Seeking Wholeness

“As August slowly cools away towards autumn, dawns become misty as with a forecast of the chill ahead. Over the ponds and streams the mist is like smoke, curling and wreathing in the sunrise air as the mysterious little currents of breeze play tag; white smoke, the incense of fading summer, vanishes as the sun reaches higher above the horizon.” –Hal Borland (Borland Country)

We are in the time between the seasons, a wistful, melancholy place; another turning point in the year. It doesn’t quite feel like fall. The weather is still warm and lush, the beaches are open, and the farm stands are overflowing with ripe peaches, fragrant basil, and juicy tomatoes. Yet, like the apples ripening on the trees, we can smell the faint, pungent fragrance of autumn in the coolness of the evening air and this too is full of promise and seduction.

“Change in the natural world is subtle and relentless; seasons seem to give way gently to one another, even if the monthly motion is so swift we don’t realize we’re moving. But when the leaves start turning colors, it’s time for turning over a personal leaf so that our lives might be restored.” –Sarah Ban Breathnach (Simple Abundance)

Nothing says back to work and school like the sign Virgo! We have left the vibrant, colorful and artistic world of Leo and entered the practical and pristine domain of Virgo. This modest sign may not have the charisma or Leo or the magnetism of Scorpio but Virgo brings devotion and dedication to everything it does. All those creative ideas and inspiration that has been brewing over the summer are ready to be set in motion.

Not only is the Sun and Moon in determined Virgo but mental Mercury, pro-active Mars, romantic Venus, and the asteroid June (our capacity for relationships) are there as well – encouraging us to move forward on some project or plan. High-voltage Mars, a degree of the Sun and Moon, provides enormous energy but Mars in exacting Virgo can be demanding. And with no planets in air; it’s about doing and more doing. Pace yourself. We can do everything – just not all at the same time.

Tough-love Saturn makes a wide trine to the Virgo planets lending its solid support and reminding us that nothing happens without commitment and self-discipline. Brilliant and edgy Uranus in earthy Taurus, makes a powerful and optimistic trine to the Virgo line-up, waking us up to what is possible and inspiring us to break out of our old conditioning and reach for the stars! September 1, innovative Uranus connects with Mercury. Unexpected meetings and flashes of genius abound. Neptune (in Pisces) is in harmony with the North Node (in Cancer). This New Moon emboldens us to dream big but insists we do the necessary work.

Transformational Pluto (in Capricorn) and the asteroid Vesta (in Taurus) are also joined by a favorable trine. Vesta (the Greek Hestia) was the goddess of the hearth and keeper of the sacred flame. In ancient times Vesta had a shrine at the center of every household and every public hearth. Vesta is associated with the principal of focus and commitment and naturally aligned with the sign Virgo. Although not the largest asteroid in the sky, she is the brightest. The sign Taurus is (among other things) is associated with self-worth. Vesta’s relationship to Pluto in the chart of the New Moon asks us, what do we need to transform in order to become more whole?

“The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up”

Since Virgo is associated with health and well-being, this is the perfect time to sign up for a yoga class, get some body-work, begin to meditate or commit to a healthier life style. Virgo is linked with education and service; consider taking a course, an online webinar or becoming involved in a cause that interests you. It’s also ideal for examining any negative habits and taking (gentle) steps to change them.

A New Moon is always a new beginning, a time to set a goal or intention; plant a seed then watch it flower at the Full Moon two weeks later. Virgo is concerned with refining, consolidating and eliminating. What in your life what needs fixing or adjusting? What area of your life do you need to see more clearly? Virgo strives for perfection; it has the ability to see precisely what needs to be done and acts on it. But remember, perfection is a divine attribute, not a human one. The shadow or dark side of Virgo is criticism and self-sabotage. The high Virgo is more about wholeness; learning to love ourselves for who we are and not for what we do. A good mantra is: “I vow to practice unconditional kindness towards myself and others.”

“Seeking after wholeness is the heart of the Warrior’s quest. And yet what you are striving to become in actuality is what you already are in essence; it is your personal myth, that which you are to make conscious, bring into form, express in a creative way. The sun symbolizes the path and illuminates the goal, which is the human heart.” – The Book of Runes by Ralph Blum

September – The Spiritual New Year

Since ancient times, September has been viewed as the beginning of the spiritual new year by several different cultures. Jews observe Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year). Ten days later, the year’s transgressions are forgiven on Yon Kippur, the Day of Atonement (at one ment). It is the most solemn and sacred festival of to the Jewish calendar; a day of withdrawal from the world in order to become right with God and others. No matter what religion or tradition we practice, this time of the year is one of reflection and renewal.

For me, September has always felt like the real beginning of the year. School starts and the season comes alive; there’s a sense of excitement and anticipation. The leaves are turning and there’s a readiness in us to turn a corner as well. New Year’s Day on January 1, coming so soon after Christmas, seems obligatory and too public; the resolutions can feel forced. The intentions or goals we set in September feel more genuine.

“The beauty of autumnal resolutions is that no one else knows we’re making them. Autumnal resolutions don’t require horns, confetti, or champagne. September resolutions ask only that we be open to positive change.” –Sarah Ban Breathnach (Simple Abundance)

Enjoy this beautiful season, the fusion of both summer and fall, sunny skies and cool breezes, and the possibility and new projects and fresh beginnings.

All is well, you are love, Virginia