The moon is on her way to being new this Sunday in the earthy sign of Virgo at 2:54 pm CST. This is the second new moon in Virgo; the first one occurred on August 23. New moons occur every month when the sun and moon are in the same sign at the exact same degree; this is known as a conjunction in astrology. For this particular new moon both the sun and moon will be conjunct at 29 degrees of Virgo. New moons are symbolic of new beginnings so it’s the perfect time to set new intentions and make new wishes. The day before the new moon is the dark moon. It’s believed that our psychic vibe is turned up during a dark moon so this is a great time to get out your oracle or tarot deck and give yourself a reading. Journaling and meditation are other activities that are beneficial during a dark moon.

As mentioned earlier this is also a solar eclipse. Solar eclipses only occur on new moons when the moon is between the sun and the Earth partially or totally blocking out the light of the sun. You can think of a solar eclipse as a more dramatic and hyped-up new moon and they have the potential to bring about great change in our lives. If we’ve been dragging our feet and not making necessary changes, a solar eclipse can come along and give us the push we may not like but we know we need.

Element: Earth, meaning Virgo is a sign linked to practicality, results, reality and the material world.

Planetary Ruler: Mercury, the planet of communication. In Roman mythology Mercury was the messenger of the gods.

Symbol: The Maiden, symbol of purity and modesty. She is often seen with wheat in her hand linking Virgo to nature and the earth.

Cosmic House: The 6th House, the angle of the astrological wheel that deals with health, daily routines, daily work environment and being of service.

Numerology: 6, the number of service, responsibility to others, family, love and home.

Crystals: Peridot, sardonyx and moss agate are stone related to Virgo and you may want to carry or work with these during this new moon solar eclipse.

Colors: Earth tones like greens and browns and sometimes orange.

Best Cosmic Coupling: Fellow earth signs Capricorn and Taurus.

Modality: Mutable, meaning Virgo is an energy that can be flexible and adaptable.

Keywords: virtue, order, service, obligation, duty, perfectionism and analysis.

As mentioned up top, this is the second Virgo new moon this season so we’ve gotten a double scoop of this earthy energy. Clearly the Cosmos is sending us a message that it’s time to get grounded. Over the last couple of years you’ll hear people on social media say, “you need to go out and touch grass” meaning you need to get grounded. Going out and touching grass is perfect advice for a new moon in Virgo. Giving us another dose of earthy energy is Saturn making an opposition to this new moon. In astrology when planets for a relationship with each other it’s called an aspect.

Aspects can have a very easy, flowing energy or a difficult and antagonistic energy; squares are difficult aspects. Saturn opposing this new moon solar eclipse means it’s making a difficult aspect to both the moon and sun. When Saturn opposes the moon our daily habits, emotional patterns and sense of security are front and center. Emotional maturity is required at this time. Saturn opposing the moon can be an awakening process that allows us to see destructive habits and emotional reactions that are no longer working for us. Our sun sign represents our talents, will, vitality and potential.

When Saturn opposes the sun we become aware of the ways we hide our light and ambition and the ways in which we sabotage our success and potential. How are you limiting yourself? Saturn in opposition to the sun can also relate to burn-out. If we’ve been burning the candle at both ends this new moon solar eclipse in Virgo can indicate we’re in need of some self-care. Now is the time to look within and see what aspects of our own personality are contributing to this burn-out. Ultimately, this solar eclipse can help us take responsibility for our future.

Have a great new moon solar eclipse and we hope to see you in the store soon. Take care.

Kevin Casey is an astrologer and card reader who first encountered metaphysics in 1991 through the spiritual text A Course in Miracles. He began his reading practice in 2003 and joined Body Mind & Soul as a reader in 2007. His blend of astrology, numerology, and Tarot make for fascinating and insightful readings and his undying passion for pop music allows him to look at popular culture through astrological and metaphysical eyes.

 He is available for both 30-minute and 1-hour personal readings at Body Mind & Soul. Bookings can be reserved at bmshouston.com/pages/kevin-casey.

illustration courtesy Ralf Seemann from Pixabay