The September sky

Eclipse: the most important phenomenon in the coming months

Today we will explore the September sky with some anticipation of October, but first it is important to talk about a significant astrological phenomenon that will occur in the next two months: eclipses. On the night between the September 17 and 18, there will be a partial lunar eclipse visible in Europe, so it will also be possible to observe it from our territory.

Subsequently, the October 2, an annular solar eclipse will occur, but it will not be visible in Europe. This eclipse will peak in South America, but will also affect parts of South America, Antarctica and other surrounding areas.

These eclipses represent the most relevant celestial phenomena in the next two months.

The September chart and the saturnine fulcrum

Now let us examine what happens in September. In the figure you see this month's sky: the first part is illustrated on the left, the middle part in the center and, on the right, the final part of the month, thus providing a clear picture of the planetary movements.

Saturn is located in Aquarius, where it will remain until 2025, and is currently retrograde, a condition that will persist until November. As you know, this retrograde can cause imbalances in the heart cakra, affecting emotions.

Venus in debilitation and chronic melancholy

Venus is in a state of debilitation, being positioned in Virgo in late August, its greatest point of weakness, in conjunction with Ketu. This situation has generated some conflicts, and Venus will remain debilitated through Sept. 18.

During this month, it will be crucial to be resilient in relationships, avoiding being overwhelmed by negative or depressive emotions, which may lead us to express them in ways we may regret. We must observe our emotions with detachment, as neutral observers. Ketu, in conjunction with Venus, can help us in this task: to observe emotions and understand that we are not defined by them. Even if we are affected by disturbing emotions, we can choose to observe them from a distance and decide how to handle them.

We can transform them, mutate them, shift them, or let them vent appropriately, without harming ourselves or others.

We decide how to handle our emotions; we must not allow them to overwhelm us, but we must learn to be masters of ourselves and our minds.

Mercury's Gandanta

We talked about the Gandānta of Mercury, a phase that has been with us since last August and will continue through Sept. 7. Gandānta are significant moments because they represent challenges that help us untie our karmic knots. In Mercury's case, these challenges occur mainly in the sphere of communication.

Mercury returned direct last month and is now advancing again, returning to Leo. Previously, Mercury had moved from Cancer to Leo, then turned retrograde, moving back into Cancer, and finally returned direct. Starting from Sept. 4, Mercury will re-enter in Leo.

Thus, Mercury crossed both Leo and Cancer twice.

During this period, communications, discussions and everything related to Mercury, including finance and marketing, could suffer setbacks as Mercury's retrograde forces us to review and correct what we have done in the past.

Venus and Ketu struggle: between passions and renunciation

The Sept. 4-5 another Yuddha (fight) between Venus and Ketu, a new planetary battle between these two heavenly bodies. We will need to be cautious, as we have already seen the effects of this conjunction last month, and it will continue to affect us during this month.

During this period of conflict between Venus and Ketu, an inner struggle between our spiritual and passionate sides may manifest. This is especially relevant for those following a spiritual path.

If you are a spiritual seeker, you may experience a conflict between the desire to detach yourself, seek tranquility and renounce worldly impulses, and the passionate side, represented by Venus, which, influenced by its debilitation, could drag you toward lower emotions.

If any of you were a monk or following the path of monkhood, these might be moments of deep inner conflict.

It is important to remember that planetary transits do not change our destiny, which is already written in the natal chart, but they can amplify or mitigate certain situations. Therefore, if there is already a Venus-related conflict in your natal chart, you may feel this transit more intensely, triggering a pre-existing conflict that is manifesting now, amplified by the current transits.

The feast of Gaṇeśa, the one who removes obstacles

The September 7 is celebrated on Gaṇeśa Caturthī, the fourth moon day dedicated to Gaṇeśa. This festival is particularly significant because Gaṇeśa is known as the one who removes all obstacles. It is an ideal occasion to fulfill the remedies related to the bādhaka, which represents subtle obstacles. In the third module of the Academy I explore in detail all facets of this concept, which is considered almost a secret of our tradition. Although the texts speak of it, the true depth of bādhaka is studied in depth only within a specific tradition.

This festival provides a perfect opportunity to ask Gaṇeśa to remove obstacles from our lives. For those following a spiritual path, it is an auspicious time to invoke Gaṇeśa to remove obstacles that stand between us and our deepest realization, as well as in our relationship with the Absolute.

A great saint, Rūpa Gosvāmī, in his "Bhakti-rasāmṛta-sindhu," explains that it is possible to pray Gaṇeśa to remove obstacles that get in the way of our spiritual path. This is therefore a special day to dedicate to prayer and celebration.

The feast of Rādhā, the consort of Kṛṣṇa

Another significant holiday this month, which offers an excellent remedy for debilitating Venus, is the celebration of Rādhāṣṭamī, which will take place on theSeptember 11. Rādhāṣṭamī is the eighth lunar day, the Tithi, on which Rādhā was born. Rādhā is the companion, the female part of Kṛṣṇa, and represents Venus herself. Celebrating Rādhāṣṭamī, by reading Rādhā stories or participating in celebrations at a temple, is one way to resolve Venus-related issues in our natal chart.

Since Venus is debilitated this month, celebrating Rādhāṣṭamī presents an ideal opportunity to work not only on the influence of Venus in our chart, but also on the global one. It is very fortunate that this holiday falls at a time when Venus is debilitated. As we have discussed, the celebration of Rādhāṣṭamī is particularly auspicious for mitigating the effects of this debilitation.

New Mercury combustion

As for Mercury, the situation does not end here. In fact, Mercury will again be combusted by the Sun. In fact, the Sun continues to chase Mercury, creating one combustion after another. This time, Mercury will be combusted Sept. 14 to Oct. 23. Everything I have told you about combustion, and what you study, for example, in the Academy, is particularly relevant at this time.

In the Academy (Module 1) we have an in-depth lesson on combustions: how to recognize them, what the remedies are, what it means to have a combusted planet, and what effect it can have on a person's life. Already in the first module we discuss combustions in detail. Combustion is a time when special attention must be paid.

Probably, this period coincides with the return to work, Oct. 14 to 23, for those who were on vacation. Beware, because you may feel, especially those of you who have this combination in your natal chart, the burden of having to return to a situation where you feel oppressed by someone telling you what to do, perhaps with authority or treating you badly. At this time, this feeling may become even stronger.

Those who do not have this combination in their natal chart may feel something, but it will not necessarily be as intense or brutal as for those who have Mercury combusted.

The feast of the dwarf avatāra

Another beautiful festival celebrated this month is Vāmana Dvādaśī. Vāmana is an avātara of Viṣṇu, and there is a wonderful story about it, which I invite you to discover. Academy astrology students study in detail all ten major avātāras described in the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam, as these are fundamental to astrological remedies.

The Vāmana Dvādaśī falls on September 15, the twelfth lunar day (Tithi) of the month. Since Vāmana is the avātara of Jupiter, this day is especially auspicious for performing all Jupiter-related remedies. Generally, it is recommended to fast until noon, offering prayers and reading the story of Vāmanadeva, reciting the mantra dedicated to him as om namo bhagavate trivikramāya ("Homage to the one who took the three steps"). The story of Vāmanadeva is really fascinating, and although it is tempting to tell you about it, we do not have enough time now, as we have to go on with the explanation.

This day is ideal for performing remedies for Jupiter, so. If you have an afflicted Jupiter, in Maraṇa Kāraka Sthāna, in debilitation, or in need of support because affected by malefics, this holiday will enhance any remedy you decide to do, particularly by celebrating Vāmana Dvādaśī.

Eclipse of the Moon

The Sept. 17-18 is a date of great significance both astronomically and astrologically, as we will have a lunar eclipse visible even in Europe. Lunar eclipses have a very strong impact on the mind and personality. If there are elements in your natal chart that align with the eclipse axis, this is a time when it is important to protect yourself and act with caution.

Three days before a lunar eclipse, it is generally advised to avoid important decisions or relevant actions, as the mind may not be at its clearest. Even if we feel centered, the people we interact with may not be, which can lead to mistakes or complications. From Sept. 14 onward, it would be wise to stop and engage in meditation.

Lunar eclipses are ideal times for meditation, since the Moon, with its extremes represented by Rāhu and Ketu, can propel us toward greater inwardness. Some people, meditating during an eclipse, can make very deep spiritual realizations, as the eclipse acts as a springboard that takes us deeper within ourselves. However, it is advisable not to observe the eclipse directly to avoid absorbing the special energy of the rays emanating at that moment, which are associated with the lunar nodes Rāhu and Ketu.

This September 17-18 lunar eclipse will be visible in Europe, much of the Western world, Africa, South America and North America. It is advisable not to make any major decisions In the previous three days, that is, from September 14 to 17, as the eclipse energy can negatively influence decisions and actions.

This is a "material" eclipse because it involves the Moon conjunct Rāhu. The energy manifests mainly in the outer world, causing one to reflect on the social and society. It is an extrovert energy. The Full Moon, in this case, tends more to influence the external than to represent a spiritual purpose. However, we can use this time to pray for more and more spiritualists in the world or to become sincere spiritualists ourselves, bringing light, peace, harmony and knowledge around us.

Note that Venus is involved in the eclipse, and this could cause distress, especially with regard to emotions, well-being and feminine aspects. Women and women's issues could be particularly affected by this eclipse. On a personal level, the effect will depend on your connection to the eclipse, depending on your astrological chart.

During this eclipse, a Parivartana Yoga (sign exchange) between Mercury and the Sun, implying that Mercury will also be involved and afflicted by the eclipse. Since Mercury is already combusted (burned by the proximity of the Sun), both Mercury and Venus will be particularly afflicted by this combination.

The eclipse will occur in the Nakṣatra Pūrvabhādrapadā. If any of you have the Moon, ascendant, Ātmakāraka (the planet of the soul), or Sun in this Nakṣatra, or in the signs Virgo and Pisces (the axis of the eclipse), or in Gemini and Sagittarius (which receive the aspect of Rāhu and Ketu), you may particularly feel the influence of this eclipse.

Moreover, since Mercury is afflicted, the signs ruled by Mercury (Gemini and Virgo) could be most affected. Likewise, the signs ruled by Venus (Taurus and Libra) could be affected by the effects of the eclipse. Remember that we are talking about Vedic astrology, which uses the sidereal zodiac, so do not compare these signs with the tropical zodiac used in Western astrology. To find out your zodiacal position according to the sidereal zodiac, inquire about your Vedic ascendant, the position of the Moon and Sun, and find out what your Ātmakāraka, the planet of destiny, is.

Those with certain combinations in their natal chart may feel the brunt of the eclipse up to a month before, and the effects may linger for up to six months afterward. To protect oneself from the effects of Rāhu and Ketu, it is advisable to recite mantras and stay spiritually connected during the hours of the eclipse.

Venus in domicile at last!

The September 18, Venus finally enters Libra, her domicile. This is a positive time, since Venus, being in her house, is in a position of strength and can fully express her beneficial energies. However, it is important to pay attention to the period of Sandhi between September 18 and 19, as the passage of Venus from one sign to another may cause some temporary turbulence.

When a planet transits from one zodiac sign to another, it crosses a transition zone called the Sandhi (or cusp), which includes the last and first degrees of the signs involved. This phase is considered unstable because the planet is not completely in the new sign, but neither is it totally in the previous sign anymore. During this transitional period, the planet's influence may be weakened or unstable, and the qualities it represents may manifest in a less predictable or more problematic way.

In the specific case of Venus, the transition from the sign of Virgo, where she is debilitated, to Libra, where she is in domicile (i.e., in her "house" and therefore very strong), represents a significant improvement. This means that all Venus-related activities, such as travel, relationships, and aesthetic matters, will be especially favored once Venus has completely passed through this transitional phase.

Get ready for next month's solar eclipse

It is important to remember that the October 2 There will be a solar eclipse. Starting from ten days before of the event (September 22 onwards), it is generally advised to avoid important decisions or actions, as the influence of the eclipse can cause instability and mental confusion.

Mercury enters Virgo

Starting from Sept. 22, Mercury will enter Virgo, a ruling sign, but with a strong Sun and Ketu influence.

In Virgo, Mercury is in its sign of domicile, where it is generally strong and stable. However, despite its power in this sign, Mercury will still be plagued by the burning of the Sun and the influence of Ketu, both of which are capable of causing problems. Burning occurs when a planet gets too close to the Sun, which can "burn out" or weaken its energies. In addition, Ketu, which represents the aspect of separation and confusion, creates a blocking effect on Mercury, known as Stambhana (block).

This combination of afflicted Mercury and Ketu's influence may have repercussions both globally and personally. Globally, it could cause problems related to the Earth element, such as movements of the Earth's crust or earthquakes. On a personal level, the Earth element is reflected in the human body through the bone structure, so there is an increased risk of injury or bone-related problems during this period.

Mercury, in Gemini, will be strong in domicile, exaltation or mūlatrikoṇa depending on the degrees in which it transits. However, it will also have to handle theinfluence of three planets of fire: Mars by aspect, and the Sun and Ketu by conjunction. Although Ketu is not strictly a fiery planet, it is often described as a "hot smoke," since it has no physical body, but represents a heat that can have intense effects. This heat can lead to strains in communications. Imagine Mercury, the king of these signs, holding this fiery energy within it: communications can easily "ignite," causing conflict and misunderstandings.

War between the Sun, Ketu and Mercury

Between September 28 and 30, a "planetary warfare" (Yuddha) between the Sun, Ketu and Mercury, which will be extremely close, less than a degree apart. This planetary conflict may further intensify tensions and problems, with Mercury likely to be most affected, being at the center of this astral configuration.

Mercury is often considered a "sponge planet" because it tends to absorb the influences of the other planets with which it interacts. In this case, Mercury absorbs both Ketu's and the Sun's fire. Although the Sun is not inherently a malefic planet, it can become one when its proximity "scorches" the other planets, and this is exactly the case with Mercury, which is "scorched" by its proximity. Moreover, the influence of Ketu, which is a bitter enemy of Mercury, further afflicts it, increasing its difficulties.

Free your ancestors!

The September 18 falls the Pitṛ-pakṣa, a special day to honor ancestors.

However, this month there will be another day even more powerful For this purpose: September 29, when celebrating the Gajacchāyā Yoga. This day provides a special opportunity to pray to ancestors, reconnect with one's roots, and offer prayers and tributes to the Pitṛ(ancestors).

September is a special month for many reasons. I named it "Rādhā" because of the beautiful festival dedicated to Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī, the consort of Kṛṣṇa; "Gaṇeśa" to honor Gaṇeśa, who removes all obstacles; and "Pitṛ" because of the presence of two days dedicated to prayers for ancestors. These days fall during the period called Dakṣiṇāyana, the transit of the Sun from the sign of Cancer to Capricorn. It is said that during this period the Pitṛ are awake and ready to receive our offerings.

This period is ideal for reconnecting with one's roots, reestablishing ties with family members, and honoring not only deceased relatives, but also the Ṛṣi, the wise seers who transmitted material and spiritual knowledge to humankind. During this period, it is traditional to purchase or donate sacred texts such as the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam or the Bhagavad Gītā In honor of the ancestors, attributing credit to them.

In Indian culture, there are also other rituals, such as the offering of the Piṇḍa, which are performed in large cities such as Varanasi, Gaya and Vṛndāvana, where specific offerings are made to the ancestors. These rituals are described in the Garuḍa Purāṇa, considered a kind of "book of the dead" in Vedic culture, dedicated to ancestors and life after death.

In Vedic astrology, the connection with ancestors can be observed through divisional charts D40 e D45, which reveal our patriarchal and matriarchal lineage, showing how these influences have contributed to the formation of our bodies and our existence.

The Gajacchāyā Yoga is a rare combination in which the Moon will be in the constellation Maghā and the Sun in the constellation Hastā. This combination is rare, occurring about every 20 years; the last time was in 2002, and the next time will be on September 29, 2024. This is a powerful time to honor ancestors and reconnect with one's roots.

Accomplish the Śrāddha during the Gajacchāyā Yoga is considered extremely meritorious, as these rituals for ancestors allow for inexhaustible virtue and liberation from the cycles of rebirth. This means that through our prayers and offerings, our deceased parents, grandparents, uncles and other relatives can achieve liberation. The spiritual credits accumulated during this day are considered inexhaustible, making this moment especially powerful.

The Gajacchāyā Yoga is described in several sacred texts in Vedic literature, including the Skanda Purāṇa, l'Agni Purāṇa, the Matsya Purāṇa, the Varāha Purāṇa and the Mahābhārata. It is therefore a well-documented and recognized event in Vedic tradition.

It is believed that if ancestors are satisfied, life on Earth becomes easier and more prosperous. This Yoga is known to release karmic debts, bring happiness to the family and provide incomparable wealth. It is a very beneficial and constructive Yoga, according to Vedic texts.

One of the recommended practices during this combination is to purchase the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam, keep it in one's home or give it to someone, offering the merits of this gesture to one's ancestors. This practice is simple to implement and brings great benefit, as well as endowing one's home with sacred literature that can offer countless spiritual realizations, especially for sincere spiritual seekers.

Conclusions

September proves to be a month full of astrological and spiritual events of great importance. From powerful eclipses that urge us to deep reflection and careful management of our emotions, to celebrations dedicated to Rādhā and Gaṇeśa, to sacred moments to honor ancestors, every day of this month offers opportunities to connect with subtle energies and work on crucial aspects of our inner lives. Planetary transits, particularly those of Mercury and Venus, require careful awareness, as they will affect not only communications and relationships, but also our overall well-being.

By going through these days with focus and dedication, we can use the forces at work to grow spiritually, resolve old karmic knots and bring greater balance into our lives. September invites us to reconnect with our roots, purify our intentions and prepare for a future of greater clarity and harmony.