Virgo

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Jupiter Retrograde in Virgo ♃ Jan 7 - May 9

Jan 7 - May 9, 2016

Click here to learn about Jupiter.

Jupiter is retrograde approximately 4 months out of the year. To be very clear, planets in retrograde are not actually spinning backwards – it is entirely an optical illusion as seen from Earth. Backwards motion appears to happen when Earth passes slower moving planets in the outer solar system. In astrology, this illusion manifests as a “backwards” functioning of the planetary roles. Click here to learn more about retrograde.

The last Jupiter Rx cycle was from Dec 8, 2014 - Apr 8, 2015 in the sign of Leo. Jupiter in Leo placed particular emphasis on children, romance and recreation, but it was far from play time, especially during the retrograde period. We were pushed and pulled with constant tests of character. The grandeur of our dreams was matched only by the supreme difficulty inherent in their manifestation. Dark challenges crashed in day after day after day. After this last experience, I see the Jupiter Rx period as the real nitty gritty, the true purpose of any Jupiter transit: the point at which we are delivered to what we’re really supposed to learn. In fact, Jupiter is ruler of higher learning.

With Jupiter in Virgo since August, our attention has been directed toward work, health and routine. We’ve been taking an intensive look at our professional life as well as proper nutrition, exercise, sleep schedules, meditation, etc. Jupiter in Virgo seeks to regain bodily sovereignty. Jupiter in an earth sign comes back to the body: total agency and impressive self-discipline. If you’ve been waiting for some force to come along and kick you into action, this is it.

When Jupiter is retrograde, our collective quest for greater understanding becomes a very personal journey. We are now more preoccupied than usual with our path and whether we’re on the right one. This as an opportunity to stop, take a step back and get a good look at where you’re really heading. Jupiter encourages us to be aware, especially of our boundaries. In pausing and reflecting, we see what we need to change in order to move in the proper direction. Jupiter Rx in Virgo will illuminate the reality of our karma.

Anything you’re working toward is about to be turned up about 3000 notches. You’ll be more immersed in it than you could have ever imagined. For me this is a life commitment to yoga and art. In a month I’m traveling to India to manifest these dreams. Are you hoping to switch careers? Go back to school? Release ancient emotional pain? All of the above? Jupiter in Virgo can’t wait to get your life in order. He wants you to communicate with the Self. Deep within is an eternal wellspring of perfect wisdom. With a quiet mind, all bubbles up effortlessly.

We are about to revisit lessons we failed to learn the first time around. Retrograde periods return to that which has been ignored, forgotten or discarded. Virgo marks halfway around the zodiac wheel, which is appropriate considering her role as Goddess of Harvest. It is Virgo’s responsibility to cut and chaff all that has been growing. In the process, we come face-to-face with the results of our labor. We’ve reached The Inspection, my friends. Jupiter Rx in Virgo will tell us in detail what’s going well and what’s not, so listen up. This cycle is as brutally honest as it is helpful.

When direct, Jupiter asks us to reach beyond what we think is possible. When retrograde, we reach instead for the highest version of the Self. The paradox with all retrograde periods is that the very thing we are encouraged to do is the most trying. However, this is precisely what makes these transits so rewarding and powerful. As we jump higher and higher with each successive transit, we become ever stronger and more knowledgeable.

What were minor aches and pains before will be hard to dismiss now. Virgo brings even the most minute to the fore. Issues surrounding work, school or health will be magnified to extreme proportions if you try to ignore them. Let’s channel Virgo’s highest expression and make change – this is the essence of mutable energy after all. We can’t sit still, so keep moving, and if you’re trailing behind, look around and be inspired by the changes that others are making for a better life, now and in the future. Try some Virgo Yoga to calm the nerves.

To find your Jupiter sign and whether he was direct or retrograde at the time of your birth, click here. It is interesting to note that, if you were born with Jupiter Rx, you may not notice the effects above as strongly, if at all.

Mantra: harvest time

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Last Quarter Moon in Virgo ☾ Dec 3, 2015

Thursday, Dec 3 at 2:40am EST

Click here to learn about the Moon. Click here to learn about Virgo.

The Sun in Sagittarius squares the moon in Virgo. The moon will rise at midnight, peak at dawn and set at noon. If you view the moon at midnight, the Sun will be positioned directly beneath your feet. Staring at the moon during this time will align you so that you are looking right out (approximately) along the forward path of Earth’s orbit around the Sun ^__^ The Last Quarter Moon in Virgo last fell on December 14, 2014. Any themes/conflicts that predominated then will now resurface.

For those who are strongly affected by lunar energy, quarter moon phases can be extremely emotional. Square aspects are sharp, angular junctions that prompt change. As CafeAstrology notes, these phases feel like a “crisis of consciousness.” Be compassionate with yourself.

Now that we’re in the Sagittarius cycle all I can say is DANG…life is moving even more quickly. And how about that Full Moon in Gemini last week? Ended up being pretty insane, if I do say so. I apologize for my tardiness on this post, I’ve been running all over and dealing with some bullshit but I’m back, hi! The moon moved into Virgo while I was sleeping last night. I had a dream about my best Virgo friend, but most of the night I was awake, nervous, writhing with butterflies in my belly. Virgo rules the nervous system and digestive process so this comes as no surprise. Sensitive creatures we moonfolk are!

I woke up hella early this morning and if you can’t tell, I have enough energy to power an entire city right now. This is how Virgo says HELLO get up we have much to accomplish. I’m interpreting this quarter moon as a return to our theme for the entire year, colored by Jupiter in Virgo. If you haven’t read that post, I highly recommend doing so. Should give you a better idea of what I’m talking about with all this potent Virgo ENERGY.

I don’t think you will need coffee today or tomorrow. We’re dealing with a mega dose of mutable presence in our skies. This means we are stimulated by the cosmos, intellectual curiosity piqued, body raring to go. You may find yourself talking and socializing more than usual but! But! Be careful not to be overly critical of yourself and others, as this is most definitely Virgo’s greatest downfall. I know it feels delicious to sit down with your friends and have a good old-fashioned gossip session, just reign in the bite. This may prove especially difficult in light of all the drama recently.

Normally when we have a moon phase in Virgo, I would remind you to focus and be diligent in work-related sectors, blah blah blah. But when we’re talking about a Sagittarius-Virgo combination in the celestesphere, there’s no way that any of us will be able to focus on anything. The Virgo moon is whirling back right now for the first time since September, popping her head in the door and, with uncharacteristic enthusiasm, screaming: HEY! Did you forget about how crazy this year continues to be! Ok!

Virgo is not flawless. She turns her turmoil inward with a dazzling display of dizzying anxiety and indiscrete perfectionism. Virgo is much like the vata dosha of Ayurvedic medicine - look it up! You can search for “anti vata diet” on the interwebs if you, like me, are experiencing nervous stomach issues. I think it’s better to eat less but more frequently when the moon sails through Virgo.

Be alert, but not controlling. Virgo tenses up easily and then she just can’t stop thinking about everything – don’t do it! Recognize when those thoughts bubble up and then do something active that gets you out of the mind and into the body. If you’re feeling imbalanced, treat this for what it is: a phase, nothing more. Oh, and deep breaths :) I suggest a hike and/or some Virgo Yoga.

To ascertain your personal Moon sign, click here.

Mantra: calm

Mars in Virgo ♂ Sep 24 - Nov 12

Mars transits Virgo from Sep 24 – Nov 12, 2015

Click here to learn about Mars. Click here to learn about Virgo.

Mars, ruler of the body. Divine masculine warrior-god of the stars. Mars in Virgo means only one thing: total commitment to a daily practice. Mars acts and lives. Let’s travel out of the mind and dreams into the reality of our intentions. I’m very excited about this transit. Bow your head and surrender to Virgo’s graceful rhythm!

I think waking up to Mars in Virgo will feel like rising from bed after a long night of sorrow, a night of letting go and giving in to what must be. Intuition speaks until heard. Mars in Virgo is a serious warrior who dares not ignore even the softest call. We’ll get a really good idea about what the rest of the year holds with this transit. When people ask me what’s going on celestially these days, I like to use the metaphor of cogs in a machine. It’s time to polish and fine tune so that everything operates as smoothly as possible.

With Mars in Virgo, we turn to the body as a source of discipline. To give you an idea of what he’s looking for, I’ll share my intention: renewed commitment to daily yoga and meditation upon first waking. Mars in Virgo demands a routine. With Mars hanging in Leo for the last couple months, we’ve been lounging and lazing more than usual. This ends now! Mars in Virgo contracts. We’ll be more conservative with our words, expenditures and bodily movements. Think efficient, thrifty and practical. I suggest a ritual involving outdoor exercise or some Virgo Yoga.

The pace of life will crescendo now. Although Mars in Leo is magnificent in his own way, he’s a bit of a slacker and doesn’t really want to sit down and take The Test. It’s time to roll out of bed, take a deep breath, walk into class and begin. If you’ve been waiting for something to come along and get you on track, this is it, lovely people. Mars in Virgo is the voice of reason; the life coach; the inspiring personal trainer; the expert assistant; the motivator; the tireless workhorse. Need I say more? :)

If you were born with Mars in Virgo, this transit will be a return for you. More on that later! To ascertain your personal Mars sign, click here.

Mantra: awaken the body

Solar Eclipse in Virgo ♍ Sep 13, 2015

The New Moon Solar Eclipse in Virgo comes exact on Sunday, Sep 13 at 2:41 am EST

Click here to learn about the Moon. Click here to learn about Virgo.

If the Virgo cycle has felt a little clunky thus far, this New Moon Solar Eclipse will help us find a groove. The last New Moon in Virgo fell on August 25, 2014. Any themes/conflicts that predominated then will now resurface.

This cycle started with the New Moon in Leo and that may be why there’s a disconnect right now between our plans/intentions and the reality of our daily work. The lazy lion is hanging on for longer than desirable, lolling about summer’s endless golden fields. This new moon is going to lift us to where we really want to be: cleared out, elevated, ready to begin.

Virgo has been gentle with us so far, watching lovingly as we wander just a bit longer in the setting sun, but soon she’s going to stand up, take a deep breath and call our name. Unlike most new moons, this one will not be quiet. The moon is asking us to settle in and start working. It has been truly wonderful celebrating the release of dark tension over the last few months, and now we must turn to the task at hand. I’ve been feeling more hazy than predicted and craving Virgo’s renowned crystalline comportment. The weeks leading up to this phase will be crucial - are you going to prepare on your own, or will Virgo have to come find you at the last minute? In the Qur’an it is written that the teacher is silent during the test. I imagine the Goddess of Harvest waiting patiently, hands folded in her lap.

Maybe this is exactly how it needs to happen - a couple weeks post-celebration to move without direction, following the beat of nothing in particular - and then Virgo swoops in with galactic force to fling us towards the timespace spiral. So enjoy this snippet of free flow before you buckle down. I can feel her coming, footsteps in the great hall - but I’m still pretending not to hear, and that’s ok. The pendulum pauses in midair before it rushes back through center and on to the next extreme. It’s time to dismantle, let go and shake off all the bullshit from the spring and summer. Give yourself some love as you wade through this process. You are right where you need to be: one last dance beneath the moonlight before we plunge headfirst into the glory.

This leonine energy still wafting in our skies is bemuddling. Virgo says we’re ready, and have been for awhile, to leave this year behind and start walking a new path. And yet something dense and smoldering lingers with impressive strength. Let’s remove the coals, sweep the hearth and make room for fresh arrivals.

As I write more about the Virgo season, her voice grows louder. She keeps reminding me that yes, it’s going to be lovely, but you have to work for it. My enthusiasm initially whisked me to that comfortable corner of the mind where idealism shines. Here it all comes, in vivid form, and I’m still the one driving. Between Saturn in Sagittarius and Jupiter in Virgo, we really don’t have anything to worry about. The real satisfaction comes from the work anyway, from the empowerment we feel when we voluntarily direct our undivided energy toward that which makes the soul sing. Allow yourself to feel the love and joy that arises from this sacred realm.

I will emphasize once again that this New Moon Solar Eclipse is a major turning point. For the new moon, I suggest a ritual involving soil or some Virgo Yoga.

If you would like to learn more about how this transit affects you personally, please contact me for more insight. To ascertain your personal Moon sign, click here.

Mantra: time to harvest

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Sun in Virgo ☼ Aug 23 - Sep 23

The Sun transits Virgo from August 23 – September 23 (Fall Equinox)

Click here to learn about the Sun. Click here to learn about Virgo.

Disclaimer: when talking about Sun signs, it’s really more accurate to say “the Earth’s relation to the Sun” since the Earth is the one moving. An appropriate name for this much-celebrated, often oversimplified astrological element would therefore be “Earth Sign.” Remember – you embody a whole soup of planets!

What we’re coming out of - the Leo cycle, that is - has many faces, as do all creatures in the zodiac realm. One facet of Leo is the playful child. This is Leo at his most pure and innocent: frolicking in the sunshine, free of cares, determined to have the most fun possible. Sometimes Leo is the Sun King, ruling with equals parts might and compassion. And then there’s Leo the tyrant, a child who’s lost control of his temper, ego run amuck. Unfortunately we’ve seen more of Leo’s shadow than his light over the last few weeks. I think we were all waiting patiently for the sun to rise with majesty and shed some good vibrations on what has otherwise been a thoroughly strange and somber summer. Here I am again, hoping and wishing for definitive change. However I am even more confident that this upcoming cycle will be amazing. I’ve talked a lot in recent posts about reframing Virgo - she’s not an uptight secretary, she’s a serious badass with total agency over her body and life story.

Virgo is ruled by Mercury, the fleet-footed Messenger God. This means that the Virgo life is a fast one, full of incredible change. So many people around me are moving, quitting their jobs, going (back) to school, leaving their partners, doing deep emotional healing work, etc. I cannot emphasize enough that this period we are in - this year, this era, this moment right now - is a time of complete metamorphosis. In the body, Virgo rules the sympathetic nervous system and lower digestive tract. She lives deep within: maintaining, monitoring, assimilating.

The Sun last transited Virgo from Aug 23 - Sep 22, 2014. Any themes/conflicts that predominated then will now resurface. Because she falls in the middle rather than at the beginning of the zodiac wheel, Virgo restructures. Much has already been set in place since our rebirth in the spring, and now it’s time to reconfigure whatever’s not running smoothly. Many will now return to a regular workout schedule, a better diet or, at the very least, a new level of seriousness concerning these issues. If health is already a priority, this transit will have you perfecting through practice…lots and lots and lots of practice. Yes, we have cleaning and polishing to do, but perhaps our greatest responsibility is to simply let change happen around us without tensing up or attempting to control these dynamic shifts. As autumn eventually fades and polar winds blow across the fields, Virgo will watch all her crops wither with impressive calm. She will return and pick it all up from the beginning in the following year - as will you, as will I.

I’m especially excited about this cycle because Jupiter has just entered Virgo. This whole year will be Virgo-themed. But why Virgo? Why does she inspire me at this juncture in spacetime over all the others? She is dependable. Virgo hates giving up on people and situations as she is so devoted in character. This cannot necessarily be said for the other creatures at the beginning of the zodiac wheel. They’re all wonderful, but they’re primordial beings who struggle greatly with the fundamentals. Of course Virgo has her own challenges, but she’s got a leg up on the rest. Virgo is constantly working on herself. She craves continual improvement, on all planes of reality. Although she may be reserved at first, you will soon find that there is a vast, undiscovered world within her.

More so than with other signs, the difference between a healthy and unhealthy Virgo is undeniably stark. When imbalanced, Virgo rejects her beloved routines and rituals. Without these, she is dragged along by the relentless currents of her mind, at times submerged, face down, not even trying to right herself because she’s tired of caring, tired of attempting to fix her life and failing repeatedly. She finds sweet relief in being out of control in body, mind and spirit after working for so long to cultivate principles which have proven to be perpetually just out of reach. Virgo surrounds herself with good company. Inevitably these well-meaning souls come along and start to dig her out, only to discover that Virgo is an intransigent goddess when she’s flailing. I’m spelling it all out so that you’re ready, if need be. The thing about Virgo is that all her battles are with herself. When she’s lost, she sits up in the mind and rarely comes down. She is a unique soul with a vivid inner world. Each Virgo is specially molded by widely varying interests. She risks everything when she no longer recognizes her own brilliance. This is our collective task, no matter how well grounded you are: come back to the body. Not just that - come back to the body with love and acceptance.

I say that a lot - what is the significance, what does it mean to come back to the body? For some it comes naturally, an abiding sense of home and security embedded in the flesh. For others it is the work of an entire lifetime. At its most basic and yet most profound, coming back to the body means revolution. You create reality. You are made of light. To be out of the body is to ignore its beauty, its potential, its power, its impact as it burns through space. We’re moving down the line of chakras, now centered at the solar plexus and sacral chakra - manipura and svadhisthana. Do some research on these and see what resonates with you, what specific work needs to be done. I’m feeling inspired to add a chakra page to my website. Ok, enough for now my lovely starseeds. You are loved. Namaste.

If you are a Virgo or would like to know more about how this transit affects you personally, please contact me.

Mantra: focused

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Jupiter in Virgo ♃ Aug 11, 2015

Jupiter transits Virgo from August 11, 2015 to September 9, 2016

Click here to learn more about Jupiter. Click here to learn about Virgo.

Jupiter transits have a profound impact on the arc of human life from year to year.

Since last summer 2014, Jupiter transited Leo. Whenever Jupiter transits a fixed sign, life is rough around the edges. Not only that, but Jupiter in a fire sign is aggressive, full-throttle, yang energy to the max. Jupiter in Leo placed particular emphasis on children, romance and recreation, but it was far from play time. He pushed and pulled with constant tests of character. Although we had energy at our disposal to create opportunities and take big risks, Jupiter struggled mightily with the powerful, all-consuming leonine ego. The grandeur of our dreams was matched only by the supreme difficulty inherent in their manifestation. I was so optimistic at the outset as I thought this year would favor self-confidence. I suppose it did, but not as expected, with all the dark challenges crashing in day after day after day. Rather than feeling supported in our efforts to be courageous, we had to cultivate it all on our own as a way to defend against endless obstacles.

I am thoroughly excited for what’s coming next. Jupiter in Virgo turns our attention towards work, health and routine. We’ll take an intensive look at our professional life as well as daily activities conducive to ultimate productivity: proper nutrition and exercise, sleep schedules, meditation, etc. Jupiter in Virgo will help us regain bodily sovereignty. Jupiter in an earth sign comes back to the body: total agency, with impressive self-discipline.

Jupiter normally rules mutable fire sign Sagittarius so he is quite at home in fellow mutable sign Virgo. As Jupiter moves through the signs, certain domains in our life become more prosperous or “lucky.” This is not a very social year - we’re focused, diligent, working without breaks. Jupiter in Virgo can’t wait to get your life in order. It’s time to iron out all the kinks and polish the cogs. Jupiter in Virgo is a life coach, personal assistant and diehard rationalist all rolled into one. No more bullshit, no more excuses, no more lollygagging - Virgo dislikes nothing more than procrastination! If you’ve been waiting for some force to come along and kick you into action, this is it, my friends.

Virgo marks halfway around the zodiac wheel, which is appropriate considering her role as Goddess of Harvest. It is Virgo’s responsibility to cut down all that has been growing over the first half of the astrological year. In the process, we come face-to-face with the results of our labor; Jupiter in Virgo inspects as he chaffs, noting with exceptional detail what’s going well and what’s not. It’s time to sit at the table with Virgo and listen to her report - where are the weak links in our systems? She is as brutally honest as she is helpful. In fact, we should be careful not to get too concerned with making repairs. Jupiter in Virgo tells us that we’re slacking if we’re not sweating, which is false of course. It may take a few months, but we’ll find a balance between work and relaxation. This year will be incredibly busy. It’s up to you to decide how much you are willing/able to accomplish - just remember that it’s very easy to go overboard.

This is the perfect time to go on a diet, quit smoking and head to yoga. What were minor aches and pains before will be hard to dismiss now - Virgo brings even the most minute to the fore. Try ignoring areas of the body or your professional life that are less than ideal, and you’ll find that those issues are suddenly magnified to extreme proportions. Open your closet, find the skeletons, and then scrub the hell out of the floor. Virgo is a serious creature, perhaps to a fault. Let’s channel her expertise and make change - this is the essence of mutable energy after all. Jupiter in Virgo needs massive stimulation. We can’t sit still with such a long to-do list. If you’re trailing behind, look around you and be inspired by the changes that others are making, changes that will render a better life, now and in the future. This is the beginning of an entirely new chapter! Tune in, get ready.

I was born with Jupiter in Leo, so this last year was my Jupiter Return for me and everyone else with Jupiter in the sign of Leo. If you were born with Jupiter in Virgo, now comes your Return - more to come on that subject. Click here to see what sign Jupiter occupied on your day of birth.

If you are curious about how this transit affects you personally, please contact me for more insight.

Mantra: lucky harvest

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Mercury at home in Virgo ☿ Aug 7 - 27

Mercury transits Virgo from Aug 7 - 27, 2015

Click here to learn about Mercury. Click here to learn about Virgo.

A friend linked an article to me recently that tells a very different story about Virgo than what we are accustomed to hearing. Thanks to these new insights, I’m really excited for the upcoming Virgo season. She’s not neurotic or nitpicky or anal, Virgo is a badass goddess with total agency over her body and choices, and she’s here to set the record straight. Mercury last transited Virgo from Aug 15 – Sep 2, 2014. Any themes that predominated then will now resurface.

Efficient speech

Mercury in Virgo gets his point across in the most efficient manner possible. Virgo has a reputation for being dry, uptight or even cynical because she speaks in a straightforward, factual way. When properly channeled, Mercury in Virgo demonstrates the virtue of patience and self-discipline. It’s time to reframe our dialog around this exquisite sign. Mercury in Virgo is concise and practical, yes, but there’s a whole field of wheat to be harvested and the daylight’s burning! You would do well to be just as methodical, focused and thorough if you had such a job to do. This is the awakening of the inner worker bee.

Mercury rules Virgo, so he is “at home” here as we say in astrology. Planets at home are auspicious placements. Virgo is a familiar voice at the end of summer, whispering that perhaps it would be nice to reinstate a routine, a daily program. It’s time to prune, to sort, to clear out all that no longer serves us. Virgo rules mundane work such as chores and cleaning as well as bodily health and nutrition; she loves to be of help to others, especially in health and beauty-related fields. Yes, she can be quite particular about these areas of life. As such, imbalanced Virgos are typically lacking in this department: prone to messes, poor health regimen, no distinct routine. Mercury in Virgo demonstrates that even minimal attention to detail and organization can be of great help. Virgo gets a bad rap for being so concerned with precision and perfection, but this is how she accomplishes all that she does. The trick is learning when to leave the mind - read: stop thinking! - and return to the body, to the hands, to the field before us.

Axis of reality

Mercury transited Virgo’s opposite sign (Pisces) in March earlier this year. Through this axis, we delve into reality (Virgo) versus dreams (Pisces). Pisces energy makes life feel illogical, irrational…rambling, utopian, subjective, even delusional when imbalanced. Mercury in Pisces is the proverbial death of the outward personality. Mercury in Virgo does not have the luxury of slipping into a reverie - she must constantly judge the usefulness of all that surrounds and inhabits her soul. Mercury in Pisces is scattered and doesn’t mind. There is no point to be made, no message to get across, just deep and abiding presence. Mercury in Virgo is equally present, but with a definitive plan of action in mind.

With Mercury in Pisces, we allow the mind to relax. The fishes struggle to attain that which comes effortlessly (seemingly) to Virgo. Whereas Virgo masterfully juggles many responsibilities at once, Pisces finds it difficult to remain devoted to more than one endeavor at a time. Mercury in Pisces is rather undisciplined, disorganized, disconnected from time and space. Mercury in Virgo rids our life of excess; Mercury in Pisces blends, confuses, muddles, swirls…the inclination here is to glance, to gloss, to slip away. With Mercury in Virgo, we learn instead to harness the power of objective analysis and productive critical thinking. Pisces and Virgo both have a habit of stuffing thoughts and feelings deep in the psyche. With Virgo this manifests as constant criticism and harsh words, both to others and the Self; Pisces chooses to simply ignore the building pressure within, giving the Self and others free passes and endless second chances.

If it’s not broke…

It’s time to examine the apparent “order” of daily life and the manner in which we carry the Self through this strange external world. When imbalanced, we might be self-conscious. One major challenge for Virgo is learning how to let go – to let things be as they are. Virgo can be quite nervous and cautious. It is in her nature to want to fix everything, but not everything can or should be fixed! Think coordination rather than control.

If you were born with Mercury in Virgo, these next few weeks are your Mercury Return. If you don’t know your personal Mercury sign, click here. To learn more about how this transit affects you personally, please contact me for more insight.

Mantra: I speak with purpose

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Venus Retrograde in Virgo ⚢ July 25 -31

Venus turns retrograde in Virgo from July 25 - 31 and then in Leo from July 31 - Sep 6

Click here to learn about Venus. Click here to learn about Virgo.

To be very clear, planets in retrograde are not actually spinning backwards – it is entirely an optical illusion as seen from Earth. Backwards motion appears to happen when Earth passes slower moving planets in the outer solar system. In astrology, this illusion manifests as “backwards” functioning of the planets and their respective roles. Click here to learn more about retrograde motion.

As the word “retrograde” implies, it’s time to go back, to finish, review, redo. Venus turns retrograde about once every 18 months for 6 weeks. When Venus is retrograde, it is not advisable to make major changes to your home or personal appearance, as these aspects of life are ruled by the Goddess of Love. Venus indicates our tastes and pleasures - value comes to mind. She wants us to be happy and comfortable, especially in our relationships with others. Venus Retrograde therefore puts tremendous strain on our friendships and partnerships.

Venus Retrograde in Virgo

We’ve discussed Venus entering Virgo as of July 18. Let’s wax poetic on the nature of Venus Retrograde in this mutable earth sign. As ruler of fixed earth sign Taurus, Venus demonstrates her need for security and sensuality. In cardinal air sign Libra, Venus reveals her love for harmony, beauty and balance. And in Virgo? Her role in the grand harvest. The Virgo cycle coincides with autumn in the northern hemisphere. From the Alchemical Journey:

[T]he crop must be cut down in its prime, harvested and its essence extracted … We experience Virgo whenever we are examined, judged, cut down to size, as wheat is sorted from chaff … The harvest goddess shapes and moulds our spontaneous impulses into practical, useful, sustainable projects that serve the greater good. She strips away our indulgences, hones our creative instincts and transforms our promises into everyday miracles, like golden wheat being turned into the food that nourishes a community.

I love this interpretation of the virgin as it’s one that we certainly don’t see very often in the astrology world. More from the Alchemical Journey:

…beyond the popular image of an innocent virgin, secretary or nit-picker, lies an experienced mistress of purification, discernment, and sexual control.

Let’s build our dialog around this powerful image: regaining bodily sovereignty. Our intention now is to get life in order, to purge that which is useless.

In yoga and other similar disciplines, enormous emphasis is placed on day-to-day observances such as cleaning and maintenance. What is the connection between the mundane and the extraordinary? The rote work entailed in any practice such as yoga demonstrates that spiritual insight cannot issue forth if proper arrangements have not been made beforehand on the terrestrial plane. The Alchemical Journey on this subject:

Through bringing mindfulness to our repetitive actions, honouring time, work and our body’s rhythms, we actually open up the possibility of transcending those ritual structures, and entering a liminal space between worlds where transformation can occur.

Virgo lives in the yamas and niyamas of yoga: the ethical principles. One of these is known as saucha or cleanliness. After each practice, the devoted yogi returns every prop and device to its rightful place; mats are cleaned; floors are swept. These simple yet fundamental acts prepare us to see our bodies and the spaces which they inhabit as one and the same, to be treated with equal love and respect. You would be hard-pressed to find a yogi, shaman or mystic who does not have an unwavering daily regimen. We slow now to ask: do my actions serve a greater purpose? Venus Rx in Virgo demands pragmatism and organization, but these are mere means to an end. We surrender to particular methods only so that we may understand their connection to those planes and dimensions in which there is no separation between body, spirit, time or space.

Virgo is the sign of the virgin, but this archetype seems to have taken on different connotations over time. Last quote from the Alchemical Journey:

She is a virgin in its older meaning, certainly, as one who owns her own body and chooses when and with whom to unite!

Venus Rx in Virgo asks us to give love simply by being available: perceptive, attentive. As much as Venus concerns herself with interpersonal relationships, the retrograde period draws us back to the Self. Virgo doesn’t like to see herself in the mirror. She feels guilty when she is not at the service of others. Let’s turn this highly receptive energy inward. Venus Rx in Virgo asks us to cultivate loyalty to our own code, to treat the Self with the same care, diligence and precision so thoughtfully and dutifully exercised with others. Venus Rx in Virgo requires dedication!

Venus Rx in Virgo is not the best time for new love or financial endeavors. She demonstrates that nothing is worth having if we do not feel at home within. I visualize Venus Rx in Virgo polishing the soul’s diamond until it gleams brightly from every facet. What needs dusting? Our first inclination may be to shy away from that which is actually a healing force. Let’s face and define blocks with the knowledge that, in so doing, we effectively dissolve their power. Indeed, to know the problem is to know the solution.

Venus is quite at home in Virgo, as she is accustomed to earth energy. I expect that we’ll find a groove quickly and with satisfaction. Nothing to fear :)

Many of you were born when Venus was retrograde. Those with this disposition may not feel the effects of this period as much, if at all. To find your Venus sign and whether she was direct or retrograde at the time of your birth, click here.

If you are curious about how this transit affects you personally, please contact me for more insight.

Mantra: purify

Venus in Virgo ⚢ July 18 - 31

Venus transits Virgo from July 18 – 31 and then from October 8 - November 8 due to a retrograde period

Click here to learn about Venus. Click here to learn about Virgo.

Venus moves from Leo into mutable earth Virgo! If Venus in Leo was the infatuation phase of a relationship, Venus in Virgo is the long-term humdrum. Virgo is masterful at keeping the train wheels moving by focusing on the importance of the day-to-day.

For the last month or so…

I feel that Venus in Leo was snuffed by all the Cancer energy in our skies. I was so excited about having some hot cat action that I completely ignored the other planets and the collective effect they would have on Venus. Normally Venus in Leo is a party animal: sexual, flirtatious, prowling around, mingling until dawn. This didn’t come through so much as themes of pride did - look at the Supreme Court decision on gay marriage! Perfect example. However, I believe our inclination to stay home and curl up on the couch was stronger than the desire to go out and get lit. In any case, we’ll have plenty of time for shenanigans when the rest of the planets move into Leo - yay!

Last year, Venus was the last of the inner planets to transit Virgo. This year, she’s the first. What to expect as the Goddess of Love makes her bed in the Virgo palace?

Channeling the Divine Virgin

The move now is from a hot-blooded heart to a reserved heart. The virgin typically represents purity and youth. Of course this does not mean that Venus in Virgo is innocent and virginal. This manifests as a confident self-image; buoyant optimism; curiosity; fearlessness in trying new things and meeting new people. When imbalanced, Venus in Virgo is critical, cynical, self-conscious. Virgo has a reputation in the astrology world for being a tad boring at times. I believe this stems from a need for control, but not necessarily in a domineering way. Venus in Virgo simply enjoys having control over her body and emotions. After the proud, fiery energy of Leo, Venus now encourages us to be practical (action –> thought). Retreat from the broiling sun to rest beneath a mighty oak. Feel the earth support your every need.

Although Virgo is an earth sign, the mutable modality puts an interesting twist on what is otherwise a very grounded sign. Virgo, unlike your typical Taurus or Capricorn, very much enjoys frequent changes in life. This includes changes in appearance, new activities, constant traveling and living in a way that might make other earth signs feel unstable. In Virgo’s realm, details are a priority, but their nature is always open to suggestion.

The service axis

The last time Venus transited Virgo was from September 5 – 29, 2014. Themes that surface now are a reflection of our progress since then. Studying the polarities of the zodiac wheel is an effective method to learn more about the signs. You may recall that Venus transited Pisces at the end of January. Pisces is Virgo’s opposite sign, 180 degrees across on the wheel. Venus in Virgo is pragmatic and organized; Venus in Pisces pensive, vague, abstract, mysterious. Both Virgo and Pisces tend to think a lot and say little - they are often shy, quiet types. Watch for the tendency to remain silent when it would be better to speak – Venus in Virgo internalizes! She is not prone to open or frequent emotional expression.

Unlike Virgo, Venus in Pisces would rather escape from the mind than try to analyze a troublesome situation. Venus in Virgo enjoys being rational, methodical, logical, particular. Both signs struggle to stay present as they are quite prone to daydreaming (Pisces) and over-thinking (Virgo). Venus in Pisces is not desperate for affection, as Virgo can sometimes be; Virgo often forgets, in the midst of endlessly working and preparing, that we are already directly linked to something impossibly beautiful and bountiful.

Selfless goddess

When the Goddess of Love seats herself at Virgo’s mirror, we show our love simply by being available, doing the little things for others. Venus in Virgo is selfless to the point that we may feel guilty if we focus too much on the Self. She is also cautious - our love is not given away to just anyone. We take our time to ask: is this sensible? Does this serve a useful purpose? Venus in Virgo is highly receptive. You’ll find that antennae have grown in your heart. You may try to make sense of your partner’s every word and action, wondering how their responses reflect upon you and your relationship. Increased sensitivity makes everything look like a sign, something to be picked apart. This is also because Venus in Virgo is so loyal - she operates with care, diligence and precision. When balanced, Venus in Virgo is modest and accepting of all.

Venus in Virgo is intensely driven to succeed and does not mind putting in the hours. She can be lazy, but the balanced Virgo will get right back to work without complaining or attempting to linger excessively in a state of leisure. Indeed Venus in Virgo defines herself by her work. Virgos have unmistakable pride here, especially when reflecting on all they had to do in order to achieve success. Venus is quite at home in Virgo, as she is accustomed to earth energy. I expect that we’ll find a groove quickly and with satisfaction, like sinking into a perfectly warm bath at the end of the night. However, Venus in Virgo can become trapped in ever-tightening circles of fear and paranoia – when imbalanced, it is not enough to simply be, to breathe and to love without questioning - she needs to know why and how.

If you were born with Venus in Virgo, this month is your Venus Return! If you don’t know your personal Venus sign, click here. If you are curious about how this transit affects you personally, please contact me for more insight.

Mantra: pure of heart

First Quarter Moon in Virgo ☽ May 25, 2015

The 1st Quarter in Virgo comes exact on Monday, May 25 at 1:19 pm EST

Click here to learn about the Moon. Click here to learn about Virgo.

The First Quarter marks halfway between the new and full moon. The first and last quarter occur when the moon aspects the Sun at a 90 degree angle. (Seen from above, the moon forms a right angle in relation 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 Gemini will square the moon in mutable earth Virgo. The moon will rise at noon, peak at dusk and set at midnight.

This phase is a checkpoint. What aspects of our initiatives have been successful thus far? Where do we need to work harder? Nearing the full moon is like creeping to the high point of a rollercoaster. Soon all undertakings will be fully realized and answers to lingering questions brought to the fore. You are encouraged now to scope out any flaws in the foundation laid with the New Moon in Taurus. Are your ventures built to last? The waxing light of the moon symbolizes a return to total awareness. This is the best time to tweak and improve upon existing plans. What was a lovely idea in theory but failed to manifest smoothly in reality? At every full moon we manifest all new moon intentions, so the week between the first quarter and full moon (May 25 – June 2) is a very powerful time. If you have been diligent, expect to see your ideas come to fruition now.

Squares mean change. We have reached a corner and must choose a new direction. The building energy and excitement you may feel is there to inspire you. The first quarter moon encourages decisive action, calculated risk-taking, networking and deepened commitment to personal growth. The moon is asking you to gather yourself.

Mind versus body

The First Quarter Moon in Virgo represents a conflict between mind and body. I like to imagine each moon cycle as a procession of poignantly themed challenges. Generally speaking, the Gemini cycle seeks to empower the intellect. So here we are at the first stop along the Gemini path: a mystical encounter with the earthy virgin of the zodiac realm. In some ways, Virgo (number 6 in the zodiac) represents a more evolved version of Gemini (number 3). Virgo is associated with work, health, daily routines and details. Let’s harness Virgo power to better understand our mind’s capacity for knowledge and creativity.

Gemini is the thinker of the zodiac, and Virgo his dutiful mother, quietly and persistently patching the tears found in the rippling cosmic fabric of externality. What can Virgo teach us in order to help the twins get out of the mind and back to the hands which work and mend, back to the raw landscape of reality? Yes, both signs have a habit of dwelling, nitpicking and generally getting lost in the mind’s labyrinth. And yet Virgo exercises a ruthless practicality that the twins often lack. Even when she falls into states of neuroticism or over-worrying, the balanced virgin inevitably returns to the surface, again and again.

Divine earth energy

The First Quarter in Virgo reconnects us to divine earth energy, something we are deeply familiar with after a seemingly long and arduous spin through Taurus. However, this transit is markedly more fluid - indeed, it is mercurial. Both Gemini and Virgo are ruled by the planet Mercury. The purpose of this first quarter moon is to examine (Mercury) our communication and mental processes (Gemini) to see where we can improve in work and health-related sectors of life (Virgo). Some examples: quality of relationships with co-workers; general communication in the workplace; personal feelings/mindset towards exercise and nutrition.

Mercurial types such as Geminis and Virgos have unmistakable presence. Perhaps this is the key to the First Quarter in Virgo - cultivating presence. Resist the urge to sink below, as do the twins; stay behind your eyes, carefully and systemically observing the world around you. This phase is connected to the Last Quarter Moon in Gemini of September 2014. Any themes that predominated then will now resurface. At this time the pull towards work, health and daily routine speaks to our intuition while the occasional need to wander/roam/dillydally speaks to the ego. I suggest performing a ritual that involves soil or twisting yoga poses to generate new blood flow in the intestines, ruled by Virgo. Namaste.

If you are curious about how this transit affects you personally, please contact me for more insight. To ascertain your personal Moon sign, click here.

Mantra: I am disciplined