By Debra Infante
In September, three planets change direction. Venus goes in direct motion on September 3, followed by Jupiter going retrograde on September 4. Mid-month Mercury goes direct on September 15. The nodes of the Moon, Rahu, and Ketu, station at 0 degrees Aries and Libra for several months as they prepare to change signs in November.
Venus, planet of relationship and finance, goes direct on September 3, 2023 at 18 degrees Cancer, having been retrograde since July 22, 2023. The Venus retrograde period was a time of reviewing our relationships, financial situations, and personal values in life. Developing greater self-love, and acknowledging the importance of honesty and kindness in relating with others was important during the Venus retrograde period. Now as Venus moves forward, hopefully, we have increased our capacity to create deeper, authentic connections with others and with the natural world.
Jupiter, planet of prosperity and spirituality, goes retrograde September 4, 2023, at 21 degrees Aries until December 30, 2023. When a planet is retrograde its influence becomes stronger inwardly, and we may find it easier to revise or correct circumstances to make things better. Retrograde planets demand deep, focused, internal work. However, Jupiter retrograde periods can sometimes bring frustration if things do not go as planned, especially regarding finances or promotions. This may be a good time to review your financial plans and spending habits.
When Jupiter is retrograde, we may experience some challenges with our confidence level or with our beliefs and philosophy about life. Don’t forget your true value and keep a positive attitude. Be realistic and stay confident. Don’t forget that Jupiter still supports us in a more internal way while retrograde, so this could be a great period of inner expansion, spiritual evolution, deep spiritual insight, and eventual rebirth. Jupiter retrograde is a good time for meditation and connecting to your “inner guru.”
Mercury, planet of communications and the intellect, goes direct on September 15, 2023, at 13 degrees Leo, having been retrograde since August 23, 2023. As Mercury slowly begins to move forward, it brings greater mental clarity and awareness, along with the ability to be more objective and discerning.
The nodes of the Moon, Rahu, and Ketu, become stationary on September 14, 2023, until November 28, 2023, when they shift signs. When the nodes are stationary, they stay at a degree for a period of time, and in this case, it is 2 ½ months. Normally the nodes travel backward or are retrograde. In this case, Rahu remains at 0 degrees Aries, while Ketu is at 0 degrees Libra. In addition, Rahu will be gandanta when at 0 degrees Aries, which is the cusp between a water sign (Pisces) and a fire sign (Aries). Rahu will station at this intense gandanta degree until the nodes change signs on November 28, 2023, indicating this 2 ½ month period is a time to be neutral and not resist change as we release long-held challenges and patterns in order to heal and move forward. These juncture degrees between water and fire signs can be portals of change and are known for creating immense transformation.
As Rahu, the north node of the Moon can increase our insatiable, worldly desires along with exaggeration of our thoughts and energies, it is recommended to be neutral, non-reactive, mentally clear, and practical, especially during this period of September 14 to November 28. Don’t overextend yourself physically or mentally. Let go of any compulsive worry or anger tendencies. Be still, give yourself space. This is a period to trust your heart and intuition, and be open to healing in order to bring greater peace and compassion into our world.
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 trainings 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 https://ayurveda-sedona.com/yoga-and-vedic-astrology/about-vedic-astrology/
