NEW MOON IN VIRGO SOLAR ECLIPSE (29 degrees) 4:45 am PDT, Friday 23, 2006

Last month, we had a New Moon at the first degree of Virgo. Now we have a solar eclipse at the last degree of that sign. The first degree of any sign marks an initiation into that archetype; the last degree represents completion and assimilation. The 29th degree of any sign has been called a "critical degree," signifying the necessity to complete the spiritual goal of that sign before advancing to the next. Virgo's quest is the achievement of humility and wholeness. Humility, in the sense of being empty of ego; and wholeness, as having integrated the body, mind, and spirit.

Light is information. The Sun's eclipse by the Moon interrupts the normal flow of solar radiation, destabilizing existing configurations of energy and reorganizing consciousness at a higher level. The amplified pull of the Sun and Moon strongly affects the electromagnetic flow in our bodies, altering neural pathways and trigger points. With the Sun and Moon conjunct the South Node, the focus is on freedom from the past, especially from the shadow side of Virgo: perfectionism, workaholism, and self-negation in all its many disguises. For some very helpful tips on how to transform your inner critic, read Richard Carson's Taming Your Gremlin: A Guide to Enjoying Yourself. Gremlins will be strongly activated around this time, but also more easily tamed. Note the house and any planets that this eclipse aspects in your natal chart. Eclipses, like the lunar nodes, have a 19-year cycle. On September 23, 1987, there was a solar eclipse at 29°34' Virgo; whatever was initiated back then is cycling around now, either for completion or to move on to the next level.

Vesta, an asteroid considered by some to be the modern ruler of Virgo, also conjuncts the South Node. The word "Vesta" comes from the Sanskrit word for "shining." As the brightest asteroid in the sky, Vesta was named for the mythic goddess of the hearth and keeper of the altar flame. She was also the guardian of the inner fires of sacred sexuality, fertility, and kundalini - the cosmic energy stored at the base of the spine. Vestal Virgins were priestesses who used sacred sex to initiate men and heal warriors returning from battle. The children conceived from these unions were deemed divine; Jesus's birth from a virgin mother and an unknown father reflects this ancient tradition. Vesta's conjunction with the South Node suggests that her function is returning, that the focus of the collective seeks to shift from the mundane to the sacred again.

The ongoing fixed t-square (generated by Saturn in Leo opposing Neptune in Aquarius and Jupiter squaring both) keeps pushing for the release of whatever is out of alignment with our higher purpose. Jupiter and Neptune make their third and final square of the year on September 24 at 17°; this indicates that a long phase of reevaluation is coming to a close. That the eclipse occurs on the eve of one of the major turning points of the year, the autumnal equinox, magnifies its demarcation of a major ending and beginning.

"The key is always found within the cage. It takes prolonged self-observation to see how attached we are to our own suffering." (Charles Tart)

Opportunity Periods are a wonderful tool to maximize our efforts. Opportunity Periods reflect favorable aspects of the Moon. The energies of the Moon impact us in a very direct way. Using the positive energies that the Moon showers upon the Earth, to our benefit, makes good sense. Opportunity Periods have proven to provide helpful energy to non routine tasks. If you feel like you are always going against the grain and things are stressful, try using these time periods for more easily accomplishing important tasks: purchases, repairs, client appointments, sales calls, important phone calls, finishing goals, starting new projects, tying up loose ends, starting new relationships (except when Venus is Retrograde), job hunting, doctor visits, family meetings, etc. The list of OP's for the next two weeks are listed under the calendar section of this update.

Readings: Wendy is available for over-the-phone readings any time. Wendy@TwixtEarthandSky.com.

Sky and Telescope website has current sky events. http://skyandtelescope.com/

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