Welcome to the beginning of some new things Reader.

I'm now ankles deep in platform migration and a slight brand update - starting with email providers. Over the next couple of months I'll be moving almost everything to new homes - website, courses and products - the only thing I've decided to stick with is my scheduling service.

I'll do my best to get out a Weekly Astrology Update, and also share important insights into the more poignant transits.

I didn't want to skip this weeks update though...it's likely to be an intense week for many of us.

Be gentle with yourself this week .
Tracy

The Astrology for September 13 - 19

Important pieces of the Venus retrograde story begin to reveal themselves this week. Pay attention to what comes up -especially around relationships, friendships, what you value, old fears and the difference between genuine connection and something that only looks good on the surface.

Sunday the13th - Mentally Wired, but Going Nowhere

The Moon is Void of Course in Libra all day, while Mercury in Libra trines Uranus in Gemini.

Mercury trine Uranus can bring unexpected insights, unusual conversations and sudden connections between ideas that didn’t appear related before. It’s inventive, curious and very mentally stimulating. It can also zap the nervous system, and with the Moon Void of Course, we'll struggle to find somewhere useful to direct all that mental energy.

Talk it out. Go play. Strategize for the future, or do something that gets you out of your head and lets some of that nervous energy move.

If a bright idea lights up your mind, write everything down about it - but revisit it tomorrow before deciding whether you want to act on it. It may be brilliant. It may also be a Void Moon fever dream. An aspect later in the week will show you the reality of the plan and whether it's got a foundation you can build on.

Monday the 14th - Can This Idea Become Something Real?

The Sun sextiles Mars, giving us an opportunity to take action on something that caught our attention yesterday or even prior to that.

There’s a useful balance between air, water, fire and earth now. Try to sit at the intersection of all four while you consider whatever idea, plan or possibility has emerged:

• Does it have emotional resonance? That’s water.
• Can you think clearly about it? That’s air.
• Does it inspire you or light you up? That’s fire.
• Can you build it on a firm foundation so it has the potential to last? That’s earth.

With the Moon in fixed Scorpio, there’s more focus, commitment and staying power available. If the idea passes all four tests, it may be worth pursuing.

Tuesday the 15th - Here Comes the Venus Story

This is where things get interesting.

Venus reaches the part of its retrograde shadow it will revisit around October 21–22. At the same time, Venus squares Pluto and quincunxes Neptune.

What happens now may preview conflicts (both inner & outer), questions or changing values that return later in the middle of Venus retrograde. Old fears we thought we had dealt with - or successfully shoved into a locked basement - might begin making themselves known/felt.

Venus square Pluto can expose control issues, power struggles, jealousy, buried resentment and the fears underneath our relationship patterns. The quincunx to Neptune can shift the veil just enough for us to see through any illusions or delusions we’ve been maintaining...or others have maintained about us.

Pay attention. Ignoring what emerges now will only make the retrograde portion of the story potentially more dramatic.

People are unlikely to tolerate having their pain or trauma minimized, dismissed or turned into something light and palatable. Surface-level connection will feel especially irritating. We’re looking for honesty, depth and stuff that's real.

Thursday the 17th - Chiron Returns to Aries

Thursday evening, Chiron retrogrades back into Aries for the final time in this cycle. It will remain there until April 14, 2027.

This gives us one last six-month stretch to work with the Aries wounds that have surfaced during this transit - since April 2018 - wounds connected to identity, anger, courage, independence vs. loneliness, self-assertion and our right to exist as we are.

This isn’t necessarily about fixing every wound before Chiron leaves, but recognizing what still needs our attention and choosing not to abandon ourselves there again.

Friday the 18th - Seeing What Needs to Change

Mercury opposes Saturn, giving us an opportunity to look more objectively at the limitations we’ve allowed to hold us back.

Some structures or commitments may need to be released or rebuilt. We might also recognize where something that once supported us has weakened and needs reinforcement.

Mercury-Saturn conversations feel serious and our inner critic can get real loud. But serious doesn’t automatically mean negative. This aspect is helpful for separating genuine limitations from beliefs, rules or expectations we’ve stopped questioning.

The Moon enters Capricorn at 10:54 p.m. MDT on Friday and stays there all weekend. This is excellent energy for working hard, getting organized and clearing things off your plate. We’re likely to feel more focused, productive and serious about finishing what needs to be done.

Final Thoughts

This will likely be an introspective week and might feel heavy. The Venus story is beginning to reveal itself, and some of what we see can be uncomfortable - but is useful.

Pay attention to what comes up. Take your ideas seriously without rushing them, and don’t dismiss an uncomfortable truth just because dealing with it would be inconvenient.

Have a great week, and go easy on yourself.

XO