Mars stationing retrograde (and the aspects that color it) headlines the first half of September. We also have expansive Jupiter turning direct, a massively aspected Pisces Full Moon, and 4 peaking aspect patterns!

This forecast covers this half-month’s most important astrological events. For bonus events, check out my award-winning This Week in Astrology audio podcast and YouTube video forecasts — updated weekly!

Click astrology graphics to see larger images. Some resource links may occur more than once. This is because many people link to a specific day’s forecast from social media, and might not see an important resource link elsewhere on this page.

9/1 (Tue)

Communication/Creativity Mystic Rectangle Peaks

Powerful and harmonious communication and creativity are supported by a Mystic Rectangle that started on 8/26, peaks today (9/1) and ends on 9/5.

Communication

Virgoan Mercury supports learning and communication, and also helps them to be precise and service-oriented. Cancerian Venus allows you to engage in heartfelt relating.

Neptune helps inspire communication, and can help dissolve the boundary between the people who are relating. Finally, Saturn and Pluto let you communicate with power and authority, and help you achieve practical outcomes.

Creativity

Cancerian Venus represents emotionally moving artistry, while Neptune represents the flow of divine inspiration. Saturn and Pluto help you work without inhibition and get a ton done. Mercury supports verbal or written creativity. Finally, Mercury’s placement in Virgo can help you polish up the details after you’ve flowed the initial inspiration into your project.

Relationship Grand Cross Peaks

Talk about adding fuel to the fire! As I said in my 8/7 forecast, we’re already well into 75 Days of Committed Partnership T-Squares. These feature a Mars-Juno opposition squaring 2020’s most important aspect: the mighty Jupiter-Saturn-Pluto Triple Conjunction. One or more of these T-squares is in effect between 7/18 and 10/2.

As if that wasn’t intense enough already, Venus joins Mars, Juno, Saturn and Pluto for 2 weeks to form a Grand Cross, astrology’s most challenging aspect pattern! This Grand Cross started on 8/23, peaks today (9/1) and ends on 9/7.

What I said in my 8/7 forecast about these T-squares becomes even more true with this Grand Cross: even the best committed partnerships might feel challenge. As usual, I recommend Nonviolent Communication to work out any issues with your partner, and my free Healing Invocation to assist with your personal shadow work.

The greater the challenge, the greater the possible breakthrough. Committed partners who work skillfully with these intense energies can emerge with their relationships functioning at a whole new level of awesomeness!

This Grand Cross also massively energizes Venus’ other meanings. The energy you have for creative accomplishment could go off the charts. Financial matters are also amped up, but be careful: with this setup, your fortunes could turn either way.

9/2 (Wed)

Pisces Full Moon

A Full Moon shines forth at 1:22 AM EDT (10°12′ Pisces). Any Pisces Full Moon is great for release and adjustment in spirituality, inspired creativity, dream work and flow state. If appropriate, changes in the following areas could also be helpful: substance abuse, excessive escapism, aimless drifting, or playing the victim.

Aspects

This Full Moon is massively aspected! These aspects form several aspect patterns, including:

• Grand Cross (Venus-Mars-Juno-Saturn),
• Kite (Moon-Sun-Pallas Athena-Uranus),
• 2 mirror-image Thor’s Hammers (Moon-Venus-Juno and Sun-Mars-Saturn) and
• Hard Rectangle (Moon-Sun-Mars-Juno).

Relationship intensity is definitely in the mix. The Venus-Mars-Juno-Saturn Grand Cross is the most potent aspect pattern within this lunation. Venus (relationship) and Juno (committed partnership) receive hard aspects from two dignified planets (Mars in Aries and Saturn in Capricorn) who tend to bring challenge. (This Grand Cross is also part of the “insanely complicated aspect pattern” that peaks today – more on that in a moment.)

If there are wounds or weak spots in a relationship, this Grand Cross could bring them to the surface. (The Venus-Juno-Moon Thor’s Hammer could have a similar effect.) This Grand Cross can also empower a relationship’s strengths with new fire and passion (Mars in Aries) and a more solid structure and foundation (Saturn in Capricorn).

Creative expression (Venus) can also be blessed with energy (Mars) and endurance (Saturn) by this Grand Cross, especially if done in partnership (Juno).

The Kite invites you to lead with your intuition (Uranus, Moon in Pisces), then refine (Sun in Virgo) your inspired download with strategy and diplomacy (Pallas Athena). The Sun-Mars-Saturn Thor’s Hammer offers energy (Mars) and stick-to-it-iveness (Saturn) to support your service, health or routines (Virgo).

Finally, the Moon-Sun-Venus-Saturn Hard Rectangle reinforces existing themes: relationship challenge and inspired creativity, productively expressed.

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Insanely Complicated Aspect Pattern Peaks

One of the most complicated aspect patterns I’ve ever seen peaks today! It has no official name I know of, so I’ll just call it a “Double Grand Cross / Double Mystic Rectangle”. It starts today (8/29), peaks on 9/2 and ends on 9/4. It contains Mercury, Venus, Mars, Juno, Saturn, Neptune, Pluto and the lunar nodes!

With amazingly tight symmetry, it weaves together the following aspect patterns:

• Grand Cross: Venus-Mars-Juno-Saturn-Pluto
• Grand Cross: Mercury-Neptune-Lunar Nodes
• Mystic Rectangle: Mercury-Venus-Neptune-Pluto
• Mystic Rectangle: Mars-Juno-Lunar Nodes

How simply can we interpret such a complicated aspect pattern? At its heart, it boils down to communication (Mercury, lunar nodes in Gemini in Sagittarius) in committed partnership (Juno, Venus). If that relationship serves highest good (lunar nodes), you can relax into flow state (Neptune) and communicate exactly what your partner needs to hear.

You’re invited to initiate this communication (Mars in Aries), to speak with the authority (Saturn) of your inner knowing (Neptune), and to catalyze transformation (Pluto) with your words.

There now — that wasn’t so bad, was it?

9/3 (Thu)

Committed Partnership Mystic Rectangle Peaks

As I’ve previously noted, a Mars-Juno opposition is the foundation for 2-1/2 months of T-squares and a Grand Cross. These aspect patterns can bring significant challenge to any committed partnership, romantic or otherwise.

To balance all this challenge, it’s nice to have Mars and Juno as part of a harmonious aspect pattern: a 40-day Mystic Rectangle that includes Mars, Juno and the lunar nodes. It started on 8/17, peaks today (9/3) and ends on 9/25.

This Mystic Rectangle offers flowing support to committed partnerships that align with your soul purpose. (If they don’t, all those hard aspect patterns will bring that fact to your attention!) With the lunar nodes in the Axis of Communication (North Node in Gemini, South Node in Sagittarius), harmonious communication between the two of you is smoothly supported.

9/4 (Fri)

Thor’s Hammer Peaks

Your ability to serve others, focus on health and catch the little details is powerfully juiced by a Thor’s Hammer  that started on 8/30, peaks today (9/4) and ends on 9/7.

The Virgo Sun is at the tip of this aspect pattern, while Mars in Aries and Saturn in Capricorn hold down the back end.

Since this is a semi-hard aspect pattern, there could also be difficulties. Mars can symbolize aggression or attack, and Saturn loves to manage things. If you find yourself being challenged like this, do what you can to analyze the situation before acting.

Finally, consider whether a challenging situation could actually help you, perhaps by inviting you to step more fully into your power. Is this happening to you, or for you?

9/9 (Wed)

Mars Retrograde

Mars stations retrograde today at 6:22 PM EDT (28°8′ Aries). He’ll turn direct again in just over two months, on 11/13 at 7:36 PM EDT (15°14′ Aries).

Of all the personal planet retrogrades, Mars’ can be the most significant. Mercury and Venus can have notable effects, but neither of them can pack a punch like Mars. This is especially true with Mars retrograding entirely within Aries, a sign that he rules … and which shares his planetary meanings.

Mars retrograde also stands out because it’s more rare. Mercury goes retrograde three times a year, and Venus reverses direction every 18 months. But Mars only stations retrograde every two years.

Mars retrograde is a great time to reflect on all the ways that the Red Planet expresses in your life. How skillfully are you embodying the roles of the warrior, pioneer or entrepreneur? How’s your sex life? How good are you at getting things started and taking fast, effective action?

This can also be an important time to reflect on the dark side of Mars. Are you having any challenges with anger, aggression or violence? How about impulsiveness, or sexuality that’s harmful or nonconsensual?

Mars retrograde isn’t the best time to start important new things. If an important action can be delayed until Mars is direct, that would be optimal. Of course, two months is a long time, and not everything can wait that long. Use your best judgment.

Aspects

The aspects a planet makes as it turns retrograde add additional meaning to its retrograde period. This Mars retrograde includes 2 aspect patterns: a T-square and a Mystic Rectangle.

T-square

This T-square is the most important Mars retrograde aspect pattern. It includes a Mars-Juno opposition, with both planets squaring Saturn and Pluto.

I’ve written about this T-square before. (Technically, it could be thought of as two different T-squares: Mars-Juno-Saturn and Mars-Juno-Pluto.) Here’s the relevant (edited for context) excerpt from my 8/7 forecast entry, “75 Days of Committed Partnership T-Squares”:

Even the best committed partnerships might feel challenge due to T-squares that include the Mars-Juno opposition. This opposition creates the core meaning of challenge in these critical relationships. The T-squares still in effect are:

• Mars-Juno-Pluto T-square, thru 9/27
• Mars-Juno-Saturn T-square, thru 10/2

The greater the challenge, the greater the possible breakthrough. Committed partners who work skillfully with these intense energies can emerge with their relationships functioning at a whole new level of awesomeness!

In my 8/13 forecast entry, “5 Months of Mars Squaring Pluto, Saturn and Jupiter!”, I noted:

On its retrograde pass, Mars squares Saturn on 9/28, Pluto on 10/9 and Jupiter on 10/19. He takes a break from this stimulation starting on 11/2, when he retrogrades more than 5° past Jupiter.

For more on these effects, especially the sexual potentials of the Mars-Pluto square, read my 8/13 forecast. I’ll conclude my discussion of this T-square here with the final paragraph of that forecast. Even though Jupiter isn’t part of the T-square Mars makes as it turns retrograde, the effects I describe on 8/13 still apply:

So far, the Jupiter-Saturn-Pluto Triple Conjunction has brought us paradigm-shifting events such as the pandemic and broader acceptance of the Black Lives Matter movement. Astrology is archetypally predictive, not concretely predictive, so I don’t know exactly what further shakeups this potent trio will bring us. But with Mars energizing Jupiter, Saturn and Pluto for five of the next six months — during which we have the U.S. presidential election — I’m confident that they’ll be shaking up our world a lot more before they’re done!

Mystic Rectangle

As I noted in the 9/3 forecast above, a Mars-Juno-Lunar Nodes Mystic Rectangle offers flowing support to committed partnerships that align with your soul purpose. With the lunar nodes in the Axis of Communication (North Node in Gemini, South Node in Sagittarius), harmonious communication between the two of you is supported.

Individual Aspects

As Mars turns retrograde, it also squares Venus. This invites additional reflection on relationship and creativity. Mars also semi-squares the Gemini Moon. This invites you to contemplate the themes of home, family, security, and shadow work, as well as learning and communication.

9/12 (Sat)

Jupiter Direct

Jupiter stations direct at 8:41 PM EDT (17°24′ Capricorn). He’s been retrograde for 4 months, since 5/14 (27°14′ Capricorn).

Here are the main themes I offered for your reflection when Jupiter turned retrograde. Now that Jupiter is direct, which ones would it serve you to get in gear on?

• higher education
• religion
• philosophy
• the meaning of life
• foreign countries, cultures and customs
• long-distance travel
• journeys, quests and adventures
• joy, excitement and enthusiasm
• wisdom-givers such as professors, philosophers and gurus
• expansion
• optimism
• hope

Jupiter in Capricorn

Jupiter was retrograde entirely within Capricorn, which adds another layer of meaning. Capricorn is Jupiter’s natural complement. Capricorn tends to contract, which can keep Jupiter from expanding too much. Capricorn is serious, which can restrain Jupiter from excessive partying.

Capricorn is an extremely practical sign. It loves systems and procedures that get things done efficiently. In contrast, Jupiter can get excessively whimsical and starry-eyed. So Jupiter’s placement in Capricorn makes it easier for you to create useful plans and strategies. Now that the solar system’s largest gas giant is direct, these can help you move forward in your Jupiterian goals.

Conclusion

As I shared when Jupiter turned retrograde on 5/14, one of Jupiter’s most important meanings is hope. For me, this is the vision of a more wonderful future reality.

Especially in challenging times like these, the story you tell yourself about the meaning of your life – another important Jupiter theme – is of critical importance. Believing the story that you live in a cruel and capricious universe, in which life has no meaning, is a certain recipe for misery.

But believing the story that you were born for a reason, with a crucial soul mission to fulfill, puts things in a much more positive light. Believing that challenges happen not to you, but for  you – to catalyze your growth and expand your capabilities – can inspire you with the energy and enthusiasm you need to master them.

Ancient astrologers called Jupiter the “Great Benefic” – the luckiest planet in the sky. Remember that now that Jupiter is direct. No matter how dire a situation seems, good things can always come from it. The greater the challenge, the greater the breakthrough once you’ve mastered it!

Whatever your Sun Sign, my forecasts can help you make the best use of the current astrological energies.

All dates and times are in the U.S. eastern time zone. Events are most powerful on the dates listed, but their influence will be active for at least a week before and after.

Everyone is affected by these global transits. However, you’ll be most powerfully impacted when moving planets activate sensitive points in your natal chart. Discover how these transits will personally affect you by booking a session with me.

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