Neil Spencer

Your Stars New Moon 27 September 2011

Posted on 29 September 2011

A new Moon in Libra is obliging most of the U.K. with an example of Libran balance and perfection in the form of weather that is all dappled sunlight and still skies. Since the Meteorological Office are prone to routine gaffes these days – the favoured modus operandi seems to be to look out the window to see what’s happening and still get it wrong – it was good to see them call this spell correctly. Folklore has it that weather patterns change with new and full Moons, an idea that sends meteorologists into apoplexy, but which seems to this humble observer to work reasonably well. Look to the skies around the 11^th and 12^th, when a potent full Moon in Aries arrives (almost precisely opposite Saturn) for further evidence.

On a personal level, the ongoing march of Saturn is the key event for most of the zodiac’s members, certainly for Libra, Aries, Cancer and Capricorn, all of whom will have felt said planet’s none too tender touch by year’s end. Otherwise, with Mercury, Venus and Mars all moving at yop speed (oh yes, planets have speed, albeit an illusion generated by relative orbits), its is, as they say in sportsworld, game on! Play up.

 

Libra

A new Moon in one’s sign is always a moment to take stock, albeit briefly, and then to march forwards with renewed purpose. With a slew of planets currently occupying your skies, you have a green light for even your most audacious plans, the caveat being that with Saturn involved, careful planning comes ahead of a cavalier hope-for-the-best attitude.

The easy part of the planetary equation is that with Mercury and Venus signifying until the 12^th and 8^th respectively, Libran charm and its emollient diplomacy/clever PR spin (delete to fit) come easily. A tactic mentioned from last month’s forecast – “Show a steely face to your doubters” – remains very much in place. Libra is a contradictory sign, ever eager to keep everyone happy yet not afraid of confrontation. At present that duality has to be carefully, uh, balanced. Persistence, in fact sheer bloody mindedness, is an ally under Saturn (and those of you born 8-14 October are particularly under Saturn’s hammer at present).

Saturn’s principal concerns are worldly – job, status, property – but Big Decisions of all stripes tend to arrive under Saturn transits, which pose the question – ‘If not now, when?’

For some of you that will doubtless spell a make or break point in a relationship (especially for 1967/68 and 1981/82 birthdays). The decision may, of course, not be entirely in your hands and if your other half has taken it into their mind to walk out on you for a wild’n’crazy newcomer, you may have to settle for dignified stoicism. This new Moon falls opposite the maverick energies of Prometheus/Uranus, with the full Moon of the 12^th exactly opposite Saturn, so issues involving Significant Others look hard to avoid. Whether said Other is a spouse, a business partner a deadly enemy or an ex, a spirit of cool independence serves you well – don’t cling to what can’t support you. Negotiation remains, as ever, a Libran strongpoint. If you are in the grip of a bright new infatuation/true and everlasting love (your shout) best not get too impatient – time is on your side.

Making money under Saturn tends to involve the long haul, investing time and energy for the future rather than raking in the cash immediately. Nonetheless, once the full Moon is out the way, your horoscope is keen on acquiring funds, especially those owed to you and likewise spending them (go steady!). For those of you in freelance/commerce mode, the second half of October is about being a demon (not a rogue) trader.

 

Scorpio

‘Secretive Scorpio’ is an astrological cliché, and not without reason, the implication usually being that Scorpios are given to prowling in the shadows of the cathedral cloister ready to produce a stiletto from their sleeve. That isn’t you, of course (well, only sometimes), and if you are planning a deadly assault on an enemy or ex, be aware that it will likely be an act of self-undoing (another of Scorpio’s fabled qualities). More of which later.

The first half of this lunar month is, however, very much about secrets and private plans. A bunch of planets in the most obscure, out-of-sight, area of your horoscope at today’s new Moon puts the emphasis on what you are scheming in private, as well as on retreats, visits to institutions of healing or correction, and, perhaps liaisons dangereuses (your favourite kind).

It all makes for an intense fortnight ahead, though not one you can easily share with other people. The picture is complicated by the recent arrival of Scorpio’s star, Mars, at the peak of your horoscope, signalling several weeks when you are obliged – or can easily benefit from – your career path. Indeed, the more public your profile in matters of work and self-advancement, the better. Shameless self-advertisement is a big feature of October and November. Whether actual money is involved is less obvious, though if you are in a business partnership of any kind, your double act appears to add up to more than the sum of its parts.

Strutting on the career stage aside, quiet deliberation looks a good policy until after the full Moon of the 12^th. At that point, Mercury and Venus arrive s for an all too brief stay in your skies, making the following month a key stretch of your personal year. Your luck looks especially in on the 18^th/19^th. All schemes, personal, political or professional, are under super-charged stars in late October/early November.

As for your other half, the one you can’t escape even if you wanted to, the ball remains rather in their court for now. With Jupiter in rewind, issues that have been in play since June remain so until next spring. You can exert your formidable will that much more easily after the full Moon of the 12^th and, again, after the new Moon in your skies on the 26^th.

Sagittarius

The Centaur is a sign keen on justice. Even the more freewheeling members of the Sag tribe, the gypsies, pirates and hedge philosophers, have a strong streak of righteousness to their thinking. As for the overtly campaigning Archers, the ones on a high moral horse…take cover!

The new Moon in Libra, a sign that is also keen on justice when it isn’t shopping, puts the spotlight on where you make common cause, where you find people simpatico to your value system. Some will be friends, others will be fellow travellers and marriages of convenience, the point being that you are stronger and more effective together than you are as individuals.

For some it’s a ‘Freshers Week’ scenario, casting round for people with whom you have something in common, societies you might join. For others this lunar month, and in particular the next fortnight, is a chance to cash in chips and credibility with your posse, committee or social network and make things happen.

Things will happen, whether you make them or not. The flurry of planets in Libra, focused on Saturn, is about give-and-take, horse-trading, jockeying for commercial advantage, frantic networking, the odd friend-or-lover moment. Even aloof Centaurs, of which there is shortage, can’t help but carried along by the hurly burly. Make the most of it, because deals you strike now, friendships you forge, have the capacity to sustain you over months and years ahead. Plus, once mid-October arrives, you are into a more subdued, and likely more pressurised, stretch of your year.

There are other auspicious planetary omens in play. Mars and Uranus/Prometheus complete a triangle of fire signs with your own, handy especially if you have a birthday circa 25/26 November. The romantic scenario surrounding many Sags has been, shall we say, dynamic this summer, and you remain in a zone where people can drag you across the country or globe, such is the madcap infatuation involved. You might as well follow whatever instincts impose themselves, since a pair of eclipses upcoming in your birthday month promise to rewrite the rulebook for many of you. If you are getting irrational ideas about ‘this is fate, this is kismet’, you are not off track with your ‘scope.

Once past the potent full Moon of the 12^th- potent for you because it has plenty to say about where and with whom your heart lies – you are into a more subdued stretch, one in which work, health and the maintenance of sustaining routines comes to the fore. Events in the last week of October, may clarify any confusion extant about your domestic set up. Even gypsies need a home of some sort.

Capricorn

Even Capricorns who are hardened sceptics about matters astrological know that they are meant to be the tough sons and daughters of Saturn. Some might even have read that with Pluto in Capricorn for a small age (in fact, only until 2023!) they are being challenged to wield their powers with ever more consideration for the masses over whom they hold sway (Caps always rule). Today’s new Moon finds those two planets in powerful alignment, signalling a lunar month when your powers as boss (or wannabe boss) are put to the test for good or for…less good.

With Venus (on 30 September), Mercury (6 October) and Sun (13 October) all conjoining Saturn in the life path zone of your ‘scope, your long term career plans are either coming to glorious fruition or their inadequacies being painfully pointed out. Saturn has been pushing you to do more professionally – or at least survive, by fair means or foul – for the last 18 months. The next fortnight offers a reality check on your progress. For birthdays circa 24-26 December (take a bow Ed Miliband) and Jan 10-14, that goes double. As every Goat knows, there is always someone further up the professional totem pole, and right now, they may have to be appeased. Ultra formality serves you well, attempts to blackmail or bluff your way less so. Compromise – not your default position – is a good bet.

By way of compensation for the pressure from up above, the more playful side of your life – to which Capricorns are prone to pay less than full attention – remains buoyant. Jupiter in Taurus, a fellow earth sign, provides an ongoing reminder that parties, love affairs and (this month’s special) hot sex also have a place in your world. Perhaps against the odds, there also seems to be a chance of fast money – perhaps not even what you have slaved to earn – around the 3^rd/4^th – good days for you in any case

The full Moon of the 12^th alters the mood somewhat, ushering in a month or so when your most sociable nature is called into play. Therefacter, and especially afer the Sun arrives in Scorpio on the 24^th, it’s not ‘who you know’ but ‘who you like’ that counts most.

Aquarius

Contrary to the singing, dancing ‘Dawn of the Age of Aquarius’ hoopla that has been inflicted on the world over the last half century, yours is actually rather a stubborn, even conservative sign. Even futurist, space cadet Aquarians – of which there are many – are prone to dig in their heels rather than compromise.

All of which makes the next lunar moth quite a challenge. How so? With Mars now in opposition for six weeks, issues surrounding you-know-who (singular or plural) are back to bother you (remember how difficult August was?). Even if it isn’t the pushy, obstinate ex, it’s likely to be a flamboyant newcomer who rattles your cage with demands and, yup, possibilities. Simultaneously, Jupiter at the root of your ‘scope continues to nag about where you are living, with whom and on what terms. Nothing looks straightforward unless you make it so, and your willpower is likely to be to put to the test during the first week of October, when these two planets square off.  Playing awkward is no bad option – on domestic issues, you have time, weeks if not months.

Simultaneously, today’s new Moon in Libra is pressing ‘go’ buttons on ideas and plans that have been sparking your imagination for the last 18 months, and certainly since June. With a series of planets aligning with Aquarius’ ruler, Saturn, it’s your long term, deeply held ambitions that now take precedence. Connections to new ideas, intellectuals, foreign climes, and, indeed Librans, all hold reward and promise. Until mid October, you can sift earnestly through what has or hasn’t paid off in 2011 and jettison or endorse accordingly. This is not a completed process, just an important staging post in re-aligning your personal fiefdom. In any event the next fortnight looks busy and productive as you care to make it. You can go onto cruise control is your choose, but better to push the pace. The 6^th and 7^th are ultra-opportune dates for your diary, whatever your intentions.

After October 13^th a more pushy planetary scenario presents itself, far from adverse but one that favours a higher public profile, even it’s built partly on bluff and chutzpah – you will be required to deliver later in the month!

 

Pisces

Ideally, Piscean lives flow like mountain streams, bright, bubbling, beautiful, and always ready to take a new course when an obstacle on life’s path presents itself. That’s the theory, anyway. At present, you’re in a murkier phase when carving out what you want from life on Planet Earth seems hedged about with compromise and, perhaps, secrecy. These aren’t exactly adverse or make-or-break conditions – you went through those a couple of years or so back – but every decision seems to come with a downside. You’re all too aware of your deficiencies or what/who is absent.

 

The good news is that you can, or perhaps have to, ease off the ‘achievement’ pedal long enough to satisfy your ambitions on a more personal level. Today’s new Moon, loaded with planets in the most private part of your ‘scope, asks you to calibrate your intimate life – yes, sexual pleasure is involved – and to ensure that one-on-one relationships are justly balanced vis a vis your respective financial contributions. If you are conducting any kind of furtive relationship – and frankly, it’s no-one else’s business, not even your astrologer’s – then this is the month to explore it. If you’re searching for funds – and who isn’t right now – then here’s the chance to find them. Any financial good fortune is there to be cherished, not taken for granted.

The further good news is that nothing stays stuck for long this autumn. Indeed, once the full Moon of the 12^th has gone, social connections and business plans acquire a zip that will carry you through another month or more, as planets in Scorpio – a fellow water sign – align obligingly. While on dates, note that the weekend of the 8^th/9^th features a waxing Moon in your skies, a very suitable time to make a spectacle of yourself at some Libran birthday party or equivalent.

Your ability to wheel, deal and swim through the currents of daily life remains highlighted by ruler Jupiter. Nor is it just a case of who you know – your technical savvy and practical skills are very much a part of you can achieve right through to next spring. Education in any guise offers a rewarding option, perhaps with a financial pay-off. The chance of steady work, not necessarily of the headline-grabbing variety, is emphasised by Mars’ march through the sector of your ‘scope concerned with the daily grind, and the necessity of keeping yourself fit enough to do so.

Chiron, the tiny asteroid concerned with healing and chutzpah, continues to lurk near the start of Pisces’ patch of the cosmos. For birthdays circa 19-21 February especially, all the wounds one receves along life’s highway tend to smart.

 

Aries

The Ram, being the first sign of the zodiac, is justly celebrated as the great individualist, the ‘me-first’ character that makes things happen. Jolly good too. Yet no zodiac sign is alone; all twelve find a complement in the sign that opposes and complements them, in your case Libra.

Since today’s new Moon in Libra comes with a bunch of other planets attached, not least Saturn, your ‘scope currently has the look of an imbalanced see-saw, weighted heavily against you. What that means in practice is that significant others currently have a disproportionate influence, the challenge being how you can handle them. For many of you it is simply a case of readjusting your relationship with your other half/business partner/ex through discussion – negotiations of any kind are big news over the next two weeks – and perhaps ceding a bit of power (key words ‘perhaps’ and ‘a bit’).

Even if the issue is an outright foe – quite a few ‘ex’s’ fall into that category – you are asked to reconsider your tactics. Here, accessing your inner Libran is a useful ruse – like them you have to apply diplomacy, understanding and a little deviousness to get your way, rather than simply do your fiery ‘I’m Aries don’t mess’ act. Frankly, you look a bit outgunned for that kind of posture. It may not result in an outbreak of peace in the valley – though burying hatchets is etched into these stars – but it could stabilise hostilities.

Any me-and-him/her scenario has the potential to reach boiling point at the Aries full Moon of 11/12 October. Full Moons in one’s sign are invariably giddy, full-on occasions. This one, with Saturn fully involved, unusually trying and to ask searching questions about loyalty. Saturn remains an n unobliging presence in your horoscope, asking you to make more of less and putting authority figures and jobsworths in your way, especially for birthdays circa 7-10 April (or any time in 1981/2). Your options may be limited, but simply toughing-it-out is no bad thing. Nonetheless, you can exhale loudly once that full Moon is passed, and again once the Sun moves on to the less adversarial skies of Scorpio the 24^th.

The blazing ‘Here I Come’ side of Aries is thankfully not absent from your stars. Au contraire, the presence of your totem planet, Mars, in the most exhibitionist zone of your ‘scope suggests you take a break from Other People and hightail it round town in an open top coupe whooping loudly – or any scenario that suggests a similar celebration. For singletons, this moth looks a happy hunting ground, and for creative types, a productive one.

 

Taurus

People may call you obstinate, but sticking to your guns has its advantages, especially when you are proved right! This winter you’re promised pay-off for past decisions and moves, especially those you have made since your birthday. Jupiter, the planet broadly in charge of your ‘scope until next year’s birthday, is in rewind, ushering lost opportunities back into contention, not least those of a professional or financial variety.

Jupiter is about pushing on, and those of you who have made an uncharacteristic leap into new territory this year are promised reward – those of you who have stick tight get more chance to expand. There is not a lot of compulsion in these stars, but there’s plenty of possibility.

Today’s new Moon in Libra emphasises the advantages of steady work and diligent application – no problem there then – and of keeping yourself fighting fit. The next fortnight is very much about a heads-down and work-hard approach

Once the full Moon of the 12^th has gone, you are in different climes. The waning Moon on the 14^th and 15^th is in your skies, handy for self-promotion and for engaging with significant others/those you would like to become significant. The presence of your totem planet, Venus, in Scorpio for the second half of the month turns up the heat on romances and enables flagging liaisons to be revitalised. The longer October goes on, the more important partners become, including business allies. The month of Scorpio, beginning 24 October, is not always the kindest to Taureans, but this year it promises to bring an intriguing new dimension in terms of those with whom you work with or, gulp, fall in love.

Although April birthdays are in the front line of current events, those born in the last few days of your sign – circa May 19^th – also have a fillip in terms of self promotion, thanks to Neptune’s ongoing presence high in your ‘scope. You merely need to ensure that it’s fame, not notoriety,  for which you are being noticed.

 

Gemini

Restless? Of course you are. Gemini being the sign of perpetual movement, restlessness is the default position for most members of the Twins tribe.

A new Moon in Libra, a kindred sir sign, along with three other planets and the odd asteroid, is a combination likely to stir you up further. The next few weeks is certainly a time that favours socialising, meeting, greeting, showing off and flirtation, should that be your thing. Make any Libran birthday parties destination events.

The presence of Saturn so strongly in this particular lunation asks a more profound question, however, one that relates to the mysteries of the human heart. Put simply, where does your heart lie? In relationship terms, this is one of the peak moments of the year, when your long-term allegiances are ripe for consideration. If you have doubts about commitment, they are likely to arise with force. If you are all in favour of commitment, here’s the chance to express your loyalty in overt terms – it’s a good time to get hitched!

It takes two to make pacts (though only one to unbreak them) and the full Moon of October 12 may prove an uncomfortable couple of days. The heart of course, is not just about romantic attachment – a wrench from those you love non-romantically may also be involved (children fleeing the nest make an apposite fit, for example), or you may have reached the point where relocation seems the answer to your unrest. In all cases the challenge is to focus in a non-agitated manner on what you truly want, and pursue it without further compromise. Since Saturn has another year’s residence in Libra, these are questions unlikely to evaporate with the morning dew. You don’t have to make a move of any sort right now, but its important not to evade issues. That way, the challenges of December’s eclipses won’t be such a surprise.

For those of you who are settled, with your chakras aligned and your head on straight, this month and next are times to push on your plans with all energy. Your totem planet, Mercury, is currently streaking ahead at top speed – simply do likewise. The 15^th and 16^th, being Moon in Gemini days, give you added traction. If you’re interested in self-publicity, the weekend of the 22^nd is another good call, just make sure it’s publicity for the right reasons.

 

Cancer

A new Moon in Libra returns Cancerians to one of life’s eternal truths: if your home is safe, so are you. The depiction of every Cancer as a homebody may be over-stretched, but try winkling a Crab from its lair. The dominant planet of this lunation being Saturn, however, does pile on the pressure where home and domestic routine are concerned. Selling up and moving on may well seem one solution to financial difficulties, and if you are resistant to that notion, take heart that if you can survive until Christmas in your current residence, you’re likely safe for an aeon or two more. If, on the other hand, you wish to relocate or rejuggle your mortgage or otherwise change your set-up, these are the stars under which you can pull off the switch with minimum aggravation.

Saturn is also much involved with your professional advancement, and here too you re at a point of challenge, where gritting teeth and making the best of things may be the only solution in the immediate term. Since Saturn is always about the long term, undertaking and/or completing a major venture is another option, even if it seems like you’re peeing into the wind.

The full Moon of the 11^th/12^th, which is near the peak of your horoscope, brings all such concerns into focus for what is hopefully an air-clearing moment, even if these are probably not the easiest days in your calendar.

With planets then moving onto Scorpio, a kindred water sign, the outlook for the rest of the month and on into November is sunnier, metaphorically speaking. With Venus and Mercury on your side, it’s time to get out the house and rub shoulders with friends and strangers alike, to network and curry favour with those in a position to help. Jupiter remains helpfully sited for all ‘It’s-who-you-know’ contacts over the course of winter and spring. October 19 and 20 are doubly helpful days whatever your intention, professional or personal.

The arrival of the Sun in Scorpio’s skies on the 23^rd further eases any strains on you, and is a useful point to redouble your assault on an unsuspecting world. Birthdays between 21-27 June, who have every reason to feel drained by this year’s events, get an especially seat helping hand then.

Leo

At last, an astro-scape suitable for a royal personage such as yourself! You have, in fairness, already enjoyed some regal stars this year, notably during your birthday month, but while those were oriented to pleasure and the delights of simply being Leo, this current lunar month is more about conquest. With athletic Mars now marching through your skies, you have the energy to put your personal world in order, while putting a few fleas in the ears of others along the way.

The temptation with Mars is to use too much force and to think that sheer audacity will carry you through. However, the planetary line-up in Libra lays stress on the importance of careful planning and preparation. Strategy is important in October. Measuring your words, being parsimonious with your promises and communicating effectively are very much part of the picture. If you are in education or planning a move into the sphere of teaching as a profession, the force is with you. Make the most of all social opportunities as they come with the possibility of contacts with the great and good (so-called).

A full Moon in a fellow fire sign , Aries, on the 11^th/12^th, plus a canny weekend when the Moon is in fiery Sagittarius on the 1^st/2^nd, both bring serendipitous encounters rolling your way. Jupiter, a plenet that is doing the Lion tribe big favours right through until next spring, is also prominent this month; any chance to act presidential (a bluff is fine!) should be seized.

Romance is not of the agenda, but shallow wnd enocnters look more likely than being swept along by rolling waves of passion. One can hope, however. Birthdays circa 21 August are also back under the spell of Neptune, variously delght or torture, but in either case rather suspect if you are looking for The Real Thing. It’s a month of conquest, however, and what you see you can, by fair means or foul, likely get!

 

Virgo

The end of one’s birthday month usually leaves a few chords trailing; the Sun may have shifted into the next sign but other planets linger on. Not so this month. Your personal skiesare empty, planets have moved on…and so must you. Indeed, with Virgo’s totem bosy, Mercury, at itsmost quicksilver, all your craft, cunning and time-keeping will be needed to keep pace with events.

A new Moon in Libra always brings focus onto financial considerations for you, and with Saturn so heavily involved, so are long term plans about your personal loot. It is, perhaps, against the general trend that Virgos are currently able to find resources where others cannot, even if they arrive by indirect means – granny’s treasure trove, the ex’s left-behinds – but whatever the source, a full Moon allied with Saturn across your financial axis (on the 12^th) is a moment to peer closely at forgotten accounts, to prise up floorboards and look for lost treasure. If it’s mortgages and property that are the problem, do what Virgos always do when facinga crisis – administrate your way back to sanity.

The sooner you deal with practical issues, the more time you have to enjoy the more obliging climes that arrive in the second half of October, as Mercury swiftly transeverses the sector of your scope concerned with wheels, deals, barter, siblings and everyday affairs – the god of small things sector perhaps, but certainly  place where you will be kept unusually busy. Not much is ‘stuck’ in your current horoscope, meaning there is everything to gain by pushing on and trying assorted tactics (December won’t be so obliging).

For those of you involved with the realm of education, here is also a month when the promise of a new term actually seems to be fulfilled. Key contacts can be made in October, whether with an outstanding teacher or pupil, or with the the process of self-education – learning seems to hold out unusual promise over the next six months.

The ongoing surprise factor in your scope remains Pluto, rumbling slowly through your fifth solar house. The enigmatic planet has a major part to play in your affirs over over the next several years (until 2013 onfact) but this winter Pluto’s point is simple enough; you can’t stay suppressed and dutiful forver. At some point you have to stomp out onto the stage proclaim your personal stardom  – it may seem an odd idea to little old you, but it propelled an awful lot of hit musicals back in the day. Get rehearsing.