Tracy Latz is a biologist and metaphysician who worked for years alongside her dear friend Steve Nelson, celebrant, “Mythic Astrologer” and “Magic Man of Charlotte“. Steve shared his wisdom with Tracy and asked that she continue to share his work along with her wisdom “as it will be the key for shaping future consciousness in these mythic times“. Steve was an astrologer who followed a Jungian tradition. He was raised by a part Cherokee shaman Aunt Maude who learned much of her lore from Molly Runningwolf, the mother of Amanita Sequoyah, the last Cherokee medicine man officially recognized by the Eastern Tribe. Steve’s Indian name was Steven Red Wolf, his lineage was of the wolf clan, one of the 7 tribal groups of the Cherokee. Steve followed many of the Cherokee traditions especially as these relate to celebrations, the use of ritual fire and star lore.
Lunar Shifts and Celebrations for Intentional Living – September 2022
September 2022 begins with Chiron in Aries and Chiron is in Retrograde until December 23,2022!
This is a moment where we may feel as if in an inner struggle to define ourselves. Chiron retrograde will show you where you are healing and how you need to redefine yourself.
Chiron has many roles to play: Because Chiron’s position is between Saturn (very grounded, rotted energy) and Uranus (a planet of higher vibration, bringing about awakenings and rise of kundalini energy), he is a bridge between worlds (a “rainbow bridge”) and he is a maverick who defies easy classification. Chiron is neither left nor right, he is a radical centrist, a master of the golden mean and of the middle pillar. Reflecting this in the physical, Chiron is the only small planetary body that astronomers have classified as both a minor planet or asteroid and as a comet. Chiron has a coma like a comet! Mythically Chiron is the teacher of most of the Greek heroes, he also taught Aesclepius the art of medicine. Chiron is known as the “wounded healer“ or “wounded shaman” and his wound (accidentally inflicted by Hercules or by himself) causes him great agony. Finally to be free of his pain Chiron trades his immortal life to set free Prometheus from the underworld. So Chiron is known as the god of the sacrifice and he is considered a mythic forerunner of Christ. Of all the stories told about Chiron there is none so instructive (or so elusive) as that which is depicted in the heavens:
Chiron lives at a time when there is a war between the gods and goddesses of Olympus and old world giants called the Titans. Whatever the new gods create the old Titans seek to destroy. Chiron sees that the gods and goddesses are losing this battle because they are not united: each has their own altar and following and they’re just not working together well enough to win the war. So Chiron gathers all the gods and goddesses around a common fiery altar high on a mountaintop and there he sacrifices the wolf Lupus on a fiery altar. Through this ritual the gods and goddesses are united, the Titans are defeated, and a new golden age begins.
Chiron appears as constellation Centaurus holding the wolf Lupus, over the fiery altar Ara. These constellations are part of the original set of 48 constellations (including the zodiacal signs) used by the ancients to describe all that occurs in the world. Each decan of zodiac has its own “decan constellation” or “decan star sign” and each has a Tarot card (one of the 36 minor arcana). Centaurus/Chiron, decan 2 Leo, is 0-10 West in the zodiac projected on Earth, This region includes London at the 20th degree of Leo in conjunction with Merak, a bright star in Ursa Major (a.ka. Arthur’s wain) that is known as the Star of the Avatar.
The ‘burning up of the wolf’ is a key phase of psychic alchemy (see Liz Greene’s Dynamics of the Unconscious), referring to the transformation of primal energy. Lupus symbolizes the shadow aspect of the psyche and represents all that is renegade to our soul’s purpose. This wolf has to be transformed before the diverse elements of personality (the gods and goddesses) can be unified. The global shadow wolf must be transformed before we can enter the new age. In Norse mythology we’re in the time of Ragnarok the last war at the end of the age when the Fenris wolf is set loose on the world. In the zodiac projected on Earth 3rd decan Libra, Lupus the Wolf, brackets Afghanistan and covers much of Pakistan. So how is the shadow wolf transformed? The instructions are in Tarot Key 58, the 4 of Swords: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Swords04.jpg
The Four of Swords represents the 3rd decan of Libra and Lupus the Wolf decan constellation. In this card we see the reclining figure of a man lying on an altar-like cot in what looks to be a chapel. In the upper left of the frame there is a stained glass window with a woman standing and a man kneeling before her. This could be Mother Mary and a worshiper though he looks to have a musical instrument so perhaps he is a troubadour serenading his beloved. This scene represents reverence for the divine feminine and spiritual nature. The way to the higher world is through the divine feminine. The transformation of the shadow wolf opens the way within. The man lying has his hands in prayer pose directly over the solar plexus. The solar plexus is a fire chakra, it is the fiery altar to which Chiron brings the shadow wolf. Beside the stained glass window there is a curtain rod pointing downward to the sexual chakra of the reclining figure and at the bottom of this rod is the small head of a wolf. The instructions in this card are clear: Lie down on your back (preferably head north) elbows at your side and bring your hands together finger tips touching over the solar plexus. Take several deep breaths while the energy from the palm chakras activates the solar plexus. Then whatever needs to be transformed will move through the palms onto the altar fire. Prolonged deep breathing in this way will transform whatever comes to mind.
Chiron Retrograde July 19,2022 – December 23, 2022
As Chiron travels retrograde, we can access our own wounds to reflect on how to use them as a source of power and healing. Be aware that healing may take the form of Transcendence rather than physical healing (i.e. letting go of the wound and reclaiming your power). The placement of Chiron in your natal (birth) chart speaks to a wound you carry with you throughout your life which you have an opportunity to heal and transform into wisdom that you share with others, as a teacher. It will be an area in which you have amplified sensitivity and insecurity – but also a great deal of self-awareness.Chiron takes approximately 4 years to move from sign to sign; it spends 7-8 years in Aries and Pisces and only 1-2 years in Virgo and Libra. Chiron moved back into Aries (its cardinal fire sign) February 18,2019 and is now retrograde (appearing to move backward from our vantage point on earth) July 19 to December 23, 2022 When in retrograde Chiron’s effect moves from external to internal; thus instead of dealing with your wound outwardly, you will be reflecting on them and doing some potentially challenging but rewarding inner work. This could be a a valuable time to pay attention to your dreams, journal or address past trauma alongside a therapist.
Since Chiron is in Aries (an impatient, competitive cardinal fire sign ruled by Mars (a go-getter), you may feel a sense of urgency or ‘fight-or-flight’ like rush to contend with your Chiron wounds and insecurities in a fast and furious way since Aries is NOT typically comfortable with sitting with tough, painful, complicated feelings. While Chiron is in retrograde in this fiery sign, resist the urge to rip of the bandage in order to move on with your life since rushing through this process is counterproductive to Chiron’s purpose. It is best to try to slow down and take this valuable chance to heal one step at a time. July 27 – November 25, 2022 => Mercury will trine Chiron and make it easier to put words to internal pain and prioritize communications that will help you work through trauma. July 31 – December 19 => Venus squares Chiron and could cause relationship dynamics and circumstances to irritate old emotional wounds. Just keep in perspective that it’s for the greater good to take a microscope to the past in order to heal the trauma. August 8 and December 4 => Sun trines Chiron which bolsters confidence and a sense of empowerment that can come from dealing with emotional baggage <if you need help see our book Bye-Bye Self-Sabotage: Drop Your Baggage, Love Your Life >. August 24 and November 25 => Venus trines Chiron so that relationships have a greater chance of serving as a balm for insecurities and emotional pain. October 7 => Sun opposes Chiron which stirs you to reflect on how you are dealing with old wounds. October 9 => Full Moon in Aries falls in she sign as Chiron’s retrograde which amplifies the sensitivity and intensity of your healing process. December 19 => Mars (action planet of physicality and energy) forms sextile with Chiron and can assist with taking concrete actions related to your healing
Make the most of this Chiron Retrograde! Take time out from the daily grind and external events in order to care for your self mentally and emotionally. If you are willing to be courageous and go inward to tackle unfinished business, you will find a great reward in the ability to move forward with bolstered self-awareness and peace. Then perhaps by December 19 you could be ready to let go of old childhood scripts and narratives that have been holding you back from stepping into a lighter, brighter chapter of your life. You may then find yourself more centered and prepared to let go of toxic ties, habits and patterns as you will have less tolerance for continuing relationships and behaviors that leave you feeling weaker. You will move forward wiser, stronger and perhaps even prepared to share your wisdom and guide others to do the same.
Chiron Retrograde Exercises for Journaling:
- What is most painful for me right now? List 10 things this pain has taught me.
- Reflecting on a painful wound from my past, how has this injury inspired me? How can this old would continue to inspire me moving forward?
- Place your hand on your heart and ask your pain/wound “What do you want me to know?” Write the answer. Ask again “Is there anything else I should know?’ Write the answer.
- In regards to all of my hardships, what are all the things that I am grateful for?
- How am I stronger today because of my experiences?
White Rabbit! Sep 1 – New Magic
Say ‘White Rabbit’ first thing today for luck throughout the month. This is a widespread folk custom for the first day each month, the day of the Magician, the #1 card in Tarot.
Melpomene – Gate of Inspiration, Sep 2-3 (2:08 pm – 2:08 pm edt) – Dance, Be Free
Muse Gates open every 40 days, 9 each year. (To find out more about the Nine Gates of Inspiration click here. ) Whatever blocks our energy flow comes before the Gate to be let go. It’s time to release body tensions that hold outmoded ways of thinking and feeling. Breathe deeply and move freely (dance!) to shed the old and be present to the magic of this new time.
Harvest Full Moon in Pisces, Sep 9-11 (exact Sep 10 5:58 am)
Full Moon in Pisces has the greatest sensitivity and perceptiveness of surroundings. You may experience feelings of insecurity; be passive, work with Chiron Retrograde as above, have patience for insight, and see what happens in your life. If you engage in creative or spiritual search, you will benefit from great imagination of Pisces.
3rd Quarter Moon, Sep 16-18 (exact 5:52 am 9/17) – Realizing Dreams
This Moon cuts away all that distracts from putting dreams into action. 3rd Quarter integrates new ideas into creative expression. Look to your heart to see how you can overcome any difficult obstacles or restrictions today. New ideas, innovations, or concepts may arise and clear the path ahead.
Mabon / Fall Equinox, Sep 22 (exact 9:03 pm)
Mabon takes place on the fall equinox and is a pagan celebration originating from the ancient Celts, who populated Britain and much of Northwest Europe before the march of the Romans (so we’re going back nearly 2,000 years here). This group of druidic, tree-lovin’ people celebrated the Earth’s cycles and seasons by dividing the year into eight segments at key seasonal turning points, creating eight festivals that are still celebrated today by pagans. The Wheel of the Year is an annual cycle of eight festivals, which divide the year into eight “sections.” The start of each is marked by a festival that is celebrated individually and collectively as a community. The other seven fall on the spring equinox (Ostara), the summer solstice (Litha), the winter solstice (Yule), and the four midpoints, or “cross-quarters,” that are halfway between a solstice and an equinox (these are called Imbolc, Beltain, Lammas, and Samhain). Marking these festivals can be a simple reminder of all you have to be grateful for, a reason to gather with others, and a nudge to plan things to look forward to and work towards in the season ahead.
Maat, the Egyptian Goddess of Justice, stands on the western horizon holding a scale with a human heart on one side and feather on the other. This is our time to let go whatever makes the heart heavy so it becomes as light as the feather of Maat. All that’s heavy (personal and global) comes up now to be released. How to let it go? Breathe and release, breathe and set free. Maat is Libra, Libra is air element. Emotions convert from one form to another through the action of the breath – especially at Fall Equinox and Sunset hour.
Dark of Moon/New Moon, Sep 24-26 – Going Within
The day before New Moon until Sunset a day after is ideal inner work to release shadows of the past and seed the new cycle; outer activity is favored after the new lunar crescent appears. The New Moon (exact 5:54 pm 9/25) is a cosmic spring that flows freely as we slow down. Nostradamus calls this “the day of Diana, a time for silent rest.” This is when mystics descend to drink from the magic well within.
Rosh Hashanah / Crescent New Moon, Sep 25-27 – A Time to Sow
It’s time to bring forward what we wish to be realized. Farmers plant seeds when the crescent appears, seeds become fertile on every level, all new beginnings are favored now. At the sighting of this 7th Moon, the Cherokee women start their new creation dance, the 9 North Star Spirits begin their descent (China), Jews blow the shofar, Kali enters homes to consume the old year’s discord and initiates gather at Eleusis to receive the Mysteries. Moon magic is strongest Sunset to Moonset when the Moon is in the 7th House. Meditation opens doorways, wishes take wing, prayers bring blessings for this Moon and the Year to be.The blowing of the shofar, a ram’s horn, announces the beginning of the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah. The shofar is blown when the New Moon crescent appears. Rosh Hashanah begins the Ten High Holy Days also known as the Days of Awe.
Michaelmas – Sep 29
Michaelmas (the Feast of Michael and All Angels) is celebrated September 29th every year. Since it falls near the equinox, the day is associated with the beginning of autumn and the shortening of days; in England, it is also known as one of the “quarter days”. There are four “quarter days” in a year (Lady Day -March 25th , Midsummer – June 24th, Michaelmas – September 29th, and Christmas – December 25th) that are spaced three months apart, on religious festivals, usually close to the solstices or equinoxes. They were the four dates on which servants were hired and rents were due or leases begun. It was believed that harvest had to be completed by Michaelmas, thus marking the end of one productive season and the beginning of the new cycle of farming. It was the time at which new servants were hired or land was exchanged and debts were paid. This is how it came to be for Michaelmas to be the time for electing magistrates and also the beginning of legal and university terms.
St Michael is one of the principal archangelic warriors, protector against the dark of the night, Satan and his evil angels. Since Michaelmas is the time that the darker nights and colder days begin – the edge into winter – the celebration of Michaelmas is associated with encouraging protection during these dark months. It was believed that negative forces were stronger in darkness and so families would require stronger defenses during the later months of the year.
In the British Isles, there is a tradition where a well fattened goose, fed on the stubble from the fields after the harvest, is eaten to protect against financial need in the family for the next year; and as the saying goes:“Eat a goose on Michaelmas Day, Want not for money all the year”.
Brightest of Blessings to you for a Healthy, Insightful and Bountiful September!
“Shift Doctor” Tracy Latz, M.D., M.S., Mh.D.
***The Shift Doctors (Tracy Latz, M.D. & Marion Ross, Ph.D.) are available for keynote talks, classes, events or for seminars (1/2 day or up to 2 day) on personal transformation, team-building, motivation, anger management, intuitive development, or collaboration for private groups, conferences, corporations or corporate events. Contact them at info@shiftyourlife.com or find out more about them at www.shiftyourlife.com .
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