As we move into one more exact encounter of the Saturn/ Uranus opposition, the stars are calling out for us to be ever more aware of who’s on first base, who’s on second, and – who’s got the ball! The first of our recent Saturn/Uranus oppositions took place on the US Presidential Election Day, November 4, 2009. This planetary opposition which speaks to the cycle of revolutionary change against old standards is again exact this month on September 15th. But, these two are not the only major league players who are in the game.

Also developing is a Cardinal (activating) square of Saturn in Libra and Pluto in Capricorn (exact on November 15th.) The arena of where this shearing effect of our two mighty Titans depends on your personal astrology, but be assured, you will feel their power. This is a planetary aspect that teaches us to get by on less. In a manner similar to tidy Virgo, this is the month to tend to loose ends in your personal lives. Tighten up your finances if you have not already done so. If you are still in the stock market, perhaps it’s a good time for a meeting with your trusted advisors. Even the most famous trapeze artists practice with a safety net.

Like a cauldron of light, the planets are heating up to bring us to a critical mass for the changes of 2012. The way of love illuminates the path, and it is your heart that will be your clearest guide.

Aries – (March 20 – April 19)

Are you longing for definition of that fine line between boredom and chaos, Aries? Just when you think things have settled down a bit, the face of change appears, and it’s time to start over again. By now, you have probably tried all of the healing modalities; yoga, exercise, massage, NLP, breathwork, sound healing, (yelling and screaming?) Probably the most effective therapy is laughter.

With Uranus traveling through your 12th house of karma and atonement, it is your unconscious mind which has been shifting through the morass of change. Of course, Saturn in your solar 6th house of mastery and practical matters has been providing predictability by imposing demands on your time and restricting your freedom. Avoid conflicts on the 13th and 19th; make time for special time with a loved on the 20th and 21st.

The good news for September is that Venus is in Leo until the 20th and illuminating your 5th house of play and recreation. Take advantage of this trend. Next month, Mars enters Leo and stays there until June of 2010! If you want children, be assured that parenthood is coming; if you don’t want babies, better take precautions. In astrological interpretation, our creative projects are also children of our souls. Get in touch with your inner chaos; examine and befriend it, for therein lies your productive future. On some level, Aries, you are fertile and preparing to give birth.

Taurus – (April 20 – May 20)

Are your ready for the LIGHT, Taurus? On every level, things are going to be easier. As Pluto becomes established in your 9th house of wisdom and higher mind, your life leaves the realm of sacrifice and self examination, moving into your expression of wisdom. There is just one small detail. Mercury retrograde September 7th – 22nd demands that those tasks which have not been completed must be fulfilled. This is about finalizing details of your creation, and getting it ready to take to the marketplace.

So, in the big picture, you are free. It’s just the fine print section of your life contract which is holding you back; use the next few months wisely and to your advantage. Your next arena of learning is in being able to move beyond a purely personal agenda to find the universal overview in any given situation, and this is an excellent practicum for your future.

Any unresolved financial issues can be effectively addressed on the 11th. Although there have been mitigating influences, it boils down to you, not your advisors. The price of wisdom has been dear, has it not? Please make a commitment to having fun and nurturing yourself even more in the future. The weekend of September 25th, 26th, and 27th advances a precursor of the good things coming your way.

Gemini – (May 21 – June 20)

Mercury goes retrograde 3 to 4 times per year, and lasts approximately 21 days each time. This month, Mercury retrograde from September 7 – 29th places an emphasis on your home life and family. This may manifest as glitches in your actual house, or, on a deeper level, revaluation of your deepest relationships. Regardless of the details of how you will be affected, prepare for a ride through your emotional life this month. Regard it as a chance to search for buried treasures.

Diamonds are the reward of any soul excavation. These jewels symbolize the pure light of your inner core. When you are stressed, remember this, and don a miner’s hat and pickaxe. It’s time to make some changes in your career and social foundation; the jewels that you unearth this month will serve to enrich your future.

Circumstances on September 15th demand a quick response, just be sure that you have all the necessary information; someone is not forthcoming and would prefer that you generate your own inference based upon imagery rather than facts. By month’s end, you are closer to freedom than you have been in a long time.

Cancer – (June 21 – July 21)

September is a traditional back-to-school month, and it fits perfectly for you, Cancer. As the emotional roller coaster of your recent past winds down, you now have some time and mental space to increase your knowledge. This month and into the rest of the fall, the picture is good for both finances and a bit of free time. Venus in Leo highlights your second house of finances until the 20th. Why not spend a bit on yourself? This is an ideal time to boost your wardrobe; think bright colors and animal prints.

And, Mars in your sign lends a hand to your vitality now. Mars is in Cancer until the middle of October, when he moves into Leo, the sign which rules your money sector. This is good news, Cancer! You are always a good child and caring companion, but it’s about time that you get some strokes in your personal life. As Pluto becomes firmly entrenched in Capricorn, your relationship sector, issues will continue to appear, but please take them in stride. The changes which are to develop are broad and irrevocable, and really beyond the scope of your influence.

One of the karmic lessons for you now is that of learning to stand up for yourself. Study ways to have your needs met while maintaining a peaceful presence. Choose your words carefully, and plan your actions wisely; both are important. Welcome the Autumnal Equinox with a special ritual on the 22nd; we are all standing on sacred ground.

Leo – (July 22 – August 22)

This is an awesome month for you, Leo. Venus in your sign until the 20th adds glam to your image. After the 20th, she moves to grace your money sector – that’s a good thing, too. Mars lingers in your solar 12th house to play a few tricks this month, but forewarned is forearmed. The nature of the trick is that of someone trying to undermine your reputation. Walk the path of a warrior; don’t take it personally because the core of this issue is jealousy, and you have more positive things to use your energy for. Next month, Mars enters your sign and stays until June of next year, a trend which decidedly gives you the upper hand.

The New Moon of September 17th also highlights your financial sector. This powerful lunation sees the moon joined with Saturn, the taskmaster planet. Translated – you may have to take a loss in order to consolidate your gains. Or, you may be asked to make a dear commitment which will incur extra costs in the beginning, but promises to bring ample rewards later. This is a tough decision to make. Know that the long term picture for your financial outlook is good – but the important question is ‘can you hold your ground in the immediate future?’ Base your answer on careful research regarding the character and your past experiences with the person(s) involved.

Virgo – (August 23 – September 22)

Each person comes to a sense of maturity in his or her own way. Ultimately, it is how it feels inside, not what other people think it should look like. Do you feel wise, Virgo? Are you wearing your mantle of wisdom and power with grace? Good, now you are ready for the next step.

The planets have been transforming your foundation into an internal place of inner security, although, this has also brought challenges. With your confidence and core integrity in place, now it’s time to show the world your spark and glow. The Virgo New Moon of September 18th demands that you take on both your maturity and your potential. Your choice here is in choosing an appropriate attitude. You can view this as more hard work, or else, as a grand new opportunity to shine your light.

Your ruling planet Mercury is retrograde between September 7th and the 29th. This particular rewind opens up issues surrounding your finances and obligations that may be preventing you from getting what you need right now. There is a missing piece of information on your part. Trust in the delay, and use this time to re-examine your work; I daresay that you’ll find something that needs to be corrected. Take it easy on the 7th; listen carefully but make no commitments on the 11th and the 15th; and count your blessings on the 17th and 18th – for indeed, you are blessed.

Libra – (September 23 – October 21)

This month may find you feeling a bit off balance, Libra. The Full Moon of September 4th illuminates your 6th house of mastery and service, but troublemaker Uranus has been stirring up the opposition for far too long. And, the Sun and Saturn traveling through Virgo, your 12th house of karma and seclusion shines a sober light to what seems to be a dark and dreary room. What to do?

September is an absolutely perfect month for music and art, and other things that please you! A healthy dose of self love and nurturance works very well now. This is, of course, after you have tended to business. Remember that ‘mastery’ is the key word for the 6th house. Keep moving in that direction, and yes, it does matter how well you have fulfilled your obligations. Don’t think that you will be let off the hook – not now, nor in the near future. Saturn teaches that the only way out is the way through.

Do not leave yourself vulnerable to a change in plans or unrealistic expectations of others on the 15th; you’ll get caught between the proverbial rock and a hard place. This is the planetary equivalent of tactical diversion while attempting a coup; do your best to be the one in the know at this time. Kabbalah teaches that Monday is the day to declare your intentions and take action. This tactic holds true for you all month, especially the 14th and 21st.  Stay motivated and activate your gains on a weekly basis now. The big picture is too large; break it down into smaller increments, and soon you will see the huge gains which are to be yours for the taking.

Scorpio – (October 22 – November 21)

Precision and diligent execution are your keywords for this September, Scorpio. The more you know about where you want to go, the sooner you will get there; it’s all up to how well you plan. Do everything you can to insure predictability and consistency now. Of course, the presence of Higher Mind comes and goes, so keeping a pen and paper handy will open the door to one of your greatest assets.

The other helper is a calm attitude. This is nurtured by an awareness of how what you put into our mouth affects what comes out of your mind. Yes, YOU! A move to simplicity in food and consistent exercise will pay off exponentially as your clear mind tunes into greater cosmic awareness. There is an important message for you, Scorpio, if you slow down to listen. It’s about your potential for greatness and new tools to navigate the burning ground of your unfulfilled dreams.

Even as you are practicing your calm state of mind, events come and go at a fast and furious pace. Maintain your schedule and body like a high performance vehicle on a Sunday drive; keep moving, but in a manner where you control the flow. Catch your breath on the 14th, because the 15th brings confusion and mixed messages. This energy doesn’t really settle down until later in the week; Best day for you this month- I say Monday the 21st when the Scorpio moon sextiles both Venus and Mercury. Truly, you can have it YOUR way!

Sagittarius – (November 22– December 20)

This month presents a powerful New Moon on the 18th which places the focus on your 10th house of career and social foundation. With the Sun and Moon joined by Saturn, there is sure to be more than a casual air to your endeavor. The days of dress rehearsals have passed, and now it’s time for the real thing. But, you’re ready, aren’t you, Sag? Heavy handed Pluto decisively leaves your sign, not to return again in your lifetime. Now, it’s time to take your new sense of self worth to the marketplace.

The delicate challenge here is finding a balance here between your internal restlessness and your sense of responsibility. Actually, on the 17th, this struggle may not be delicate at all, more like “in your face” as the Sun and Uranus play opposites and pull your world apart at the seams. The only thing you can control is your reaction to the situation, so let it go, and see where things land.

Mercury retrograde from September 7th – the 29th brings you an unexpected benefit; use this time to your advantage by getting out for some networking opportunities. Somebody enters the picture to fill in a missing piece. Mark the 23rd on your calendar; this day can bring you both challenges and rewards. The troublesome side of this day is about breakdowns; both communication challenges and mechanical mishaps are likely.  On the positive side, you have a chance to consolidate power and cement your gains. If you play it straight and tough, you stand to win big.

Capricorn – (December 21 – January 19)

Like the story about the 3 blind men giving different descriptions of an elephant; so much of what we see is related to our perspective. Are you ready to see things from a new vantage point, Capricorn? This is a good place to be. The Full Moon of September 4th illuminates your logical mind, the one that collects facts and figures. And, then, the New Moon of September 18th opens up your 9th house of wisdom. If you are thinking about going back to school- this is the perfect time. And I know, in true Capricorn fashion, that some of you are planning to start your own school. Hooray! We need your wisdom and guidance.  Just remember the man behind the curtain from the “Wizard of Oz.” He was only human.

This Mercury retrograde from September 7th – the 29th cycles from your 10th solar house of career and public foundation, back into your 9th house of higher mind, travel, and even legal affairs. Hold your ground on the 17th when events seemingly conspire to make you “lose it.” This looks like a cosmic joke, but it’s not at all funny.

The 9th house is where we gain perspective by seeing things from a different point of view. Travel is one dynamic which forces us to step out of our comfort zones. Spiritual guidance is also related to the 9th house. One ideal way to activate the energies of the 9th house is a vision quest. Understandably, not everyone has the free time to devote to a full spiritual practice, but this can even be a day trip to a special place of power and solace. Bring a journal, your crystals, and other tools that will keep you focused.

Aquarius – (January 20 – February 17)

Do not despair when things don’t quite go as you had expected. Surely there is a reason; you just don’t know what it is yet. The fluid nature of reality is a marvel, is it not? Take a moment on the 16th or 17th to bless the spirit of impermanence. Trust me on this one; if you have been graced by a last minute change in plans, there is a reason why, and it has to do with your safety or highest good.  Don’t worry about the cost, either. On another note, you cannot be everything to everybody.

As Jupiter and Neptune depart company, some bubbles of illusion will burst, leaving YOU to clean up the mess. Again, don’t take this personally; just incorporate it into your confident stride. Hold firm on the 23rd when challenged by another. There may be fireworks, but they will be short lived. And, when you hear that your intention has been misinterpreted, you must respond, but do so with clarity and a firm message.

Mercury retrograde between September 7th and the 29th moves back through your solar 8th house of power and legacies. As a house of transformation, the 8th brings us into true change and purification. Check over any legal issues which need attention. This is not the time to initiate contracts, although is you have something in the works; it IS a good time to review, and if necessary, execute. This is a month of power, Aquarius, use it wisely.

Pisces – (February 18 – March 19)

The Full Moon of September 5th is in your sign, Pisces. Full Moons are about our harvest. How good of a reaper are you, Pisces? Receiving the benefits of our hard work is sometimes the hardest part. This is because we have to move into the psychology of deserving rewards, and fear of success. Now is the time to walk in your flower garden, and breathe deeply of the fragrances. The earth elementals are clamoring for your attention, each one saying “you deserve this!”

Partnerships are good and bad, and they come and go; but I see a positive one headed your way. With the New Moon of September 18th in your relationship sector, plus Venus and Mars holding steadfast in your work and creativity sectors most of the month, you can gain some real headway. New projects will receive the support needed to get them off the ground. The most favorable times this month are the days when the moon is in water signs compatible to yours; speak your truth on the 3rd, make peace on the 13th, and take action on the 21st.  Flattery will get you everything on the 20th; it’s also Sophia Loren’s birthday, and she is the perfect role model for your true potential now.

Stay solid, now, Pisces. When things are challenging, it’s hard to be in the present. Ethereal things can either send you to the outer limits, or else, they can help to ground you. Staying on the earth can open doors to true clarity and power, so take it slow and keep connected to all that is nurturing. Your Mother (Gaia) is calling.