Horoscope for Autumn 2008

By Michael O’Connor www.sunstarastrology.com

Tip for the Autumn Season

            Wondering where summer went? With unseasonably cool temperatures in the first and during much of the last month of this summer, the season sped by like a Tasmanian Devil. Given the absurd gas prices early on, alongside the insane rise in real estate leading up to the summer, and then the sudden laws passed to raise the bar for first time home owners contributing to the subsequent real estate freeze and now the drastically faltering U.S. economy all amidst a very important and controversial election race in the U.S., it sure has been a devil of a summer! If you are wondering if the planetary positions have anything to do with the weather they answer is simply, yes they do. Astrometeorology is actually very old and Astronomer/Astrologer Johannes Kepler is even reported to have gained some fame from his predictions. Jupiter in Capricorn and then the line-up of planets in Libra pose the most obvious indications of this summer’s cool and wet weather. There is much more to be said about this but accept this as a simple heads-up! Whatever comments and interpretations I offer please accept them as my own and are not to be considered strictly factual. It takes time for such things to bear out but this is where my archived writings can be reviewed at later dates. Also, some of you may know but some not that I now publish a monthly New Moon Newsletter. You can sign-up to receive my newsletter for free on my website. In there you can read added insight on these and other current themes.

            Autumn officially begins this year on September 22^nd at 8:45 am PDT. On this day the Sun light and night darkness will share the day exactly equally. From tomorrow onward until Winter Solstice on December 21^st at 4:04 am PST, the minutes and eventually hours of daylight will progressively diminish. This is why the Solstice and Equinox days are so important. They are the Cardinal points of the year marking the beginning of each new season. This fact of light distribution on the planet is also the basis of Western Astrology. The four seasons marked by the Solstice and Equinox days or points then each divided into 3 to measure the beginning, middle and end of each season is the basis and simple, natural logic upon which Astrology and the 12 Signs rest. That there are 12 constellations located along the ecliptic with some stars in each below the ecliptic and some stars above offers a very apt 12 Sign, 12 Constellation association. That the constellations are not an equal division of 360 by 12 to form 30 degree segments and the fact that the Constellations appear to slip backwards by 1 degree every 72 years due to the Precession of the Equinoxes has and continues to cause some confusion. I have been writing about this fact for some months now with the intention of offering different angles for readers to consider this so-called discrepancy. (Read the Tip of the Week in the Horoscope for Summer 2008 for additional insight on this.) Some believe that it undermines the validity of Astrology altogether. Actually, this claim is false and all one has to consider is that both systems offer different yet equally valid points of view and, in fact, can work very well side by side. The universe is much more flexible and holistic than some believe.

It is time for the monotheistic and reductionistic view that there is only one God to be replaced with the perspective that God is one! The former represents a singular perspective while the latter is an all inclusive one. Throughout history we have been willing to better afford this poverty of thinking, even though it may easily said that monotheistic religions have and continue to promote divisions and cause great harm. However, due to science and technology, we really can no longer afford to think this way. Narrow pride is far too dangerous for our planet now.

            We are still in the dawn of a new epoch, let alone era or age. In order to survive the whole human race must collectively undergo a paradigm shift. This is the message of Aquarius and is beginning in the Age of Aquarius but stands to be much, much longer than the 2150 year period of the Age of Aquarius, unless humanity does not undergo this shared shift of perception and behaviour. Given the current pace of things in our part of the world alone, we are wise to be more open minded to the many possibilities of life and levels of reality, belief, and interpretation and so on. Of course, humanity is increasingly aware that we are all subject to the experiences and events of distant shores more than ever before.

            With the downturned state of the economy now and a very important election in the U.S. in November and all the other mentioned crisis of this time, you may be wondering what gives; what are the planetary indicators for this weather. The simplest answer is Jupiter in Capricorn where it is in its sign of fall. Jupiter’s normally expansive tendencies are limited and squashed in Capricorn. In the bigger picture, all of these events are episodes or phases in the context of much larger cycles. To learn more about these I invite you to read my New Moon Newsletter for the New Moon in Libra. You may already be signed-up to receive it in your email inbox each month or you can go to my website on the home page where you can sign-up and it is free.

I outlined some of the more important transits for the first month of autumn in my Tip of the week for September 26 2008 so I offer them to you here:

Venus enters Scorpio on September 23rd at 7:59 pm PDT - a challenging Sign for Venus, generally. Mars is currently in Libra which is one of its most challenging sign positions. Adding to the list, Mercury turned retrograde on the 24th at 12:17 am. Mercury and Venus are the planets closest to the Sun and are inside the Earth’s orbit and Mars is the closest planet to Earth outside of its orbit. Along with the Sun and Moon, these are called the ‘personal’ planets in Astrology and are symbolically linked to personal character traits and behaviours. Mercury is symbolic of perceptions, interpretations and communications. Venus is symbolic of desires, pleasures and priorities. Mars is symbolic of initiative, action and assertion. Consider for a moment the importance of these 9 basic functions of human behaviour. Due to the current stage of Mercury and Venus’ respective cycles, people are likely to feel even more challenged than usual to maintain a satisfactory state of harmony and balance of their mind and emotions? Fortunately, the Sun in Libra will promote diplomatic exchanges. That Venus is in Scorpio, ruled by Mars and Mars is in Libra, ruled by Venus – each planet is in the other’s ruling sign creating a mutual reception, which fortunately is also a helpful influence. However, Mercury is retrograde lending to miscommunications and misperceptions of all kinds and Mars will enter Scorpio on October 3rd at 9:39 pm ending the mutual reception with Venus. Although Mars is considered to be in honour when in Scorpio, its reputation here is deep and pointed assertive action that could be interpreted as aggressive and even ruthless. As the last aspect of the Moon before Venus enters Scorpio is a square to Neptune, perceptions could quickly and easily get warped and confused over the next couple of weeks especially potentially leading to Scorpionic considerations and retaliations – a take no prisoners ninja like vendetta. Venus and Mars will remain in Scorpio together for about 3 weeks when on October 18th Venus enters Sagittarius. With Mercury having turned direct again on the 15th ending its 3 week retrograde cycle, it is easy to see that this next 3 week period stands out. The personal planets do not generally indicate major social events but they do have a larger impact on every day interactions of ego personalities contributing to larger events and realities. So, the next few weeks could prove particularly stressful and dramatic.

            Mercury entered Libra on August 29, just before the New moon in Virgo and due to its retrograde motion will remain there until November 4^th at 8 am PST. That means that Mercury will be in Scorpio on the day of the U.S. Presidential Election. The day actually begins on the East Coast when the polls open with Mercury in the last degree of Libra. Any planet at either o degrees or 29 degrees of any sign is considered “critical” (Anaretic is the technical term.) The day begins on a rather auspicious note really, but it will require much closer scrutiny to fully understand how this configuration will actually play out. Let me explain.

The morning or the election as a symbol of what the election will hinge upon bodes well for emphasis upon the environment with Saturn high in the chart in Virgo in the 11^th House and as part of a T-Square with Uranus in exact Opposition to Saturn and both in a close Square to Venus in the 2^nd House in Sagittarius. While a chart can be read at many levels and since it has to be linked to the chart for the nation, another complicated yet extremely interesting story there, this appears promising. From this perspective I would venture that the winner will either sway the voters from the standpoint of addressing the environment or will be brought to task on this issue. Let us hope that this is true because beyond all our fun and games and profits and ambitions, dying of diseases due to a toxic environment is the end of even the most spectacular parade. There are also some other very challenging aspects including Neptune closely Conjunct Chiron in the 4^th House. This at best implies a deeply spiritual nature, a spiritual teacher and healer. Yet otherwise a deep lack of self-awareness and humility due to a deeply wounded and confused spiritual awareness is indicated. The two sound extreme but that is the case depending on the actual evolution of the Soul. Given the United States is considered a young soul nation; the latter interpretation is the more likely of the two, ‘a deep lack of self-awareness and humility…’. Further, the Sun in Scorpio is also at the apex of a T-Square with the Moon’s Nodes (always 180 degrees apart) in close Square aspect, just over 1 degree from exact! This implies a loud trumpet call for true leadership based on a greater degree of shared power and a spiritual awakening and healing. Sadly, the religious divisions and the political corruptions of some religious groups have and continue to thwart this awakening and healing. Shared recognition that there is God verses how God is and what God said etcetera is the basic issue, beyond the politics of power.

When Mercury enters Libra at 10:53 am EST, it becomes the planet of lowest degree. In the case of highest the cycle ends with Mercury and with lowest it begins with Mercury. Mercury is all about communication and information. The Venus T-Square disposited by Jupiter conjunct the Moon in Capricorn hints at the some mavericks in the media risking position and security to speak more plainly than they have up to now, no doubt due to strict censorship. When friends and family members and even media spokes person are considered terminal, they may break free of fear and speak their mind plainly before a live global audience.

By November 16^th Mars will enter Sagittarius. Up to this point many of the old games will ensue regardless of what else is said or done on the day of the election. Then there will be the big push for answers and action regarding the environmental issues threatening us all. This will escalate as both the Sun and Mercury enter Sagittarius on November 21^st and 22^nd respectively. Insecurities will escalate on both sides of the fence as each pushes against the other – the each being the government and the people in general. Nerves will rise as the government refuses or feels unable to meet the demands of the people due to the complexity of the political and economic reality that the country as a whole has created, on one hand and when the people realize this fact more fully, on the other. This could produce the birth of a new realization: both sides need the other’s cooperation more fully to succeed. In order for this to occur, mutual trust will have to be forged. This will be the greatest challenge for the new U.S. President. With Sagittarius at play, truth and honesty will be pushed against grand hypocrisy and outright deceit.

All the while Jupiter in Capricorn and Saturn in Virgo will maintain a close Trine Aspect throughout the Season. This is a hopeful sign for us all and specifically for the economy. I will address this aspect more fully on my newsletter. For now, I will say that it speaks of the process of creating a whole new economy. The internet is the main factor in this and since it is now international and with so much invested into it from hardware to software to literally trillions in advertising alone, it seems safe to say that it is here to stay, for now at least…, there is little to stop it! What the internet indicates is the importance of multiple streams of income. Interestingly, it may also be the seeds of a more wholesome and organic lifestyle because fewer and fewer people would have to travel to work. Sounds good, doesn’t it? On a final note, the seeds of this aspect were formed in May of 2000 when seven planets were closely aligned in Taurus, the sign of multiple streams of income! Again, I will address this and other topics on my next newsletter scheduled for the New Moon in Libra on September 29^th. If you have not already, sign-up to my newsletter for free on my website. There you will find a growing body of knowledge aiming to provide a wide and encompassing overview of Astrology, cosmology, philosophy, spirituality, psychology, politics, current events and more and how each is intrinsically linked to the others and how they may be archetypal mapped thanks to the wonders of Astrology to gain clearer insight into their deeper purpose. Perhaps more importantly, you will gain valuable insights whether you are reading my Yearly, Quarterly and Weekly Horoscopes, reading my reflections and insights for inspiration and illumination in my Tips and New Moon Newsletter, having a personal consultation, gaining added insight from a STAR Report or other gems featured on my site in order to support your own life’s purpose.

Happy Equinox and blessings for health and happiness for this Autumn!

Aries (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

The Fall Season gets going for you with a big emphasis on relationships early on in the season. Things could get really hot with Venus in Scorpio, in more ways than one. With Mercury Retrograde, you are wise to be in the moment and avoid making new long-term commitments during this time. Enjoy the passion and the pace yet be willing to look closer and deeper in October and November before you actually commit for the longer duration. Overall, autumn is an experiential and experimental time for you. Not intuition, or intellect or instinct will replace experience at this time of year. Your passions will be running high as will your ambitions and by the time winter begins you will be over the threshold of a whole new level and quality of power. Expect and work with big changes!

Taurus (Apr 20 – May 21)

Creating a more healthy and wholesome lifestyle is on your mind as fall begins. You will be putting both your best feet forward. A commitment to excellence will find you up early and sharply focused. Things could get tricky in October and even legal dealings could pose challenges. Wait to deal with these until November if you can and after you have done your homework on the matter. The big go ahead is in November and you will aim to expand yet will still prefer prudent action and carefully calculated risk. What stands to gain your attention most is the realization that you can tap a much larger, even global market, as well as that of your local community, as long as you are willing to make the efforts. Think global and act local can have many layers of interpretation….

Gemini (May 21 – Jun 21)

Autumn is a romantic time, especially for you. If you do not realize this then make some extra efforts to tune into this fact. Learn to associate pleasure to the cool air and blue skies and changing colours. I imagine the ‘colours’ is the word that gets you most. Anyway, romantic possibilities are looming big for you early on. However, with Mercury retrograde there will be some added surprises and perhaps a few snags to contend with. These may not be enough to deflect true love, but it may aim to prove that the love is genuinely true. Flirtations that begin early and romance that follows after later in October stands a better chance of success, so take your time! Also, change is in the air for you, in a big way. Your entire status and reputation stand to change. Pray hard and clear now for what you most desire and trust you will receive even if it takes a whole year!

Cancer (Jun 22 – Jul 22)

Big shifts and changes close to home are a mixed blessing. Mostly, it is good and your social and professional sphere will expand. The mix is that it may come unexpectedly and may incur responsibilities that you had not counted on. If this proves true early on aim to negotiate for a better deal or clarify the clauses etcetera and do it right away! Some big changes are at play and these will put you to work. Education and hands on training is implied. It could even take the better part of a year before you feel confident with your new skills and knowledge. Rather than simply take a bull approach, exercise your higher mind. This means visualize and affirm that you are succeeding and enjoying the process and the returns are worthy of you. Also include your determination to assert yourself however and wherever you feel that you are giving more than you truly feel is good for you or fair. Affirm that you are enjoying a new balance of power.

Leo (Jul 23 – Aug 23)

An exciting and crazy and deep and complicated and unpredictable period is forecasted for you as autumn gets going. Your job will be to simple keep an open mind, be flexible, aim to show up but be open to where and when exactly. By late October, you will be happy to be close to home again so aim for that. Travel in late November through to December is more likely, especially travel linked to work. Be open to that and aim to weave fun and pleasure with employment and investment opportunity. Be willing to plant seeds with long term vision attached to the outcome. These initiatives could well prove to be rewarding in more ways than one. All the while, be willing to see your own blind spots, even grateful for others taking the initiative to make you aware of things and areas that could be improved. New friendships and spiritual unions destined.

Virgo (Aug 24 – Sep 22)

Autumn is generally a time to take a slow but sure approach on a variety of fronts. Like a student returning to school with 5 courses to learn and study. By taking a practical and negotiable approach to people and situations things will flow smoothly. Be on the alert to stubborn attitudes on your part and/or that of others, especially at this time.  This will prove true all season so be willing to listen and observe as much as speak and assert. Ask questions and exchange ideas, you will work less, learn more and demonstrate your greater intelligence and open mindedness. Your power position will be poised to shift for the better by winter so keep that in mind. Returns for past efforts will come and you will have options available – ever a good situation. Whatever you decide, still aim to keep your options open.

Libra (Sep 23 – Oct 22)

The season begins with a stellium of planets in your sign. This indicates that you are ready to take a sharp focus to exploring new horizons and opportunities. Your ambitions will actually increase by mid October but you are wise to engage in deeper matters at least later in the month or, more specifically, in November. Whether your efforts will match your ambitions will be up to you but you will have to make extra efforts. Delegating as you can, may well prove to be the best approach in this regard. Your energies and confidence stand to skyrocket by late November. Big changes close to home as winter arrives, however, could pose some other issues. Take extra care and begin now to look at options. Extra home insurance may prove wise. Perhaps you will renovate or prepare to move. Either way, take action to both direct and then go with the flow.

Scorpio (Oct 23 – Nov 21)

The season begins with you in a rather deep and reflective mood. People and memories from the past will be on your mind. Take the time as you can to enjoy this first month of the season by lavishing in its splendours to your fullest ability. By late October you will want to explore new territory somehow and you are wise to wait until then, at least, to do so. Later in November may even prove better. The biggest challenge of the season will be maintaining a clear focus. It is likely that you have a few things on the go. With desires to explore new people, places and things as the season progresses, this will not be as easy as it seems. Above all, aim to get to know your own self better before you dive into deeper commitments. Reserve this right and set clear boundaries for now. You may feel the need for personal healing as well. Honour your spirit!

Sagittarius (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

Revolutionary ideas and notions are racing through your mind. You want to keep an open mind and maintain something of a practical perspective. Which will win is the question. Will it be utopian dreams and apparent truths of one of your more dominant sub personalities? Yes, we all have them and are convinced that we are seeing truth and things as they are. Funny thing is, too few seem to completely, if significantly, agree on the other’s truth. On the other hand, you have very sound, creative and intelligent things to say and others are wise to listen. Your challenge is positioning so that you can and will be heard. Make your position known early on, but keep the swashbuckler in a priests robe in check. By mid to late October, you will be ready to both face your demons and entertain other adventures. By late November when the Sun and Mars are in your sign, you can make your really big moves!

Capricorn (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Autumn is always a power month for you. Whether it is a big measure of power on your side, on the other’s or a tough fight for the puck, it is a time of action. You are in the mood to be the captain and the coach, yet are others listening? If they are not, take a moment to ask why not? Diplomacy is effective yet sometimes pressure is better. Then again what goes around…. This is a good time to promote your reputation by virtue of past successes yet also to be open to new designs and plans. Who can teach you what you need to know. What do you have to share yourself and where is the advantage. You will push hard in October through to mid November and then you will call upon the heavens to assist you. Lead with love and the heavens will beckon, but divide and conquer will open the door to the other side. This is a crucial moment as Pluto re-enters your sign for good…or ill. Choose the way of love.

Aquarius (Jan 20 – Feb 19)

Autumn is an expansive time for you and this is especially true now. Sun, Mercury, Venus and Mars in the House of Sagittarius as autumn begins, is a rather sweet sign. Mercury retrograde ads a little extra hot spice that could bite, so be aware of hubris and pride early on in the season as this could sour the cherries. Many changes are brewing in you and you are better off maintaining a self contained state. Recognize judgements you have, think and feel and see them exactly as that, interpretations based upon perceptions ultimately coloured by ego. Whether yours or theirs, the beast must be tamed. Your power and influence will increase especially by late October through to the end of the year. Push against the resistances and insistency of your own subjectivity. Use breath and deep healthy detachment with full aims to rest and play during the holidays.

Pisces (Feb 20 – Mar 20)

Autumn begins on a deep and powerful note for you, especially this year. Your power is riding high and you are busily designing and orchestrating, at least in your mind. This is a very good time to advance your position and social network. Work is a key word here. This is not so much a time for play as it is work. However, with focus, discipline and action you will achieve a good deal and this will bring joy. Just let go of thinking that it should be otherwise and your satisfaction will increase. Be willing to work closely with others. Take a constructively critical approach with both your own perspectives and those of others. Agree to disagree on points but agree on harmony. The entire season will prove to one of deep learning, healing and clearing. Aim to put an end to petty issues and embrace the power of now! End the season with a really big show.