“may my heart always be open to little
birds who are the secrets of living…” ee cummings
This morning as I drove up into the color drenched autumn hills, a flurry of tiny birds flew out from behind a stone wall right in front my car – leaving me no time to stop. Their swift wings carried them under the car and out to the safety of the tall grasses on the other side. I looked in the mirror to double check I had not injured one and something fluttered in the road behind me. I tried to convince myself it was a brittle leaf but when I went back- to my dismay – I saw a little bird lying on her back in the roadway – her eyes open and her claws in the air. I thought she was dead.
But by the time I walked up to her I was surprised to see that she had righted herself. I placed a cloth gently around her wings to lift her to safety. But as I did her wings fluttered and as I gently released her, she flew to the high grass and lighted on a branch.
Symbolically birds are messengers and when I saw the bird lying still in the road I assumed the message was of one kind- about an ending – and then when she fluttered and suddenly flew the message seemed about an opportunity for a new start or rebirth.
This is very much the kind of story to keep in mind during the times in which we live. It may be difficult to understand the significance of events as they occur and the meaning will become clearer over time.We live in powerful times of transformation and however unclear or uncertain the path ahead may appear, it is best to look for breakthroughs, opportunities and unanticipated outcomes.
Early in the first week the volatile Uranus/Pluto square is activated by the Sun. Squares indicated conflict and the need to overcome something. This aspect applies both personally – in our inner worlds – and collectively in the world at large. It is a good idea to keep thinking fluid, have patience and look for breakthroughs or opportunities that present themselves in stressful circumstances.
On the 7th Venus moves into the sign of Sagittarius – this can make a better time for social interaction. Venus will move up to a square to Neptune boding well for spiritual growth, fantasy and imaginative pursuits – but watch for the rose colored glasses in romance.
Also during this time Mercury is moving into the very serious Saturn/North Node conjunction. The North Node, now in Scorpio- is associated with fate, destiny and life purpose. This is a good time given Scorpio’s ability to access deeper knowledge – to envision or seek knowledge about your life path.
The Sun squares Jupiter in the early part of the month too- keep moderation in the picture and avoid excess.
We enter eclipse season in October with the Lunar eclipse at 25 Aries on October 18th. Eclipses are evolutionary in nature and this one concerns how we remain authentic to ourselves in the context of our relationships with others and the status quo.Check the area of your chart in which this eclipse falls – it offers an opportunity for increased awareness of the changes going on in your life now.
Mercury stations retrograde on the 21st at 18 degrees of Scorpio and will travel retrograde until early November. We live in very fast paced times and this time frame provides an excellent time to review and integrate recent events. It is also a good time to access wisdom and deep inner knowing.
All the regular Mercury retro rules apply – if it is necessary to sign documents or make agreements during this time frame, pay extra attention to the details and look out for blind spots, make any repairs before this time if possible, take extra care with communications and double check problematic communications before jumping to conclusions.
Mercury will retrograde down to a conjunction with Saturn again on the 29 but there will be a third pass in November when Mercury moves forward again. The third pass is the time that all the information is in.
Towards the end of the month looks like a good time of more energy and accomplishment.
Patience with yourself, your endeavors and with others will be helpful all month.