Astrological Forecast for August 31 to September 6, 2006

by Ellen Zucker

We are living in a period of great chnge and much of it peaks this week. Just as we shift from summer to fall, we are shifting in our personal lives.

With two oppositions coming to exactitude, we are apt to feel pulled in different directions. One thing is certain; your workplace will look different when you return after Labor Day.

Be nimble and be gentle with yourself and others. In pastweeks, we have been buffetted by strong forces pulling us in many directions. Many people report feeling stressed. Stress is a byproduct in these times of rapid change.

Astrological conditions are reflected in the headlines. These days, they are apt to be more interesting than usual.

Speaking of headlines, much hoopla has been made of an astronomy organization's recent announcement of its 'demotion' of Pluto from planet-hood status.

Their decision is an excellent example of astrological symbolism in action.

The International Astronomical Union issue had voted on the issue several times before. Only this time, the motion to reclassify passed.

The decision was announced within hours of last week's new moon in Virgo. Analysis, organization, and, by extension, classification are Virgo activities. New Moons are new beginnings and they often trigger events.

The astronomer group's decision has had little effect in the astrological community. We astrologers continue to recognize Pluto's power and use it in our work.

Our week begins with Virgo's first quarter moon. A quarter moon occurs when the Sun and Moon stand 90 degrees apart (square). In this quarter moon, the Sun isstanding next to Mercury - we astrologers call such a meeting a conjunction. Meanwhile the Sun approaches its opposition to Uranus, an aspect that will perfect on Tuesday.

Expect to hear news about a surprise in the headlines - or closer to home if you have planets or sensitive points at or near 8 degrees of a mutable sign (Virgo, Pisces, Sagittarius, and Gemini).

Another event that occurs today is the first peak of the Saturn/Neptune opposition. We have been feeling its energy intensifying all month. Like a large ocean swell, it will now slowly begin to recede only to pick up again in 2007.

As I have described in past weeks, this configuration forces us to balance our dreams with cold reality.

If we have allowed ourselves to be carried away, Saturn will prick a hole in the bubble - witness the recent spate of poor results announced this past week in the home building sector.

Jupiter in Scorpio, representing our overuse of resources, is tied into the configuration by a 90 degree or square aspect to both sides of the opposition. It forms a configuration that looks like the letter 'T.' (We astrologers call it a 'T' square).

Some astrologers have found a correlation between Saturn-Neptune oppositions and economic downturn. If so, the results will become increasingly apparent as we slide into 2007.

Nonetheless, financial astrologer Tim Bost cautions there is a strong possibility that a large market decline is imminent.

On Monday, Pluto stations direct. Like Mercury when retrograde, Pluto has been traveling backwards in the sky (as perceived from our vantage point on Earth). Only, owing to its greater distance from the Sun, Pluto's retrograde cycles are much longer.

In retrograde motion, Pluto acts like a pressure valve keeping the status quo in check. When Pluto changes direction it releases pent up energy. Whatever has been pushed underground comes to the surface. To see what may rise to the surface, look at the issues you were dealing with five months ago, when the planet was last direct.

It takes a great deal of energy to keep troublesome issues underground. That energy becomes available to us when we deal with them. And so, interestingly enough, Pluto' change in directioninvigorates us and gives us drive and focus.

All of us will have access to Pluto's energy, but those with planets and sensitive points near 24 degrees of Sagittarius or other mutable sign will feel its effects most.

Lastly, on Wednesday, Venus moves into Virgo where it joins the line-up with Sun, Mercury and Mars. It shows its affection through service rather than Leo's flamboyant display.

August 31
We feel upbeat with Moon in Sagittarius. With Sun conjunct Mercury there is lots of communication and activity. So many possibilities and so little time. Use Virgo's energy to discriminate between the truly important and the less so. In other words, prioritize.

September 1
Venus trine Pluto gives us an easy flow of energy between the two. It is easy to engage our partner on a deep level today. All in all, a nice productive and creative day.

September 2
Moon enters Capricorn and we return to Earth. We are focused and practical.

September 3
When Mercury opposes Mars in Virgo, we can understand that words can indeed be weapons. Choose yours carefully. Let your good sense guide you and roll with the punches. As the day proceeds we feel more positive.

September 4
Happy Labor Day. Pluto stations direct today. We can run but we can't hide from issues we pushed out of sight five months ago. But when we face the truth Pluto sets us free.

September 5
Sun opposes Uranus - surprises await as we return to work. The Moon is in Aquarius. Find a channel for your restless energy and leave the past behind.

September 6
Moon's entrance into Pisces this afternoon gives us some emotional balance to counter the line up of personal planets in dispassionate Virgo. Venus moves into Virgo today. We show our caring for others through service.

© 2006 Ellen M. Zucker