by Teri Parsley Starnes

Teri’s interest with astrology lies with helping people see how following a practice of intention and self-awareness leads to a fuller relationship with Mystery. Astrology is a wonderful tool for this. Her weekly column orients readers to the seasonal energy of
each month’s Sun sign in order to set magical/mindful intention for the lunar month beginning at the New Moon.

Each week Teri will write about the unfolding energies that support and challenge our intentions. The ebb and flow of the lunar cycle resides deep in our souls. Through following the phases of the Moon, we remember the natural cycles that guide us.

Astrologers divide the lunar month into eight phases. These are:
New Moon: Dreaming
Crescent Moon: Beginning
First Quarter Moon: Manifesting
Gibbous Moon: Perfecting
Full Moon: Illuminating
Disseminating Moon: Sharing
Last Quarter Moon: Evaluating
Balsamic Moon: Surrendering

Come follow the Moon as we practice intentional awareness together.

Forecast September 30, 2012 – October 6.

 Are you finding it hard to remember intentions that were set at the New Moon* this lunar cycle? Although it was only two weeks ago, a lot has shifted and it may be difficult to bring to mind the kinds of things that were important when the Moon and Sun joined together in Virgo. My intention was to honor the small ways that I know I am doing my work and the ways I know that progress is being made. Did I accomplish my intention or did it lose its relevance when the Sun entered Libra? Every sign prepares the way for the next sign. Virgo has given way to Libra. It may feel odd to apply ourselves to humble service when the big shifts of last week ask us to respond in bigger ways. Animals automatically know what to do with a change in season. Sometimes we forget we are animals too. Agendas change when the seasons change. This seems especially true this month. It doesn’t necessarily mean that my intention is no longer relevant. But it does mean that I may need to reframe it. Has that happened for you too?

I think I was hoping that the Virgo work of this lunar cycle would be about tending my own hearth, getting things in order, finding some calm around which to anchor my life. It hasn’t exactly turned out that way. The Cardinal energy of Sun entering Libra and a Full Moon in Aries that activated the square between Uranus in Aries and Pluto in Capricorn has disrupted that attempt at simplicity. Cardinal energy is about action. Opportunities present themselves, we want to see something happen, and so we get involved.

This change in plans, or what I thought my plans would be, is an opportunity to notice how I react to the unexpected. Change is the constant right now. How are you reacting to constant change? Virgo’s gifts aren’t entirely forgotten. This sign reminds us to take care of our bodies when we are feeling anxious or stressed. As the Moon wanes through the final two weeks of the Virgo cycle, it will be good to tend to the whole self, body and mind.

Virgo, as a Mutable sign, also teaches us how to be adaptable. This week, four planets change signs and another one stations retrograde. Flexibility is a resource as we navigate these fluctuations.

Sunday, September 30. What are your big ahas? Allies want to help us understand better what our roles are in the evolving multiverse. What is your gift? What are you being called to do? What is your guiding mission? All kinds of insights are possible. The Full Moon phase lasts through October 3^rd. We have plenty of time although it may be hard to remain patient. Open to the next leg of your journey. Don’t hold back.

Monday, October 1. What are you itching to do? Today it may be hard to resist something that feels like a dare, that could possibly be impetuous, or even something that you might regret later. But sometimes it is good to stir things up. This could be one of those days. I have an Aries friend who coined the phrase “bold ‘n shy” to describe the feeling of stepping out of our comfort zones and then realizing that everyone is looking at us for leadership. That might happen to you today as the Moon finishes its journey through Aries. Tonight, earth returns beneath us as the Moon moves into grounded Taurus.

 Tuesday, October 2. As the reverberations of the Full Moon begin to settle, we can ask ourselves, “Of the experiences of the last few days, what has been really valuable and what can be composted?” Our attentions turn to productivity and sustainability. This is a great day to do things like balance the checkbook, nurture our bodies, or create foundations that support long-range plans. Honor beauty and balance today.

October 3—Disseminating Moon: Sharing. Gratitude is an immensely healing practice. Whatever stresses or unexpected changes have occurred over this lunar cycle, there are still many things to be grateful for. This phase of the Moon is about sharing whatever merit we have attained in our efforts to be mindful. What have you learned? What will you teach? Venus enters Virgo today and perhaps it is easier now to return to the idea of honoring our work through humble service. Venus also contacts Neptune reminding us that every small act of service feeds a much larger truth. Find balance between heaven and earth as we honor the work and the ideals behind the work.

Thursday, October 4. Jupiter stations retrograde today. Since June when it entered Gemini, Jupiter has moved briskly through this Mutable air sign. Now, midway through Gemini, Jupiter turns to retrace its steps. It will turn direct at the end of January. Since the Moon is in Gemini too, we can expect the day to be full of ideas, conversations, and fluctuating emotional states. When a planet stations (changes direction), it gets stronger. Jupiter brings opportunity, but it can also bring overexpansion. Get off the rollercoaster if it feels overwhelming to you. Say yes if the offer supports your heart’s desire.

Friday, October 5. Mercury and Saturn join hands today to cross the threshold into Scorpio. The symbolism is fascinating. Scorpio is the sign of death and transformation. Mercury, known as Hermes in Greek mythology, is the psychopomp—the god who guides the dead into the underworld. Today, Mercury guides Saturn into this realm of transformation. Saturn defines reality. Our reality is about to undergo a big shift.

Saturn stays in Scorpio until December 2014. It will leave Scorpio for a few months and then return for about four more months, finally leaving Scorpio in September 2015. I expect that we will realize that the changes we are undergoing currently are still not enough to transform the world as it needs to be transformed. In order to do that, we’ll need to get at the root of our problems and our potential. Eventually that journey leads to the threshold of the underworld. Finally, the realization dawns that only through such transformation can life be renewed. Later this month, the Sun enters Scorpio. Can you already feel the pull to go deeper, to meet the powers of transformation face to face?

 Saturday, October 6. It’s time for a breather. I hope we can grab one today. Even thought the Moon remains in mentally active Gemini through most of the day, it is in that spacey Void-of-Course state too. It may be best to release expectations of accomplishing much today and try to appreciate what brews under the surface of things. Tonight** the Moon enters Cancer and Mars enters Sagittarius. We feel the conflict between staying at home to rest and recharge and getting out into the wide world to explore and learn. Which impulse is stronger for you? Since Mars will be in Sagittarius until mid-November, you have plenty of time to cross boundaries and push edges.

* See the forecast for the week of the New Moon September 15 to follow along with the developing energy of this lunar month.

** All times are CDT.

Contact Teri at teri@starsdanceastrology and visit her website at http://www.starsdanceastrology.com