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 retrograding, emerging from its shadow period and gaining in strength. This suggests that while the New Moon in Virgo may highlight areas where we need to refine our thinking or communication, the momentum for progress is steadily building as the Moon waxes fuller.
The Cycles of the Moon: Monthly, Six-Month, and the Moon Family
Astrologically, the Moon’s cycles can be tracked in several ways. The most immediate is the monthly lunar cycle, which spans approximately 28 days from New Moon to New Moon. However, there is also a six-month cycle between a New Moon and the subsequent Full Moon in the same sign, when the seeds planted during the New Moon come to a fuller fruition.
Beyond these, there is a more extended cycle known as the Moon Family, as illustrated by astrologer Dietrich Pessin in Lunar Shadows III. This approximately 28-month cycle unfolds as the Moon and Sun progress through a series of phases at the same degree, forming a narrative that begins with the New Moon and continues through the Quarter Moons and Full Moon.
For this New Moon in Virgo, the Moon Family begins a new chapter. The key dates for this cycle are:
New Moon: September 3, 2024 at 11 Virgo
First Quarter Moon: June 3, 2025, at 12° Virgo
Full Moon: March 3, 2026, at 12° Virgo
Closing Quarter Moon: December 1, 2026, at 09° Virgo
These phases will mark significant developments in the intentions and themes that arise from this New Moon, offering opportunities for review, adjustment, and completion and a longer term plan. This will most likely affect you if you have planets within 3 degrees of this New Moon.
Virgo’s Second Decan: The Pursuit of Perfection
This New Moon occurs in the second decan of Virgo, a segment of the sign ruled by Venus and Saturn in the Chaldean and Triplicity systems. The symbolism of this decan deepens our understanding of Virgo’s attention to detail.
Astrologer Kira Ryberg calls this decan “perfectionism,” while Austin Coppock refers to it as “Hammer & Anvil.” In the Wild Way Oracle Deck by @astroartist, it is termed “Quality Control,” with the keywords: Perfection of Form, Eye for Detail, and Hard Won Prosperity to guide us.
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The image of a spider meticulously weaving its web captures the essence of this decan. The spider’s dedication to its craft ensures a masterpiece, though its painstaking efforts are often invisible to the outside world. This imagery reminds us that achieving excellence often requires enduring hardship, maintaining discipline and some sacrifice.
As we approach this New Moon, we might ask consider: Where in our lives is the pursuit of perfection helpful, and where might it be damaging? How can we balance the desire for quality with the acceptance of imperfection?
In Dreaming The Decans, T Susan Chang writes on this Decan:
“Where skill and rigour intersect,
Jewels free from all defect.
I am the loving architect
Of details only I detect….
…This may appear a life of ease-
But all it is is expertise.”Tarot Symbolism: The Nine of Pentacles
The Tarot card associated with Virgo’s second decan is the Nine of Pentacles. This card symbolises self-sufficiency, refinement, and the fruits of hard work. It represents a moment of achievement where we can enjoy the rewards of our efforts, it also reminds us of the discipline and perseverance required to reach this point. Also, how our efforts can benefit and sustain others. As her harvest also provides sustenance for the bird, who I like to think is thanking her.
At this time, the Nine of Pentacles encourages us to set intentions that not only aim for excellence but also allow us to enjoy the process and the outcomes of our work.
Astrological Aspects: Saturn, Neptune, and Mercury
As the Moon moves forward from its conjunction with the Sun, it opposes Saturn in Pisces. This aspect may bring challenges or a sense of restriction, urging us to confront our limitations or responsibilities. Saturn’s influence could temper the enthusiasm of the New Moon, requiring us to be realistic and disciplined in our approach. We are reminded of the sacrifice required when we aspire to seek perfection.
Mars in Gemini will be in a square to Neptune in Pisces, an aspect that becomes exact later in the same day. This square could create confusion or a sense of disillusionment, as the assertive, fiery energy of Mars creates tension with Neptune’s nebulous and idealistic nature. It’s important to stay grounded and clear in our intentions during this time, careful of our words which may wound, as illusions or unrealistic expectations may arise. The New Moon forms a whole sign square with both Mars and Jupiter in Gemini, combining this tension with Jupiter’s wish to create order, expand (for better or worse) and find the wisdom in the sea of words.
The New Moon is also averse to its ruler, Mercury, which is still moving slowly in its shadow period in Leo. While Mercury is gaining strength, its position suggests that clear communication or forward momentum may still be in the process of emerging. However, with Mercury soon to enter Virgo on September 9th, both Mercury and Venus will be in their domiciles, with Mercury also in its exaltation. This shift will empower Mercury’s influence, enhancing our ability to see through the intentions we intend to initiate during this New Moon.
Who Will Feel It Most?
This New Moon will be most strongly felt by those with planets or angles in mutable signs—Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces, and Gemini—especially if these placements are near 11° of these signs. Those with strong or angular Mercury placements will also resonate with this lunation’s themes.
However, everyone will experience this New Moon in the area of their chart that Virgo occupies, offering an opportunity for new beginnings and refined focus in that life area.
Conclusion: Setting Intentions with Precision and Care
The New Moon in Virgo on September 3rd, 2024, invites us to embrace the energy of meticulous intention-setting. This is a time to focus on the details, to strive for excellence, and to be mindful of the balance between perfection and imperfection. As we set our intentions, let us remember the wisdom of the spider, weaving a web of wonder through dedication, discipline, and a commitment to quality. By aligning our efforts with the practical, grounded energy of Virgo, we can create lasting and meaningful results in the months and years to come.
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