WHAT’S UP – September 2024
Belinda C. Dunn
Virgo New Moon
September 2 @ 9:58 pm EDT
Pisces Lunar Eclipse
September 17 @ 10:34 pm EDT
Autumnal Equinox
September 22 @ 8:44 am EDT
September is typically a transitional month. The dog days of summer begin to mellow into noticeably cooler nights as attention returns to work and school, schedules and routine. The fields are overflowing with a ripening harvest, and preparations are in place for autumn festivals. Not only is transition apparent in natural cycles, but planetary trends suggest an interlude for processing the immense changes taking place on planet Earth.
First, Uranus, the planet of wide ranging evolutionary change, begins a retrograde phase on September 1. Considering that Uranus has an 84 year orbit, over decades, Uranus introduces new possibilities, making obsolete what is no longer relevant, and gradually replacing outdated systems. Initially, this process can appear upsetting and irreverent, shocking and chaotic, but Uranus is always pushing the envelope for radical progress. The retrograde phase indicates a pause for assimilation and adjustment, which makes sense as Uranus is retrograde through to late January 2025.
Additionally, on September 1, Pluto retrogrades back into Capricorn for its final stint in the zodiac sign of leadership, authority, governments, and corporations. Pluto is a generational planet, and since entering Capricorn in 2008, Pluto has uncovered the roots of plutocracy embedded in systems of social organization.
Pluto exposes corruption in high places, and its transit through Capricorn set off a meltdown of financial institutions along with government intervention. Significantly, the first black president was elected in 2008, initiating a social experiment in the balance of power and leadership that continues to this day. In true synchronicity, Pluto hovers in the final degree of Capricorn until November 19, entering Aquarius for the next twenty years.
Another planetary trend dovetails with Pluto’s wrap-up, and this is Neptune. Currently hovering in the final degrees of Pisces, Neptune relates to long term social cycles. Neptune entered Pisces in 2011-12, bringing with it a focus on the oceans, water pollution, deep water drilling, climate change, social inequity, prescription and recreational drug abuse, religion and spirituality. In spring 2025, Neptune transitions into the next zodiac sign of Aries, beginning a new 165 year cycle.
What does it mean for these two power planets of generational impact to hover in the final degrees of their respective zodiac signs? First, this clearly indicates a crescendo effect of multiple cycles ending. It’s as though the humanity can no longer sustain with the mindsets and beliefs that have powered it thus far. It’s like hitting a brick wall of serious limitations surrounding dependence on fossil fuels, tribalism, addiction, greed, power and control. It’s not possible to continue unless radical and sweeping reform occurs. So far, no matter what it looks like on the surface, events have conspired to serve evolution.
This is the message of Neptune and Pluto, planets extraordinaire. Orbiting beyond the rings of Saturn, known as transpersonal planets, their primary action goes far beyond the individual, working on collective consciousness. There is a trio of transpersonal planets with Uranus being the third. To underscore these messages, Uranus is currently transiting in the final degrees of Taurus. By summer 2025, all three planets enter new territory. It’s plain to see, the collective zeitgeist, “defined as the spirit or mood of a particular period of history as shown by the ideas and beliefs of the time,” is undergoing far reaching transformation.
It is against this celestial backdrop of immense proportions that we take a look at September’s trends. Beginning with a Virgo New Moon on September 2, attention turns to productivity. Virgo is the zodiac sign of health, work and service. Clearly, work and health go hand in hand. One is not possible without the other. This lunar cycle is optimal for checkups, and improvements in lifestyle and daily routine. Virgo shines a light on seemingly innocuous habits that affect, over time, one’s health and well being.
On Labor Day, the traditional end of summer vacation, this New Moon is in opposition to Saturn in Pisces. Saturn is the taskmaster, and throughout the first week of September, circumstances carry more weight, showing up as heavy, laborious, and consequential. It’s important to slow down, if possible, and rest, if necessary. This is not a week to force solutions, but to carefully and methodically take care of business.
Additionally, after six weeks in Gemini, Mars transits into Cancer for a lengthy stay over the next 8 months. This can be quite an adjustment as Mars in Gemini has been restless and rambunctious, vocal and social. Entering Cancer on September 4, attention retreats to home base. Symbolized by the crab, ruled by the tides, emotions are in flux, and primal instincts tend to be raw and unfiltered. On multiple levels, themes emerge around safety and security, nurturing and self-care.
This sentiment leads into a super charged Lunar Eclipse on September 17. Also a SuperMoon, this eclipse will be visible in most of the western hemisphere. Always a Full Moon, an eclipse of the Moon is a sight to behold as Earth’s shadow visibly moves across the Moon’s surface.
Astrologically, the chart shows Moon conjoining Neptune in Pisces while opposing Sun in Virgo. This potent combination heightens sensitivity and awareness of inner dimensions and unseen forces. This eclipse can be enlightening for some, but disorienting and confusing for many. For those people and groups susceptible to suggestion, this eclipse can tear off the blinders and shake their world view. Similar to pulling back the curtain in Wizard of Oz, to find a little man pulling the levers of control, Neptune’s super power dispels illusion.
Coming down to earth, and seeing reality for what it is, can feel like a bumpy landing, a hard fall from grace. This theme is even more important as Mercury, the planet of logic, opposes Saturn on September 18, and Sun opposes Neptune on the 20th. The human mind is capable of believing just about anything, and this trait will be on full display. In fact, it’s not too far a stretch to predict a crisis in belief, a falling apart of apparent reality to reveal hidden truths.
Even though computers can pinpoint exact timing, eclipses have long term implications. Eclipses always come in pairs, and September’s Lunar Eclipse will be followed by a Solar Eclipse on October 2. Typically, eclipses take place over a six week window. Themes begin to surface four weeks before, and continue for several weeks after the final eclipse in the pair. So, from mid-August to mid-October, be on the look out for significant realizations that alter perception, and consequently the trajectory of plans and goals.
On September 22, the Autumnal Equinox marks the Sun’s entrance into Libra. Symbolized by the scales of balance, daylight and darkness are equal, hanging in the balance, in between two eclipses, tipping the scales toward justice. Of all the zodiac signs, Libra is expressly attuned to fairness, or lack thereof. But, for many reasons, life on earth isn’t always fair or balanced, and this can be a source of frustration for those souls in tune with the scales. Here we find the legal experts, diplomats, mediators and peacekeepers, working tirelessly for the benefit of all.
The equinox astrology chart shows Sun approaching a conjunction with South Lunar Node in Libra, exact on September 29. Additionally, on the final day of September, Sun conjuncts Mercury in Libra. All these factors line up for significant breakthroughs, and major announcements, in diplomatic measures at home and abroad. More than likely, the upcoming Solar Eclipse on October 2, will seal the deal.
On the personal level, all types of relationship are up for review, including the relationship with yourself. Each of us have the scales of balance wired into our biology. Believe it or not, the majority of humans prefer peace, and actively work toward peaceful relations. Current trends can highlight the inner workings of a specific relationship, and in some cases, a relationship may fall by the wayside.
Essentially, this is a time for evaluation, illuminating personal blind spots in regard to getting along with others. Blame and projection are slippery slopes toward dysfunction and conflict. It isn’t always about the other person, in fact, relationships test us, try us, and humble us to be more self aware, and responsible in thought, word and deed. “Be kind,” no matter what, is Libra’s motto.
In 1962, Thomas Kuhn, an American physicist, philosopher, scientist and historian coined the term, “paradigm shift.” A buzzword of our times, alluded to repeatedly, it remains largely misunderstood. It’s like an oasis on the horizon that never seems to fully materialize. Humanity appears to be stuck in the past, struggling to make sense of the present, and virtually unprepared for the future.
Reviewing planetary trends for this year and next, it’s time to once again take “paradigm shift” off the shelf, dust it off, and really understand the monumental, multifaceted, shift humanity is undergoing. Not only does this bolster the spirit and ignite confidence, but it perfectly describes the indescribable. Summed up as, “A paradigm shift is a significant change in how people think and do things, replacing an existing way of thinking with a new one.”
Truly, a paradigm shift has been happening all along for those with eyes to see and ears to hear. But, the time is NOW. Over the next several years, and throughout this decade, all the incremental stages coalesce into a sweeping revision of the human story, not to be feared, but celebrated.
…
Belinda C. Dunn is a professional astrologer with over 40 years experience. She is available for your personal consultation.
belinda@astrodelight.com; 828-215-2101; www.astrodelight.com