Step on up, star babies. September is a doozy.
We begin the month in the fastidious fields of Virgo, fresh off a Mercury retrograde cycle that was…trying. Come the 11th, we’ll clear the trickster planet’s shadow period or retro-shade and be all the better for it.
A fresh-to-death new moon in Virgo arrives on the 3rd, offering one of the best cosmic conditions to get your s–t together and make practical progress. There’s a reason Virgo season is synonymous with shifting climates and back-to-school prep.
The next day, Mars enters the maternal, cardinal crybaby sign of Cancer, where it will waller in its weird for the next eight weeks.
Mars, the planet of war, has no footing in the sign of apron strings, t-t milk and homefires. Mars is indirect, suspicious, and defensive in Cancer and this transit indicates our moves will be heavily and perhaps irrationally influenced by our moods.
Remember that feelings are not facts.
We can leverage the energy of this Mars transit to build peace and comfort in our homes and come to the ready and reasonable defense of what and who we hold dear.
A full moon lunar eclipse in Pisces on September 17th sets the stage for deep change, particularly for the mutable signs.
Perhaps the most significant of September’s shakeups is Pluto, our planet of death, renewal, karmic debts and seismic change, retrograding back into Capricorn on September 1 for the last time in our lifetime. Pluto transforms all it touches (rarely gently), and we’re poised to feel the dwarf death daddy’s might on a personal and collective level.
As the brilliant astrologer Danny Santos tells The Post, “In astrology, when a planet returns to the exact position it occupied at the birth or beginning of something, this is known as a return. Pluto takes approximately 248 years to traverse the entire zodiac, and over the last couple of years, it has been returning to the exact point it was in the sky when the United States was founded. We are thus returning to an incredible lesson as a nation.”
“Pluto represents generational trauma, the energy inherited from those who came before us, which needs to be transformed and shed, ultimately transmuting into light.”
Danny Santos
Santos, who is also an Ayahuasca Shaman and the Integrative Healer behind Santos & The Crystal Visions, explains the momentous importance of this transit to our very dichotomous nation, “Pluto represents generational trauma, the energy inherited from those who came before us, which needs to be transformed and shed, ultimately transmuting into light.”
Santos is on hand to share his wisdom about what the stars hold in store for the signs in the weeks to come.
ARIES (March 21 – April 19)
Santos tells Aries folk, “As Pluto retrogrades back into Capricorn, you’ll find yourself facing the final leg of a transformative journey that began back in 2008. This is the closing chapter in a saga that has relentlessly reshaped your career and public image.
The 10th house is where ambition meets reality, and over the past 15 years, you’ve been pushed to dismantle and rebuild your professional life. The challenges have been monumental, but the rewards waiting at the end of this intense road are just as significant. Prepare for a culmination that cements your status and accomplishments in a way that feels almost fated.”
TAURUS (April 20 – May 20)
For bull babies, Santos says, “Pluto retrograding into Capricorn marks the final act of a long-standing drama in your 9th house of higher learning, travel, and personal philosophy, Taurus, a cycle that began in 2008.
The past 15 years have seen you embarking on a profound and often grueling journey of self-discovery. You’ve faced upheavals that have fundamentally altered your beliefs and worldview. As this chapter closes, expect one last wave of transformation, culminating in a deep and lasting understanding of your place in the world. Think of it as the grand finale of a long-running series where all plotlines are tied together in an unforgettable way.”
GEMINI (May 21 – June 20)
Santos tells Geminis, “With Pluto retrograding back into Capricorn, you’re approaching the end of an era that has profoundly reshaped your 8th house of shared resources, intimacy, and transformation. This journey, which began in 2008, has seen you delve into the depths of your psyche and relationships.
You’ve been through a rollercoaster of intense changes that have ultimately refined your understanding of trust and power dynamics. As Pluto makes its final pass, the intensity reaches its zenith, but so do the rewards, leaving a legacy of profound growth in your intimate connections and financial collaborations.
CANCER (June 21 – July 22)
To the crab contingent, Santos imparts, “As Pluto retrogrades back into Capricorn, you’re witnessing the final act of a transformative play that began in 2008, centered on your 7th house of partnerships and relationships, Cancer.
This era has seen you undergo intense changes in how you connect with others, whether romantically, professionally, or otherwise. The challenges have been profound, pushing you to evolve your understanding of commitment and balance in relationships. With Pluto’s last pass, expect a climax of intensity that solidifies the transformative work you’ve done, leaving a lasting impact on your relational dynamics.”
LEO (July 23 – August 22)
According to Santos, lions will feel Pluto’s teeth in their sixth house of ritual, “Pluto retrograding back into Capricorn marks the final chapter of a transformative saga that began in 2008, affecting your 6th house of daily routines, health, and service, Leo.
Over the past 15 years, you have experienced a profound overhaul in how you approach your work, health, and daily responsibilities. This journey has been akin to a gripping drama with intense plot twists, pushing you to transform your routines and well-being. As Pluto makes its last pass, expect a powerful conclusion that solidifies your hard-earned lessons, leaving a lasting impact on your everyday life.”
VIRGO (August 23 – September 22)
Pluto’s retrograde concludes a story about pleasure, play, and creativity for Virgos. Santos expounds, “Pluto’s retrograde back into Capricorn signals the final act of a long-standing drama that began in 2008, impacting your 5th house of creativity, romance, and self-expression.
These past 15 years have been a transformative journey, reshaping how you express yourself and find joy in life. It’s been a rollercoaster of highs and lows, but this final phase brings closure and the last wave of transformation, promising profound and lasting rewards in these areas. Think of it as the grand finale where all the pieces come together in a spectacular display.”
LIBRA (September 23 – October 22)
According to Santos, this retrograde resonates with tones of home for Libra: “Pluto retrograding into Capricorn signifies the conclusion of a transformative era that began in 2008, centered on your 4th house of home and family.
Over the past 15 years, you’ve been through a profound journey, reshaping your domestic environment and familial relationships. It’s been a story of intense challenges and ultimate growth, pushing you to redefine what home means to you. As Pluto makes its final pass, expect a powerful conclusion that solidifies your lessons, leaving a lasting impact on your home life and family dynamics.”
SCORPIO (October 23 – November 21)
Santos explains, “As Pluto retrogrades back into Capricorn, you’re approaching the final act of a transformative play that began in 2008, affecting your 3rd house of communication, siblings, and local community Scorpio. Over the past 15 years, you’ve been through intense changes in how you communicate and connect with those around you.
It’s been a journey of profound transformation, reshaping your interactions and relationships. As Pluto makes its last pass, expect a powerful conclusion that solidifies your lessons, leaving a lasting impact on your communication style and community ties.”
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 – December 21)
For archers, Santos imparts, “Pluto retrograding into Capricorn marks the final chapter of a transformative saga that began in 2008, affecting your 2nd house of personal values and finances, Sagittarius. Over the past 15 years, you’ve been on a profound journey, reshaping your approach to money and self-worth.
It’s been a rollercoaster of intense challenges, pushing you to redefine your financial strategies and sense of value. As Pluto makes its last pass, expect a powerful conclusion that solidifies your hard-earned lessons, leaving a lasting impact on your material stability and self-esteem.”
CAPRICORN (December 22 – January 19)
Santos shares that for sea goats, “Pluto’s retrograde back into Capricorn signals the end of a transformative period in your 1st house of self and identity, which began in 2008. Over the past 15 years, you have experienced deep and often challenging changes in how you present yourself to the world and your sense of identity.
It’s been a journey of profound transformation, pushing you to redefine who you are and how you want to be seen. As Pluto makes its final pass, expect a powerful conclusion that solidifies your self-concept and personal growth.”
AQUARIUS (January 20 – February 18)
According to Santos, Aquarians will feel the effects of this transit in the realms of the subconscious and the spiritual, “As Pluto retrogrades back into Capricorn, you are nearing the end of a significant cycle that began in 2008, impacting your 12th house of spirituality and hidden matters.
These past 15 years have brought intense transformations in your inner world and subconscious patterns. It’s been a journey of profound change, pushing you to confront your deepest fears and desires. As Pluto makes its last pass, expect a powerful conclusion that solidifies your spiritual growth and understanding of yourself.”
PISCES (February 19 – March 20)
For fish folk Pluto retrograde affects your sense of community and belonging, “Pluto retrograding into Capricorn marks the conclusion of a transformative period in your 11th house of friendships and goals, which began in 2008. Over the past 15 years Pisces, you have experienced deep changes in your social networks and long-term aspirations, often through intense and sometimes challenging experiences.
It’s been a journey of profound transformation, reshaping your dreams and social connections. As Pluto makes its final pass, expect a powerful conclusion that solidifies your social circles and long-term goals.”
Astrology 101: Your guide to the star
- The 12 zodiac signs
- What are the astrology houses
- Here’s what each planet represents
- Sun, moon, and rising signs: Get to know your Big 3
Astrologer Reda Wigle researches and irreverently reports back on planetary configurations and their effect on each zodiac sign. Her horoscopes integrate history, poetry, pop culture, and personal experience.
