Astrological Energies September 12 to 18, 2011

NorthPoint
Astrology Journal
Written by Pam Younghans
Photo: Aurora borealis over Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada on September 10 (photo by Joseph Bradley)

TONIGHT'S FULL MOON (exact at 2:27am PDT) occurs with the Moon in Pisces opposite the Sun in Virgo. This lunation highlights the polarity represented by these two signs: practicality vs. idealism, details vs. the larger picture, controlling vs. allowing, mental vs. spiritual.

Neither polarity is "right" or "wrong," and Pisces is not necessarily a "more evolved" sign than Virgo. Each sign has the potential for a higher- and lower-vibrational expression, and the qualities of each are necessary for successful navigation of this Earth plane.

A FULL MOON provides the opportunity for us to utilize the positive expression of each of the signs involved, and may also highlight where we are out of balance, or using the negative expressions of the signs. We can see more clearly now where we need greater discernment or where we need to be more receptive. We may also become aware of where we have mistakenly become a rescuer or martyr in our desire to be compassionate to the needs of others.

Where is the balance between being adaptable and being dependable? When does flexibility become indecision? And when does dependability become regimentation?

This Full Moon may not provide the answers to all of these questions, but we can certainly use this lunation to receive important insights into these themes.

AS THE LAST SIGN in the zodiac, Pisces represents both a completion and a letting go. In some ways, Virgo represents similar energy, in that the Virgo symbol represents the harvest, the end of the growing season and the time to cultivate the results of recent effort.

The Sabian symbol for tonight's Full Moon builds on that theme of completion represented by the Moon in Pisces and the Sun in Virgo: "A table set for an evening meal."

Here is astrologer Dane Rudhyar's interpretation (slightly abridged) of this symbolic image:

"In the end and at the appointed time, the individual's needs will be met among those to whom the individual is linked by a spiritual (or biological) web of energies ... This symbol promises a satisfying or fulfilling end to whatever one has been undertaking."

We seem to be finishing up more than just this lunar cycle, which began with the New Moon two weeks ago (August 28-29). We are also realizing the ending phase of something we began six months ago, when the Sun and Moon joined in Aries for the New Moon (April 3). What seeds were planted in your life at that time, and in what ways are you now ready to reap your harvest?

THE THEME OF COMPLETION is also emphasized in the astrological chart for tonight's lunation. The Sun and the Moon are both at square angles to (90 degrees away from) the North and South Nodes, which represent where we have been and where we are going, from an evolutionary viewpoint.

Square angles push us to make changes, and reveal where there is work to be done. The North Node in Sagittarius tells us it is time to put greater faith in our intuitive guidance and to pay more attention to the larger meanings than the individual facts. The South Node in Gemini tells us we have spent enough time thinking and pondering and gathering data, and that we are now ready to live according to our beliefs.

PLUTO REACHES the end of its retrograde phase this Friday, beginning a slow forward motion that will gradually pick up pace -- at least in Pluto's terms, which is always slow when compared to the other planets. Pluto takes more than 245 years to complete one journey through the zodiac, compared to Neptune taking about 15 years, or the Moon taking about 29 days.

Perhaps this slow movement is one reason Pluto tends to have such impact in our lives. Like a laser beam when focused on one area over time, Pluto's effect can be intense and life-changing. And, when Pluto is basically standing still, as it is this week and next, we can feel that effect even more directly.

Pluto went retrograde early last April (around the same time as the Aries New Moon!), and has now finished a process of reviewing changes that we initiated as far back as November/December 2010. This time of review has been an important part of helping us integrate those changes, and will allow us to go forward now with greater honesty and with a better knowing of our own strength.

ANOTHER THEME for the coming week is that of relationship. Venus changes signs on Wednesday, moving from analytical Virgo into conciliatory Libra. Unchallenged, Venus in Libra might overdo the people-pleasing traits, or be unable to decide much of anything when given a choice between two options.

But, Venus in Libra is being challenged this week -- through hard aspects to Chiron, Uranus and Pluto on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. One possible scenario may be confronting our tendency to try to please others through martyring ourselves (Venus-Chiron), with the kickback of realizing we have to take care of ourselves first (Venus-Uranus), and then needing to be truly honest with ourselves and others, allowing the relationships involved to transform as needed (Venus-Pluto).

Sounds like a full week!

Blessings,

Pam

NorthPoint Astrology Blog: Please check out my blog for updates at http://northpointastrology.blogspot.com/ -- I look forward to your comments!

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