Endings, Beginnings & Deep Truths: Partial Lunar Eclipse in Pisces, Sun Trines Pluto, Autumn Equinox & Venus Enters Scorpio! Collective Horoscope (September 16th-22nd)

Dear NightFall Astrology readers,

As we enter this week, the energy feels charged with transitions, confrontations, and the need for deep reflection—welcome to eclipse season. This period signals heightened intensity, where endings and beginnings seem to intertwine, and major shifts are on the horizon.

The celestial landscape pushes us to balance practical realities with emotional truths, inviting moments of reckoning and transformation. Relationships, power dynamics, and personal growth will all come into focus.

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Buckle up for a transformative week, and read on to discover what the stars have in store for you!

I. Partial Lunar Eclipse in Pisces:

On the 18th of September 2024, at precisely 4:34 AM CET, we will witness a full moon in Pisces, coinciding with a partial lunar eclipse. However, this is no ordinary eclipse. As a hybrid eclipse with the North Node currently transiting Aries, the signification is profound, blending the transformative power of Pisces with the ambitious energy of Aries. Lunar eclipses are always times of significant endings, but the involvement of the North Node—traditionally seen as a point of increase—suggests that whatever is released now will create space for something greater to emerge.

This lunar eclipse harks back to a similar event on the 7th of September 2006. The themes present during that time may resurface, offering you an opportunity to reflect on what has evolved over the years and anticipate what patterns might re-emerge for resolution or growth.

A full moon occurs when the Sun opposes the Moon, representing a moment of heightened energy, clarity, and release. Full moons are dramatic by nature—this does not necessarily mean negative, but it does signify the culmination of cycles, with some aspects of your life coming to a close while new opportunities arise. When this happens under an eclipse, especially one aligned with the North Node, the potential for powerful realignments is immense.

The North Node, in traditional Hellenistic astrology, is associated with increase, growth, and expansion. When a lunar eclipse is connected to this point, it magnifies the importance of what we’re shedding and suggests that what follows may bring abundance and progression, even if the process is uncomfortable. With the North Node currently in Aries, a sign that embodies assertiveness, action, and self-determination, this hybrid eclipse infuses the energy of Pisces with the dynamic drive of Aries, urging you to not only release but also to boldly pursue new paths.

Pisces, a mutable water sign, is known for its fluidity, adaptability, and emotional depth. Mutable signs mark transitions—Pisces, specifically, represents the shift from winter to spring, a time of change and adaptation. This sign’s emotional and intuitive nature brings great empathy and compassion but also a tendency toward confusion and instability. With Pisces ruling this eclipse, the focus is on releasing emotional patterns, unrealistic visions, and fluctuating narratives that have long outstayed their welcome.

This lunar eclipse will likely bring clarity to areas of your life where emotions have been unstable or where you’ve held onto a dream that no longer aligns with reality.

The Sun, at 25° of Virgo, is in the third decan of the sign, which is solely ruled by Mercury, just as Virgo itself is ruled by Mercury. This double Mercury influence significantly heightens the focus on intellect, communication, and precision. Mercury’s rulership here emphasises sharp mental clarity, a methodical approach, and an analytical mindset. The third decan of Virgo brings a culmination of Virgoan qualities, stressing the importance of mastering details, organising information, and using practical knowledge to bring about tangible results. This period, marked by the Sun in this decan, is one of heightened focus on intellectual pursuits, planning, and the desire for order and efficiency. Knowledge here is not just a tool, but a form of wealth, where the true value lies in thorough preparation and the ability to manage complexities with skill.

Opposing the Sun is the Moon at 25° of Pisces, situated in the third decan of Pisces, which is ruled by Mars. This decan introduces a more forceful, assertive energy into Pisces’ typically emotional, introspective nature. While Pisces is usually characterised by its fluidity, empathy, and dream-like qualities, the Mars rulership of this decan brings an active drive toward emotional confrontation and resolution. There’s a sense of urgency with this lunar placement—emotions that have been lingering beneath the surface are now pushed to the forefront, requiring direct action. Mars adds courage and decisiveness to Pisces, encouraging you to face emotional or spiritual truths head-on, even if they are uncomfortable or challenging.

This opposition between the Sun in Virgo and the Moon in Pisces during the partial lunar eclipse highlights the inherent tension between Virgo’s practical, logical mindset and Pisces’ emotional, idealistic tendencies. Virgo, ruled by Mercury, seeks to bring order and clarity to the situation, while Pisces, under the influence of Mars, demands that unresolved emotional matters be faced with courage and determination. This eclipse compels you to reconcile the rational with the emotional—are your ideals grounded in reality, or are you holding onto dreams that no longer serve you? Virgo’s methodical approach encourages careful evaluation of your emotional life, while Pisces urges a more dynamic, intuitive resolution of emotional issues.

The involvement of the North Node, currently in Aries, intensifies the transformative potential of this eclipse. Traditionally associated with increase and growth, the North Node’s presence suggests that by releasing old patterns or unrealistic expectations, you can clear the path for new, more aligned opportunities. Aries, ruled by Mars, adds a bold, forward-moving energy to the North Node, encouraging you to take decisive action in the direction of your future. This hybrid eclipse—combining the emotional, transformative energy of Pisces with the assertiveness of Aries—presents a moment of both release and growth. The Mars rulership of both the third decan of Pisces and the North Node’s placement in Aries emphasises that action is necessary now. By letting go of what no longer serves you emotionally, you create space for bold new beginnings and a path forward driven by clarity, courage, and the promise of increased abundance.

{ If you’d like to know where and how this Lunar Eclipse is showing up in your own chart and life,
order your personal “Lunar Eclipse in Pisces” forecast HERE! }

Further complicating this celestial event is the Moon’s conjunction with Saturn and Neptune, both of which are currently retrograde in Pisces. Saturn, the great taskmaster of the zodiac, brings a sober, cold energy, forcing us to confront the harsh truths we may have been avoiding. In traditional astrology, Saturn is associated with endings, limitations, and structure. While this influence can feel heavy or restrictive, particularly under a Pisces moon, it serves an important purpose: grounding Pisces’ often nebulous, escapist tendencies. When Saturn is retrograde, the process of confronting these truths becomes even more internalised. This retrograde motion invites reflection on the boundaries we’ve established—or failed to establish—and asks us to reassess where discipline and responsibility are lacking. For those with day charts, Saturn’s presence may be more supportive, offering an opportunity to stabilise areas of life where boundaries have been weak.

Neptune, also retrograde in Pisces, introduces an additional layer of confusion and introspection. As the planet of dreams, illusions, and spiritual transcendence, Neptune governs the realms of fantasy, creativity, and divine inspiration. However, its retrograde period can act like a fog lifting, slowly revealing where we’ve been deceiving ourselves or escaping reality. Together, Saturn and Neptune retrograde form a potent combination during this eclipse, making it feel like a collision between dreams and reality. The retrograde nature of both planets heightens the reflective aspect of this lunation, pushing us to look inward and question whether the dreams we’ve been pursuing are grounded in truth or mere illusion. While this might shatter some illusions, it leaves behind a clearer, more stable vision of what is truly achievable moving forward.

Adding another layer to this already potent configuration is the square between the Moon and Jupiter in Gemini. Jupiter, the Greater Benefic, traditionally symbolises growth, abundance, and divine support. While a square typically indicates tension, Jupiter’s presence here suggests that even in the face of difficult truths, there is an opportunity for growth and expansion. You may find that the revelations brought about by this eclipse open new doors, and the North Node’s influence enhances the potential for positive outcomes.

Jupiter’s trine to Venus in Libra further softens the energy, adding a harmonious touch. Venus in Libra, exalted in her home sign, encourages balance, beauty, and diplomacy, particularly in relationships. While this eclipse might feel emotionally intense, there is an underlying grace that helps smooth out any rough edges.

Be particularly mindful of Venus’s square to Pluto, the planet of transformation, power, and deep psychological undercurrents, which is currently retrograde at the critical 29th anaretic degree of Capricorn. This degree is often considered a point of karmic reckoning, amplifying Pluto’s already intense energy. When a planet is at the 29th degree, it signifies a final, urgent push to resolve unfinished business before moving into the next sign, in this case, Pluto’s impending transition into Aquarius. The retrograde motion further intensifies this energy, pulling us into deep introspection and revisiting old power dynamics, fears, and hidden truths.

This aspect between Venus and Pluto warns of potential manipulation, control issues, or power struggles, especially in personal relationships. With Pluto at the anaretic degree, these struggles may feel more pressing or fated, as if long-standing issues are now demanding resolution. Relationships that have been teetering on the edge may now reach a breaking point, where buried tensions surface and demand to be addressed.

It’s important not to let others manipulate you into decisions driven by fear, insecurity, or emotional blackmail. The retrograde and anaretic positioning of Pluto may tempt people to revert to controlling or destructive behaviours. Instead of falling prey to these dynamics, use this energy to take an empowered stance. Pluto’s influence, when navigated consciously, offers the opportunity for deep transformation and healing. Let the act of letting go be a deliberate, empowering choice rather than a reaction to external pressures. This is a moment for reclaiming your power, breaking free from toxic attachments, and stepping into a more authentic, self-assured version of yourself as Pluto prepares to leave Capricorn behind.

The involvement of the North Node, combined with the hybrid nature of this eclipse, signals that this is not just an ending but a new beginning. As you release outdated dreams or emotional patterns, you create space for something far more aligned with your true path. The North Node’s association with increase suggests that what comes next will bring growth, abundance, and personal evolution, particularly in areas connected to the assertive and pioneering qualities of Aries.

As you reflect on this powerful lunar event, consider the last time you experienced similar energies—back in September 2006. What themes were present in your life then? How have you grown since? This eclipse offers the opportunity to resolve old issues and move forward with a renewed sense of purpose and direction, armed with the clarity brought by Saturn, the dreams illuminated by Neptune, and the growth potential indicated by Jupiter and the North Node.

If you have any thoughts or reflections on this lunar eclipse, feel free to share them below. Let’s collectively navigate the transformative energy of this significant cosmic event.

This lunar eclipse will be felt most intensely by Virgo, Pisces, Sagittarius, and Gemini placements, particularly if you have planets and/or important chart points around 25 degrees of these signs (give or take 1-5 degrees).

II. The Sun trines Pluto & enters Libra, Mercury squares Jupiter:

From September 20th to the 22nd (exact on September 21st), Mercury, in its sign of exaltation in Virgo, squares Jupiter in Gemini. While Mercury thrives in Virgo, excelling at precision and detailed thinking, this square to Jupiter is a condition of bonification, where Jupiter, despite being in detriment, still supports and amplifies Mercury’s efforts. Jupiter, positioned earlier in the zodiacal order, signals a dialogue between grand ideas and Mercury’s need for meticulous detail.

Jupiter in Gemini, despite its weaker position (Jupiter is in its exile in this sign), signals a vast breadth of curiosity and intellectual ambition, but there’s a tendency to overreach or scatter focus. Mercury, exalted in Virgo, signals precision and practicality, showing that tasks can be tackled effectively but with attention to even the smallest elements. This square suggests an exchange where Jupiter’s big-picture thinking might be in conflict with Mercury’s demand for thoroughness, yet the bonification from Jupiter hints at the possibility for expansive ideas, as long as they are well-structured and grounded in reality.

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The challenge here is to avoid spreading yourself too thin. Jupiter’s desire to explore endless possibilities might lead to taking on more than is manageable, while Mercury works to keep things in check by refining plans and paying close attention to detail. This period signals a time for expansive thinking but warns that practicality should never be abandoned. The interaction suggests a positive push to broaden horizons but urges you to do so with realistic boundaries.

From September 20th to the 23rd (exact on the 22nd), the Sun at 29 degrees of Virgo forms a trine to Pluto, retrograde at 29 degrees of Capricorn. Both planets are at the anaretic degree, marking a critical point of culmination and transition. The Sun, finishing its journey through Virgo, signals themes of completion, perfection, and mastery, while Pluto retrograde at this pivotal degree in Capricorn signals a moment of deep reflection on power structures, authority, and societal expectations.

The Sun’s trine to Pluto signals an opportunity to synthesise the careful work of Virgo with Pluto’s transformative power. This combination signals that the discipline and attention to detail you’ve cultivated can now be applied to confront deeper truths and dismantle outdated structures in your life, whether personal or professional. Pluto retrograde suggests revisiting themes of power and control, urging introspection on where authority has been misused or where internal structures need to be rebuilt. The Sun, in its final degree of Virgo, signals clarity and precision in facing these issues, marking a powerful moment for transformation and final resolutions before the Sun shifts into Libra.

On September 22nd, the Sun moves into Libra, marking the autumn equinox. Libra is ruled by Venus, a planet that signals balance, harmony, and relationships, but the Sun in Libra is in its fall, suggesting that this period will not be straightforward. The Sun, naturally associated with self-expression, authority, and leadership, struggles in Libra, a sign focused on others, diplomacy, and compromise. As we enter this new season, the autumn equinox signals a shift in focus from individual ambition to collective goals, negotiation, and partnership. The equinox also signals the balance between light and dark, setting the tone for the next three months until the winter solstice.

With the Sun in its fall, this period suggests a time when personal desires may need to take a backseat in favour of cooperation and collective harmony. The next few months may demand greater attention to balance in relationships, both personal and professional, as the Sun’s energy is subdued and forced to operate in a realm where diplomacy and fairness take precedence. It’s a season that signals careful negotiation rather than bold individual action, reminding us that success now comes through collaboration, not solo endeavours.

Further intensifying this shift, Venus enters Scorpio on the 22nd/23rd, depending on your time zone. Venus is also in its sign of exile in Scorpio, a position far from the balanced, harmonious nature it enjoys in Libra or Taurus. Venus in Scorpio signals an emotionally intense, transformative period in relationships, where superficiality will no longer suffice. Scorpio’s energy signals depth, probing into issues of trust, control, and emotional honesty. There’s a rawness to Venus in Scorpio, indicating that relationships during this time will likely feel more charged, with power dynamics coming to the surface.

Venus in Scorpio signals a period where relationships are likely to undergo intense scrutiny, as Scorpio’s demand for emotional depth and authenticity cannot be ignored. Relationships that have been skating on the surface may find themselves tested, as the energy of Scorpio seeks to uncover hidden truths. Issues of jealousy, control, and vulnerability may arise, pushing you to confront the uncomfortable aspects of your partnerships. This is a time to face the raw emotional core of your connections, and only those willing to engage with this intensity will find themselves strengthened by it.

The celestial configurations of this autumn equinox signal a season where themes of relationships, power dynamics, and transformation will dominate the tone. With Venus in Scorpio and Pluto retrograde, the focus is on facing the deeper, often uncomfortable truths that underpin both personal and societal relationships. The Sun’s fall in Libra signals that personal ambition must give way to the needs of the collective, and the coming months may require significant compromise and diplomatic navigation to maintain harmony.

As the autumn season unfolds, the bonification of Mercury by Jupiter signals the potential for growth and expansion, but only with careful planning and attention to detail. The Sun’s trine to Pluto suggests that deep transformation is on the horizon, while the shifts of both the Sun and Venus into their less comfortable signs indicate that relationships and power dynamics will be at the forefront. Autumn, it seems, signals a time for deep emotional and relational work, where balance must be sought even in the face of intensity. It’s a season of recalibration—brace yourself for the depth and grit that will come with it.

The Sun/Pluto trine will be most potent for Virgo, Capricorn, Taurus, and Scorpio placements.

The Mercury/Jupiter square will be felt most intensely by Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces placements.

Thank you for reading. Let me know your thoughts about this week’s astrological weather in the comments down below!

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Your Astrologer – Theodora NightFall ~

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