Wendy Cicchetti

Virgo New Moon

The Virgo New Moon prompts the need to buckle down and get to grips with some of the more practical details of life. Such attention to minutiae may seem rather taxing or irritating, yet it could be very necessary to ensuring something runs smoothly or a problem finally gets resolved.

There is a focus on gradual and persistent efforts, since so many planets remain in retrograde motion at this time — indicating that nothing unfolds quickly or, at least, without concerted effort. It happens that all of the retrograde planets, apart from Saturn, are aspected by the Moon.

It feels like the Lights — the Sun and Moon — are leading the way, trying to get these other planets to cooperate, slowly but surely! The toughest challenge for the Lights is from retrograde Neptune, which opposes them, seemingly intent on leaning to the past or wandering off into escape or fantasy. Perhaps we have trouble being overly nostalgic or feel we are caught in a current that draws us backward or downward, when we would really rather be floating, breathing easily, and heading forwards!

The tension of the opposition can be somewhat alleviated once we realize that answers lie not in tugging hard or resisting one way or another, but in managing and responding to the details of the moment. If we consciously want to let go of some of the grip of the past, physical movement and breathing exercises could help, given that Virgo sometimes needs assistance to stay grounded.

There is also a rather joyful set of trines involving the Sun, Moon, and other planets — specifically, Uranus, Jupiter, and Pluto. These are of varying orbs, with Uranus closely connected, and Jupiter and Pluto less so. But, together, they form a loose earth grand trine, which points to their ability to manage practical affairs more easily than we may expect overall.

The Uranus trine to the Lights appears the most potent from its close orb, indicating that unexpected developments are to be embraced. An opportunity to make a beneficial change could easily come out of the blue — our only challenge will be making a fast decision to seize it! Equally, the element of surprise could work in our favor where we’re considering a particular undertaking; the wisdom here is to let those moments of inspiration drive us into useful action.

Virgo can represent quietly beavering away, getting results through small but helpful steps, and handling mundane tasks well. Here we have someone who may not be expecting awards for their efforts, yet may well deserve them! Acts reflecting reliability and that famous attention to detail will serve us well at this time.

As for Jupiter’s role, the retrograde status of the planet hints that some facets of the past are beneficial and helpful. We can take what we have learned from past experiences and let that help guide a steady path in the present. We may also have a bit of luck on our side, as Jupiter’s nature is in alignment with the spirit of the grand trine.

Pluto in Capricorn — often feared as one of the sky’s troublemakers — may show a more helpful side, assisting us in identifying and letting go of what is no longer relevant or needed in our lives. In removing any blinkers, we are able to make choices more clearly. Overall, the plethora of retrograde outer planets — Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto — is remarkable, with the brakes seemingly on in many areas of life at once. Yet, fragments of possibilities may align quietly in the wings or underground, and once the right chemistry occurs among them, we will begin to see more action center stage!

This article is from the Mountain Astrologer by Diana McMahon Collis