Solar Eclipse in Virgo September 2016 – Dis-ease

The Solar Eclipse/New Moon in Virgo occurs at 09:03 (UT) on the 1st September 2016 at 09°Vi21′.

Generally, the New Moon in Virgo is a time to plant seeds to create practical improvements in our lives. Virgo encourages us to up our skill-set, to be of service, to show humility and strive to be part of the solution. Ruled by Mercury, Virgo has no qualms about getting her hands dirty in order to create a better, healthier environment. With this eclipse triggering the Saturn-Neptune square (opposite Neptune, square Saturn), along with a square to heated Mars, what is dis-eased in our lives, may become apparent.

Soul sickness is evident in our world and has been a challenge to navigate. We have witnessed great suffering (Neptune in Pisces) and divides have appeared between cultures (Saturn in Sagittarius). Saturn square Neptune has been prodding us to let go of unrealistic fantasies and focus on reality without losing our sense of spiritual wonder. Global and personal bubbles have popped and we haven’t been allowed to pretend any more that it’s OK when it isn’t. Eclipses tend to have a habit of revealing what has been hidden so it feels like this eclipse shatters the last illusion.

Neptune’s seas have been eroding what seemed real and solid. It may have felt like standing on shifting sands. Uncertainty and confusion have further fuelled instability. With the eclipse square to Mars, we could get angry or maybe with Mars conjunct Saturn, we procrastinate because we don’t know what to do – it’s analysis paralysis. Doing nothing may feel a better option instead of worrying about doing the ‘wrong’ thing. Maybe there’s a temptation to tune out the disorder and escape with the opposition to Neptune. Apathy too is possible with Mars square to Neptune…“Seriously man,” says Mars, pouring himself his third drink, “…what’s the point?”.

Solar Eclipse in Virgo September 2016 – Chart

But in the midst of all this challenging pattern, the eclipse is conjunct the North Node. There is an opening here, to use this potent energetic pattern to its highest frequency. Doing something is better than doing nothing. Virgo is real and present and she’s here to help. Time to muck in and get this stuff sorted! Be part of the cure.

Mars conjunct Saturn when working at its best is determined, brave enough to start long term projects, authoritative enough to lead the way. Mars square Neptune is a spiritual warrior. Neptune feeds the Moon and Sun with great compassion and Virgo energy takes that compassion and spreads kindness where she goes through being of practical service. Doing nothing is just not an option with Virgo. A trine from the eclipse to Pluto emphasises that we have a measure of control here and it’s up to each and every one of us to use the power we have for the betterment of our own lives and society as a whole.

Ruler Mercury is retrograde suggesting that solutions are found within. We have to change our thinking to treat the problem. Mercury is also exactly conjunct Jupiter and opposite Chiron. Sometimes, when something hurts, it’s hard to understand but faith is key. Pain can be a great teacher.

The Sabian symbol for the eclipse is :-

Two Heads Looking Out And Beyond The Shadows

There is a certain sense of hesitancy with this symbol. It’s like that moment in a movie where the person being hunted peers out from their hiding place, checking to see whether it’s safe to come out. The truth is that at some point, we have to brave it (Mars) and take responsibility (Saturn). We can’t hide forever in the shadows hoping that someone else will come to our rescue (Neptune). It’s about rescuing ourselves. With the eclipse in Virgo conjunct the North Node, a simple step forwards opens the gate to evolution.

Painting – ‘Hide and Seek’ by James Charles