New Moon in Virgo

“The whole purpose of reincarnation is to facilitate the continuity of a being’s work.” Dalai Lama

One of my favorite images for describing certain transits in astrology is this – it is like a train pulling into the station – some people get off the train – leave your life – and some new people enter it. The powerful upcoming New Moon in Virgo on Monday 8/25 EDT fits nicely with this image.

Because the Nodes – which are related to life purpose and destiny – are conjunct the axis of self and others- it creates a very good time for clear self definition in the present- who you are and how you define your life purpose. It is also a time to clarify which relationship dynamics – including how you relate to yourself as well as how you relate to others- you need to let go of. There will be significant assistance from planetary forces for initiatives like this at this time.

Old relationships may end, new ones – of a karmic nature- may appear or reappear suddenly. Consider and commit to the use of appropriate boundaries for any interactions based on the new definition of self. Be wary of getting involved in habitual behaviors which have been shown to lead down the wrong paths.
It is a time for the affirmation or reaffirmation of your whole self. Commit to the process of moving in a more holistic direction- giving equal weight to the realms of body, mind and spirit. Also commit to the discipline and work that is necessary – both short and long term – to implement your goals.

Because of the Nodal placements this New Moon is more like an eclipse – an evolutionary threshold which is best approached with a lot of consciousness.

One of the Sabian symbols for Juno – the asteroid of commitment – at the time of the New Moon is, ” A small naked girl bends over a sparkling pond trying to catch a fish.”

Amelia Shea specializes in issues of family, relationship and transition as well as life path and career.She can be reached at 603 654 1043, amelia.shea@comcast.net and ameliashea.com. Her readings start at $30 and can be done by phone, email and in person. All times mentioned at EDT. Sabian symbol quote from Lynda Hill’s 360 Degrees of Wisdom, Dalai Lama quote from Divine Sparks by Karen Speerstra.

Mars Conjuncts Saturn

“The main thing in life is not to forget to be human.” Pablo Casals

I have a friend who raises working dogs and one of the terms she uses to describe border collies -who can be very focused, driven and energized when herding sheep – is “geared”. “They are geared,” she says. As Mars moves closer to the conjunction with Saturn (in effect from 8/17 – 9/5) feeling “geared” may be a more common occurrence. There is a tendency with this aspect to overwork. There can also be a fair amount of frustration. Mars /Saturn aspects are sometimes described as “driving with the brakes on.”

This is an ambitious placement and people who have it in their natal charts are usually very hard workers. A lot can be accomplished under this influence with clear goals. But there can be snags along the way. Repressed feelings – often related to frustration or lack of empowerment – can arise and result in hostile and sometimes cruel behavior towards others.

It’s best if angry, frustrated or upset under this aspect to take a break and consider the cause and whether you are fighting old battles or being unreasonable. It’s also wise to plan for times that are restorative and provide a sense of peace and interconnectedness. One of the Sabian symbols for the degree of the conjunction is,”A quiet path through the woods brilliant in autumn coloring.”

Amelia Shea specializes in issues of family, relationship and transition as well as life path and career.She can be reached at 603 654 1043, amelia.shea@comcast.net and ameliashea.com. Her readings start at $30 and can be done by phone, email and in person. All times mentioned at EDT. Pablo Casals quote from Divine Sparks by Karen Speerstra, Sabian symbol quote from Lynda Hill’s 360 Degrees of Wisdom.