Astronomy | The planetary movements in September help us to discover one of the less noticeable zodiacal constellations. Jupiter and Saturn, currently in the astrological sign of Aquarius, are traversing the constellation of Capricornus. The discrepancy between sign and constellation is due to the precession of the equinoxes, a phenomenon caused by the wobble of the Earth spinning upon is axis, which accounts for the shift in our starry perspective over millennia. Capricornus is a bit of an oddity. It is the smallest of the zodiacal constellations, a faint collection of stars known as the “sea goat.” Somewhat triangle-shaped, with its tip pointing southward, Capricornus lies low in the sky, east of the Milky Way. From mid-to-late September, Capricornus appears due south at approximately 9:30 p.m., directly below Deneb (the brightest star of the constellation Cygnus; refer to the previous edition of Moonshine Ink for details). The moon will pass west-to-east directly through the constellation on the evenings of Sept. 16 through 18. However, as the constellation is relatively dim, it will be easier to spot it on the night of the new moon, Sept. 8 (and again on Oct. 6). On these nights, the planets provide a better guide. Jupiter will lie atop the eastern-most and brightest star of Capricornus (Deneb Algedi aka “tail of the goat”), with Saturn just shy of its western edge.
Astrology | In September, we are given greater access to the outer realm of the transpersonal planets. As the sun moves through Virgo and into the sign of Libra, it touches each of the outer planets in mellifluous aspect. On Sept. 6, the sun in Virgo trines Uranus in Taurus. Changeable, chaotic Uranus is naturally at odds with the sign of the steadfast bull. However, with the connection to the sun in analytical Virgo, we can better discern how this discordant union is showing up in humanity’s current events. The following week, on Sept. 13, the sun opposes Neptune in Pisces. Traditionally considered a “disharmonious” aspect, this opposition illuminates our channel to the collective unconscious. Once again, the pragmatic quality of Virgo shines forth, helping us to decipher what the inner, symbolic landscape of our dreamworld is trying to communicate to our rational minds. A few days later, on Sept. 16, the sun trines Pluto in Capricorn, lending insight into the hidden power dynamics that control the flow of communal resources. At the end of the month, on Sept. 29, the sun in the early degrees of Libra trines Saturn, elevating the discourse and encouraging a disciplined diplomacy amongst competing authorities.
~ Dawn Andreoni is a yoga teacher and astrologer living on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe. You can find more about her offerings at celestialdawnastrology.com or follow her at facebook.com/astronotions.
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