Another week of productivity in reasonably calm seas. Not that there isn’t a lot going on underneath the surface, for sure. Use this last week of the optimistic lunar cycle that began August 17th to bring your New Moon agenda to a conclusion — or at least to a stage where you feel, “Ah…a chapter is finished…onto the next one.”

Moon is in Cancer today and most of tomorrow, happily working to establish emotional and/or homeland security. Idealistic thoughts with a surprisingly sharp attention to detail are suggested by a conjunction between the Sun and mental Mercury in discriminating Virgo. Your intentions are further fueled by an easy connection between Mars (action) and the Moon. The potential shake-ups and power plays that are suggested by hard contacts to the sensitive Moon and rebel Uranus and ruthless Pluto are happening while most of us (in the US) are sleeping (around 3AM ET), so you may not need to lash out at anyone today — and vice versa — how cool is that?

Moon voids for the week:  Tuesday 5:58PM  – 11:01PM ET; Friday 1:14AM – 5:31AM ET

Let’s see…the news. Did any big opinions and/or heated exchanges make headlines, perhaps in a letter form? Why yes, at least one did.  Apparently Baltimore Ravens linebacker Brendan Ayanbadejo has been voicing his support for legalizing same-sex marriage, especially since Maryland(and a few other states), will be voting on a ballot initiative in November. Emmett C. Burns Jr. is a local politician and minister who wrote a letter to the owner of the Ravens, asking him to put a muzzle on his linebacker. Minnesota Vikings punter Chris Kluwe heard about the letter Burns wrote when Moon was in earthy Taurus on Thursday, and he was moved to write a blistering response (think “earthy, salty” and be forewarned). Why is this important? Well as the New York Times explains (without the earthy language), it is a very big image shift for NFL players to publicly support gay marriage, as it reflects a level of tolerance that was not there ten years ago.

Why is this of interest astro-logically? Well, Kluwe’s letter was published on a Sun-Mercury square to expansive Jupiter, which refers to sports, religion, politics and big, fat opinions. But to me, it also suggests another step forward as Saturn (structure, law) gets ready to wrap up its 28-month journey in Libra, sign of fairness, equality and (marital) relationships. Saturn will leave Libra behind on October 6th. Where will it go next? Scorpio. What can we expect? We can expect to get to the nitty-gritty of issues involving sex (creation),  death (transformation), and money (resources), especially debt. Saturn was last in Scorpio from December of 1982 to November of 1985. What was going on in the world back then? Good question — I’ll do some research and get back to you. But here’s a quick coping strategy for Saturn in Scorpio: tell the truth.

For those born in November 1982- September 1983 and  November 1953 – September 1954, congratulations, you were born with Saturn in Scorpio, and you’re about to embark on your first or second Saturn return, which suggests a time rich with developmental potential. Saturn will catch up with those born after September ’83 and ’54 in about a year.

For those born at the very end of Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn or the very beginning of Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius, you’ve got Father Time (Saturn) likely pushing for discipline. You may need to cut your losses and focus on what’s critically important. Saturn transits can inspire your ambition, but they can also be experienced as limiting, isolating and sad. Know that this, too, shall pass. Be brave enough to ask for support if you need it. You are worth it.