The new moon in 29° of Virgo on September 21st (2:54 p.m. CDT) is a partial solar eclipse.
This eclipse offers a course correction.
We notice what needs refinement.
We rededicate ourselves to what feels sacred.
We see the fruits of our labor and reflect on an important time of graduation or endings.
We shift away from perfectionism, criticism, and over-extending, and move toward new structures and routines that are sustainable, nourishing, and aligned.
Opportunities and people are arriving that support our evolution. We are called to balance our intuitive knowing with practical steps to make key changes and prepare for our next stage.
This new moon is especially powerful as it marks the second consecutive new moon in Virgo. The first one, which occurred on August 23, was an initiation, and this one concludes whatever process was started at that time at the final degree of Virgo, symbolizing completion and integration. We are encouraged to focus on what will aid our well-being and to align with the rhythms of the natural world, helping to bring balance amid the increased volatility that is now present in the collective.
“In the midst of chaos, there’s also opportunity.”
Sun Tzu
This eclipse will be visible across New Zealand, a small area along Australia’s eastern coast, a number of Pacific islands, and portions of Antarctica.
Solar eclipses bring fateful endings and beginnings. What makes this eclipse notable is that it takes place in an exalted degree (29º) and occurs less than 24 hours before the Autumn Equinox. There is a heightened energy that is activating a collective redirection toward incorporating different ways of living and relating.
South Node eclipses reveal circumstances and cycles that are well past their expiration dates. We may discover that something has been eliminated from our lives that is no longer in line with our future goals. We are liberated from situations, relationships, and ingrained patterns that are not a part of who we are becoming. To achieve this development and create space for new paths, we must release what no longer serves us.
“Letting go gives us freedom, and freedom is the only condition for happiness.”
Thich Nhat Hanh
This eclipse is in opposition to Saturn in Pisces. This aspect helps us to recognize what needs to be reduced or consolidated. We review themes that were present in May where we may have experienced a block or limitation in our lives.
Saturn is reflecting back to us the areas of growth we need to cultivate in order to take greater responsibility for our actions.
When we look at the circumstances of our lives, what is required for closure? And how can we look at these circumstances through the lens of personal responsibility?
This is a significant moment to consider what needs to change to better support our daily life and vitality. The last time we experienced a South Node solar eclipse in Virgo in this same degree was on September 22nd, 2006. Thinking back, were there any significant endings and/or beginnings? What was shifting in terms of our purpose, health, self-improvement, and routines?
Weighing the Pros and Cons
Virgo energy symbolizes sacred ritual, health, and body wisdom. This archetype thrives when working in a system to integrate knowledge and creating a sense of order. In shadow form, Virgo can be overwhelmed by details or be so focused on their service that they neglect their own care.
Distractions and denial keep us from seeing what may be perceived as less than ideal.
This is an important time to seek high-quality information and to practice discernment. In order to receive new insights, we must create the spaciousness for them come in. Through Virgo, we learn to recognize patterns, organize our thoughts, refine our processes, and devote ourselves to our craft.
At this time, we become more aware of the work that needs to be done to enter into a fresh growth cycle. We may be noticing that our previous intentions have changed and, although the path ahead may feel uncertain, if we are able to lean into the lessons we are being offered and take greater responsibility for our part in what we have created, then we can build a more solid foundation going forward. We also become more aware of what is draining our energy and can start to create more sustainable strategies to progress. We may have been overextending ourselves to focus on something we once enjoyed, but now find we are stressed and burnt out. It is essential to weigh the pros and cons of our situation and honor what we truly need.
This cycle guides us to be very perceptive, specific, and focused on what and where we are putting our attention. It essential to prioritize our health and well-being and tend to the details of what we need to get done to bring this chapter to a close.
Where are we finding fulfillment in what we are devoting ourselves to? What systems and organizations aren’t working to sustain our well-being? Are we giving away our time and energy in ways that don’t feel sustainable?
“Doing those deeply unfashionable things—slowing down, letting your spare time expand, getting enough sleep, resting—is a radical act now, but it is essential.”
Katherine May, Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times
Practicing Compassion
During times of heightened polarity and chaos, we can reconnect to ourselves by leaning into the daily practices that anchor us to our most soulful intentions. We show up in service to help our community and implement routines that foster care and healing. We practice honoring the humanity and spiritual light in others and truly listening in order to understand. Sometimes the work that is needed is very practical, such as working to pay a debt; other times, we must learn forgiveness and compassion so that we may move into our next chapter with an open heart.
Healing happens when we come from a place of humility and acceptance, and step into the work we must do to restore our well-being.
“Compassion becomes real when we recognize our shared humanity.”
Pema Chödrön
The Invitation
This eclipse supports us in a powerful recalibration that helps us build authentic foundations. We are becoming aware of activities, people, or obligations that are draining us. We weigh the pros and cons of how we have been giving of ourselves. We must ask if the effort that we are putting into something is really worth the stress that comes with it. This cycle offers a necessary pause to reflect, let go, and open up space for new possibilities. We are experiencing a cosmic reorganization so that we can come into greater alignment with our sacred truth.