SEPTEMBER THEME: A CLEAN SWEEP
by Simone Butler

I just got my home Feng Shui'd, and I'm buzzing like a live wire! My dear friend Sally Adams*, who is about to complete her certification program, offered to practice her skills on me. I'd already arranged the house the best I could with my limited knowledge of the Chinese system of harmonious placement--bookshelves in the "knowledge" area, fountain in the "wealth" sector, Isis altar in "helpful people,"--but Sally showed me so much more!

We began by renovating the outside entrance to my house--a critical "career" area that introduces you to the world. We trimmed leaves, hung wind chimes and moved and purposely placed rocks and plants. In the office, we hung my journalism award in the "fame" area, and decorated the "wealth" corner with opulent fabrics and coins. We dumped the dried flowers that were bringing down my "health" area, and I replaced them the next day with silk bouquets.

I felt like a geyser had blown. For most of that night and the next week, I passionately rearranged shelves, repainted furniture, repotted plants--even cleaned out my cobweb-infested storage shed and purged my office files. I bought a beautiful new rose-and-purple Indian bedspread to enhance my relationship sector. And, I moved my ancestors' photos from the bedroom, where their prying eyes weren't doing me any favors, into the "family" area, where they belong.

With Mercury and the Sun now in efficient Virgo (through September 5th and 23rd, respectively), it's the perfect time to make a clean sweep. The goddess of the harvest asks us to weed out whatever is cluttering up our lives, so we can reap the rewards of our hard work and make a fresh start. Adding extra punch, Saturn enters Virgo on Sept. 2 for a two-year stay-providing plenty of time to fine-tune things.

Two eclipses dramatically punctuate the call for renewed order and health. The Full Moon eclipse on August 28 in Pisces/Virgo charges the atmosphere with intensity and helps us release old emotional garbage. Fated events are possible in the areas of your chart where those signs are located. Nervousness or strong emotions may build as the 28th approaches. Focus on clearing the past and staying connected to Spirit.

The Sept. 11 New Moon eclipse marks the six-year anniversary of the Twin Towers tragedy. Closely squared by warrior Mars and opposed by maverick Uranus, the eclipse chart's explosive energies mirror that fateful day. Rash actions, accidents and arguments are likely. Yet this liberating eclipse can also propel you into a new phase of life. Virgo's task is to bring you down to earth. Ask yourself: In what ways is my life not sustainable? Then adjust your financial, spiritual, domestic or emotional circumstances accordingly.

During a solar eclipse, the Moon moves in front of the Sun and the masculine solar flow is briefly blocked. In that moment, (9:14 p.m. PDT on Sept. 11) the feminine principle takes charge. Intuition is heightened, old patterns dissolve, healing occurs. The events that occur around this eclipse represent a demarcation point, and can trigger shock waves for months to come. In your New Moon prayers, soothe the angry, masculine forces unleashed six years ago (in yourself and the world) with your feminine, Virgoan love. And, harness the liberating energies of change to push past obstacles in your life.

Two planets turn direct just prior to this New Moon, adding extra impetus for moving forward with whatever has been blocked. On Sept. 7, Pluto goes direct in Sagittarius at the Galactic Center, catalyzing the potent point the Mayans considered the womb of creation. Watch for important messages then. The next day, Sept. 8, Venus leaves her Underworld mode, eager to begin again with relationships, finances and artistic projects. All the planets except for Uranus and Neptune will be in forward motion through early October, so make the most of this excellent opportunity for a fresh start.

As part of your New Moon ritual, you may wish to sort through your possessions and let go of what no longer serves you. Since the planets are helping you do this, it should be relatively easy. And, you won't believe how exhilarated you'll feel! Here are some questions to ask yourself (from the Western School of Feng Shui) to facilitate the process:

1. Do I love it?

2. Do I need it?

3. Does it reflect who I am now in my life?

4. Does it act as an environmental affirmation for me?

5. What positive or negative thoughts, memories or emotions do I associate with it?

6. Does it need to be fixed or repaired, and am I willing to do so now?

7. If I moved tomorrow, would I choose to take it with me?

8. If it is time to let it go, am I going to sell, lend or give it away, and if so, when?

*Sally Adams is in the process of creating her website. You may reach her for Feng Shui consultations at (760) 727-9797.

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