Virgo’s Endless Project of Improvement ♍
Hiya Friend,
This week is going to be a juicy one. Today, Mercury ends his retrograde. We've also got a New Moon on Monday evening in the sign of the Virgin — just one day after Pluto moves back into Capricorn for the last time in our lives!
I'll be outlining all that in the AstroLogical Forecast, so be sure to read my entire post for all the details.
I want to delve into the Virgo archetype a bit more so that you have some context for the New Moon. Here's a story to set the stage. 🌙 ♍
Recently, I was listening to a YouTube short from my spiritual teacher, Adyashanti. (I've been studying with him for over 10 years and my life has completely transformed as a result of putting his teachings into practice.) In this particular clip, he said something soooo Virgo.
Spiritual seekers can often get stuck in "an endless project of improvement."
👉 There's a hidden belief that many of us hold. It's something like: If I'm a good enough person then all my suffering will cease and life's problems will drop away. (Sound familiar?)
At some point though, the spiritually mature seeker "recognizes that this is endless." There's no end to self improvement because life is a constant unfolding. We never cease to grow and change in a universe that is ever-evolving.
When we finally come to realize that there's no endpoint that will free us from life's travails, then something even more significant can happen — our energy is freed. 💎
Rather than engaging in the endless project of improvement, we can turn toward that thing inside of ourselves that's more nourishing and peaceful. You could call that Consciousness, God, Spirit or whatever other word you prefer. 🕊️
What does that have to do with astrology? Only everything.
The planets and their movement are reflecting back the patterns of energy that we experience at particular times, both individually and collectively. Each planet represents a different archetype, or theme, that's prominent during those times.
Virgo is the archetype of improving upon existing systems to create healthy function. It's unceasing in its desire to obtain an idealized perfection — whether that's a perfect body, a perfectly organized kitchen or a perfectly composed personality that never betrays weakness. ♍
We all have Virgo somewhere in our chart. Often, it's where we're self-critical or feel a need to improve.
The polarity point to humble Virgo is sweet Pisces. The fish is the archetype of surrender. It knows that no amount of doing or improving leads to God. ♓
On the contrary, it's often the cessation of constant improvement that cultivates the quietness needed to hear the still small voice of God and come to experience the peace we're seeking.
I totally bought into this for years. When I look back on it, the implied promise that I would be free of suffering is probably the primary belief that motivated my spiritual path. Every now and again, I still find my mind returning to some such thoughts. 💭
>> Any chance that's also one of the expectations you've been holding onto?
Each month we have a New Moon. Symbolically, New Moons represent a time in which we can initiate something new or plant seeds for something we want to grow in our lives. 🌱
Virgo reminds us that the Mind-Body-Spirit are one. We will never reach some idealized perfection because it's impossible.
Isn't that a relief, though?
To know that you are worthy and whole exactly as you are, whether you're on a spiritual path or engaging in the endless project of improvement?
Here's a New Moon contemplation for you:
🌙 ♍ Where in your life are you constantly effort-ing or wanting to improve because you think you need to do or be better?
Is it possible that this "endless project of improvement" is hindering you in some way or otherwise preventing you from accessing a deeper and more nourishing aspect of your being? 🤔
Personally, under this New Moon, I'll be setting the intention that I consistently turn toward Consciousness to nourish my Mind-Body-Spirit and not another self-improvement project.
⚡ The AstroLogical Forecast ⚡
🐒🍌 Mercury retrograde ends today at 2.13pm PT!
Finally! The last three weeks felt like three months over here. How about for you?
Don't forget that while the Cosmic Trickster may be moving direct again, we're still in his retrograde shadow through Friday, September 13. Expect some lingering shenanigans, though they're likely to be less frustrating.
💜 ♎ Venus moves into her home sign of Libra on Thursday at 6.22am PT.
Venus is leaving Virgo, one of her least favorite signs. She delights in being in Libra where she can fully express her devotion to interpersonal relationships. 💘
Expect that relationship matters will generally improve now and over the coming few weeks with Libra's gentler and more diplomatic approach.
>> Now through Friday, she'll be in a harmonious aspect to intense Pluto. You may experience a new depth and intimate connection in an important relationship.
🐍 ♑ On Sunday at 4.58pm PT, Lord Pluto moves back into Capricorn until November 19.
Basically, this is Pluto's last stand in responsible Capricorn. The remainder of this year is calling us to wrap-up whatever situations or patterns have come full circle on a transformative cycle that began about 15-years ago.
This can present the same pressure cooker of anticipation or anxiety that we feel during any major life transition, like beginning a new job, ending a long-term relationship or moving. 🔥
>> We're culminating a major cycle. Come 2025, you'll be emerging from the cocoon more empowered and filled with gratitude for having endured the wild ride!
🌙 ☀️ ♍ Monday at 6.55pm PT, the New Moon meets the Sun in Virgo.
See above!
You are not a problem to be solved, firstname.
Keep this top of mind as we once again get a BIG dose of Pluto in Capricorn. We're likely to be revisiting whatever lose ends needs to be put in order before we can step into the new energy. ✨
Thank goodness we're in Virgo Season. There's no better time to get our houses in order than now — both proverbially and literally!
xo,
E
P.S. Don't miss connecting with like-minded friends at the astrological Guidance Circle on Thursday, September 5. Here's what Jenny had to say about this unique event:
"I love the Guidance Circle! It is a great chance to meet others who love astrology. Eileen is a dynamic facilitator who keeps us laughing while guiding us through a discussion on the week's topic. It's fun to get to know others and their charts!"
