Number 54                                                      christiner@netspace.net.au

 

Some of the heavy, introverted energy relaxes a little this month as Jupiter moves direct and forms an auspicious trine with Saturn, just as Pluto makes its last conjunction [within about 1 ½ degrees] of the Galactic Centre. The inward focus and soul searching will continue and be amplified as Mercury makes its second retrograde station for 2008.

 

If any of you would like to hear me speak, I will be talking to the Victorian Dowsing Society on the afternoon of Sunday October 5. My topic is Astrology and the Evolution of Human Consciousness. www.dsv.org.au

 

Blessings

Christine

 

Christine Rothwell

' 03 9584 6532

Email: christiner@netspace.net.au

Website: www.christinerothwell.com

 

Contents

1. September Overview
2. Spring Equinox
3. Courses and Workshop Information

      Spring Equinox Celebration: September 21

      Chart Calculation Workshop: September 13

      Heart Awareness Workshop: November 1 & December 3

      Astrology Classes

      Consultations and Gift Certificates

 

1.    September Overview

 

 

Pluto and Jupiter move direct early in the month, freeing up some of the highly internalized energy that has contributed to many people experiencing feelings of frustration and paralysis. Business may receive a bit of a boost, but whether it’s enough to save us from recession I can’t say.  By the end of the month Mercury joins Chiron, Uranus and Neptune retrograde so the energy is still asking us to reflect, try to take advantage of the opportunity to see things from a different perspective and think laterally.

 

September starts with a Saturnian theme as the Sun makes it annual conjunction with the Lord of Karma on September 4. Saturn always challenges us to take responsibility, ground ourselves and ‘get real’. If we can’t do this then we may experience the Saturnian energy negatively through a sense of despair and inadequacy, sometimes activated by external criticism or rejection. If you feel flat remember Saturn’s challenge and find the strength to get moving and know that there is help around the corner.

 

Jupiter, the planetary symbol of the process of growth and expansion turns direct a few days later on September 8 at 12Ò32 Capricorn after completing its annual cycle of retrograde motion which began during May. As Jupiter slows down, stations and turns direct his energy becomes more focused and intensified. This can be a potent time to reflect on what / where you seek to expand in terms of both physical manifestation and spiritual/ psychological growth. The supportive trine with Saturn can help us to move forward and feel more optimism.

 

Jupiter’s retrograde motion [May 9 to September 8] can mark a time of ego deflation and stagnant growth that forces us to see things from a new perspective. During the retrograde phase we are challenged to review our growth and examine our moral codes to see where

1. We may have been too inflated, impulsive, and arrogant or naïve – or –
2. Where we may sabotage our growth through fear and negativity.

 

If you have felt frustrated in your attempts to move forwards and manifest your visions, Jupiter moving direct can assist you to move forward with renewed optimism, especially in the area of your life symbolized by the house where Jupiter is transiting. Economically this may give business and finances a boost, especially when considered alongside the next point.

 

The supportive pragmatic theme is enhanced by the supportive trine between Jupiter and Saturn that becomes exact on September 9. This trine creates a harmonious aspect between the principles of growth and expansion [Jupiter] and the reality principle [Saturn].  This is an auspicious transit that suggests the possibility for breakthroughs and opportunities for growth on both internal and external levels. Saturn is associated with our fears and insecurities so this transit encourages us to face our fears and moves beyond them to a place that is more spacious and optimistic.  Externally it is an opportunity to expand the structures that we have created so they do not feel like they are limiting or constraining us.

 

This transit may herald the opportunity for breakthroughs as this is a time when you can manifest your visions and ground them in the material world, especially where you can tap into the energy of Jupiter – the power of  feeling and thinking positive - and temper if with the discipline, hard work and pragmatism of Saturn.

 

September 9 sees Pluto move direct after its last retrograde through the sign of Sagittarius. Pluto stations direct at 28 Sagittarius 30, just over one degree away from the Galactic Centre. By late November Pluto will move into Capricorn and leave Sagittarius behind for nearly 250 years. This is emphasizing the clearing process that began in 2006; you can think of it as a last opportunity to face your some of your most debilitating fears and let them go. Remember, a planet becomes more powerful when it stations as its energy is intensified. Pluto invites us to engage in deep soul searching and confront our shadows. Fears that we may have carried with us over a number of lifetimes may be re-activated so we can see them and find a way to work with them rather than allow them to dominate us, often unconsciously.  For more information look at the article found in Newsletter 43: October 2007, available on my website www.christinerothwell.com

 

The Sun [20 Virgo] opposes Uranus [20 Pisces] on September 13, giving the week either side a more impulsive and rebellious flavour. Try to think before you act or speak now, however tempting the urge is to thumb your nose at those you feel are holding you down or limiting your free expression in some way. There are always consequences for your behaviour so keep this in mind; however it is a great time to consciously explore how you can be more authentic and true to yourself without causing unnecessary chaos and conflict. This energy challenges us all to change and embrace more of our true potential and break free of limiting stereotypes and paradigms.

 

Venus reappeared in the sky last month as the Evening Star. She is visible low on the western horizon just after sunset. September 12 sees Venus conjunct Mars in Libra, highlighting the need for harmony and co-operation in relationship and fairness and social justice on a collective level.

 

 September 1 sees the second of the Moon / Venus conjunctions in this cycle. In Sumerian myth Venus as Evening Star is said to be the Goddess Inanna returning from the Underworld where She has been held hostage by her sister Ereshkigal during the time She has been missing from the sky. In reality Venus has been too close to the Sun for the last few months to be visible. 

 Each month when the New Moon conjuncts Venus it is said a portal opens and Inanna reclaims another of the symbols of her power that were removed as She made Her descent.  The lunar crescent of the new moon was said to be the boat that Inanna travelled in as She made both Her descent and ascent to and from the Underworld.   The New Moon-Venus conjunctions are therefore powerful times to honour the Goddess and the sacred feminine through ritual and intention. In the feminine mysteries this is a potent time to work with second chakra issues that relate to the lunar concerns of emotional connection, fertility, sexual intimacy, desire and pleasure. Call on the power of the Moon Goddess to assist you to release negative emotional patterns] such as neediness, fear of abandonment, possessiveness and revenge] that sabotage your conscious desires for intimate union. Call your spirit back from past wounds and see if you can cultivate the practice of honouring the Goddess and God within yourself and every person you encounter. You may prefer to honour this gateway by spending some time consciously nurturing yourself and doing something you find pleasurable.

2.    Mercury retrograde

Mercury enters the retrograde loop on September 4 in preparation for turning retrograde on September 24th, a process that heralds a new Mercury cycle that will begin on October 7 when Mercury conjuncts the Sun.

 

 

The most intense part of this process will be between October 2^nd and October 12 when Mercury is lost in the blaze of the Sun. In ancient times this was said to be when Mercury assumes his alter ego as Psychopomp and Guide to the Underworld. In this role Mercury is associated with the Egyptian scribe Thoth, who has access to the Halls of Record. Esoteric writers suggest that the retrograde phase of Mercury creates an opening that allows access to the wisdom of our soul.

 

Key dates

·        Exact dates: September 24 to October 16

·        Sensitive degrees: 7 Libra to 22 Libra

·        Full time of influence: September 4 to October 31

·        Time for  insight: October 2^nd  when New Mercury Cycle begins

       [Mercury conjunct the Sun]

·        Time to act on new ideas / beliefs: October 16 to 31

 

Currently Mercury is still visible in the evening sky but he will disappear for   about a week in early October [October 2 to 12] and he will re-appear in the sky just before sunrise in early November.

 

 As the retrograde cycle moves mainly through the sign of Libra it is inviting us to attend to all things ruled by this sign, including our relationships and partnerships, the need for harmony and co-operation as well as concerns for fairness and social justice. This may be a time when you are called on to see things from others perspectives and make some compromises for the sake of harmony.  Remember Mercury retrograde always provides us with the opportunity to free our thinking from habitual ruts and develop a more conscious set of mental attitudes and beliefs.

 

Concerns may arise over the first few weeks and the answers and insight can appear when the new cycle begins on October 2^nd,  Sit with your insights until after October 16 when Mercury goes direct. The next few weeks are the time to express your insights and put new plans into action.

 

3.    The Spring Equinox

Tuesday September 23 marks the Libra Ingress, better known as the Spring Equinox in the southern hemisphere.  At 1:46am 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.

 

 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!

 

Courses, Workshops and Classes

 Contact Christine on 9584 6532 or christiner@netspace.net.au for a brochure.

 

Chart Calculation Workshop

Saturday September 13

10am to 4:30pm

$100 [includes booklet]

 

This day will introduce you to the mechanics of chart calculation. At the end of the day you will have calculated your own birth chart and know how to calculate a chart for both southern and northern latitudes. You will need to bring along your own ephemeris for 0 hours.

 [I recommend the New International Ephemerides, 1900 – 2050 Hours, Published by Aureas, Paris.]

 

Heart Awareness

  Saturday November 1 & Saturday December 6

This workshop will introduce you to simple yet powerful meditative techniques that will allow you to access the intuitive wisdom and healing power of your heart.

Heart Awareness gives you the tools to use throughout the day to manage stress and feel more peaceful and heart centred. The optional second day will introduce you to a process to work through old negative patterns and problems, see them in a new light and discover creative solutions.

Ring or email for a brochure

 

2008 Astrology Classes

First Year Classes: 7pm Monday

Second Year Classes:  7pm Thursday

Correspondence classes available for first year – start anytime

 

2009 Classes enrolling now

First year on Thursday nights

Second year of Monday nights

3^rd year Saturday afternoon – once a month

 

Christine offers an in-depth psychological and mythological approach to astrology. This course is suitable for those individuals who are wishing to learn more about themselves, as well as those interested in becoming a professional astrologer.  Classes can be taken on a term by term basis and CD’s are available for any classes you can’t get to.

 

 Classes are also available by correspondence – start anytime and work at your own pace.

 

First year covers all the basics that you need to begin to understand a birth chart. Second year goes deeper and looks at predictive techniques, relationship astrology and much more.

 Please ring or email for a brochure

christiner@netspace.net.au

 

Blessings

Christine Rothwell