New Moon in Virgo and Mercury Retrograde

New Moon in Virgo: 5:03am.
Solar Eclipse at 9 Virgo: 5:07am.

Mercury Retrograde in Virgo all month.
Sun, Moon, Jupiter and the North Node in Virgo. That’s a LOT of action in the skies right now where Virgo falls in your chart. You can find your chart here, or set up a reading with me here.
Saturn at 10 Sagittarius
Mars at 13 Sagittarius
Neptune at 10 Pisces

It’s time for us to get organized and clear on our priorities as the Earth turns towards Autumn. How do you want to live this Winter? With Saturn and Mars squaring this eclipse, and Neptune opposing, we need to get serious and assess where we put our energy. How do you spend most of your day? What have you been ignoring? Where are you in fantasy? Today is a giant reality check. This is heavy energy so be gentle with yourself.

The North Node (destiny) is in the middle of this eclipse, leading us to our future. This is a wonderful aspect, allowing us to let go of the past and clear a path forward. You can actually get a glimpse of your future if you pay attention.

And regarding the Mercury Retrograde? Don’t freak out. Just try not to sign anything important or make large ticket purchases. Hold off on doing mercurial Magick until it’s done.

Whatever starts today and this weekend will build over the next two weeks. Huge opportunity for healing but focus on being of service to others.

Jupiter is entering Libra on September 9th which sets off a two year cycle of focus on partnerships of all kinds. What was happening in your life 12 years ago? Those issues are about to be revisited in September. You can also connect with like-minded people.

"What is Mercury Retrograde?

Three times a year (sometimes four), the planet Mercury appears to move backwards in its orbit. Do planets really move backwards? No. But a difference in orbital speeds creates the illusion of Mercury moving backwards.

What does Mercury represent in astrology?

In astrology, Mercury is the planet that symbolizes speaking, writing, critical thinking, information, the five senses, education, the mind, travel, transportation, movement, contracts, the market, duality, twins, and siblings.

Of course I cannot tell you what you should and should not do, but these activities are considered inauspicious during Mercury Retrograde: signing contracts, buying electronics, buying a car, and traveling — all Mercury ruled activities.

Other things to keep in mind?

• The retrograde is about review.
• Mercury Retrograde should not cause anxiety. Don’t spend three weeks in total fear of making the wrong move. Fear is the lowest energy to create from and you are an aspect of the Creator made physical. Work with Mercury Retrograde. Go back to something that’s been on the back burner. Revise a manuscript. Try a different path. Meditate and reflect."

"A month with two eclipses and Mercury Retrograde is NOT for a sudden move - it is for staying grounded. Pace yourself."

Autumnal Equinox

The Equinox arrives today at 7:29pm PDT.

Night and day are exactly the same length.

Today marks an astronomical transition point between Summer and Winter. It's the ancient Celtic festival of Meán Fómhair, or "Middle Harvest. This is the second harvest festival of the year, the first being Lammas (August 1st) and the third being Halloween (October 31st).

The seeds we have planted in the Spring are now coming to fruition. What have you been working on this year? What is coming to fruition in your life right now? It's harvest season, where we see the result of our labors. We reap what we have sown. Take Stock of what's around you.


"Libra Full Moon" by Alice Bailey 

Today we feel the turn of the wheel of the year. Standing in the middle of equal daylight to equal nighttime, we also look at BALANCE. Are we out of balance in our lives? Are we taking care of ourselves? Are we working hard but making time for our dreams and having fun too?  

Colors of the Season Orange, Dark Red, Yellow, Indigo, and Brown. Black and White.

This holiday was pivotal in ancient times, since a good final harvest was crucial to surviving the winter months ahead.  Relationships are reassessed so we can decide who is best to take into the harsh winter with us. If someone is draining your energy, now might be the time to let go. This is also the time to welcome the season of the Crone.  In Greek mythology, Persephone goes to the Underworld to learn the secrets of the Crone.

Autumnal Equinox ~ Mabon

The Autumnal Equinox is much more than the first day of Fall. It marks an astronomical transition point between Summer and Winter - for now we have equal day and equal night.



Today is referred to as the festival of Mabon. This is the second harvest festival of the year, the first being Lammas (August 1st) and the third being Halloween (October 31st). The seeds we have planted in the Spring are now coming to fruition.


What have you been working on this year? What is coming to fruition in your life right now? This is a really beautiful time of year - one of my favorites. It's harvest season, where we see the result of our labors. We reap what we have sown. It's the time to take stock of where you are in your life right now - what you've brought forth and what you still want to manifest.


Today we feel the turn of the wheel of the year. Standing in the middle of equal daylight to equal nighttime, we also look at BALANCE. Are we out of balance in our lives? Are we taking care of ourselves? Are we working hard but making time for our dreams and having fun too?


Mabon also relates to mid life; to our 40's and 50's when we have accomplished some things, but also might harbor regrets. The Equinox is a time to give yourself credit for all the wonderful things you've created and the positive difference you've made in the world. Honor your courage! And how much smarter you are now than when you were young.


The Fall Equinox is the time when the Goddess manifests in Her Bountiful Mother aspects. The God emerges as the Corn King and Harvest Lord. Colors are Orange, Dark Red, Yellow, Indigo, and Brown.

Select the best of each vegetable, herb, fruit, nut, and other food you have harvested or purchased and give it back to Mother Earth with prayers of thanksgiving. Hang dried ears of corn around your home in appreciation of the harvest season. Cast a circle, offering thanks as you face each direction -- for home, finances, and physical health (North); for gifts of knowledge (East); for accomplishments in career and hobbies (South); for relationships (West); and for spiritual insights and messages (Center).

This holiday was pivotal in ancient times, since a good final harvest was crucial to surviving the winter months ahead.  Relationships are reassessed so we can decide who is best to take into the harsh winter with us. If someone is draining your energy, now might be the time to let go.

This is also the time to welcome the season of the Crone.  Persephone goes to the Underworld to learn the secrets of the Crone (or in some stories she is kidnapped by Hades), and the earth is bare as Her mother, Demeter, mourns Her loss.

(Photo of The Glastonbury Tor in the Valley of Avalon in Glastonbury England from the Llewellyn's Witches' Calendar year 2000)

The Harvest Fields of Virgo ~ Horoscopes

We made it to September! The crazy month of August is at an end. Lots of turmoil in planetary configurations the last few weeks... and we've seen it manifest here on Earth. The planets made several tension-producing Grand Crosses in the sky... plus the Mercury Retrograde which lasted most of the month.

Meanwhile transformative events sprang up from every corner of the globe. The violence in Syria, riots and fires in London, the dip of the US credit rating and the resulting upheaval in global stock markets. The final Grand Cross occured the last week of August and spawned the fall of Gaddafi's regime, a rare east coast earthquake and a hurricane!!

You'll be happy to know the month of September will be much quieter.

The New Moon in Virgo occurred last Sunday night at 8:04pm Pacific time. Venus leads the Sun, Mercury and Mars through their yearly journey through Virgo, enhanced by Mercury's Direct motion.


Virgo is the only earth sign in the zodiac that's ruled by Air. This is significant because AIR is about ideas while the EARTH element is Manifestation. Virgo helps us take practical steps towards achieving our dreams.

The Sun's movement into Virgo means we have officially entered the harvest season. Burn gold and green candles for wealth. Venus is our guide, asking us to slow down and pay attention to what we are harvesting - especially in the area of relationships.

The horoscopes below reflect the focus for the next month and Mercury's Direct station. Read your Sun sign, but I find looking at my Rising sign or Ascendant to give me the most accurate read for the month!

Aries:  The Ram
The Sun and Venus are traveling through your House of Work and Health for the next few weeks. You will shine at work and it's a great time to negotiate with your boss. Try not to get swept up in other people's objectives and stay focused on your goals. Mercury has turned Direct in your House of Romance and Creativity! If you and your sweetie have had communication issues the last few weeks, they are about to be smoothed out.

Taurus:   The Bull
This is a great time of year for you! Venus and the Sun are traveling through your House of Romance! It's the most important part of life for Taureans. Your creativity is being activated the next few weeks too so write some poems for your sweetheart. Mercury is now traveling Direct through your Home, giving you the energy to redecorate the places you feel most secure.

Gemini:  The Twins
The strong current of fortunate opportunity is running through your home life for the next few weeks. You can attract the people and resources you need to make yourself feel more secure... not just your Home but your state of mind too. It's a very powerful time for Gemini people. August was challenging with your ruler moving backwards, but Mercury is now foraging a Direct path through your House of Communication. Expect harmonious negotiations with people.

Cancer:  The Crab
Good fortune will be coming to you through Communications over the next several weeks. This means person to person, but also through the computer! It's a great time to start an online business or other project. Reflect on your current path. With the Sun and Venus here, the conditions are ripe for you to achieve a new level of fulfillment. Meanwhile, Mercury is dancing through your Money House - tossing financial opportunities in your direction!

Leo:  The Lion
You are a VERY lucky lion. Two extremely fortunate planets - the Sun and Venus - are moving through your Money House the next few weeks. This sends great financial windfalls in your direction! September will be a great month, and you will finally get some traction with money issues. Not only that but Mercury just turned Direct in your sign giving you extra negotiating ability!

Virgo: The Virgin
Happy Birthday! What a Fantastic time this is for you! Your ruler Mercury has just turned forward, setting your life in the right direction. Over the next few weeks you will go through your solar rebirth. It will touch on your appearance, how you interact with others and your overall approach to life. What would you like to see happen in your life over the next year?

Libra:   The Scales
You have some fortunate planets moving through your House of Self Undoing. This brings the opportunity to undo your self sabotaging behaviors, which I think is the best gift of all. With Saturn in residence in your sign, it's definitely time to get serious about your goals in life. Prepare to have some obstacles cleared from your path.

Scorpio:   The Scorpion
Good Fortune and Romance come through your social circle this month! Spend some time with friends and have some fun! This applies to contacts you make over the internet too. Meanwhile Mercury is moving forward through your Career House sending all sorts of great opportunities your way! Busy month ahead.

Sagittarius:  The Archer
CAREER. PROMOTION. MONEY!! These are your buzzwords for the next month! The benefics (fortunate) planets, the Sun and Venus, are dancing in your House of Career giving you INCREDIBLE opportunities and luck! This part of your chart also rules the public face you show to the world, so it can mean a rise in status too! Mercury is moving forward in your House of Other People's Money, so it's a fabulous time to negotiate agreements. You can't lose.

Capricorn:  The Sea Goat
The Sun and Venus are moving through your House of Perspective and Travel over the next few weeks! You will gain new insights about your life, both in the present and where you're headed. Pay close attention to any revelations you have in September! Higher education is also enhanced so if you're heading to school you will have a blast - socially and in the classroom.

Aquarius:  The Water Bearer
The focus for September will be Banks, Credit and Shared Resources. The Sun and Venus are extremely beneficial influences in this area for you, so if you need a loan now's the time to apply! If you're in the market for a new house, you will find the perfect one. Financial arrangements line up in your favor for the next month so make the most of it.

Pisces:  The Fish
Virgo is beaming some glorious good fortune your way for the next few weeks! It's a special time because Virgo is your polar opposite, meaning partnerships are highlighted. With Venus and the Sun traveling through Virgo, you have strong positive force on your side. This is the month to find that special someone, or to deepen the bonds you already have with a partner. Business relationships will also be harmonious, and you can attract resources and prosperity!

Horoscopes for the Full Moon, Virgo and the Mercury retrograde

My new favorite picture! This is the archangel of the Air element - RAPHAEL

(painted by Howard David Johnson).

I've been thinking about the Air element a lot lately...

First there's the heat in San Francisco the past couple of days. It's because the winds have changed direction. They are blowing East to West for the first time in several weeks. It's significant when winds change direction. It means magic is in the air and transformation is imminent.

The Sun just followed Mercury (Lord of the Winds) into the sign of Virgo - the only earth sign in the zodiac that's ruled by Air. This is notable because AIR is about ideas while the EARTH element is Manifestation. They work well together. Virgo helps us take practical steps towards achieving our dreams.

Today (Tuesday) is also a Full Moon in Pisces - the sign of the dreamer, artist, musician, humanitarian and mystic. It's perhaps the most spiritual of the signs and brings us closer to the God of our understanding.

With Lammas behind us and Mabon ahead, we are in the harvest season. Mercury is our guide, asking us to slow down and pay attention to what we are harvesting.

The horoscopes below reflect the Full Moon and the recent Mercury retrograde. 

Aries:  The Ram
Tonight's Full Moon lands squarely in your 12th House of Your Blind Spot. It's also the arena of Dreams and Spirituality. Try to remember your dreams this week - they will send you insightful messages from your unconscious. Mercury’s retrograde lands in your House of Work and Health, so prepare for some short circuits around the workplace. Stay focused on your goals and it will all sort itself out. One of your greatest gifts is your originality, and now is the time to let your light shine.

Taurus:   The Bull
The Full Moon in Pisces today shines a light on your 11th House of Friendships! Get out and be sociable this week. Hang out with your tribe. On the other side of your chart Mercury’s retrograde has landed in your 5th House of Relationships. Keep open communications with your partner. You might notice some of the past returning too...

Gemini:  The Twins
The Full Moon today brings light and focus to Career issues. Put aside analysis and pay attention to the wise voice inside you that "knows" the answer. Listen to your heart, this is the key to any events occurring this week. Meanwhile the Mercury Retrograde (until mid-Sept.) will be running through your home life. Listen carefully to other points of view and convey your own thoughts honestly - you want to aim for balance in your dealings with people.

Cancer:  The Crab
The Full Moon in Pisces today may send you off on a journey, or have you wistfully daydreaming about where you'd like to go. Today is also a great day to ruminate on your life perspective, and update where necessary. The big thing to watch out for though is the Mercury retrograde in Virgo in the Communications sector of your chart! Try to be as clear as possible in your communication because misunderstandings are possible. Get everything in writing!

Leo:  The Lion
Today is the day to put some attention on your business partnerships. How do you envision them moving forward? Who would you like to be working with and under what conditions? Meanwhile your Financial House will be going through some reorganization the next few weeks. Get all your paperwork in order so the retrograde won't hand you any unexpected surprises.

Virgo: The Virgin
The Full Moon in Pisces today puts a laser beam on your relationships. Strive for balance - remember your needs are important too. The Mercury retrograde will have a big affect on you since Mercury is your ruler and he's going backwards through your sign! Over the next few weeks you will go through a rebirth concerning your appearance, how you interact with others and your overall approach to life

Libra:   The Scales
This week the Moon puts the focus on Work and Health issues that need attention. On the other side of your chart Mercury will be moving backwards through your House of Self Undoing until mid-September. You could Undo your Undoing! Cool. With Saturn in residence in your sign, everything is geared towards you facing reality and maturing nowadays... focus on the footwork, the universe will guide you through the rest.

Scorpio:   The Scorpion
Ooooh La La! Watch for sudden events regarding Love and Romance this week! Just try not to lose your discernment while you're having all that fun. Mercury’s retrograde in Virgo has you clarifying your relationships with friends and coworkers over the next few weeks. I encourage you to strive for fairness, justice and balance.

Sagittarius:  The Archer
This Full Moon is illuminating situations regarding your Home. Try to be diplomatic regarding the issues you're dealing with - you will make better progress. For the next few weeks Mercury’s retrograde has you reworking your career path. Try to hold off making critical decisions or signing anything until September 15th.

Capricorn:  The Sea Goat
The Full Moon in Pisces highlights your communications with others for the next few days. You will do well to first get clarity on what you want - then you can speak your truth most accurately. Mercury’s retrograde has you rethinking your perspectives about your life, both in the present and where you're headed.

Aquarius:  The Water Bearer
Tonight the Full Moon is lighting up your financial sector. It's a good week to get your records in order especially since Mercury is dancing backwards through your House of Banks, Credit and Shared Resources. You will experience a strong financial rebirth in the middle of September from the reassessment and negotiations you do today.

Pisces:  The Fish
The Full Moon is shining down on you tonight, bringing good feelings, luck, and oneness with the universe. Pay close attention to your dreams this week. They will bring information from the aethers that will illuminate your path. Meanwhile Mercury's retrograde in Virgo gives you the chance to reassess and rework your important relationships.

August 1 ~ First Harvest of the year ~ Happy Lammas Day!

Today is the first of three harvest festivals of the year. It's Lammas or "loaf" day, and it's the first wheat harvest. Whatever "seed" you planted last March is coming to fruition now.

I love this time of year! I'm glad to be in this century though, so I don't have to go out into the fields and harvest wheat...