Some might say Virgos and Virgo-risings have had it tough these past few years. In late 2006, the Virgo-Pisces series of eclipses began and lasted through 2008, triggering necessary changes within one's life, sometimes forcibly so. Then, Saturn entered Virgo in 2007 and hung around until this past July, cracking his whip to heavy-handedly teach karmic lessons to be learned. Early-born Virgos (approximately August 23-28) have been under a trine with Pluto for at least a couple of years now and continues to be a while longer, urging for the elimination/purging of what no longer serves in order to discover/rediscover one's self-power. Late-born Virgos (approximately September 19-23) gets revisited with an opposition from Uranus until early 2011 to tie up loose ends, especially within relationships, or to finally get that final push for a radical change that promotes improvement. Also presently, Virgo's ruler, Mercury is retrograde through mid-September, while also in the sign of Virgo, and may be causing a lot trouble with delays, miscommunication, misunderstandings, or even electronics breaking down.

Thank the heavens for the New Moon in Virgo on September 8. New Moons signify rebirth, beginnings, a clean slate, the start of a new cycle. This new moon highlights Virgo qualities (communicative, practical, analytical, adaptable) and 6th house themes (physical health, work, routines, service to others). Shake off and let go all that Saturn, Pluto and Mercury have put you through as of late, take what you've learned, and look ahead for a renewal during this new moon phase.

Of course, this New Moon benefits all, not just Virgos or Virgo-risings. Where in your life could you benefit in a renewal? In Virgo, the Moon needs to mentally process emotional drives, is discriminating, seeks comfort in routine, and needs to be of use, to be of service, to make a difference.

Apart from the Virgo-Sun and Moon blending energies and promoting the agreement of heart and soul, this Virgo-New Moon makes a beautiful angle with Venus (relationships/finances), who gets ready to switch signs in a few hours. Elsewhere in the sky, Mars (action/motivation) gets friendly with Neptune (insight/compassion), while Venus (relationships/finances) and Uranus (surprises/awakening) are locked in an awkward alignment right before Venus enters Scorpio. Connect with your deepest self and become aware of unconscious but strong inner drives. Awareness gives way to acceptance/understanding and followed by action or inaction. Fortunately, Mercury's retrograde cycle supports reflection and review to analyze whatever situation you may find yourself in.

Also on this same New Moon day and in addition to the planet of love, Venus, changing signs, another celestial shift occurs with Jupiter returning to Pisces (September 9, for some) for a few months to retrace his steps from May back to late April. During this new moon phase, past issues may resurface. It's up to you if they are a part of your beginnings or if they need to be given a final closure.

This new moon occurs at 16 degrees of Virgo on September 8 at 3:30 a.m. PST (6:30 a.m. EST). Those born within 3 days of March 6 or September 8; or have planets/house angles around 16 degrees of earth or mutable signs may feel the effects of this new moon more so than others.

For me, this New Moon quincunx my natal Moon, sextile my natal Mars, and falls in my natal 12th house (as a late-decan Virgo-rising) and my solar 3rd house (as a Cancer-Sun). If I want to see results, be able to move on some open items on my to do list or gain some insight, I have got to make some adjustments. My Aries-Moon will have to be content with seeing the Virgo-Sun/Moon's point of view and make considerations of their argument before I make any final decisions or take action. Luckily, I'm a Virgo-rising and am very familiar with Virgo energy.

How might you make use of this New Moon in Virgo? Look to the natal house/s this new moon will occupy in your birth chart. Match the sign and degree to the sign on the house cusp/s. Use the list below to identify the Virgo zodiac sign then click here to read about the New Moon in Houses.



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For those without a birth chart, you may use your Sun sign or Rising/Ascendant sign, if you know it. Look for your Sun and Rising signs below then click here for an explanation of New Moon illuminating those houses.

• Aries-Sun or Aries-Rising ~ 6th house
• Taurus-Sun or Taurus Rising ~ 5th house
• Gemini-Sun or Gemini-Rising ~ 4th house
• Cancer-Sun or Cancer-Rising ~ 3rd house
• Leo-Sun or Leo-Rising ~ 2nd house
• Virgo-Sun or Virgo-Rising ~ 1st house
• Libra-Sun or Libra-Rising ~ 12th houses
• Scorpio-Sun or Scorpio-Rising ~ 11th house
• Sagittarius-Sun or Sagittarius-Rising ~ 10th house
• Capricorn-Sun or Capricorn-Rising ~ 9th house
• Aquarius-Sun or Aquarius-Rising ~ 8th house
• Pisces-Sun or Pisces-Rising ~ 7th house

Unsure if you have natal planets/house planets on or around 16 degrees of Virgo or mutable signs? Cast your own birth chart for use as reference -- birth date, time, and place required.

For those doing the new moon wishes ritual, the moon will be new on September 8 at 3:30 a.m. (PST) / 6:30 a.m. (EST) and will be void of course the following day, September 9, at 1:59 a.m. (PST) / 4:59 a.m. (EST). Click here for Jan Spiller's DailyOm.com article, briefly explaining new moon wishes. (opens a new window)

I am also available for personal consultations. Are you celebrating a birthday soon? Or know someone who is? Schedule your session for a Solar Return (birthdays) or 3-Chart Reading (detailed natal & overall outlook for the next 12 months) or request a quote for a more customized reading tailored to your needs. You might also consider giving a loved one the gift of insight.

Have a question? Ask me here. Or cruise on over to our free public forum -- AstroCreeps and TarotFreaks Forum* to start or join a discussion.

Related articles:

• The New Moon in Natal Houses
• Current Planetary Transits
• Solar Returns Explained ~ your personal year
• Sun in Virgo ~ August 22/23 to September 22, 2010
• Mercury in Virgo ~ July 27 to October 3, 2010
• Mercury Retrograde ~ August 20 to September 12, 2010
• Jupiter Returns to Pisces ~ September 9, 2010 to January 22, 2011

*Click here to learn more about the AstroCreeps and TarotFreaks Forum.

"Virgo Cluster Galaxy NGC 4731" ~ APOD image credit and copyright to Stephen Leshin.