Astrological Forecast for September 28 to October 4, 2006

by Ellen Zucker

We astrologers call the planets closest to the Sun "personal planets."

That is because they describe processes and attributes that make us unique as individuals: Mercury governs our mental processes, Venus - our personal taste and style, the Moon - our emotional security, and Mars - our ability to assert ourselves.

When the inner planets change signs, our inner landscape feels different. And our perspectives shift.

This week, two of our personal planets change signs: Venus enters Libra on Saturday, and, less than 48 hours later, Mercury enters Scorpio.

Venus's entry into Libra completes the shift of energy from analytical Virgo to relationship oriented Libra.

Venus is said to "rule" Libra. Every sign is "ruled" by one, sometimes two planets. When a planet is in the sign of its rulership it is akin to hanging out in its home. It is comfortable there and its energies function at their best.

Venus is not particularly comfortable in critical Virgo. But in Libra, Venus's power of attraction to bring people and things together to work in harmony fits beautifully.

And no sooner that we have our Libran line up than the ever-changing cosmic conga line snakes forward. When you awaken on Monday morning, Mercury will have drifted into intense Scorpio.

Libra brings together and balances disparate elements. It is very sensitive to the needs of others, especially our partners. But Scorpio tells us that true beauty is more than skin deep.

Real intimacy requires hard work and the ability to look at aspects of our partners - and ourselves -that are less than attractive.

As we begin this final week of September, we find ourselves preoccupied with our relationships -as is normal at this time of year. We still have time to do our work in this area as the shift from Libra to Scorpio won't be complete until late in the month.

On another note, Mercury's movement will slow as October moves forward. It is preparing for its last retrograde dance of the year at month's end.

(Yes Virginia, Mercury retrogrades three, count'em, three times a year (!)

Now is the time to complete your Mercury tasks. So if there is a contract negotiation in the works, a marketing campaign directed at new prospects, a writing project, maintenance work to be done on your car or your computer, complete it as early as possible in the month.

Daily forecasts
(based on Eastern Time Zone)

September 28
Rush hour coincides with Moon's harsh square to erratic Uranus - watch out for the nuts on the road. Otherwise, the day proceeds very nicely. We are able to maintain a balance between our goals and the needs of others. This afternoon dream about your goals, tonight plan to make them real.

September 29
This morning is an excellent opportunity for communication as tolerant Moon in Sagittarius makes an easy sextile aspect to Mercury the Communicator. After meeting intense Pluto in the early morning, we have much to talk about. We feel more serious tonight as the Moon enters Capricorn.

September 30
Venus enters Libra today. We are less critical in our relationships than we have been for the last few weeks. Tonight, go out for a nice candlelight dinner.

October 1
With Moon in Capricorn for most of the day, we can get much accomplished. The cost may be that we have to rock the boat, something we are reluctant to do with four planets still in relationship oriented Libra.

October 2
Our communications take a more intense turn as Mercury enters Scorpio for a nine week stay. Mercury is incisive here; think of the mind as a scalpel. One caveat: passions can easily overrule logic.

October 3
Moon's midday opposition to Saturn may throw some short-term roadblocks in the way. Lay low and wait until another day to present your proposal to the authorities. Remember, it's the tortoise who won the race.

This evening, sweet dreams.

October 4
In order to plan goals, you need a vision. Today is an excellent day to let ideas emerge. Moon in Pisces today, coupled with Mars trine Neptune make this a productive day to let your imagination run free.

© 2006 Ellen M. Zucker