Tag Archives: Virgo

A New Eclipse Cycle Begins

Since April 2023, we have been experiencing eclipses on the Aries–Libra axis, meaning that other than some residual eclipses in Taurus and Scorpio, the eclipses that have occurred during the past year and change have been in either Aries or Libra. 

Now, on September 17th, we have a full moon in Pisces, which will also mark the first eclipse of the next cycle, on the Virgo-Pisces axis. A lunar eclipse is like an especially intense full moon. Be prepared for big emotional releases, and especially with it being Pisces, the most watery of the water signs, we may all be feeling extra sensitive and intuitive, with moodiness, crying jags, and circumvented boundaries abounding.

This eclipse in Pisces on the 17th will then be answered by a solar eclipse two weeks later, but that one will be back in Libra, so it will represent a continuation of the Aries-Libra stories that have been playing out for the past year and a half.

During the interim between eclipses, time blurs a little bit. To borrow evocative words from one of my very favorite writers of all time, Cookie Mueller, a Pisces queen herself, it’s like “walking through clear water in a pool painted black.” 

In a semi-awake liminal dream state a couple nights ago, I had what I thought at the time was a crystalline, piercing realization: that the interim between eclipses is kind of like when Evie used to touch her fingers together and stop time in late 80s sitcom Out of this World. Do people remember that show? Another syndicated sitcom, Small Wonder, still gets some nostalgic online chatter every now and then for it’s true WTFness, as a show about a programmable robot daughter should. But Out of this World, which focused on a teenage girl who was half alien, had special powers, and who communicated with her alien father through a very 80s looking glass cube, doesn’t get remembered enough. The theme song was also a true banger. 

Anyway, time doesn’t really stop between eclipses, but it can feel a little untethered to our usual reality. It’s a time where things happen to us, instead of us making things happen. It feels a little like the liminal half-awake dream state in which one taps into some dark recess of their brain and conjures thoughts of a long forgotten sitcom about being half-alien, as if it’s an epiphany. And with eclipses as harbingers of major beginnings and endings, we often come out of eclipse time feeling like, what the hell just happened?

How impactful an individual eclipse is on your own life largely depends on where it falls in your natal chart in relation to your planetary placements. So, if you have a personal planet (sun, moon, Mercury, Venus, or Mars) or angle (ascendant, descendant, midheaven, or IC), at or near 25/26 degrees of Pisces, Virgo, Gemini, or Sagittarius (the mutable signs), this week could be an especially be an eventful time for you. For those without one of the eclipses of a particular axis hitting something in their natal charts directly, the events tied to that eclipse cycle are usually slow burns.

This week you’ll start to see the seeds of the stories that will flower between now and February 2027. This will be the first eclipse in Pisces since 2017. If you think back to the period from March 2015 to March 2017 and recall the transitions and changes that occurred in your life during that time, you may get a preview of the themes to come. Read below for your rising sign to learn more about how the eclipses in Pisces & Virgo may show up for you over the next few years. 

Pisces & Virgo risings: The eclipses occurring in Pisces and Virgo are in the parts of your chart that deal with the self and partnership. It’s about the balance between “me” and “us.” You may, over the course of the next few years, experience some profound changes that inform how you think about yourself or that cause you to grow up or evolve in a major way. It could be a change in your partnership status, whether that’s beginning a relationship with someone new or ending an existing relationship. Or it could be that some major happens in your partner’s life. And it’s not just about romantic relationships either; it can also be about best friendships, creative partnerships, or any kind of committed, two-person pairing.

Aries & Libra risings: Your health, both physical and mental, could be affected during this eclipse cycle. As an example, the most recent eclipses in these parts of my chart coincided with my decision to take concrete steps (through modern medicine) to improve my mental health after some intense bouts of anxiety. These zodiacal houses also represent work and labor, pets, and solitude, so it’s possible that you’ll see new beginnings and endings with regard to one of these areas of your life. Do you adopt a dog or cat that lifts you out of a depression? Very possible!

Taurus & Scorpio risings: These eclipses will be taking place across the areas of your chart that are associated with creativity, pleasure, and children, and friendships, social groups, and community. It can represent a push and pull between self-indulgent pursuits and focus on the collective. There may be changes in your life in one of these areas that lead to adjustments or complement the other. Maybe your desire to tap into your creative yearnings lead you to join an artist’s collective. Maybe you sacrifice your more leisurely free time pursuits to take on more responsibility in a community group. Maybe you have a child and find yourself withdrawing from one social circle and participating more heavily in another, parent-focused circle. These are just a few different ways eclipses in your 5th and 11th houses could manifest. 

Gemini & Sagittarius risings: Changes in your home life, your family, or stories about your ancestry may unfold during these eclipses, counterbalanced by developments in your career or public facing life. This could mean that over the next couple years, there are needs in your family that take precedence, and your career focus shifts accordingly. Or it could be that due to a change in your career, your living situation evolves; maybe you move to pursue a job opportunity, or a new job allows you to upgrade your housing. From my own personal life, I’ve been experiencing the Aries-Libra eclipses in this part of my chart, and I’ve learned a lot about how to leverage my career to allow me the flexibility I need to spend more time with family that lives far away, and I’ve also been much more transient during this period, giving me a new way of thinking about the concept of “home.”

Cancer & Capricorn risings: This cycle will occur in your 3rd and 9th houses. Each house encompasses a few different areas of life, so there are a bunch of possibilities of how the beginnings and endings accompanying these eclipses could play out. The 3rd house signifies communication, your daily life, your neighborhood and neighbors, domestic travel, siblings, and education. The 9th is about higher ed, teaching, learning, philosophy, spirituality, religion, and long distance travel and journeys. So there’s a whole host of areas you could see evolution in during this cycle. Boiling it down simply, I think of this axis about the local and the global, so you may see endings in one area due to new beginnings or shifted focus in the other.

Leo & Aquarius risings: Financial changes could be afoot, either in the way you earn your living or the amount of income you are earning. It could also mean changes to a partner’s livelihood and/or earnings. Most of the significations of the 2nd and 8th houses have to do with finances, either our own or the way others’ finances affect us, via shared resources, debts, or inheritances. However,  the eclipses could instead coincide with new perspectives on that which you value, which could come from confronting the inherited traumas or baggage that you carry. 

These eclipse readings are based on my interpretation of the astrological significations of eclipses and the various houses of the zodiac, so as always, take them with a grain of salt. Astrology isn’t fortune telling. But it’s exciting to think about the changes that could come with this new set of eclipses. I hope the new eclipse cycle brings the best for those of you reading!

A Look Back on Mars-Uranus and an Opportunity Ahead

The astrology of July was mostly smooth, except for one major transit, and that one major transit has pretty much just blown everything up. I’m talking about the Mars-Uranus conjunction that was exact on Monday, July 15th.

What a doozy, huh? 

I had drafted a post that I ultimately didn’t publish, but the gist was this: Mars, the planet of action and aggression, was going to be aligned with Uranus, the planet of disruption and upheaval, and that was occurring in Taurus in alignment with a particular star (Algol) that is associated with beheaded Medusa and referred to as the “demon star.” So on the world stage, the news was likely going to be wild and tumultuous at best, violent and scary at worst. And on a personal level, some of us may feel particularly anxious, paranoid, and under threat.

I was definitely feeling the vibes of the Mars-Uranus conjunction a few days leading up to it and a few days after. The crackling energy has been palpable everywhere. As far back as last Friday, the 12th, it felt like tempers were short and people, men especially, were acting out. I mean, obviously. Besides the T***p rally, which was a very literal manifestation of the Mars-Uranus-Algol combination (he almost actually lost his head), there was also the scary, chaotic situation at the Copa America final.

Mercury is approaching a square to Uranus, meaning that on top of the Mars-Uranus effects, there are also communication disruptions. Cue Friday’s global technology outage. And Mercury is in fire sign Leo to boot, making our interpersonal communications more self-focused and more incendiary.

On the morning of Sunday, July 21st, there’s a full blue moon in Capricorn. A blue moon occurs when there’s a second full moon in the same sign within the month. The Capricorn full moon a few weeks ago was at 1 degree, and now we will get the second, this time at the last degree of Capricorn. In whatever story has been unfolding in your life since June 21st, the other shoe is now dropping. This full moon is conjunct Pluto, which signifies intensity and hidden things. Secrets will be illuminated, and there will likely be some high-profile denouements.

The full moon is also in a helpful relationship with Mars, so on a personal level, it’s a good time for taking actions to let go of unhealthy and unwelcome compulsions and to take a break from anything that’s been driving you crazy. If you are curious to know what topics this may touch on in your own life, look for 29 degrees of Capricorn in your birth chart and see what house it falls into and whether you have any personal planets (sun, moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars) or sensitive angles (ascendant, MC, IC, or descendant) at or close to 29 degrees of a cardinal sign (Capricorn, Cancer, Aries, Libra).

There are more intense moments to come in a few weeks. Mars and Jupiter come together, signifying the expansion of action, on August 14th. On August 15th/16th, Mars makes a tense aspect with Saturn; then on August 19th, Jupiter follows and makes the same tense aspect with Saturn, and we have a full moon in Aquarius (which is answering to Saturn). Saturn is like a stop sign. It represents structure and order, so it looks like we can expect to see conflict between proliferations of assertiveness and heightened emotions, and structures and systems.

Between the events this week and mid-August, Mercury goes into Virgo on July 25th. We don’t get much downtime, but look at this period as a little bit of a break. While in Virgo, Mercury will station and then go retrograde overnight on August 5th/6th. It gets to 4 degrees of Virgo before it starts to go back.

Virgo is an earth sign that is associated with pragmatism, discernment, and efficiency. Mercury retrograde is treated with fear and dread in the zeitgeist, but when Mercury goes retrograde, it’s a chance to reflect, reassess, and reconsider.

Last week, I attended an excellent webinar from Kepler College on the Solar Return of the United States, and the astrologer who presented, Dorothy Oja, pointed out that Mercury’s transit through practical, critical Virgo marks an auspicious time to reflect because this transit will aspect the moon (in Gemini) and Neptune (in Pisces) in the U.S.’s solar return chart. She referred to it as an “antidote to confusion,” which I loved. And while it’s particularly useful in that context, I think it’s also useful for us on a personal level as well. Our anxiety and emotions may be clouding our perspective, but Mercury going into Virgo and then the Mercury retrograde offer us the chance to re-see things in the world, in politics, and in our own lives, with more discernment and ultimately clarity. 

There’s so much to unpack right now. We’re living through truly wild times, so we have to look for opportunities for calm reflection. More to come as we gear up for the August planetary alignments…stay tuned.

Full Moon in Virgo

There’s a full moon in Virgo coming up, exact at 7:30 am on February 24th. The moon will be at 5 degrees of Virgo and the sun at 5 degrees of Pisces. We’re already feeling it (along with all the Mars-Venus-Pluto stuff that’s been going on) and will be feeling it throughout the next week. I need to make sure I actually go out and catch a glimpse of it. If you have anything from about 0-10 degrees of a mutable sign (Virgo, Pisces, Gemini, or Sagittarius) in your chart, you’re going to feel the effects of this full moon more than most. (And if you don’t know what’s in your chart, book a reading with me!)

The Pisces-Virgo axis is marked by deep feelings and adaptability. Virgo is an earth sign and way more grounded than Pisces, but it’s still a mutable sign. When changes arrive or are needed, a Virgo can shift gears and recalibrate relatively easily. Pisces, a mutable water sign, is boundless. Virgo is a caregiving sign but can be harshly critical, while Pisces is compassionate and empathetic but can be so caught up in their own feelings that they ignore your needs. They make for an interesting combination. There’s a lot of caring here, but how it manifests can vary.

As for full moons, one occurs when the moon is opposite the sun and fully illuminated, reflecting the sun’s light. It’s the culmination of the lunar cycle, and it represents a time to let go. This full moon is an especially opportune time to release because it’s the last full moon of the zodiacal year! Pisces is the last sign of the zodiac, and with the spring equinox, Aries season begins, as does the new astrological year. So this is truly about letting go. It’s also the last full moon before the next set of eclipses, so if you’re someone who manifests or does any sort of ritual work around full moons, this is your last chance for a couple months. 

With the moon in Virgo, this means that we may be feeling called to let go of something in our daily routines or our annoyances, our judgments, our critiques. It’s a good time for cleaning the house and sweeping the dust away. With Virgo-Pisces, I think of making a list (Virgo) of the shadow qualities (Pisces) we want to work on. Or cathartically releasing emotions while doing housework or crafting. Cry and knit. Listen to the most maudlin music while you scrub your bathtub. Make a commitment to start a daily yoga practice.

Pisces is associated with the Moon card in the Tarot. I love the Moon card as illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith. Even the crustaceans respond to the moon’s power.

The sun at 5 Pisces is also between Mercury and Saturn, both in Pisces, when this full moon occurs, lending some discipline and some thought to it. So while we’re all likely to feel super emotional, it’s a little more grounded (from the Virgo moon + Saturn’s presence) than we’d feel during a Pisces season in another year.

Mercury in Pisces is interesting because Mercury is in its fall in Pisces, meaning that when it’s in Pisces, it’s harder for us to think clearly and connect the dots. Our thoughts and words are more abstract than usual. However, Pisces’s ruler is Jupiter, and Jupiter is in Taurus, another earth sign, so we can tap into the practicalities and realities of where these abstract thoughts and emotions are coming from if we try. 

This is all to say that if you find yourself crying over the next few days, and you ask yourself why you’re so emotional, remember that it’s just another full moon, and it’s during Pisces season, and let yourself ride the waves over the next couple weeks. (The state of the world right now doesn’t help; if you’re not despondent, I’m not sure how.) Over the next couple days, though, if you are in a list-making, task-mastering, cleaning, and clearing zone, the moon is on your side. 

Of course, astrology is not fortune telling, and this is simply my interpretation of what’s going on with the current transits in the sky. Take all of this with a grain of salt, as always.

New Moon in Virgo

On Thursday, September 14th, at 9:40 pm ET, there is a new moon in Virgo. A new moon, which occurs when the moon meets up with the sun, marks the beginning of the monthly lunar cycle. With the moon in Mercury-ruled Virgo, a sign that’s all about service and taking care, it’s encouraging us to think about fresh ways to serve and take care of ourselves.

Mercury itself is still in Virgo, its home base, but has been retrograde since August 23rd, so circumstances these past few weeks have made it ripe for us to reexamine and reevaluate our processes, the ways we think, and the ways we work. An example from my own life: I was sick for a couple weeks, and I felt like it was a personal failing. After being annoyed by myself and my body, which I felt betrayed me, I tried to channel the “re” rule of Mercury retrograde and reevaluate why I would feel this way. It helped me accept that I can’t control everything, and I shouldn’t beat myself up. The universe made me rest.

The new moon on Thursday offers a new beginning, and Mercury stations direct the next day on September 15th (huzzah!). This new moon, think about what has come up during this Mercury retrograde for you. What flaws in your systems have been made visible? What fallacies in your thinking have been laid bare? How can you create new routines that will better allow you to fulfill the Virgoan activities of working hard, analyzing, iteratively improving, and nurturing yourself and your goals? For me, I’m going to try to ride the sense of acceptance I learned from my bout of illness into the new moon.

The moon, which will be at 21 degrees of Virgo, is making a helpful aspect with Uranus, which is currently retrograde in Taurus. Uranus is the planet of disruption but also innovation, which can give new beginnings under this new moon an element of surprise or uniqueness. Virgo is a sign for getting things done; the new moon bolstered by Uranus can lend some innovation to the things we are trying to accomplish or the intentions we set during this phase. It’s a great opportunity for manifesting, if that’s your thing. Write your list of goals down, but also write down some steps you can take to try to accomplish those things. There’s a good chance ingenuity will strike, but with the sun, moon, and Uranus in earth signs, it helpfully will be grounded and practical.

The only potential downside of the new moon is that it’s within 5 degrees of being opposite Neptune in Pisces. Neptune casts a fog. We may find that our emotions and our feelings create some illusion or delusion around the goals that are set at this time, which is also why thinking through the tactical steps to achieving your goals will be useful. It’s important to lean into the Virgoan qualities of discerning and critical thinking to counteract any emotional overwhelm you may feel. 

To see the areas of your life where this new moon will potentially bring about a fresh start or a new way to thinking, reference your Virgo season horoscope.

Virgo Season: Time to Work

The sun moves into Virgo on August 23rd, and for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, thus begins the summer’s denouement.

Virgo is a mutable earth sign. Mutable and earth may not seem compatible, but I think of Virgo as a sign that reacts to change pragmatically, working through the nitty gritty of what needs to be done to adapt. Virgos can roll with the punches because they’re quick-thinking and practical.

Some of my favorite people are Virgos. Virgos know better than you, but sometimes they will let you think you are right. Virgos can sometimes be critical and judgmental, but they are prepared and detail-focused. Virgos are girls of 100 lists. Virgo is about routines and regimens. It’s about the beauty and the joy in the details.

Virgos are also very nurturing. Cancer is often thought of as the most mothering sign of the zodiac, but Virgos are also major caretakers. Virgos often look out for others. Sometimes they come across as nitpicky buttinskies, but when they are looking over your shoulder, it’s out of a place of concern. Did you remember your scarf and gloves? Did you put on sunscreen? Virgos care. I always feel safe with Virgos.

In the Bravo universe, Lisa Vanderpump is a Virgo and embodies many quintessential Virgo qualities. She’s always hyper aware of how she appears, she’s big- hearted and nurturing of her menagerie of pets and her ne’er-do-well band of SURvers and their partners, and she’s canny enough to know what makes for good business and compelling TV.

Virgo season is about getting to work. It’s about making our to-do lists, recalibrating when necessary, and taking pride in a job well done. This Virgo season may feel a little more stressful than usual because Mercury, also in Virgo, will be retrograde for most of it. This means that the activities we associate with Virgo—organizing, taking care of ourselves, acts of service, editing, studying, practicing, and cleaning—are likely to need a couple or more tries before they are executed as we want. As with all Mercury retrogrades, but especially with it being in Virgo, double check everything. Dot the i. Cross the t. Make sure you receive the confirmation email. But the Mercury retrograde shouldn’t stop you from project managing whatever it is you want to get done. 

Read below for the topics most likely to be of focus for you over the next month, as the sun and Mercury move through the area of your chart ruled by Virgo. Of course, your full horoscope for the next month depends on your individual birth chart and how the transiting planets interact with your natal placements, but these are the broad brushstroke themes you can expect to arise. My suggestion is to read for your rising sign first if you know it, then for your sun as the secondary focus.

Virgo & Virgo Rising: For Virgo risings, this next month focuses the warmth of the sun on you. For Virgo suns, it’s your solar return. You may have been feeling unsettled and more in your feelings than usual since Venus went retrograde in July, but this period should embolden you with some much needed vitality. Focus on you, your wants and needs, and what gives you life this month.

Libra & Libra Rising: Virgo rules your 12th house, and with the Sun and Mercury transiting there, this month will have you plumbing the depths of your psyche. Your dreams may be more potent than usual. You’d be well served by journaling about them and examining them. Take extra care with your sleep routine during this time; it’s important to rest. Keep your therapy appointments. This is an opportune time for working through any subconscious sludge.

Scorpio & Scorpio Rising: During Virgo season, the sun is in your house of friendships and community. Get out there in the world. If new friendships present themselves, be open to them, and nurture existing friendships. You may feel your sense of community deepen during this time and enrich you. This area of your chart also relates to hopes and dreams, so this is a good time to start thinking through and charting out a path to what you really want.

Sagittarius & Sag Rising: The sun is in your 10th house of career and legacy. You may be getting more attention and praise than usual this month, especially related to whatever you do in your public life, and/or you may be feeling renewed focus on your career. It’s a good time for reviewing your resume, editing it, and reviewing it again to ensure it truly captures your essence and what you want to present to the world.

Capricorn & Cap Rising: With Virgo season here, the sun is transiting through the part of your chart dealing with education, spirituality, and foreign cultures, so these themes are illuminated. It’s a great time to hit the books, sign up for classes, or to take a long-distance trip to another country. With Mercury retrograde, though, triple check all registrations and itineraries.

Aquarius & Aquarius Rising: The sun will be highlighting the part of your chart that deals with others’ resources and baggage. You may find yourself acting as counselor more than usual this month as people seek your level-headed advice. It’s also a good time for assessing your investments and debts, if you have any, and/or those of your partner, to see if there are better payment plans, interest rates, etc. Be on the lookout for unexpected fees and bills this month and confirm that those are correct before you actually pay them. With Mercury retrograde, everyone is more prone to mistakes.

Pisces & Pisces Rising: There is a focus and energy around one-on-one relationships for you when the sun is in Virgo. All of us have likely been feeling the effects of the Venus retrograde in our relationships. This gives you the boost you need to spend quality time with your partner if you have one and work on your communication with them. The same goes for other non-romantic partnerships. If you aren’t in a relationship, this month may have you thinking on what you do want out of a relationship and partner.

Aries & Aries Rising: Your focus will be drawn toward work and routines–the perfect manifestation of Virgo season and Mercury retrograde in Virgo. You are really great at starting new projects, but this is the month to work slowly and steadily through what you have already begun, paying extra attention to the details, to see things through to completion. On August 24th, Mars, your ruler, makes a trine to Pluto, so this can give you the stamina and focus you need to delve deep and get into the nitty gritty of the tasks you need to do.

Taurus & Taurus Rising: This is a time for joy, for fun, and for creative pursuits. If you have been contemplating a new artistic endeavor or have already started one, Virgo season and the Mercury rx offer a chance to reassess your routines to build in more time for your creativity. Write your morning pages and let your hair down. Get high by the beach.

Gemini & Gemini Rising: Your focus during this time likely will be largely on home and family. You may be feeling the urge to nest. With Mercury in this part of your chart and retrograde, it’s a great time for surveying your home and assessing what needs to be repaired or reinforced. What needs resealing and recaulking to prevent future leaks? Are your window blinds about to come loose from their brackets and need to be tightened? As the cooler weather comes (we hope), there’s a batten-down-the-hatches vibe that you can make good use of now.

Cancer & Cancer Rising: There’s going to be even more of a focus on your communications this month than there would be anyway with just Mercury retrograde. Examine how you can improve your communication style to better express what you are truly trying to convey to others. This Virgo season could mean you’re presenting at work or you’re emailing and coordinating something with neighbors. It’s an opportunity to take stock of your words and edit. This is also a time for focusing on your daily routines and making improvements, e.g., finding ways to alter your commute to make it faster or less crowded.

Leo & Leo Rising: Virgo season lights up the area of your chart focused on your resources and income. This could be an excellent time to ask for a raise, but in using Virgo’s influence, you’ll want to make sure you do your due diligence first and get all the necessary details and arguments lined up before pitching anything (especially with Mercury retrograde). It’s also a time to assess how you make and manage your money and tweak anything that isn’t paying off. 

As with all astrological content, this is intended to be taken with a grain of salt and is for entertainment. These are my interpretations of the planetary placements and transits, not fact or fortune telling.  

Mercury Retrograde in Virgo

For the past two weeks, Mercury has been slowing, gearing up for its retrograde, and on Wednesday, August 23rd, it begins its retrograde journey through Virgo. This will last until September 15th, when it will once again station and start moving direct. 

The Mercury retrogrades this year have all been in earth signs, which has made them a little more grounded than they would be in the other elements. Mercury is the ruler of Virgo and it’s also exalted there, which means that not only is Mercury not answering to another planet during this time, it’s in the sign it loves to be in. So while the typical Mercury retrograde is very annoying, this one should be a little less so (one hopes). 

The start of it may be rocky, as Mercury stations retrograde while approaching a conjunction with Mars, which is still in Virgo and a day prior (August 22nd) formed an exact opposition to Neptune in Pisces. Mars wants action, and Neptune represents delusions and doubts, so when tough Mars-Neptune aspects hit, we feel irritable and unsure. This is the state of things at the start of this particular Mercury retrograde. However, as Mercury backs away from Mars and Mars continues to head toward Libra, that should dissipate. 

When Mercury is retrograde, as always, it makes for a time of reflection and reconsideration. Is that stuff that’s going haywire totally out of the blue, or can we make it easier for ourselves in the future by, say, leaving a little earlier before we’re scheduled to be somewhere, or by cleaning out the gunk in our sink drains before everything backs up? I use those two examples because Virgo is a sign generally associated with punctuality and cleanliness, so Mercury’s lessons during this retrograde may manifest in those two areas.

Virgo is all about routine, so it’s time to rethink your everyday routines to mitigate future snafus. 

On September 4th, Mercury makes a nice aspect to Jupiter, the planet of growth and expansion, which will be at 15 degrees of Taurus. Then right around 7 am EDT on September 6th, Mercury is exactly conjunct the Sun (in cazimi). Those are the only major aspects it makes during the retrograde, and those are generally pretty pleasant. 

The rule of Mercury retrograde is patience. Frustrations may present themselves, but you knew they were coming. Be patient and remember that Mercury retrogrades don’t last that long.

Mars in Virgo

Mars moves into Virgo on July 10th and will be moving through Virgo until August 27th. Mars has been in fire sign Leo, where it’s been acting out and doing the most. Mars is the planet of action and aggression, assertiveness and drive. In Leo, it’s about the self and getting ours. In Virgo, a mutable earth sign, it’s about ruthless prioritization. 

Mars in Virgo is cutting. Mars rules needles and sharp objects, and I think of Mars in Virgo as scissors (or maybe a machete). While Mars is in Virgo, it’s wise to assertively embody the more evolved Virgo qualities of preparedness, organization, efficiency, critical thinking, and discernment, but try not to lean into the less evolved Virgo qualities of being hypercritical and a perfectionist. It’s a good time for focusing our drives and energy on getting organized, making to-do lists, editing anything that needs it, and weeding out the superfluous stuff in our lives.

I think of Mars in Virgo sort of like Tracy Flick, the main character of Election. She knows she’s right, knows she’s the most qualified, and is singularly focused on her goals, but she alienates even the teachers (Saturn) in her pursuits. (I also recommend reading the sequel from last year, Tracy Flick Can’t Win, in which life has tempered her most abrasive qualities and she’s operating from a more evolved Virgo energy but of course still chafing against a misogynist society, people who aren’t as smart as her, and her own inability to get out of her own way.)

Transit-wise, Mars makes an opposition to Saturn later this month. That’s then followed by some more pleasant aspects in August and then finally an opposition to Neptune on August 22nd. Since it’s coming up, I want to focus on the Mars-Saturn opposition for now. 

Mars opposes Saturn on July 20th. In traditional astrology, Mars and Saturn are the two malefic planets, meaning that they bring with them some difficulty, and you have to learn how to work with them instead of just letting them do their thing. The way they will be situated, in opposition to one another, lends to culminations but also conflict. It’s a push-and-pull energy. Mars and Saturn were conjunct in Aquarius back in early April 2022. This opposition is another phase of that cycle, which would mean there’s a climax or wrapping up of whatever narrative began when Mars and Saturn aligned back in early April last year. 

Mars rules drive, and Saturn rules structure. Mars in Virgo is the car, Saturn in Pisces in the bascule bridge that lifts for the boat on the river below, causing you to be late on your way to an appointment. The way to avoid the situation is to have left earlier in the first place. So the second week of July, leave lots of extra time. Be prepared for obstructions of your efforts.

These obstructions then can lead to pushing boundaries. That can manifest literally, mentally, and physically, like with endurance. I was listening to The Astrology Podcast’s July forecast, and on it, the hosts agreed that while it’s OK to push yourself mentally during this time, physically you probably only want to push 80% because with Mars and Saturn, there’s a risk of injury. (The Astrology Podcast, if you aren’t familiar with it, is the gold standard of astrology podcasts, so if you’re interested in learning a lot more about astrology, it’s my first recommendation.) So please be cognizant to not overdo it in the days around July 20th!

Mars then moves on to form a trine with Jupiter in Taurus on August 1st. A trine is formed when planets are at a 120-degree angle from one another, and generally they are considered to be a helpful aspect, with the better parts of the planets’ energies in harmonious communication with one another. The best parts of Mars in Virgo will be given an expansiveness that comes from Jupiter. Mars also makes a trine with Uranus in Taurus on August 16th, which can bring disruptions. During this time, Mercury will be following closely behind Mars. Mercury never quite catches Mars, though, because it stations retrograde on August 22nd, then moves backwards through Virgo until September 15th. 

Finally, Mars will oppose Neptune on August 22nd. I’ve written about Mars-Neptune aspects before. With Neptune in Pisces, for all of Mars in Virgo’s ruthless efficiency and clear-eyed discernment, Neptune will be doing its best to make things murky and throw the to-do lists and mission statements into question. You may find yourself looking back at the plans you’ve laid out over the few weeks and thinking, “Do I really want to do this?” Best to let the Neptune fog burn off and wait a few days before making any adjustments. 

So that’s that on Mars in Virgo, which will take us through most of the summer. I’ll say more about Virgo (I love Virgos!) when it’s actually Virgo season. 

Full Moon in Virgo

Honestly, there’s just too much happening in March. March is going to usher in a big vibe shift. There are multiple planets/luminaries shifting signs, some of which are outer planets that have been in their current signs for years (and in the case of Pluto, more than a decade). 

A quick list: Saturn moves into Pisces Tuesday this week, then mid-month Venus moves into Taurus, Mercury and then the Sun move into Aries (and thus begins the zodiacal new year!), and later this month, Pluto moves into Aquarius, leaving Capricorn where it has been since 2008, and then Mars finally (FINALLY) moves out of Gemini and into Cancer. And of course the moon changes signs throughout the month, every month, hitting on different points and giving emphasis to the other changes.

It’s a lot to digest, but for now, let’s focus on the full moon happening this week. It is occurring on the same day, March 7th, that Saturn will switch signs, which may feel intense. That morning the moon is full in Virgo at 7:40 am EST and then within an hour, Saturn moves into Pisces (a separate post about that will be forthcoming). 

Virgo full moons are about releasing the little things that stress us. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Virgo is an earth sign, so it’s grounded. Virgo is also methodical, but as a mutable sign, is adaptable, albeit in well thought-out, incremental ways. A full moon there encourages us to formulate practical steps on how to move beyond the things we’ve outgrown or that no longer serve us. 

While Virgo is grounded, the full moon is opposite the sun in Pisces, which is associated with free flowing emotions. The sun and moon are both squaring, or forming 90-degree angles with, Mars (this is known as a T-square), which will create tension and push for action. 

This is what you may experience based on where it occurs in your chart. Read for both your sun and rising sign.

Aries & Aries Rising: This full moon can bring a culmination of some aspect of your work, or the wrapping of a project that you have been consistently spending time on. You may find yourself with some much needed free time on your hands. Before diving into the next area of focus, take the opportunity to make a list, journal, or organize your thoughts about what you really want to prioritize next. A full moon in Virgo is opposite the sun in Pisces, so best to balance practical feelings of obligation with your innermost aspirations and desires.

Taurus & Taurus Rising: The Virgo full moon can bring an opportunity for you to clear blockages when it comes to your creativity. Have you had writer’s block? Use the full moon to change up your practice to try to get your creative energies flowing again. With your ruling planet, Venus, currently in your 12th house, meditation, retreat, journaling, and other mindfulness exercises can be especially useful now and can help you tap into your inner artist.

Gemini & Gemini Rising: You may be having some emotionally charged interactions or discussions with your family this week. Mars is still in Gemini and making that t-square with the moon and sun, so family dynamics may be contentious. Take deep breaths and try to keep your cool if you find yourself about to erupt or act in a way that you may regret later. And if someone in your family lashes out, try to remember that it’s a full moon and Mars is in the mix and not take it too personally.

Cancer & Cancer Rising: There could be some mixing it up in the mundane for you. The full moon could bring changes to the way you communicate or the wrapping up of an ongoing activity related to your neighborhood or your building, if you live in an apartment. It could also indicate an emotional conclusion for a sibling of yours. The moon is your ruler, so you have a tendency to be a deeply emotional person, so try to lean into Virgo’s attributes for balance.

Leo & Leo Rising: This could bring some closure to either a way you earn money or a money matter with which you have been dealing. You’ll also be feeling a little tender when it comes to the resources you have. Maybe your income, your savings, or your assets aren’t what you necessarily thought they would be. Virgo loves logical, practical steps toward progress, so this is a great time for examining your budget and trimming back the superfluous spending to help you achieve the things you’ve been hoping for. 

Virgo & Virgo Rising: The full moon may be extra emotional for you, so much so that you may be tempted to or find yourself acting abruptly. You’re usually pretty measured and plan out your next steps, but with this moon opposite the sun in Pisces and squaring Mars, your emotional self can overpower your logical self.  It’s a lot. Let go of negative self-perception, and if you find yourself impetuously and emotionally making decisions, try to take a step back and use your wise mind.

Libra & Libra Rising: This could be a time where you find yourself self-sabotaging in one or more areas of your life. Use the power of this full moon to critically examine the habits and thoughts that contribute to your own undoing and contemplate how you can break those. Meditation and setting aside time to clear your mind would be especially restorative now. 

Scorpio & Scorpio Rising: The Virgo full moon is happening in your 11th house, squaring your ruler, Mars, in your 8th house. This could bring an emotional urge to have potentially fraught conversations with your friends about things that have been bugging you or ways in which you feel wounded by them. It could even see you scaling back your commitments with regard to friendship or the time you’ve been devoting to your friend groups or your community. It can be sort of a “taking my ball and going home” vibe. Take a beat and think logically about what you want to say before speaking and acting.

Sagittarius & Sag Rising: With this full moon, you will likely be experiencing a culmination of something in your career or in a public role. It could be the wrapping up of a project you’re leading that will earn you kudos or an emotional ending to a job that you’ve been at. There may be a moment of sadness or a feeling of loss, but focus on the accomplishments you have achieved and ruminate about what you want to take on next. 

Capricorn & Capricorn Rising: This Virgo full moon is occurring in your 9th house, which may have you feeling restless and looking for an escape. You may be tempted to plan a trip to a far-flung locale or just immerse yourself in a good book or an area of study. The moon is in a fellow earth sign, so if you do end up wanting to escape, make a clear, detailed, multi-step plan first. 

Aquarius & Aquarius Rising: Your emotions may be particularly intense and focused on what others have and what you feel like you lack. A full moon in the 8th house of your chart can bring about jealousy or even have you feeling taken advantage of by someone else. Virgo is about logic, so if you feel this way, objectively lay out the facts for yourself. You may find your jealousy to be unfounded, and/or you may find that you do need to set better boundaries with others. 

Pisces & Pisces Rising: Close relationships will serve as the primary focus during this full moon, and you may find yourself being more critical than usual. Instead of stewing about the shortcomings you perceive about your partner or others with whom you’re in close, symbiotic relationships, take the opportunity to reflect on your feelings and why certain things may be triggering for you. 

Take all of these with a grain of salt. Astrology is interpretative and not fortune-telling, so the full moon may manifest in different ways for you.