The Stars This Week: September 17-23, 2012

Intense!

There's nothing laid-back about this week's transits! Firstly, Pluto turns direct on September 17, when power issues ratchet up. Then, a life-changing aspect occurs as revolutionary Uranus squares reform-minded Pluto on September 18 for the second time this year. Mercury then connects to this square on September 20 with not only its own opposition to Uranus, but a square to Pluto -- at which point you may learn something that prompts you to reconsider your plans. Finally, invest in your love life as the Sun enters Libra on September 22.

September 17: Pluto turns direct
Pluto's change in direction within hours of the Uranus-Pluto square (see below) emphasizes the importance of this time in world history ... and in your own history as well! Over the last few months while Pluto was retrograde, you made changes -- some of them quite dramatic, others more subtle -- and it's likely that you needed to let go of old ways and open yourself up to fresh ideas. In turn, hopefully you took the opportunity to move on from untenable situations or people who didn't have your best interests in mind. As Pluto now turns direct, use everything you've learned recently about yourself and others to help you carefully assess your options. Over the coming weeks, a plan will emerge that will feel right to you.

September 18: Uranus squares Pluto
Rebellious Uranus and transformational Pluto rarely connect by aspect. In fact, the last time these two came together was in the 1960s -- a time of radical change! This past June, Uranus squared Pluto in the first of a series of squares. This month brings the second square, so hopefully by now you're riding the waves of change like an expert surfer, rather than just dog-paddling in circles! Since this square aspect represents long-term global, societal and personal changes, you can best help yourself by strategizing to make changes that will bring good things into your life. Let go of unhealthy situations and unreasonable people; instead, do what you can to help others as you make thoughtful decisions for yourself.

September 20: Mercury opposes Uranus and squares Pluto
Mercury in Libra will do almost anything to avoid conflict, but that goal is impossible now. As the communication planet now connects with the Uranus-Pluto square, you receive information and feedback -- and some of your ideas may be challenged! You may not like everything you hear, but don't let this stop you from moving forward with your plans. The most important ways you can help yourself right now are to maintain flexibility in your thinking and remain open to new ideas. Don't let anyone convince you that what you know in your heart isn't good for you!

September 22: The Sun enters Libra
The Sun's entrance into Libra, the sign that rules relationships, marks the Fall Equinox in the Northern Hemisphere and the Spring Equinox in the Southern Hemisphere. This is an ideal time to pay extra attention to those you love ... and if you're single, to accept all social invitations! But since this is an unusual year filled with roller coaster-like changes, keep in mind that not everything is necessarily as it seems. Next week will bring the peace-loving Libra Sun into contact with the revolutionary Uranus-Pluto square, and once this happens, those who know how to compromise and conduct themselves with poise will be miles ahead of everyone else.