Virgo Season

Black Moons Bookend the Hermit's Pilgrimage to Shadowed Lands of Past Harvests

Mercury returns to center stage with a renewed sense of self and confidence in the ideas one will craft into form this next month. The cosmic messenger is just a few days away from entering into new territory of Leo, clearing his shadow degree, after the seemingly longest ever retrograde through the first half of the lion’s den. The new coherence forged between our minds and hearts that the retrograde brought forth lands us in the perfect place for this electric Virgo season that is full of surprising endings and possibly some fruitful beginnings.

The season begins and ends with 2 powerful New Moons, at 0º and 29º Virgo, which alone carry a powerful signature of the alpha and omega energies, but that last Black New Moon is also a South Node eclipse jarring us into a destined and probably not so gentle release of whatever is blocking ones next initiatory leap. Add in 3 yods that will grace us with their perceptually disconcerting growth periods and a fast moving Kite formation, the Earth will be rapidly changing under our feet and we’ll need to manage the acceleration with all available resources within reach, while not grabbing on to anyone else’s life raft.

Our guts will feel these rumbles in every sense of the word, so doing one’s best to support a healthy microbiome is important, as this inner compass will need to be sharp since so much will be operating outside of ones peripheral vision. Determine if you tend to constitutionally run hot or cold; if hot, adding more cooling fruits and lightly steamed veggies along with bitters that have cooling herbs like Gentian, Lavender, Chamomile, or Oregon Grape. If you’re on the cold side it’s advisable to eat only cooked food, such as nourishing and grounding soups and broths, and bitters that have warming herbs like Fennel, Ginger, Angelica, or Fenugreek. Burdock root is great for pretty much any constitution and drinking a gently decocted tea of it supports gut health with a good dose of prebiotic inulin, among many other benefits.

We have 3 guidance systems we operate from; the mind that holds ones mental intelligence and makes sense of the data coming in, the heart that holds emotional intelligence, and the gut that holds our instincts for survival and intuitive wisdom. This time is bringing all of these to our deeper awareness with Mercury governing the mental intellect (Gemini) and intuitive gut instinct (Virgo) in the sign of the heart (Leo) for almost the entire season. Time spent contemplating what system is needed in specific situations will assist your navigation here, and train your body to respond more wisely in the moment.

This season also begins the descent into what I am seeing is the last winter with the planet as we have long known it, with Saturn’s return to Pisces. In the coming months Neptune and Uranus will return back to the Water and Earth elements as well, for a final reckoning and clearing of “old Earth” material, and preparation for the Air and Fire “new Earth” birthing process that takes off next spring. The shedding and splitting of the two worlds will be experienced in ever more physical and emotional ways.

Those with a preponderance of mutable energy in their birth charts will most likely go through this season with some graceful excitement, definitely not enjoying every moment, especially if you have a mutable rising sign as the angular hits will be diamond polishing your body and soul, but at least you’re familiar with the ever changing terrain of life. The fixed sign people on the other hand will get to practice the art of letting go on a whole new level, with varying degrees of white knuckled explosions blasting the changes through. Yippee-ki-yay, die hard to live another day.

Friday August 22 - Sun enters Virgo // New Moon 0º Virgo quincunx Saturn, Neptune, Pluto // Venus 26º Cancer square Chiron rx in Aries - The wind down to summer’s intensity begins, as the harvest season ramps up. There may be an impulse to start restructuring the affairs and order of ones life, while maybe noticing the closing of a chapter in ones life that peaked at the Virgo Full Moon back in mid-March. Health and habits are brought to the forefront of ones mind in Virgoan times, as the purity of ones liver, digestive system and thoughts are illuminated and places needing some refinement become clear. These golden, late summer days activate the Traditional Chinese Medicine meridians and organs of the Spleen and Stomach which govern the emotion of worry. This perfectly aligns with Virgo’s ruler Mercury and its knack for overthinking, creating an anxious and uncentered state of being. Comparing oneself to others, constantly worrying if one is doing something right or if we’re ever going to be good enough are classic signals of imbalance in these organ systems. Our mental digestion is equally important, so make time to discern who and what are contributing to your mental well being and those that are contributing to the chaos. Discernment is a super power for Virgo! Make use of this New Moon to evaluate all aspects of your life and separate out what is not going on this pilgrimage with you.

The Venus Chiron square can bring up some hurt feelings that may have been simmering since June. Misunderstandings, misappropriated funds, survival fears and passive aggressive communications are brewing in the waters of connection. See this as an opportunity to feel if compromising on this issue honestly supports your individual growth, or if it is keeping you looped in a relationship or situation that is inhibiting your growth. It can be resolved here, or if not dealt with their opposition will likely bring it to an end come November.

This whole weekend we also experience the first yod, also known as the Finger of God or the Finger of Fate. These 150º aspects between the Sun and Neptune, Saturn and Pluto yield an uneasy and unseen presence that is silently pushing one to strive for a new beginning. But try as you might, the more you push and try to change anything, the more frustrations build. This may feel quite dispiriting, seeding self doubts that could appear as confirmation that you are destined to fail. This will shift rather quickly though, and Sunday’s Uranian zap may just pop you out of the funk.

Sunday August 24 - Sun 1º Virgo square Uranus in Gemini - Any constraints felt will want to be shaken off, leading to some expressive outbursts of honesty that come from another space or time. This may catalyze a sudden rupture in ones normal, daily environment that sets one off on a humbling and truer path that is serving you on a deeper level.

Monday - Tuesday August 25-26 - Venus enters Leo & trine Saturn-Neptune rx, sextile Uranus, opposite Pluto rx - And the intensity rolls on as relationships with people and resources receive some deeply penetrating scrutiny from the lord of the underworld. Collective forces are pushing in to the fixed desires and pursuits of your world to force expansion and learn another level of detachment from the things that end up owning you. Responding rather than reacting to the survival threats that may get stirred up will serve you well, and luckily the Saturn, Neptune trine will assist in stabilizing some of the fire that is activated. The Uranus aspect always brings in a wild card factor so expect some surprising news that could switch your perspective around in a flash.

Sunday August 31 - Mercury 26º Leo trine Chiron rx in Aries - The healing powers of understanding and forgiveness flow freely for those that wish to put some matter to rest, creating space for new free-spirited adventures.

Monday Sept 1 - Jupiter 18º Cancer trine North Node in Pisces, sextile South Node in Virgo// Saturn rx returns to Pisces - The first week of September amplifies Jupiter’s blessings of intuitive emotional wisdom in our fields, as it exactly aspects the North Node through the 8th or so. Say yes to things that draw you home in every sense of the word. Boundaries may really dissolve which on one hand may open up new territory to access some childhood experiences where family failed to provide necessary boundaries and securities and now you can go within to reparent these parts of yourself. On the other hand, be aware of people spewing their emotional baggage upon anyone that has a thread of compassionate energy. There are major teachings available to us here about our capacity to be responsible for our current life state and consciousness, eradicating stories of victimhood and sending people back upon themselves when projections are let loose.

The heavy that is backing up this ultimate truth of victimless reality is Saturn returning to the oceanic source of creation. The lord of time and karma spends the next 5 1/2 months in the final degrees of Pisces doling out practical and at times harsh lessons on spiritual realities, building maturity and character. More illusions are to be squashed, fantasies must die. Routes of regular escape hit barriers, forcing one to sit down and feel the depths of ones soul that has been avoided possibly for lifetimes. There’s an almost endless amount of material here to take responsibility for. Bouts of depression and overwhelm are normal. The devotion and sacrifice that one is willing to make in this final trudge through the deepest layer of ones consciousness will reflect in the spiritual resilience and faith in the divine order of life that one comes out of this with. This opportunity only comes around every 28 years or so, so take advantage of this energy.

Tuesday - Wednesday Sept 2-3 - Mercury enters Virgo, square Uranus in Gemini, quincuncx Neptune rx in Aries, Saturn rx in Pisces & Pluto rx in Aquarius - The long awaited refinement of ones life lands as Mercury enters its earthy home, residing here until September 18. Discerning thought processes, wise order and routine, simple and precise communication, and a humble curiosity for the how one is to be in service to their own human vessel are all potent road openers for this initiatory time of Virgo. Be aware that extreme critiques, doubts and judgements of oneself or others are signals that something is out of alignment here. There is a very big difference between the energies of discernment and judgement, and these are often confused. These next couple weeks offer opportunities to clarify their presence in your life.

There’s a nervous excitement in the air as the human mind of Mercury aligns with the liberating energy and higher mind of Uranus, so one may feel like reality is spinning around in a gyroscope, forcing some mental agility into ones life sphere. A wild hair of an idea may inspire something fun in your day! This also brings us yod aspect #2, with Mercury forming the apex point of this fated shift. Fundamental awarenesses of the developing cultural and world paradigm changes and the attitude that one needs to adopt and skills one needs to cultivate in ones own life are what seemingly want to land. Clarity of how to set about accomplishing these remain momentarily hidden these first couple of days. Obsessing over the mental block creates more blocks. Keeping your center of energy and gravity is really all that there is to do, as again with this yod aspect, attempts to force or change much only creates more confusion and frustrations.

Thursday - Friday Sept 4-5 - Mars 18ª Libra square Jupiter in Cancer // Uranus stations retrograde at 1º Gemini - Goodwill towards ones fellow men may be temporarily dismantled and poisoned arrows shot into well known sensitive spots. Neighborly miscommunications could quickly escalate in weirdly shocking ways. Don’t expect people to act “in character” around this time. There may also be an uptick in accidents.

Sunday Sept 7 - Full Moon North Node Eclipse - Sun 15º Virgo, Moon 15º Pisces - Incoming frequencies open vistas of spirit for profound change in the hidden shadows of ones consciousness. Little operates in its usual form. The few days leading up to this destiny point will be full of synchronicities and messages from the unseen realms to guide one on this new path of ones soul evolution. Divine sacrifices may be asked for. The Chandra and Omega degree channelings by John Sandbach bring some expanded insights to what may be experienced in this eclipse portal -

Pisces 16. A troll living under a bridge. Omega Symbol

This degree seeks a simple, independent and often isolated existence on the periphery of human endeavors. It knows how to get along with little, and avoids complexities that might get in the way of its intensely inward focus. It has highly unique gifts and knows how to work silently and unobtrusively to make special contributions to the world – contributions that may be beyond the comprehension of others.

The Chandra Symbol for this degree is “A peaceful child on a narrow ledge that overlooks a precipice.” This degree finds itself in limiting, confining situations, but rather than struggling against these takes an innocent, calm approach to them, often simply observing them and waiting. And often, this serene attitude and attentiveness will dissolve problems that seemed at first insurmountable. The precipice could be threatening, and so could the troll under the bridge. If we wish to cross the bridge, or descend into the precipice, or remove ourselves from it, we must be sensitive to what the situation requires, to what we need to do to to make the desired transition. This degree, subruled by the cautious sign of Capricorn, might be called the degree of “patient outworking.”

Pleiadian Symbol: An old monkey sitting on the stops of an abandoned temple.

Azoth Symbol: The sun leeching oil from rose petals into water.

The next couple weeks are reshaping our worlds once again, clearing old habits, thought forms and chains to align with the expanding spiritual path. Accelerated changes and abrupt endings are to be expected.

Wednesday Sept 10 - Sun conjunct South Node 18º Virgo - Ones vitality may be quite low as the radiant energy source of the Earth pours all of its energy into the ancestral well in sacrifice to something that was agreed upon and set in motion long ago. Time spent tuning into old memories or stories of servitude, service and sacrifice may bring some nuggets of humbling truth to ones awareness that lightens ones karmic load. Take extra care of your body here as any constitutional weaknesses may be exacerbated.

Friday - Saturday Sept 12-13 - Sun & Mercury conjunction 20º Virgo sextile Jupiter in Cancer - New possibilities and opportunities that enhance your home life and daily routines land here. Healthy support may be experienced on a new and expanded level. Meaningful conversations could open new vistas of vulnerability that build trust and respect. A sage teacher could drop in to provide the perfect message for breaking through a personal mental loop or story that has held one captive. A day to be open to good things happening!

Monday Sept 15 - Venus 25º Leo sextile Mars in Libra - Social connections energize little whirlpools of activities that return some playfulness and joy to ones heart. Don’t over analyze the situation or get attached to the rose scented and colored experience, just enjoy the lightness of being in the midst of everything else happening.

Tuesday Sept 16 - Venus 26º Leo trine Chiron rx in Aries // Mars 26º Libra opposite Chiron rx in Aries - An interesting dynamic escalates this day, as the masculine power of Mars holds an intense and polarizing opposition to an archetypal core wound that could feel threatening to ones well thought out individual life plan and/or identity. Another person you care for could need support and attention which forces a pause from pursuing a personal venture, which ends up being a blessing in disguise that reroutes you on a more aligned and meaningful journey. While disappointments or resentments could be felt, Venus’ medicine of the harmonious heart is here to melt the sharp edges and forge stronger trust in your intuitive gifts. A mentor could provide some needed context that opens up a brighter understanding of yourself in relationships.

Wednesday Sept 17 - Mercury 28º Virgo opposite Saturn rx in Pisces - Another pause moment to reassess all of the self refinement and changes made this season with a stoic and critical eye. Have there been misinterpretations of what you are being called to be and do? Seeking objective, outside counsel from an older, wiser guide at this time is well advised to break down any fantasies and illusions that are keeping you from a real and grounded path of spirit and service. Maybe your dreams and ambitions haven’t been big enough? Maybe they’re rooted in grandiose illusions? We must honestly analyze these matters with not only our own minds and intentions, but with external feedback from opposing forces that can finesse them into sparkling diamonds.

Thursday Sept 18 - Mercury enters Libra, opposite Neptune rx in Aries, trine Pluto rx in Aquarius & Uranus rx in Gemini - Mercury creates a fast moving kite formation with all of the outer planets as it enters the realm of relationships, law and justice. The potency of ones words in these spaces can definitely cause some ripples in the collective field, for better or worse. The worse part being that Mercury opposite Neptune carries a lot of wandering, idealizations that can be quite misleading and confusing. Mercury’s time in Libra activates more social movement and superficial interactions, increasing the amount of words needed to communicate a thought only for the longer connection that comes from it, and less focused decision making as other people will be considered before taking action. Communications aim for restoring harmony and balance these next couple of weeks, compromises may come more easily, poetic ramblings litter the ethers painting all 144 sides of the truth of a matter.

Friday - Saturday Sept 19-20 - Sun 28º Virgo opposite Saturn in Pisces // Venus enters Virgo, square Uranus rx in Gemini, quincunx Pluto rx in Aquarius & Neptune rx in Aries - Self created egoic obstacles to your goals may be illuminated, or other strong egos could appear in life that slow down your progress. A hard decision may need to be made that feels heart wrenching, but know it is a necessary sacrifice to move forward with the structural support of Saturn.

Meanwhile Venus’ entrance into Virgo’s earthen hermitage creates the 3rd yod for the season. The Moon is conjunct Venus on the 19th so we are going to really feel this in our bodies which could look like weird wandering pains or jolts of electricity, existential fears rumbling ones belly, or anxious sinkholes that slowly consume your orientation to reality. Fighting the discomforts can at least tire you out enough to sleep through this conflagration, not saying that’s the best way to navigate this but I doubt many people will be able to sit still and meditate their way through all of these Mercurial and hyperactive energies.

Self talk and the ways this impacts your body systems will be highlighted as the planet of beauty and self love moves through the recesses of the mind. Simple acts of service are the love language of Venusian Virgo people. Relationships receive a helpful clean up, re-evaluating and rebalancing the sacrifices that you are willing to make and where you draw the line, with little drama or emotional attachment to quietly exiting the connections that no longer serve you. Humbling revelations may also be revealed showing where you are asking for far more than is fair from another person. Money and values are also under the microscope to refine how you spend your resources. Venus graces us with her beauty here until October 14.

Sunday Sept 21 - New Moon South Node Eclipse 29º Virgo - Diarrhea apocalypse is the half-joking, place holder title I gave to this eclipse, but the reality is that it is going to feel like the world is going through a giant purging ceremony all at once. Dig a hole and get ready to fill it with all the shit that you can’t and won’t be holding anymore. There is the fact that this is 1º away from an exact opposition to Saturn, so the attempts to grasp and hold some shit in will be a force to be reckoned with, but that may only make the release that much more forceful and devastatingly humbling. Global authoritarian entities will make some notable attempts to take more power from the people, and it may seem like they succeed in some ways, but the mutable nature of these aspects means that the effects will not last, but that doesn’t negate the suffering that will be experienced. The Sun and Moon are essentially in a kite formation here as well, with Uranus and Pluto offering their support to the power of the people so expect some unexpected revolutionary impulses to pop up, along with other technological manifestations that contribute to the theme of energetic endings and beginnings. New ways of being in service to the people in your daily environment may be catalyzed out of the enormous changes, with the path clarifying in the coming weeks post-eclipse. The abrupt endings set us up for the balancing power of the Fall Equinox tomorrow, so rejoice in the midst of the fall.

Here are the Chandra and Omega degree channelings by John Sandbach for this final degree of Virgo, giving some more insights into how these energies may arise in your life -

Virgo 30. A man catching a ripe fruit as it falls off a tree. Omega Symbol

Is life easy, or is it work? It all depends on what we need. If you try to get out of work that you need to do, something will always pull you back to it. If you tune in, though, to the generosity and fullness of the universe, you can truly transcend the need to work and find the abundance of the universe open up to you. It’s all about your beliefs.

The Chandra Symbol for this degree is “Supersensible beings manifesting through geometric forms.” These forms are just forms until these spirits come into them. And so life is nothing but a vast collection of many different types of forms. But what is most important is the consciousness moving within the form. The specific forms singled out here are regular, symetrical, perfect ones, ones that bring spiritual energy into the physical realm. You have the capacity to tune into spiritual energies and your ultimate challenge is to do this with more and more focus and to move with wherever those energies take you. In this you are not just being responsible to any one thing, but to everything – to the evolution of all.

Pleiadian Symbol: The locating of a particular frequency which, once tuned in to proliferates a wondrous harmony into the atmosphere.

Azoth Symbol: A woman senses the interconnected and simultaneous growth of everything.

We end this volatile season with a building square between the rulers of the underworld, Mars and Pluto, with Mars also about to form that infamous yod aspect, this time with Neptune and Uranus. So the Equinox is set to be another very active dive into the shadowy power dynamics of our evolving worlds. Known unknowns get louder and unknown unknowns creep to the outer edges of consciousness with terrifyingly beautiful and/or radical expressions that forever change our lives.