The summer brought us fire and flood across the land. The summer also hailed the famous Barbault Basket: the three biggies, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto in close alignment, an alignment that is extremely rare. Andre Barbault, a French astrologer, claimed it heralded a new era, the world was on an up swing. He spent a lifetime studying cycles and was never wrong. We’re all going to be kissy faces and huggy bodies. Whether you call it the Basket or the Cradle, I call it “Pandora’s Box.” These slow moving planets will be in alignment until 2028/2029 or even later. Some things may happen very quickly, some may be shocking, while other events will feel like nothing is moving. While Monsieur Barbault may be correct I think the shit is going to hit the fan first. The perfect alignments are moments when the seed is planted. And we know the garden needs manure to grow.
The season kicks off with the Full Moon with Sun in Libra and Moon in Aries. This axis fits very nicely with these slow movers and shakers, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto. Sun in Libra is no pushover but prefers consulting, and consensus is Libra’s game. Aries is impulsive, and wants to take action often without thought. The action is on play. It is up to you how you use it. The Full Moon brightens up the night sky. Ask yourself, what is it shining on you? Mercury in Libra encourages conversation. So light up your life with conversation.
The New Moon on October 10 brings the Sun and Moon together in the sky. The conversations continue. Your boss, your parents and your friends are all pulled into your orbit. Libra energy wants us to connect. It is a good time to mend fences. The current collective consciousnessmind is set to adversarial. You cannot change minds but you can hopefully open a door. Venus, ruled by Libra, is in Scorpio and in retrograde. Retrograde is the time to review relationships, money, and what is important to you. Give up that grudge, it takes too much of your energy.
The Full Moon on October 28 moves the energy into Scorpio/Taurus territory. They are in the early degrees of their signs and they are both pointing at Pluto, which sets the other two in motion. The three biggies are moving the board, you and I are just along for the ride. Retrograde Venus has shifted into Libra, and Mercury is also retrograde. They’ll be hanging around until mid November. Retro Mercury says think it over, check the facts and don’t post anything that will make you look like an idiot the next morning. A new love in your life? Don’t move in together until Venus goes direct. Things will look different when Venus gets her mojo working. Like the old railroad sign says: Stop, look and listen!
At the New Moon on November 9 we are hip deep into Scorpio; Venus and Mercury are still retrograde. Take a deep breath and think. On the big landscape of our lives here in the United
States, it’s budgets and bullshit across the political spectrum. There are a lot of secrets which we may or may not hear about. For us regular folks we can take care of our own stuff. Money, relationships, work and home, tidy things up. Scorpio says dig deep and find out what you really want. Take baby steps if you have to, but take them steps.
We breathe a sigh of relief at the Full Moon on November 24 with Sun in Sagittarius and Moon in Gemini. Moon makes nice and cozy with Uranus who is sure to make a ruckus. Venus and Mercury are both direct now. We may have all our ducks in a row with all the direct action going on but remember, Uranus is the guy who likes to pull the rabbit out of the hat. Your friendships, your love life and your Congress are all ready for a surprise. Not to worry, Sagittarius brings the energy that opens your mind, keeps you friendly and talking to everyone.
The last New Moon on December 8 before winter has the Sun and Moon sticking together in Sagittarius. While Sagittarius is a festive sign, remember that this sign brings us the thinkers and philosophers. Before we’re into the winter, Mercury in Sagittarius may throw us a curve ball. We are still ready to party but Sagittarius keeps our thinking cap on straight. It is a good time to do the things you love to do. Forget the politics, forget the crazies and bring some forgiveness into your life. That includes forgiving yourself. Now that’s a novel idea.
“May you live in interesting times,” may be a blessing or a curse — whatever – we are in it, that is for sure. The world can drive you nuts by simply witnessing it. Remember and be clear about what you can control and what you cannot. Those planets are going to roll around long after you and I are gone. Keep your cool and keep your peace.