Vedic Astrology Update For September
Supermoon Vibes, Jupiter Retrograde, and More Planetary Shifts as We Begin the Fall Season
The month of September is going to be a very special month! It will be enclosed between two Full Supermoons, one occurring on August 30-31, and the other on September 29. As the lunar effect is quite active in the days around a Full Moon, and exponentially so around a Supermoon, the month of September promises some intensity.
Supermoons occur at either a New or Full Moon when the Moon is at perigee, which means nearest to the Earth. Full Moon Supermoons are bigger and brighter than ordinary Full Moons. They can indicate higher than normal tides, big storms, seismic events, heightened emotions, relationship challenges, but also magnified psychic and intuitive awareness.
This is an important month for self-reflection, when we should release outworn patterns and embrace new perspectives in order to enhance personal growth. Now is the time to actively cultivate a deeper spiritual connection in order to activate divine grace and psychic protection.
September 1 – The Beginning of Meteorological Fall (and Spring in the Southern Hemisphere)
Meteorologists divide the year up into seasons a bit differently than our astronomical calendars do. The meteorological calendar is based on annual temperature cycles. The Fall season begins September 1 and ends at the beginning of Winter on November 30. During this season, the days grow much shorter, sunlight diminishes, and temperatures cool. In the Southern Hemisphere, all this is reversed as Spring begins on September 1, and Summer on November 30.
September 1 — Mars and Saturn in Quincunx
We will begin the month of September with an exact quincunx between Saturn at 9 degrees of Aquarius and Mars at 9 degrees of Virgo. Though the aspect is exact on September 1, the energy of this combination has an orb of influence from August 30 to September 3.
The quincunx is also called an inconjunct. In Vedic astrology, it is known as Shadashtak Yoga, or shasta-ashtakam, meaning a 6/8 relationship. It occurs when two planets are 6 and 8 houses apart — 150 zodiacal degrees one way, and 210 zodiacal degrees the other. It represents a need for adjustment and sometimes points to conflicts or health problems.
Another quincunx between Saturn and Mars occurred in late May and early June 2023 when Mars was in Cancer. The next time this aspect will occur is in June 2025, so it is relatively rare. The Mars-Saturn quincunx can sometimes reflect a sense of victimization, burden, or pessimism. It may suggest explosive anger, or simply feelings of deep frustration and irritation. This depends on one’s natural disposition and also it depends on where the aspect is occuring in an astrological chart.
September through November – Neptune and Ketu in Quincunx
From September through November, the Moon’s South Node (Ketu) will also be in a quincunx with Neptune. As mentioned above, the 6/8 combination generally suggests some strife and the need to make significant adjustments. In this case, it is also tied up with a potentially vulnerable nodal transit as Rahu and Ketu will be transiting for some time on the sensitive edge of their respective signs (known as sandhi). Rahu will be in early Aries moving back toward late Pisces, and Ketu will be in early Libra moving back into late Virgo. These positions have been associated with disasters in the past.
The 6/8 (quincunx) between Neptune and Ketu represents multiple levels of deception and tyranny, and a growing disconnect between the elites and the wider populace. Among a large section of the population, there is a general sense that they are not being "heard," and that their needs are being co-opted by special interests, both foreign and domestic. In connection with this, the quincunx between Neptune and Ketu may also suggest intensifying political intrigue, the advance of secret political movements, and the possibility of a constitutional crisis.
For each of us, I feel the next three months will be a very important time to resolve and release certain aspects of the past and tune out all the noise. It is important to spend more time in contemplation and meditation in order to to reclaim the sacred in our inner lives. This can help to raise the emotional and spiritual frequency of our planetary family, and to develop greater awareness, peace, and discernment. The latter is incredibly lacking now as fear and alienation reign supreme.
September 3 – Venus Stationary Direct
On September 3 at 9:21 PM EDT (September 4 at 1:21 AM UTC), Venus will station direct at 18 degrees Cancer. For some, this may feel liberating and life-enhancing after the last 43 days of Venus retrograde. The two days before, the day of, and the two days after the direct station are a good time to try and resolve financial, business and legal matters, like refinancing a loan, hiring a new agent, or finishing a legal matter. It can also be a time when we start to experience more inner peace, develop a new sense of self-worth, or find a positive new direction in relationships or other personal or professional matters.
September 4 – Jupiter Stationary Retrograde
Jupiter will station retrograde on September 4 at 10:11 AM EDT (2:11 PM UTC). It will remain retrograde until December 30. As Jupiter represents dharma, purpose, ideals, and self-expression, its entire retrograde cycle provides an opportunity for inner growth. It is a time to strengthen faith and optimism, realign with higher purpose, broaden our outlook, and establish new outlets for creative inspiration.
Jupiter will transit from 21 degrees of Aries back to 11 degrees of Aries. If you have any planets or chart points in this area (11-21 degrees) in Aries, Libra, Capricorn, or Cancer, you may be impacted the most during this cycle. Additionally, the specific effects of this transit will be determined by the house position of Jupiter’s transit in Aries within either a natal or mundane horoscope. These are the sort of topics that I review and discuss with my clients in consultation.
As Jupiter retrogrades, it will backtrack mostly through the nakshatra of Bharani. This area of the lunar zodiac encompasses 13 degrees and 20 minutes to 26 degrees and 40 minutes of Aries. In its lower expression, Bharani is known as the most extreme, aggressive, and explosive section of Aries. Ruled by Venus and symbolized by the female reproductive organ (yoni), Bharani has great creative power. The Vedic deity of death known as Yama also rules Bharani, so it is further connected to destructive and creative cycles as in death and rebirth.
In order to master the more challenging qualities of Jupiter’s retrograde transit in this nakshatra, we will need self-discipline and forbearance. This cycle may illuminate certain problems caused by unrealistic expectations, illusions, overindulgence, and extravagant spending.
It’s interesting that Venus will station direct about 13 hours before Jupiter stations retrograde, and Jupiter will station retrograde in the nakshatra of Venus, and they will be in a square aspect at each station. In a previous article I discussed this aspect which has been occurring on an off since June and will continue until mid-September.
The Jupiter-Venus square usually happens a few times each year, but in this instance, it is repeating three times in a close period of time due to the retrograde transit of Venus. This suggests a time when many have been questioning and reconsidering the wisdom of certain long-held beliefs, values, and principles. It also points to significant problems that must be faced due to corrupt, immoderate, or impractical actions.
September 6 – Mercury’s Inferior Conjunction
Mercury’s inferior conjunction will happen on Wednesday, September 6. This exact conjunction of the Sun and Mercury occurs during each retrograde period of Mercury when it passes between the Earth and the Sun (in the inferior or interior position). The inferior conjunction represents an important time to tune in, seed new ideas and energies, and set new intentions. We may be more receptive than usual to any new information coming in, as perception may be heightened. So pay attention!
The new intentions and ideas that we begin to consider on September 6 will be likely to fully emerge around Mercury’s direct station on September 15. Until then, we may prepare to make a decision or take new action. But we still need to wait until after Mercury goes direct to make any life-altering decisions or to initiate anything significant.
September 6-7 – Krishna Janmashtami
The annual sacred Hindu/Vedic celebration of Janmashtami celebrates the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna, the ultimate divine god of protection, compassion, tenderness, and love. Devotees observe this special spiritual event with celebrations, fasting, prayer, pujas, chanting mantras, singing bhajans, and reciting spiritual stories and verses together.
September 10 to 14 - Balsamic Moon Phase
Now is the time to slow down, rest, clear and clean, and go within in preparation for the new cycle that will begin on the upcoming New Moon.
September 14/15 – New Moon in Leo
The New Moon will occur on September 14 at 9:40 PM EDT (which will be September 15 at 1:40 AM UTC). The New Moon will occupy the 28th degree of Leo in Uttara Phalguni Nakshatra. This New Moon is favorable for all new beginnings, for performing sacred ceremonies, for acts of philanthropy and charity, and for career and financially related activities. It is also a time to focus on relationship development.
The New Moon (Sun + Moon) will also conjoin the fixed star Denebola in the tail of Leo the Lion. Denebola has a disturbing Uranian nature (think “shock and awe”), and has been associated with the public disgrace of leaders, swift judgments, and accidents or natural disasters.
September 15 – Mercury Stationary Direct
After having been retrograde since August 23, Mercury will station direct on September 15 at 4:22 PM EDT (8:22 PM UTC). At this time, Mercury will occupy the 14th degree of Leo. It will also reappear out of the glare of the Sun in the eastern sky before sunrise around this time. As Mercury stations direct and reappears before us, new insights may be gleaned, and we may have a big urge to begin creating something new in our lives.
September 17 to October 17 – The Sun Will Transit in Virgo
The Sun will transit in the Virgo constellation beginning on September 17 at 4 AM EDT (8 AM UTC). It will remain in Virgo until October 17. The Sun transiting here can be an especially auspicious, productive, and high-energy transit for those with the Ascendant, Moon, or Sun in Aries, Cancer, Virgo, Scorpio, or Sagittarius. In general, this transit tends to be an invigorating time which may be focused on improving self-care, health building, and productive work.
September 17 – Venus and Jupiter Form an Exact Square
As mentioned above and in other recent articles, Venus and Jupiter have been forming a square aspect (a 90-degree tension aspect) on and off since June. Today, they will form an exact and final square before starting to finally move apart. For many of us, this will represent a culmination of a lengthy process in which we have been re-evaluating and transforming certain long-held and outworn values, beliefs, attitudes, and practices.
September 17 to 20 – The Sun-Neptune Opposition
From September 17 to 20, the Sun and Neptune will form an opposition aspect. This annual event suggests a time when we should especially “mind the mind,” as we can be susceptible to confusion, disappointment, insecurity, and deception. On a higher note, this can also be a good period for creativity and spirituality.
September 18/19 - Blessings of Ganesh Chaturthi!
Ganesh Chaturthi will occur on September 18 in the western half of the world, and on September 19 in the eastern half of world. This day celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesh, who represents the supreme power, and who is the remover of obstacles, the guardian of Shakti, and the patron of astrologers and writers.
Ganesha, by Vrindavan Das
September 23 – The Autumnal Equinox (Spring Equinox in the Southern Hemisphere)
The equinox will occur on September 23 at 2:50 AM EDT/6:50 AM UTC. This key turning point occurs when the ecliptic, the apparent path of the Sun, intersects the celestial equator, heralding the advent of Autumn in the Northern Hemisphere and Spring in the Southern Hemisphere. At this time, the planetary electromagnetic field is reset, and this affects all of us at the most sublime levels of our individual energy systems.
During the day before, the day of, and the day after an equinox, we may feel especially sensitive and vulnerable, and should therefore make sure to nurture our physical and mental health. These days should not be chosen for beginning important events (elective astrology or muhurta) like weddings or starting a business.
This is because the energy of the Sun, which represents the vitality and lifespan of our enterprises, is too transitional around the equinoxes. The Sun’s power at this time is just not sustainable for the long-term success of anything important that we want to set into motion.
If you feel weary or less than inspired during this seasonal shift, it might be a great time for an acupuncture treatment or energy balancing session. I recommend these at least four times a year at every seasonal change. This is also a great time of year to focus on doing regular pranayama or a conscious breath practice.
September 24 – Mars-Chiron Opposition
On September 24, transiting Mars will oppose transiting Chiron. This will be a good time to confront the fears and insecurities that hold us back. This aspect may also reflect aggressive actions.
September 20 to October 6 - Mars Triggers the October 14 Eclipse Points
Mars will transit across the October 14 solar eclipse points in late Virgo and early Libra in advance of the eclipse. Mars can act like a trigger during this period, which will extend from around September 20 to October 6, and will be exact on September 28. This means that Mars, the planet of conflict and war, may provoke intense eclipse-related events before the actual eclipse occurs, acting as a doorway to transformative events ahead of the actual eclipse. I plan to write more about this in a future article.
September 28 – Venus Squares Uranus One Last Time
Venus and Uranus will form a 90-degree tension square on September 28 (and September 29). Due to the recent Venus retrograde cycle, they squared off like this previously on July 2 and August 9. Because of these repeating transiting aspects, any related events that developed around July 2 may not come to a full conclusion until early October.
Historically, this particular square aspect between Uranus in late Aries and Venus in late Cancer has been a trigger for shocking international incidents. When it activates a natal or mundane chart, this square can point to unforeseen circumstances and upsets in relationships, finances, or other such matters, including disasters and accidents.
September 29 – Full Harvest Supermoon
The Full Harvest Moon will occur at 12 degrees of Pisces on September 29, at 5:58 AM EDT/9:58 AM UTC. Because it is also a Supermoon, this brings an intense lunar effect as previously discussed. The Pisces Full Moon also has an incredibly sensitive, artistic, inspired, and mystical tone. It will occur in Uttara Bhadrapada nakshatra. This part of the zodiac gives the power to bring both literal and symbolic rain (in the latter case, it refers to spiritual blessings).
Uttara Bhadrapada nakshatra is ruled by Saturn. The co-rulership of Saturn with Jupiter (which rules Pisces) makes this a reasonable, wise, and compassionate section of the zodiac, one that can be helpful for working together and resolving problems. Other auspicious activities associated with this nakshatra include research, artistic ventures, treatment of disease, meditation, and other kinds of spiritual practice.
September 29 to October 14 – Pitru Paksha
The traditional Vedic fortnight of the ancestors is observed every year in Bhadrapada month (September). Known as Pitru Paksha, these 16 days are a time for death rites and rituals that pay tribute to loved ones who have passed from this world. This is also a wonderful time to do ancestral healing rituals and practices and to meditate on the supreme reality. It is important to observe this period as it prepares us for the Sharad Navaratri (Divine Mother) festival which will occur from October 15 to 24 this year.
September 30 (Within Range from September 29-October 1) — Venus Gandanta and Mercury Sandhi
On September 30, Venus will transit in the gandanta, the sensitive edge between a water and fire sign. In this case, it will transit from 29 to 30 degrees of Cancer (the portion of the zodiac that marks the edge between the water sign of Cancer and the fire sign of Leo).
This may activate emotional intensity or may also point to rains, storms, floods or other water accidents, violence, criminality, relationship conflict, financial issues, irritable and agitated feelings, or transportation accidents. The time range for this to manifest will be from September 29 to October 1. On a more constructive note, this transit is a wonderful time to do any inner healing needed to release long-held emotional angst.
Also on September 30, Mercury will transit on the edge (sandhi) between Leo and Virgo, which can be a trigger for seismic events, shocking news stories, or storms (in range from September 29 to October 1). Fortunately, this transit will also bring Mercury into Virgo, its sign of exaltation, on October 1. Virgo is the sign of the giving and loving Earth Mother who provides sustenance for all of life. She symbolizes balanced living, service, and work.
Mercury in Virgo has a great deal of strength in its expression. Here, Mercury is generally concerned with constructive applications that lead to financial well-being and a good position in life. As a result, this should represent some significant improvement as we leave September.
As you can see, September will be full of unusual astrological events and planetary shifts. The movements of Jupiter and Mars, as well as the upcoming eclipse energies, may cause unexpected changes in the world. In addition, Mercury and Venus may cause worldwide difficulties as these planets move into new signs as the month ends. On the other hand, these challenges should be balanced by the uplifting energy of the Sun in Virgo and two Full Supermoons.
As we look toward the beginning of Fall, let us remember this wisdom from one of my favorite writers:
Happily we bask in this warm September sun, which illuminates all creatures. (Henry David Thoreau)
Thank you. My little life will only allow I look forward so far. The day to day is so intense every moment. I glean, and shall reread your incredible insights as the moments move forward and backwards. Thank you for the life line you have given! ... I've not ventured further in my reading as I am still with Shantarum. I keep you in my heart!