Astrology is not a summation of fates but a revelation of possibilities. It is simply an archetypal (think Jungian) way of understanding not only the self but the bigger picture. Thus, each sign is symbolic to a specific potential within us, each planet a force of expression. Want to know how you communicate, including the challenges, the gifts, and the subject matter? Look to Mercury. Want to know how to navigate your particular flavor of spiritual divinity? Look to Neptune. Want to know how you are meant to shine? Look to your Sun. Want to better understand the exquisite language of passion, purpose, and inspiration as well as the habitual patterns holding you back? It’s all there in the nodes and Pluto. Each birth chart is a unique fingerprint for every one of us.
To that end, astrology can also map the nuanced flavor of the times. For example, there is a lot of Aquarian energy afoot. What does that mean? An air of restlessness, itchiness for freedom, a buzzing of ideas, truth, revelation, innovation, and significant change on the horizon. Of course, that’s the high destiny of the energy. Filtered through fear, we see deep polarity, dogmatic thinking, and even mob-like behavior. This might be the macrocycle we are all living, but there are many micro-ones along the way. New and Full Moons Fall into the latter category. We are meant to use these smaller and no less dynamic cycles to help us navigate the larger ones.
In this case, we have a New Moon in Virgo shining on the heels of the second of two Full Moons in Aquarius. For more on that, go here and here. What is the medicine Virgo offers? The ability to see potential, what could be improved. Virgo is the drive we all have to improve and grow. It is the part of us that is driven to help, to serve, and thus to make the world a little better. Always opposite the Piscean or mystical side of us, Virgo is the physical channel through which the divine grace is meant to flow, which is why Virgo also rules health and the physical body. We need a healthy vehicle through which that grace can express. All those themes might be highlighted in your life right now. Where this Moon is located in your chart will offer specific insight regarding which part of life demands some improvement. On a grander level, though, Virgo also reminds us of a necessary tool so needed right now.
What?
Discernment. Virgo’s superpower is its ability to discern truth from fiction and right from wrong. In fact, the Virgoan radar of discernment is so precise it distinguishes between good and better and even between better and best. The word discernment comes from the Latin word discernere, meaning “separate.” Words related to discernment include understanding, critical thinking, and insight. Discernment can be applied to almost every facet of life- from science to technology to the arts, humanities, and spiritual traditions. From a Virgo perspective, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” (Socrates)
Discernment is powerfully helpful and effective when channeled through our higher minds of technicality minus as much bias as possible. Yet, woefully dangerous when truth becomes intolerant or one-sided. In that case, discernment ceases to be discerning at all.
Discernment is essential because we are not meant to know everything about everything. No one is. That is why we have experts. We are meant to learn to discern well, so we know who and when to follow and when to lead.
Between facts, data, and types of information.
Between teachers and mentors.
Between experts in their fields.
Between causes and goals.
Between ideologies and beliefs.
We are also meant to discern in our inner world.
Between wounded and empowered parts.
Between limiting or inspired stories.
Between our best and less than best selves.
Perhaps, knowledge is not the gathering of more material, memorizing the inner workings of minutia, but the intelligence to discern well.
Welcome to Virgo.
To be sure, it is impossible to be entirely without bias- personal and otherwise. This is why reason, rationality, fairness, open-mindedness, and integrity are required to discern well. Virgos and the Virgo part of us sometimes get criticized for being tactlessly realistic. This is not a liability, of course. Virgo truth may not always be the one we want. It is likely the one we need.
And we NEED some Virgo right now. Some discernment. Some analysis, assessment, empirical reasoning, and improvement. Some humble intellectual integrity and self-discipline. Some detachment from emotional reaction. Virgo is the reminder that no matter what we think or feel, we can always better our skills as we sort and express this information. Therefore, Virgo forces are always grounded in altruism, improvement, humility, accountability, and the lifelong quest of bettering our lives for all, not a select few.
This is the service factor in Virgo and the result of healthy discernment itself. Neptune and Pallas opposing this New Moon expand on this notion creating a powerful signature of divine justice and devotion. Because once we are grounded in the reality of what needs improving, Virgo asks us to show up and make it better. These are the seeds of potential this New Moon is sprouting.
How can you lessen another’s burden?
Where are you being called to serve?
Is your devotion to a cause sourced through the clearest channel of discernment?
Those questions are not contemplations. They are instructions. They are action steps and real world, boots on the ground, showing up, making a difference choice points of motion.
So, as we usher in this New Moon, let us focus on summoning our force of discernment and do the work it requires. Then, let us ask how we can best help to embody the bettering we discover.
“I cannot do all the good that the world needs. But the world needs all the good that I can do.”
― Jana Stanfield
This New Moon occurs at 14° Virgo.
Want to better understand what this time is revealing in you? Contact me for a reading.