The new moon in 0°22’ of Virgo on August 23 (1:06 a.m. CDT) is an opportunity to revolutionize our reality. We are invited to update and innovate, both our systems and daily routines, to create a life that is filled with intention, reverence, and that aligns with our values.
We enter a period of deep introspection, integrating what we have learned and reflecting on the cycles of our lives. Through deep listening we are attuning to what brings our souls nourishment.
We are becoming more conscious of our standards and are called to embody our values and rededicate ourselves to our sacred work.
We follow our own rhythms and hold space to connect with those whose aims are true.
When we understand our worth and commit ourselves to what is important, we can show up to meet each moment in a more integrated way.
This new moon is notable for three reasons. First, it is the first of two consecutive new moons in the same sign. Second, it takes place in 0° of Virgo, marking a new beginning. Third, it is in a strong square with Uranus in Gemini, activating unexpected events, creative solutions, and powerful breakthroughs. Plot twists can serve as a useful disruption to show us what is not meant to go forward and where we are called to take steps toward our destiny. What arises now is preparing us for the months to come.
This lunation also opens the portal to the eclipse season.
Our intuitive perception is strengthened at this time, so we can look at our patterns objectively, take inventory of how our energy is being used, and create strategies to improve our lives.
As we move into cycles of change, attending to our self-care is vital. Coming back to the basics of allowing time for rest, reflection, and hydration are essential to help metabolize the energies and shifts ahead. What practices and routines best support your self-care? Where do you feel called to fill your cup?
Virgo as an Archetype
Virgo governs our daily habits and routines, which lay the groundwork for our overall health and well-being. This archetype directs our attention to what requires organization, simplification, and integration, including the smallest details of our lives. Life is an opportunity for learning, reworking, and refining, and our journey feels more nourishing and sustainable when our structures support our highest service.
Life is an opportunity for learning, reworking, and refining, and our journey feels more nourishing and sustainable when our structures support our highest service.
Virgo’s shadow manifests itself in the form of criticism that casts onto others what we are unable to accept within ourselves. Virgos can hold everyone, including themselves, to an unreachable standard and can be easily disappointed when humans, in all their complexities, fail to meet their expectations. In Virgo, we can also be so dedicated supporting others that we neglect our own needs, and it is only through crisis that we learn to put ourselves first and recommit to our self-care routines.
Virgo also corresponds with purity, wholeness, and the idea of being complete onto ourselves. This suggests that we must strive to live with integrity and remain true to our spiritual path. To do this, we need to learn how to follow our own code of honor. When we give ourselves permission to check in and be accountable for our actions, we can more easily live in right-relationship with the divine and the planet. To live whole and true to ourselves is to possess ourselves completely and embody our values fully.
This new moon in Virgo reminds us that our worth is innate and our birthright. It cannot be given to us or taken away. When we feel certain of who we truly are and recognize our value, we open as a vessel for divine intelligence to operate through us and embody our soul expression.
“For in the dew of little things the heart finds its morning and is refreshed.”
Kahlil Gibran
We Practice Discernment
Virgo is a skilled problem solver, strategic thinker, and intuitive life strategist. This archetype can look at systems and patterns and clearly see what is not functioning at full capacity, what is out of alignment, and what needs to be improved. This lunation prompts us look inward to determine what is and is not working in our lives. At times, this may tend toward overthinking and overcomplicating things, but we can find clarity and strength through checking in with our gut.
This cosmic weather brings a reality check. We recognize where we are betraying ourselves so that we can root into and live from our truth. If we tune into our own sacred rhythm, we can discern what is most useful and nourishing for our lives and what next steps need to be taken in order to achieve this.
“I’ve learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.”
Maya Angelou
Creating a Life of Reverence
This new moon beckons us to deliberately slow down and cultivate the ability to sit with ourselves just as we are, observing our habits, and noticing both what we need to start doing and stop doing that aligns with self-respect. We are asked to surrender the urge to fix certain parts of ourselves, and instead, to create space to be in partnership with them. It is from this space that we can truly begin to integrate and heal so that we can live from an inner peace that can take in more of the beauty and brilliance of the world around us.
“But as we let go of our repetitive stories and fixed ideas about ourselves–particularly deep-seated feelings of “I’m not okay”–the armor starts to fall apart, and we open into the spaciousness of our true nature, into who we really are beyond the transitory thoughts and emotions. We see that our armor is made up of nothing more than habits and fears, and we begin to feel that we can let those go.”
Pema Chödrön
The highest expression of Virgo energy is to practice presence, experience the divine through the commonplace, and live in connection with the rhythms of nature. To be fully attentive and take in all the beauty, grace, and simplicity of a moment is gift. In Virgo, we practice our dharma and embrace awe and wonder as we dedicate ourselves to developing our skills and being of service.
Reverence is a virtue to be cultivated and practiced. It brings us closer to the people and world around us and offers a new way of seeing life through sacred sight.
“Living in a sacred manner means looking upon the ordinary with a mystical eyesight. When seen differently, the common things are soon handled in a different way — with reverence.”
Edward Hays
The Invitation
This lunation is a perfect opportunity to reset and realign. We are invited to recognize that our internal compass is the most valuable tool we have to guide our path. We can adapt to times of turbulence when we are grounded in our veracity and connect to our inner strength. Unexpected developments provide opportunities to implement changes that have been longing to shift. We must follow our gut instincts and our truth, even if our choices seem surprising to those around us.
Virgo energy has a powerful ability to bring the mystical into the mundane, especially when we take time to tend to what is sacred. We can access practical magic through our rituals, routines, and spiritual practices. Our power is in the present moment and showing up to where and how we are called to serve. Now is an important time to create habits that organize and sustain efficiency, as we will feel most restored and nourished when our systems are operating smoothly. It is also important to cherish the moments where we see the divine in our daily lives and to be open to synchronous messages and enchantment.
“If we stop and take the time to connect with small beauties around us we nurture sacred respect.”
Chandrika Gibson