(15 September 2024) The highlight this week may well be Tuesday night’s lunar eclipse at 1 Pisces. With the eclipse occurring just three degrees from Neptune, there could be heightened risk of deception, ‘fake news’ and illusions in several areas of life. Under this eclipse influence surface appearances are more likely to be revealed as something other than genuine as Neptune tends to undermine order and rationality. Given the possibility of distortions this week, a healthy skepticism towards truth claims could be a reasonable strategy. ‘Trust, but verify’, as the old Cold War saying goes. The emphasis on Neptune could also raise the risk of troubles arising from liquids, including flooding, chemicals/drugs, and disease. While this lunar eclipse may tend to undermine attempts at rational analysis, it could be a more positive influence for artistic and spiritual efforts which often benefit from Neptune.
Another potential trouble spot this week could be the Mercury-Saturn opposition that is exact on Tuesday and Wednesday. Saturn’s aspect to Mercury is often associated with slowed or erroneous communication, setbacks, and disappointments. While this is typically not a good aspect, it can nonetheless be supportive of intensive and detailed analysis, albeit with uncertain or postponed results. On an individual psychological level, it can symbolize times of rumination, regret and depression. Unless engaged in focused data-related work, this is not a great time to start new projects. And given Mercury’s connection with trading, financial markets are also at risk from this aspect, most likely in the first half of the week.
A more positive shift in collective sentiment is more likely on Wednesday (EDT) as Venus enters sidereal Libra. Venus-related matters typically do better in Libra, especially following the often-difficult transit through Virgo, its sign of debilitation. Areas that may benefit from this improvement in the condition of Venus include women, art, diplomacy, luxury, and social harmony. As it happens, this will coincide with the latest Federal Reserve policy statement on the economy. The auspicious condition of Venus in Libra would tend to suggest a favorable market reaction to the Fed statement. And yet the afternoon Moon-Rahu conjunction that forms a 90-degree square with Mars leaves the door open to some volatility along the way.
Thursday and Friday could be favorable as the Sun aligns with Uranus (3 Taurus), Neptune (4 Pisces) and Pluto (5 Capricorn). This is an excellent alignment for taking bold and assertive actions as leadership skills are in focus. However, the Sun-Neptune opposition could still manifest as deceptions and malfeasance involving governments and bosses. Nonetheless, there is a broadly positive resonance in these Sun alignments that should benefit any initiating actions here.
Next weekend also seem quite good as Venus forms the same alignment with Uranus, Neptune and Pluto. The Venus influence could favor social interaction and socializing more specifically. Saturday and Sunday (Sep 21-22) are therefore good times to schedule meetings, get-togethers and parties, as well as begin any projects related to the arts, social interaction, and women.
