The Sun moved from Leo into Virgo August 22.  The summer harvest is organized and put to use.  A frugal perspective shows where it’s wise to scale back and save up the summer bounty to help sustain through the coming fall and winter.  The Leo season in August was a celebratory time, at odds with the trio of Jupiter, Saturn and Pluto in Capricorn.  Both Leo and Capricorn vie for the throne of head honcho, but in different ways.  Leo is born with a royal title and Capricorn has worked its way up to boss through toil, though each sign has merits in the ability to take charge.  Celebrating loved ones within the current times was thematic of August.  Now, with Sun and Mercury in Virgo, the element of earth brings a cool practicality in, spic and span and clean.

With Saturn, Jupiter and Pluto residing in Capricorn, the effects of the pandemic are seen but also the shifting in the economy and culture that incites real change.  Saturn in Capricorn and Mars in Aries face off in a square, a contentious dynamic.  Mars will begin retrograde motion in Aries on September 9-November 13.  The planet of war moves backward and turns inward with a “crouching tiger, hidden dragon” manner.  This eruptive Saturn-Mars dynamic sets the stage for what’s to come, the influence lasting through the autumn.  Taking care and slowing down may be a part of the remedy, but also exploring inner workings of sexuality and anger.  

Saturn, planet of limits, structures and lessons, goes direct September 29.  A direct station presents challenges in a different way than a retrograde because the essence of the planet externalizes.  Saturn’s direct motion could put on the brakes to hold boundaries and keep safe when needed.  Saturn governs time, so playing the waiting game over the autumn could be part of the equation.  Patience may be tested, especially in a productivity oriented society.  The “business as usual”of polarized politics, racism, and an undermined working class in the midst of a pandemic is not something to rush back into.  

*Image Una and the Lion by Benjamin West