September 2006                                                 christiner@netspace.net.au

This month is once more all about Pluto!  The big news in the world of astronomy is that Pluto has been downgraded from a planet to a new category of celestial body named a “dwarf planet”.  The International Astronomical Union has just held its 26^th General Assembly and decided to create this new category of “dwarf Planets” that will include Pluto, Ceres, Charon [not Chiron] and Xena 2003 UB 313.  I have included my perspective on this event in this newsletter and will devote more time to this discussion in future editions.

 Pluto also figures very prominently in both the eclipse charts for September. September marks the second eclipse season for 2006 – always a very potent time but particularly for our Pisces and Virgo friends as the eclipses for the next few years will work backwards through these signs.

 Blessings

 Christine

Email: christiner@netspace.net.au

Website: www.christinerothwell.com

 

Contents

1. September Overview
2. Pluto Now a “DWARF”!
3. September Eclipses
4. The Spring Equinox
5. Workshops, Seminars and Consultations.

·        Saturday September 9: Women’s Mysteries Workshop

·        Saturday September 16: Pendulum Dowsing Workshop

·        Thursday September 21: Spring Equinox Celebrations

·        Saturday October 7 & 21: Heart Awareness

 September Overview

 5/9: Pluto moves direct at 24° Sagittarius

8/9: Lunar Eclipse at 15° Pisces [visible for the Aussies if you get up very early!]

22/9: Annular Solar Eclipse: 29° Virgo

23/9: Spring Equinox

25/9: Jupiter square Neptune

 The Saturn / Neptune opposition of August 31 will continue to influence us throughout September and create an atmosphere of confusion and anxiety that the eclipses will exacerbate. September is a month where we will all continue to be challenged to hold our centres and not give in to the prevailing negativity.

 Pluto is a key player in both the eclipse charts for this month as it moves direct and heads toward its first exact conjunction with the Galactic Centre at 26°55 Sagittarius during late December 2006.  The Plutonic themes of death and rebirth will continue to play out as we are challenged to face our fears and find a way to let them go so we can experience the transformative energy of Pluto and find a way to align ourselves with the potent symbolism of the Galactic Centre.  Pluto transits always provide us with the opportunity to experience intense initiations as we are called to let go ego based fears and attachments so we can metaphorically die to our old self and be reborn anew. The negative plutonian energy resists this process and attempts to ‘hold on’ and control – two natural but limiting fear based responses.

 Jupiter squares Neptune for the last time, challenging us to find a way to hold true to our dreams but not be too naïve. If something seems too easy or too good to be true it may be! Make sure you are not too impulsive, excessive, arrogant and inflated - if you have been creating castles out of sand this is a time when they can be washed away.

 

2. Pluto Now A “DWARF”!

On August 24 the General Assembly of the International Astronomical Union [IAU] resolution 5A re-defined its concept of a planet. A planet is now

 … a celestial body that orbits around the Sun, has sufficient mass for its self gravity to overcome rigid body surfaces so that it assumes a hydrostatic equilibrium [nearly round] shape and has cleared the neighbourhood around its orbit. [See the NEWS section on the IAU website www.iau.org  for the full text]

 Pluto fulfils the first two criteria but as Charon is no longer classified as a moon of Pluto it does not fulfil the third requirement. Pluto and Charon have recently been described as a binary system. The IAU proclaim… ‘Pluto is a “dwarf planet”… and is recognized as the prototype of a new category of trans-Neptunian objects.’ This category fulfils the first two criteria only.

 When Pluto was discovered in 1930 it was thought to be quite a bit larger – it is actually smaller than our Moon. Now Pluto has been defined as a ‘dwarf’ planet along with the asteroid Ceres, Charon and 2003UB313 [nicknamed Xena]. Interestingly the vote could have gone the other way as there was a group of astronomers pushing to having Ceres and 2003 UB313 classified as planets.

 Charon will always be found at the same point in the birth chart as Pluto. Perhaps our understanding of Pluto will have to draw more from the archetype of Charon who in myth is the ferryman who takes souls across the River Styx into the Underworld – the realm of Pluto/ Hades. This is something astrologers will have to ponder for some time.

 Ceres is part of the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter and is the largest celestial body in this area. Ceres was the first “asteroid” discovered in 1801 and has now been promoted to the rank of “dwarf planet”. Ceres is the Roman name for the Greek goddess Demeter who is the Goddess of Grain and Fertility. In the birth chart she adds to the lunar story and describes patterns around nurturing, feeding/ food, attachment, dependency, co-dependency, separation, loss and grief. A major part of her story is bound up with her relationship with her daughter Persephone. I have been including Ceres in the birth chart for the last ten years and have found her to be a point of importance even though many astrologers have dismissed her.

 Xena or 2003 UB313 is actually bigger than Pluto and takes nearly 560 years to orbit the Sun. UB 313 was discovered during October 2003 by the same team that identified Sedna but the discovery was not announced until July 25 2005. UB 313 is three times further from the Sun than Pluto and will be given an official name sometime over the next year or so. This will enable astrologers to start to work with the story and identify the energy. To find out a bit more about Xena have a look at www.karmastrology.com/Xena.shtml  Karmastrology.com can also link you to ephemeris so that you can locate Xena in your birth chart.

 …”All other objects except satellites orbiting the Sun shall be referred to collectively as “Small Solar System Bodies.”  This will include Chiron and most of the asteroids.

 The big question is of course will this change Pluto’s importance in astrology and the short answer is a very definite NO. Anyone who has worked with this powerful energy knows how incredibly potent and profound it is within the psyche of those who it touches. Many astrologers are working with several planetary bodies [or should I say Small Solar System Bodies] like Chiron and the asteroids that provide deep insight when one understands their essence. It took Pluto many years to get recognition within the astrological community and it only got this acceptance when astrologers knew that it “worked”.  Astrologers have there own way of determining the meaning of celestial bodies and it usually takes some time before consensus appears. It involves a process of working both with the myth and the events around the time of ‘discovery’.

 I, personally find it fascinating that as Pluto transits the Galactic Centre it is re-defined and a new classification is created to accommodate it.  I wonder how Pluto feels about being downgraded this way…

 3. The September Eclipses

September marks the second of the two eclipse seasons for 2006 and sees the eclipses moving into the Pisces / Virgo polarity for the next couple of years. Eclipses are especially powerful new moons and full moons that usually occur twice each year. The last eclipse season was 6 months ago – in March.  This solar eclipse path falls across South America, the Indian Ocean and the southern part of Africa. These areas are particularly prone to disruption. The local times [Australian Eastern Standard Time] for the eclipses are

·        Partial Lunar Eclipse on Friday September 8 at 4:51 am - 15° Pisces

·        Solar Eclipse on Friday September 22 at 9:46pm - 29° Virgo

 

Solar Eclipses are potent new moons that can only occur when the Sun, Moon and Earth align. Eclipse points become more personal when they fall on planets or angles in the birth chart. Then they can herald potent endings and beginnings in the affairs of the planet they trigger.

  Lunar Eclipses tend to reveal what and where we are out of balance in our lives and give us the opportunity to align our belief systems with our inner truth. Lunar eclipses  are visible in any area of the world where it is dark, so early risers on the Australian eastern sea board may get a glimpse if there is no cloud cover – but remember it is just a partial lunar eclipse.  This full moon lunar eclipse is also a super moon – it falls at a time when the Moon is at its perigee or closest approach to Earth for the month. This will further intensify the energy and create the potential for heightened emotions and potential ‘lunacy’. If you know that the full moon tends to get you going [this is in the watery Pisces energy too], be gentle with yourself and don’t make decisions that come from an emotional space.

 All eclipses can herald a crisis but they also provide the opportunity to wipe the slate clean and start again. Eclipses tend to be neutral energetically but they function to bring to the surface whatever has been buried, hidden and repressed. If we are working constructively with the Virgoan and Piscean energy and the area of life [house position and planets] that contains Libra then we may find very little is stirred up.

 The chart for this solar eclipse is very potent and plutonic – emphasizing the need to release, let go and face our fears and shadows – whatever we have buried in the plutonian realm of our personal unconscious. Pluto squares the Sun and Moon which are both conjuncted by Black Moon Lilith and Mars. The danger here is

• Getting involved in power struggles
• Becoming destructively critical and judgemental
• Letting our shadow take control
• Lashing out inappropriately
• Acting out [and regretting it later]
• Or giving your power away and feeling like a victim.

This solar eclipse will be the first in the sign of Virgo for about 17 years and will activate the Virgoan archetype and themes collectively and personally.  This eclipse also invites us all to reflect on how we deal with this energy.

Eclipses are potent times to                    

• Face our fears and shadows
• Confront the past and what we have buried
• Let go of whatever is holding us back
• Set a new intention and be willing to move forwards

 On the positive side this is a time to reflect on how you can be of service as well as how you can improve the area of life where Virgo is found in your birth chart. Virgo seeks perfection and efficiency so pay attention to the details and see what needs refining. A Virgo eclipse is a great time to get healthy and start a health regime – perhaps try that new diet or start that yoga class you have been meaning to get to for ages.

 Virgo is the worrier of the zodiac and tends to experience high levels of anxiety. At this time we are all focused on the area of our chart where Virgo is found and need to find a way to come to terms with this energy. The inner critic may rear its head as well along with any obsessive- compulsive tendencies that we may try to contain or repress.

 The Virgoan challenges to reflect on at this time are to

·        Embrace the principle of service while avoiding self sacrifice and criticism

·        Find a way to maintain a vision of wholeness and perfection while allowing the self and others to be less than perfect

·        Find a way to analyse and discriminate without becoming too fussy and picky

·        Not get lost/ overwhelmed by the details and lose sight of the big picture

 If your birthday is five days either side of the solar eclipse on September 22 it could mark the end of a period of difficulty. It will be very empowering to set new intentions for your life and create a small ritual to honour this event.

 Eclipses are said to be very potent times to meditate as they mark the end of one cycle and the beginning of another. These eclipses have a 19 year cycle and fall on the same degrees as the eclipses of September 1987. Can you remember what was happening then? It may be time to revisit and release something that resonates with this time. Remember, you have 19 more years of growth and consciousness to help you with this task.

 For more information about eclipses go to the eclipse page on my web site www.christinerothwell.com/page6.htm

 4. The Spring Equinox

Saturday September 23 marks the Libra Ingress, better known as the Spring Equinox in the southern hemisphere.  At 2:05pm Australian Eastern Standard Time the Sun will move into the sign of Libra and be exactly overhead at the equator. This marks the time when day and night are of equal length but it is the turning point that marks the time when the daylight begins to prevail over the darkness. From this point forward the days will grow longer as the Sun gains power and strength. It is time to let go the darkness of winter and embrace the fertility of Spring. At this time of year it is the Warrior/Amazon energy that we invoke to assist us to move forward into the new cycle.

 Esoteric writers say this is a magical time when the magnetic field of the Earth is influenced by the Sun’s position directly overhead the equator. A doorway or portal opens to other realms due to a reduction in the Earth’s magnetic field. This is a powerful time for ritual and meditation that can offer us wisdom, inspiration and guidance. The equinox energy lasts for about 24 hours either side the exact moment.

 This Spring Equinox is a wonderful time for ritual and setting intentions as it comes the day after the solar eclipse – the New Moon at 29 Virgo.

  A Private Spring Equinox Ritual

Choose a candle in a colour that symbolizes your desire. Begin by having a ritual bath or shower to wash away the darkness of winter and the past year. As you bathe, see and feel the past being released so you can embrace the exciting new energy of Spring. When you are ready sit quietly, centre yourself and invoke your Highest Inspiration then call for the assistance of your Inner Warrior as you light your candle.

 Reflect on what you wish to manifest in your life [making sure that you do not influence the free will of any other individual] and record you intentions in your journal or on a special piece of paper. Now sit back and visualize your desire manifesting as you gain strength and power from the Spring Sun. Most importantly FEEL the pleasure and joy that comes from the realization of your desires.

 When you have finished give thanks and surrender your desires as the Universe may have other plans [often even better] than you have imagined.  Keep your candle to light whenever you need to energize your desires. Blessed be!

 6.    Courses, seminars and consultations

 Email christiner@netspace.net.au   for a brochure

     Women’s Mysteries: Saturday September 9

For thousands of years the Moon has been a symbol for the Goddess, women and the feminine principle. The Moon presents us with an image of the feminine that is eternal and cyclic, celebrating the full expression of feminine potential. 

 

This workshop will explore a lunar model of feminine wholeness through the symbolism and archetypes of the New Moon and Virgin Goddess, Full Moon and the Lover and Mother Goddesses and the Dark of the Moon and the Crone and Wise Woman. Through discussion and simple ritual, women can reclaim a relationship with the Moon, the Goddess and the Goddess Within.

     Pendulum Dowsing: Saturday September 16

I am sponsoring a workshop with Charles Cheesman, dowser and geomancer extraordinaire. Charles supplies pendulums, worksheets and a wealth of knowledge and wisdom that is totally fascinating. Limited numbers, so ring or email for a brochure.

     Heart Awareness: Saturday October 7 & 21

This two day workshop will introduce you to simple yet powerful meditative techniques and processes to allow you to access the intuitive wisdom and healing power of your heart. Heart Awareness is more than a meditative technique – it gives you the tools to use throughout the day to manage stress and access the intuitive knowing of your heart as well as meditative techniques to de-stress and even dissolve long term blocks to happiness and success.

Consultations

Christine is available for consultations in Beaumaris [9584 6532] or Hampton [9533 4122] and also does taped mail readings.

 An initial consultation explores the soul’s journey as revealed through the personal symbol of the birth chart.  The focus is on the potential inherent in the birth chart and the challenges that need to be embraced in order to realize this potential.  The session includes a copy of the birth chart, a printed personality profile and a 90 minute tape of the session. Other readings available include:

·                 Chart Up-date: The Year Ahead: Explores the year ahead from a psychological perspective.

·                 Understanding Your Child:  Explores a child’s unique needs, motivations, potentials and challenges. Makes a wonderful gift for new parents to guide them in their parenting.

·                 Relationship Analysis: Helps explain the dynamic between two people to facilitate their understanding of each other and them selves.

·                 Relocation:  Explains how a different location may impact on your psyche. Helpful if you are thinking of re-locating.

Most of the above readings can be provided both as:

1. MAIL READINGS.                                           

2. GIFT CERTIFICATES

Blessings

Christine Rothwell