Aloha Fellow Lovers of the Night Sky and Happy Equinox

Thank you for your interest in our shared love of the night sky and spiritual development. We welcome your comments and questions about the coming astrology cycles, or this newsletter.

We are now at the Equinox - Equal Day, Equal Night all over the world. A time of "balance". As the Sun enters the Zodiac sign of Libra, the door opens for rebalancing all aspects of your life, especially "relationships". On this day, if you could see the Earth from Outer Space the day/night terminator would look like this:

When you think of Libra "balance", visualize the "Scales of Justice" - making right or balancing what has been unbalanced. The Hawaiian ancestry calls this process Ho'opono'pono - (hoe-o-poe-no-poe-no). Other Libran themes include harmony in relationships, beauty, crafts and artwork. Venus is the ruling planet of Libra.

On the insterstellar front, extraordinary images were recently returned from the Cassini spacecraft from its orbit around Saturn. This time the focus was on the icy Moon Iapetus. The 3rd largest Moon of Saturn, one-half of its sphere is 10 times darker than the other half. Also, its entire equatorial region bulges, much like the shape of a walnut. That bulge translates into mountains averaging over 6 miles (13 km) high. By contrast, Mount Everest is approximately 5.5 miles (8.5 km high). Have a look at the recent flyby, courtesy of this You Tube video.

Come the early mornings of October 6 and 7th, Venus, Saturn, Regulus (the fixed star of Leo) form a distinctive triangle in the pre-dawn eastern sky at approximately 5 A.M. On the 6th the crescent Moon is just above this triangle. On the 7th, the Moon appears next to Saturn. Enjoy this wonderful celestial sight - dress warmly!

This Season's Astrological Cycles

This emerging season (Autumn in the North, Spring in the South) features two retrograde planetary cycles plus Pluto's final pass over the Galactic Center point in the sky.

Retrograde times in general offer a collective space of slowing down - think "re" as reviewing, regenerating, reorganizing and relaxing. Visualize an Archer drawing an arrow back and you'll readily understand the energetic dynamics of a retrograde cycle. This backward motion builds critical tension, essential for release and moving energetically forward.

Pluto's 3rd and final pass of this powerful galactic activation and alignment takes place on October 26-29 at 27 degrees Sagittarius. Specific information may be found in the July edition of the Starman Update. This rare transit (every 250 years or so) sets the stage for Pluto's movement into the sign of Capricorn come January. Remember too, in 2015, the New Horizon spacecraft will pass close to Pluto, bringing back never before seen images of this mysterious archetypal world.

Over the next 16 years (Pluto's transit through Capricorn), we have a grand opportunity to upgrade the World's rules, organization, finance, commerce and structure (Capricorn themes) to a higher plane of existence. As we begin this Capricorn overhaul, the melting away of the old form is a given. This Pluto cycle will transform the energy field fueled by the essence and grace of our Galactic Core. By contrast, what emerges from this transformative process has yet to be defined. The last time Pluto transited Capricorn the American Revolution was born.

Since that time, many powerful events have occurred across the Globe shaping a world vastly different than that of the 17th Century. This time around, a holistic approach to life may emerge out of Pluto's fire, fashioning a World structure based on inter-dependency, environmental sensitivity and awareness, and peaceful, non-competitive coexistence amongst all people. This is a dynamic time to be alive, participating in a new world revolution.

Mercury and Mars Retrogrades

The first retrograde, beginning October 11, is the well-known Mercury Retrograde. The second, beginning November 15 is the less frequently occurring or understood Mars Retrograde. Mars Retrograde, which takes place approximately every 30 months, is much slower, taking place over an 11 week period as opposed to Mercury's "quick" 3 week dance.

Mercury Retrograde

Mercury represents the way we think; expressing this energy through talking, writing and teaching. In a larger circle it includes perception, commerce and education. In a Retrograde, caution is encouraged in these areas, i.e. think before you communicate, especially in an emotionally charged situation, or don't quickly sign on the dotted-line. Also, stay out of emotional drama (triple underscore!!!).

As we are conditioned to "think" our way through situations, Mercury reversal offers the opportunity for non-logical, spontaneous events, such as serendipity and synergy, to be our guide.

This Retrograde begins in the high-energy sign of Scorpio, returning back one sign into Libra by October 23rd. By November 2, forward motion returns thereby ending the Retrograde.

The domain of Scorpio is life-force. As one of the 3 water signs, it is fluid, flowing and full of juice. Going into the depths, or uncovering the hidden or unseen represent other Scorpio-like characteristics. Its shadow side is full of deception, greed and jealousy played out in the act of drama on the political, sexual or commercial arenas.

Given the "communication" aspects of Mercury, here's some suggestions relative to working with Scorpio's penchant for life force and Libra's desire to create relationships:

• Stay out of drama (said it again!). If you find yourself in an emotionally charged situation, reposition yourself, breathing deeply
• Physical exercise is a great way to work with Scorpio. Get that body moving!
• Mechanical breakdowns are common during this time. Backup computer files, minimize cell phone usage, maintain your automobile, as well as any other mechanical device requiring regular care
• Wonderful time for planning - possibility realm. Scorpio goes into the depths. Research new topics, explore the unknown. By contrast, this is an unfavorable time for signing contracts, making major equipment purchases, opening a business or starting a new job
• If you are traveling, allow the power of spontaneity to be your guide. Travel delays are not uncommon here. If you encounter one, ask yourself what new, exciting opportunity awaits thanks to this unexpected delay?
• Review relationships. Which ones do you want to upgrade? Which ones are ready for closure? In the latter case, practice compassion and understanding while maintaining your integrity.

Timing

• Enters the "retrograde window" passing 23 degrees Libra on September 21 - this prelude time is one of a building energy. You'll begin to notice the Retrograde's symptoms occurring, as outlined above
• Retrograde begins Oct. 11 (9 Scorpio); ends Nov 2nd (23 Libra)
• Leaves the "retrograde window" passing 9 degrees Scorpio on Nov. 17 - this is the closure period. Sometimes, events occurring during the Retrograde have a strange way of recurring during this phase.

Mars Retrograde
(image of Mars - Hubble Space Telescope, August 2003).

Mars represents "action"; movement with passionate desire. This retrograde offers women and men alike an opportunity to explore inwardly the divine mysteries of how you take action and decisively move about in the world. These characteristics are further shaped by the placement of Mars in your natal chart.

Mars Retrogrades are particularly potent for men due to the male tendency for achievement, expressing yang or assertive energy. Consequently, this retrograde can feel quite challenging for anyone (man or woman) who strives to "over achieve" in their work, or is over bearing with others, especially when the available retrograde energy is the opposite - quite yin or passive.

Since Mars in general is about "action and strength", this cycle represents a time to be clear and focused about what is most important in your life. Where do your strengths lie? How do you express your energy in your creative work? Are you nurtured by this process or feel depleted? You can use this inward time to simplify life (clean out stagnant energy in your career; learn how to communicate with others in new ways; shift your priorities so you feel more nurtured by your creative and survival urges.

On the global stage, this particular retrograde begins a Gemini theme for the next 30 months. Gemini is about spontaneity, networking and communication. Gemini types "love to talk". This period opens the door for new ways of connecting and networking. Look for exciting new developments in the realm of communication, travel and computers. The last Mars retrograde in Cancer/Gemini was 1975-76. During this time the world's first supercomputer was created and the first supersonic commercial jet took flight.

Here's the retrograde timings: