September is traditionally the month of the harvest. Both Full and New Moon phase occur in the sign of Virgo who is associated with the goodness of the earth and the Goddess as nurturer of life. The Sun leaves Virgo on the 22nd and moves into Libra as it passes the equinox point heading for the Midwinter Solstice once more. This month’s big story though is Saturn conjunct the Sun/Moon at New Moon on the 18th combined with the opposition between Saturn and Uranus which is exact again on the 15th. This opposition has been the backdrop to current events for the last year and will continue through to autumn 2010. The first exact opposition was on November 4 2008, the day of the latest US elections. This month sees the third of five exact “hits” at 25° Virgo/Pisces. People with personal planets in that area of their chart will be strongly affected. We will all be touched by this influence and the area of life where it will be most apparent is wherever that degree occurs in our birth chart. Saturn will often make us sharply aware of reality and can sometimes seem harsh or negative, bringing us back down to earth with a thump. Saturn reminds us of our responsibilities but also gives a reliable stability in what otherwise could be confusion or chaos. Uranus, the opposing force is known for its rebellious and unpredictable influence yet helps us to break out of limiting restrictions. The last sequence of Uranus/Saturn oppositions during 1965-66 gave rise to a cultural revolution. Perhaps we can already see the emergence of a new set of social values that will be the current legacy. The New Moon is always the beginning of a new phase, an inward, reflective time out of which the next phase is born. On a personal level whilst Saturn joins with the Sun and Moon we may need to take time to reflect on our true responsibilities and allow the possibility of renewed commitment. We might get the feeling that we are in for the long haul and that might seem daunting at first. Saturn can also remind us that some of the most valued experiences or successes have taken a long time to manifest, evolve or mature. Like the seasonal harvest a lot of preparation, hard work and personal investment are involved to reap true rewards. The nature of Virgo is to work diligently, ironing out any flaws and nurturing her venture into maturity. With Uranus urging us on to abandon old ways and take a new approach we must remember all great visions for a better future need the careful planning and dedication to a task that the Saturn in Virgo combination is offering us now.