Astrological Insights for September 2023
Overview
September 2023 appears to be a month of recovery, especially in personal matters. This is due to the personal planets, Venus and Mercury, both starting the month in retrograde but shifting to direct later on—Venus on the 4th and Mercury on the 16th. Many will feel this change in energy. However, patience is the key – this recovery will be gradual. Mercury doesn’t return to its average speed until September 22, and Venus not until October 20. Those influenced by Mercury’s energy in their transit charts can expect a return to normalcy by the autumn equinox. But those affected by Venus might have to wait until October 20. This suggests that figures in the entertainment industry, such as actors, screenwriters, directors, and producers, might see their strike extended through October 20.
Regarding the slower-moving planets, most of them, including Pluto, Neptune, Uranus, Saturn, and Jupiter (which turns retrograde on September 5th), are in retrograde. This results in a period of introspection, change, and some upheaval in various aspects of our collective life, encompassing world affairs, politics, media, religions, and communication.
Uranus began its retrograde in sidereal Aries on August 29. This transit, lasting until January 27, 2024, is significant for financial markets, which are expected to show notable volatility. Additionally, places like the United Kingdom and California are likely to be in the headlines.
Venus Retrograde: Navigating Relationship Turbulence
On July 23, Venus began its retrograde journey in sidereal Leo. By August 7, this retrograde motion had taken her back into Cancer. She is set to resume direct motion on September 4. However, it’s worth noting that Venus won’t regain her usual speed until October 20. This timeline suggests that professionals in the entertainment industry, including actors, screenwriters, directors, and producers, might see their strike persisting until late October.
Historically, Venus retrograde periods have been associated with spikes in divorce rates, heightened tensions between partners, and a general increase in domestic misunderstandings, delays, and frustrations. With Venus retrograding in Cancer, those in caregiving roles, social reformers, healthcare providers, charities, new mothers, and expectant women may face particular challenges.
For those with a prominent Venus in their birth chart, and if Venus is active in your transit chart, you might feel the effects of this retrograde more acutely from August 8 to September 4. A complete return to equilibrium might not be realized until after October 20.
Mercury Retrograde in Leo (Aug 24 – Sept 16): Navigating Communication Challenges
On August 24, Mercury began its retrograde phase in sidereal Leo, where it will remain until resuming direct motion on September 16.
Mercury retrograde traditionally heralds a time of communication hiccups, unexpected delays, missed deadlines, and unforeseen challenges in day-to-day tasks. With this retrograde occurring in Leo, leaders across various sectors—be it politics, entertainment, business, or finance—may find this period particularly trying. It’s advisable to hold off on launching new projects or ventures during this time.
Instead, consider it an opportune moment to reflect on past actions or to tackle tasks that have been on the back burner, like decluttering or other postponed chores.
For those with a strong Mercury presence in their birth chart, especially if Mercury is currently an active influence, the effects of this retrograde might be more pronounced, especially in areas represented by its current position in your Gochar (transit) chart. However, individuals with Cancer, Taurus, Pisces, Capricorn, Scorpio, or Libra as their ninefold ascendant might find themselves less impacted by this celestial event.
Challenging Times, Yet a Window for Profound Personal Growth
The Capricorn Pluto remains in a square aspect with Aries Rahu (and Libra Ketu) up to September 2. However, the full influence of these squares doesn’t wane until they are separated by more than three degrees, which extends the impact until mid-October. The energy of Capricorn Pluto, symbolizing material destruction and intense life experiences, is amplified due to its square with the karmic and explosive north lunar node, Rahu.
This celestial alignment suggests that the conflict between Ukraine and Russia may persist, with both nations potentially facing significant human and material losses. With Neptune’s ongoing retrograde transit in Pisces, Russia could undergo substantial internal changes, with Putin’s autocratic grip weakening. Conversely, Ukraine might make advancements despite the challenges.
In the United States, politicians, journalists, and those in the media industry should brace for a turbulent period. The Republican Party, in particular, might find this month challenging.
For religions, the Pluto-Rahu square indicates a significant shift. While it’s a painful phase, it also presents a golden opportunity for transformation.
On a personal note, if your natal chart features challenging aspects between Pluto and the lunar nodes, particularly if they’re situated in less favorable houses, you might experience intense feelings of upheaval and emotional turmoil during July and August. Such individuals might grapple with questions like “Why me?” or “Why is this happening to me?”—questions that defy easy answers. Yet, facing these challenges head-on can lead to profound personal growth, steering you towards a more centered and stable understanding of your life.
Saturn’s Retrograde in Aquarius: Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
On June 18, Saturn began its retrograde motion in sidereal Aquarius, a phase set to last until November 4. This retrograde period encourages introspection, urging us to pause and evaluate our life’s trajectory.
Aquarius, characterized by its air element (signifying intelligence) and its fixed nature (indicating perseverance), will amplify Saturn’s influence. This is expected to manifest prominently in scientific research, especially in the realm of information technology and Artificial Intelligence. Such advancements will likely foster global unity and a deeper understanding of our world, furthering our collective spiritual growth.
This period will see philanthropists, social reformers, philosophers, scientists, spiritual leaders (distinct from religious leaders), and peace advocates guiding our society with renewed clarity and purpose.
However, there are challenges ahead. Several leading companies in social media, news media, and the internet sector may face setbacks or even dissolution, making way for new entities as part of the transformative influence of Saturn and Pluto.
For individuals with Saturn in Aquarius in their natal charts, the retrograde’s transformative energy is already palpable, ushering in significant mental and psychological shifts. While this can be a tumultuous time marked by unexpected changes, it promises to be a period of growth, especially for those with a dominant Saturn in their birth chart and Aries, Taurus, Virgo, or Sagittarius as their natal ninefold (Navamansha) ascendant.
Neptune in Pisces: A Spiritual Awakening and Its Dual Impact
On February 15, 2023, after its retrograde phase, Neptune re-entered Pisces, marking the beginning of a 13-year transit that will last until mid-2036. Neptune, often associated with the heart’s spiritual inclinations rather than the mind’s logic, will profoundly influence matters related to Pisces.
Pisces, a water and mutable sign governed by Jupiter, embodies qualities like divinity, emotionality, honesty, spirituality, compassion, and introversion. These attributes align seamlessly with Neptune’s characteristics, such as intuition, psychic abilities, inspiration, love, and mysticism.
This alignment heralds a gradual yet profound shift in our collective moral and spiritual perceptions. The upcoming era will be characterized by spiritual inspiration and transformation, reshaping our approach to religion and morality. Our ethical standards will evolve, influenced by collective spiritual experiences, guiding our lives with newfound understanding.
Fields associated with Pisces, including poetry, music, spirituality, nursing, and caregiving, will undergo significant transformations. These changes will mirror the evolving norms of morality and ethics, enhancing our collective psychic abilities and mystical experiences.
In the realms of science and technology, innovations will intertwine with mystical experiences. Research will increasingly focus on bridging science with morality, exploring spiritual healing, sustainable energy sources, and holistic practices. The rise of affordable generic medicines and a new wave of philosophers and philanthropists will further shape our world.
However, there are potential pitfalls. The rise of cult-like activities, religious scandals, and deceptive spiritual promises may become more prevalent. The exposure of unethical collaborations between medical professionals and pharmaceutical industries will continue. Increased use of mind-altering drugs, social irresponsibility, mental health challenges, and detachment from reality are potential negative outcomes of Neptune’s influence. Authoritarian regimes, like Russia and China, may see their influence wane in the face of collective spiritual transformation.
On a personal level, individuals with water signs (Cancer, Scorpio, or Pisces) as their ascendant in their natal ninefold (Navamansh) chart should prepare for a transformative 13-year cycle, especially if
Neptune dominates their birth charts. This period will usher in renewed spiritual interests, psychic abilities, divine experiences, and transformative beliefs.
Global Insights
The important challenging possibilities for September include:
July 1 – Sept 2: Ukraine-Russia war entering in an intensive new phase of conflict, a new wave of renewed violence between Israel and Palestinians, as well as outbreak of violence around the world causing instability.
Aug 31 – Sept 2: A short term but very intensive friction between India and Pakistan. Terrorism and violence around the world, especially in Iraq, Iran and Israel-Palestine area will be on rise. Outbreaks of both natural and man-made calamities are strong possibilities.
Sept 1-8: A rise in covert activities among leading nations. Natural as well as man-made calamities are also very likely during this period. Places like Russia and China are likely to experience political and social turmoil. Non-democratic countries are likely to see shift of power from one faction (or dictator) to another. Religious activities around the world will likely to appear more secretive than open.
Sept 2-11: A social or political turmoil in the United States, Russia and/or China as well as rising tensions among these countries.
Sept 2 – Nov 1: A sudden change in relationship between USA and Russia for worse. Advances in science and technology through innovations, inventions, and discoveries may become stagnant.
Sept 10 – Oct 5: Acceleration of secret activities all around the world including political covert activities. Social confusion and chaos in countries like Russia and China is a real possibility.
Sept 30 – Oct 2: Natural and man-made calamities, especially in the United States of America.
The important auspicious possibilities for September include:
Sept 14 – Oct 4: Scientific breakthroughs (discoveries and/or inventions) in fields of medicine, artificial intelligence, and high technology.
Sept 17-29: Religions around the world are likely to enjoy positive experiences. People will likely to be convinced of the importance of moral values and will have no difficulty in maintaining their religious faith.
Sept 29 – Oct 13: A good period for European economy. This period is also good for progress in technical fields (new innovations and discoveries) and religious reconciliation.
The countries that are more likely to be affected during this month are: Ukraine, Russia, China, the United States, the Middle East Region, India-Pakistan, and Europe.
Natural and Man-made Calamities
The natural calamities like extreme weather conditions, wildfires, hurricanes, heavy rains, snow storms, air crashes as well as man-made accidents are more likely to occur -made accidents are more likely to occur almost through the entire month, but more specifically, during Sept 1-8 and 29-30.
While man-made calamities may manifest themselves in terrorism, unrest, violence, accidents, and air crashes, the natural calamities are likely to include extreme weather conditions such as severe cold winters, and equally intensive droughts, hurricanes or typhoons, thunderstorms, earthquakes, and fires.
Planetary Energies for Individuals
Neptune-Rahu and Neptune-Ketu ninefold squares (Sept 10 – Oct 5)
Neptune-Rahu and Neptune Ketu ninefold square are going to be unfavorable for those who have such squares in their natal charts. Expect sudden loss of money, power, and demotions at workplace and/or tarnished reputation in professional and social fields. If you have such squares in your birth chart, and if any one of these planets is presently influencing you through the current Gochar (transit) chart then you need to be extra careful. The best thing to do is not make any new commitment, and totally avoid taking any business or monetary risk. Remember you never suspected a close friend, and then you suddenly find out that he or she secretly doing things behind your back to hurt you…. well, something similar is likely to happen….be careful!
Saturn-Jupiter ninefold sextile (Sept 17 – 29)
Jupiter-Saturn ninefold sextile is favorable for those who have such sextile in their natal charts. A proper balance between optimism and conservatism will protect you from becoming over optimistic (or aggressive) as well as over-protective. If you have such sextile in your birth chart and if any one of these planets is presently influencing you through the Gochar (transit) chart then you are likely to enjoy this period with full vigor and success as it would seem to come to you naturally. So, enjoy!
Jagdish Maheshri
Professional Vedic Astrologer
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