September 2020 By Bob Mulligan (a personal note is at the end of the newsletter) The darkness we have been living in is about to intensify. September is a time of learning. Hopefully this year we will be learning about ourselves. With Mars (desire) Square Saturn (karma), our wishes take shape in a pleasant way, if we deal effectively with our limitations. Mars (god of war) is in Aries, his own sign; and Saturn (lord of karma) is in Capricorn, his own sign. This dual combination started June 27th and continues uninterrupted until December 17th. This inscribes a period of intense negatives of fear and hatred which we each must transmute into bravery and honor. Marc Edmund Jones used to say “a T-Square is like riding a bicycle, it is easy to be balanced if you stay in motion, but very difficult if you stand still.” Two Cardinal T-squares play a large role this month. Mars in Aries is Opposite Venus in Cancer and both Square Saturn in Capricorn. This is how the month starts. Mercury/Saturn/Mars form a T-Square during the last 10 days. Cardinal means physical, so there will be much acting out of emotions all month. Each of us in our own arena will be called upon to take a stand on basic eternal principles. The Full Moon is on the 2nd at 1:21 PM EDT. This happens on the 10th degree of Virgo/Pisces and is in harmony with Uranus. We must innovate because the old ways are not working. Much practical advice comes to us by just taking the time to ruminate. Mercury in Virgo is Trine Saturn/Pluto/Jupiter in Capricorn. This is a great time for putting our house in order, literally and figuratively. Mercury is also Sextile Venus and Quincunx Mars. Much thought will be devoted to personal relationships. Love and compassion go a long way to smoothing out difficulties. Because Mars is at the base of a T-square (planets in Capricorn Opposite Venus in Cancer), we are called upon to act. Mars Trines the South Node of the Moon, giving us a way to stay on task, but only if we are able to relinquish prejudice and take in new information. The New Moon on the 17th is at 7:00 AM EDT on the 25th degree of Virgo. The New Moon is Trine the Saturn/Pluto/Jupiter Conjunction in Capricorn, which reinforces the status quo, but this can also be a time of problem solving. Mercury is Square Jupiter, reminding us to face facts and see the obvious. Because Mars Trines the South Node of the Moon all of us can be stuck in our prejudices, but we can solve old problems with new ideas. The Sun moves into Libra on September 22nd at 12:31 PM EDT. This is the Autumnal Equinox. Jupiter, Pluto, and Saturn are at the base of a T-square, Squaring both Mercury and Mars which Oppose each other. This shows a fundamental shift in the bureaucratic strictures which are imposed to accommodate warring parties. Mercury in Libra is the only air planet (abstract reasoning) in the chart; he is Trine the North Node of the Moon in Gemini. Over the next three months it will be possible to achieve harmony if we reestablish a habit of listening and understanding one another. The Nodal Axis shows the direction of society. Neptune in Pisces is Squaring the Gemini/Sagittarius Nodal Axis. We will see the explosion of intentional misinformation and wild-eyed conspiracy theories. In order to rise above the lies, we need to embrace uncomfortable facts and deal with them. From the 1st to the 6th we are released from past bondage if we are dutiful. We need to avoid falling into a mental fog or outlandish ideas which seem to be clinging to collective consciousness. If we take care of others, mental and emotional balance is achieved. From the 7th to the 13th luck is with us and real progress is made on every project that focuses on practical results. Material world concerns should be at the center of our vision. Short term results are important and where our attention must be. At the same time, our long term goals and ethical guidelines need to be respected because they cast light on the path. From the 14th to the 20th doing too many things at once leaves us with the feeling of incompleteness. We may have to go back to the beginning in order to reset our gauges. How we allot our time plays a dominant role in bringing success and personal fulfillment. From the 21st to the 27th it is important to keep moving, even when the tasks in front of us look impossible. Both fear and guilt can stand in the way of our forward motion. Involving others in our plans, and joining them in theirs, is a way to build momentum. From the 28th to the 30th grit and determination supply the force to move us. Intense concentration on a few factors creates power. New insights much be channeled toward old difficulties if they are to be useful. Diplomacy doesn’t seem to achieve much, but acts of kindness are their own reward. 1st – Tuesday – Mercury Trine Pluto – We make the most of the day by focusing on one thing and doing our best to perfect it. Expanding our vision of life is really important now, but committing to, and completing the task at hand, must take priority. While interesting distractions swirl around us, getting something completed means taking a step forward in consciousness. 2nd – Wednesday – The Full Moon is at 1:21 PM EDT on the 10th degree of Virgo/Pisces, Venus Opposite Saturn, Sun Trine Uranus, Sun Sesquiquadrate Saturn, Mercury Sesquiquadrate Uranus – In the process of completing the most mundane tasks, we can expand our awareness of our place in life. By being productive and feeling useful, we can overcome the results of poor decisions. We are in a pattern of course correction, but this does not have to be destructive, just definite. 3rd – Thursday – Mercury Trine Saturn – Confusion in our mental life is rectified by keeping our attention on tangible results. The facts are the facts regardless of the source of information. Overcoming historically based prejudices allows us to hear with different ears. Finding emotional balance may require some physical exertion. 4th – Friday – Venus Square Mars, Mercury Quincunx Mars, Mercury Sextile Venus, Sun Sesquiquadrate Mars – Feelings run the extremes from hot to cold. We all need to check our temperature before issuing advice. Seeing the world from another person’s perspective may be challenging, but necessary if we wish to create harmony. We are weaving a new cloth using old threads. 5th – Saturday – Mercury enters Libra – A quest for unity and uniformity stems from an innate urge to find common ground. The cry for justice is powerful and has a different tone. Each of us can be a little too “quick on the trigger”. We have a ways to go before the big picture becomes clear. We each need to see what we can contribute to finding real solutions to long-standing problems. 6th – Sunday –Venus enters Leo – The heart is closest to the secret of life. Magnanimous gestures when based on genuine love contribute to our own well-being. Acts of kindness may seem insignificant against the backdrop of world chaos, but they are not. Love is significant and brings its own positive effect. 7th – Monday – Great enthusiasm and excitement can sweep us into a whirlwind of activity. Time is best spent observing the world and our actual circumstances. Peacefulness and joy come naturally when we relax and accept what is. This does not mean we should relinquish our values or ignore our duties. Meaning comes through the commonplace. 8th – Tuesday – Hard work may be upon us, but finding our rhythm is a way to create harmony. Being at peace with the world doesn’t mean falling asleep on the job. Diligence is rewarded. 9th – Wednesday – Sun Contra-parallel Neptune, Sun Trine Jupiter, Mars turns Retrograde – It is easy to get caught up in false promises of the moment. We need our self-reflective instinct working to correctly evaluate the substance of each situation. What part of our nature is being appealed to? 10th – Thursday – Venus Sesquiquadrate Neptune – Personal significance is measured by identifying with something larger than the concerns of our immediate circle. If we can corral the higher side of today’s vision, we are able take a leap in awareness. Giving vent to artistic instincts brings satisfaction. 11th – Friday – Sun Opposite Neptune, Sun Contra-parallel Mercury – Keeping our feet on the ground while watching the illusions of the moment play out can spare us a large “hangover”. Mental recalibration allows us to be immediately self-correcting. Recent mistakes surface and we can compensate. 12th – Saturday – Mercury Quincunx Uranus, Jupiter turns Direct – Mental aberrations can lead us astray, but also reveal a hidden truth. We may see a way to invent and innovate, but better to ignore new insights unless they speak directly to our heart. A grand synthesis is possible. 13th – Sunday – Mercury Parallel Neptune – Integrating thoughts and values bring harmony. This is not without effort, but much can be achieved in a short period of time if we can stay engaged with those in our immediate network. 14th – Monday – Sun Trine Pluto – Determination and patience bring tangible results. Every step we take has to be part of an orchestrated plan in order to be effective. Energy is necessary and it comes naturally when we recognize what role we play in the bigger picture. 15th – Tuesday – Venus Square Uranus, Mercury Contra-parallel Mars – Our preferences can change rapidly. We can be responsible for creating tremendous turbulence in our immediate sphere of influence if our likes and dislikes change quickly. Because we are under stress, we are given to acting out precipitously. Safe ways of releasing pressure may require some alone time. 16th – Wednesday – Meditation can help us find inner peace and calm our nerves. Self-judgment can breed guilt and fear; both of them block our progress. Send others positive thoughts; this act emphasizes better qualities of our personality. 17th – Thursday – Mercury Square Jupiter, the New Moon is at 7:00 AM EDT on the 25th degree of Virgo, Sun Sesquiquadrate Uranus, Sun Trine Saturn – Practical considerations dominate planning. Short term gains are not the focus as long term viability is on everyone’s mind. What we really want seems out of reach for most of us. This produces anxiety. We can’t change the external circumstances, but we can change ourselves. Magical thinking just leads to denial and escapism. Facing the current circumstances honestly requires that we recognize the tools we have as being all that is necessary for what is next. 18th – Friday – Mercury Quincunx Neptune – Clarity comes through trying different approaches until we find what works. We discover a useful path forward by accepting people’s differences, acknowledging the value of unfulfilled ideals, and being self- reliant. We can get caught between trying to do too much and being intimidated by the magnitude of tasks undone. Right sizing and careful time planning win the day. 19th – Saturday – Sun Quincunx Mars – We sort through details and discover what is important by being empirical. However, our abstract appraisal of the road ahead has a place. It is not possible to try every conceivable avenue of action. We must first have a starting point and an idea of what might work. We want our efforts to matter; it’s good to think before acting. 20th – Sunday – Enjoyment comes by releasing tension. Nervous energy needs a terminal point. As long as we aren’t overindulgent, the bounty of life fills us with joy. Being generous never goes out of style. 21st – Monday – Mercury Square Pluto, Venus Quincunx Jupiter – Being overly entrenched in our own point of view can alienate others. As committed as we are to certain ideas, people we meet have something to say. We can feel limited, and then suddenly a way out of our dilemma appears. Being kind and cautious can safeguard us. Reaching beyond our foundations can be problematic. 22nd – Tuesday – Sun enters Libra at 12:31 PM EDT – Taking shortcuts can leave us in uncharted territory. This is fine if we don’t sacrifice our values for a temporary gain. Gathering the correct information might mean exploring new ways of observing the world. Anger can be easily drawn to the surface, and explosive reactions to things in the environment are commonplace now. To be patient and approach others with a balanced mind allows us to be part of the solution, and not just more of the problem. 23rd – Wednesday – Mercury Square Saturn, Venus Quincunx Neptune – We can create something of beauty and of value if our intentions are pure. The cosmos presents options so we need to look past apparent limitations. Going beyond the confines of our personal life provides an opportunity to serve, contributing to the good in the world. In some small way we can make a contribution to the forces of light. 24th – Thursday – Mercury Opposite Mars, Venus Parallel Uranus – Being too quick to respond to news that comes our way can get us into trouble. Unexpressed emotions can have a physical effect. Our health suffers if we don’t have a safe outlet for our feelings. Getting into arguments or pushing a point of view can create more problems than it solves. A feeling of urgency can precipitate mistakes. Being forceful yet calm is a winning combination. 25th – Friday – Staying in motion and staying on course is appropriate. Our habits may be somewhat shopworn, but they keep us safe. Recognition for our efforts comes later, but we need our attention to be completely on our tasks now. 26th – Saturday – Venus Quincunx Pluto – To be generous and kind is the way to happiness. Jealousy, possessiveness, and meanness are the attitudes that pull at the fabric of long-standing relationships. Some sacrifice is necessary to bring lasting harmony, but it is well worth the price. 27th – Sunday – Mercury Contra-parallel Venus, Mercury enters Scorpio – Are we on our own, or are others coming with us? Today can be restful, but some decisions for the coming period need to be made. Our mental life picks up. We do best if we are reflective and careful. 28th – Monday – Mercury Contra-parallel Uranus, Venus Quincunx Saturn, Venus Trine Mars – Changes in plans come; some because our priorities shift; some because of external circumstances. If we slow down, others can catch up. This can be a stellar day for sorting out all our relationships. 29th – Tuesday – Saturn turns Direct, Mars Square Saturn – If we are certain, and correctly identify our true obligations, we will give energy to the things that really matter. There is still violence and underlying tension hanging in the air. We all need to be safe. It is prudent to be extra cautious when in motion whether walking or driving. 30th – Wednesday – Mercury Sesquiquadrate Neptune – Delusional thinking emerges from wishing that things were different. Inspiration comes by first facing what is, then finding what is good in life’s circumstances. Making our own world better requires awareness of the affect we have on others, as well as on our global environment. Bob Mulligan is available for personal appointments, astrology classes, and astrological material. Call him at 239-261-2840 or by e-mail at bobmulliga@aol.com. Visit our web site, www.theastrologycompany.com. Caroline Beebe passed away on August 1st. She was one of my closest friends and a long time spiritual ally. We met in the mid 70’s. A week later my daughter, Katie, was in a serious auto accident and her car was totaled. This has been a rough period for all of us. We are in the new reality. Several of my friends are in poor health, including my housekeeper. Luckily all of my siblings and children are well and happy. A question and answer time on Zoom is scheduled for September 6th at Noon EDT. If you would like to be part of it, send me an email and request the link. You can submit questions in advance. Only a few people took advantage of this during the last few sessions. I have prepared some other material that you might find interesting about the coming period. These are dispiriting times. We live in a polarized world. Each of us has a responsibility to take a stand on our own perceived truth during this period. We are not responsible for the lies that our political leaders tell, but we have a responsibility to speak the truth. “The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.” -Edmund Burke – (1729-1797). Others may steal, cheat, and be violent, but we don’t have to be the evil we fight. This is a time to be vigilant, to make our own lives reflect the higher Truth. Each conscious life can be a divine light manifesting through our behavior. Our fall back emotional state should be gratitude. This is the cure for negative emotions. Be grateful, then get involved. This way you won’t feel powerless, instead you contribute to the cosmic good. We must take care of each other and protect Mother Nature. To be able to do this bravely and forcefully without becoming angry; this is our job. One third of all people in the USA are experiencing anxiety or depression. One in four people between 18 and 29 have contemplated suicide. The pandemic is forcing internal changes. Friendships are critical for most people. Here is a short article on relationships in the pandemic: https://www.cnn.com/2020/08/25/health/pandemic-effect-on-relationships-wellness/index.html Anti-Semitism is “the canary in the coal mine” as society starts unraveling. Some NBA and former NBA players posted some anti-Semitic tropes on Instagram while expressing support for the protests against the killing of George Floyd. This has to be a time of us coming together as a people, as the human race. Forces that try to separate us are strong so we must be stronger. What is right is hard to do; do it anyway. Most of my reading is either spiritual or astrological. I’m currently reading the writings of André Barbault which have been translated into English. He is one of the greatest mundane astrologers that ever lived. I’ve been puzzled by the social consequences of the great divide between the economy of Wall Street and the economics of people who actually work for a living. Sir John Templeton, a legendary investor said: “Bull markets are born on pessimism, grow on skepticism, mature on optimism and die on euphoria.” In other words, the stock market runs on psychology and is divorced from the underlying economy. This is true now because the two are obviously disconnected. The vast majority of the people struggle and the 1% keep amassing more unneeded and unused wealth.The universally recognized scholar, Noam Chomsky, said a few days ago in an interview, “Trump is worse than Hitler”. If you can sit for 30 minutes this is worth your time: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6mAf_uPy-o We have a choice to make; we either choose sanity or more insanity. In any democratic country we have the right, the privilege, and a duty to VOTE. Also, we must stay socially active; to be involved in the welfare of the country and the world. Bob Mulligan is available for personal appointments, astrology classes, and astrological material. Call him at 239-261-2840 or by e-mail at bobmulliga@aol.com. Visit our web site, www.theastrologycompany.com. | 
