EARTHBOUND STARLIGHT

If you’ve been feeling the urge to step back from the whirlwind and take some time to get grounded, you’re in luck. The Virgo New Moon on Sept. 19/20 will bring the respite for which you’ve been yearning.

Kathy Biehl, Empowerment Unlimited, sums up the energy shift:

“This New Moon is as cool, rational and oriented to problem-solving as the last two have been hot, which is to say: to the max. With five, count ‘em, five bodies in mental earth energy, this event is Virgo with a vengeance.”

In honor of the grain goddess Virgo, let’s harvest the advice from astrologers around the web.

Virgo New Moon

If you’ve followed astrology in the modern era, you might have noticed, Virgo has often been defined narrowly – somewhere between the cosmic clean-up crew, the selfless servant, or the nitpicky critic.

And all of these can be true, but they also miss Virgo’s heart.

Planets in Virgo apprehend an ideal, one so profound it’s the only thing that feels right, perfect or whole. In fact, “perfect” comes from a Latin word which means “to complete.”

On a good day, Virgo uses this inner knowing to chart a course to bring us ever closer to our heart’s desire.

On a bad day, it falls into bitter self-recrimination that it hasn’t yet arrived. This self-recrimination is what drives the Virgoan shadow, it’s negative or harsher expressions.

To lift itself out of the downward spiral, it must embrace the process of unfolding. Embrace imperfections as also perfect. To have faith.

(Believe me, I know. Because I have four planets, plus an angle, in Virgo myself)

When the New Moon falls in Virgo, we’re all called to play with the paradoxical questions: “What’s my ideal vision?” and “Can I accept that, whatever state I find myself, is already, absolutely perfect?”

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Down to Business

To a traditional astrologer, the Virgo New Moon would be considered “unaspected,” meaning it makes no Ptolemaic aspects with any of the other visible planets.

However, in addition to the Sun and Moon, the sign of Virgo is also occupied by three other planets — Mercury, Venus and Mars – which dramatically strengthens the influence of earthy Virgo.

Kathy Biehl of Empowerment Unlimited explains:

“Venus, Mars and Mercury are with the Sun and Moon in Virgo. The pile-up imprints the Moon phase with interactions, actions, gab and getting around all primed for effectiveness and efficiency. They come with to-do and punch lists, with whisk brooms and cleaning supplies, and with first aid kits stocked with over-the-counter and herbal remedies…

“We’re getting down to business. It’s time to break everything that’s happened lately into increments: the summer’s energy surges, the explosions and plot twists, the operating system updates and, of course, the storms and their aftermath, both physical and emotional.

“We’ll examine, assess and critique them all, and sort through debris for pieces worth salvaging. We’ll put them in working order (as well as a workable order) and then commence implementing, marking each completed item with a satisfyingly large cosmic check mark.”

Onward through the fog

Given that there are no major planetary aspects to the Virgo New Moon, we look next to the Moon’s ruler Mercury to get a sense of how this Moon will manifest.

Powerfully positioned in Virgo, the god’s messenger Mercury finds itself in opposition to dreamy – and nebulous – Neptune.  Astrologers are quick to see the challenges this represents:

“Mercury … will also make an exact opposition to Neptune Rx in Pisces also on Sept. 19, which will challenge hard logic. You’ll be left with doubt, and you’ll have no choice but to let go of a cherished certainty. In the process, your concept of what’s right will expand.

“Now, there’s a danger of blurred reality and sacrificing what’s correct for what’s easier. It will be tricky to find a balance between healing release and blind delusion. Tread carefully.”

Nadia Gilchrist, Ruby Slipper Astrology

This month may be “Virgo with a vengeance” indeed, and yet … the process isn’t entirely clear. Or logical. Or orderly. Mists abound. Vision is hazy, clouded, idealistic. Fantasies and daydreams beckon. And floodwaters surround us still….

“The New Moon’s ruler Mercury is opposite Neptune, … lord of the seas and transcending earthly experience — via means of escape ranging from insanity, substance abuse or deception, to fantasy, illusion and artistry, to meditation, compassion and spiritual love. Any of these are on the radar as we go about our Virgo tasks. They may take on or express a sense of greater purpose and service. In fact, they may not feel meaningful without a higher Piscean element.”

Kathy Biehl, Empowerment Unlimited

Lightning Illumination

Also brewing during this Virgo New Moon is the final opposition of the slower moving powerhouses Jupiter and Uranus, exact on Sept 28, for the final time for the next 12 years.

In a lightning flash, the sky god Uranus inseminates all with the seeds of new cosmic plans. We feel the rebellious urge to break away from the past, or structures that bind us, paving the way for new possibilities, even new life.

Jupiter, at his best, seeks to align us with the cosmic pattern, with faith, optimism and good humor. In Libra he emphasizes the importance of walking the middle path, one that balances the needs of our inner world with our social obligations.

You’re best approach? Take some time to return to center. It’s from there you’ll be in the best place to receive those divine flashes of inspiration when they come.

Other considerations

Of course, there are always more ways to add to the astrological picture. Other aspects, asteroids, fixed stars, degree symbols and more, add nuance and additional dimensions to astrological interpretations.

Minor Aspects

The major, or Ptolemaic, aspects were built into the astrological model at its inception based on the relationships of the planets in the Thema Mundi teaching charts. But over the centuries, astrologers have devised other ways to consider the relationships between planets. These “minor aspects” influence may be more subtle, but not necessarily less potent.

For example, during this lunation, the planet Uranus is 150 degrees (also called an inconjunct, or a quincunx) away from the New Moon.  Since these two planets can’t see eye-to-eye in a traditional sense, their relationship requires restless adjustment and negotiating to make it work.

“Moon quincunx Uranus breeds a range of crazed lunatics, unconventional rebels and quiet outsiders. There is a pathological need to shock and outrage. …

“This aspect adds an exciting, electric and chaotic energy to the New Moon. Both the Moon and Uranus are fluctuating and changeable, so emotions often change in a flash. Uranus stands for the truth and revelation, so it can happen that some people will risk exile by speaking truth that the populous find hard to accept. Moon quincunx Uranus never feels truly at home in the present moment because it is so far ahead of time in its thinking.”

Marina Macario, Darkstar Astrology

“The Moon also makes an inconjunct to Uranus Rx in Aries. This will create urgency. There may be a panicky scramble to react ASAP and make it all better. But you won’t be able to make it all better. You’ll have to react, yes. But you’ll have to do so thoughtfully, without losing sight of the details. And, without straining to make it perfect.”

Nadia Gilchrist, Ruby Slipper Astrology

“Seemingly simple acts like creating new habits that replace the old, outdated ones, decluttering, re-wiring our emotional and intellectual patterns, cleansing the Soul and the body, are little revolutions (notice how this New Moon is involved in a quincunx with subversive Uranus in Aries) that can shift the energies, remove stagnation, help us usher our long-term projects into physicality.

“There might be a sense of frustrated urgency about breaking free (the Quincunx has a compulsory, visceral nature), but it’s not in Virgo’s nature to get carried away with fluctuating, impermanent states of mind, or evanescent mirages.”

Christina, Zodiac Poetry

Asteroids

Opposite the Virgo New Moon we find the centaur Chiron. Half comet, half asteroid, centaurs are minor bodies – perhaps from the Kuiper belt like Pluto – which have fallen deeper into the solar system and orbit the Sun between Saturn, Uranus and Neptune.

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Chiron (which is roughly the size of Connecticut) takes his name from the Greek mythic tales of the centaur famed for his wisdom and healing skills. But, the immortal Chiron suffered a wound in battle which could not heal; instead of endless torment, he gave up his own immortality to spare Prometheus from his own life of torment.

“Facing wounded healer Chiron in a bittersweet opposition, this New Moon reminds us that our weak spots, self-sabotaging tendencies and sense of inadequacy are in need of attention from us as well; they are meant to be seen, heard, acknowledged, gently taken care of, turned into strengths, rather than swept under the rug, invalidated by ourselves or others. Ignoring our flaws doesn’t make us perfect. Being in denial about the help we need doesn’t make us invincible. Pretending the holes in our Soul aren’t there doesn’t make us get wherever we need to be any faster.”

Christina, Zodiac Poetry

“This will be a complicated Moon, defined by what’s missing or broken. The wound will be there, emphasized by a new development that features a supposed solution. But when does a solution make it worse? When you struggle to fix something that can’t be fixed. When you struggle to fill a void that can’t be filled. Chiron’s wounds never vanish – acceptance is the path to healing, and the weak spot remains.

“This will be a struggle for Virgo, because only pure perfection is acceptable. And yet, the challenge of this Moon will be to accept that it’s not perfect. It’s not going to be neatly wrapped up. So you’ll have to make the best of things, while embracing the messy moment or itchy sense that you don’t have everything you need.”

Nadia Gilchrist, Ruby Slipper Astrology

In addition to Chiron, the Virgo New Moon is also opposite the asteroid Desiderata, which translates as “that which is desired.” A quote from Max Ehrmann’s poem by the same name feels appropriate here:

You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

— Desiderata, Max Ehrmann

The Virgo New Moon also makes a harmonious aspect called a sextile to another grain goddess, Ceres.

“Moon sextile Ceres brings great luck and the ability to bounce back from tragedy. Fortunes fluctuate from one extreme to another. There’s generosity too and charity is important.

“There’s an ability to see the funny side. At this New Moon then, sense of humor will get us out of the stickiest of situations… But there’s a dark edge to the comedy too. Moon sextile Ceres can be quite indulgent and loves luxury.

“Moon sextile Ceres also brings a fascination with history and can be very nostalgic. Family and ancestry are important at this time. Archives are kept, and we strive to preserve the past for posterity. Passing on talents to the younger generation is strong with this aspect, as is having some inheritance to hand down to their children.

“As with all Ceres aspects, the need to nurture is marked and done in the most basic, material way. Providing food, warmth and shelter to those we love.”

Marina Macario, Darkstar Astrology

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Fixed Stars

Darkstar goddess Marina Macario takes a quick look at the two fixed stars associated with this lunation: Labrum and Alkes.

“Labrum in the constellation Crater gives ‘ideality, psychic power, intelligence, honor and riches in disgrace and purifies to salvation.’

“Alkes is connected to fine wines, vineyards and lush, well-watered gardens. This sacred cup is also associated with prophetic ability as various vessels cross-culturally have versions of it. ie: the Holy Grail or the Cauldron of Bran. Therefore Alkes can be a gift, something precious carried by an individual to pass down the generations of the family through the genes, like artistic, musical or psychic ability. Alkes’ talent is usually of a Neptunian nature.”

Sabian Symbols

The Sabian Symbols are a system of individual degree meanings popularized by Marc Edmond Jones in the early part of the 20th Century.

The Sabian symbol for the Virgo New Moon is: “A bald-headed man who has seized power”

In his commentary on the symbols, the astrologer Dane Rudhyar wrote:

“This is the sheer power of personality in times that call for decision… We face the unpostponable necessity for decision and transformation. Existence is motion. No static formation, however beautiful and inspiring, can remain long unchallenged. Everything bows to the power of the will – whether divine, executively human, or Satanic.”

Lunar Mansion

In Western astrology, we’re familiar with a 12-sign solar Zodiac. But there’s also a 28-sign lunar Zodiac, called the Lunar Mansions.

The Virgo New Moon falls in Lunar Mansion 14, which the Arab astrologers called Al Simak; I nicknamed it The Harvest for short.

When the Moon is here, it’s time to separate the wheat from the chaff. End relationships or jobs that aren’t fulfilling your needs, or to move or relocate. But don’t cling to situations because you are afraid to change the moment has come to fish or cut bait.

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Summing it Up

For many, the Virgo New Moon brings a welcome dose of grounded practicality after the high-intensity cosmic weather from recent months. Slow down and take stock. Harvest the good in your world, and release what’s no longer supporting you on your journey.

Lunaria Datebook

Last Moon Phase: September Full Moon in Pisces
Next Moon Phase: October Full Moon in Aries

September New Moon Times and Dates:

San Francisco: Tuesday, Sept. 19, 10:29 p.m. PDT
New York: Wednesday, Sept. 20, 1:29 a.m. EDT
São Paulo: Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2:29 a.m. BRDT
London: Wednesday, Sept. 20, 6:29 a.m. BST
Istanbul: Wednesday, Sept. 20, 8:29 a.m. TRT
Mumbai: Wednesday, Sept. 20, 10:59 a.m. IST
Tokyo: Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2:29 p.m. JST
Sydney: Wednesday, Sept. 20, 3:29 p.m. AEST

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1 Comment

  1. cathy on September 24, 2017 at 4:48 am

    Thank you for the interesting forcast as always. I am just wondering why, under the moon dates, you do not include Canada. There are no doubt a lot of us that read this and that little but important detail would be nice.

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