Stellar Insights: September 19 - 25
Finding Balance
We’re again coming to a turning point. In the seasons that is. (Although with the upcoming Eclipse season beginning next month, a sense of being at a turning point in life may be beginning to feel more present.)
On Thursday, as the Sun shifts into Libra, we greet the Autumnal Equinox, which ushers in fall in the Northern Hemisphere and spring on the Southern Hemisphere. The term equinox derives from Latin, with aequus signifying “equal” and nox meaning “night.” This designation reflects how on the Equinoxes (both this one and the one that occurs each March), days and nights seem to be of similar length.
The experience and contemplation of balance and equality itself feels very aligned with Libra, the sign of the scales and the associated process of weighing and measuring to discover equity and equilibrium. Not only is this one of the focuses of Libra season, but it seems like this year’s Equinox really ushers in an awareness and desire to further understand what harmony, parity, and justice mean.
The reason being is that about six hours after the Equinox, the Sun unites with messenger Mercury. And while this union between the planets of luminescence and communication happens several times each year, their doing so at the Equinox point seems quite special. That’s because this spot—0 degrees Libra—is one of the points along what’s known as the Cardinal Axis (the others being 0 degrees Aries, Cancer, and Capricorn). When a planet is located there, it’s thought to connect to and reverberate strongly through the collective. As such, it’s not surprising if later this week, we notice lots of talk about Libra subjects, whether justice, fairness, balance, law, beauty, alliances, relationships, and sociability.
I was reminded today of how the precept of finding the middle way, and a path of moderation, is woven throughout numerous ancient wisdom traditions in this post by the Daily Stoic. Among these is the inscription Nothing in Excess (accompanied by Know Thyself) in the entrance to the Temple of Apollo at Delphi. It seems like this Equinox—and also Mercury retrograding through both Libra and modesty-heralding Virgo—may help us to further experience how being poised and measured, and extolling balance and equanimity, may bring a deeper sense of center to ourselves and the world around us.
Another star of the celestial show this week is Venus, which makes a harmonious trine with shake-it-up Uranus on Tuesday and a tense opposition to dreamy Neptune on Saturday. And with that, earlier in the week we may find ourselves approaching relationships with a different orientation and may discover ourselves more apt to change up our schedule to accommodate last-minute plans and social invitations. As the weekend approaches, art, music, daydreaming, and experiences where you lose yourself to find yourself are activities that can be even more soul soothing. Because the Venus/Neptune Opposition occurs as we’re in the Balsamic Moon phase (spanning the three and one-half days before each New Moon), it feels even more aligned to carve out time for quiet activities, introspective reflection, and spiritual practice. That said, during this time, it’s also important to watch for the potential for placing unrealistic expectations on others, as there’s a risk that doing so may leave us disappointed and disillusioned.
The Libra New Moon arrives on Sunday, and with that we greet a new cycle. As it opposes Jupiter, don’t be surprised if you connect to a sense of greater possibility and an elevated desire to access more fulfillment through your relationships, prized possessions, and pleasure-connective activities. Align with the New Moon’s promise of fresh starts, crafting an intention for the month, one that will bring you into greater peace, beauty, and balance.
For more on the New Moon, keep a look out for an article coming your way this weekend, solely for Stellar Insights subscribers.
Have a beautiful week,
xxStephanie
Astrological Highlights
September 20: Venus/Uranus Trine
September 22: Sun enters Libra (Equinox)
September 23: Sun/Mercury Conjunction
September 24: Venus/Neptune Opposition
September 25: Libra New Moon
All days reflect Eastern Daylight Time (- 4 hours GMT)
Photos: Thought Catalog, Elena Mozhvilo, and Jason Leung, all via Unsplash
All About The Moon
Want to learn more about aligning with the Balsamic Moon as well as the other seven phases of the lunar cycle? Looking for inspiration to help you craft aligned monthly New Moon Intentions? Interested in sequencing your self-care throughout the month? Then you’ll love my new book The Complete Guide to Living by the Moon, which explores these topics in detail. For more on the book—and the bonus content available for pre-ordering the book—see this page.
In celebration of my new book, I’ll be doing two events with astrologer and tarot intuitive Megan Skinner.
SEATTLE EVENT: We’re doing an in-person event in Seattle at beautiful lounge at The Cloud Room. We’ll share with you how to align with the moon to elevate your awareness and well-being. and all attendees get a copy of my book and a gift bag with moon-inspired goodies including from SugarPill, Olivine Atelier, Megan Skinner, and Wunderground Coffee. See here for details.
ONLINE EVENT: After planning our in-person party in Seattle, Megan and I realized that we wanted to also connect with those who don’t live locally and so we decided to have an online gathering. This free event is on October 12. See here for more details and to register.