September 2024The Spine of Creation
Dear Agents of Evolution,
I just learned that in human development, the central nervous system – the brain and spinal cord – forms around 28 days after conception, developing from the "neural tube" that is its embryonic precursor. That's astrologically about where we are right now, in the collective. Something new is coming into being. Right about now, it is growing its spine.
Speaking of creation, I am super duper excited to be co-creating a nine-month practicum with writer, teacher, and shamanic practitioner, Jane Carr. Our course is based on the ancient worldview that the planets not only influence our human experience, but are animate beings with their own life force, teachings, and medicine. During our nine months together you will be empowered to contact these forces directly, accessing their specific guidance and wisdom for you so that you can claim and bring forth your unique medicine.
It will be such a joy to walk through this historic time with a brave group of Agents of Evolution ready to take their lives to the next level. Registration will open soon and will be announced via this newsletter. Check out this video in which Jane and I invite you into this nine month experience. You can also read more about the course below.
In the meantime, read on for September's planetary weather, and may Mother Earth hold you close...
August Astro Weather Highlights
September 1 & 2
Mars square Neptune
Navigating while submerged
On April 29, 2024, Mars conjoined Neptune, initiating a cycle of surrender to life's plans. This transit on Sunday and Monday is a check-in. How well are you doing with the altruistic or creative dreams you set out to achieve at the end of April? Have you surrendered to the road unfolding for you? Has it taken you deeper?
September 2
New Moon in Purva Phalguni
Creating within Boundaries
This lunar month features the joyful momentum of creation sculpted by the contours and limitations of the tangible world.
Life creates through us during this lunar month, and on this New Moon day we can sow and nurture those creations in seed and seedling form. The parameters of growth are preset without a lot of wiggle room. We may want to create a party for 100 people but the space will only hold 30. Working within the limitations set for us we ensure the longevity of our creations.
I have offered an expanded summary of this New Moon on Instagram.
September 4
Venus Ketu conjunction
The sand in the oyster's shell
We might experience the withering effect of the critical eye as our creations are examined under a microscope. The critical eye may even be our own. But withering doesn't have to be our response. If we can summon the detachment needed to hear the critical input, we can set about to improve our creation.
September 7
Sun opposite Saturn
Carrying on with little support or lots of demands
We might find ourselves needing to carry on without the fanfare, support, or acknowledgment we're accustomed to receiving. We may not have all the time or money we need for the task at hand. This transit comes around once a year and when it does, we might temporarily hit a wall. Sometimes we just need rest or sleep. Sometimes we just need to power through something that simply has to be done.
September 7
Mercury squares Uranus
Curveball
Surprising events or news might arrive today. During a transit like this it is good to be flexible and roll with the changes. Those running this energy unconsciously will be going for "shock and awe." Those running this energy consciously can listen with an open mind, practice the capacity to hold opposites, and take nothing personally.
Having recently gone retrograde, Uranus is now ready to mow through our "nice, manageable duality" (that's a quote from Adyashanti). Uranus wants to wake us up, no matter the cost, and this transit is his chance to blow our minds yet again this year.
Though these Uranian moments can be exciting, they can also take a toll on our nervous systems, so do what you can to ground into mother Earth on this day.
September 14
Jupiter Venus Trine
Respite
A sweet day of enjoyment, or rest, before the intensity of the eclipses sets in.
September 17
Full Moon Lunar Eclipse in Purva Bhadrapada
Advocacy
Because this lunar eclipse will be seen quite widely across the globe, even though it is a "partial" eclipse it has a seriousness and weight to it. As with all eclipses, this one can be really supportive for turning within, for spiritual pursuits, for inner work, and seeing things "in a new light," yet sometimes treacherous to our physical world plans.
This particular full moon lunar eclipse is set against a very impassioned backdrop of stars affiliated with people who are on a mission – literal martyrs, or sometimes just people with deep convictions. It supports anyone fighting for a cause in their activity. But since this is a lunar eclipse, the shadow material behind any side of any fight becomes exposed – is "seen in a new light." In some cases, after heavy losses, motivations may be examined and new paths taken.
I will offer an expanded summary of this Full Moon on Instagram.
September 17
Mercury opposite Saturn
Dotting i's, crossing t's
Occurring the same day as the lunar eclipse, this transit asks us to be precise, specific, and measured in our communications. Speak like a scientist on this day and don't expect anyone to take you on your word – back up claims with research and cite your sources.
September 17 – October 2
Pitru Paksha – a two week period dedicated to honoring the ancestors
Sandwiched between eclipses, Pitru Paksha this year is especially significant
The ancestors are particularly close during this lunar time each year. You can honor your ancestors by lighting a candle, offering incense, saying their names, or making up any ritual that connects your heart with their wellbeing. You can also try working with the mantra, "Om Pitribhyo Namah," if Sanskrit mantras feel accessible to you.
Or you can use a prayer like this one, adapted from a prayer taught by Dr. Daniel Foor:
May all my ancestors be happy and at peace.
May all my living family be happy and at peace.
May I be happy and at peace.
May future generations of my family receive only love and blessings from our ancestors.
May my ancestors guide me in my path of destiny and purpose,
and may I embody their love, blessings, and wisdom for all my relations.
May all my ancestors and all my family be happy and at peace.
September 20
Sun opposite Neptune
Dreaming & inspiration vs deluding ourselves and escaping
Also taking place once per year, when this transit comes around our personal identities might be hit by a tidal wave of collective suffering, awakening our compassion. Realities can drive us straight toward our addictions, fantasies, escape hatches, but a healthier way to work with a transit like this is to spend some time in meditation, connecting with the Julian of Norwich wisdom, "all shall be well."
September 24
Mercury opposite Neptune
Fantasy
Never let a good Neptune transit go to waste – if you find yourself confused, uncertain, listless, sloppy and floating, find something to be inspired by, let yourself create something beautiful, or immerse yourself in devotional spiritual practice.
September 29
Mercury and Sun conjunct, approaching a square with Mars, receiving a wide trine from Jupiter, while Ketu hovers close by
Get stuff done!
Receiving blinding insights is possible today. Needing to hold your cards close is possible. Witnessing heated, thorny public relations debacles is possible.
Despite all these less desirable qualities of this transit, this is most definitely a time when you can look at the sea of new information in front of you and harness that supercharged Mercury in sidereal Virgo energy to get practical, research your options, set up a spreadsheet, do the analysis, and attend to each detail one by one until you've straightened out your life. Or at least your closet.
(October 2)
New Moon Solar Eclipse in Hastha
More on this in the October newsletter.
