LIGHT AND SHADOW – SEPTEMBER 2024

September 2024 has all the indicators of transformation, powerful insights, and a push for greater evolution of mind, body and spirit through our relationships.

Remember that we are in relationship with all things at all times and there is greater emphasis and awareness this month that what we are transforming is our ideas of what being in relationship to these things actually means for us. What is our relationship with food? Money? Human interaction? Health? etc. As we explore the relationship to these things, it can lead us down many rabbit holes and transform us from the inside out. Who will we become when we change the lens in which we view our relationships?

Ponder this: If I once believed that food was only a necessary evil and changed my relationship to food to see it as being a precious gift that nourishes my body, what choices would I make then? Now ask a similar relationship question regarding all people and things in our lives. Let it unbind us from the constructs that have kept us stuck. 

In loving fashion, the universe will either support or force us to transform our lives as we navigate the month ahead. External factors push us to our edges and nudge us out of our comfort zones, as eclipse season is once again upon us. We may be force to face certain truths or deal with certain circumstances that forever change us.

Remember the mantra “This or something better for my highest good.”

This mantra will serve us well, especially as we kick off the calendar month with Pluto retrograding back into the last degrees Capricorn, a new moon in Virgo, and Mercury making a trine to Chiron. We may feel the force of Pluto pushing us to re-evaluate the structures we have established. To feel secure in our lives, stirring up feelings of insecurity, wounding around worthiness, and speaking up for something we are passionate about.

We may need to take a moment to pause and create a new plan of action that can support long term stability and sustainability in our everyday lives. Many of us will be looking at certain unhealthy habits. If we are not consciously dealing with them, we may be forced by an external situation. This is the beginning of the “relationship transformation” theme throughout the month. 

Monday the 2nd of September is our annual Virgo New Moon.

Shortly after the Virgo new moon, Mars, our planet of action, motivation, assertiveness, and drive moves into passive, intuitive, and sensitive Cancer. Mars in Cancer can incite a fierce protectiveness over who and what we belong to, and stand for. It is perfect energy for showing our loved ones how much we care about them and creating the perfect environment for them to feel safe to explore a greater version of themselves.

We can get a lot more done with Mars in Cancer by going with the flow and letting our intuition lead the way, instead of barreling headlong into things. Our sensitivity can be supercharge and if not kept in check, we find ourselves reacting in a passive-aggressive way to every little thing that offends us or scratches a wound. 

Pin on the map: Mars moves into Leo in November and retrogrades back into Cancer in January. We will have plenty of time to spend with this energy over the next several months.

As Mars spends its time in Cancer we will be acutely aware of how our moods and emotions affect our attitudes and relationships to what we need to survive, who we consider family, our sense of belonging, and past issues that may need to be addressed. While Mars is in Cancer, we can capitalize on this saying, “You can win people to your side more easily by gentle persuasion and flattery than by hostile confrontation.”

If we get caught up in our own personal agendas we may create conflict that becomes a distraction and detraction from the greater purpose and outcome. Sacrifices and compromises can lead to greater security and trust within relationships, as others will see that we are willing to negotiate. We can accomplish a lot more during this transit by manipulating situations into win-wins for all.

A big reminder which can benefit us all will be “Don’t make assumptions. Ask questions before shooting.”

For a brief moment, tension arises around the 6th of September when the Sun in Virgo opposes Saturn in Pisces and Mercury in Leo squares off with Uranus in Taurus. The days and hours leading up to this time, could have us triggered by thoughts and feelings of unworthiness, negative self talk, or reality kicking our asses.

We may find that internal conflicts get projected onto a situation and/or others, forcing us to pause, clean up and clarify so that we can move forward in a more productive way. Some of this tension could offer greater self-awareness which can lead to more stability within our more intimate and important relationships because we can choose to respond differently in the future based on this new understanding.

September 9th has Mercury ingressing back into its home sign of Virgo, giving us a chance to revisit a previous theme or situation that may have been triggered at the end of July/first of August with Mercury in retrograde pattern. Pay attention to things feeling final, wrapped up, or complete. This is another taste of the eclipse energy building throughout the month. 

September 12th the Sun in Virgo squares off with Jupiter in Gemini, while Mercury in Virgo sextiles Mars in Cancer. The energy of the two -three days leading up to this aspect invites us into a space of dynamic tension between the desire to get things done and clearly communicating expectations. We can get a lot accomplished if we can inspire others to get on board with our vision and mission through emotional connection to the desired outcome. Don’t be surprised if emotions run high during this time as well due to some frustration and miscommunication with what we want versus what actually shows up.

Shortly after this energy passes we have what is considered one of the luckiest days of the year as our two benefic planets Venus and Jupiter make a harmonious aspect with one another. Venus in her home sign of relationship-oriented Libra trine Jupiter in connection-oriented sign of Gemini encourages us to communicate and connect with those who mean the most to us. This energy could have many of us declaring our love and affection, sharing ideas that can lead to lucrative outcomes, or landing new roles that help us elevate our position and respect from others.

The excitement of this energy is enhanced a few days later on the 17th with a partial lunar eclipse in Pisces. This full moon is the first of the Virgo/Pisces eclipses.  Think back 9 and 18 years ago when the Nodes of the Moon were in Virgo/Pisces. Similar themes occur but we get the chance to navigate them differently. Mutable signs, Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces will feel the strongest effects. Many of us will be ending a habit, routine, or process in order to manifest a healthier lifestyle and way of living. Some relationships may see some major shifts when life-altering information may be revealed, or decisions are made that can change the nature of the relationship completely. Remember that eclipses are new or full moons on steroids, which means we may see the effects a month before or after. The invitation is to stay grounded throughout the process so we can respond versus react to whatever shows up.

The Autumn Equinox on the 22nd when the Sun moves into Libra gives us a moment to think about and find more balance or harmony in our lives. We may decide to shift some things around in our lives so that we give more attention and energy to the things that help us feel more whole and complete. I can see many of us having conversations around this day about how we might have more reciprocity from certain relationships that have felt too one-sided. While the Sun moves through the sign of Libra our energy tends to be more detached and lighthearted, relationships are emphasized, and our social circles become more active.  Lively debates and conversations that stimulate humor and intellectual musings give way to fun and flirty interactions. If single, this is a great time to start online dating, connect with others who have similar interests, or have your friends set you up with someone.  If bonded, you and your beloved could find a greater appreciation for each other’s better qualities, spend time with friends and family who put a smile on your face, or turn your attention towards something of interest you enjoy together.

Venus, our planet of love, values, beauty and relationships ingresses into a deep, penetrating, and intense Scorpio just a day after the Equinox. While Venus swims through this water sign, she is looking for ways to deepen emotional bonds with whatever she touches. Trust and intimacy in relationships are a big theme when Venus transits Scorpio.

The next few weeks will have us feeling intense emotions, and no doubt stir up trust issues for us to work with and heal. Remember we can’t heal what we refuse to feel. Please get support as you walk through the dark waters of emotions. Don’t worry, you won’t drown. You will build strength and resiliency that deepen trust in yourself. This trust becomes your best friend as truths are revealed. Deeper understanding comes with asking penetrating questions, and satisfaction with the answers only comes when we are convinced of the truth. Remember that truth resides in the body. Trust in the wisdom of your body.

Many of us will experience connections and conversations with others that have a feeling of “fate” or destiny involved when Mercury is involved in a kite aspect with Pluto, Uranus and Neptune on September 24th. Pay close attention to not only what is being said, but the sudden change in perspective that occurs thereby forcing us to take action we may not usually take if circumstances were different. It’s a great energy for meeting someone who can help us achieve some of our bigger goals in love and life. Manifestation is also a big theme during this time. Create consciously.

Mercury, our planet of communication, how we learn and process information, and how we connect moves into flirtatious, fun loving, peacemaking Libra on the 26th. While Mercury runs through this sign, it influences our conversations to look for solutions that create peace and harmony in what may have been tense situations.

We can find ourselves in situations where we can see every angle and perspective, and after gathering the facts make educated decisions that can benefit everyone involved. Conversations can be lively and debates are most welcome to help solutions come to light. Remember that Venus will be in Scorpio which further emphasizes that important conversations will most likely be had and need dedicated time to get to the bottom of the subject matter.

We wrap up the month with Mars trine Saturn and big energy leading into the last Libra new moon eclipse October 2nd. The trine between Mars in Cancer and Saturn in Pisces can give us a beautiful reminder of how resilient we are, and can offer rewards after battling through some big emotional situations. Take time to celebrate and honor your journey.

Happy September!