Star Weather Astrology Report 9/8–9/16
©2024 Ronnie Pontiac
All times Pacific.
Friends, September continues to offer challenges. We have a week of four planetary and eight lunar inconjunctions, indicating a confused, frustrating astrological atmosphere. Finding balance may require more effort than usual. With Pluto in the final degree of Capricorn until November that feeling of the end of an era returns, the mass pessimism that began in 2008 is revived. It will be hard to avoid striking symbols of disorder, looming threats, fear of economic doom, and the host of worries that prevent us from thinking clearly. The last time Pluto was in this degree we saw notable deaths and news about crumbling institutions. In our individual lives it’s a time when caution is advised. For some there could be a sense of futility and utter exhaustion. For others an urgency to accomplish something, or escape current conditions. To get the best out of Pluto in Capricorn learn well, practice, be patient, simplify, meditate, and ponder the past.
Sunday 9/18 Mercury inconjunct Neptune is exact near the end of the Witching Hour (3–4 AM), followed by Mercury inconjunct Pluto exact in the evening, and then Mercury enters Virgo just before midnight. Saturday’s sun opposition Saturn is still in effect, generally a pessimistic aspect but good for study, practice, simplifying and meditation. The Mercury Neptune inconjunction indicates confusion, weakness, delusion, propaganda, probably more news about percolating health threats (Nile fever mosquito spraying in lower Manhattan, a probable case of human transmission of bird flu in Missouri, and the new XEC covid variant), but also the possibility of inspiration, of a conversation that can be healing, or at least deeply comforting. The second inconjunction involves potentially sharp interactions about issues of impermanence, anything from what requires repair to what requires reform. Enlightening arguments could be a result. But if issues are avoided bicker fights that go nowhere are possible.
When Mercury leaves egotistical but amiable Leo for overly analytical Virgo be careful about what you say. Try not to correct or criticize especially if you weren’t asked. These inconjunctions will be active during the debate and they would indicate a disjointed competition of incongruous worldviews that find no common ground. Sharp comments intended to invoke overreactions may go awry.
Mon 9/9 and Tue 9/10 only lunar aspects are exact. Paracelsus wrote: “Thoughts create a new heaven, a new firmament, a new source of energy, from which new arts flow,” Selected Writings (1951). Take care to think clearly. The aspect closest to exact for Tuesday’s debate is moon square Saturn. Both candidates may be fighting exhaustion. Moon in Sagittarius would indicate a woman representing an optimistic view of the future and young people in general. Saturn in Pisces an old man representing Christian traditions, as ironic as that is. The square may make this an especially aggressive and grueling debate.
Wed 9/11 Venus inconjunct Saturn is exact near the end of the Witching Hour, followed by Mercury sextile Mars in the evening. The three inconjunctions in effect are the most exact planetary aspects for the debate. It seems with Venus inconjunct Saturn we’ll be left with a vivid demonstration of the fracture in the American psyche. Venus for the female candidate, and Saturn for the elder male. The stark contrast between two very different approaches to improving life for Americans. Mercury sextile Mars energizes communication, and even arguments can seem pleasant with a sextile. However, with the three inconjunctions muddying the waters it may take some effort to find that enjoyable conversation. Prioritize health over politics.
Remember, we have huge changes coming in 2025 and 2026. The world will seem very different in just a few years. New challenges lie ahead, and the crossroads we confront today will return during the U.S. Uranus return exact in 2027 and 2028, the year of the following presidential election. The battle for a liberated America where oligarchs continues. Power for the people inevitable with Pluto in Aquarius from January 2025 well into the 2040s. Take the long view. This election is not the end game, it’s only one step in a process of evolving a better society. Thank Pluto in Capricorn for turning over all the rocks and exposing the infestations that have held us back.
Thu 9/12 sun square Jupiter is exact, also near the end of the Witching hour. Squares are like stairs, they require effort, but they can lift us to a new level. The challenge here is to be optimistic but not overly. Avoid any kind of over doing. Find a way to feel good about something. Share a kind word at the right moment. Imagine a more noble self. Read or watch something inspiring. Dare to be jovial.
Fri 9/13 only lunar aspects are exact. Bertolt Brecht wrote: “Unhappy the land that is in need of heroes.” Hero worship is a symptom of a dysfunctional society, and a vicarious means of reassuring ourselves that all will be well if our side wins. But division is how autocracies function.
The strategies of oligarchs to create their own dystopian utopias have been deployed and defeated repeatedly throughout history. Rise to the occasion. Volunteer. Make and support culture. Be generous to worthy causes. Encourage young people by reassuring them humanity has always been resilient in the face of major challenges. Beware false certainty.
Sat 9/14 sun inconjunct Chiron is exact in the early afternoon then Venus trine Jupiter is exact in the late evening. Since both inconjunctions and Chiron can indicate public health issues, or personal struggles with health, we want to pay attention to any messages our bodies send about bad habits that need reform, or good ones that need more dedication. Don’t feel resentful if you aren’t feeling well because you are prevented from doing what you want when you want. Take time to heal. Relax and rest when possible. Venus trine Jupiter is the highlight aspect of this week. If we can shake ourselves loose from the doldrums of these inconjunctions, and the vortex of Pluto in the last degree of Capricorn, we may be able to have some beautiful experiences. Enjoy art and music, or create some. Envision a harmonious future for you and yours. Bring love and encouragement to those who have earned it. Consider ways to bring more joy to living.
Sun 9/15 only lunar aspects are exact. Mozart wrote: “Neither a lofty degree of intelligence nor imagination nor both together go to the making of genius. Love, love, love, that is the soul of genius.”
The following week with three lunar and three planetary inconjunctions September’s theme of disjointed efforts and attention to health continues, though with less intensity. The last week of September and most of October return to, for the most part, a milder blend of good and bad aspects, except the second week of October when Pluto will be stationary direct. This will represent some kind of culmination of all that has occurred since 2008. Taking time to look back over our own lives since then could be helpful during the next twelve weeks. We may come to a better understanding of what we have learned, and what we may still need to learn. Times like these are ideal for practicing patience and detachment, focus, and the cultivation of tranquility. Meditation can help us develop these skills. As the Secret of the Golden Flower says “put your mind on your breath.” Take a break from the riot of thoughts and the five senses. Enjoy some peaceful silence in your own moment in your own corner of the universe.
