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Sun
moves into the productive, organized sign of Virgo in the early hours of August
23 and stays in this sign until the Autumnal Equinox in the sign of Libra
on September 23, 2003 at 03:47 PDT.
This month the patterns in the sky are challenging, it is best to just focus on working through our personal issues. Going back and doing properly or redoing is one of the major themes. Mars remains retrograde throughout the period and this is absolutely not the time to start new things or hurrying. The Leo period was the RED light month. The Virgo month is the ORANGE light month. With the Sun in Libra Month we will finally have the GREEN Light. October will be better!
Most of the reader e-mails I get through this site are from Virgo Sun individuals,
who have read my little essay on the sixth house.
Virgos all feel that their sign gets the worst rap in write ups about the
signs. Picky, anal retentive, critical, overly practical and annoyingly organized
- you get the picture. Some statistics I read years ago pointed out that Virgo
is the most common sign. I pointed this out to a Virgo friend, who quickly
agreed, stating that it makes sense - all those pre-Christmas parties would
have been nine months prior (22/11 - 21/12). The accuracy of the ‘statistical
statement' is questionable at best. At sunrise the ascending (rising) sign
is the same as the Sun sign. The signs each rise for two hours only at the
equator. At our latitude, 49° North, Virgo rises for three hours and while
the Sun is in Virgo it means the three hours following sunrise. The probability
of having a Virgo Ascendant is higher than Aries or Pisces. Noon births in
July would occur while Virgo is rising, and late afternoon births in March
would result in Virgo rising at our latitude. The Moon spends two and a half
days in Virgo every month.
To skip intro just read signs: Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces.
Mars spent six months in Virgo in 1996-97 (Oct 31, 96-Jan 3, 97 and Mar 9 - June 19, 97), 1979-80 (Nov 20, 79 - Mar11, 1980 and May 5 - Jul 10, 1980) and July 11, 1964 to June 29, 1965. Also, an extended period 1949-1950. These periods occur at 15-17 year intervals with many exceptions. The point being that the people born during these periods have Mars in Virgo. Mars is the planet that defines what we do, how we do it and how we expend effort. Mars in Virgo individuals are born perfectionists and learning to cope with that inclination can be challenging. The need to learn compromise and when to compromise become issues.
Venus spends four months in Virgo once every eight years during a 108-year
cycle. July - Early November in 1999, 1991, 1983, 1975, 1967, 1959, 1951,
1943, 1935, 1927, 1919, and1911. Individuals born during these times will
have Venus in Virgo.
The other signs involved in these Venus cycles are Aries (since 1961- February
through early June); Gemini (since 1996 - April - early August); Scorpio (since
1954 at 8-year intervals - September - December); and Aquarius (since 1910
- add 8 year increments to first year given, the months are December of previous
year through early April of the year listed).
In my weekly column for August 27, 2003 I pointed out the themes repeating from August - September 1999. The connection is the fact that Venus stationed at 5°Virgo, and the new Moon on August 27 occurs at that degree while Mars retrograde (conjunct Uranus) is opposing from 5°Pisces. Shortly after Jupiter reaches that degree, and Mars will return to that point in the course of this Autumn as will Uranus early in 2004. When these sensitized degrees are connected to our natal charts the impact is stronger. The next Venus station in Virgo occurs in 2007. The next four-month period occurs in Gemini starting in April 2004.
If you were born with Venus in one of the signs listed above, and especially during the years when Venus spent four months in that sign, you share common values, convictions and views with those who were born in that same or subsequent period.
Generation X shares the Uranus-Pluto conjunction in Virgo. The Uranus in Virgo period spans about seven years. Even without a planet in Virgo we each have Virgo traits somewhere in our charts.
When there is emphasis of planets in Virgo, we need to learn to use the skills and talents defined by the sign. Virgo is know for its no-nonsense, practical approach to life's challenges and tasks. Virgo excels at organizing, taking it one step at the time and doing the research before purchasing anything or signing on the dotted line.
The Sun in astrology defines who we are becoming and what we are maturing into. It is our ego and the process of becoming self-aware. Initially we relate better to our Moon sign as that defines our instinctual responses and emotional nature. I find that around age 19, we start becoming acutely aware of our inner nature often having issues with people whose Sun is in that sign. At that time we also experience our first nodal return. The nodes of the Moon are linked to the relationship between the Sun and the Moon. I find that age 19 is when we start working on understanding our Sun sign qualities.
What are the inherent qualities of Virgo? Let's take that negative list from
the second paragraph. A neutral word for picky is discriminating. That is
the ability to use good judgment or taste. Virgo is the sign associated with
refining, perfecting and learning skills through repetition - practise makes
perfect! A neutral word for critical would be discerning, which is almost
identical in its definition to discriminating. So many words talk about the
same thing.
Retentive on its own is a neutral term. Retention defines the ability recall
information. This is a skill that is required in order to analyse and categorize
information. That skill is finely honed with strong Virgo traits.
Why does it annoy us so that Virgo has plenty of common sense? Or the fact that Virgo is able to pluck away at it until they have uncovered all the information for analysis, or toiled with an object or chore until it is perfect, neat, tidy and orderly. When our world is organized, it is easier to concentrate on other matters, there is less need to agonize over things that need our attention. (No, I am not a Virgo).
Last year I chose a human image for Virgo a woman with a sheaf of wheat, a caduceus, autumn harvest, a mortar and a pestle, images we associate with Virgo. This year I opted for an image of autumn berries - the fruit of our labours. This year much of my writing has addressed the issue of learning to give form to our ‘brain' children. If we don't pick the fruit of the tree, it rots, falls down and fertilizes the earth instead of feeding us. We always have a choice whether to act on something or let it go. There is a beautiful harvest at your finger tips (different for each one of us) - will you take the time to collect it for future use?
All of us have Virgo somewhere in our charts. Many have planets there, but all of us have one Virgo house cusp, which represents an area of our lives. I have Virgo in my 9th house - the house of publishing, foreign travel, higher learning and education. I make typos and grammatical errors as most of us do, but I agonize over my published writing. Over the years I have become a prolific, organized writer and the subjects I write about are about philosophical and expansive concepts also represented by this house. People whose Sun falls into our 9th house represent teachers, so I learn a lot from the Virgo individuals I meet. This is the house of foreigners, and most of the people I know represent other countries, cultures, religions and traditions. From a solar perspective if you have a Capricorn Sun or Capricorn rising Virgo is on your 9th house cusp.
This Virgo month Mars comes closer to Earth than in the past 60,000 years. We have a spectacular view of the planet. Mars is the brightest object in the sky all of August, rising late evening. Venus is combust the Sun, thus not visible until later in September. On the 27th Mars is visible all night long and as it is the time of a New Moon, nothing brighter competes with Mars. Don't expect to see a huge ball in the sky, Mars actually looks like a star, bright, flickering and with an orange glow. I looked at it through binoculars and thought that it looked like an aeroplane. Read the detailed article about Mars on this site for more information on this cycle, the write up includes a short delineation for each Sun sign.
Mercury retrogrades in Virgo starting August 28. This event is described in detail in the Mercury retrograde in Earth article. We can expect communications and instructions to fall on deaf ears. Listen to the conversations of others, and hear how each person is stating the same thoughts using different words. Notice how quickly the voices become raised, as a conversation becomes a debate or even an argument. Mars opposing this point, as well as the New Moon position, makes the month challenging. Getting things done properly and staying organized is a source of frustration. The bigger theme of giving form to our ideas, concepts and plans started late 2002 and continues through the early part of 2004.
On a practical note, keep your phone numbers and other important information
like that handy, as you may find that recall of information you routinely
store in memory will not be instantly recalled. Rather you might even have
to look up your own home number or get your business card out to recite your
e-mail address.
Jupiter spends approx. one year in a zodiacal sign. This month Jupiter moves into Virgo. Those who celebrate their 12th, 24th, 36th, 48th, 60th, 72nd or 84th birthdays will have a Jupiter return. Jupiter is the planet defined as the greater benefic; the lucky breaks planet. Usually these are the years that are great in hindsight even if it does not feel that way while we are living through them. Jupiter is the planet that also teaches us a positive, philosophical approach.
Jupiter is said to be less effective in the signs ruled by Mercury, namely Gemini and Virgo, as the opposing signs, Sagittarius and Pisces, are Jupiter ruled. Meaning that results are less than our over optimistic expectations. One thing we can count on is that Jupiter will deliver more of whatever is coming down the pike! Broadening our horizons and expanding our world view are Jupiter ruled concepts.
Virgo on a mundane level represents grain, harvests, health food, our food
chain and collections of information. During the next twelve months we may
find that we need to refine our food production methods, perhaps harvests
are less than expected. Our food quality and what foods are recommended may
radically change. Education and service industries belong to Virgo and we
may find that these issues in these areas will be debated in the press and
within organizations in order to implement changes.
Hurry up and wait! The question is wait for what? You have always been the type to go after what you want, but now it seems that what you want has shifted. You want new challenges, new interesting things to fill your day. The temptation to change course is strong, however, timing wise it might be better to wait the year out, or at least until mid-October. You might otherwise find yourself walking away from something that was just coming to fruition. The luck for the year to come is with work, count on being busy. The money luck is two years from now. Pay attention to your health, do not downplay aches or pains but take care of any health issues.
Perfect relationships the same as perfect people are a fantasy. Reality is that we are all wrought with flaws. Romantic relationships are challenged at present, partly due to unrealistic expectations and partly because we can get reluctant to work at romance. If we want to have a beautiful garden we need to put in elbow grease throughout the year, so we can enjoy the beauty of the plants we have cultivated. The same applies to relationships be those with our lovers or our kids. The second reality is that we can't change others to suit our needs. In that garden we can rip our the flowers that don't please us, or train them to grow along a trellis. With people we need to learn to communicate, and show our feelings and share our inner thoughts and emotions. We can further adjust our own attitude. Sounds simple, doesn't it? Now is the month to work on improving our one-on-one relationships and build stronger bonds with our kids. If you are having no issues, count your lucky stars, and choose to cultivate that great rapport you have created with partner and kids.
The urge to nest, to create a more comfortable home emerges with the stellar line up. Your current home can now appear either too big or too small, too cluttered or perhaps even too costly. Moving may seem like the perfect option, remember it is an ORANGE light month, unless you are in the intersection do not enter. You may not done your homework, and end in a situation less to your liking. Spruce up the current one, put it on the market in October is your mind is made up. Family members take up more of your time and are looking to you for good advise. Perhaps helping by gathering information and facts works better now than doling out chewed-out advise. Keep a low profile at work, this is not the time to rock the boat. Take your time to contemplate what you want to do with your life and where you want to expend effort.
You have thought about it, analyzed it and agonized over it. Can you now
walk the talk? Plans need to yield practical, down to earth results. If your
plans involve studies, then the job that qualifies you for needs to offer
a secure income. Likewise if it is about investing your time or money - you
are focused on a healthy return. Formulate your thoughts with care to ensure
you don't speak out of turn. Friendly advise can easily be heard as criticism.
This is the month to finalize plans, put in finishing touches, etc. not to
move ahead with gusto. Make priority lists, scratch off redundant things and
activities. Try the health club before buying an expensive membership - check
out that it meets your criteria. Same applies to anything that has a price
tag now. It is best to avoid buying anything with wiring or motors, if you
must, get plenty of insurance. Best to fix for now.
Periodically we all day-dream of winning the lottery or getting a windfall
to end all of our money woes. Reality, however, is that most of us have to
work for our money and save for our retirement. The bulk of the planetary
influence now is in your personal money house. That influence is represented
by the planetary energy of Virgo. That is the sign whose main message is organize,
research, analyze and take practical steps to sort things out. Thus now is
the time to review finances, tabulate income and subtract expenses; then trim
extra fat and make a realistic budget. The other side of the equation is to
do the same with investments, shared resources and fixed assets. Money flow
improves slowly in the course of the year, but it is important to take care
of the outflow, and stop leakages. The amber light, which is the theme of
this month, cautions us not to proceed into harm's way rather patiently wait
our turn. Take care of stuff that you have neglected for quite a while, and
instigate new plans in October.
Sacrifice or help from the heart? This month, and in fact, the year starting
with your birthday, the focus is on relationships. The dilemma, however, is
that while all kinds of demands and expectations are placed on your shoulders,
you become more and more concerned about your personal rights and your attitude
toward life. The simple metaphysical axiom that we are only responsible for
own actions and our karma (the result of actions), may seem like just idle
chatter as you dive into this intense year. Do keep this simple thought in
the back of your mind, when you reach those points that require you take action
or make tough choices. Immense growth, and ultimately wonderful rewards but
in the immediate, short-term a fair few challenges. September is for navel
gazing, self-involved time for you to review where you are where do you want
to be headed.
If you'd like a more detailed horoscope for the year, check out the Order Reports on line section. You can get a birthday report that covers your personal year in great detail. All the prices quoted are in US dollars. Mary Shea's solar return report is USD 9.95.
Typically the month prior to our birthday we are busy tying up loose ends, finishing things and need more rest and/or quiet time. This month, more so than most years, is for quiet reflection. Socializing is less appealing, phone calls are not socializing, indeed they are almost anonymous as we don't have face the person nor leave the comfort of our own home or room. This month is perfect for planning, thinking and contemplation, remember the light is orange, can't enter the intersection anyway. Still probably need to show up at work, no matter how reclusive you'd like to be; do stay alert to hazards, put your safety first. The same applies in traffic, don't allow road rage into the picture, regardless of how idiotic the behaviour of your fellow drivers. Excellent time to research new sources of income or investment opportunities, think in terms of the kind that we build upon and grow over a long period of time.
Those grand plans you have been fine-tuning, now require so much work and effort that in moments of frustration you feel like letting go of it all. Do not go throwing the baby out with the bath-water! It is a year of rewards that is launching now, but for six more weeks the amber light is turned on. Patience, and then some more patience is required. Make that task list up, and check items off one by one. This is the perfect month to play catch up. Typically you always know what you don't want or need, now all that is a little grey. People you love are edgy and demanding at present, so on this front as well - the less said the better. Take up Karate, kick-boxing or plate breaking for a few weeks, vent frustrations on inanimate objects rather than waste perfectly good venom on people; it is counter-productive. Organize creative projects if the creative side is somewhat dormant at present. Research and catch up on your reading.
The demands of work/career and the need to spend time with family can cause
friction and/or frustration. Wires are crossed and information flow is obstructed.
Simple conversations to convey basic information take extra effort now. I
always find it fascinating how different the final product becomes when we
are forced to redo it. We did it once, part of the learning lingers on and
the second time around we have a more considered product, letter, or object.
Much the same as when we were on the verge of buying something extravagant
on an impulse, and were prevented doing so as we had left our wallet home.
On the way home, we had tons of time to think about what we were about to
do and never went to through with the purchase. That's the theme this month,
learning that our priorities, goals and values are changing. The choices in
October no longer reflect our preferences of late August. Keep your nose to
the grindstone at work, and don't go rocking the boat.
Back to the drawing board! Your values and possible your financial picture
have changed quite dramatically over the past 9-10 months. Your creative energies
are churning, lots of new ideas and concepts to mull over. Learning new things
is important as is finding a way to share your learning. Wisdom comes with
age (at what age is irrelevant). It is becoming more important to consider
religion, philosophy and metaphysical concepts - not as a matter of faith
but a matter of finding balance and harmony in your convictions. The opinions
of others are relevant only to make you question the validity of your own
beliefs. It is also a wonderful time to plan your course of action for the
next year in terms of achievements. Before we can achieve we need to decide
what is important and what, after all, is not.
Home, children, and family have always been a source of security for you.
You like your creature comforts and spending time in your comfortable abode.
These are the times when we become closer with family (and extended family).
The process often involves clearing the air, frank discussions about the obligations,
responsibilities and benefits of each person involved. Housework and resources
need to be shared. Each person needs to be committed toward joint goals. If
these relationships have gone off kilter in the past months, then now the
issues need to be addressed. One person should not be carrying the bulk of
the load. In those soul-mate relationships they key is to share more than
the physical. Keeping secrets or holding out is very much a no-no. Beware
of impulse spending!
Our relationships are easiest to handle when we share the same set of values.
It is also easier when our backgrounds are similar. Nowadays that is often
not the case, the world is shrinking and we each know more people from different
cultures and backgrounds that did our parents. All of us, even if we are not
well travelled, are exposed to other cultures through the media. Communication
is challenging at present, and it seems to apply to most relationships in
our lives not just the sanctioned ones. Keeping our thoughts to ourselves
does not improve our relationships, most of us cannot read minds. Time to
say what is on your mind, the longer you hold your peace, the harder it becomes
to give it voice. Astrology call Pisces a mute sign, more likely to offer
a sympathetic ear than to ask for one. The more honestly you can talk about
your thoughts, feelings, fears and ideas, the better you will feel and this
in turn can make an incredible improvement in your relationships.
© Anne Massey 2003
If you'd like a more detailed horoscope for the year, check out the Order Reports on line section. You can get a birthday report that covers your personal year in great detail. All the prices quoted are in US dollars. Mary Shea's solar return report is USD 9.95.
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