New Moon in Virgo: The Divine Is in the Details

On September 17, 2020 (4:00 AM Pacific Time), the new moon will be at 25°01’ of Virgo.

True to its overachieving image, Virgo manages to be both one of the zodiac’s most idealistic signs and one of its most pragmatic. While it has a very clear picture in mind of how things should be, it’s equally clear on how things are. As such, it doesn’t waste precious time setting unrealistic goals or intentions—even at the new moon. This new moon’s trine with retrograde Saturn in Capricorn keeps us down to earth, focused on what can realistically be done. None of this is to say that we shouldn’t dream big. Simply that we’re more likely to realize our dreams by breaking them down into smaller, more achievable, short-term goals.

What Does the September New Moon in Virgo Mean?

Focus on what you want to manifest and why—without stressing too much about the “how.” For now, it’s enough to identify one or two practical actions you can take to get the process started. Then trust that the next steps will reveal themselves as you go. As this new moon also harmonizes with retrograde Pluto in Capricorn, these small steps will eventually lead to big-time transformation!

After all, for Virgo, the divine is in the details. The key is recognizing which details are worth paying attention to, and which are not. With this new moon also challenging the nodes (north in Gemini, south in Sagittarius), we can feel hard-pressed to make sense of new information that challenges our established worldview. While some of it may be accurate and useful, other “facts” can be false and misleading. We’ll need to use our critical thinking skills to sort through it all, and discern what we should and should not give credence to.

This is a real moment of truth, where we can either choose to evolve and grow or stay stuck in past patterns. Still, the Virgo moon’s quincunxes with Black Moon Lilith and retrograde Mars in Aries suggest some blind spots in our perception. As focused as we are on our own big questions, there may be more pressing concerns to reckon with right now—issues of survival and social justice. And if we want to solve these problems, we can’t afford to be purists or perfectionists. Our priority should be finding workable, sensible, and sustainable solutions.

With lunation ruler Mercury in Libra, we’ll want to weigh all considerations equally before deciding on our course of action. But this commitment to being “fair and balanced” can be a vice as well as a virtue. There are some situations where compromise simply isn’t possible—at least not without sacrificing our integrity.

Mercury’s square with Jupiter in Capricorn (exact the day of this new moon) challenges us to keep working on building consensus around important issues, but also know where to draw the line. While most people do deserve to be given the benefit of the doubt, good intentions can’t always be taken for granted.

After all, at this new moon, we’re holding ourselves—and each other—to a higher standard.

Read on for your sun and rising signs to learn more about what this new moon means for you.

Horoscopes for the September New Moon in Virgo

Virgo Feel like you’ve gone off track lately? Don’t worry, Virgo, it happens to the best of us! The important thing is being able to recognize it, and realign with your core values. At this new moon, it’s time to reconnect with yourself and renew your commitment to living with integrity.

Libra You hold yourself to a higher standard, Libra: being as open-minded and even-handed as humanly possible. Still, expecting yourself to be totally neutral and objective is totally unrealistic. At this new moon, it’s enough to be honest with yourself—and question your own biases and assumptions.

Scorpio We all need allies, Scorpio—even you. Still, at this new moon, you’re not aligning yourself with just anyone. After all, when you hold yourself to impeccable standards of honesty, integrity, and authenticity, it’s perfectly reasonable to expect the same from others. Just avoid making any snap judgments.

Sagittarius “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” At this new moon, Sag, these words attributed to Gandhi ring especially true for you. But before you can make things as they should be, you have to acknowledge them as they are —from others’ perspectives as well as your own.

Capricorn Beliefs don’t have to be based in reality to have real consequences. That’s why, Capricorn, you’re so concerned with getting your own worldview right. But getting clear on what you believe in is only the beginning. At this new moon, look for more concrete ways of expressing your truth.

Aquarius There’s no shame in making honest mistakes, Aquarius —just in refusing to learn from them. Rather than sweeping errors (your own or other people’s) under the rug, this new moon invites you to use them as teachable moments. After all, when we know better, we can do better!

Pisces It’s not that complicated, Pisces: Being a good partner or friend is as simple as paying attention. It’s about noticing the details, and doing little things to make the people in your life feel known and understood. Just make sure you’re holding your loved ones to the same standard.

Aries Fitness fads come and go, Aries. And conventional wisdom on how to live a healthy lifestyle is constantly changing in light of new information. At this new moon, your own habits or beliefs about health and wellness are coming up for review. Be open to changing up your routine.

Taurus Back to basics, Taurus! If you’ve been overindulging lately, this new moon reconnects you with simpler pleasures. While your entertainment options may seem limited, you can still find plenty of ways to amuse yourself. The most engaging activities will occupy both your hands and your mind.

Gemini Take out your to-do list, Gemini! Whether it’s cooking, cleaning, running errands, or doing repairs, this new moon is all about tending to domestic details. But that doesn’t mean it has to be a chore. Practical tasks can be a great way to clear your head and calm your mind.

Cancer Thinking before speaking? For you, Cancer, that’s just good manners. But it’s hard to understand why others don’t hold always themselves to the same standard. It’s okay if you feel the need to call someone out at this new moon—just make sure to choose your words with care.

Leo You’ve got your mind on your money, and your money on your mind. At least, Leo, that’s what you should be focusing on at this new moon. Don’t let impulse purchases distract you from following your financial plan. (If you have no plan, this is the time to change that!)

Images by The Moon Journal