New Moon in Virgo: Wheat and Chaff

preparing for winter

New Moon in Virgo: September 15, 2012

The intensity and drama of the Leo New Moon cycle comes to a close, the players take their final bows, and a new scene opens. We're entering Virgo time now, when delicacy, precision, accuracy, deftness and care come to the fore.

Virgo is transitional Earth, the practical concerns of harvest. Feet on the ground, to-do list ready, we're all about preparation.

At the farmer's market, we choose the freshest, brightest fruits. At the grocery, we check expiration dates and ingredients lists. Cleaning closets, garages and in-boxes, we look for a fresh start for the cooler days of Autumn.

The Sun and Moon are conjunct Mercury, focusing our thoughts and communication on planning and analysis, and adding to the Mercury vibe. Jupiter in Gemini makes a wide square to the New Moon, which adds more Mercury, since he rules Gemini as well as Virgo, and Jupiter makes everything bigger.

This New Moon is all about getting stuff done. Flowing easy support to the Nodes of the Moon, we can find those next steps clearly marked now. Saturn the manifestor is semisextile the New Moon and trine Neptune, adding an edgy nudge to our ability to make things happen.

New Moons are a time for setting intentions and making wishes. We're invited to ask for the Moon's best energies, and release any tendencies toward the worst. Where are the fruitful berries of grain in our lives? We choose these, and let the chaff blow away.

This is a New Moon to release tendencies to worry, anxiety and fearfulness. Virgo is so focused on the details, it can feel overwhelming. Resolve to let all this go.

If you live in the US, take a break from political television, radio, newspapers and magazines, and blogs––just one day, and see what a difference tuning out relentless negativity can make.

This is also a great time to release self criticism, and uninvited criticism of others. Detailed analysis and feedback are Virgo strengths, essential in the right time and place.

Do not tune in to Virgo when looking in the mirror. Stop trying to keep up with anyone else; we can't see how hard they're treading water underneath anyway. Offer feedback only when asked, with gentle compassion.

Having let go of criticism and anxiety, turn toward how things flow in the world. Where is it easy and effortless to get things done, and where do things get stuck? This New Moon is a great time to wish for ease, focus and precision in accomplishing work.

Mercury energy abounds at this New Moon, making this a great time to ask for quick, nimble thinking, innovative problem solving, and clear, concise communication. Virgo is a craftperson, so extend that request to skill in craft.

Mercury is also a god of good humor, so in these challenging times, asking for a light touch, the ability to see the positive, and the gift of laughter is also a great idea.

Where does this New Moon touch your birth chart? The New Moon happens at 23 degrees Virgo. Look to the house of the New Moon to see which areas of life will benefit most from Virgo new beginnings. This New Moon falls in my Second House, making it time for me to get my financial accounting cleaned up and straightened out (*cough*) and set up systems to track things better in future.

Anything in the mid-20 degrees will receive some kind of aspect from this New Moon. This one lights up my chart like the jackpot on a pinball machine: conjunct my Sun; semisextile Mercury, Neptune, Ascendant, Moon and Pluto; sextile Uranus and Jupiter, trine Chiron. Highlighting how tightly these parts of my chart are connected, the New Moon invites me to see how these disparate energies can work together. All hands on deck!

Virgo values thrift, careful planning, and clear-sightedness, yet this tender-hearted energy could never turn away anyone in need. The focus is on husbanding common resources for the good of all, not hoarding for oneself. Making sure the table is laden with good food, with a place for all––this is the Virgo harvest ideal.