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On September 3rd, 2024, at 2:55 AM BST (1:55 AM UT), the New Moon will occur at 11°04' in the sign of Virgo. This lunation brings with it opportunities for new beginnings, fresh starts, and a chance to set intentions with precision and care.

The Meaning of New Moons

In astrology, New Moons signify the beginning of a new lunar cycle. The Moon and the Sun meet in the same sign during this phase, symbolising a merging of conscious and unconscious energies. At this time, there is no light from the Moon, making it unable to reflect the Sun's rays. This darkness represents a blank slate, a moment when we can plant seeds of intention, deep in the darkness, the safety of the symbolic womb of the dark earth, that with tending, we plan and hope to grow and develop over the coming weeks and months.

New Moons are traditionally seen as times to initiate projects, start new habits, or set goals. I believe it is a time to stop, pause, review and reflect in the darkness of the sky to plan the seeds you wish to plant. I prefer to wait until we see the first slivers of light of the waxing moon, to carry my intentions and plans forward.

The themes and energies associated with the sign in which the New Moon occurs for you in your individual natal chart will colour these new beginnings, providing a framework for our intentions. Find the Virgo Glyph, and identify the house themes that Virgo occupies for you. If you need help with this, consult an astrologer, or comment.

The New Moon in Virgo: Mutable Earth Energy

This New Moon occurs in Virgo, a mutable earth sign ruled by Mercury, the planet of communication, intellect, and adaptability. Virgo’s energy is grounded, practical, and detail-oriented, focusing on efficiency, precision, and the pursuit of excellence. However, Virgo also carries an underlying tension, as it often strives for an unattainable perfection. This paradox of seeking perfection in an imperfect world can create a constant drive to improve, refine, and correct.

Virgo arrives at the transitional season of weather, just before the weather and the quality of light changes when the Sun moves into Cardinal Libra. Virgo is the time of harvest, there are decisions to be made, and assessments of quality.

Although we are no longer a predominately agricultural society, it is still wise to use this time to reflect on the light half of the year we have travelled through before we face the shorter, darker days of the second half of the astrological year. The metaphorical harvest that we preserve now, the seeds we save from it to replant, will need to serve and see us through another winter season and support the new growth next spring.

The mutable quality of Virgo adds an element of flexibility and adaptability, allowing us to adjust our plans and intentions as we move forward. This energy encourages us to be meticulous in our efforts, paying attention to the finer details with the potential to remain open to change and growth.

Virgo and Mercury: The Power of the Mind

Mercury, the ruler of Virgo, is known for its versatility and ability to traverse different realms—both physical, intellectual and esoterical. In mythology, Mercury (or Hermes) was a messenger who could travel between the world of the gods, the mortal realm and the Underworld, embodying the power of communication and movement between different states of being. He was known as the Messenger God for this reason.

Mercury is the planet that travels closest to the Earth (after our Moon which orbits the Earth rather than the Sun). Mercury also retrogrades most frequently, but usually only for 21 days, the shortest retrograde period. This means He meets more regularly with the Sun in Cazimi, a powerful moment of death and rebirth.

As the ruler of this New Moon, Mercury sets the agenda. Mercury is currently in Leo, where there is no line of sight to Virgo, it is now direct having finished retro