The month of September starts off quietly. It seems like you might get a vacation from all the turmoil in the world. But in actuality, September will feel like an emotional roller coaster ride by mid-month if you don’t maintain clarity of purpose and focus on what’s important to you. The key is to make honest assessments not get sucked into any deceit.

The full Moon (with Sun in Virgo and Moon in Pisces) that occurs on September 4th is restful on the surface. This is a time to draw up lists for your activities throughout the month, make plans that can improve your health, and review your budget to assure any extra funds are available for emergencies.

Mercury in Libra turns retrograde on September 7th indicating that you need to re-evaluate your relationships with other people and see if you can develop coalitions with them to help you through. Because Venus forms a sextile to Ceres on this day, you’ll fin that compromises are easier to make. People are willing to listen and hear what you’re actually saying.

September 11th through September 15th is very important both personally and globally. Venus starts this process by forming an opposition to Jupiter retrograde. Saturn forms a quincunx to Neptune retrograde on the following day. Venus forms an opposition to Chiron retrograde on September 14th and an opposition to Neptune retrograde on September 15th. Saturn forms an opposition to Uranus retrograde.

All of this is important because both Venus and Saturn are involved in the Aquarius stellium of Jupiter retrograde, Chiron retrograde, and Neptune retrograde. This stellium isn’t as close together this month as it was in the previous two months. However, it still indicates the importance of understanding that you can’t do things alone in the world right now. You need to be involved with others if you want to succeed.

Venus represents your desire to find value in your interactions. You want to feel that what you’re doing in the world really means something, not only for yourself but also for your family. Since Venus is in Leo, the desire to do something for the world is coupled with the desire for recognition. You want other people to care as much as you care. But you need to be careful during these few days. Others will want to do something for the world. But what’s important to them may be different from what’s important to you. This difference could lead to a rise in emotions and a desire to fight for what is perceived right.

Saturn represents the sense of responsibility you have in life. You may feel that while you want to do one thing, responsibility requires that you do something else. This can lead to an inner conflict between what you really want to do and what you feel you must do. You may even feel resentment because of your responsibilities.

On the days that Venus forms an opposition to the Aquarius stellium it’s very important that you understand your emotions and be as honest as possible. If people aren’t giving you the recognition you feel you deserve perhaps it’s because you’re not giving them the recognition they deserve.

When Saturn forms the quincunx to Neptune retrograde on September 12th, try to understand the difference between your responsibilities and your dreams. This is the first time that Saturn will form this quincunx in this cycle. It will form a quincunx to Neptune two more times: May 2, 2010 and June 28, 2010. Those dates may seem far in advance right now, but this quincunx indicates that any adjustments you make between your responsibilities and your dreams won’t be completed before the end of June 2010. Try not to feel frustrated if you can’t totally figure out how to create a balance in your life at this time.

On September 15th, Venus completes its opposition to the Aquarius stellium and Saturn forms an opposition to Uranus retrograde. The Saturn opposition to Uranus is a 47-year cycle which actually began on November 4, 2008, the day that President Barack Obama was elected. It occurred a second time, on February 5, 2009, when the stimulus package was passed. After today, this aspect will occur two more times, April 26, 2010 and July 26, 2010, before it completes this cycle.

Currently the country is embroiled in debate over President Obama’s health care reform, now called health insurance reform. Emotions are running high. There are many different facts coming out regarding the plan as well as many rumors and half-truths. This is not at all surprising as this opposition represents conflicts which occur between those desiring to make changes in the world and those who want things to stay the same. It’s very difficult to find a middle ground when this aspect is in force.

Economically this is a difficult time in the banking industry. There’s conflict between government officials and investors. Investors want a safe enterprise where their money can grow. Government officials want to make sure that they can control the financial security of their own money. Any laws which involve the banking industry at this time will focus on the relationship between investors and government regulation. This will cause stress for banking officials who fear decreased profits will result in fewer investors. So, you’ll see services diminish while fees increase. Unfortunately, there are still banks which will fail between now and the end of July 2010.

People are very concerned about human rights during this cycle. Everyone wants to participant in the benefits their society can provide. They don’t want to see one sector of society profit if they don’t feel a part of that sector. This will be very interesting. If you feel secure about your life right now, you won’t want things to change. However, if you are insecure about your job or health situation, you will do whatever you can to see change enacted. You’ll see the same struggle throughout the world.

The time period between September 16th and September 30th is when the emotional roller coaster ride really begins.

Ceres starts forming a trine to the Aquarius stellium on September 16th when it forms a trine to Jupiter retrograde. Ceres represents the need to find strength through compromise. When you tap into the energy of Ceres, you have the ability to understand your strengths and your weaknesses. You know when to fight and when to walk away. If you don’t take time to figure this out, the unexpected will occur and you could find yourself losing something important. Taking time to assess your situation and determine your battles is critical today especially with Venus forming a quincunx to Uranus retrograde later in the day.

On September 17th, Mercury retrograde forms a square to Pluto just before it re-enters the sign of Virgo. You may feel mentally fatigued but it’s important to pay attention to details.

This need to pay attention to details is also the theme of the new Moon (with both Sun and Moon in Virgo) which occurs on September 18th. The new Moon forms a stellium with Mercury retrograde and Saturn, a quincunx to the Aquarius stellium, and an opposition to Uranus retrograde. This combination is very volatile. This volatility will be seen in the stock market and with various world events.

Be very careful while traveling because not everyone is paying attention. Drive defensively. If you have to negotiate any financial matters move cautiously. People will try to withhold information from you. This could even occur during your general conversations. Pay attention to gut feelings. If something seems too good to be true, it is. Most importantly, don’t let others pull you into arguments. You won’t win.

You’ll feel an emotional reprieve on September 20th as Venus enters Virgo and forms a trine to Pluto. This can be an intense day. However, the intensity will come as a result of people showing you how much they love you. Perhaps if you’re in the right place and looking, you’ll even meet that special someone. If you do, don’t move into a new relationship too quickly. The intensity might scare the other person off.

September 22nd and September 23rd are full of emotional swings. On September 22nd, Mercury retrograde forms a conjunction to Saturn just before the Autumnal equinox occurs in the western hemisphere. (A spring equinox occurs in the southern hemisphere at the same time.) Both fall and spring equinoxes are seasons of change and preparation periods for harsher weather conditions which come in winter or summer. Psychologically this is a time for you to evaluate your feelings and develop better relationships. You need to make honest assessments not only about relationships but also about all matters in your life. You need to understand what causes fear so you’re not controlled by it. It’s important to feel joy for every small blessing in your life.

If you don’t take time to evaluate your feeling on September 22nd the following day will be very difficult: one full of frustration and anger. Mercury retrograde is forming an opposition to Uranus retrograde and a quincunx to Neptune retrograde. Mars is forming a quincunx to Jupiter retrograde and starts a quincunx to the entire Aquarius stellium. What could happen is that people try to force you into decisions you’re not ready to make. They may say they want to discuss matters, but all they care about is that you do things their way. If you evaluated your feelings the day before, you will know the path you need to take and you will not be manipulated.

If you need to discuss situations, wait until September 24th when Ceres forms a trine to Chiron retrograde. There is an attempt to find middle ground on this day and come to a solution that can help all sides.

September 28th when Mercury retrograde forms a quincunx to Chiron, spend time putting your life in order. It’s a good day for throwing out clutter. This clutter could be physical, like too many items which no longer mean anything to you. Or, this clutter could be emotional, like relationships or old memories that are causing pain instead of providing support.

On September 29th, Mercury in Virgo turns direct. Before it does turn direct, Ceres forms a trine to Neptune retrograde and a quincunx to Uranus retrograde. As the day begins, you’ll feel scattered. It’ll be difficult to focus. You’ll feel unsettled. For those of you who are intuitive, you’ll pick up feelings from others. It’s important not to over react.

As the day continues and Mercury finally turns direct, you’ll find it’s easier to focus. Perhaps you’ll even find that long-lost item that’s been missing since Mercury went retrograde on September 7th.

At the end of the month, September 30th, Mercury and Mars both form a quincunx to Chiron. This quincunx creates a Yod. Some astrologers call a Yod the “fickle finger of God.” There are several energies which occur in a Yod. First, Mercury and Mars will form a sextile which indicates there are opportunities to discuss strategies with other people and possibly find common ground. However, both also form quincunxes to Chiron. This means that each time you think you’ve found common ground, something changes. Either the other person shifts positions or you do.

Be very careful with your words today because you could inadvertently say something which is hurtful. If so, the other person may not be as forgiving as you would like. Even if you don’t say something which could be hurtful, you could easily be misunderstood. Perhaps walking away and talking another day is a better idea.

Throughout this month, especially during the second half, emotions will run high. At times you’ll feel pulled by circumstances where you have no control. Assessing your life is important. Being honest about your needs and current situation will prevent other people from taking advantage of you.