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  Margaret and Joel

Virgo NEW MOON 2018   

By Tracy Cook

Where should my focus be during this next 29-day cycle? 

When we draft a chart for the new moon we can get a sense of the energy that will be up for processing for the next 29 days.  

Okay what is this cycle about?The daily work of the hero’s journey is not easy but there’s no other choice—Just Do it! 

Sabian symbol: This is curious. The New Moon is straight up 17:00 Virgo.   16-17 degrees is Volcanic Eruption.  18 degrees is Ouija Board.     Perhaps there is a message from both? 

https://cafeastrology.com/sabiansymbols_degreemeanings.html

Virgo New Moon

September 9

2:01pm EDT

Picking Up The Pieces 

I survived.  You survived.  We survived.    What did we survive?   A late spring and summer of tough aspects, several eclipses, a jillion planets retrograde including warrior Mars.   If I can apply some mental salve on your inner wounds allow me to tell you, “It’s over”.   

Seriously, it is over.  Now we must pick up the pieces.    If there is any sign that knows how to clean up messes and find value in small things —it is Virgo.  And here we are at Virgo New Moon.  Perfect! Which is of course a Virgo word. 

I have said many times that it saddens me that the attributes of Virgo are sometimes marginalized because of our culture biases around words like “servant” and “service.”   Virgo offers so much to the world because at its core it is a helpful sign and even ‘helpful’ can be “tsk-tsk” by those people who are racing up the ladder in work, romance, life, etc.  But in the quiet of the night we all know in our gut the following:  

God help the world if we didn’t have Virgo.  

Calendars, schedules, landing a date, doing what is asked, following through on something and not making a spectacle, fine tuning and double checking ---.This is the energy of Virgo.  

For twenty-nine days we all will be getting our Virgo on and this new moon chart is full of earth planets so we will be looking at things from the ground up starting with our bodies.  Virgo is all about diet.  If your eating is off, now is the time to get that diet started.  Calorie restrictions?  No wheat?  Cut out dairy?  All sounds good to Virgo.   And if your house needs tidying, Virgo says, “Great”.   And what about those items which have been on your To-do list for five months?   Virgo says, “Hand over the list.”   You will be your own Virgo servant.  Take care of you.   And this is THE cycle to get your medical appointments.  Blood work? Muscle testing?  Eye checks.  Get Virgo about it.   De cluttering will be a passion this cycle.   If there is any area that you are sick and tired of being sick and tired Virgo will be there to help fix it.   Virgo is ready to serve you for twenty-nine days.   

There is one challenge to the practicality of the new moon chart and that is the opposition of Sun/Moon to Neptune. Neptune has no concept of practicality. He is dreamy, intuitive and mystical. What makes him tick no one knows. This is difficult for Virgo who only likes things it can see, smell, hear, touch or feel.  Virgo can’t make sense of those things that aren’t “real” like intuition or feelings that come out of nowhere.   Neptune in Pisces can bring up all kind of emotions that maybe don’t make sense and he can bring out some liars.  There could be a feeling of loss or ennui even if there is no good reason for being down. Our intuition may be speaking and it might rattle us and at first Virgo may not know what to do. But, in this chart Pluto and Jupiter will offer support.   

Jupiter sextile the Sun & Moon in Virgo is doorway. Jupiter opens up avenues and bridges to new experiences and new people, places and things.  In the sign Scorpio, Jupiter demands depth and he will make sure new experiences, things, people and places are deep and meaningful.   Shallow is not the answer no matter what the question. If a door appears ask your gut for confirmation and if the answer is yes then consider opening it.    See where these doors take you this twenty-nine day cycle. 

At the same time we’ve got Jupiter in Scorpio doing its thing we also have the Sun and Moon trine Pluto in Capricorn, which brings even more depth.  Many of us we will access power inside and it will move us in ways we never thought possible.   And for those of us who have been doing a lot of hard work (Capricorn) we may have someone step in and seal the deal by getting us to the other side or reach down and pull us up.   This is a gift. 

One note about this Pluto and Scorpio energy you may find that some of these gifts that will be offered are reliant upon the death and rebirth approach.  Meaning there will be a real letting go of situations that no longer serve.    We could be walking away from people, places and experiences that we have been ‘making work’ for a long time that we have out grown.   This could bring up some of the Neptune feeling of loss or sadness but the gift of Virgo is picking ourselves up, getting practical about what we have and moving on day by day, bit by bit and using our daily schedule to find our way out to greener pastures. 

Superheroes

Jupiter sextile Pluto 

September 12 

3:55am EDT 

This is the only major aspects in 2018 and it has been lasting all year. The first hit was January 15 ,followed by the second one in April 14 and now we are at the final round.    In terms of major aspects sextiles are arguably lighter than other aspects but this one packs a punch since we have been experiencing it all year. And now this final round arrives after a hideous summer of astro energies so we are all ready for the help of Jupiter and Pluto.   There is extra juju with this final round because as we discussed Pluto and Jupiter are also working with the Sun and Moon and it arrives in the final hours of New Moon.  Jupiter & Pluto know how to get our attention. 

Jupiter and Pluto are entering the scene like superheroes where they are a team with each other and helping the New Moon.  Again, Jupiter in Scorpio and Pluto in Capricorn will offer doorways that speak to our psyche and help us on our hero path.   Author Joseph Campbell defined the hero journey as the following: 

The hero (whether he looked like one or not) hears a calling to do something.  At first glance it appears like a normal  task but then quickly it reveals to be something way more challenging.  Usually, the hero will refuse to do it but then someone tugs or someone appears (think Yoda) and says “You know you gotta to do it”. The hero takes a big sigh and agrees to the journey.  Now he is in brand new territory he is past the world that he has ever known (think Jack up the beanstalk) and in this new world a part of him must die because it does not fit in this new land, thus a transformation is taking place (Jonah in the whale, Moses up the mountain).   In this initiation period there will be tests and trials, many that are failed, people will appear some will be helpful some will not but all the time the hero has to find his inner metal.  He learns what he is made from.  As the tests continue he is no longer a person having stuff happen to him he is now on a purpose very aware what is in front of him and takes the challenges to answer this calling now awoke in him.   Once this journey is over and he has found enlightenment he does not return to the ordinary world that he left he is now on a new plane.   If he returns he is a leader and serves or he moves on with his skills to a new territory where he is prepared and confident that he will be able to handle any challenges.   

That in a very small thumbnail is a hero journey. So, Why am I spending this time explaining this to you? 

Well the better question to ask is have you been experiencing a Superhero journey this year and didn’t know it?   What started in January?  Was there a revisit in April?  And what has this summer been like for you?  Were you out in the woods alone in some way?  Perhaps on a strange planet like Luke Skywalker?   Now as we experience the final hit we may be well served to see it through the lens of the hero journey and realize we are on the other side or perhaps have a bit more to do on our journey but we must pick up our light saber and do the daily work.    After all this final aspect lands in the last hours of Virgo New Moon. 

And like all super hero stories it is good to know the context to find the importance.   The Jupiter sextile Pluto aspect does not come up often.  There will be one hit in 2022, 2030 and 2035.   The next time we get a round of three again will be 2043.  Alas, in 2043 some of us will be old enough to be Yoda and our Luke days will be way behind us. 

Venus Retrograde 

Oct 5, 3:04pm 

September 2:  Venus enters shadow 25 Libra 14

October 5 : Venus station retrograde 10 Scorpio 10

November 16:  Venus station direct 25 Libra 14 

Dec 7: Venus exits shadow 10 Scorpio 10 

We are all so numb to retrograde planets this year because many of them were driving backward over us all summer long.   The truth is that Mercury retrograde is about four times a year so we are kind of used to that energy.  Mars doesn’t happen that often but we are fresh having just wrapped up his nonsense and still licking our wounds.  Now we have gentle Venus station retrograde but since she is the planet of money, love and values we really feel her retrograde period even more than Mercury and Mars since it strikes at our heart and core self worth.  

Taking this Venus retrograde in context it is interesting that for twenty nine days  during Virgo will be focusing on our daily activity.  The question is how much of our calendar is based on love or loved ones?   How much of it is not based on love?  Between September 2 and October 5 when Venus is in its shadow we may have things come up that suggest that we are not valued.  Or we have not been valuing others.   Someone says or does something and we think,  “Am I being taken for granted?” or “Am I missing the value in others?”  Are we offering this and that and quite frankly the people we are doing it for are very  ‘come si, come sa’ on it all.   The question is why are we doing so much when others could take it or leave it?  Or why are we asking others to do so much and we are not doing the same? 

And that is why god gives us Venus retrograde. So we all can do a chiropractic adjustment on what is of value to us and to others around us and we ask is our heart and reality in sync?   

For six weeks (Oct 5 – Nov 16) we will pay attention to experiences.  Who is cold and rejects our gifts?  Or are we spending too much time on something that others marginalize?  Or are we doing too much and others are not doing their share? Or are others doing too much?   Or are we doing too much for other’s approval?   

During the retrograde we can get quiet and look at our values and our own motives.  What really makes us tick?  Perhaps we will be placed in a situation where we happen upon new people who appreciate us in ways that other cannot or will not fathom.   Maybe we had hints all year given we have been in this hero journey with Jupiter and Pluto that our love is not reciprocated.  Perhaps this Venus retrograde is the final piece that will move us to the next chapter.   

Then there is money.   We can find our money gets wonky, perhaps investments feel ‘off’. This Venus retrograde is in the sign of Scorpio, which is taxes and debt.  Perhaps we feel a strong urge to get rid of any debt.  When it retrogrades back into Libra our relationships and finding balance can be tricky.   It could be important to ask our partner if we are on the same page in an area that has felt off.   

During this Venus retrograde we are in a tough aspect with Mars.  During the shadow period Venus and Mars square on September 8. 

Then the final square is Oct 10 five days after Venus stations direct.  Mars in Aquarius has a lot of energy in friends and groups of like- minded people. Venus in Scorpio is a jealous lover who does not play well with others especially if they take time away from their beloved. For six weeks we may feel pulled to be with the world in like- minded pursuits and pulled in the other direction of only being concerned about personal desires.   If we cut one out and only put our time in the other we will feel disconnected.  I had a friend in Los Angeles in 1992  who was busy in her world not paying attention to outside influences and was la-dee-dah driving to something that she wanted to go to without any understanding that the city had exploded into riots.  As she headed down a major boulevard she stumbled across rioters who had mischief on their minds and felt very threatened.   As she described the scene to me later I heard it in her voice that she would always be aware of greater energies that are outside her world.  At the same time people who hole up in their homes, armed up to the gills are missing the point as well.   There is a spot in between both energies and this year we have been challenged to find it.  Remember Mars went into its shadow on May 12 and leaves October 16.   The lessons of Mars retrograde and direct in Aquarius do not happen often (1971 & 1939) and we are still processing where we fit with our groups through Venus’s final square on October 10^th.     Let’s see where we all land at the end of Venus’ shadow on Dec 7.  

Uranus In The Mix 

Adding to this tension of Mars and Venus is Uranus.  Our reckless –blow-the-joint-up Uranus will not be ignored as he tangles with both planets on the following dates: 

Uranus square Mars August 1

Uranus oppose Venus September 12

Uranus square Mars September 18 

Uranus oppose Venus Oct 31 

Uranus oppose Venus November 29 

Uranus in Taurus is in deep quest to shake things up and he only began his seven-year journey in May.  He is rules money and banking and properties and possessions. Things that need to be built from the ground up will be in his sights.  Watch and see what comes up around those dates both personally and globally and think about your own changes you need to make and if your values need adjusting to reflect the changes.   Remember your need to be with like minded people and your need to honor your personal interest are critical to your response to Uranus.  And of course it all begins with what you value (Venus). 

Pluto Direct 

September 30 

18 Cap 45 

What have you learned since Pluto station retrograde April 22?  How have you been quietly figuring out power and empowerment?  How has the outer world order been in alignment?  How have you navigated systems that are in place? Have you fallen through a crack? Have you figured out a stopgap measure so it does not happen again?  Pluto will spend 7 months going direct and we will once again cross the final decan of Capricorn.   Pluto in these degrees (20-29) is a little lighter than the earlier degrees. Although nothing is that light with Capricorn who is so focused on responsibility.  Communication will be critical in these next seven months in particular how we express order and discipline and responsibility.  What we have learned since April ? What have we seen in others that help us find our way in the world?   How do we benefit by communicating this information?  

In conclusion:   Virgo accents daily activity but at the same time we can’t get lost in our minutia especially given we have much opportunities with Venus, Jupiter, Uranus and Pluto.    Anything that comes up can be addressed.   We have the skills but it takes focus and discipline.  Along the way open up the doors and see how they help.  Use your inner Virgo to serve you ---You got this one. 

See you in Libra where our astrological year will have reached the half way mark.  See you then.    

Have you friended TracyAstroSalon on FB?  Why not?  

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and blog 

http://tracyastrosalon.blogspot.com

The 8 phases

Virgo New Moon 

September 9 

2:01pm EDT 

17 Virgo 00

New moon: Plant seeds, make calls, activate, start projects.   Activate something that will ideally lead you to more.  This is the phase where INTENT is critical.  Even if the results are not immediate, the intent is there.  You may not have all the answers or road map but you should put out your Intent.

This focus:  How are you taking care of the daily calendar and schedule?  How are you dealing with the small bits so that you can build a new you and a new journey?   Crossing Ts and dotting I-s can bring joy and focus if you keep your goals in mind that there is a bigger you who is ready for new opportunities. 

Special focus 

9/10 Mars re-enters Aquarius  a return to friends and groups and finding like minded brains who maybe we dropped in the summer

9/11: Sun sextile Jupiter  Joy and creativity help us as we focus on daily new habits.  Doors open. 

9/11 Sun trine Pluto -  How can your daily schedule benefit by a rebirth?  What is going on with your daily habits are they invigorating your goals. 

9/12: Jupiter sextile Pluto (see above) 

9/12 Venus oppose Uranus What values need a make over?  How is love and money feeling electrocuted?   Are both off balance?  

Crescent Moon Phase

September 12

11:36pm  

Crescent:  We will receive information, we will research a bit more, perhaps get feedback on stuff that we planted on new.  Perhaps get some information that will help down the road on a seed we planted a while ago.  We can collect some data now.  Even if you think you are not getting information, stop, and re-look at everything. Who called you?  Even the silliest things, when they come up during Crescent are note worthy.  A parking ticket?  An argument with a spouse?  A refund check from the phone company?  All of it needs to be considered a message from the universe.  How can this information help you?

Focus on: What information are you receiving that speaks to death and rebirth?  What are you learning about debt and taxes?  What are you learning about shared resources?  What are you learning about your steely resolve?   What are you learning about what it looks like to cut bait or fish?  

Special Focus

9/12 Venus sextile Saturn . Fun and discipline help get to a new higher rung up whatever ladder we value. 

9/13 Mercury oppose Neptune Fuzzy thoughts.  Get quiet. Prayer helps.  Liars are just liars don’t take it personal. 

9/15 Mercury trine Pluto:  Thoughts get a makeover.  Thinking about deep matters that can empower.

9/16: Mercury sextile Jupiter   fun thoughts creative thinking helps open doors. 

First Quarter Moon 

September 16

7:14pm EDT 

First quarter: We do more actions based on the information that we just received. Or we feel our instincts guide us on something.  We pursue again.  We make another call or we see someone. We mail something.  We stir the pot again.  This can be a time when we realize that the goals we planted on New need more action from us, perhaps actions that involve breaking away.   Are there people who say they have our best interest in heart but fear us growing away from them?  Maybe we need to get help from others not the usual suspects. Some independence may need to be exerted. 

Focus on: What actions are you taking that speak to building bridges?  What actions are you taking that expand your world?  How are you actions based on your prejudices?  How are your opinions pushing you to take action?  

Special focus

9/18: Mars Square Uranus: Disruptive anger agitated actions cloaked in stubborn pig headedness.  

9/20: Sun conjunct Mercury:  Creative thinking, focus on details is easy and inspiring.  

Gibbous Moon

September 20, 2018 

10:24 PM EDT 

Gibbous:

We refine our information.  We pick and choose, we discriminate, and we organize to be ‘Virgo’ like.  We sort through details.  Have we missed something?  How are we sifting through the information?  Go back and make sure something hasn’t been neglected.  Refine our actions.  

Focus on: 

How are you refining your friends?  How are you refining your associations with groups of people?  How are you refining your brilliance?  How are you refining your iconoclastic nature?  How are you refining break through. 

Special focus: 

9/21: Mercury enters Libra.  Balanced thinking. Give & Take communication.  

9/22: Sun enters Libra 

9/23: Mercury square Saturn. Cold thoughts.  Relationships feel like they need a lot of work.   Hard work feels like it needs support. 

9/23: Mercury trine Mars.  Thinking about partners and friends and f finding balance with both. 

Full Moon Phase

Full Moon 

September 24 2018

10:52 pm EDT

1 Aries 59

Full Moon:  We make the needed adjustments on the things we planted. Usually emotions are up and running and for those people who perhaps did not utilize the new moon and the rest of the waxing moon, this is when emotions can get the better of us. There can often be a big emotional break, for no other reason than to get back on track.   Some partnership will offer up some balance.  The moon is bright and full and there is no room for shadows, what is reflecting on you?  

Go to blog for full moon report. 

http://tracyastrosalon.blogspot.com/

Focus on:   Where is your independence?   Where are you going  your own way?  Where are you looking off in the distance?   How are you flaming your passions to go out there and find and be YOU?  How are you a warrior? 

Special focus 

9/25: Sun square Saturn.  Balance feels at war with responsibility.  Partners conflict with career.  

9/25: Chiron enters Pisces.  Healing comes in strange unworldly ways

9/27: Sun trine Mars.  Actions that benefit smart friends and relationships are supported. 

Disseminating

September 28, 2018 

4:46 pm EDT

Disseminating: Share information; find a teacher or someone who has more knowledge. Perhaps there was a big ol’ blow out on the full and one feels in need of support and help, this is the phase to reach out to one who knows more. This is when we find a rabbi or a minister or therapist who gives us more insight.  And of course, you too may be ready to teach and share your own information.  

Focus on:  How are you sharing your resources? How are you sharing your hard work?  How are you sharing your ability to build from the ground up?  How are you sharing your practicality?  

Special focus 

9/30 Pluto station Direct 18 Cap 45  (see above) 

Last Quarter Moon Phase

October 2 2018 

5:45am   EDT

Last Quarter moon:  Now we do the final adjustments to the seeds we planted on new. The final call, the final letters to send, we follow all the trails that came up that still make sense. And we let the other parts lay fallow. It is a time of action but wise action.  It is a time for living  “The serenity prayer” 

God, grant me the Serenity
to accept the things
I cannot change Courage to change the
things I can, and the
Wisdom to know the difference.

Focus on:

When you sort through your daily schedule and activities that need actions based on emotions?  

What actions connect you to your history? What actions are you taking that speak to your roots?  What actions are you taking that speak to family? 

Special Focus:

10/2 Mercury square Pluto.  Cold harsh thoughts of power and control versus thoughts of giving up and letting go. 

Balsamic Moon Phase

October 5, 2018 

3:08pm  EDT 

Balsamic:   We let go.  By releasing we can prepare for the new.  

Focus on How are you releasing your ego?  How are you releasing your pride?  How are you releasing your need to be the center of attention?  How are you releasing your bragging?   How will this release help your daily calendar? 

Special Focus:

10/5: Venus retrograde 10 Scorpio 50 (see above)

October 8, 2018   11:46pm EDT  New 15 Libr48  Moon