine action oriented planets, Mars and Uranus create a significant energy shift, operating along with lines of a breakthrough - moving us toward the other side of a situation. Mars (Sagittarius) trines Uranus (Aries).

After the Lunar Eclipse

6) Sept 18: Venus (Libra) opposes Uranus (Aries), followed by Aries Moon conjuncting Uranus and trining Mars (Sagittarius). This action oriented combination could trigger a change of mind / heart, followed by a change in the action plan, agreed upon during the first Venus/Pluto square on Sept 11.

Additional note: An emotional process seems to be underway September 10 through Sept 19, in which we are influenced by passive/ aggressive tendencies, playing out as power issues between masculine/feminine roles and financial power. While perhaps a little 'sticky' at the time, this can nevertheless be quite transforming.

It may be wise to hold off entering into any binding financial agreements until some of these energies have settled.

Photo by Nasa

Developing

New Interests

While the 'eclipses' may be somewhat of a dominant force during the month of September, the subtle, lighthearted and expansive energies of Venus and Jupiter in Libra, (Sept. 9 - 22), frolicking in the background, do much to convince us, that the time to write some new chapters in our life story is now upon us.

Jupiter's continued transit of the sign of Libra, from Sept. 9, 2016 - Oct. 10, 2017, invites us to reach out to that in life which brings more color, music, play, pleasure and enjoyment into our lives. This place- ment particularly supports and promotes the experience of social connection. Our part is in figuring how we can open those doors, which lead to developing new interests and which give us access to stimulating, welcoming environments where others gather to participate in a variety of activities.

So far, the energies of this year (2016), have been geared toward an inner journey, more of a 'solo' time, but as we come into September, and more particularly the last week of September and move into the beginning of October, we may feel a natural shift toward feeling more outwardly focused, enjoying pleasurable pursuits with others.

Winner of Solar Return Reading

Meri Massaro, Sedona, AZ

Astro Tips

Artwork by Rita Lloyd

Sept 1: SOLAR Eclipse in Virgo. For more information, read article in this month's newsletter.

Sept 3: Social, creative thoughts spark our imagination early this morning.
(Moon-Venus conjunction in Libra, at 4:30 am)

Sept 4: A list minute change in plan or miscommunication may visit us early evening.
(Libra Moon opposes Uranus in Aries, exact 5:30 pm)

Sept 6: On the emotional/psychic level, we do better if we can relax into our morning following our own rhythm. As the morning unfolds, we do well with task oriented activities, in which we can concentrate without disruptions.
(Scorpio Moon trines Neptune in Pisces, exact at 3:00 am. Moon sextiles Sun (virgo) and Pluto (Capricorn) 10:300 am - 12:30 pm)

Sept 7: Activities which allow us to concentrate in a quiet and relaxed environment yield good results today. We are ready to relax with our own pursuits in the evening.

(Venus in Libra sextiles Saturn in Sagittarius, exact at 4:30 am; Moon sextiles Mercury in Capricorn, at 9:45 am and Moon sextiles Jupiter (Virgo) at 5:45 pm)

Sept 8: We may need to shift our focus and environment mid to late afternoon. Taking a short walk and getting some fresh air can do wonders. We're ready for some good company and ease in the evening.
(Sagittarius Moon conjuncts Saturn and squares Neptune, exact at 3:15 pm. Moon sextiles Venus (Libra) at 7:00 pm)

Sept 9: JUPITER moves into the sign of Libra this morning. What to do with the burst of vitality and inspiration which comes our way this morning? Anything physically oriented and a different scene (maybe taking a different route to work or our appointments), can be just the thing. But at the end of the work day, we're still looking for something which varies our routine..so don't be surprised if you have a spontaneous inspiration to do something different than you usually do.
(Sagittarius Moon conjuncts Mars at 8:15 am; Moon squares Mercury (Virgo) trines Uranus (Aries), 5:15 pm - 6:00 pm)

Sept 10:   This morning may present us with a dilemma. On one hand, we may feel the pull to finish up work we're keen to complete, but on the other hand, we want to be free of a schedule.
(Saturn in Sagittarius squares Neptune in Pisces, at 6:15 am)

Sept 11: Communication and respect are key in discussions with others today. We may be challenged to find the right amount of balance with reference to our values and priorities and that of another or others, as we determine whether to lean more toward generosity and ease, or economy and restraint. There's a great aspect for late night techies.
(Venus in Libra squares Pluto in Capricorn, exact at 12:30 am; Capricorn Moon conjuncts Pluto and squares Venus in Libra at 11:45 am. Moon trines Sun in Virgo at 7:30 pm. Moon trines Mercury in Virgo at 10:30 pm)

Sept 12: Some restlessness and minor irritability may come up during our last couple of hours of sleep this morning. Late morning ushers in an energetic challenge on the mental level. We may be required to be patient and exacting with details, and individuals, while we're actually feeling quite bored, impatient and so ready to move on. The energies settle down and find a better flow in the late in the afternoon.
(Capricorn Moon squares Uranus (Aries) at 3:00 am; Mercury (Virgo) squares Mars (Sagittarius), exact at 12 Noon, but may be experienced a few hours either side of this time. Moon trines Jupiter (Virgo) at 3:45 pm. Sun conjuncts Mercury in Virgo, exact at 4:45 pm, but may be experienced a few hours either side of this time)

Sept 13: A steady influence this morning makes for good focus and flow, but come afternoon, a strong influx of Mars energy creates impatience and irritability. The best way to 'shift' this energy is to do something physical, such as taking a walk. Not a great aspect for finding patience as your vehicle sits in   heavy traffic. Late evening creative influence is great for late night techies and performers.
(Aquarius Moon sextiles Saturn (Sagittarius), at 9:30 am. Virgo Sun squares Mars (Sagittarius), exact at 1:45 pm, but may be felt for a few hours either side of this time. Moon trines Venus in Libra, at 11:45 pm)

Sept 15: The energies begin to build toward tomorrows Lunar Eclipse in Pisces. Around lunch time and early afternoon, we can feel a little out of sorts emotionally, and desirous of some alone time.
(Pisces Moon conjuncts Neptune, at 12:45 pm and squares Saturn (Sagittarius), at 1:30 pm)

Sept 16: Lunar Eclipse in Pisces. For more information, read article in this month's newsletter.

Sept 17: Just after midnight on the 16th, the 'warrior' planets come into a positive configuration. While great for shifting and clear energy, it is not particularly conducive to obtaining a good night's sleep. An afternoon influence can help us keep the balls up in the air, but come late evening, we may be running low on a positive attitude. Late night techies, put your mouse to bed early.
(Mars (Sagittarius) trines Uranus (Aries) at 12:05 am; Aries Moon trines Saturn (Sagittarius) at 3:00 pm; Moon squares Pluto (Capricorn) at 9:30 pm)

Sept 18: Strong energy needs to find expression this morning. The erratic nature of this energy, doesn't jive well with social activity and/or trying to negotiate with others as to how to spend time together. The influences also carry an accident prone aspect, so be cautious with activities which demand dexterity, focus, and speed. We should manage to catch our breath by mid afternoon.
(Venus in Libra opposes Uranus in Aries, exact at 1:00 am; Aries Moon conjuncts Uranus at 11:30 am and opposes Venus, at 12:30 pm. Moon trines Mars in Sagittarius, at 1:15 pm)

Sept 19: Positive mercurial energies are good for late night techies.
(Positive Grand trine in earth (good organizational energies) comes together with Taurus Moon, Mercury in Virgo, and Pluto in Capricorn, 10:00 - 11:005 pm)

Sept 20: This evening brings forth good mental focus, which lends itself to catching up on paperwork.
(Mercury in Virgo trines Pluto in Capricorn, exact at 6:45 pm)

Sept 21: Mercury goes direct at 10:30 pm. The day starts off on an optimistic note. As the late afternoon, early evening unfolds, we may experience mental restlessness. Stepping away from mental distractions, and creating quiet time to tune in with ourselves, may be the ticket!

(Gemini Moon trines Jupiter in Libra, exact at 3:00 am. Moon creates a challenging T-square in mutable signs, when it squares Neptune (Pisces) and opposes Saturn (Sagittarius), 3:45pm - 5:45 pm)

Sept 22: Early afternoon brings an opportunity for creative thinking, but by late evening, we can become overly stimulated.
(Gemini Moon sextiles Uranus in Aries, exact at 2:15 pm; Moon opposes Mars in Sagittarius, at 9:00 pm)

Sept 24: Emotional vulnerability can greet us upon awakening this morning. Being gentle and accepting of ourselves can help move this energy along. Early evening influence can create a situation which calls for a change of plan in how we're going to spend our evening.
(Cancer Moon opposes Pluto in Capricorn, exact at 3:45 am; Moon squares Uranus in Aries, exact at 6:45 pm)

Sept 25:
A positive early afternoon influence, (which is great for having lunch with friends and family) sets the tone for a late evening influence which is optimistic and uplifting. This could influence our dreams, in the most positive way.
(Leo Moon trines Jupiter in Libra, exact at 1:15 pm; Sun-Jupiter conjunction in Libra, is exact at Midnight, but we may feel it from the early afternoon onwards).

Sept 27: A productive mid afternoon influence, can also put new wind in our sails.
(Virgo Moon trines Mars in Capricorn, exact at 3:30 pm)

Sept 28: We're not too much in the mood for work which requires attention to detail this morning. In fact, we can feel spacey and find ourselves becoming easily bored with routine. Feeling grounded and focused comes more readily in the evening hours.
(A challenging T-square in mutable signs takes place when Virgo Moon opposes Neptune (Pisces) and squares Saturn (Sagittarius), 9:45 am - 1:00 pm; Moon trines Pluto in Capricorn, at 7:30 pm)

Sept 30: New Moon in Libra. See Lunar Activity, below.

Lunar Activity

NEW MOON Sept 30 8 deg Libra 5:11 pm

This new Moon taking place in the relationship oriented sign of Libra is imbued with all of the grace and charm associated with this sign, comes at the tail end of Venus transiting Libra (Aug 29 - Sept 22) and just at the beginning of Jupiter's one year long transit of Libra, beginning on September 9, 2016.

Good time for a romantic dinner or meeting up with friends.

Thanks so much for joining me this month.

much love

Margaret

www.margaretsweet.com

Happy Fall Equinox - Sept 22

Artwork by Rita Lloyd