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September/October 2010 Starscope
Slow Down for Inner Expansion

by Emily Trinkaus

Amidst the major changes and new beginnings catalyzed by the cardinal grand cross, you may also be experiencing a slowing down. Jupiter, planet of expansion, is retrograde from July 23 to Nov. 18. Jupiter retrograde is a time for internal rather than outer world growth, and you may find that your grand plans for expansion are temporarily on hold.

Both Jupiter and revolutionary Uranus return to mystical Pisces, and unite on Sept. 18 — a strong influence throughout the fall. The Jupiter-Uranus conjunction signifies a spiritual quantum leap, waking up inner resources and inspiration that provide support and sustenance for the coming years of radical change. Freedom from addiction and victim consciousness may be a part of this awakening.

Aries (March 21 - April 19)

The drive to catapult yourself into a new life recedes as you become aware of the need for more inner preparation. Your intuition and imagination are stronger than ever, and may alert you to an old habit that's holding you back. With the rare occurrence of two full moons in your sign, on Sept. 23 and Oct. 22, you can easily identify aspects of your old self that are ready to be released.

Taurus (April 20 - May 20)

As you awaken to your need for more soul-satisfying connections, you may find old allies suddenly leaving your life, and new ones coming in. More and more, you're ready to live your truth and to surround yourself with people who support your vision for the future. Friends who drain your energy are being replaced by those who fire up your enthusiasm. The more you reveal your uniqueness, the easier it is to attract your tribe.

Gemini (May 21 - June 21)

You're freeing yourself from old ideas about what success looks like and how to go about achieving your professional goals. The more you align your work in the world with your spiritual integrity, the easier it is to move forward. If relationships with authority figures are rocky, it may be because you're ready to take on more power yourself.

Cancer (June 22 - July 22)

A new professional direction may be on hold while you get back in touch with your inner truth and reconsider your priorities. Time away from the demands of everyday life helps you get perspective on the big picture of where you're going. If possible, travel to an unfamiliar destination or go on a meditation retreat. You might wake up to the need for more education or training, or become inspired again by a past spiritual teacher.

Leo (July 23 - August 22)

This summer you took a big step into exciting new territory, but now you're being called back into the depths. The purpose is to recover more of your core power. As you awaken to your magical abilities, you bring back to life a part of yourself you thought you had lost. This transformation isn't about exerting your will and "making it happen," but surrendering and allowing the universal life force to flow through you.

Virgo (August 23 - September 22)

A partner or close friend from your past could resurface, waking you up to the need to resolve or heal an old relationship. Recognizing how you gave away your power in the past helps you reclaim your freedom in the present. Your personal new year kicks off at the Virgo new moon on Sept. 8. Set intentions for a freer, more authentic version of self to come forward.

Libra (September 23 - October 23)

Spiritual practice is key to maintaining your health during the major restructuring of your life over the next few years. Revolutionize your daily schedule to honor your own internal rhythms, and free yourself from externally-imposed routines. Restlessness at work is a sign that you're ready to serve others in a way that's more nourishing to your soul. Plant seeds for this new direction at the Libra new moon on Oct. 7.

Scorpio (October 24 - November 22)

Your spiritual recharge comes from connecting with your heart. As you open to allow more joy and pleasure, you reclaim spontaneity and freedom of expression. Relationships with children can be especially satisfying now — they are your teachers, helping you regain innocence and come into present time. Venus will turn retrograde in your sign in October, presenting opportunities for strengthening self-love.

Sagittarius (November 23 - December 21)

Deep feelings rise up from your subconscious and alert you to a change you can make to strengthen your support system. You could get a flash of insight about altering your home or work space, or moving to a new space altogether. The change could also involve reconnecting with, and perhaps revolutionizing, a spiritual tradition from your family of origin or ancestors.

Capricorn (December 22 - January 20)

Mental breakthroughs and mind expansion support your ongoing process of deep transformation. As you wake up to a broader perspective on your life, you restore your faith. Expose yourself to liberating ideas and seek out conversations with free-thinking people. When you let go of the need to have all the answers or control the outcome, you can more easily flow with the changes.

Aquarius (January 21 - February 19)

Spiritual approaches to money work wonders now. Connect with invisible allies — through meditation, ritual or prayer — to increase your financial flow. As you wake up to the universal energy which is your true source of power, you free yourself from old, limiting ideas about where your security comes from and what supports you. From this expanded state, it's easier to share your abundance with others.

Pisces (February 20 - March 20)

The Jupiter-Uranus union in your sign wakes you up to any ways that you are limiting your own potential. Free yourself from old, outgrown ideas about who you are and how you want to be seen by others. You may rediscover and reclaim parts of yourself that you sacrificed long ago. In so doing, you revive your passion, enthusiasm and confidence.

Emily Trinkaus is a lifelong student of astrology and has practiced professionally since 1999. She is also a certified BodyTalk practitioner and Yin Yoga teacher. Visit www.virgomagic.com for details on sessions and workshops, or to receive free monthly astro-newsletters.