Fall Equinox at easternmost point in US – West Quoddy Point, Lubec Maine.

The graphic here – with its rosy touch of dawn – a symbolic representation of Venus, now the Morning Star, lending its influence as it enters the seventh house of agreement and alliances.

We continue here with the tradition of casting charts for these events in the US from the easternmost point in the US – as a ‘peoples chart’ for the mood of the nation.

The past several months have been stormy, emotional and confrontational across the fault lines of ideology in dealing with change and public events. The idealism of the Triple Conjunction of Jupiter, Neptune and Chiron on the nation’s Moon in Aquarius has revealed the dark side of idealism, which is obsession and fanaticism. This effect has been heightened in the recent return of the Saturn/Uranus opposition from Virgo/Pisces – which was in effect during the election of 2008.

In the desire for change – the mood of Uranus, the planet of change and elemental disruption, has been operating from the influence of Pisces in a negative manifestation of hysterics, emotionalism, drama and self-immolation.

We now reach a balance point at the Fall Equinox – with the Sun entering Libra to Square Pluto at 0 degrees Capricorn in the 10th house (the public). A more sobering aspect and a time for reassessment of the direction change we want to manifest.

Mercury in Virgo, the sign of its rulership, is in retrograde aspect and conjunct Saturn – the stable status quo element which is resisting Uranian change. This placement of Mercury indicates a time of more inward adjustment and pause for reflection in the course of events. ‘Be careful what you wish for’. Retrograde Mercury here also suggests an assessment of rumors and rumblings below the surface – and new information coming to us – likely after September 28th when Mercury resumes direct motion, and especially at it rejoins Saturn around October 7th/8th.

Saturn, Mercury in Virgo in the seventh house of agreements and alliances, accompanied by Athene (Goddess of Wisdom), and with Venus on the cusp of the seventh – shows moderating influences and energies for co-operation.

Mars at 17 degrees of Cancer shows energy being directed toward finances and the healing and nurturing of family.

The Part of Fortune just entering the second house indicates an easing of financial stresses, and in the sign of Aries – of a return to values of self-reliance, confidence and initiative.

Key concepts here: Balancing, and moving forward more constructively.