earth

Venus in Capricorn ⚢ Jan 23 - Feb 16

Jan 23 – Feb 16, 2016

Click here to learn about Venus. Click here to learn about Capricorn.

Venus in Sagittarius started off splendidly. People were light and social for the first time in awhile, but then Venus’ jubilant little fire dance was drowned out by other more powerful planetary influences. I’m going to repost these lines from Rumi’s poem titled Tattooing in Qazwin because god damn they were very appropriate: “Brother, stand the pain. / Escape the poison of your impulses. / The sky will bow to your beauty, if you do. / Learn to light the candle.”

I’ve had a revelation that the Goddess of Love is just the one we need to channel the sea goat’s unrelenting lessons.

An ode: O Venus, gentle soul, we eagerly await your graceful entry. Soothe our weary hearts, bathe us in soft light. Fold us in to understanding, support, recognition, unconditional love for Self and others. Please bring peace to the women of this aching planet. Great uniter of yin and yang, wash away our anger. In eternal bloom, creating unto Creation, draw us in to the breast of Shakti and Ishtar.

I hope - I think - I believe - that Venus in Capricorn will reveal the child inside every bloodthirsty warrior. Even the most savage of beings were once tiny infants crying for mother’s milk. This information is not novel - no, this is all about remembering. The rate of change on this planet is entirely dependent upon the rate at which we remember.

The purpose of all this remembering is to bring us back down to earth - let the clay cool from the kiln, little starseeds. Become fully grounded again, reconnected to your foundation. Venus in Capricorn will demonstrate what to do with all this cold hard pragmatism lying around like cinder blocks. It’s not meant for rampant calcification of the heart, that’s for sure. Let’s settle down, settle in, but without judgment. Venus in Capricorn treats life like business or school. This is not to say that we are impersonal or objectifying, just cautious, steadfast, intelligent, clearheaded.

Seems like we’re all trying to figure out how to be superhuman right now, invincible to everything and everyone, but you know what? This very noble quest is bound to fail again and again if we keep beating ourselves up every time we stumble. Venus in Capricorn will teach us how to employ incredible emotional strength by way of self-compassion. There is nothing more sexy or critically important than this kind of resolve.

That loud inner realist begging for truth has been trailing the wrong mentor. Who could navigate the steep cliffs of the Divine Masculine better than Venus, ultimate cosmic woman born from starry depths? Who else could find such infinite beauty in the most jagged of planes? If you’re truly prepared, the people who enter your life now will all come together to support you on this arduous journey. But if you want others to be loyal, reliable, ready to commit to your cause, then step up and be that for yourself first. Tear it down, who gives a shit, and begin again with utmost sincerity.

Emotionally charged issues will suddenly lose their power. We will easily express ourselves now without succumbing to martyrdom or moodiness. Self-confident, independent, no praise necessary to keep moving. In fact, you may have an overwhelming desire to do everything by yourself. This is structure and management done right. Let’s clean up, babies. I suggest copious meditation and some Capricorn Yoga.

If you were born with Venus in Capricorn, this month is your Venus Return. If you don’t know your personal Venus sign, click here.

Mantra: I create my reality

New Moon in Capricorn 🐐 Jan 9, 2016

Saturday, Jan 9 at 8:30 pm EST

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

Greetings earthlings and HAPPY NEW YEAR! It’s 2016, woooo!

Thus far the greatest challenge of this year’s Capricorn cycle is overcoming inertia, but this new moon will tap in to the more industrious side of the sea goat. The last New Moon in Capricorn fell on the winter solstice of 2014. Any themes/conflicts that predominated then will now resurface.

This cycle started with a New Moon in Sagittarius and that may be why, despite feeling inspired, we’re also feeling a little escapist when it comes to actually getting off the couch and accomplishing something. The Capricorn season is a time to relax, eat lots of food, indulge in materialism and enact a series of beloved rituals, but the sea goat is also known for his impressive work ethic and I’d love to call that in now.

The moon is in her “detriment” in Capricorn, as this is the sign opposite the sign she rules, which would be Cancer. When a planet is in the sign of its detriment, the planet is at its weakest and life is generally more challenging. In Capricorn the moon is strained, unaccustomed to the sea goat’s rigidity, preferring instead the warm, nurturing waters of the emotion-ocean where she normally abides. So! have compassion for yourself if you have mood swings or unusually low energy. Your inclination to stay home and meditate is perfectly natural

The Sagittarius cycle leapt into the unknown. Armed with new inner wisdom, we’re ready to apply it in external life. Capricorn’s mantra is I use. The days leading up to this new moon will be crucial – are you going to prepare on your own, or will you be presented with a massive workload reeking of procrastination? No rapid manifestation here - the goat moves slowly and deliberately. When imbalanced, this is the solid and stagnant force we feel so acutely in our bones. Capricorn is also very tactile; as an earth sign, he needs to touch and feel.

A couple weeks of sloth, thoroughly entrenched in the raw matter of our bodies burning in space, deep enough to make us really appreciate blood flow – and then blissful surrender to Capricorn’s mighty haul up the mountain. Earth is, by nature, heavy and resistant to change. Visualize new sprouts growing in a fire-ravaged forest, pushing up to reach the sunshine. We can connect to the earth and still be light ^____^

If imbalanced, you might feel stuck, stubborn, dragging along. The astrology lately has been difficult; I talked in my post on Mercury Retrograde in Capricorn about some of the challenges we’re facing at this time. To recap, the Capricorn cycle revolves around masculinity. Capricorn represents the Father and all authority figures. The purpose of this new moon is clearing any blockages here. We must all acknowledge, incorporate and enact the highest expression of the Divine Masculine. Any change happening in your personal life in this respect is a reflection of a current worldwide shift: return to the worship of Shakti.

Letting go, living spontaneously, breaking the rules - these do not come naturally to Capricorn. But good ol’ Cappy reels us back to center so that life may operate smoothly and efficiently. The new moon in Capricorn asks: where in life do you need more self-control? I feel her rising dark and silent in our sky with a very clear message. This phase doesn’t feel light, rather serious actually, but that doesn’t mean that we can’t find joy; it’s an earthy joy, joy that comes from grounding into reality, from work, from true release, from winter and cold and loneliness, from closing our eyes, from bones creaking, moving inexorably forward despite these ghostly hands tugging at our feet. Get out and breathe the crisp air, even if low gray clouds cover the sun, dense and ancient, even if it’s freezing, even if you’re tired, depressed - you are STILL infinitely loved and supported by the earth and she would love to see you

For the new moon, try some Capricorn Yoga.

To ascertain your personal Moon sign, click here.

Mantra: return to order

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

Mercury Retrograde in Capricorn 🐐 Jan 8 - 25

January 8 - 25, 2016

Click here to learn about Mercury.

Mercury turns retrograde 3-4 times a year, more frequently than any other planet. From EarthSky:

On Mercury, for example, the Sun sometimes moves in retrograde! As the planet speeds through its closest approach with the sun, its orbital speed overtakes its rotational speed. An astronaut on the surface would see the sun partially rise, then dip back below the horizon, then rise again before resuming its east-to-west trek across the sky. Once a year, Mercury gets two sunrises on the same day!

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. Click here to learn more about retrograde. In astrology, this illusion manifests as a “backwards” functioning of the planetary roles. Mercury is concerned with communication and mental activity. Think travel, transportation, negotiation, bargaining, personal expression, technology, writing. When Mercury is retrograde, these realms are therefore particularly affected. There is no need to suspend work or projects that are already in progress. Mercury Rx only applies to new endeavors.

Significant changes begin cropping up about 10 days before during the “shadow period” (starting today, Saturday, Dec 26). This shadow period is a trial run, an opportunity to gauge what’s ahead. We will now finish that which has been forgotten or ignored. I always do great work during this cycle. Be on the lookout for delays, cancellations, sudden changes to travel or social plans; technological failures, especially with cell phones, laptops or anything connected to the Internet; communication breakdowns; disorganization, confusion and impaired decision-making; objects mysteriously disappeared or lost/stolen; general breaking, quitting, falling apart or malfunctioning for no apparent reason!

I do not recommend making major purchases or signing significant (read: any) contracts/documents during this time. This is not a good time to make life-altering commitments or investments such as houses, cars or vacations. Despite all of this, I see Mercury Rx cycles as lovely reminders of what’s good in life. It may be difficult to express to others how and what you’re feeling, so it helps to have an outlet such as a journal for your thoughts.

We’ve discussed Mercury in Capricorn as of December 9. Let’s combine topics and wax poetic on the nature of Mercury Retrograde in this cardinal earth sign. There will also be four days of Mercury Retrograde in Aquarius directly preceding this cycle.

Mercury in Capricorn broaches issues of masculinity, perhaps directly with male figures. The purpose of this retrograde cycle is resolution to any communication barriers in this realm. For those who embody strong masculine energy, this may be a time of honest self-reflection. And even for those with mostly feminine energy - we all have a responsibility to acknowledge, incorporate and enact the highest expression of the Divine Masculine. Mercury Rx in Capricorn asks whether we’ve harnessed this power for the greatest good.

I’m struggling, especially right now in the middle of this transit, to integrate yin and yang. I am often tempted to channel all masculine energy in my psyche as pure anger, but this is neither fair nor healthy. Part of my own journey is obviously learning enough about the other half of Existence to love and appreciate it in the way that I do the Divine Feminine. In particular this retrograde cycle examines father, male partner or authority figure relationships. Capricorn’s mantra is I use, and with Mercury the Communicator here, we tend towards ultra pragmatic language, no frills, no sentiment. This is where we see an imbalanced portrayal of masculinity as cold, ruthless, concerned only with applicability - what can others do for me? Let’s just say that if there are conversations that need to happen, they may not be very warm and fuzzy. We’ll have no problem getting our point across with a delivery that’s curt and business-like.

In the public sphere I think we’ll see conservative politicians making especially painful gaffes about women’s rights and/or work-related topics as Capricorn also rules careers, reputation, prestige, status and success. Or maybe it will happen right at your own dinner table! Mercury Rx in Capricorn is a mini exhibition of what we’re seeing daily on a global scale with Pluto in Capricorn. I think we can all agree that there is a serious imbalance between feminine and masculine energy on our planet and has been for millennia. Remember that any change happening in your personal life in this respect is a reflection of a current worldwide shift, a return to the worship of Shakti. May you be as calm as you are strong. Peace to you.

To determine your Mercury 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 indeed born with Mercury Rx, you may not notice the effects above as strongly, if at all.

Mantra: change is good

Sun in Capricorn ☼ Dec 21 - Jan 20

Dec 21, 2015 – Jan 20, 2016

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

Disclaimer: The Sun sign is a much-celebrated, often oversimplified astrological element. Remember – you embody a whole soup of planets!

Ever since Venus moved into Scorpio a few weeks ago, I’ve been emotionally exhausted. And, once again, I underestimated the power of the Sagittarius cycle and its real purpose, which would be the illumination of TRUTH. This insane little planet hurtling through space seems to be fraying quickly. Every day we descend exponentially deeper into a pool of chaos and violence. More than ever before it’s imperative that we SHINE our light. We’re settling in to the upper echelon of the zodiac wheel, next stop Capricorn. Deep breaths now, rest your bones here awhile.

Sagittarius and Libra both turned it up a notch this year. Just when you think you know what’s coming, these celestial entities grabbed me by my soul’s collar and said NOPE, try again, my friend. So I’m feeling a little more drained than I thought I would be at this point, but who doesn’t love surprises eh?

The Capricorn cycle heralds the Divine Masculine. As an earth sign, Capricorn also grounds and stabilizes us in whatever/wherever we happen to be in life. Since he is the last earth sign of the zodiac wheel, I see this phase as resolute culmination, the last pouring of the concrete, if you will. Capricorn is ruled by Saturn, the iron fist of the solar system. The sea goat is therefore often one to believe that things absolutely must be done a certain way. More precisely, they must be done the conventional way. You may notice that the people who enter your life at this time are hung up on this notion. Capricorn understands better than anyone that we do our best work when we are deliberate yet efficient, but the greatest challenge now is simply remembering to smile and shake it off. It is very important to keep it light during this cycle.

The sea goat enjoys deep conversations as long as the subject material is not too intangible. I like to visualize this cardinal sign as an axis, a foundation, the face of a clock - anything that draws us to what is. Capricorn is a realist. What could or should be does not interest the goat. There is certain comfort in knowing what to expect and planning accordingly. You can see why the goat has a reputation for being a little boring. This stiffness stems from the way Capricorns carry themselves, as they are not prone to being bubbly or outwardly emotive. This is not to say that Capricorns don’t like to party – if anything, they go really hard and then feel the most guilty about it.

Watch for a tendency to be critical of the Self and others. Capricorns set the bar high then struggle to understand why everyone else can’t keep up. The goat would do well to have more empathy and compassion for the Self. Embrace structure and discipline as worthy tools for reorganizing your life and providing a bit of direction, but don’t ignore your heart in the process.

Unlike Sagittarius, the goat is willing and able to move slowly…maybe too slowly. If you are like me and have heavy earth energy in your chart, this time of year probably signals hibernation. Like clockwork, when the Sun moves into Capricorn, I hit the sheets bear-human style. Overcoming inertia…not impossible, but pretty damn close.

This is the time of year to just DO IT – no second thoughts. Dive right in. Whether that means welcoming some discipline into your life or surrounding yourself with people who embody the positive qualities of the sea goat, smile and accept this gift knocking at your soul’s door. Of course this is also Christmastime for many humans around the world. What better way to honor the sea goat’s love of tradition and ritual than by enacting our own, year after year? My only prescription is surrender through laughter. Open up, everyone. We’re still here, trying to figure this shit out. Big belly laughs. Put your feet up next to the people you love. Wrap yourself in a huge furry blanket by the fire.

The Sun last transited Capricorn from Dec 21, 2014 – Jan 20, 2015. Any themes/conflicts that predominated then will now resurface.

Mantra: rest your bones

Mercury in Capricorn ☿ Dec 9 - Jan 1

Dec 9, 2015 – Jan 1, 2016

Click here to learn about Mercury. Click here to learn about Capricorn.

In my recent post on Mercury’s transit in Sagittarius, I wrote about the centaur archer as a blunt and honest creature. Well hot DAMN he did not hold back this year folks! The name of the game these last couple weeks has most definitely been Truth. Bombs were dropped and some friendships ended, but we’re moving on with Mercury now entering Capricorn, first planet of the season to do so. The sea goat is one beast I’m still trying to better understand. Capricorn’s mantra is I use, so with Mercury here, we examine the applicability of our thoughts and words. Definitely less exciting than Sagittarius, but I’m not complaining about that.

One thing I have observed about Capricorn is his innate ability to carry on, carry on, carry on. The sea goat climbs with sure, steady feet up the mountainside. Ruled by Saturn, all-business-and-no-games boring uncle of the zodiac, Capricorn struggles to free himself, and what’s holding him down could be anything. This means that the tightness and constriction may all be in the head. In any case, there’s something rigid in the sea goat’s psyche. The sea goat finds infinite comfort in structure and discipline, and he both admires and emulates those in positions of authority.

The sea goat does not like to take risks, as these inevitably lead (if only in his mind) to a long and painful fall. Detecting a theme here? Many of the restrictions that we talk about with Capricorn originate from the goat himself. Don’t be so hard on yourself, Cappys. When I visualize this sign, I feel a strain in my body. The goat sets and maintains extremely high standards, both for the Self and others. One of the greatest challenges for Capricorn is to lighten up! Don’t be so critical of everything (read: the Self)! Although you may feel like you will “lose everything” in saying the wrong thing, this is an illusion. What you should say is not always what you need to say.

Mercury in Capricorn leaves no room for sentimental anecdotes, wishy-washy ideals or rambling tangents. This is a good time to get organized and refocus on projects/plans/goals that have been ditched in favor of wild Sagittarian adventures, although this may feel impossible considering the insane pace of this year. I promise that the rhythm of life will slow as we wade deeper into the Capricorn season. I like the sea goat because he is deliberate and cautious - maybe too cautious sometimes. He’s not racing ahead to the next most enticing thing. The sea goat prefers to study. I visualize Mercury in Capricorn as an enormous library with heavy wooden paneling, thick carpets and thousands of intricate volumes. Here we want not only to know, but to know how.

Capricorn has a reputation for being old-fashioned. This is not how I would describe Mercury in his natural habitat. As a result, you may feel stuck when it comes to communicating your heart. The sea goat is not prone to open emotional expression so just SAY IT. Capricorn reels us back to center with his overwhelming need for life to operate smoothly and efficiently. He’s the proverbial father figure instilling order to the chaos. Focus on contraction: ask yourself where and when life feels excessive or out of control. This should all be a welcome change, although you may feel like life is giving you constant reality checks. This is not a particularly social phase but you can expect others to be conventionally polite, even hesitant.

Mercury last transited Capricorn from Dec 16, 2014 – Jan 4, 2015. Any themes/conflicts that predominated then will now resurface.

If you were born with Mercury in Capricorn, these next few weeks are your Mercury Return. If you don’t know your personal Mercury sign, click here.

Mantra: I mean what I say

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

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

♅ Astro • Yoga ♅