"MEN AND WOMEN TRAVELING A NARROW PATH, SEEKING ILLUMINATION. The capacity inherent in every individual to seek at whatever cost entrance to a transcendent realm of reality. This refers to the ancient and eternal symbol of the Path of Discipleship. The greatness of humankind is that one can always be greater; and the belief, deeply rooted in one’s human nature, that if we fulfill the necessary conditions we can find "Elders" who have already attained a higher level of consciousness and will transfer their attainment and light to us. The path is always open to the pure in heart, the mentally aware, the conqueror of emotions and the spiritually self-mobilized. Someone else can show the path, but we alone can do the walking. Thus the Zen injunction WALK ON."

This is extraordinarily apropos for this Moon. Prayer, and the sending of love and healing to the world, others, and ourselves can be very effective now.

Full Moon is on the midheaven in Moscow, Israel, Turkey, Egypt, and eastern Africa. The grand cross is strong in the Far East, and in South America. Cloudy Neptune runs through Washington DC and Mexico.

MONDAY SEPTEMBER 3. This is Labor Day, and labor is apt to be on the march. The grand cross is still in full force, and Moon in Pisces begets compassion for the workers of the world and the downtrodden. The mood today is serious and restless. Some time in nature, especially near water, would be very soothing.

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 4. Moon goes VOC with a stimulating Mars aspect at 4:37 a.m. EDT. At 8:58 a.m. Moon enters Aries. We find ourselves more energized and more focused today. However, Neptune adds imagination, idealism, and fuzziness. It’s important to aim for clear thinking, and to use our powers of analysis sharply. It’s easy now to be fooled by words and appearances.

Tonight Sun squares Pluto to drive a turning point in the use of power. This happens twice each year, and it’s always a big release of power. Sun is the director of the show, and when it aspects a planet it gives it directive messages.

Sun-Pluto is an annual cycle, as are all Sun’s cycles. This cycle began last December 4 with their conjunction at exactly the same degree now occupied by Pluto, 13 Sagittarius, the degree of the U.S. ascendant.

Many important events occurred last December 4 when this particular power cycle was set in motion. I was packing to visit Crystal in Mexico, and I will be doing exactly that again when this square occurs. But the visit now will be very different, for she and Fernando have a precious baby, Christopher.

December 4 was when the Florida Court decided against Candidate Al Gore. The AMA said that labeling was not necessary for genetically altered food. California had a Stage 3 power alert. SFO opened a new International Terminal.
The stock market in Istanbul plunged 40%, threatening Russia and eastern Europe. The U.S. began yanking coca plants in Putumayo, Colombia. All of these events have been continuing projects since then.

There was much happening on that December 4, but the spotlight was, and still is, on Israel. A report found Prime Minister Barak expanding settlements as quickly as had P.M. Netanyahu. 64,000 units had been built in the one and one-half years since May 1999. Israelis fired on a mosque, injuring 25. P.M. Barak soon resigned. PLO leader Yasir Arafat donned an obvious gun for the first time since he returned to Israel in 1994. In sum, the escalation of violence increased markedly in Israel. And now the plutonic grand cross Full Moon is right over Israel.

Moon in Aries lends a martial influence to this powerful configuration. It also encourages impulsive action.

Again, intuition can help us channel this power constructively.

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 5. Moon remains in Aries, and Neptune is still strong. We will be filled with idealism, and the need to act on it. Fanaticism is always a potential with Neptune. Energy is strong and harmonious the entire day, and we can accomplish whatever we set out to do.

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 6. Moon continues in lively Aries, and we march right along. Power and desire merge happily today, and we move towards important goals with ease. Moon goes VOC at 6:31 p.m., and at 8:18 it enters peaceful Taurus.

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 7. Moon moves along nicely in Taurus, keeping our feet on the ground after our sky’s-the-limit week. Very early this morning Sun makes its first square with Saturn since their conjunction on May 25. This is another grounding influence, conducive to hard work. Saturn wants to build something enduring, and at this first square we are pressed to break through obstacles to our goals. Our biggest obstacle today is seeing through Neptune’s obscuring clouds. At the Sun-Saturn conjunction in May, Congress enacted the $1.35 trillion tax cut to begin this cycle. We’ll see now its first roadblock.

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 8. We have more midnight aspects, both pleasant and constructive. Hard work beckons this morning, perhaps a new project or building something new at home. Mars finally enters Capricorn to tame our wild Sagittarian energy. Moon goes VOC at 2:30 p.m., perhaps with a surprising visitor or event. Family and partnership have the front burner tonight, and they could conflict.

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 9. Moon is in Gemini for the next two days. Let your curiosity reign. Pursue relationships and communication. Restless energy may propel you out and about. Adventure, either in nature or that broadens understanding, appeals. This is a great travel day. And it’s Grandparents’ Day. Connecting with your grandparents—even if only in spirit—is a good way to enhance your own understanding.

MONDAY SEPTEMBER 10. Last Quarter Moon in Gemini occurs at 2:59 p.m. EDT. This is a long and very busy day. There are many aspects, and they begin at midnight and last until 9:42 p.m. when Moon goes VOC. At 8:50 a.m. Saturn has its monthly occultation by Moon, giving another push to the great structural change which is underway. This is visible in the United States and southern Canada, as well as the Caribbean. This eclipse of Saturn occurs before sunrise on the West Coast, and should be easy to see there—high in the east-southeast.

It is time for a change of consciousness. Moon conjoins Saturn to lend a serious air to our ideas of responsibilities. They are apt to revolve around home and partnership. How do we adapt to change? And how do we use power effectively?

Mars in Capricorn suddenly becomes a major player. It conjoins Moon’s South Node for the next five days to stimulate release of old forms of aggression. This could mean either war or peace, depending on people’s intentions. It also probably means a revamping of the U.S. military—towards high tech and the total world control philosophy espoused in Star Wars planning.

Energy moves well today. This can be a day of accomplishment and change.

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 11. Morning gives us VOC Moon in Gemini. This is perhaps the best VOC sign, for Gemini thrives on spontaneity, surprises, and unexpected connections. Enjoy the morning—laugh, joke, brainstorm. At 12:09 p.m. Moon enters Cancer, and we become serious and dedicated. Have a "power" lunch. The afternoon is very good for business. Stick with your projects.

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 12. Moon is in Cancer, and the business theme continues. Watch out for excessive sensitivity. Our emotions will color communication. This is excellent for writing or any creative work. We can be productive until well into the evening.

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 13. This can be one of those "crazy" days. Moon is VOC in Cancer until 3:16 p.m., when it enters enthusiastic Leo. During this time, Sun, Pluto, Neptune and Moon run a gamut of minor aspects which will send mixed signals…and there is no major moon aspect to over-ride that confusion. In addition, Mars conjoins South Node today to send a lot of assertive vibrations through the ethers. What do we do with that Martian energy? Especially when we may feel frustrated and confused anyway. Perhaps use it to let go. This is the release time of the moon cycle. Sleep may be difficult. Use the night to remember and record your dreams. They can be enlightening.

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 14. And release we do. Independence is today’s theme, and we love it. Now is the time to dramatize the future. Create your sturdy visions for the coming Virgo cycle. Hold them in the radiance of your heart, and let them light your path into the future.

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 15. Moon is VOC in Leo until it enters Virgo at 3:39 p.m. Let your concerns go. Simply express yourself, give your spontaneity to the world. Tonight begin to make final shifts in preparation for our new start in Virgo on Monday. Sun energizes Chiron, the wounded healer, tonight, helping us in our letting-go process. We could let go of our anger over the presidential election, and its results, for the Chiron-Sun conjunction which began this cycle occurred on December11-12, when the Supreme Court decision came down for GW Bush.

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 16. Decide what burdens you want to let go of now, for the heavens today will help us release. It could be with some tension and difficulty, for moon in Virgo sets off the Sagittarius-Gemini opposition. We may not feel very energized this afternoon. Don’t push the river. We are vulnerable around New Moon time, and need to coddle ourselves like a baby—perhaps a reflection of Baby Moon.

MONDAY SEPTEMBER 17. New Moon at 25 Virgo occurs at 6:27 a.m. EDT. The Virgo cycle is about work, self-improvement, and health. Vacation is over, and we return to work, study, and our daily responsibilities—Virgo stuff.

This moon closely aspects Chiron, Venus, and Transpluto, all in fire signs. This shows a very active push for spiritual transformation. The alchemist is at work. This configuration also gives great charisma, and the ability to achieve one’s desires. Virgo is a grounding influence, and the fiery visions of spirit can be made manifest. Great creative effort exerted now can achieve great results.

Virgo is a sign of service. This includes labor, small businesses, anyone who serves the public, and the "services" (the military). Virgo can be a healer. So can Chiron. Chiron heals by moving us into new dimensions, where we are forced to realign ourselves. Venus in Leo has gold-plated desires, and is intent on fulfilling them. With Chiron, she will go for them in an unpredictable way.

Chiron is also connected with technology and space, and the thrust of this Virgo Moon, with the unassailable Leo Venus, is likely towards the creation of Star Wars by the U.S. government.

But we each have our own dreams and desires, recognized especially during the Leo moon cycle which we just completed. Virgo, the worker, can help us make them real during this next month.

Sharpening one’s skills, improving one’s techniques, exercising one’s sensitivities, and sharing in the work of the world are themes for this next month.

The Sabian Symbol for 25 Virgo is:

"A FLAG AT HALF-MAST IN FRONT OF A PUBLIC BUILDING. The social acknowledgment of a job well done and a destiny fulfilled. The symbol implies the ability to carry any task to its ultimate fulfillment, provided this task is carried out with reference to the need of a collectivity. PUBLIC RECOGNITIION."

I was startled to see the image of the flag at half-mast, for this Moon conjoins the fixed star Benetnash, the last star in the Great Bear. Its name means "hired mourners," and Ebertin says that a survey of this star over centuries associates it with the realm of the dead, especially in claiming human lives in calamities associated with earth movements, accidents, and catastrophes caused by weather.

Astro*Carto*Graphy shows this New Moon to be on the midheaven over eastern Europe, the Balkans, Greece, and central and southern Africa.

It rises in Washington DC, the Caribbean, and Central and South America, and is on the descendant in China and Indochina.

Other hotspots are Moscow, Israel, the entire Mideast, and the Philippines.

Moon goes VOC after it meets Sun. At 3:00 p.m. it enters Libra. Yes, Libra is drawn to socializing, but tonight we will be very sensitive and also willing to strike out. Arguments are possible. Best to walk away from them tonight. Futuristic movies or discussions might appeal.

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 18. Rosh Hashanah begins today, under the New Moon in Virgo cycle. But today Moon is in Libra, and we search for balance with others. Today and tomorrow morning are excellent days for making important connections. They will be successful.

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 19. We may have awakened early this morning with some new ideas and the urge to begin working on them. Artistic creativity is strong. At 12:38 p.m. Moon goes VOC. Have a long, sociable lunch—maybe a party—and gather again at 3:27 p.m. to regroup. Moon enters Scorpio then, headed for Mars and Neptune who together can make happenings out of Neptune’s images. Night will be intense and super-creative.

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 20. Feelings flow like water today. Deep water, for Moon is still in Scorpio. They tend to be good feelings, with perhaps a nostalgia for days past. Deep connections today bring good fortune. Tonight Venus enters Virgo to support service all over the world. Workers of the world, unite!

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 21. Moon continues in dynamic, creative Scorpio until 5:09 p.m. when it goes VOC until 7:02 p.m. We begin the day with an early morning wake-up call; Venus in Virgo is on the job! Energy moves very productively for the rest of the day. Tonight can be very loving—or possibly unloving. Take your choice.

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 22. Autumn Equinox, when Sun enters Libra, occurs at 7:05 p.m. EDT. Days and nights are equal at this moment, and then, in the northern hemisphere, the night force takes over. Days become noticeably shorter. In Minnesota, where I grew up, the first frosts came with the Equinox, followed by the sunny golden days of Indian summer.

The Autumn Equinox chart shows the energies which prevail during the next three months. This is the last quarter of the year, and this time is, instead of a last quarter moon, a last quarter sun. We are completing our year’s endeavors, readying to begin a new year at the Holiday season.

I first looked at the Astro*Carto*Graphy map, hoping that please, let Neptune not prevail over Washington DC as it did at the last Winter Solstice, Spring Equinox, and Summer Solstice. It doesn’t. What we have instead is an aggressive Sun-Mars square. At least consciousness tends to be clear with both of these planets, even though together they might look for a fight.

Sun squares Mars, Nodes, midheaven, and even Jupiter now, making for a turbulent season. Conscious purpose (sun) is infused with warrior energy (Mars and Jupiter). Destiny is invigorated, but at the same time it is very much challenged by consciousness. With Libra Sun, ideas of social justice and fairness will thwart and challenge self-righteousness.

All partnerships will be under pressure. Compassion and forgiveness will, paradoxically, help them to become more real and balanced. Working together is essential to channel the energy pouring into them. Conflict is, of course, another option. And an easy path when Mars is prominent, as now.

Co-star Moon, who represents our emotional needs, intimate lives, physical bodies, and in mundane terms, the people, is in philosophical Sagittarius. She is very tightly squeezed in next to Pluto and opposed by the Vesta-Saturn duo. On the one hand, plutonic power has a grip on her and inexorably pushes her into transformation. On the other hand, Vesta and Saturn are trying to resist and block that very transformation. Moon is under an enormous amount of pressure, and emotional discomfort will prevail. She will feel like a prisoner in the hands of fate.

In the chart set for Washington, Moon-Pluto are in the ninth house of overseas action. Mars is on the midheaven, inviting aggression from the world. And foggy Neptune IS involved with both Sun and Mars. For the last year the U.S. has not been able to see its way clearly, and has lived under illusion and denial—and this will continue—although now it will be more sharply challenged.

Service, and all Virgoan activities, are good outlets for frustrations, for Venus in Virgo has productive aspects, and when used in service can lead to satisfaction. Out of the murk, new creative helpful ideas will emerge. The bottom line is that we need nourishment from each other, and from the earth.

The Sabian Symbol for Moon at 14 Sagittarius is

"THE GREAT PYRAMID AND THE SPHINX. The enduring power of occult knowledge. The belief in an original tradition based on the perfect knowledge of the archetypal principles and forms which underlie all manifestations of life on this Earth. Such an archetypal knowledge remains the foundation upon which people’s minds can still build solid and valid formulations, as new evolutionary developments are pending. THE POWER OF SPIRITUAL ANCESTRY."

Sun ascends in China, descends in Washington DC and Cuba, and is on the nadir through Europe and western Africa, signifying new foundations there. The difficult Moon-Pluto-Vesta-Saturn complex runs through central Canada, United States, and Mexico—the NAFTA area. India and western Africa also feel it.

Tonight is sober, for we feel the implacable Saturn opposing emotional Moon.

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 23. Moon continues in Sagittarius with convivial, sociable aspects. We are still in the Equinox power window, and this would be a fine day for celebration of this seasonal change which ushers in autumn or spring, depending in which hemisphere you are. Enjoy nature and each other. Moon goes VOC at 8:32 p.m.

MONDAY SEPTEMBER 24. First Quarter Moon in Capricorn occurs at 5:31 a.m. EDT. Virgo likes this Moon, for her desire to work can find a home in Capricorn’s ambition and practicality. Moon has just picked up a lot of power from the Sagittarius gang, and she is ready to go. This is the real deal, breakthrough time regarding our big structural transformation—which is a process lasting acutely from last August 3 through next May 26, when we have a Lunar Eclipse in Sagittarius.

Sun in Libra says to take partnerships into account, to listen to others, but Moon will forge ahead with its Saturnian goals, filled by voices from the past as it conjoins South Node. Saturn in Gemini features business in the areas of communication, technology, and trade.

The Pluto-Vesta opposition is highlighted now. Vesta refers to our investments, those things to which we are attached. Pluto opposing it means that powerful forces enter and impel change in the land, money, and whatever represents an investment for us. Challenges to ownership are in the forefront.

Thinking about relationship balance is now undergoing deep transformation.

This is an active and powerful First Quarter, tied to tradition and the tried and true on one hand, and exploding that tradition on the other hand.

As the day moves on, love and creativity prevail, and Venus has her day in the sun.

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 25. Vesta has its exact opposition to Pluto today, while Moon continues in steady Capricorn. Vesta helps us focus. Think of looking at a candle flame as a help in going into a trance state. Vesta is also dedicated and disciplined and willing to work hard. There is a spiritual underpinning to Vesta. Think of vestal virgins in the temple—dedicated priestesses.

Pluto combines Vesta’s dedication with the need to evolve and transform. Demetra George says that this combination can signify a sense of destiny and personal commitment to the transformation of society.

Oppositions can always be used harmoniously, in cooperation, or inharmoniously, in conflict with one another. The given is that they must combine.

Demetra George further says that harmonious action gives the ability to focus and direct large amounts of energy to penetrate hidden and unknown realms. This aspect can signify a dedication to use personal power in the service of spiritual or social ideals.

On the other hand, stressful connections can point to conflicts between using one’s power for personal versus transpersonal ends. This may lead to the blocking of one’s power needs or releasing them destructively on a mass scale.

GW Bush has Vesta in visionary Aries, the sign of the Warrior. This is where he can focus and dedicate himself. It is connected to all of the outer planets, including an opposition to Neptune, which lead one into unusual pathways. Progressions now connect his Vesta solidly to the grounding influences of Saturn and Transpluto.

Ultimately, we are all guided by intention, and any aspect between planets can be used for good or ill. Intention is especially important with Vesta, because focus is her forte. The Vesta-Pluto connection is a very powerful one—dedication combined with the plutonic ability to transform at very deep levels. It can have a powerful healing or destructive impact, individually or socially.

And Vesta-Pluto is powerfully featured at this First Quarter Moon, setting the character of the great Saturn-Pluto realignment.

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 26. Saturn is featured as well, for it has stopped in the heavens (in relation to earth) and is ponderously reversing its direction to turn retrograde for the next four-plus months. Saturn signifies all traditional structures, as well as earth herself, and structure shifts of all kinds will be encouraged today. Saturn is especially the business of society, and we begin now to retrench and review the work of the world, including our own role in it.

We will be sensitive this morning, and may find ourselves irritated by others. At 10:38 a.m. Moon goes VOC. It enters Aquarius at 2:05 p.m. Both Capricorn and Aquarius are Saturn-ruled signs, and they will be especially affected by Saturn’s turn in direction.

That turn will, in fact, feel good. And its review and inner preparatory work will be successful. Perhaps it will take some pressure off of us.

Moon in Aquarius makes some very easy air trines for the next two days, and we will enjoy stimulating conversation and new ideas. We begin tonight sharing companionship.

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 27 and FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 28, Let freedom ring! We’re flying high, enjoying our independence. Idealism rules, and we share our ideals with others. A sense of community is strong.

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 29. Moon is in psychic Pisces today, and our thoughts are on love, compassion and an ideal world. Do spend time in nature, which is where our real groundedness manifests. Take some time for meditation, contemplation, and listening to inner guidance. There is much happening with us and our world now, and tuning into spirit can be helpful. Let beauty, truth, and goodness be our inspiration.

Mars conjoins Ceres today, to begin a two-year cycle in how we use our initiative to care for the world. The big subject here is corporate control of our food chain, for the sign is business-oriented Capricorn, and Ceres is the earth mother, concerned with every aspect of getting food to the table. (Ceres is the root of the word cereal.) The food chain is grossly out of balance, held in ransom to the big business Jupiter which today opposes this opposition. We now begin two years of working on this problem. Pisces Moon now can open us to spiritual guidance as we work on healing the food chain.

Active aspects extend throughout the night and into the early morning of tomorrow.

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 30. Moon is VOC in Pisces, and Neptune opposes Juno today. Idealism in relationships is super strong, and those yet those ideals are apt to be undercut or betrayed. Frequent reality checks are important in order to avoid feelings of disillusionment. One could feel—and be—victimized by events. This whole complex speaks of victimization and martyrdom. Confusion can cloud relationships. Nevertheless, you will be drawn into them. Try to simply be a witness. Try to avoid being pulled into the vortex of misunderstanding. This will be difficult, for Full Moon in Aries is approaching, and emotions are high.

A very curious situation prevails in the heavens today and tomorrow. Mercury is about to turn retrograde tomorrow—AT THE EXACT DEGREE WHERE IT TURNED DIRECT THE NIGHT OF THE ELECTION LAST NOVEMBER! This is the final degree of Libra, the sign of balance and justice. It is a highly sensitized degree, and we can expect a significant political event, perhaps a major review of last autumn’s election results.

Stay tuned for October!