MONTHLY SINCE 1999
ISSUE # 128
LIVING BY STARLIGHT
AN ASTROLOGICAL NEWSLETTER
OCTOBER 2009
AUTHORÕS NOTES:
IÕm glad the recession is over. IÕm only sorry that the depression isnÕt. We are in a very strange time in our history. Whenever Saturn opposes Uranus there is a desire to redistribute the wealth and to upset the status quo. Both have been done, but unfortunately, with a few exceptions, not in the way I had hoped. The society has always had a rift between the haves and the have-nots, but it seems that this discrepancy is widening, not shrinking. The rich are getting richer and taking advantage of the biggest sale in a century. Everything is a bargain now if you have the money. Stocks are rising, but of course they are. Ford can not stay at $3 a share and stay in business. How much of this rise is real and how much is manipulated will be seen in the coming months. This could be just another bubble waiting to pop. Companies are either showing profits, or losing less than was anticipated. And how are most of these companies turning themselves around? By cutting costs. In other words, by firing thousands of people. While the ÒbigÓ numbers show some sort of a recovery, it is only aiding those that already are well off. Unemployment is at horrendous levels. Dreams are being lost at an alarming pace. WhatÕs the going rate for dreams these days? Can you trade their futures?
The last time we had Saturn in opposition to Uranus was 1965-7. Lyndon Johnson, a man by all accounts, not that concerned with the common man when he entered office, suddenly announced his Òwar on povertyÓ and began to institute the so-called entitlement programs that many poorer Americans have relied on this past forty years. His transformation was a result of this powerful aspect we are currently under. The times make the man, and he certainly succumbed to the astrological influences of his time. Obama-care is this presidentÕs response to this aspect. Why is health care such a vehemently important issue now? Because Jupiter, planet of expansion, is conjunct Neptune, ruler of all health issues. This has helped create the swine flue scare, and enlarged the issues of health in all ways, including financial. Without health-care reform on a most aggressive scale this country is facing a catastrophe. Imagine any major health issue; say the resurgence of the pig flu in a mutated more virulent form. Now imagine the thousands of uninsured lined up for miles outside hospital emergency rooms. You damn well would see some reform then.
Capitalism, as it is now practiced, will be the death of humanity. Michael MooreÕs new movie: Capitalism, A Love Story, has not opened yet. But I donÕt need to see it to be convinced. For those of you who missed it, there was a picture on the front page of the N.Y. Times (yes, that communist rag) showing a section of Brazil with a tiny green spot in the middle of a huge brown area. That green spot is all that is left of the Amazon forest in that part of the country. The rest has been cut down and ground up as fast as manÕs machines can get the job done. It is the policy of the present government in that country to remove most, if not all of the old growth forests. And why, you may ask? To grow soybeans that will bring in more profits, which is what this form of capitalism demands. The fact that the removal of this forest could seriously further damage our environment world-wide doesnÕt matter in this capitalist system we now have. For those of you who still insist that global warming is a myth perpetrated by the left (though why they would do that has never been properly explained to me), you are in dispute with virtually the entire scientific community. There is no doubt that we are destroying our environment as fast as we can. So many crises loom in our immediate future itÕs hard to know which will be first. Without bees there is no pollination, and our food supply will disappear. The bees are freaking out. The difficulties in that industry are well known. Entire colonies are not returning to their hives, and nobody knows why. Our water supply has been so tainted that fresh drinking water could easily become a battle ground, especially in the southwest. There are areas of this country that are so polluted by a century of abuse they may never recover. Our food supply is so tainted and processed with chemicals we have no idea what we are eating. We have an epidemic of cancer that is untenable. The way to cure cancer is to prevent it, and you wonÕt do that with a polluted food and water supply. If we continue on this path we will all be eating Soylent Green in a few years.
I reiterate what I have said in this newsletter many times before. I am not against free enterprise, just the savage greed and pain it has produced. Having money is not a sin or a crime. I wouldnÕt mind being rich. It is what you do with it that matters. I have friends who are very wealthy and some who are very poor. Most fall in between. But the one trait all my friends have is that they care – about the planet and its inhabitants, or they wouldnÕt be my friends. Some are so generous they humble me. I would just like to see a saner approach to possessions and power.
As to the ongoing Civil War:
This is not one country – IÕm not sure it ever was. But one thing that this Saturn –Uranus opposition has pointed out quite clearly is just how different the two Americas are. One side wants legal abortions, a safety net for the poor, elderly and indigent, a sane set of gun laws and some sort of an equal playing field. The other side does not. This does not mean that I believe the Democrats are all honest or correct, lord knows some are not, but the issues have become very black and white, and they continue to push us towards one side or the other. The animosity between the two parties is palpable. I hear the arguments everywhere.
We now have a Supreme Court that leans so far to the right that they will inevitably push us further towards that split. Corporations control most of America. Now this court will decide if they should lift the ban on election contributions by corporations. But of course, that wonÕt influence elections (duh?). This court is handing more and more control of this country to big business. A small group of unseen moguls could control even more who gets elected and what laws are laid down. This is not hyperbole; it is the potential future of America. We are already in a struggle for the survival of our way of life. The middle class has become fodder to the system. Squeeze what you can out of the little guy in everyway possible.
In July 2010 we face some of the most harrowing aspects we have seen in years. I will continue to write about this looming event and will be lecturing soon regarding that period and what we may expect. That will be the last pass of Saturn opposite Uranus, with Pluto in square to that configuration. There are many issues that will be considered at that time, and any number of events that can set off what I expect will be a rather difficult period. Just a little food for thought: In July 2010 about 1 trillion dollars worth of commercial real estate loans come due. If those debts can not be covered we will be facing a crisis that would dwarf last yearÕs stock crashes.
NEW MOON:
The New Moon falls on Friday September 18th
at 2:44 P.M. EST at 25 degree Virgo 59 minutes. The New Moon is conjunct
Saturn, which indicates that this will be a month of restrictions and
limitations in many situations. There will be a sense of reality and most of us
will be concerned with our responsibilities and obligations. The Virgo energy
is very astute with details, and we will be paying attention to the little
things. This is a good time to deal with things that require a keen eye. Do be
careful not to be overly critical or too demanding. Virgo tends towards this
response in general, and with Saturn so close to the New Moon many of us will
be a bit overly crisp in out attitudes.
VENUS ENTERS VIRGO:
On Sunday September 20th at 9:32 A.M. EST the planet of love enters this mutable earth sign. Attention to detail will be heightened, and this placement is quite good for certain artists, artisans or anyone working in any business that requires a good eye. Be careful not to be too picky, especially in love relationships. That same ability to see details will point out things that maybe less than perfect in your partner. Try not to dwell on them.
MERCURY CONJUNCTS SATURN:
On Tuesday September 22nd at
5:08 A.M. EST we will all be thinking serious thoughts. This is not a good
day for social activities or light-hearted entertainment. Focus your energy on
work and obligations and you will use this force to your advantage. There is a
tendency to withdraw and put up walls, especially if this aspect sets off your
chart. It may be difficult for some people to shrug off their emotions this month,
and this transit can produce feelings of loneliness and isolation. Try not to
let any negative thoughts overwhelm you.
THE SUN ENTERS LIBRA:
Also on Tuesday September 22nd at 5:19 P.M. EST autumn begins. Libras live for relationships. This energy is the most couple oriented in the zodiac, and many single people will be looking for love (probably in all the wrong places). The need for balance and stability is very strong. Saturn is exalted in this sign for good reason. The best relationships are those that stand on firm ground. And with Saturn being the most prominent force in play this month, it is foundation and stability that we seek upon which to rest a love nest.
THE SUN SQUARES PLUTO:
On Wednesday September 23rd at
10:21 A.M. EST this difficult aspect completes. Many people will be looking
for trouble, and they should have no problem finding it. If you are not one of
them, try to steer clear of direct confrontations and power struggles. If this
sets off your chart you may not be able to avoid all conflicts, but you can
certainly decide how you will respond. Take a deep breath and then give your
answer. If not, you may say things you wish you hadnÕt.
MERCURY OPPOSES URANUS:
Also on Wednesday September 23rd
at 11:37 A.M. EST this nervous energy comes along. And speaking of saying
things you wish you hadnÕt, this is perhaps the most erratic and uncontrolled
mental transit. Thoughts will come quickly, and so will most responses. It is
easy to speak first and then think, so do try to pay attention. This can be a
very positive energy if you can keep up with what is going on around you.
Imaginations will be active, and new or unusual ideas may come to you. With
some discipline you can use this to help understand something that has been
confusing or you may come up with some unusual ways to work through your
problems. Of course the real difficulty is that most of us will be distracted
and have enough just to keep up with the pace of things. Use extra caution
while traveling. This is an argument or an accident waiting to happen. Why
should it happen to you?
MERCURY GOES DIRECT:
On Tuesday September 29th at
9:14 A.M. EST our winged god of mischief turns back around. For a day or
two there will be confusion, misdirection and lots of mistakes. Secrets come
out when Mercury changes direction in both ways, so keep your mouth shut and
your ears open. You may uncover some important information. Things will move
very quickly for a little while, so pay attention to what is going on around
you. Accidents are very common while this planet is changing direction, so use
extra care while traveling. This may feel a bit like the Mercury opposite
Uranus we experienced last week.
MERCURY SEXTILES MARS:
On Thursday October 1st at 2:02 A.M. EST this positive transit will complete for the first of three times. There will be a lot of force behind the words, but it is more assertive than aggressive. We should be able to use this energy in a constructive manner. Egos will be prominent and conversations quite lively. This is a good day to clean up any paperwork or move projects forward.
FULL MOON:
This monthÕs lunar peak occurs on Sunday October 4th at 2:10 A.M. EST at 11 degrees Aries 10 minutes. This Aries Full Moon demands respect. This is a powerful force that is by nature an initiator, and new projects or new directions taken in an ongoing situation will move forward in a positive way. Many of us will be looking for ways to assert our egos, which may create some disturbances or arguments. Mars, the god of war, rules this sign, and the peak energy that is being projected can turn nasty. Use caution and common sense and you can avoid most potential pitfalls.
MERCURY SEXTILES MARS:
Also on Sunday October 4th at 7:37
A.M. We experienced this on October 1st and due to the turn
around of Mercury it completes again today. The same holds true now and you
should use the excess mental energy this provides to your advantage.
MERCURY OPPOSES URANUS:
Also on Sunday October 4th at
5:06 P.M. this opposition returns. We had this aspect September 29th
(see above). Be careful and pay attention to what you are saying and doing.
Extra caution is called for, but with a little care this can be an exciting and
stimulating aspect. Watch your tongue and be careful while traveling.
MARS TRINES URANUS:
Also on Sunday October 4th at
7:37 A.M. this positive transit completes. There will be a lot of energy in
the air, but it can be used proactively and without fear. There is a need to
express individuality and to work without restrictions. Egos will be prominent,
and because Mercury is in opposition to Uranus today as well, you may have to
contend with some disagreements. But this aspect just wants the freedom to
express whatever is going on at the time and not to be tied down. This is not a
good day to be stuck at a desk. There is a need to roam freely, and you should
try to plan some time to do just that.
MERCURY CONJUNCTS SATURN:
On Thursday October 8th at 2:38
A.M. EST this pessimistic aspect comes along. We had this aspect on
September 22nd and the same holds true now. This is a day of serious
thoughts and deep concentration. There can be a tendency towards negative
thoughts, and it is easy to slip into depression or just to feel isolated. Try
not to let any pessimistic ideas overwhelm you. Stay busy enough and you wonÕt
even notice.
VENUS OPPOSES URANUS:
On Friday October 9th at 6:01
P.M. EST this rather strange opposition completes. This is a day when most
of us will be seeking new or unusual encounters. Romance in particular can take
a rather weird turn. You may become attracted to someone totally different from
you or from your usual taste. This will also be a day when concentration may be
difficult to come by. Uranus wants freedom more than anything else, so give it
some space to explore. Take in some unusual art or entertainment today. You may
be surprised at how much you like it.
MERCURY ENTERS LIBRA:
Also on Friday October 9th at 11:46 P.M. EST Mercury reenters Libra and a more passive voice will be heard. Mercury in Libra likes to get to the heart of the matter, but tend to be a bit less critical than in Virgo. Relationship issues will be prominent this month. ItÕs an opportunity to communicate more directly with each other. Discuss things. You can accomplish a lot through conversation.
THE SUN TRINES JUPITER:
On Saturday October 10th at 4:38
A.M. EST this very positive and optimistic energy comes along. The desire
to expand your consciousness is strong, and anything that increases your
knowledge or understanding will help. This is usually a social transit, but
with Mercury in square to Pluto later today there may be heaviness in the air.
MERCURY SQUARES PLUTO:
Also on Saturday October 10th at 2:43 P.M. EST this intense energy presents itself. Arguments and power struggles are common. If this hits a sensitive point in your chart you may find it difficult to avoid confrontations. But do your best and donÕt take the bait every time. There is a desire to delve deeply into any subject that comes up.
JUPITER GOES DIRECT:
On Tuesday October 13th at 12:36
A.M. EST the planet of growth and expansion begins to move forward once
again. Project and plans that have been delayed or frustrated may begin to pick
up steam. While retrograde this planet internalized that desire for growth and
helped the inner conversation. Now it is time to present that internal
expansion to the outside world. Travel will be easier now as well.
VENUS CONJUNCTS SATURN:
Also on Tuesday October 13th at
6:52 A.M. EST this wet-blanket completes. This is not a day for
socializing, but rather a time for work and conservation of money, time and
effort. Relationships will be seen in a realistic light. This is a good time to
examine your one on one connections and see them for what they are, not what
you wish they were.
VENUS SQUARES PLUTO:
On Thursday October 15th at 7:33
P.M. EST feelings will be intense and powerful. This is a day when
struggles in relationships can take a nasty turn, so think before you speak. A
tendency towards obsessive or compulsive reactions is common, and you should
know what you are getting into before you do so.
MARS ENTERS LEO:
On Friday October 16th at 11:33
A.M. EST the planet of ego enters this fixed fire sign. The ego and the
will are riding together, and some aggressiveness is to be expected. Since Mars
is the god of war, we watch its journey through the signs carefully. While in
Leo there could be much chest pounding and threats.
DARK OF THE MOON:
The next New Moon falls on Sunday October
18th at 1:33 A.M. EST at 24 degrees Libra 59 minutes. The day or two
leading up to it will be a particularly low energy period. If you tend to be
emotional this may be a very trying time each month. I have found that
people with prominent moons or a Cancer Sun, Moon or ascendant respond to the
cycles of the moon more intensely than others. Spend this time finishing up
anything that is incomplete, donÕt try to initiate new projects on a waning
moon, it just wonÕt work out. Once the New Moon hits you begin new projects or
attempt a new approach to an existing problem. If you have been living in a
situation or involved in a relationship that is intolerable or has outlived its
usefulness this would be the proper time to move on with your life. If you have
been working on a project that is almost complete but you seem to lack the
energy for the finality, you must push during these low energy days to end the
matter once and for all. If you donÕt, when the New Moon arrives it will bring
this ÒdeadÓ energy along with it and conflict with the newer force being
presented. Each month we are offered a chance to clean house, so to speak.
Note: All aspects are most powerful and
effective as they apply. Once the transit has completed, its force is lessened.
The further it separates the weaker it becomes.
Below is a list of times this month
when the Moon is Void of Course and neither important decisions nor purchases
should be made during these periods. The Void of Course Moon is a time when we
should try to center ourselves and deal with spiritual matters not
materialistic ones. Any decisions made on the VC Moon will not turn out the way
we had expected.
The Moon is Void of Course from the time it makes its last major aspect in a sign until it enters the next sign. For example, if the Moon squares Mars at 27 degrees Aries and then has no more aspects until it enters Taurus it will be Void of Course for three degrees or about 6 hours. The aspects used are the conjunction, sextile, square, trine, and opposition.
All times are Eastern Daylight:
September 18th 7:56 P.M. – 9:26 P.M.
September 20th 2:44 P.M. – September 21st 12:52 A.M.
September 22nd 11:32 P.M. – September 23rd 7:43 A.M.
September 25th 10:15 A.M. – 6:19 P.M
September 27th 11:33 P.M. – September 28th 7:07 A.M.
September 30th 7:35 A.M. – 7:26 P.M.
October 2nd 11:29 P.M. – October 3rd 5:21 A.M.
October 5th 1:46 A.M. – 12:33 P.M.
October 7th 1:19 P.M. – 5:46 P.M.
October 9th 9:35 P.M. – 9:48 P.M.
October 11th 9:37 P.M. – October 12th 1:02 A.M.
October 13th 5:21 P.M. – October 14th 3:45 A.M.
October 16th 6:18 A.M. – 6:39 A.M.
Mitchell Scott Lewis
September 2009
New York City
(212) 726-3814
Copyright 2009
All Rights Reserved