Thursday, Sept. 22: At 9:03 tonight, the sun enters Libra, which means we have the autumn equinox in the northern hemisphere and the spring equinox in the southern hemisphere. No matter where you live on Earth, the day is equal to the night. Equality is a key Libra word. We can find equality, balance and peace (Libra’s highest goals) when we open up to others. We need to see others not as a means of personal gratification, not as a reflection of ourselves – but as individuals in their own right. It was 28 years ago today that the sitcom “Friends” debuted on NBC. The date was Sept. 22, 1994.

Friday, Sept. 23: Today, retrograde Mercury is conjunct the sun at zero degrees of Libra. When Mercury retrograde is conjunct the sun, a new Mercury cycle begins. This particular Mercury cycle is extra powerful since it happens at one of the four cardinal degrees. The four cardinal degrees (0 degrees for Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn) are the most potent degrees of the zodiac. Things are much more likely to come to fruition when we have a cycle starting at a cardinal degree. Happy birthday to “the Boss” – Bruce Springsteen turns 73 today.

Saturday, Sept. 24: With Venus in Virgo opposite Neptune in Pisces, today is not a time for changing things. We are likely too impressionable. Imagine but do not act. Canadian tragic comedian Phil Hartman was born in Brantford, Ont., on Sept. 24, 1949. He was part of the cast of “Saturday Night Live” and contributed several voices for “The Simpsons.” He was murdered in 1998.

Sunday, Sept. 25: Today we have a new moon at two degrees of Libra. The new moon is opposite Jupiter, giving us an appetite for risk-taking. The new moon ruler, Venus, is conjunct Mercury retrograde. The combined Mercury and Jupiter influence will help us weigh the details against the big picture, helping us produce a plan. On Sept. 25, 1894, Canada’s eighth prime minister, Robert Borden, wed Laura Bond. As PM during the First World War, he led many important changes in Canada.

Monday, Sept. 26: Mercury retrograde is conjunct Venus in Virgo today. This is a great transit for communication and social activities: Venus will make our communication (Mercury) more persuasive, while our relationships (Venus) will benefit from Mercury’s clarity and insight. Happy 41st birthday to Serena Williams.

Tuesday, Sept. 27: Mercury retrograde conjuncts Pluto, also retrograde driving intense talk of sexuality and psychology. This happens again when both planets are direct in October. Happy birthday to Avril Lavigne who turns 38 today.

Wednesday, Sept. 28: Mars in Gemini is in perfect harmony with Saturn in Aquarius, making for a day where health and work benefit from stable and well-designed discipline. It was Sept. 28, 2000, that many Canadians mourned the passing of Pierre Elliott Trudeau, who twice served as Canada’s prime minister.

Check out the podcast at www.lutts.ca for more of Bill Auchterlonie’s astrological insights.