Autumn Equinox 2020 arrives on September 22 at 9:31a EDT, 6:31a PDT and 13:31 UTC

It is Spring Equinox for those in the Southern Hemisphere which is on September 22 at 11:31p AEDT

EarthSky has All you need to know about the Equinox and Mental Floss has Traditions associated with the Equinoxes (Article is from 2014 but info is good background)  China and Vietnam celebrate the Moon Festival which is on the full moon nearest to the equinox, and in the Pagan tradition this Equinox is called Mabon.

The September Equinox marks the beginning of this new season and the chart for the Equinox indicates astrological trends for the season. Here is the Equinox chart cast for Washington, DC.

This equinox marks the moment the Sun enters Libra each year and this year Venus, ruler of Libra, shines brightly in fire sign Leo – a regal queen at the top of the chart. (Note this is for the DC chart, in other parts of the world Venus will be in different house placements.) The Moon, which represents the public mood, is in fire sign Sagittarius vibrating nicely to Venus and to Chiron in Aries too. Messenger Mercury is well balanced in airy Libra and makes a perfect trine to the karmic North Node in Gemini. Jupiter, Pluto and Saturn remain congregated in Capricorn. Jupiter just turned direct  (on 9/12) while Pluto and Saturn are still retrograde. Mars, retro now in fierce Aries, forms a tense square to these important planets and an opposition to Mercury who in turn squares Saturn and Pluto. The outer planets of Uranus and Neptune are still retrograde (which adds up to 5 major planets moving backward as the season begins). Uranus in Taurus makes a loose square to Venus. Inconjuncts or quincunx are a major feature in the Equinox chart.  Neptune in Pisces has no major aspects to any planet, but does form an itchy quinqunx to Venus, so does Jupiter in Capricorn, and the Moon inconjuncts Uranus.

Major news here in the US lines up with these dynamic Equinox factors. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg died on 9/18 right before the Equinox and on the eve of Rosh Hashana which in the Jewish tradition indicates a person of great righteousness.

Ginsburg  (RBG) was the second woman to be appointed to the Supreme Court where she sat for 27 years. RBG was loved and admired by all for her fierce spirit, even with several bouts of cancer she valiantly sat on the court through it all.  She is an inspiration especially to young women and girls who look up to her as a role model. Her wisdom and wry sense of humor will be sorely missed.

In the Equinox chart RBG can be seen as Venus in Leo and when you understand that a quincunx (weird word fitting a convoluted aspect) indicates the planets involved don’t understand each other (basically live in different realities entirely!) it is easy to see how this is manifesting. The divisive politics between Republicans and Democrats is bad enough and worse now leading up to the US election on 11/3, and with Ginsburg’s death leaving a vacancy on the Supreme Court the polarization has ratcheted up to another level.

It was reported that RBG’s last words were, “My most fervent wish is that I will not be replaced until a new president is installed.” The Democrats say honor Ginsburg’s dying wish to wait until after the election (only 43 days away) to appoint a new Justice, while the Republicans are saying full steam ahead – appoint one immediately! As many point out, a very hypocritical position since the Republicans fought and won against Obama appointing a new Justice 9 months before the election as this article Battle lines drawn on precedent in Supreme Court fight points out. Which reminds me of a quote by another significant wit, “P oliticians and diapers must be changed often and for the same reason.” ~ Mark Twain.

Two of inconjuncts in the Equinox chart involve Venus. Jupiter in Capricorn on the downside represents the fear based need of status quo power moguls (and your own inner control freak too) to expand harsh control, as the old structures are crumbling around them. Neptune ideally tunes into higher, refined vibrations but also represents delusion and confusion. The inconjunct with Neptune in Pisces represents confusion which leads to public willingness to turn over power to a stronger person who makes the choices for them. Jupiter is moving forward again in the Equinox chart, therefor more potent, while Neptune is still off in retrograde land, so his influence is weaker. Neptune turns direct on 11/28, after the US election, so time will tell if the public finally wakes up from their delusionary  dreams. Interesting to note that RBG has both Sun and Venus in Pisces, both near the degree where Neptune is now. See her chart at Astrothem e. To get an idea about Neptune, here is a fun and witty article by astrologer Matthew Currie, Neptune In Pisces And “Fake News”: Fact Check Yourself Before You Wreck Yourself

Mars in Aries is both motivational and formidable and even while retrograde shows up as a major player in the Equinox chart. On the Equinox Mars forms a tense 90 degree angle to Saturn and Pluto and pushes his testy self on Jupiter too. This challenging aspect repeats the same squares active since August – the major explosion in Beirut on 8/4 happened when Mars tightly squared Jupiter. At the same time Mercury in Libra is opposite Mars retro and also squares Saturn and Pluto forming a wobbly T-square.

Libra is the sign of fair play and equality for all whose symbol is the Balanced Scales of Justice. Mercury in Libra is ethical and high minded while Mars in Aries says, “Self First!” damn the consequences. Oppositions are not negative, they play off against each other and ideally come to a balance combination. However when a T-Square is involved it stresses things and is more challenging to resolve.  This again highlights the difficulty to find resolution between the entrenched polarization of our current time. Not just in politics but in the divided responses to covid restrictions, environmental concerns and the current  BLM protests and other uprisings throughout the world. Is a resolution possible soon? It looks difficult given the Equinox dynamics.

One last Equinox aspect to look at is another quincunx, this one is very tight from the Moon in Sagittarius to Uranus retro in Taurus. Moon indicates public emotions while Uranus is like a huge cell tower tuning into revolutionary change. The Moon in galloping centaur Sagittarius, indicates that people are in a rowdy mood, up for anything!  Taurus is a conservative sign, slow to embrace change, but when Uranus is in Taurus  (once every 84 year) he says, change is here, ready or not! Taurus rules nature and planet Earth and Uranus in Taurus was a big trigger for the pandemic. Uranus is retro (until 1/14/21) and his revolutionary power is more restrained now, so the Sagittarius Moon can trample right over Uranus’ green Taurus meadows without a thought. Like more rage parties in park lands over the Fall if covid restrictions continue, which considering the other aspects it looks like these constraints will maintain through the season.

At the personal level , the Equinox energies if not outright challenging, (unless you have a lot of Capricorn and Aries in your birth chart, if this is you get a reading already!) are certainly an itchy fit, like those annoying face masks we’re tired of wearing. When you feel frustrated and stuck in place look to Venus in Leo, the most creative sign going! She says don’t focus on the whacked up outer world, instead concentrate on making your own personal world more creative and joyful. Inspire yourself and the ones you share space and time with to have more fun and to be joyful. Communicator Mercury in Libra also encourages you to be more creative and to find beauty wherever you can to balance out the media noise and helps you remember to let go of judgement and have more empathy for your fellow humans. Do tap into the optimism of the Sagittarius Moon and find inspiring places to (respectfully!) roam and enjoy, and amidst Autumn beauty all of this is easier to do! Here is a quote to inspire you from Thich Nhat Hanh, born with Sun in Libra, The present moment is filled with joy and happiness. If you are attentive, you will see it. ~ Thich Nhat Hanh

And for more uplifting inspiration here is the latest painting from my sister Heni Sandoval painted for this year’s International Day of Peace on September 21st, called Soaring Dove of Peace.

May you and yours have an uplifting Autumn season filled with beauty and peace!

Astrology 101 – Outer Planets, How we integrate their meaning

Astrology 101 – Podcast with the Wisdom Coalition

Astrology of the Soul – Golden Rose Psychic Radio podcast

Astrology Overview for 2015  Golden Rose Psychic Radio podcast

Aspects Defined

Auto Astrology –  Finding your perfect car in the stars

Autumn Equinox 2019

Autumn Equinox 2018

Autumn Equinox 2017

Autumn Equinox 2016

Autumn Equinox 2015

Autumn Equinox  2014

Autumn Equinox 2013

Cosmic Week! And My Upcoming Event

Dream Work Made Easy – Golden Rose Psychic Radio Show 10/14/15

Dreamweavers – Dream Interpretation Information

Eclipse – Radio Show – and the Progressed Chart

Galactic Center 26-27 Degrees Sagittarius

Golden Rose Psychic Radio Podcast: An Evening with Astrologer and Tarot Master Melissa Stratton – Interview only  – Full show link

Golden Rose Psychic Radio Podcast:  Dream a Little Dream of Me – Dream Analysis part 2

Golden Rose Psychic Radio Interview  Podcast: Dream Analysis Part 1

Golden Rose Psychic Radio Interview  Podcast  Spiritual Astrology: Those Heavenly Messages

Houses of the Birth Chart

Join me on the Radio Thursday 2/25 for Astrology 101 and More

Jupiter – the Power of Jupiter in Scorpio

Jupiter in Libra 2016-17

Jupiter in Virgo August 11, 2015 through September 9, 2016

Jupiter Enters Leo July 16, 2014

Mars Retrograde ***NEW***

Mercury Retrograde

Merry Solstice Orbs

Modes in Astrology: Cardinal, Fixed, Mutable

Moon Signs

Neptune in Pisces – 19th and 21st Ce ntury Transits  ***Updated***

Regaining Balance – Making sense of the Election

Rising Sign – what it reveals in your birth chart

Saturn Retrograde ***NEW***

Saturn in Scorpio

Solar Eclipse, Solar Flares, Spring Equinox March 20, 2015

Spring Equinox 2020

Spring Equinox 2019

Spring Equinox 2018

Spring Equinox 2017

Spring Equinox 2016

Spring Equinox 2014

Summer Solstice 2020 ***NEW***

Summer Solstice 2019

Summer Solstice 2018

Summer Solstice 2017

Summer Solstice 2016

Summer Solstice 2015

Summer Solstice 2014

Summer Solstice 2013

US Presidential Election 2016 – Astrology at Work

Venus in Aries

Venus Retrograde 2017

Venus Retrograde 2015

Venus Transits of the 19th Century

Welcome Sun in Sagittarius!

Winter Solstice 2019

Winter Solstice 2018

Winter Solstice 2017

Winter Solstice 2016

Winter Solstice 2015

Winter Solstice 2014

Winter Solstice 2013

Year of the Black Water Snake

Mars Retrograde

2020: Mars turns retrograde on September 9 at 28° Aries and returns to 15° Aries on  November 13, 2020

Read more about Mars and how to view it at EarthSky:
It’s time to start watching Mars

Here is an example of the current Mars Aries retro and how this affects sports:
NFL struggles with message of ‘unity’ in opening week

Mars was the god of war for the Romans and through the years war-like attributes became associated with planet Mars. In Astrology Mars has come to represent the aggressive principle. Fearless Mars is courageous, reckless and driven by passion. Mars indicates action generally, along with motivation, your “get up and go”.  Mars is associated with physical energy, willpower, intense focus, determination, anger and all aggressive instincts. Mars also governs men and traditionally male dominated activities like sports, police, the military, war and testosterone driven male energy in general especially young men.

In your own birth chart Mars reveals how you go about getting what you want and need, your personal energy patterns and passion – your own distinctive style of moving through life. Mars in the birth chart for women also reveals the type of men you attract into your life and for men Mars indicates your male role models and the type of male friends you attract.

Mars takes around 2 years to travel the full zodiac wheel and once during this period appears to slow down and back up in orbit. In comparison, every other planet retrogrades every year (except Venus). When Mars turns retrograde it orbits closer to Earth and shines more brightly in the night sky making its influence stronger.  Mars usually stays in a sign 6-8 weeks, but when retro it stays in a sign for around 6 months.

On 9/9/20  Mars goes retrograde for the first time since June 26, 2018.  Mars stays retro for 2 months, turning around at 28° Aries and reversing to 15° Aries before moving direct again on 11/13/20. Mars rules pioneering fire sign Aries and is the co-ruler of powerful water sign Scorpio so these two signs tend to be the most affected by Mars retrograde and people with Sun, rising sign or other significant planets at the degrees Mars retrogrades through need to be more aware of Mars retro effects too.

When Mars travels in his own sign of Aries it emphasizes the positive Aries traits of breaking through barriers and trail blazing leadership for the rest of us to follow. Mars in Aries is valiant, filled with courage and has ability to leap first and figure out how to land on the way down. Mars in Aries understands you must get things off your chest in spite of the consequences, which leads to the downside qualities. Untamed Mars/Aries is bombastic, abusive and narcissistic.

When Mars goes retrograde in Aries it becomes very important to be more aware of how all these qualities manifest in your own life, to dig deeper and become more conscious so that you can manage this energy better. Here’s a quote from Peter Coyote born with Mars retro in Aries, who seems to have realized this, Where I didn’t have the maturity and the compassion to consider other people’s needs, I did a lot of damage . ~ Peter Coyote

When a planet is retrograde the energy is more internalized, and when active Mars reverses if not handled appropriately energy can back up and implode. Think of Mars retrograde as a classic muscle car speeding down the highway when suddenly the red engine light comes on. You’ve got to pull over to figure out what the situation is or risk engine failure. It means you need to slow down and pay attention to figure out what needs to be done to get your energy moving again. It only becomes a problem if you ignore the indicator eventually causing major damage.

Mars retro can mean things which were going full steam ahead get off track for a while or seem to dissipate altogether. They will come back though, and like the muscle car metaphor, if problems aren’t dealt with during the retro phase things do move forward again, but the problems continue too and can get worse!

Mars retrograde in the birth chart needs interpretation because it can indicate different things, depending upon what sign and house it is in and how Mars relates to the rest of the planets in the birth chart (the aspects involved). For example Mars retrograde in the first house could indicate early life health problems held the person back from physical activity and if Mars is in a water sign (Cancer, Scorpio or Pisces) it might mean emotional issues arising from this setback take a long time for the person to get over. But if Mars retro is in a fire sign (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius) the person has more ability to bounce back and move forward more easily.

I like this article by astrologer Nadia Gilchrist Mars Retrograde in the Natal Chart: When Yang Energy Goes Yin Here is an excerpt: “ Its energy is internalized. Think about what Mars stands for: moving forward, being aggressive, starting something. This is true no matter what sign it’s in. If there is an internal focus, you’re going to express its energy very differently. You’re rebelling, but it’s an internal rebellion. A common misconception is that Mars retrograde is weak. This is simply not true; its energy is redirected .”

Mars retro in the birth chart can also indicate a delayed start in life for any number of reasons such as having no male role model in early life so that getting in touch with traits like will power, the ability to initiate and learning how to handle aggressive instincts takes longer to achieve or is never actualized at all. And for a women it can mean their early male role models (or lack of any) gave them a fractured concept about men so they tend to choose inappropriate men to bond with along with all the problems that brings.

Mars retrograde can also mean the person’s timing is off kilter. They might hesitate to take a chance at something when the time is lined up for them, then when they finally do get up the nerve circumstances have changed so things don’t manifest for them.  It could also be outer conditions delay them or get in the way. For example a young person is ready to leave for college, but a parent dies or gets an illness so the person feels the responsibility to stay home to help out and their education is put off and may not resume until much later if at all.

Having Mars retrograde does not mean lack of success however.  Many famous people who have achieved much were born with Mars retro. Mozart, born with Mars retro in Cancer, was a child prodigy and musical genius for all time. Mikhail Baryshnilkov considered one of the greatest ballet performers ever, has Mars retrograde in Virgo, and basketball legend Michael Jordan has Mars, which rules sports, retro in Leo. Joan Crawford who is ranked as number ten among the greatest female stars of all time by The American Film Institute, was born with Mars retro in Libra which rules glamor and the arts.  Judy Garland whose fame began in young age and is still known world wide as Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz has Mars retrograde in Sagittarius. These famous examples let us know that Mars retrograde may actually help individuals dig deeper to find their inner passion and strength of purpose, and when they do, their achievements can be astounding!

This current Mars retrograde is an excellent time to go deeper to find your own passion and discover more about your own motivations. And since Mars retros in his own sign of Aries there is even greater emphasis on discovering your inner flame which will light the fire of your next project, life plan and better realization of your life’s purpose.  Mars retro in Aries says dig deeper then get going!

Here is a list of other famous people born with Mars Retrograde from the Celebrity Astro Search Engine from Astro Seek . A great resource especially if you’d like to do your own research. One interesting thing I noticed when I listed these Mars retro people by sign, is that certain signs have many famous people born with Mars retrograde while others had few, like Taurus and Aquarius. Seems like a good subject to do some more research about, maybe while Mars is retro!

People tell me I’m from Mars all the time . ~ Joni Mitchell, born with Mars retrograde in Gemini.

Famous People born with Mars Retrograde

In Aries
O’Henry
Elia Kazan
Bernie Sanders
Peter Coyote
Otis Redding
Paul Simon
Art Garfunkel
Tom Fogerty
Anne Rice
Chubby Checker
Anne Tyler
Cass Elliot
Sally Kirkland
Anne Seymour
Eddie Steeples

In Taurus:
Bram Stoker
Louisa May Alcott
Leon Trotsky
Chuck Berry
Richard Crenna
Louise Hay
Lee Grant
Jamie Lee Curtis
Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio
Neve Campbell

In Gemini
Ludwig van Beethovan
Franklin D. Roosevelt
Virginia Woolf
Martin Luther King, Jr
Ben Kingsley
Sam Sheppard
Joni Mitchell
Billie Jean King
Tim Robbins
Jim Morrison
Viggo Morgensteen

In Cancer
Mozart
William S. Burroughs
Noam Chomsky
Mikhail Gorbachev
David Lynch
Dolly Parton
Diane Keaton
Kenneth Branagh
JuliannaeMoore
Wayne Gretzky
Daryl Hannah
Ashton Kutcher
Tara Reid

In Leo
Benjamin Disraeli
James Dean
Robert Duvall
Rip Torn
Boris Yeltzin
James Earl Jones
Claire Bloom
Eckhart Tolle
Dianne Wiest
Billy Crystal
James Taylor
Jennifer O’Neill
Steven Tyler
Bernadette Peters
Michael Jordan
Seal

In Virgo
Henry Wordsworth Longfellow
Rasputin
Clarke Gable
William Holden
Bing Crosby
Betty Ford
Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Michael Caine
Phillip Roth
Kim Novak
Barbara Hersey
Yoko Ono
Nina Simone
Alice Cooper
Mikhail Baryshnikov
Robert Downey junior
Martin Lawrence
Sarah Jessica Parker
Chelsea Clinton
Christina Ricci
Zooey Deschanel

In Libra
Sigmund Freud
Irving Berlin
Pope John Paul II
Joan Crawford
Ida Lapino
Anais Nin
Peggy Lee
Dudley Moore
Eric von Daniken
Cybill Shepherd
Peter Gabriel
Karen Carpenter
Bobby McFerrin
Tim McGraw
Seth Rogen
Kirsten Dunst

In Scorpio
Harriet Beecher Stowe
Henry Fonda
Robert Penn Warren
Ravi Shankar
Morgan Freeman
Colleen McCullough
Sally Kellerman
Waylon Jennings
Liam Neeson
David Byrne
Mary McDonnell
Steven Seagal
Marilu Henner
David Icke
Mark Zuckerburg
Emily Beecham
Sophia Turner

In Sagittarius
Czar Nicholas I
Ho Chi Minh
Stan Laurel
Judy Garland
George Talei
Roger Zelazney
Saddam Hussein
Christopher Lee
Bill Blass
Pierre Cardin
George Carlin
Jack Nicholson
Angela Merkel
Hugo Chavez
Cate Blanchette
Steffi Graff
Anne Heche
Ricky Scaggs
Ice Cube
Peter Dinklage
Wes Anderson

In Capricorn
Thomas Mann
Annie Oakley
Robert Heinlein
Frida Kahlo
Barbara Stanwyck
Wes Craven
Peter Bogdanvich
George Hamilton
Ginger Baker
Valerie Harper
Kathleen Turner
Sonja Sotamayor
Freddie Prinze
Jim Belushi
Shia Lebeau
Lindsey Lohan
Cody Lightening
Elijah Kelley
Mary-Kate Olsen
Kellie Pickler

In Aquarius
Haile Selassie
Mae West
Lauren Bacall
Buddy Hackett
Martin Freeman
Allison Krauss
David Arquette
Jason Loesenstein

In Pisces
Art Tatum
James Baldwin
Carroll O’Connor
Fess Parker
Phyllis Shafly
Theresa May
Linda Hamilton
Kim Cattrall
Debbie Boone
Adam Arkin
Maren Jensen
Gary Cole
David Copperfield
Tsai Ing-wen
Quvenzhané Wallis

The 2020 Summer Solstice arrives on Saturday, June 20 at 5:44 p.m. EDT 2:44 p.m. PDT and 21:44 UT

It is Winter Solstice for those in the Southern Hemisphere which is on Sunday June 21 at 7:43 a.m. AEST

The June Solstice is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere and is when the Sun enters the sign of Cancer each year.  It is Winter solstice in the Southern Hemisphere. This year within hours of the Solstice moment there is a Solar Eclipse, a beautiful Annular ring of fire eclipse .  The Farmers Almanac has good Solstice facts and folklore and EarthSky does too, and due to covid restrictions for the first time in history people will not be able to celebrate in person at Stonghenge but will be able to celebrate virtually so let’s meet there!

Here is the chart for the Solstice cast for Washington, DC.

The Solstice chart is the birth chart for this new season and indicates trends to expect. The Sun is always at 0* Cancer at the Solstice and this year  Mercury is also in Cancer moving retrograde. The New Moon and Solar eclipse a few hours after the Solstice occurs at 0* Cancer too, making this a more potent Solstice. The Moon is the ruler of Cancer and she is in Gemini at the Solstice near the karmic North Node. Venus is in Gemini too and like Mercury is retrograde along with 3 other planets – Pluto, Jupiter and Saturn also moving backward at the Solstice with Neptune turning retro 2 days after the Solstice, a total of 6 retrograde planets! Not surprising in this strange year of 2020. Uranus turns retro on 8/15 and Mars does too on 9/9 continuing the backed-up energy this season.

Cancer is a healing, loving water sign filled with emotion and rules family specifically mothers and children. When the Sun arrives at Cancer family relationships become emphasized. When you are part of a loving family this feels wonderful and you appreciate your family more than ever. Mercury represents communication and in Cancer adds to this, but when retrograde messages of love and concern become more internalized and harder to express. Consider the pandemic restrictions this year and the pictures of family members outside windows of elderly relatives in nursing homes that can’t be visited, and loved ones dying of covid without family by their side and you get the idea. Love has to be expressed differently.

The Moon in the Solstice chart represents the mood of the public and is more significant because Moon is Cancer’s ruling planet. This year she is in Gemini, the sign associated with average people going about their daily lives. The Lunar Nodes recently shifted to Sagittarius South Node and Gemini North Node the signs they’ll be in until January 2022. The South Node is energy that needs to be integrated and moved away from while North Node indicates the new  direction that must be followed in order to evolve.

To have the Moon right at the North Node on the Solstice reveals what people are longing to do now – get back to their ‘normal’ lives and routines, but is this even possible in these times? The nodes shift every 19 years and the last time the nodes were in Sagittarius/Gemini was from October 2001 – April 2003, which means they shifted only a month after 9/11/2001 another time the public mood was agitated and emotional. A case can be made that nothing went back to normal then either, public surveillance increased exponentially and the police forces began to be more militarized Here we are full circle reaping what was sown.

Energizing this further, at the Solstice moment the Moon has a major clash with Mars in Pisces, forming a 90* tight angle. Mars = energy and in Pisces energy becomes foggy and confusing, like all the mixed information around the pandemic which has the public (Moon) still confused – Is it safe yet? What can I, should I, do or not do?! Satellite Neptune is also in Pisces and is part of this challenge too, the public is trying to tune in, but mostly all they get is wavy fuzz.

At the Solstice Venus is in Gemini and also retrograde. Venus in Gemini is light and airy and loves to have fun, but is trying to figure out just what it means to have fun with a deadly pandemic still hanging its blade above everyone’s heads! Lord of Structure Saturn is in air sign Aquarius on the Solstice and plays well with Venus, reaching out a helpful angle (trine) reminding folks that we can still connect via the electronic tools and online airwaves which Aquarius rules. Saturn is in reverse too and will re-enter Capricorn on 7/1, but the fact he is in Aquarius on the Solstice is an indicator of the continued necessity to keep social distancing, working from home etc. particularly as work places begin to open up, and also represents a new structure of freedom is taking hold that the powers that be are going to have a hard time containing!

The Black Lives Matter protests moving across the US and the world are a major indication of this energy. Mars rules police and has been in Pisces since May 14. Mars in Pisces promotes peace and cooperation and rejects rabid, out of control police force.  The ongoing protest marches began on May 26 when George Floyd was murdered by police, just 12 days after Mars arrived in Pisces. These clashes are not likely to end, and may escalate with opposing rallies of pro gun racist white supremacist groups rearing up , as just happened in Bethel, Ohio. This is because on the Solstice, Mercury and Chiron in volatile Aries form a tense clash which began on June 4 repeats at the Solstice as Mercury backs up and remains active through July 25 after Chiron turns retro on July 11.  Chiron represent wounds and was also in Aries when the Civil Rights Act was made law in the US and the beginning of  better race relations was the hope then. Now decades later that hope seems like a dream that never manifested as the BLM supporters march to make it known to the world.

Chiron was in Aries on the Summer Solstice last year too. Here is what I wrote then:  “Chiron in Aries is begging us to turn a key into new ways of action. Let us hope we have learned that war, death and destruction never achieve a lasting positive solution. Cancer at its highest vibration is unconditional love. The challenge for now is cultivating ability to act from this beautiful vibration, versus knee-jerk reactions from old limiting belief structures”

Perhaps for individuals this challenge was met and the months of sheltering at home was a catalyst to leave limiting structures behind. But at systemic, public policy levels nothing changed and much went backward.  It’s interesting to note the tern ‘knee-jerk’ unfortunately relates to current police policies which kill and which protesters call out to change.

Potent Pluto and expansive Jupiter are both retrograding and stationed together in Capricorn on the Solstice. This powerful meeting began on March 29, as the world was thrust into pandemic lockdown and is repeating at the Solstice which means this conjuction is in operation throughout this season and continues through most of the rest of the year.

2020 began with major Capricorn influence and this Pluto/Jupiter conjunction on the Solstice keeps up the pressure as this new season begins, and echos the once in 500 year conjunction of Pluto and Saturn in January. As I wrote then, ” When these 2 planets come together in Capricorn, powerful heads roll and decaying, rigid structures crumble!” Well here we are 6 months later and mighty Jupiter and powerful Pluto make sure the rocking and rolling of old structures continues!

Change Agent Uranus maintains his position in Taurus and stands alone with no close relationship to the other planets at the Solstice except for a loose square to Saturn in Aquarius.  Uranus is the planet of revolution and has been in Taurus since March 2019. Taurus rules nature and mother earth and Uranus is noted for pulling the rug out from underneath to create change, so was also a major trigger to the coronavirus strain that swept the world and locked humans down. And what happened when humans had to cease their polluting ways – nature and the natural world flourished!

At the Solstice Uranus stands aloof as if watching what will happen now that humans are easing out into the world again. His square to Saturn is loosening even further because Saturn is set to re-enter Capricorn on July 1. However, stay tuned because this square becomes tight and active beginning in February 2021. It is then we’ll begin to see results of the new structures forming.

There is good news too! This week leading up to the Solstice the US Supreme Court made some unexpected and progressive rulings. In a major victory for the LGBT community, on June 15 the Court ruled that Federal Civil Rights Act protects gay, lesbian and transgender workers .  Then on June 18 the Court blocked the elimination of DACA i nstituted under the the Obama administration which protected against deportation of the “Dreamers” children born in the US to undocumented immigrants, which the Trump administration wanted to end. Both rulings were unexpected under this current Supreme Court which appeared to lean heavily to the right after two Trump administration  appointees.

This is the plus side of Venus and the Moon in Gemini at the Solstice. Gemini is associated with youth, like the Dreamers, and is also connected to Pride month in June, ruled by Gemini. Gemini is also a sign of flexibility which the Supreme Court seems to be exercising. May it continue to be so!

Emotions never get locked down and at the personal level the Solstice energies encourage you to continue exploring the deeper revelations you’ve gained during the months of pandemic restrictions and make stronger your bond of love with family and friends too. You have help to recognize your tribe of like minded people and also to expand further to realize that your tribe is the whole human family. There is strong energy urging you to move beyond old limiting structures and to leave hatred and violence behind and embrace Love one another as a plan of action for life!

It is a time to remember the words of Nelson Mandela, born with Sun in Cancer, who said, Our human compassion binds us the one to the other – not in pity or patronizingly, but as human beings who have learnt how to turn our common suffering into hope for the future. ~ Nelson Mandela

Saturn Retrograde

NOTE: Saturn’s next retrograde phase begins on May 10 through September 28, 2020. Saturn is stationed at 1°57” Aquarius when he turns retro on 5/10, returns to Capricorn on 7/1 and moves forward again on 9/28 at 25° Capricorn.

Saturn takes 29.4 years to travel the Solar System and once every year turns retrograde for around 4 1/2 months. Saturn is the second largest planet in the solar system, a beautiful planet with its famous rings. CoolCosmos has good info about Saturn.

In astrology Saturn represents form, function, discipline and governs worldly authority structures like government and corporate bureaucracies and bureaucracies in general. Saturn creates boundaries and requires discipline. We chaff at Saturn’s demands, but we need boundaries and discipline or nothing would ever get accomplished. Saturn is like the stern teacher we hated, but we learned how to write a good term paper! Saturn is the ruler of the third Earth sign, Capricorn and rules the knees along with the skeleton  – the inner supporting structure of the body, and the connective tissues of the body, like ligaments and skin – the ultimate boundary of the body!

Saturn turns retrograde every year so it’s not an unusual occurrence. When Saturn turns retro we all need to work a bit harder to stay focused on goals, and look inward to find order in your life because external structure may be illusive.  Saturn is known as the Lord of the Material World so when Saturn backs away our sense of grounded structure feels less solid you have to work a bit harder to stay focused on your larger goals, dig a little deeper to find order in your life and might notice you have more trouble sticking to disciplined routines. Saturn rules Capricorn who tend to feel the effects of Saturn retro more, but as the 2nd largest planet Saturn affects everyone.

Saturn enters a new sign around 29-30 years and stays in each sign for 2 1/2 years. At personal levels when Saturn transits your Sun sign, called the Saturn Return (at ages 28-30 and again at 57-59) it is a significant time when you must look at the structure of your entire life and determine what you want the next 30 years of your life to be like. You must consider the structures you need to build or shore up and make stronger for a better life and also recognize any framework you need to tear down in order to progress positively in the years to come.

When Saturn turns retrograde and re-crosses your Sun sign degree (and is also significant if Saturn crosses over  your Rising Sign again) you have more time to review this restructuring process. And if you have not been disciplined enough to do the life review Saturn requested when he first contacted this point, when Saturn retrogrades back again you might feel like you are being boxed in until you figure things out! Here’s the deal – when you do the work Saturn demands you get more strength and extra stamina, but if you ignore Saturn his other alias the Lord of Karma gets into gear and pushes you to a place you might not want to go! So the best advice is to go along with Saturn and do the necessary work, then like that stern teacher you get and A+ with a gold star.

I chose this image of the Cheshire Cat from the exhibit at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens – Imaginary Worlds Alice’s Wonderland, because I know we all feel like we have slipped down a very, very strange rabbit hole. Alice says, It’s no use going back to yesterday, because I was a different person then. The Cheshire Cat says, The Proper order of things is often a mystery to me. You too? as all but his smile disappears.

Spring Equinox 2020 arrives on March 19th at 11:49 PM EDT and on 8:49 PDT and 3:39 UT
This is Autumn Equinox in the Southern Hemisphere on March 20, at 2:49 PM AEDT

This is the earliest Spring Equinox in 124 years (Autumn Equinox in the Southern Hemisphere). You can read about why at Space.com EarthSky always has good information M arch equinox: All you need to know

This Equinox is the moment each year when the Sun returns to the beginning of the Zodiac wheel, leaves the waters of Pisces and rises to fiery Aries.  The chart for this Equinox reveals trends for the upcoming season.

There is no way to discuss this year’s Spring Equinox without addressing coronavirus and how it has been affecting the entire world. I’ll analyze how this shows up in the Equinox chart, but want to mention more about it here and also give you links to good articles about it too.

A Medical Intuitive Take on the CoronaVirus by Susan Corso

Spiritual Practice and Awareness to Navigate Crisis by Janet Straight Arrow

Astrology Musings on the Coronavirus by Lynn Hayes

All astrologers knew that 2020 was no ordinary year with the monumental Capricorn emphasis, most especially the widely (and wildly!) discussed once in 500 years conjuction of Saturn and Pluto in Capricorn exact on January 12th.  In ordinary times effects of these important planetary connections manifested later than the actual conjunction, years or even centuries. But in the current moment the effects are manifesting  in lightening speed – life as we know it has changed almost instantly! Yet the seeds of this head whipping time were planted as far back as 1989, with the approaching connection of Uranus and Neptune in Capricorn (the Berlin Wall fell down) and more potent seeds were sown when Pluto entered Capricorn in late 2008  (the Great Recession). Now in 2020 the results are in full blown bloom.

One definition of corona is “crown”. Five hundred years ago the last time transformer Pluto and Lord of Structure Saturn were traveling together in Capricorn the power and dominance of the Catholic church began to be toppled with the Protestant Reformation. The next time Pluto was in Capricorn was during the American Revolution which initiated the fall of long reigning  monarchies – toppling their crowns! And now the perfectly named coronavirus is collapsing the structures of the entire world! Consider this – when you have tried to change ingrained negative habits without success, often the only thing that forces you to make appropriate changes is illness. Society at large with its greed, over consumption and disregard for the planet itself is sick and in dire need of change, but politicians, world leaders, powerful corporate “monarchies” and financial institutions along with fractured for profit health care industry here in the US resist change and like things just the way they are.  Enter coronavirus to say, “Guess what? Like it or not time’s up!”

What new structures will eventually manifest is unknown, but the exciting thing is that we all on the front line! You are not just a witness you are part of the process. Decisions and choices each of us make effect humanity at large into the future, just like the coronaviris pandemic wave pushes through affecting the world at large. It truly is a powerful and fascinating time to be alive! My personal belief is the more we embrace this unavoidable change with light hearts, expanded minds and loving thoughts and action, we will create the best world ever known! May it be so!

Now onto the Equinox chart. The Sun is always at 0 degrees Aries at the moment of the March Equinox and this year like last year finds Centaur Chiron near the Sun both creating a tense T-Square to the North Node (new direction) in Cancer and the South Node (past patterns) in Capricorn. Chiron acts like a key and in Aries wants us to open a door into new and better ways of doing things and leave past paradigms behind and the Aries Sun shines on this dynamic. This T-square represents the challenge of action indicating the choice between lagging behind in old, static structures which only serve the few, or moving forward into new more nurturing and supportive frameworks that benefit all. This challenging pattern also accentuates the Capricorn themes already so obvious this year.

Mars, planet of action, is in Capricorn and as the ruler of Aries is more dominant now. At the Equinox moment Mars forms an exact conjunction with massive Jupiter both at 22* Capricorn.  Mars in Capricorn is exalted and manifests as the adult in the room while Jupiter in Capricorn expands the need for better boundaries and works best by holding steady focus on long term goals. Exact conjunctions manifest more forcefully and this one is extremely obvious in the quarantines, boundary closures along with mandatory school and all nonessential business closures too. (Who could ever  believe this could happen in our lifetime?!) Jupiter is also near Pluto and not far away from Saturn re-emphasizing the major Capricorn structural themes. Mars connects with Pluto on 3/23 continuing to pressure Pluto’s transformational power.

Saturn is at the very last degree of Capricorn (29*51′) on the Equinox, a ‘charged’ degree even more dynamic because Saturn is the ruler of Capricorn. Saturn is like the stern teacher we hated but we sure learned how to write a good term paper! Saturn at this degree says, “This is your last warning, you must complete the test or fail!” Just a few days after the Equinox Saturn enters Aquarius on 3/22 for the first time in 29 years to give us a taste of what the new structures will be.

The Equinox Moon, which represents the public mood, is in Aquarius in sync with the new energies emerging. An Aquarius Moon longs to bring equality to the common people and the largest asteroid Ceres representing mature nurturing is near the Moon in Aquarius too. Here in the US as I write this there is a multi-billion dollar stimulus bill in Congress for emergency aid to off-set the economic impacts of coronavirus. There is even talk o f giving people $1000 in UBI (universal basic income) during this crisis. (What a great idea, thanks Andrew Yang ‘-)

Venus at the Equinox is showing her strength in Taurus, the sign she rules. Taurus rules resources like income and money markets like stock exchanges which have been so volatile lately that it makes you dizzy to look at the ups and downs. Not to mentioned if you own stocks or have a 401K being scared shitless! Is this why everyone is hoarding toilet paper? Venus reaches out to Mars and Jupiter in fellow earth sign Capricorn letting it be known that her helpful hand is here to grasp. All will be well eventually, says Venus, just stay calm and carry on. In other words stop jumping around like a silly jelly bean and let things play out.

Messenger Mercury has returned to Pisces where he was on 2/5 a few days after public health officials like the WHO and CDC made public proclamations that the coronavirus outbreak was a public health emergency of international concern. Mercury in Pisces is a bit fuzzy and was also retrograde from 2/16 – 3/9.  Here in the US while Mercury was retrograde in February President Trump was giving the public mixed messages about this outbreak like “It’s a hoax, and will be over by April”.  Finally on 2/26 he announced that VP Mike Pence was taking over the cornavirus task force indicating a much more serious approach. Now with Mercury back in Pisces we can expect communication to continue to be confusing about the pandemic and the potential ramifications. At the same time Mercury makes a nice trine to the North Node in Cancer. Cancer is a healing and nurturing sign so even if messaging is confusing the intention is toward the good.

Neptune is in Pisces too, making this the 8th Spring Equinox he has been in the sign he governs. Neptune rules the highest spiritual vibrations along with deception and confusion. The Sabian Symbol for this degree is: In A Gigantic Tent, Villagers Witness A Spectacular Performance. Wow, could this be any more appropriate for this time?! Neptune also rules the oceans and shipping and look what is happening to the cruise line industry!

Finally lets look at Uranus which is at 4* Taurus on the Equinox.  If I had to pick one major trigger to this Corona Pandemic it would be Uranus who entered Taurus for this first time in 84 years in May, 2018, then went retro and re-entered Taurus on March 6, 2019 to stay until April 25, 2026.  Taurus rules Mother Earth, our home planet and Uranus is both the planet of chaos and enlightenment. Uranus’ symbol looks like a cell tower and has been trying to get us humans to tune into better ways to take care of Mother Earth. Many people are listening and making positive changes, as well as many governments, but sad to say, most are not. Here in the US the Trump administration has rolled back much of the legislation in place for decades that protected the environment, which has also happened in Brazil with the continued destruction of Amazon rain forest, and the same in many other countries too, while the whole world is still heavily dependent on fossil fuels.

When expansive Jupiter entered earth sign Capricorn on 12/2/19 which was another portend of major changes (Jupiter was last in Capricorn in 2008 during the Great Ression) Jupiter made a trine (positive connection) with Uranus on 12/15 but Uranus was retrograding and more internalized then. Now that Uranus has come back to the degree of this trine he is in full active mode. It’s as if Uranus finally got tired of sending out his “Protect Nature” broadcast but getting no response. So in his coyote, lighting bolt guise Uranus Lord of Chaos, said ok folks if you refuse to wake up and take stronger action, I’ll send one of my bolts to jolt you awake! Already it is working as the pandemic reduces carbon emission air becomes cleaner and lives are saved in the process. Even the usually murky Venice canals are clear and dolphins have been seen in them after 60 years!  After the pandemic recedes, it’s up to us, the people, to keep pressure on governments and corporate polluters to maintain better practices into the future. Also at the Equinox, just as Mercury forms a beneficial exact trine to the North Node, Uranus forms an exact trine to the South Node adding more positive potential for the changing structures to be much better than ever before. Yay.

And here is a wonderful quote that you may have seen already, but is worth seeing over and over in these kind of times by Kitty O’Meara who interestingly enough seemed to spring from nowhere, no information on who she is except for these words.

November 22, 2019

Dear Friends,

The Sun leaves the watery depths of Scorpio and enters Sagittarius on 11/22 and travels in this upbeat fire sign through December 21st.

Venus and Jupiter are in Sagittarius too and are meeting together at the Galactic Center over the next few days and form an exact conjunction on 11/24. You can view this meeting for yourself in the night sky – The sky’s two brightest planets – Venus and Jupiter – are now drawing closer together in the west after sunset.

Jupiter is the planet of opportunity and Venus is the planet of grace. When these two planets meet in the heavens and are magnified by the vast energy of the Galactic Center blessings flow! Tap into the energy of this vibrant cosmic stream yourself, explore new ideas, do something you’ve never done before, get up and dance to the music of the universe!

This bright Sagittarius band is a welcome uplift after the deep journey of Sun in Scorpio along with Mercury retro in Scorpio which pulled you back into unresolved issues, like it or not! Mercury went forward on 11/20 so things move away from the whirlpool, but since Mars entered Scorpio the day before on 12/19, those thorny old wounds still fester. On the plus side Mars/Scorpio motivates you to bravely face whatever needs attention.  With the help of the optimistic Sagittarius Sun you can heal the wounds completely. Trust and act!

I’m sending this post now because I also wanted you to know December’s Heavenly Messages issue will come out later than usual.  I will be visiting my family in Georgia over the Thanksgiving holiday during the time I would be writing it so I’ll be focusing on fun with family instead. I am also taking a cyber space holiday, so if you contact me, not to worry.  I’ll get  back to you when I return in early December.

Wishing all of you in the US a wonderful Thanksgiving and for those elsewhere wishing you a great galactic time whatever you do! Here’s a quote to inspire you from Emily Dickinson, born with Sun in Sagittarius, The soul should always stand ajar, ready to welcome the ecstatic experience.

The Autumn Equinox this year arrives on  September 23 at 3:51a EDT, 12:51a PDT and on 07:51 UTC

It is Spring Equinox for those in the Southern Hemisphere which is on September 23 at 5:51p. AET

EarthSky has All you need to know about the Equinox and The Farmer’s almanac tells us about how 5 Ancient Sites Aligned with the Equinox Here is a site with Fun Facts About  Autumn , like, Autumn has been called the “hectic beauty of death.” whoa!  All seasons have their beauty but Autumn’s beauty is outrageous! Here in the US we know about New England’s riotous colors (like the photo above) and the stunning golden aspens in the West. Here are some beautiful images of Autumn glory around the world 1 0 best places outside the U.S. for fall color .

The September Equinox marks the beginning of this new season and the chart for the Equinox indicates astrological trends for the season. Here is the Equinox chart cast for Washington, DC.

This equinox marks the moment the Sun enters Libra each year and this year Venus and Mercury join the Sun in Lovely Libra. Venus in particular is very happy to be in her own sweet sign and mental Mercury has excellent communication skills in airy, fair minded Libra. Mars uses his smart mental muscles in practical Virgo, Saturn and Pluto help him out with their Capricorn management strength. Neptune still floats along in watery Pisces and the Cancer Moon shines light on the waters to help his journey. Chiron is in fire brand Aries, while change agent Uranus continues his earthy sojourn in Taurus.

The Equinox chart is very dynamic with several important aspect patterns . There is a major cardinal T square creating challenges between Venus and Mercury in Libra to Saturn and the karmic South Node in Capricorn and also to the Moon and North Node in Cancer. Cardinal squares create a challenge difficult to resolve until action is taken. Along with this square, the peaceful Libra Sun forms an opposition to Chiron in war hungry Aries.

Also featured is the ongoing square of confusion between Jupiter in Sagittarius and Neptune in Pisces with Mars in Virgo joining in, extending the square into a T. This is a mutable square which requires integration and agility to resolve.

Mars also plays a role in a trine, reaching a hand to transformer Pluto. This favorable aspect uses Mars/Virgo’s logical persuasion to help convince those in authority who are resistant to change.

For the weeks leading up to the Equinox the quickly moving planets (Sun, Mercury, Venus and Mars) were all in pragmatic Virgo helping (pushing!) everyone to get busy doing whatever they needed to do. Venus and Mercury entered Libra on 9/14 where they still are at the Equinox and since the Sun enters Libra on the Equinox it means more energy is available to relax a bit and find a better work/life balance. However active Mars remains in Virgo at the Equinox, so there is still emphasis on making smart choices with more ability to focus and actually manifest intentions; i.e. hard work is still necessary! And since Mars works well with Pluto, concepts brought into material form now can have viable long range potential.

The static that interferes with this comes from the mutable T square which Mars is involved in along with Jupiter and Neptune. One way to visualize this square is to imagine a Trump supporter in a red MAGA hat sitting across the table from a fervent Bernie Sanders fan. They are each convinced their opinions and ‘facts’ are the Truth and look at the other person thinking they are delusional and live in a different universe. Mars in Virgo tries to bring some logic into the conversation, but he is talking to closed ears.

The cardinal square is evident all around us too. Saturn sits next to the South Node rigidly holding onto past structures which are rapidly tumbling down. Venus and Mercury use eloquent persuasion to pull opinion to their side, while the Moon sits next to the North Node trying to lead people to a new way of being.

The Moon in Equinox chart indicates the mood of the public. Cancer is the sign of unconditional love and rules families, mothers, children and women in general. The North Node represents a new, more evolved direction and in Cancer leads us to a more loving, nurturing, compassionate way of being. In the Equinox chart the Moon sits right at the North Node shining like Glenda the Good Witch at the gates of the Emerald City encouraging us to enter and find the love.

The challenge arising from this square is easily seen. No matter what evidence or eloquent arguments are presented the strong forces of the status quo resist change and use all their might and power to prevent it. The climate change issue is a case in point. It’s not actually as if politicians and corporate interests don’t know that climate change is real (no matter what they claim), but they are beholden to the energy (gas, oil etc.) and other polluting companies with their industrial waste, including big agriculture, who want to keep on doing what they have always done, even if it has been proven to add to climate change and damage the very Earth itself.

As I write this on 9/20 there are massive Global Climate Strikes driven by young people across the world marching to wake people up to this crisis. Here’s a site with photos so you can see for yourself See These Inspiring Photos to Understand the Scale of the Global Climate Strikes It’s awesome to consider the energy for change this many people across the world can generate! Sixteen year old Greta Thunberg has been one of the major leaders in these marches and has spoken before the UN and other governing bodies including Congress and the British Parliament. Born on January 3, 2003 with both Sun and Moon in Capricorn her birth chart fits right into the dynamics of these current challenges.

Luckily as an offset to the square, Neptune in spiritual Pisces tunes his satellite dish to higher vibrational frequencies helping the Moon spread more compassion. In return the Moon shines light leading those ready to tap into these higher vibes so they can soar above any lower energies.

As the Sun enters peaceful Libra he begins to form an opposition to Chiron in aggressive Aries. This opposition is also very evident with the talk of war looming up because of strikes on the oil fields of Saudi Arabia which the US and the Saudis blame on Iran. Oppositions act like see-saws, going back and forth with differing viewpoints. The Washington Post presents a case for not going to war now Should U.S. troops put their lives on the line for Saudi Arabia? President Trump is not a pro-war hawk, but many Republicans in Congress (and influential right wing media pundits) are.  Wounded healer Chiron is retrograde now, so hopefully the war drums beat less strongly and Libra peace promoters can hold war at bay.

Lord of Chaos Uranus has been a major driver in alerting everyone to the damage humans have been doing to our planet, but he is retrograde until next February and has no strong connections with other planets at the Equinox. Basically Uranus is biding his time to do more dramatic change agent stuff next year.

At the personal level the Equinox energies urge you to find a good work/life balance – relax more, honor time with family, friends and your cultural enjoyment too. Libra loves to entertain and go to the theater, music and dance performances, and good movies like Downton Abby, which first aired on 9/26/2010 – Libra to the core! But also remember to say grounded and keep on walking your talk so the projects you began actually get completed. Avoid getting caught up in extreme viewpoints and refrain form judging others when they do. In fact with the diplomatic, balanced Libra energy available now, it’s a perfect time to practice listening to opposing views versus pouncing in with your own opinions. And above all keep monitoring your vibration, aligning with love and compassion for yourself and everyone else too. If you harmonize with the best of these Equinox patterns you’ll have a beautiful season!

Here are some words from the poet Rumi born with Sun in Libra to guide you, Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself. ~Rumi

And for more upliftment here is the latest painting from my sister Heni Sandoval painted for this year’s International Day of Peace – September 21st, called Soaring White Dove .

Hello Friends,
Hope you are all staying cool in this eclipsey, Mercury retro, hot steamy July. If you’d like to escape a bit and visit higher realms, listen to the Wisdom Coalition’s podcast where we discuss Astrology 101 . It starts streaming on 7/18 and will be archived to listen to any time you’d like. More detailed info below.