How do you spell relief? D-I-R-E-C-T. And relief is what many will be experiencing this week as Mercury goes direct, at 10:31 PM PDT, September 21, and the technology ship of daily life finally rights itself. And yes, I can hear that collective sigh of relief as computers everywhere start running the proper software instead of outdated versions that mysteriously seemed to have worked their way back into the system under the chaotic cloak of Mercury Retrograde.
But that’s not the only reason this week feels utterly unstuck. Pluto goes direct at 8:02 AM PDT, September 26, and its forward motion makes Mercury’s winged sandals fly forward even faster than they usually do—and with greater skill. Be prepared for the pace of certain projects to resemble jet propulsion. But before you start dancing in the street, be aware of that old adage, “Haste makes waste.” Yes, regular routines are gathering strength and computers once again makes sense, but it would still be wise to think before you leap, rather than be swept away by this forward-motion astral tour de force.
Mercury ends its third retrograde phase of 2016 at 14 degrees Virgo, in an exact trine to Pluto at 14 degrees Capricorn. Mercury symbolizes all things related to travel and communication, and during a retrograde all things within its vast domain tend to go a little screwy (which is why smart phones turn stupid under the influence of a retrograde). Pluto signifies the process of death and rebirth, and therefore it is the symbol of transformation. Trines are positive, and a trine between Mercury and Pluto signifies the potential for penetrating intellectual pondering that is able to let go of an idea that has outworn its value. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself discarding old ways of thinking in favor of a new, deeper understanding. If you still stubbornly insist on an old idea with the hope that will survive this Mercury/Pluto trine, try to let go anyway. You just might find yourself entertaining a different and much-improved perspective.
Fall starts on September 22, and in keeping with the start of a new season, Mercury Direct coupled with Pluto Direct shifts the air and quickens the pulse of the day-to-day. We’re heading into the final months of this year—the harvest season of what we’ve put in motion, and much of this transition is likely to be spent taking stock. Embrace this process—2016 has been an incredibly intense year, and now as we head toward the finish line, there are bound to be even more intense moments—moments both of retrospective insight as well as wildly creative moments that weave a fabric of profound connection. Some of these moments may involve bringing new ideas to life, while others could involve death. The key is to be present for all your thoughts and feelings, and when possible, to try and be present for others—family, friends and, as always, your fellow travelers.
Sun Bursts: If you know your Ascendant and/or your Moon Sign, read that too.
Aries March 21-April 19
Mercury goes direct in your Solar House of work and health, signaling a renewed effort to get both those areas back on track. Pluto helps deepen this commitment by helping you voice your deepest concerns as it simultaneously supports your efforts to turn those feelings into practical, tangible realities.
Taurus April 20-May 20
Mercury goes direct in your Solar House of creativity, so don’t be surprised if you are immersed as well as mesmerized by a wealth of transformative ideas. Pluto provides an expansive perspective which helps inspire a broader approach to applying your inspirational insights, an approach that deepens your appreciation of their value.
Gemini May 21-June 21
Mercury goes direct in your Solar House of the home, the deepest sector of your Solar Chart, stimulating a need to clean house, inside and out, literally and figuratively. Pluto offers almost unlimited support to help you determine what’s important and necessary and what should simply go to good will, again, literally and figuratively.
Cancer June 22-July 22
Mercury goes direct in your Solar House of communication, and you are talkin’—about every little thing and all the time. It isn’t possible to stifle this loquacious current, so don’t bother trying to stem the tide or avoid certain topics. Pluto makes relationship the focus of every conversation, and given its natural persistence, it’s wiser to simply follow Pluto’s lead.
Leo July 23-August 22
Mercury goes direct in your Solar House of personal finance, and as it gathers strength, you gather greater insight into money matters. Pluto’s contribution is simple: Pluto reminds you that true value can never be accurately measured in dollars and cents. Use this powerful directive to gain greater clarity on what matters most to you.
Virgo August 23-September 22
Mercury goes direct in your Solar House of identity, stimulating a strong urge to ‘correct’ your image, so there’s no reason to deny or ignore that desire for a makeover. Pluto heightens that urge for a redo as it excites a deep need to express yourself creatively. There’s no reason to be anxious about this process—it’s all about manifesting greater authenticity.
Libra September 23-October 22
Mercury goes direct in your Solar House of the unconscious, and its forward motion generates a new determination to increase self-awareness, especially identifying inhibiting patterns. Pluto is only too willing to assist in this process, so don’t be surprised if you’re suddenly inundated with childhood memories that suddenly make sense.
Scorpio October 23-November 21
Mercury goes direct in your Solar House of community, arousing a need for greater participation in your immediate environment. Pluto intensifies this process through opportunities to dialogue with friends, neighbors and groups of like-minded people who are certain to be inspired by your ideas and opinions.
Sagittarius November 22-December 21
Mercury goes direct in your Solar House of recognition, a sector of the chart that is often about what we most want to be known for, and that includes what we want to recognize in ourselves. Pluto is no slouch when it comes to assessing the soul’s goal, and its supportive touch enables deeper insight into your innately compassionate spirit.
Capricorn December 22-January 19
Mercury goes direct in your Solar House of spiritual quest, and as it moves forward, you’re inspired to seek out new ways of understanding old situations and circumstances. Pluto assists this search by inviting you to trust your intuition, which will foster a much deeper appreciation of not only what you already know, but also of how much there is yet to learn.
Aquarius January 20-February 18
Mercury goes direct in your Solar House of finances and you go full speed ahead on implementing improvements. Yes…you have been paying attention to the details, and now it’s time to transform those ideas into reality. Pluto generates the solid internal ground that helps you apply and coordinate your insights into new, healthier habits.
Pisces February 19-March 20
Mercury goes direct in your Solar House of relationship so don’t be surprised if tangles old and new start to straighten themselves out. Pluto provides support, not just from a psychological or financial perspective, but from family and friends who only have your best interests at heart.