Harvesting Our Bounty

by Kathryn Silverton

Outside of Mercury's retrograde motion (addressed in another article in this issue) there is a relative calm among the wandering stars we call planets. Peace loving Venus enters Scorpio on the 7th, adding to the passion and intensity of our affections. The new moon in Virgo encourages us to explore the analytical sides of our lives as we tuck away all kinds of specialized information. It's interesting that we as a nation return to school around this time, focusing more attention on intellectual pursuits now that the celebratory aura of the Leo sun is behind us. The urge to be of service looms large.

On the 21st we welcome the Harvest full moon, a sort of prelude to Thanksgiving, allowing us to appreciate the fruits of our seed planting earlier in the year. Shortly thereafter on the 23rd, the Sun makes its entrance into the sign of Libra and hence the Fall Equinox. We now look to bring balance and harmony into our lives as we accommodate the whims of others.

Aries (March 21st - April 19th)
You Rams revel in forging full speed ahead, with nary a notice of the peripheral. Your headstrong nature serves you well when in combat, as you sport your noteworthy leadership talents. Yet there are times when this works to your detriment. There is a vast difference between getting a job done quickly versus doing it right. Right now the detail orientation of Virgo planets insists on accuracy. Slow down long enough to pay attention to the all important minutiae critical to accomplishing your goals. There is no question you possess the motivation to achieve them, many of which are, of course, clearly self-defined. Once Venus enters your solar eighth house on the 7th, your partner will delight in the heightened amorous aura overtaking you. As difficult as it may sound, take a recessive role around the full moon.

Taurus (April 20th - May 20th)
Deliberate, plodding, slow but sure, are just some of the apt descriptions of you Bulls, fond of the pragmatic approach to life. The current collection of Virgo planets suits you well as this fellow earth sign appreciates your thorough nature. Take charge of the creative sides of your life, allowing a bit of the proverbial child its due. And if the opportunity presents itself, take full advantage of the stage. Make your romantic feelings known. It seems passions have been brewing for some time now and keeping a lid on them is a most daunting, not to mention unnecessary challenge. Legal and contractual affairs work to your benefit from the 7th on. Hang with some of your artsy friends during the full moon phase. You'll be amazed at the tentacles of your mutual connections.

Gemini (May 21st - June 20th)
Known as the social butterflies of the zodiac, you Twins are truly two of the more restless souls on the planet. Like the bee sipping the nectar of various flowers, you're most content flitting from place to place. This versatility is part of what makes you such a jack of all trades. However, the times demand more focus on the specific rather than the general. The technical is by no means out of your grasp. It's just that there are times when you'd rather leave that nitty gritty ordeal of mastery to the experts. So pretend you've been nominated for interim “know it all.” Once this assignment is through, you'll feel confident that you've earned yet another hat. Much to your pleasant surprise, you'll be getting paid to do what you actually enjoy!

Cancer (June 21st - July 22nd)
As the nurturer of the zodiac, caretaking comes naturally to you. This inclination finds its complement in the service orientation of the current Virgo planets. Being of help is second nature, hence there is a natural flow of energy in the air. In an odd sort of way this may trouble you, as you're accustomed to doing your fair share of worrying. You can't help but dwell on the lessons of history. In fact, between you and those born under the sign of the Virgin, you do enough fretting to allow the rest of us off the hook. Just because things are going too smoothly doesn't mean a shoe must drop. Hang out with a childlike Aries who'll quickly teach you to live in the moment. Your stomach is sensitive enough. You need not give it any more reason to be on edge.

Leo (July 23rd - Aug. 22nd)
Now that expansive Jupiter has taken up a year long residence in your sign, you're convinced the sky is the limit and all things are possible. Then again, when was there any doubt, you being the star that you are? With second house activity looming, you might be forced into a stark sense of economic reality. A bit of pragmatic caution might be in order. Invest in that which is functional rather than flashy. Let's face it. Your personality is colorful enough to command attention, so you don't need gadgets to do it for you. For some reason you seem to be more appreciative of time spent with family. In contrast to your typical “tell it like it is” philosophy, you opt for a more subtle expression of your feelings. Absorb the drama of your dreams around the full moon.