August 31, 2016 — A New Moon Solar Eclipse arrives late tonight, just two days after Mercury has stationed retrograde—bringing about feelings of magic and otherworldliness. Today, Mercury is also conjunct Jupiter while Neptune opposes the eclipse, and our minds are expanding beyond the veils, revealing the flimsiness of perception. In fact, the opposition of Virgo and Pisces represents one of the zodiac’s pathways to awakening. Virgo is the embodiment of pure intention while Pisces reflects oneness and unconditional love. The eclipse sharply nudges us along this path, offering encouragement to serve others while recognizing our interconnection.

Solar Eclipses occur when the Sun and Moon align with the North Node, and since the North Node has been in Virgo since January, dancing in and out of a Jupiter conjunction, we are now reaching the height of purifying our intentions. We are stepping into crystal clear discernment and better understanding our purpose, and from here, we can manifest anything. Neptune conjunct the South Node tempts us with old patterns, while the eclipse in Virgo shows us the way forward: We must work hard to step into discomfort, facing whatever remains unhealed. We must be gentle with ourselves while releasing judgment, understanding that the road to awakening is not about perfection, but about embracing our humanity with love and forgiveness. Above all, we must be able to ask for help. Spiritual and energetic work are particularly fruitful in this period.

The next eclipse arrives in two weeks, and the period between will feel compressed. We are entering a pressure cooker in order to heal, and the Lunar Eclipse on September 17 will elicit a sudden consciousness shift as we able to work through old, deep wounds. If we maintain equilibrium during this heightened period, Virgo is summoning us to embody her altruistic spirit, stepping up to help others who are suffering more than us. Perhaps the best way to be of benefit is to remind each other to drop into our hearts and bodies and release the overactive, intellectual mind to which Virgo falls prey. After all, our job is not to spin, but to feel, and breathe, and be.

We are moving closer to our true nature. May eclipse season bring forth deep revelation for us all.

To read about the Astrology of September, click here.

To book a reading with Juliana, write: juliana@etherealculture.com.