Solar Eclipse, 18 Virgo 17, Sept. 11, 8:30 am EDT
New Moon, 18 Virgo 25, Sept. 11, 8:44 am EDT
And I'm late in posting about the above...apologies to those who check in here just prior to each New Moon. I've just returned from a trip with way too much waiting for me to do. This eclipse has received quite a lot of speculation just because it is September 11, a date that carries memories of the World Center terrorist attack. The eclipse tranits are not easy ones, with the Sun-Moon applying to a square with Mars. Moon will move on to square Pluto before leaving Virgo. Whether these aspects will more likely reflect an event or just various levels of tension over the memories and potentials, we'll soon know, at least so far as tomorrow goes. I haven't had time to look at in in detail in terms of mundane astrology (potential world events). But just because it is that highly significant anniversary, a very worthwhile ritual or meditation for this New Moon would be to focus on peace within, and then project that that outward to the world. Perhaps gather some friends for a circle of candle lighting and the creation of peaceful energy. Thoughts are things, and if enough people hold the same thoughts it most certainly can make a difference.

If your Sun is in the middle of Virgo, meaning that your birthday is this week, especially the 11th, though a few days (Sun Degrees) give or take still apply, then Happy Birthday! This eclipse is especially meaningful for you personally. To have an eclipse come on your birthday mostly likely will relate to some very significant or events or changes in your life this year. That can be positive, of course. How astrological transits manifest has, I firmly believe, mostly to do with how we choose to handle them. The Virgo theme, itself, and also the recent entrance of Saturn into Virgo, suggest that acceptance of responsibilty may be a major factor. Transits the earlier part of this week through the void of course of Moon in Virgo at 0:13 am on Wednesday did not look easy, and try as I have to work though that, they weren't, but I'm still in there trying and things are getting done. The good news is that the Wednesday through Friday transits are a lot easier flow, so I remain optimistic--and Virgos with birthdays on those days have those nice aspects in thier solar returns, so Happy Birthday to you, too!

This eclipse also has extra signficance for you if you have other personal points in your chart at those mid degrees of Virgo, or near the eclipse degrees of the signs that are square (Gemini or Sagittarius) or opposite (Pisces) the eclipse.

I will try my very best to resume and complete this column before Crescent, but this is one month where competing responsibilties are demanding my priority...

Crescent Moon, 7 Scorpio 38, September15 at 10:33 am EDT
Posted 9/17: Crescent is a period of challenge, and is...this column is resembling a blog this month. Onward to 1st quarter:

First Quarter Moon, 26 Sagittarius 22, Sept. 19 at 12:48 pm EDT
The theme of this phase is action—no more waffling or procrastinating! Get it done, whatever you've been gearing up to do. In these last degrees of fiery Sag, think of shooting a flaming arrow toward your goal.

Fall Equinox, Sun at 0 Libra 00, Sept. 23, 2007, 5:51 am EDT

click here for my article on Fall Equinox lore

Gibbous Moon, 15 Aquarius 03, Sept. 23 at 7:10 am EDT
This year we have one of the 8 solar-seasonal holidays beginning on the very same day at nearly the same time as one of the 8 lunar phases. Both Sun and Moon are in signs of the Air element. Fall Equinox heralds the waning Last Quarter phase of the solar year, certainly a "crisis of consciousness" in the sense that lengthening nights make it clear that summer is over and autumn, then winter, are fast approaching. On the other hand, Gibbous Moon is a waxing phase, a final period of energy building and anticipation of Full Moon culmination. How, then, might we blend the two apparently contradictory themes?

Let's use Air, the mind, to think about the symbolism of Fall Equinox and relate its most basic stories. In truth, it's not difficult at all to see both Gibbous and Last Quarter themes in play. Great work effort and energy building is involved in bringing in the harvest, or as in olden days (and modern days, still, for some) the hunt. But just as we work and gain, we must also realize and appreciate that the plants of the harvest die so that we can have food. The harvest grain and also the Great Stag, who dies in the hunt of this season, are symbols of the willing sacrifice of the God to sustain us through the dark days to come. So, we work for a goal, celebrate what is gained, but at the same time, should be very conscious, appreciative and thankful for what has passed away.

Through what we have learned in observing past cycles, we also know that the Sun's light now noticeably wanes through the longest nights of Samhain and the period after. This, also, is a symbol of Nature relating to the sacrificed God, who on the longest night of all, Winter Solstice, will rise again at dawn, as the child of the Goddess who will once again bring new, waxing Light into the world.

So this Gibbous Moon and Last Quarter does hold an energy mixed with waxing anticipation and consciousness of waning. We'll work with both, as my Circle gathers around the fire pit at the center of my stone circie, to celebrate a Harvest feast while sharing stories of anticipation and sacrifice, of letting go and beginning again, and of how the Wheel always turns. And this feast of sharing, held within our usual form of creating sacred space, calling the elemental Guardians and invoking our deities, will be our ritual. Think about gathering some friends together to hold a similar ritual feast with storytelling in your space!

Full Moon, 3 Aries 20, Sept. 26 at 3:45 pm EDT
This "Harvest Moon" is a favorite Full Moon of any year, as she rises full and bright, seeming larger than usual, and may have an added glow that suggests the fiery hues of her sign. This year she should be especially large, a "SuperMoon," according to Richard Nolle in his article, "The SuperMoon and Other Lunar Extremes," in the current issue of The Mountain Astrologer (October/November 2007). According to Nolle's article, a SuperMoon is when Moon comes closest to Earth in her orbit (perigee) at the same time as Earth, Moon and Sun are all aligned, a "perigee-syzygy." that has often corresponded to unusually high tides and other geocosmic stresses. This interesting article says that such SuperMoons happen about as often as eclipses and often correspond to unusally high tides and seismic activity— and that the last three such alignments of 2007 are the Full Moons of September, October and November.

Well! Sounds like this Aries Full Moon could have an extra charge of fiery energy. Let's use it for the magic of ritual!

Ritual for the Harvest Full Moon in Aries
Our Full Moon in Aries Warrior Goddess reflects the light of Sun in Libra as his complement opposite, but in that, may also present a challenge to his carefully balanced Scales . Libra prefers to compromise, and and in some cases it is right to consider the wishes and needs of others before our own. But in honoring our own truth, each of us most likely has something very important about which we must NOT compromise, because doing so saps our vitality and spirit. So, do some honest self examination leading up to this Full Moon. Own that vital Truth about whatever you've been repressing, but would really like to create in your life. Then use the magic of this Full Moon to charge your power to stand up for your right to express your Truth and live it. Gather some friends and drums for a group rite, or work alone with a drum or recorded drumming music. Have a red candle for each person to carve, and tools for carving (strong toothpicks will do).

Create sacred space with symbols of the four elements. Waft air and fire (incense), then sprinkle water and earth (salted water) around the perimeter of where you do your ritual. Invoke the lunar Goddess, and draw down her energy to aide your will.

Oh, Goddess of fire and energy
Fill me with vitality
My Truth be seen by Spirit's light
To live it is my sacred right
I call your magic, strong and free
Come charge my will, so mote it be!

Meditate as you carve symbols of what you want to express into a red candle. As you work, your intent will clarify, as will how you can best express it. Then light your candle, place it in a holder at circle center, and begin to raise energy by drumming, at first slowly and then increasing, or dance to drumming music, first slowly and then gradually faster. Build the energy to a peak and then ground some of it into the earth, as you feel it flowing through you, powering your ability to go forward and express your intent.

Disseminating Moon, 21 Taurus 29, Sept. 29 at 8:43 pm EDT
Now, within a few days past Full Moon, some first tangible results of your work charged in Full Moon rite can manifest. This phase, as its name suggests, is the time to present, to share, to express what you've learned and accomplished.

Last Quarter Moon, 9 Cancer 49, October 3 at 6:06 am EDT
The time period from now until the end of this lunar phase cycle is especially appropriate for completing what was begun earlier, for clearing out what you no longer need, and for letting go of internal issues that you'd be best off to release. This phase, in particular, is for acknowledging—perhaps, facing up to—just what you think and feel is, or should be, retained and what should be eliminated. Dane Rudhyar defined this phase as "the crisis of consciousness." Within your longer term progresssed lunar phase cycle, the internal changes this phase represents may be profound.

Even in this quickly passing monthly transiting phase, the themes of Last Quarter through Balsamic can resonate and be beneficial to use, when you're aware and work magically, with intent, to move in harmony with the waning Moon. When you deliberately choose to do a physical activity that fits the themes of conscious acknowledgment of need, then completion and release, that physical action can become, at the same time, a mediation to help you also release your inner, emotional issue that has a corresponding theme.

With that idea in mind, your ritual can be as simple as cleaning out an area of clutter in your home or office, or perhaps cleaning your garden area to prepare for the seasonal change. Take a good, hard look at your surroundings and choose a "decluttering" task you've been putting off just too long. Gather what you need to do the physical work, but then pause before you begin to ask Mother Goddess (Cancer is the sign most associated with Mother) for assistance in completing the task at hand both physically and also internally and intuitively. Then get to work and don't stop until the area you've chosen is cleaned up and organized to your satisfaction.

Thoughts will come to you while you work—thoughts that relate to your corresponding internal issue. Have a small notepad at hand to jot down key words or phrases so you can remember those thoughts. After the physcial work is done, it could also be beneficial to journal your thoughts more thoroughly, so as to assimilate what you've learned and reinforce your resolve to let go of what is past.

Balsamic Moon, 28 Leo 31, October 7 at 12:12 am EDT
This is the final phase, the end of a cycle and a time of other endings, as well. As such, one can give way to dark thoughts, or reach out to embrace the wisdom of the Dark Goddess, the Crone, and be at peace. For the past few weeks, Venus has been exceptionally bright in the very early morning eastern sky—amazingly bright—definitely worth awakening before sunrise to see. Now, in this final lunar phase, the slender waning Crescent Moon—Crone's Moon—will be there, too. Rise early and go outdoors if you can or look out a window, if you cannot go out. Cup your hands around these celestial signs of Goddess energy, feel the power and draw it down, sensing it move through your body. Give thanks to Goddess, to the Crone, for her wisdom that you have received, learned and acted upon in your magic of release during these final phases of waning Moon.