The run up to this New Moon in Virgo has seen awkward circumstances around relationships. Arrangements of a romantic, artistic or spiritual nature may have been problematic, or fallen through completely. Any difficulty probably arose through putting trust in appearances and hoped-for outcomes, rather than in ‘gut feelings,’ which are intuitive responses in the solar plexus (Mars in Taurus square Neptune, late August). The consequent let-downs could have been very hurtful, but are not likely to be permanently damaging (Jupiter’s present Libran alliance with Venus, who trined Neptune at the end of August). On the practical level, difficulties have more obvious results, which have to be dealt with.

At the time of the New Moon on Saturday, it could become clear just what those ‘let-down messages’ were about. If you have had such an experience, look for the benefit it may have brought you – in what way you may be better off now, than you would have been had the intended outcome happened. Help others with any understanding you have gained, and the whole experience will prove to be very growthful (Mars approaching a quincunx to Jupiter).

If we have been learning from hard emotional experience recently, we will now be able to understand the principles of relationship a whole lot better. This has the benefit of strengthening the relationships that made it through the let-downs; and in the relationships that do not match those principles, we may find ourselves stating our case clearly, and making a break if our needs are not met (Venus sextile Pluto). Having our needs met has to do with respecting ourselves as much as we would respect someone else, but without controlling another’s behaviour. Rather than bending to suit another’s shape, we need to maintain our own shape and see if the other person’s character fits it. We need to appreciate our own truth, and if our top priorities are not met, it’s not just that the other person is being obtuse, there really is incompatibility. Our truth is not always clear, though. Sometimes our lack of flexibility on a particular principle can indicate that we are holding on through habit, or pride.

During this coming month, circumstances will be helping us to understand where pride is less than useful (Saturn in Leo whose ruler, the Sun, is in Virgo). We have a tendency to identify certain behaviour as morally correct, and then we experience judgement of our behaviour, or anyone else’s, when it falls short. It is ourselves that do the judging – other people’s criticism of us only upsets us if we ourselves are already criticising. Any self-criticism shows that you expected yourself to behave differently from how you actually did, refusing to accept what happened, learn from it, and let go of the situation. Those expectations we have are part of a complex structure like a strong metal ‘net’ that holds our shape fixed, and we look at the world from inside it. This is how Saturn in Leo can look when the light of the heart is dimmed. Although we feel safe in that container, within its cage-like structure, we have no freedom in life.

During the three weeks following this New Moon, the lesson of freedom will be available (Saturn approaching a quincunx to Uranus). We will find new freedom through realising exactly which bits of this ‘identity net’ are ready to be released at the moment. We are always ready for the next bit of development and, however small it may be, we need to appreciate that we are growing. This next step could be the discovery of some prideful part of our self-made structure, that needs to be let go in order for us to fulfil a valuable role in our group of friends or family.

It is when we are authentic that our behaviour sets others free as well as ourselves. Everybody benefits when the truth is served. When we are authentic, we have the sensitivity to recognise when a change of plan is needed, or a different response to someone we have always treated a certain way. And we are also flexible enough to make that change.

11 to 13 September could be a key time for giving the gift, fulfilling the role, benefiting the people in your circle (Sun trines Mars, and Mars sextiles Pluto, both pointing an exact quincunx at Jupiter). Learning to give appropriately is the message of this Virgo New Moon, Virgo being the most altruistic of the signs. Virgo is the quality of using one’s energy and expertise in the most efficient way to improve life for everyone. This goes for Sun-sign Virgo people, and anyone else with a personal planet or direction in Virgo. Focussed on the most important thing, Virgo gives what they can spare to make a difference, aiming to improve the lot of as many people as possible.

One of the reasons that Virgo’s caring nature is not understood is the cool appraisal of a situation, and typically giving no more than can be managed comfortably. The wisdom in this is something we all need to learn, because giving what is appropriate in the moment leaves us healthy and happy enough to give to the next moment as well; rather than leaving us drained and exhausted, having given beyond our boundaries. Part of what needs to be learned, in order to be authentic, is where our boundaries are, and where they need to be for us to be mentally and emotionally independent (Virgo). To locate our boundaries, we are very likely to step out across them; and to bring them to a state of health, we need to step back again inside them.

By 15 September, we will be understanding how giving to others works both ways, because it invokes the principle of abundance in our lives for ourselves as well as everybody else (Mercury trining Mars in Taurus). The second half of this month we will have a blend of sensitivity, with practical understanding and effective motivation (the emotional Full Moon in Pisces coincides with Sun and Mercury in Virgo trining the Taurus Mars). One of the important things that could be going on is the next phase in dealing with damage following extreme earth conditions - the competent organisation of re-building programmes, and their sensitive application. By giving, we open the channel to receive, and all life benefits.

Meditation
for this Virgo New Moon:

Appreciate the small, and the simple, gifts in your life,

and give back to life and people in simple ways.