Radiant Living

August ended with a spectacular visual display of the total lunar eclipse at the full moon. I’ve had many people comment on how significant the event was for them, both from inner and outer perspectives. A student of mine commented that ‘it was like witnessing the moon undergo a very private experience with all of us watching - as if the moon were in labour and giving birth’. Perhaps the moon was role-modelling the shape-shifting encouraged of us during this year of Pluto conjunct the Galactic Centre. It’s time to let go of old shapes and forms and give way to our true colours - just like diamonds held up to the light after being cut. Because the lunar eclipse was in Pisces (the zodiac sign of the ‘collective soul’), when one of us transforms, all of us are affected. Like the moon, don’t be shy to express vulnerable moments - you might feel as if you’re sharing tentative and awkward new steps in a public way, but perhaps what others are truly seeing is an awe-inspiring blossoming from a courageous soul.
 
The eclipse theme continues this month when a partial solar eclipse coincides with the new moon on the 11th at 18 degrees Virgo. You might’ve noticed that’s the anniversary of the Twin Towers collapse on Sept 11, 2001. Six years later we are still globally dealing with the legacy of that tragedy. One of the greatest gifts of Virgo is to make things whole, yet at this solar eclipse we might first notice what is fragmented. Virgo’s job is to help us find missing jigsaw pieces so that we may solve confusing puzzles. On a personal level, the solar eclipse might bring up niggly details previously overlooked in the daily rush for efficiency and achievement. Health concerns might flare up, and we’ll need to take particular care of mental exhaustion and anxiety. Eclipses tend to magnify life events and bring significant changes. So don’t be surprised if between the August and September eclipses, and in fact, for a week or so afterwards, you experience endings and new beginnings. Take things one small moment at a time and focus on being in the present. Truly living in the ‘now’ (another Virgo goal) will support bringing through the gifts of the September eclipse.
 
While on the theme of transformative energies, it’s worth mentioning that Pluto shifts into direct motion on the 7th after 5 months of backward travel. As discussed earlier, Pluto is aligned with the Galactic Centre this year and is close to the GC at this time. During the period Pluto was retrograde, we were encouraged to reflect on the changes that are needed in our lives. When Pluto shifts forward again, it is as if we are given a cosmic key to open new doorways.
 
Also of major significance this month is Saturn leaving the zodiac sign Leo, where it’s been for the past two years, and moving into Virgo. Saturn made this transition on the 2nd shortly before the solar eclipse in Virgo. We can therefore expect all things Virgo to be highlighted for some time. In fact Saturn will remain in Virgo for the next two and a half years and brings its maturing influence to this zodiac energy. If you are a Leo, or have prominent Leo in your chart, reflect back over the past two years and see whether you feel you have matured at a faster rate than usual. It’s not uncommon for Saturn to mature us through the ’school of hard knocks’ . It mainly feels this way because Saturn forces us to confront reality and let go of false idealism. If you are a Virgo, or have prominent Virgo in your chart, the next two and a half years provide an opportunity for rapid evolution under Saturn’s guidance.
 
Collectively, we will all be affected by Saturn’s shift into Virgo. Virgo, the sign of the Virgin, is not about virginity in the sexual sense, but instead in the sense of returning things to whole or ‘virginal’ states. And a virginal state is not about returning to how things were in the beginning. None of us can literally return to our mother’s womb, but we can create a new sense of ‘womb’ (i.e. home, comfort and support) by discerning what most supports us. In doing this, we create wholeness and unity for where we are now. On a global level, there’s a huge need for healing and wholeness. Virgo is the sixth zodiac sign and it’s six years since September 11. Saturn, the planet of maturing, asks us to reflect on the best ways to make things whole, always remembering that the choices we make in our own lives affect larger choices. Ultimately it might be that there are only two choices: love or fear. In more often choosing love in each moment, perhaps over time the collective might also become influenced towards making more love-based decisions.
 
September feels like a profound month so far doesn’t it?! All of the abovementioned planetary activity might be enough to overshadow another significant event, but it’s one that should not be overlooked. On the 9th, Venus returns to direct motion after 6 weeks of backward movement. Relationships of all kinds have been under review during this period, and finally we can move forward with our insights. Now that Venus is on the move forward again, there’s more chance of successfully implementing new relating patterns. Yet the moment Venus moves forward she encounters Neptune, the planet of both romance and heart-fulfilment, yet also fantasy and illusion. It could be a challenge to discern between feelings of love that can be made real and feelings of love that might lead to nothing. In this eclipse month, there’s no need to rush relationship decisions. Be content to know that things might not be what they seem and wait until after the Spring Equinox for clearer direction from your whole self.
 
Thank goodness for the Spring Equinox on the 23rd. It’s time to say goodbye to winter, eclipses and other difficult energies. Enjoy a renewal of faith and confidence in the universe’s benevolence. It’s as if we are waking from a night of tumultuous sleep with jarring dreams to birds singing and sun streaming through the window. The upbeat Spring Equinox is closely followed by a full moon on the 27th in Aries, the zodiac sign of all things new. The Aries energy offers to kickstart enthusiasm, initiative, motivation and a pioneering spirit. It also gives an injection of courage to get out there and enact our dreams. Between the 23rd and the 27th let your mind, body and soul sing your visions. Or if that sounds a bit airy-fairy, get out some butcher’s paper and coloured pens and brainstorm your desired directions. If that doesn’t appeal, perhaps just get on the phone to a trusted friend and share your plans with them. Believe in yourself, believe in the the universe and do at least a little something at the time of the new moon to initiate what you most deeply want.
 
After riding eclipse rollercoasters since the end of August, I wish you optimistic visions for fresh starts at the Spring Equinox and Aries New Moon.