AstroCast: August 28 – September 3, 2018

The astral winds may seem to calm down this week with only a breezy Mercury/Venus sextile on September 3 that can bring a greater willingness to communicate with others. If we were reticent to talk before, the words may flow now. We could even tap into a greater appreciation for how language is one of the most powerful tools we have for sharing our experiences with others. If we use our words with an intention to bring about understanding, they can help to establish a greater sense of connectedness as well as a generally friendlier atmosphere. By openly expressing what is inside our minds and hearts, we give others the best sense possible of who we are. But talking is not the only answer. Listening can be even more powerful as an act of love. Listening with full attention to another acknowledges the other person’s existence and shows how much they matter. Listening does not mean we have to agree with each other, but one thing the Mercury/Venus planetary pair exemplifies is an ability to allow and consider other points of view. Disagreements and misunderstandings are best approached as starting points for discourse and inquiry that can lead to improved understanding and acceptance. If viewed from a more inclusive perspective, we can ultimately achieve agreement that rises above judgment, prejudice and unilateral thinking. 

Mercury rules our thinking processes, how we analyze what we perceive and how we communicate that to others. In Leo, Mercury archetypally expresses as the storyteller putting its whole heart into what it is expressing. It can be dramatic or bombastic in an attempt to get attention – and in the process completely avoid listening to anyone else. But when it expresses from its highest manifestation, Mercury in Leo’s nobility of spirit shines through in ways that can inspire others to summon up the courage to join in the fun of expressing in their own creative way. Venus manifests the esoteric vibration of grace in the material world through beauty, balance and harmony. It rules the processes by how we relate to others and guides us to focus on what we value in life. Venus’ drive to relate to others, make choices about what is important in life and develop aesthetic forms in the world can devolve into superficiality and vanity if a connection to spirit is not present. Venus is strong in its home sign of Libra and its qualities are amplified here. At its highest manifestation, Venus in Libra teaches us the value of total relatedness. At this level, the grace and beauty so easily expressed externally exemplifies the love within being shared with the world. 

There are still four planets retrograde (Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto), but the pace of life is picking up with Mercury and Mars now in direct motion. Saturn, which governs the structures and responsibilities of life, is barely moving and quite potent in advance of turning direct on September 6, ending its retrograde period that commenced April 17. We may now receive a last chance energetic push to wrap up the review of just where we need to show up in life and how well we are taking responsibility for our thoughts, words and deeds. Additionally, on September 2 Venus enters its “shadow,” the degree space it will traverse three times between 25∞ Libra and 11∞ Scorpio due to its upcoming retrograde October 5 through November 16. Venus retrograde periods can have a significant impact on relationships so whatever issues are present at this time are likely to be challenged over the next few months. As the shadow period commences, we may be motivated to take a good, realistic look at what is most important in our relationships, how well they are working and if they are headed a direction that reflects our values. This process can lead to making different choices so we can express and interact in ways that are more in alignment our own Venusian qualities of manifesting spirit/love. Going into this period, Mercury/Venus sextile could activate a lively exchange of ideas, feelings and questions about what is happening now in our relationships. Tuning into these mutually supportive energies can lead to a higher state of presence and therefore greater understanding with those we love.

Here’s the data for the major aspects this week (Pacific Time, rounded to the nearest whole degree unless otherwise noted).

September 3 – Mercury sextile Venus at 26∞ Leo/Libra at 5:58 a.m.