The Autumnal Equinox – 22 Sep 2017. 1:10:00 PM. PDT, Victoria, British Columbia.

I enjoy offering Mundane readings from time to time. I also believe it’s crucial not to lose focus on even larger astrological phenomena. Here, I attempt to offer insight into the nature of recurring cycles and why they are so important to read. In so doing,, I will comment on the specific chart of the Autumnal Equinox.

Since ancient times, the charts for the two Equinox and Solstice Points have had special significance. The representation of the Wheel of the Year by the four Cardinal Signs provides us with specific information about what might be expected from each season. On a deeper level, there is something wonderful about being able to read the year in this way at all. It is a great reminder of the axiom what is above is below and that we are an integral part of all that is, was and ever will be. We have an inexorable relationship with the stars.

We are made of stardust and as all major religions and most philosophies tell us that the stars can guide us in profound ways, ranging from the celestial navigation used by seafarers, the demarcation of the seasons used by almost everyone, agricultural cycles watched closely by farmers, spiritual guidance offered through astrology, medical insights used not only by physicians, but anyone with an interest in healing and, of course, augury, never to be confused with fortune

We have an inexorable relationship with the stars. We are made of stardust and as all major religions and most philosophies tell us that the stars can guide us in profound ways, ranging from the celestial navigation used by seafarers, the demarcation of the seasons used by almost everyone, agricultural cycles watched closely by farmers, spiritual guidance offered through astrology, medical insights used not only by physicians, but anyone with an interest in healing and, of course, augury, never to be confused with fortune telling.

I believe these pivots on the wheel should be celebrated, no matter what the details of the message. Indeed, they are a reminder that we are participants in cycles of astonishingly long periods of time in a multitude of dimensions.

There is a particularly important significance to the two Equinoxes and Solstices that are usually ignored and the key is found in the Horoscope of the World. The rendition above is from the brilliant essay on “Zoroastrian Astrology in the Bundahisn by I. N. MacKenzie.

The Solstice/Equinoctial points are on the Angles in Cardinal Signs on the Horoscope of the World. The Autumnal Equinox is the Ingress of Libra, the Exaltation of Saturn and the Fall of the Sun.  It is also Squared the Ascendant, of course, so we have a perfect Celestial illustration of a Mundane event – the annual falling away of the Sun, as the nights grow longer and longer until the Winter Solstice. In contrast, the Vernal Equinox is the first degree of Aries, the Exaltation of the Sun.

Displeased Heroine_( Kalahantarita )_Nayika Painting Appended to_a Ragamala (Garland of Melodies)_LACMA_M.73.2.3

Bearing in mind that this chart is for PDT, it provides a wealth of information for the regions specified.  The Moon is in the Via Combusta (ie between 15 Libra and 15 Scorpio) and Saturn is in the 1st house and conjunct Ras Alhague 0 52′ in Ophiuchus, (the head of the serpent charmer,) and is associated with perversion and depravity.  Nature of Saturn and Venus.

The Lord of the 7th House aspects Mars. He is situated between Venus and Mercury in the 10th House. conjunct  Zosma, in Leo. This star carries the name “the girdle” of the lion, and is associated with selfishness, immorality and a tendency to calculatingly use other people.” The star is also of the nature of Saturn and Venus. Mercury has a great deal of Essential Dignity but is Under the Beams. Mars is freer to act.

The Sun and Venus are never more than 48 degrees apart, so the only traditional aspect they can make to each other is the conjunction.  Nevertheless, this limited distance apart allows for the possibility of Venus being in more than one astrological sign on any given Autumnal Equinox. If Venus at the time of the Equinox is in Libra, she is in her own domicile and therefore strong. If she is in Virgo, as she is this year, she is in her Fall. This one placement can change the tone of what will manifest.

This year, Venus is in her Fall in Virgo at this time. Mars is between her and Mercury, who is in his Exaltation. The image on the left shows the scene of a “displeased heroine” which seems to be a very fine image on Venus in Virgo.  Mercury in Virgo is too particular to allow the necessary merging of erotic energies to be maintained for the long haul. One of the things that amuse me about the painting is that the man seems exasperated, desperate and perplexed at her turning away from him.

Venus takes on particular meaning because she disposits the Sun in this chart. The Moon is in her Fall in Scorpio, so both Feminine planets are afflicted.

Saturn is in aspect to the Node in the 9th House, which informs the 10th House. The chaotic squabbling we see there is mitigated considerably by the Sun on the MC and Jupiter in the House of the Good Spirit.

There are no imminent catastrophic events indicated, even if all fall short of harmony.  The Autumn will be drier than usual in the Pacific Northwest. There is no indication of excessive seismic activity, which is always of interest in this region.

I have always rather liked the term: “it came to pass” which isn’t used much these days. At the end of the day, it’s the grand scheme that matters and not the incidental in life that is here one day and gone soon after. The image of the dancing Shiva reminds us of the great dance and personally of the quote by Rumi: “We come spinning out of nothingness, scattering stars like dust.”