Before we enter into a look at the transits for the month under consideration, I wanted to underscore the oncoming effects of the Uranus-Saturn opposition, as it will have so much to do with a period of intense social crises, chaos and change. On Monday, September 15th, it was announced that Lehman Brothers had turned “belly-up.” This was followed on September 16th by the news the USA government was buying 80% of the shares of AIG (at a cost of $85 billion) to save this megacorp from financial failure. Oil had reached a major low (selling at below $100 a barrel but not at all reflected at the consumer’s pump) and the dollar had reached a “respectable” recuperation in terms of the Euro, reaching $1.39 from a high of $1.61. I am not a financial astrologer, but just wanted to point out to the reader that during this period there was a Full Moon at 22.54 Pisces/Virgo (with Uranus at 20.32 Pisces). Jupiter in Capricorn was trine to Saturn in Virgo, the Sun was of course opposed to Uranus but simultaneously inconjunct Neptune (currently the dispositior of that Full Moon and transiting Uranus), plus Venus and Mercury were conjoined in Libra trine to the Northern Node. So what is being unbalanced and rebalanced? Saturn by the way was at 13 Virgo and Uranus at 20 Pisces, too far for exactitude but the stage is being set for the opposition (and the USA Election—which is much more than a political event as we all know in terms of the development of human consciousness).

September 22: The Sun enters Libra at 03:45 pm. The entry into the sign of relationships is coupled by to other transits: Venus sextile Pluto and Mars trine Neptune. Advice from a romantically jaded Lisbonite astrologer: “Que seja infinito—en quanto dure.” In English, this is rendered as: “May it be infinite—as long as it lasts.” Or in other words, enjoy the possibilities of relationships today, but take care about not being too idealistic or illusionary about things.

September 23: Mercury conjunct Mars at 22.33 Libra at 10.51 am. A good argument with clear points of view can be quite helpful to give focus and direction to any relationship. But when the sign is Libra, the tendency is to compromise rather than to decide; vacillate rather than move truly forward. On the other hand, it is good to allow both sides to have their say, but on the other hand….

And do keep in mind, Mercury turns retrograde tomorrow!

September 24: Venus enters Scorpio at 02:59 am and Mercury goes retrograde at 22.50 Libra at 07:10 am. With Mercury retrograde in Venus’s sign and Venus in Scorpio, this will not be a particularly good day for making interpersonal decisions, especially where mutual finances are concerned. Now as I have mentioned a number of times, but it is always worthwhile restating from time to time, these comments have collective implications (especially when we are speaking of the mutually connecting cycles of the slower moving planets.) In terms of your personal chart, you should note the degree points of any transit and if they touch your horoscope within an exactitude of 1 degree or two (at the most), well then it is quite correct to take what is being said personally.

September 29: The New Moon occurs at 6.33 Libra at 08:13 am.

October 4: Mars enters Scorpio at 04:34 am.

October 5: Venus sextiles Jupiter followed on October 6 by the Sun square Jupiter. Should be days when religion makes the headlines—a very common occurrence these days. Religion comes from the Latin roots for “to link up again.” These days religion seems to be linking people up again to the astral plane. Venus, Jupiter, and the Sun also have a very good time together, so perhaps we can skip church and just have the picnic.

October 10: Venus trine Uranus at 19.39 Scorpio/Pisces. This is a good backdrop for being with dear friends, sharing intimacies, and exploring new possibilities within or for relationships.

October 11: Venus square Neptune at 21.36 Scorpio/Aquarius. If this square intimately touches your natal chart, it may be best to wait for another day before making any serious personal, emotional commitments. It might also be good to wait a bit before investing financially within the context of relationship (especially if houses 2, 8, and 10 are involved). But Venus/Neptune contacts are very good for enjoy the arts and cinema—just don’t believe what you see!

October 14: The Full Moon takes place at 21.51 Aries/Libra at 08:03 pm.

October 15: Mercury goes direct at 7.34 Libra at 07:57 pm.

October 18: Venus enters Sagittarius at 06:31 pm.

October 22: Sun sextile Pluto at 28.58 Libra/Sagittarius. The Sun leaves us in Libra gently touching Pluto as a way of introducing his passage into Scorpio tomorrow. Positive Sun/Pluto aspects such as this one are generally revitalizing and restorative.