NEW MOON SOLAR ECLIPSE IN VIRGO (19 degrees) 5:45 am PDT, September 11, 2007

This New Moon partial Solar Eclipse in Virgo could be an explosive time. This is not only an eclipse, but part of a mutable grand cross with unstable Uranus, assertive and aggressive Mars and expansive Jupiter These form tense right angle squares to the Sun-Moon conjunction. Nerves can be easily rattled if confronted by surprising events or when pressure builds if we try to suppress a situation that is bound to change. This is earthquake energy that will release unresolved tension hidden below the surface.

This grand cross energy configuration can lead to new discoveries and greater understanding. Adaptation is the key for mutable signs, and the two oppositions and four squares involved in a grand cross require us to integrate all four energies. Mars in Gemini demands information. The Sun and Moon in Virgo advocate impeccability. Jupiter in Sagittarius promotes open-mindedness, while Uranus in Pisces urges us to trust our intuition. What do we think? How do we feel? What do we believe? And what do we know?

Our Sun showers us in a constant stream of solar radiation. Only when the Moon momentarily blocks the Sun are its powerful energies interrupted from reaching Earth. During that small intermission, energetic pathways shift. Patterns are dissolved, karma can be balanced and life reconfigured. This is why solar eclipses mark times of major endings and beginnings. Nineteen years ago, on September 10, 1988, there was a solar eclipse at 18°39' Virgo. Whatever was important that year is now either culminating and coming to a close or ready to go to the next level.

The power of this solar eclipse is increased not only by the grand cross, but by several additional factors. Whenever a planet ends its retrograde phase, we feel a readiness to move forward in the area symbolized by that planet. A few days before this eclipse, two planets change direction and begin their forward motion cycle, increasing the momentum for change. On September 7, Pluto completes its yearly retrograde phase. All retrograde phases represent a time of review, release, and realignment. Pluto's retrograde in Sagittarius has offered opportunities for us to become aware of the beliefs that were blocking our progress. If we have weeded those out, we feel ready to move on, move up, or move out when Pluto turns direct.

On September 8, Venus completed her once every two years' retrograde period. Venus's retrograde passage has encouraged us to reassess how much our lives reflect our values. Venus's transition in Virgo also asks us to discern what is most beneficial for our health; her extended time in Leo reminds us that our well-being depends on following our heart. Retrograde periods also encourage us to complete things - in Venus's case, unfinished art projects or unresolved relationships. If we've taken the time to handle unfinished business, our true desires and priorities are clear now.

Uranus at 17° Pisces is closely opposite the Sun and Moon, revealing the need for authenticity and progress. As the higher expression of Mercury, Uranus frees us from limited thinking, especially Virgo's need for overanalysis. Uranus in Pisces helps us see that there are other ways of knowing and that intuition is more powerful than the intellect. It's time for a change, and Uranus revolutionary energies teach us that the more we hold on to the old ways and patterns, the bigger will be the quake necessary to propel us forward.

It is time for us to stop wasting time seeking approval. We don't need to prove anything to anyone but ourselves. What do you do best? What is your form of service? This eclipse also asks us to release the shadow side of Virgo, -which is self-doubt and self-deprecation, for "You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn't serve the world ... We were born to make manifest the glory that is within us. It is not in some of us, it is in everyone." (Marianne Williamson)

PLAN YOUR OWN NEW MOON CEREMONY. Give yourself some quiet time in meditation to see where you need to seed new ways of becoming. List these areas within your life you want to change. What areas do you want to break free from the norm and become more productive and discerning? The NEW MOON is the time to manifest the personal attributes you want to cultivate as well as the tangible things you want to bring to you. Possible phrasing: I now manifest ____ into my life. I am now _______ . Remember, think, envision and feel with as much emotion as possible, as though you already have what you want. Thoughts are things and the brain manifests exactly what you show it in the form of thoughts, visuals and emotions. The Buddha said, and I am paraphrasing, "We are the sum total of our thoughts up to today. " If we want to be different then we must change our thoughts. "If you always do what you've always done then you'll always get what you've always got." CONSCIOUS CHANGE is the key.

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