September/October 2011 Astrology Forecast
Restoring Balance in September and October
by Emily Trinkaus
At the fall equinox on Sept. 23, the Sun enters Libra the scales, marking the midway point of the astrological year. New beginnings launched in spring are now ripe for balance and integration. You may need to let go of something in order to restore equilibrium and successfully follow through on the commitments that feel like a priority.
Finding your balance could be more of a challenge this fall. As the Sun, Mercury and Venus move through Libra in September and October, they interact with the slow-moving, transformational planets of the cardinal grand cross. Libra rules relationships of all kinds, which are likely to be put to the test. The ultimate Libra lesson is that everyone is your mirror, and if you see your shadow reflected back, do the inner work to restore love, peace and balance from within.
Aries (March 21 - April 19)
Your ruling planet Mars moves into fiery Leo on Sept. 18, stoking your enthusiasm and igniting your creativity. Make the most of this influence by expressing yourself from the heart, and taking the risk of revealing vulnerability. If harmony is hard to find in your relationships, the best way forward is to stay focused on the big picture of what you want to create, and be receptive to input about how to get there.
Taurus (April 20 - May 20)
Jupiter, planet of expansion and abundance, goes retrograde in your sign from Aug. 30 to Dec. 25, shifting the focus from external to internal growth. If momentum slows for a project you've set into motion, turn inward to reconsider your future vision, restore your confidence and faith, and realign with your inner truth. Rewrite the story you tell yourself about success, prosperity and pleasure.
Gemini (May 21 - June 21)
The line-up of Libra planets lights up your house of happiness, creativity and romance. You can regain your balance and increase inner harmony by tending to these areas of life. Be alert to new avenues for feeding your heart's desires, and be willing to let go of activities that no longer bring you joy. Lean into the support being offered — a partner or close friend wants to help you expand your sense of what's possible.
Cancer (June 22 - July 22)
As work and relationship changes intensify, strengthen your inner foundation by beautifying your home and creating a more peaceful sanctuary. Commit to a spiritual practice that increases your sense of freedom and spaciousness within the daily whirlwind. The full moon on Oct. 11 will help you identify what you need to feel supported as you take on more power in your profession and radiate your creativity into the world.
Leo (July 23 - August 22)
Action planet Mars moves through your sign from Sept. 18 to Nov. 10, increasing your confidence and energizing your creativity. Follow your heart and trust your passion to guide you in taking a big leap forward. The new moon on Sept. 27 will be a powerful time to launch a new project that highlights your originality and artistry — writing, public speaking and marketing are especially auspicious.
Virgo (August 23 - September 22)
Revision your dream for the future and imagine allowing an increased flow of pleasure and abundance into your life. Examine your beliefs about what you deserve and make a new start in valuing yourself, your work and your time. Trust that if you expand your base of support and actually take what you need, you'll be more effective and productive in serving others.
Libra (September 23 - October 23)
The cluster of planets in your sign puts you in the spotlight and invites you to step into more of a leadership role. Your power as a leader arises from your foundation of inner balance and self-love. At the Libra new moon on Sept. 27, you've got cosmic support for initiating a major new life direction. Making a new start could require a sacrifice — release what you've outgrown to make space for what excites you.
Scorpio (October 24 - November 22)
Warrior Mars fires up your career sector starting Sept. 18, shining the light on your leadership abilities and creative talents. Take decisive action toward professional goals — originality and experimentation will be rewarded. The new moon in your sign on Oct. 26 presents a potent opportunity for reinventing yourself, regenerating your vitality, and restoring your faith in a significant relationship.
Sagittarius (November 23 - December 21)
While your ruling planet Jupiter is retrograde until Dec. 25, your natural urge for expansion fuels inner rather than outer growth. Renew your enthusiasm by restoring healthy habits and revitalizing your self-care routines. Jupiter's second harmonious trine to transformational Pluto on Oct. 28 helps you uncover hidden skills and talents you can use to increase material prosperity.
Capricorn (December 22 - January 20)
Work, success and personal goals consume your attention, even more than usual. Professional partnerships and creative collaborations are key to moving forward — you don't need to do it all alone. Strike the right balance between taking charge, and receiving help from others. Being overly controlling can block the flow of support that's available to you.
Aquarius (January 21 - February 19)
The array of Libra planets stirs up your desire for travel, adventure and freedom. You can restore your equilibrium by stepping outside the familiarity of your everyday environment and expanding into unknown territory. Taking a break from the ordinary helps you get a big picture perspective of your life, reconnect with your inner truth, and feel more peaceful about the unfolding process of your life.
Pisces (February 20 - March 20)
Stay focused on your vision for the future — too much thinking about the past could be holding you back. At the annual full moon in your sign on Sept. 12, strong feelings rise to the surface, bringing awareness to ways that you've sacrificed your own needs or desires. Look for a step you can take to better balance taking care of yourself, and devoting energy to significant others.
Emily Trinkaus is a lifelong student of astrology and has practiced professionally since 1999. She is also a certified BodyTalk practitioner. Visit www.virgomagic.com for details about sessions and events, and to read her weekly blog about the astrology of now.