We begin the fall eclipse season in September, with a lunar eclipse on September 17, 2024, followed by a solar eclipse on October 2, 2024. But first, Venus in Virgo conjuncts Ketu, the south node, on September 3, an opening for spiritual love. Saturn in Aquarius opposes the Sun in Leo on September 7, brings possible challenges with authority. Mars in Gemini aspects Ketu in Virgo exactly on September 15, a challenging combination. Venus moves into its own sign of Libra on September 18, a positive, creative transit. Mercury enters its exalted sign of Virgo on September 23, 2024 but will be impacted by Ketu, Mars, and combust the Sun, a time to be extra clear with communications.
At the beginning of September, Venus, planet of love and relationship, continues its transit through Virgo, its debilitated sign, until September 18, when it shifts to its more favorable sign of Libra. But while in Virgo, Venus can repress our deeper feelings in matters of the heart. On September 3, 2024 Venus conjuncts the south node Ketu at 12 degrees Virgo. Allow the Venus/Ketu energies to help you let go of old emotional hurts or insecurities of the past and be more compassionate and generous with others.
Saturn, planet of responsibility, transits air sign of Aquarius and exactly opposes the Sun in the fire sign of Leo at 21 degrees the evening of September 7, 2024. As Saturn and the Sun are both in fixed signs, we can experience increased power struggles and stubbornness when connecting with others. Issues about responsibility or authenticity can surface.
Venus favorably travels through its own sign of Libra from September 18 to October 12, 2024. Any stresses that recently surfaced regarding relationships may settle down now that Venus is no longer aspected by the malefic planets Mars and Ketu. Venus in Libra benefits from finding balance in life and creative expression. This is a time to help those in need and be more forgiving in our personal relationships. Find time to be in the company of loving and understanding family and friends.
Mars, planet of action, began its transit through the air sign of Gemini on August 26, 2024, and remains there until October 20, 2024. While in Gemini, Mars aspects the south node Ketu in Virgo, with the exact aspect occurring on September 15, 2024 at 12 degrees, just two days before the lunar eclipse of September 17. Mars/Ketu energies are a bit volatile or accident-prone, so there is a tendency to overreact or feel frustrated with others. Practice neutrality and stay calm if any challenges arise.
Mid-September marks the start of the fall eclipse season. A lunar eclipse occurs at 1 degree Pisces, a sensitive water sign, on September 17, 2024 at 7:34 PM (PDT). This eclipse will be followed by a solar eclipse on October 2, 2024 at 15 degrees Virgo at 11:49 AM (PDT). The September 17 lunar eclipse is in the fierce nakshatra of Purva Bhadrapada and brings a fiery, passionate energy, that can increase the desire for deeper awareness and elevated consciousness. On the shadow side, this lunar eclipse can bring an impulsive, critical mind. One of the symbols of Purva Bhadrapada is “a man with two faces,” indicating something hidden may be revealed. As this eclipse nakshatra is ruled by benefic Jupiter and the eclipse is in the Jupiter-ruled sign of Pisces, ultimately the ability to experience greater spiritual depth and transformation is possible.
Eclipses are points of significant change that offer us insights into our own evolution. They may carry spiritual connotations, awakening us to our greater potential. Introspection, yoga, prayer, and retreat are remedies for eclipses. This is a positive time to be in a peaceful, healing environment and to cultivate compassion and mindfulness.
On September 23, 2024, Mercury, planet of the intellect and communications, favorably moves to its exalted sign of Virgo until October 10. 2024. However, while, Mercury is in Virgo it will conjunct Ketu, be aspected by Mars, and at times be combust the Sun, so this is a period to be more careful, patient, and discerning with all types of communications and business dealings. Take time to organize your thoughts. Meditation, yoga, breathwork, or pranayama are good remedies to strengthen Mercury.
Summary
September 2024 is marked by significant astrological events, including Venus's transit through Virgo and Libra, Saturn's opposition to the Sun, and a lunar eclipse in Pisces. These alignments suggest a time for spiritual growth, emotional release, and challenges in communication and relationships. The month encourages mindfulness, careful communication, and finding balance in personal connections.
Debra Infante is a practicing Vedic astrologer and teacher. She began her studies of Vedic astrology in 1995 and was certified by The American College of Vedic Astrology as an approved teacher (Level I) in September 1999. She has taught Vedic astrology to the students in the yoga teacher training at 7 Centers Yoga in Sedona, AZ from 2002 to 2020. Debra can be reached at (928) 639-0623 or dinfante108@gmail.com for astrological consultations by phone or in person. Contact her to receive her monthly Vedic astrology article. You can also find her at http://ayurveda-sedona.com/yoga-and-vedic-astrology/about-vedic-astrology/