Astrology: Autumn Harvest and Celebration
By Catie Cadge, PhD
Welcome to the Santa Cruz Cosmic Weather Report – Evolutionary Astrology of the moment, your moment in time, our collective moment of change! Fall begins in the northern hemisphere with the autumnal equinox, September 22nd. Equinox – “Equal day/equal night” – occurs when the Sun makes its ingress into the sign, Libra. Daylight and nighttime balance the hours. The shift into fall marks the halfway mark between the solstices. The Celtic holiday of Mabon, a celebration of thanks for the harvest, is about sharing time together around the bonfire to welcome us into the cool evenings of autumn.
The month begins with an opposition of Mars in Virgo at 22°06’ to Neptune in Pisces, September 2nd. The slow-moving planet of Neptune has been traveling through its preferred sign, Pisces, since 2011. Take a look at your natal chart to see where late Pisces falls and what house(s) may be affected. Neptune here tends to cause confusion, delusion, misinformation and escapism – no wonder we have so much trouble in recent years finding out the truth or seeing things clearly! But Neptune in Pisces can also bless us with higher states of consciousness and a letting go of ego. Spiritual paths may open. We also have a heightened imagination, flights of fantasy and moments of visionary insight. Quick-moving Mars now triggers this Neptunian time, granting a moment of Virgo discernment and possibly action.
By September 4th, Mercury in Libra trines Saturn in Aquarius at 7°54’, helping us to cement the alliances and friendships we need to make real our Neptune visions. Seek out necessary conversations to support practical solutions in building a better future. The day after, on the 5th, Venus squares Pluto in Capricorn 24°32’; it may be necessary to go deep in these conversations to get at the truth, bring to the surface what is behind our actions and how we relate to each other.
These Venusian aspects set the stage perfectly for the New Moon in Virgo at 14°38’ on Monday, September 6th, at 5:51 PM Pacific time, when Mars trines Pluto, Venus trines Jupiter, and Sun trines Uranus. It is a loaded day for the New Moon in the sign of critical discernment and perfection. How can we be the best at our chosen craft? In our relationships? In our goals and dreams? Look to see where mid Virgo lies in your chart.
Mars moves into Libra on September 14th. Emphasis is placed upon how we negotiate and build bridges with our significant others. On the 16th, Venus in Scorpio squares Saturn retrograde in Aquarius. There may be some power struggles with others and tension surrounding trust in relationships and how to balance true intimacy with personal freedom. The Moon in Aquarius that evening triggers the square. How do we support our own authentic path, while also recognizing the needs of our partners for their freedom and space? How do we build trust and deep intimate connection?
Just before equinox, on September 20th, the Moon is full in Pisces, 28°14’, at 4:54 PM Pacific time. Libra Mercury forms a lovely air trine with Jupiter retrograde in Aquarius the same afternoon. This is a compassionate, sensitive lunar time when perhaps we can find peace and positive conversation with those we love. The Full Moon brings to fruition some of the discernment and critical planning we may have started under the Virgo New Moon.
On the 22nd, Sun enters Libra at 12:21 PM. Welcome to fall! Mabon festivities mark the start of Libra season, finding balance and walking in beauty still involves some soul searching and shadow work with our partners as Libra Mercury squares Pluto in Capricorn and Venus continues to travel in passionate and intense Scorpio, eventually opposing Uranus in Taurus the 23rd.
Mercury stations retrograde at 25°28’ Libra the evening of September 26th. The month ends with a period of reflection upon what we most need to be healthy and happy in our relationships, our one-on-one connections. How can we create a balanced life and how can we calm down? Seek the serenity of that perfect sunset, the comfort of a walk on the beach, or the pleasure of a beautiful painting.
Happy Autumn everyone!
Catie Cadge is a master-certified Evolutionary Astrologer and is the Dean of Instruction for the Forrest Center for Evolutionary Astrology. Read about Catie and her work at caraevolutionaryastrology.com.
