November 2010- Saturn Return! Change Comes to the US from Within and Without

Three planets were in the intense sign of Scorpio as we started the month of November-the Sun, Mercury and Venus, and we saw a New Moon at 13 degrees of Scorpio on November 6. Scorpio is the natural ruler of the eighth house of sex, money, other people’s money, debt and taxes, and it is within these realms that we have been and will be focused. The eighth house also rules transformation and regeneration, and often a feeling of ‘forced change.’ Scorpio is ruled by both Mars and Pluto and has regenerative qualities. Mars is called the “God of War,” and Pluto is considered the planet of transformation and regeneration, and not without good reason.
Money, debt and taxes and change were definitely on the minds of many as they cast their ballots in the US Mid-term elections November 2, ousting a record number of Democrats and taking control of the US House of Representatives and many state held offices. November 9, President Obama’s bipartisan deficit commission proposed to reduce the annual cost-of-living increases in Social Security, curb the growth of Medicare, and eliminate the primary tax exemption for many American’s—interest on the home mortgage as a tax deduction. Any of these proposals becoming fact would prove debilitating to America’s older citizens, deny access or limit healthcare and cause the housing market to once again come to a standstill as buying or owning a home would cost more, and as a result that many American’s primary tax break would be gone, reducing the incentive to own, and further stress the struggling middle class in America.

Looking at America’s natal chart (July 4, 1776, 5:10 pm LMT, Philadelphia, PA) Saturn in Libra is squaring the Sun of the US at 13 degrees of Cancer, becoming exact November 15-23. At 14 degrees of Libra, Saturn conjuncts America’s Saturn at the same degree. This transit is known as a “Saturn return.”

Countries, like people have birth charts, and as the planets transit through the chart of any particular country/entity the energies the planets create are felt on a collective level. Saturn/Sun transits deal with the ego of an individual or a collective and often the individual/entity is forced to prove his ideas valid. Sun-Saturn transits often represent times of critical developments where situations from the outside create challenges that are not always expected. America will face challenges in the areas of the home/property, the personal foundation of the people, and the values the American people embrace of hold to be true. Saturn in Libra will create challenges where the laws and courts are concerned, along with medicine and education as well as finance, and issues abroad. Thus, this period will be extremely important, but not without danger, frustration, hostility and resistance to change.

Saturn conjunct Saturn, known as a Saturn return is a cyclical transit that occurs every 29.5 years as Saturn passes through each of the twelve signs. Saturn returns are usually associated with major changes in the life cycle that include hardships and difficult to solve problems. It marks a transition period where an individual or entity must take responsibility for their actions and work hard to move forward to the future. It is usually associated with frustration, unhappiness, difficult problems, delays, restrictions, anger and sadness.

Saturn rules time. Saturn returning to its birthplace marks a period of accountability for the past 30 years. If we have failed to create a strong foundation the Saturn return will mark a time of upheaval and limitations to make necessary changes. Saturn squaring the Sun/Saturn return also marks a period where the country is more venerable to attacks both from within and without. Values previously held will be questioned and debated. Saturn will return to this same position latter March into April of 2011, and again for a final pass August of 2011. All Saturn cycles last a year.

Next: The Cycles of 2011-A Year of Change in America and the World

Full Moon in Aries-All About You!

Saturday’s (10-23-10) full moon falls at 29 degrees of Aries. The 29th degree is considered very important and is called the anaretic degree. Wikipedia defines the anaretic degree as, “the final degree of any sign, which is 29 degrees 0 minutes to 29 degrees 59 minutes. This degree or range is considered to be critical, so any planets, angles or celestial bodies placed within that range are likely to display the most extreme attributes of the sign or planet.


Generally, when a planet is posited an anaretic degree, the planet will stand out. It is "taking up the rear", usually being the planet in the chart with the highest degree value. This is not always negative, though it's generally portrayed as such.”

Aries is the natural ruler of the first house of the zodiac representing the self/ the I AM. Its ruler is Mars, ‘the God of War’, thus this will be a fiery full moon with the potential for a great deal of intensity and drama. This is no full moon for wallflowers!

On the positive side, this can be time to get in touch with yourself and your goals and objectives, and on the other end of the spectrum it can represent a time of frustrating action and interaction with individual egos playing a big role in events that will occur. So, step back, take a deep breath and think before acting or responding rashly.

Those most affected by this full moon will be Aries, Libra, Cancer and Capricorn, or anyone who has a personal planet being aspected by 29 degrees of Aries.

Venus is retrograde all month, and this relates to delays, obstacles and problems related to your love life, social life and sometimes money as well, and will play a role in the affairs of some over the full moon period. Venus is retrograde at 9 degrees of Scorpio and if this is creating a harsh aspect to a personal planet in your chart, you may experience difficulties in your love life, as well.

Mars is at 26 degrees of Scorpio and squaring Neptune. Mars square Neptune is a tiring, negative aspect, as a rule and often relates to drama, lack of clarity or lies and deception. Weirdness can sometimes be the norm with a transit like this, and you may find it hard to put one foot in front of the other and keep going. Sleep is a perfect activity for such a configuration! Don’t believe half of what you hear on the news or in your personal life. Relax and let this energy pass before reaching critical decisions. The transit may also bring some unusual weather related conditions involving water that can cause trouble in various parts of the country and the world. This combination also relates to drugs, alcohol, the ‘seamy side of life,’ sex, and very convoluted situations. Mars squares Neptune is exact on October 22, meaning this energy will start several days before the full moon. Full moon energy can begin as much as 5-7 days before the actual lunar peak.

On the other hand, Mars/Neptune can relate to psychic awareness, precognition, creativity, and traveling the depths of the spiritual realms. But, it takes a steady and stable individual to experience Mars-Neptune in the manner, but this is the highest and best use of this configuration.

To know the exact implications of the full moon an astrologer would have to be able to look at your chart. But, in a general sense the full moon will affect the Sun signs in the following manner;

Aries-The focus will be on the desires of the self, and relationships. It is a time of finishing up things that were started last month and moving forward with new objectives.

Taurus- The focus is upon thoughts and ideas that are prominent in the subconscious mind, spending time alone and reflection, work, health issues. The potential exists to visit a Dr. or hospital, and things that are secret and hidden could come to the forefront.

Gemini-The focus in on friends, hopes and wishes, groups and organizations and relationships or children.

Cancer-The focus is on the home and family, as well as personal foundation and career related issues, and work.

Leo-the focus is travel, education, legal or contractual matters, health related or medical issues, as well as general view of life, communication, neighbors, immediate family members or co-workers.

Virgo-The focus is money, taxes, debt, other people’s money, corporate money, and earned income as well as self image, and issues relating to sex.

Libra-The focus is relationships and partnerships, both personal and professional, possibly courts and open enemies in some cases.

Scorpio-The focus will be health/diet issues, work, service to others, and issues that are in the subconscious mind.

Sagittarius- The focus is friendships, children or love affairs, entertainment, hopes and wishes.

Capricorn-The focus will be the home and foundation, endings, and work related situations.

Aquarius- The focus will be the mind and thought processes, communication, immediate family members or neighbors, travel, education and legal or medical situations.

Pisces-The focus will be on money, earned income, taxes, debts and other people’s money.

                                                                         

New Moon in Libra-The Planet of Love steps Back!

The Planet of Love Steps Back



Thursday’s (October 7) New Moon at 14 degrees of Libra will ‘kick off,’ the Venus retrograde period this year. The focus will be on relationships and partnerships of all kinds during this time, bringing unresolved issues to the surface. Venus, the planet ruling love and affection goes retrograde every 18 months. It was last retrograde March 6-April 17 of 2009 in Aries and Pisces.

By Friday, October 8, the official start of the retrograde for Venus, many of us will face a ‘reality check,’ where our most intimate unions are concerned, as the planet of communication (Mercury) line up in a conjunction with Saturn, the taskmaster, always a transit of harsh realities.

The Shadow Period

Venus has however, been in its shadow retrograde period since September 5th, and this shadow period will actually extend until December 20. The shadow period is when Venus must retrace its steps, or degrees, to the degree at which it actually moves forward again, in this case 27 degrees of Libra. Thus, we may literally be ‘retracing our steps,’ as well.


Fated Events and Situations

Venus is the planet that rules our love lives, as well as beauty, art, artistic effort, diplomacy, values and it is one of the two financial planets. Venus is currently in Scorpio at 13 degrees and will officially retrograde October 8 through November 18. It isn’t just Mercury that retrogrades, the other planets retrograde as well. When Venus retrogrades issues concerning love and relationships become more intense and it often seems that fate intervenes and people sometimes find themselves in situations concerning love where events beyond their control take over-this is the fate or karma of the relationship and events are often revealed that will show the true path the couple will take in the future.

Venus retrogrades about every 18 months. The most important period is the stationary retrograde period when Venus is starting to retrograde at 13 degrees of Scorpio October 5-11, and the stationary direct period when it is about to move forward again at 27 degrees of Libra November 15-23.

On October 5-6, Venus is stationary retrograde as it lines up with Mars in Scorpio at 13 degrees, making these few days before and after a very powerful time emotionally.

When Venus retrogrades fate is often revealed. Relationships can slow down. Bad ones can end altogether. If your relationship is solid you may experience very little, and it can become an experience that strengthens the union, as you work through issues and concerns together.

This is a very powerful phase for those in love, in relationships or looking for love. It is a time or re-accessing and revaluating our relationships. Even if you and the object of your affection are on solid ground you could suddenly get cold feet. Sometimes people change partners. But, if your relationship is basically sound you will most likely be fine.

Venus is retrograde in Scorpio until November 8. Venus is at her detriment in that sign, making the cycle even more auspicious. While in Scorpio, feelings will be intense. Scorpio is the natural ruler of the eighth house of joint monies and sex, and issues may arise within these areas. Scorpio is a fixed sign, so decisions that are reached at this time may be rigid and decisive. Scorpio energy can be intense, brooding, vindictive and jealous.

Venus retrogrades into Libra on November 9-18 when she goes stationary direct. Libra is the natural ruler of the seventh house of partnerships and marriage as well as courts and open enemies. During the time Venus is retrograde in Libra, she will be in a more fortunate period than Scorpio, as Libra is her own sign. Tendencies toward moodiness, vindictiveness and obsessiveness or jealousy will be reduced. While in Libra and more balance will be sought. Tastes and affections will become more refined and Libra is a strategizer.

During a Venus retrograde period the things that Venus influences will be less apparent and visual sensibilities can be reduced. This is not the time to buy jewelry, art, expensive clothing or decorations, give big parties, get married or have plastic surgery. Since Venus rules the courts, legal situations can slow down as can diplomatic efforts. Unresolved issues come forward and demand resolution. It may be more difficult to express ourselves socially. Venus is the lesser of the two money planets, and money will not flow as freely during this period.

Both Venus and the other financial planet, Jupiter, go direct on the same day this year, November 18. At this time we can start the process of resuming our normal social affairs and lives, and the flow of money will start to pick up as well. On December 1, 2010 Venus will move back into Scorpio for the next 38 days, a placement that works well for all the Water and Earth signs, but especially Cancer.

October 2010-The Fate of Relationships

October 2010 begins with the Sun conjunct Saturn, a day of reality, potential frustration and responsibility. Mercury opposing Uranus through the third, will bring unexpected news and situations along with weather related accidents and incidents and we are facing major flooding on the East Coast and in North Carolina with 5 deaths already reported at the time of this post. This is a transit of mental expansion, or alternatively it can turn to agitation and it is important to watch out for travel related accidents of all kinds.

Sunday, October third the planet of communication enters Libra, where the energy will shift toward more balance in all types of communications and many of us will start to focus more on relationships, as Libra is the sign ruling unions of all types. Also on that day Mars and Venus will conjunct, or line up together at 12-13 degrees of Scorpio through October 6. This is a transit that will spark interest in sex, or the opposite sex but it is an aggressive combination, and does not represent tender love. If you are in a relationship that is not working well, expect problems.

Tuesday, October 5, Mercury squares Pluto, an obsessive combination and many people will be trying to get to the bottom of the matter. It is harsh for relationships, arguments could occur, but it opens the door for resolution. Pluto relates to sex, the darker side of life and transformation. This transit will manifest in the world as accidents, debate and arguments about the law, laws, governments and threats may be made.

October’s new moon falls on Thursday October 7, at 2:44 PM EST at 14 degrees in Libra, making it all about relationships, and starting the Venus retrograde period, with intensity. Those most affected by this moon will be the cardinal signs: Cancer will be dealing with issues related to new beginnings/endings and the home, Capricorns, will focus on the house of career and priorities, and Aries, will be dealing with relationships. Libras will be starting a cycle of personal new beginnings.

The following day, Friday, October 8, Venus, the planet of love, officially goes retrograde in the sign of her detriment. In other words, while Venus in Scorpio may relate to sex and intensity, the sign does not favor the planet that rules love. On the same day, (Oct 8-9) Mercury conjuncts Saturn. This combination represents a reality check for relationships, as well as other matters in general. If your relationship is limping along, or you are in a questionable union this day may bring further problems or end it altogether. The planets are lining up to weed the negative relationships out of your life and enable you to make room for something more positive. Reality will be the key word for the day, and it is not always what we want to see. The good relationships will become stronger as it will be a period to work through issues and create more balance.

Karma and Fate in Relationships

In a general sense when Venus retrogrades love energy becomes more intense and the drama can begin. It is a period when seemingly fated events occur, sometimes appearing to be beyond the control of the parties involved. Relationships can slow down or end. Sometimes those from our past can reappear. It is a time of reviewing and re-accessing your love life. Changes occur, and people can switch their affections and partners. The karma (karma=the universal will, what will ultimately be) of the relationship will play out during this period. Unresolved issues come to the forefront to be resolved one way or another.

Venus retrogrades about every 18 months. The most important period is the stationary retrograde period when Venus retrogrades at 13 degrees of Scorpio October 5-11, and the stationary direct period when it is about to move forward again at 27 degrees of Libra November 15-23. If Venus goes stationary direct on a personal planet in your chart or your Sun you may well meet someone significant at this time. A retrograde Venus is not the time to get married, have plastic surgery, buy art, jewelry or items ruled by Venus. Money matters may be slowed down as well.

If you begin a new relationship on a retrograde Venus the love energy may never be fully expressed or when Venus goes direct the relationship may change or end. That is, unless you were born with a retrograde Venus, but the other party in question may not have been. Venus was last retrograde March 5, 2009-April 17, 2009.

All month both Venus and Mars are in Scorpio. (Mars enters Sagittarius October 29) making this a special month for water signs.(Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces) Scorpio is an intense sign and is associated with sex and sexual attraction. When Mars and Venus are in duo together and in a sign compatible to you, it is a significant time to meet someone special. This combination will work especially well for Cancer or Cancer ascendant, as this places the planets of love in your fifth house of love affairs! Bear in mind of course, that Venus is retrograde.

Other important Dates

On October 15, 16 the Sun conjuncts Mercury, making this a day of intense communication. Mercury is associated with accidents, so this is another day to be careful. Some mental agitation is possible. On October 18, Mercury trines Neptune garnering compassion for those less fortunate. A banner day for creativity and your intuition will be in overdrive. On October 19, the Sun’s trine to Neptune brings out sensitivity, compassion and creativity.

October 21, the planet of communication enters Scorpio. Mercury in Scorpio will intensify communication and mental energy for the next 29 days and places 3 planets in Scorpio. October 25 the Sun enters Scorpio, and for a few days nearly half of the planets are in the sign ruling sex. Pay attention Cancers! October 20, 21 Mars trines Jupiter, a lucky transit, and a good transit for money and optimism. Make your luck count because on October 22, Mars squares Neptune creating a tiring, depressing energy. Neptune is the planet of illusion, confusion and deception and believe half of what you hear and doubt that. Let the energy pass and things will soon return to normal.

Full Moon Maddness
October’s full moon occurs on October 23, at 29 degrees of Aries. This full moon will be a humdinger, as Aries is a fire sign and events will happen quickly. Mars is still squaring Neptune at 26 degrees of Aquarius creating an atmosphere of confusion, lack of clarity, and the overall effect is debilitating. Lies will be abundant, as will mis-communication. Water related events may unfold in the world and there will be a lot of anger, and potential violence at the various hot spots that exist around the planet. It is a time to be careful in every way, and let the frustration and agitation pass over you, as opposed to becoming part of it. Channeled constructively it could be a day of creative thinking with a focus on spirituality.

On October 24/25 Mars trines Uranus. This is exciting, positive energy and sometimes signifies new projects that can be exciting. There could be a focus on travel, technology or unique subjects. October 25, Mercury conjuncts Venus, creating a time to talk about love and affection. It is also good for social activities, creativity and money matters. October 26, the Sun sextiles Pluto bringing intensity and focus to situations, and October 29 the Sun conjuncts Venus, again creating a focus on love and money. Another good day for romance and social events, but bear in mind that Venus is retrograde and it could be a day of re-accessing and reviewing and resolving issues and problems from the past. Happy October, make the most of it!

Full Moon in Aries- Packing a Punch

Thursday’s (09-23-10) full moon at 0 degrees of Aries promises to be a humdinger. The 0 degree of Aries is significant and is considered a ‘world point,’ thus, events are at risk of occurring that will involve the world as a collective on some level. This full moon comes just house after the fall equinox, thus becoming the first full moon of the Fall.

Aries is a fire sign ruled by Mars, the ‘God of War.’ We are likely to see incidents around the US and the world involving fire, military/police action and general argumentiveness. This full moon squares Pluto which rules the ‘dark side’ of life and often a full moon square Pluto uncovers situations in the world and our personal lives that were previously hidden or unknown. It rules sex, secrets, oil, nuclear energy and all sorts of psychological issues, and a full moon square will bring these issues to the surface and often creates power struggles.

The planets have been in some complex patterns for a while now, and I hate to say nothing will be simple or serene about this moon in most cases. Aries is the first sign of the zodiac and rules the individual and the ego. There will likely be many confrontations of an egotistical nature, and it is important to remember to not react from a place of pure ego.

Jupiter and Uranus are conjunct (together) in Pisces at 28 degrees. Whatever Jupiter touches, it expands. The last time we had this configuration in late spring we saw massive flooding in Nashville, TN and other areas. Pisces rules the 12th house of secrets, hospitals, institutions, drugs, and of course water and it can rule the seamy side of life. On the positive end, a transit like this can represent great creative and spiritual inspiration for some, depending upon your bent. It does not go unnoticed at this time that Pakistan faces a grave humanitarian crisis due to massive flooding in spite of the lack of media coverage of the situation and international support to that country. It is a shame the world has not responded to Pakistan in their hour of need. Most of the individuals in that country are not Taliban members, but merely human beings whose lives are being washed away with the flood waters. Pisces can also relate to infectious disease and it not impossible that the crisis in that country will be further complicated over the next number of days with the spread of diseases due to lack of sanitation. Or, there could be incidents of disease in other areas.

Full moon energy can begin as much as 5-7 days before the full moon occurs and for the same length of time after. This full moon is further complicated by the fact we have some difficult transits in the preceding days.

On Saturday, September 25/26, the Sun squares Pluto. This is a transit fraught with power struggles, and when Pluto is involved anything not working may collapse totally at this time, whether it be machinery or personal situations. It is a transit of ultimate change, and there is a great deal of seething anger in the world that may become ignited. This is a transit that could trigger the Mars (war) energy of this full moon.

Thursday, September 30, the Sun conjuncts Saturn at 6 degrees of Libra. This is a depressing, tiring transit. There may be events relating to the Democratic-Republican parties and it squares the financial planets in the US creating the possibility of negative financial news.

Friday, October 1, Mercury opposes Jupiter. This can be a transit of optimism or over-optimism or over-promising. Situations may be blown out of proportion, but taking that into account it can be used constructively.

Sunday, October, 2 Mercury opposes Uranus This is a high energy mental transit, and ideas may flow. If that is the case write them down, as they will leave quickly and you may forget. It is conducive to accidents of all kind/weather related accidents, and could involve aircraft. We will likely hear news that is unexpected. Mental states may change quickly turning into anxiety or upset. Use the utmost caution if you are driving a vehicle.

Those most affected by this full moon will be the Cardinal Signs-Aries, Libra, Capricorn and Cancer, especially if you are born within the first 5 days (5 degrees) of your sign.

Mercury Retrograde-Not Over Yet!

Mercury, the planet of speech, communication, transportation and the mind is currently retrograde at 6 degrees of Virgo. Its retrogrades to 5 degrees on Saturday, September 11 before stationing (standing still) at that degree, and it does not start the process of moving forward again until September 16 when it moves back to 6 degrees. This is called the stationing period of a retrograde Mercury, and it is often, if not always the most likely time for the retrograde to play out it's mischief in your personal chart. So, it is during the stationing period, which lasts before and after the Winged God goes direct on Sunday, September 12 that you will see the final effects of this retrograde Mercury in Virgo play out in your life.


Virgo is the natural ruler of the sixth house of health and work and these issues will play out on the world stage. Health issues can be diagnosed and it is a great time to start a health regime or visit a Dr. Virgo is an Earth Sign and can relate to issues pertaining to Planet Earth that will draw attention during this time, as well. Virgo has an analytical ability and we may be drawn into personal drama that requires this ability. We must remember to not over analyze a situation or pick it to death, but rather use our abilities wisely and remember the planet of communication will not be on a full steam ahead direct course until the latter part of the month. Mis-communication and broken machinery will be common.

Retrograde Mercury deals with the past and this often brings us in contact with people from our past. Decisions can be reversed on a variety of matters, but once a final decision is reached on a Mercury Direct in Virgo it is likely to remain final, and only be reached after lengthy consideration of many matters.

Hopefully, this has been a period of correcting matters in your life, reviewing decisions and redoing any number of things from corporate proposals to your closets. Health matters may have come up in one way or another. This is the highest and best use of a retrograde Mercury, but often, life interferes! Things break, situations occur and we are not able to reflect or rejuvenate as nature actually intends. To a degree, some of us live in an artificial society where our real needs can never be met. Nature cries out for order in our lives over chaos, and retrograde Mercury can actually help us find order by providing a time for us to reflect upon the state of our life.



The New Moon in Virgo on Wednesday September 8, fell close to retrograde Mercury and events of this new moon may be delayed. And if you are looking to start exercising and lose weight there will be no time this year like Mercury going direct to start achieving your goals.



So, hold onto your seat, it might be a bumpy ride for a few days, but the future will be full steam ahead!



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contact@lesliehale-astrology.com

Planet Earth Hangs in the Balance (And So Do Relationships)-Episode 2

As we start the month out with Hurricane Earl on the eastern Seaboard of the US, bearing down on North Carolina, and another oil rig explosion in the Gulf of Mexico, Mother Earth is telling us she did not get our attention with the BP Oil Spill. Once again, man made incidents as well as potential weather disasters are reminding us of our need to place Planet earth itself, as a high priority in our lives as nations and individuals in whatever ways we can. Unlike us, Mother Earth does not have such a short memory. The Sun conjuncts Mercury September 3 and 4, creating the energy for travel and weather related accidents and incidents. As Pluto transits through Capricorn over the next decade we will continue to face earth related situations. As a civilization we are at a precipice and will take care of the Earth and the waters that comprise most of the planet or face the consequences, and they will be dire.

Astrologically, September will bring transits that create further wake up calls on more than one front. There are powerful forces at work in the world that take place in several forms as a result of the recent Saturn-Pluto square that is now separating, but not gone. The energy of this major configuration will last for months to come, and we will be tested in the immediate future and both in the world and our personal lives. Saturn, Uranus and Pluto will come together again in May 2011 and continue throughout 2011 in varying degrees.

The stakes are high for the world, and thus far have involved issues concerning pollution of the oceans and massive death of wildlife and lack of clarity as to the extent of the damage done by BP Oil Company. Other spills involving less publicity have occurred as well, and we face Earth related catastrophes now with the hurricane season upon us.

There is growing desire among American’s to cut missions in the Middle East. Afghanistan has proven to be a difficult situation and leadership in that country has been proven corrupt. Massive leaks of the Afghanistan war dairies have been revealed and the head of the website releasing the leaks was threatened in child abuse scandals, which were mysteriously dropped with little fanfare. Of course I am speaking of the founder of Wiki leaks a website that acts as conduit where corruption can be revealed among governments, companies and entities on the internet. True information as to the dire situation in Afghanistan is available to anyone who can use a computer.

American aid in the Middle East hangs in the balance as well. Attempts at peace in the Middle East have come alive with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, but this is another of many attempts that have been made. The terrorist group Hamas has promised attacks on Israel. The Middle East is a powder keg. Saturn-Pluto transits historically represent war, threats of war, unrest, upheaval and nuclear incidents .Additionally, threats of terrorism around the world by militant groups are numerous at this time.

Forces are at work between the legal, political, environmental, banking and financial entities the average person has no control over, other than making his/her voice heard through letters and phone calls.

The dollar continues to be at risk at home and abroad. The spring turnaround of the US economy is proving to be a house of smoke and mirrors and jobs have not been created and unemployment is still high and jobs are scarce. The world is in an economic chaos across the globe. Greece, Ireland, Portugal and Spain among other European countries are in crisis and have received bailouts.

Banks in the US have been given taxpayer bailouts’ and are laden with toxic assets in foreclosed real estate. While taxpayer money helped them out of the crisis they faced a year ago, credit is difficult to come by for many.

Power struggles continue to abound in almost every area of life. Corporations are still downsizing. Foreclosures are on every corner. Those house rich and cash poor Americans are often no longer homeowners. American’s and the world have paid a large price in the economic downturn.

The Democrats and Republicans in the US are in complete opposition to each other and the Tea Party has come into existence. Hate radio has never seen bigger audiences. Discontent is growing with President Obama’s leadership among Democrats and the newness of the administration has worn off and the problems that became apparent under former US President Bush have not been solved in 2 years.

Consumer debt and government debt has reached an all time high, and the government bailouts will have to be paid back.

To anyone who does not believe the much written about T-Square of July-August did not change our world, I say look at the facts.

During September, Saturn, the planet of reality, hardships and limitations is squaring the Jupiter and Venus (the 2 financial planets) of the US at 3 and 5 degrees of Cancer. Further issues will make themselves known the week of of September 8, as Jupiter crosses the planet that rules money and finance, the law, education and religion, creating hardships and limitations in those areas and concern with issues abroad are on the front burner. It is an aspect of limitation, privation, lawsuits and being limited and tested as a nation. The good news is the pressure will ease somewhat as Saturn separates from Jupiter starting on the 16 of September. But Saturn will again bring frustrations and limitations as it squares the Sun of the USA at 13 degrees mid-November. While Saturn will not be in contact with Jupiter (the main money planet) it will be squaring the Sun of the US which represents the nation as a collective bringing continued limitations and frustration. But as Jupiter returns to Pisces on September 10, it trines Pluto and eventually the USA’s Neptune in Virgo mid-November bringing some hope of job improvement. Any planetary help is good help. But, Pluto, the planet of ultimate change is in opposition to America’s Venus through November 0f 2010. In 2011 it opposes Jupiter creating further conflict and reform in finance.

The apparent upswing in the US economy this spring, (and I say apparent, as actual numbers not totally clear), was due to Uranus and Jupiter entering Aires together. Uranus/Jupiter in Aries is exuberant and Jupiter expands whatever it touches. The combination of the two planets is often reflective of money-expansion. Jupiter returns to Aries January 23, 2011 and Uranus enters Aries for 7 years March 13. But, the two will not meet up as closely as they did this year.



When Will The Economy Improve?


Jupiter enters Taurus on May 12, 2011, the planet ruled by Venus and the natural ruler of the second house of money. Jupiter increases what it touches and it will trine (a positive angle) the Venus and Jupiter of the US. (The money planets.) It is bound to result in more prosperity, but is only part of the picture in a complex world of transits that involve the US and the world for many years to come.



On a More Personal Level

On another important front, relationships, have suffered, changed, ended or started. Saturn is in the sign ruling relationships for the next two years and we will see many challenges to this intrigel part of life during these times.

When Saturn entered Libra late July/early August, early born Aries, Capricorns, Libras and Cancers suffered through traumas, breakups, separations and trials as well as other obstacles. But, relationships that are committed to sound principals did not necessarily end. Now, those born in Cardinal signs in the 5-15 degree range of their sun sign may well see challenges as well. Those in relationships most likely to end will be the ones that are troubled, vague and undefined.

As Saturn moves through Libra into 2012, Libras especially, will face challenges and the potential of great reward through hard work as Saturn leaves Libra in fall of 2012.

It will be a challenging time for those who make up the sign that rules relationships, as well as those with Libra ascendants.No matter what age you are Saturn transiting through the first house coincides with new beginnings and new starts in life. For the very young it may signify a time of embarking upon education or leaving a home. For those who are older it will mean major life change including the potential of new directions with new partners. Those most challenged by this transit of Saturn over the next 2 years will be Libra, Aires, Cancer and Capricorn.

Libras will form the solid foundation for a new life, but not without great exertion of energy. Nothing will come without hard work and planning, but the results in the end can prove worthwhile. Saturn calls for you to ‘do the work,’ in whatever endeavor you face. Aries will face relationship issues and challenges if Saturn is creating a hard angel to any personal planets. Cancers will build a new foundation/home and will be challenged by circumstances involving the home and the foundation as well as family issues. Capricorn will face challenges in the area of priorities, work and career, even changes.

As Mercury continues to retrograde in Virgo through the 12th we face challenges in the areas of health and work with previously unknown issues coming to the forefront. Breakups can occur- people from the past may return- retrograde Mercury is a wildcard, and known to reveal information. It is not a time to start new projects and confusion abounds in communication. Mercury goes direct at 5 degrees of Virgo on September 12, and this is often a critical juncture when decisions are made and further information revealed. Mercury will remain stationary retrograde until September 18 and will situations will not return to normal speed until about the third week of September.

We have a New Moon at 15 degrees of Virgo on Tuesday, September 8. Virgo rules health and work and we will be dealing with these issues individually and collectively at this time. Mercury retrograde in Virgo creates the possibility of becoming involved in arguments, debates and we may hear news of weather related situations, travel issues and issues with work, jobs, health issues and healthcare. Virgo also relates to the earth, itself and we will face issues concerning the planet and it will be a call to nature. People around you may become obsessive, picky and critical for a few hours or day. Venus trining Neptune may inspire creativity, news of the arts, artistic or spiritual inspiration and will help ease the intensity of the new moon together with retrograde Mercury in Virgo. There is no better time of the year than around September 12 to deal with health issues or start a new health/exercise regime and get into shape for the fall!


Other Dates to watch in September


On September 9, Jupiter re-enters Pisces, retrograde. Jupiter when retrograde does not increase situations as quickly as it does while direct. I have seen Jupiter show gain whether retrograde or direct, but retrograde planets are a wildcard, and Jupiter may not live up to its promises. It can magnify situations and actually show lack at times. Jupiter goes direct at 23 degrees of Pisces on November 17.

New Love

Venus enters Scorpio September 9 switching up love energy making our emotions more intense. If you are a Scorpio you should feel at your best this month. Mars enters Scorpio on September 15, changing our day to day energy and making events more intense. Mars changes signs roughly every 40 days and our week to week focus changes as Mars enters a different house in your chart. Mars and Venus are together in Scorpio from September 15-October 28. When Mars and Venus are together in your sign the chances of meeting someone special increases significantly. This combination is very potent for all Water and Earth Signs, but especially Cancer as the planets of love dance through their fifth house of love affairs (and children).

On September 18, Jupiter conjuncts Uranus for the next several weeks. Jupiter expands whatever it touches and Pisces rules water, gasses and oil. The last time this occurred earlier this year we saw massive flooding in Nashville, TN, and we were dealing with the oil spill in the Gulf.


The Autumn Equinox occurs September 22, marking the change from summer to fall seasons. On September 24 the Sun enters Libra, the official astrological change of season. Also on the 22-23, the Sun opposes Uranus. This transit is known to create sudden unexpected events and situations, and is explosive in nature. Separations may occur on this day. Expect the unexpected, and Uranus rules electricity aircraft and water as well as rebellions.

On September 23 we have a full moon at 0 degrees of Aries. The 0 degree of Aries is known as the world point, and can indicate issues that affect the world as a whole. This full moon is volatile, rash and impulsive, and comes on the heels of Sun-Uranus (see above). It is more than likely we will see unexpected, explosive events around the world. Count to three before making decisions and remember the energy is disruptive, and caution is called for in all areas. The financial markets in the US may be volatile. It is time for change!


On September 25-27 the Sun squares Pluto. Pluto rules nuclear energy among other things. This transit will provoke power struggles and anger both personally and on the world stage. We are at risk of an ‘incident’ occurring and personally it is time to step back and take a deep breath if you find yourself in the middle of a power struggle. Pluto rules the darker side of life and issues concerning sex. Laws will come into focus as well.

On September 30-October 1, the Sun conjuncts Saturn at 6-7 degrees of Libra. Sun-Saturn transits are heavy, depressing, restrictive and oppressive. They indicate disharmony and the potential for negative situations. Libra rules laws, partners and partnerships, religion, education, and foreign people as well as situations abroad. It I likely we will see events related to the above and it is not favorable for the US economy. It is favorable for constructive accomplishment and taking care of responsibilities.