The 1st Quarter in Sagittarius comes exact on Monday Sep 21 at 4:53am EST
Click here to learn about the Moon. Click here to learn about Sagittarius.
The First Quarter marks halfway between the new and full moon. (Seen from above, the moon forms a 90º angle to an invisible line running through the Earth to the sun, hence “square” for the name of this astrological aspect. Here the moon has completed 1/4 of her journey around the earth.) In this particular phase, the Sun in Virgo squares the moon in Sagittarius. The moon will rise at noon, peak at dusk and set at midnight.
For those who are strongly affected by lunar energy, the quarter moon phases are especially trying. Square aspects are sharp, angular junctions that prompt change. As CafeAstrology notes, the quarter phases are a “crisis of consciousness.” We will examine all that was established with the New Moon Solar Eclipse in Virgo. The waxing moon symbolizes a return to awareness. This is the best time to tweak and improve existing strategies. The week between the first quarter and full moon (Sep 21-27) is the most potent.
We have reached a corner and must choose a new direction. The building energy and excitement you feel is there to inspire you. This phase prompts decisive action, calculated risk-taking and deepened commitment to personal growth. The moon is asking you to gather yourself.
Normally we have this phase at the beginning of the Virgo cycle. Alas, we started instead with a Quarter Moon in Scorpio. This transit was emotional and intense, quite unlike what we’ll encounter in Sagittarius. I think these unusual little rearrangements are responsible for the strangeness lately. But that was before, this is now, and it’s not too late to reap the blessings of the centaur archer. Here we are with a first quarter moon at the end of the Virgo cycle. I did not foresee all this sweet confusion but I’m grateful nonetheless as I’m learning exponentially and becoming a better astrologer in the process!
The next full moon coming up is a Lunar Eclipse in Aries. I remember all too well how powerful this phase was last autumn. The quarter moon in Sagittarius is a prelude: notes rising majestically above, higher and higher, strings screeching, piano keys crashing. Sagittarius is the voice of freedom, the spirit dancing before you. If you’re experiencing even a shadow of a doubt about where you are or what you’re doing in life right now, the centaur will magnify and illuminate your doubt so as to persuade you that there are other less restrictive realities available at any time. Sagittarius is the soaring comrade we envy. How does he manage to live in constant wonder and spontaneity? Sagittarius recognizes a vital truth about life: to dream is to live: all things are possible. The First Quarter Moon in Sagittarius therefore seeks a path of absolute truth - does it all feel right, or does the centaur beckon you to think again?
Ruled by Jupiter the Just and Fair, Sagittarius must be honest at all times, no matter what. Virgo, on the other hand, abides on Mercury, a planet which does not necessarily understand or allow for the limitless expansion tirelessly promoted by jolly Jupiter. No planet is better than the other - in his own right, Mercury has much to teach Jupiter about the virtues of discipline and focus. For a moment in time, these two will work together. The purpose of this quarter moon is expansion/freedom (Sagittarius) in our conception of work and routine (Virgo) – transformative indeed. It is a VERY good idea to make changes before the Lunar Eclipse in Aries rather than wait until something insane comes hurtling at you; eclipses reveal information suddenly, so you won’t have time to prepare. Better to be ahead of the curve, eh?
Sagittarius can’t wait to spiral out into space towards the next unconquered horizon. I expect that this phase will be a relief, a Jupiter-sized dose of optimism and intrepidity. The First Quarter Moon in Sagittarius last fell in the beginning of September 2014. Any themes that predominated then will now resurface. At this time our desire to be free will speak to the heart while the pull towards work will feel more like a duty. Physical and sexual energy will run higher, as will socializing and exploration. I like to visualize Sagittarius as a rainbow comet, blazing through the night, warming all that he passes. I suggest a ritual bonfire with all your friends ^___^
To ascertain your personal Moon sign, click here.
Mantra: I invited the unexpected