The Sun In Virgo Calls For Refinement Of Purpose

THE SUN ENTERED the earthly, analytical sign of Virgo on August 23, ushering in the last month of the summer season. Following the delightful period of self-discovery and creativity while the sun was in Leo, the earth sign, Virgo calls for refinement of purpose, which serves to ground our new creations into reality. Analytical by nature, people with the sun, moon or rising sign in Virgo have the ability to see what needs to be improved. If they refrain from wasting time with over-analysis, Virgos can be enormously resourceful people who provide the precision, attention to detail, and refinement needed for any successful endeavor.

Dynamic Eclipses Become a Catalyst For Change

Eclipses bring powerful changes into all of our lives. A lunar eclipse focuses on change in the form, or context, of our lives, while a solar eclipse brings changes in the essence, or content, of our lives. If your life feels as if it is in free-fall right now, that can be the nature of deep change. At the full moon on August 28, we had an almost total lunar eclipse in Pisces, opposite the sun in Virgo. Although these eclipses will affect some of us more than others, depending on where they fall in our natal astrology charts, a Pisces eclipse calls for surrender. The lunar eclipse encourages us to let go of control, drop our fascination with the ego, and allow our lives to be perfectly orchestrated from Spirit. This may sound difficult, but actually it is a huge relief. As our life begins to flow more harmoniously, we each find our place in the unfolding of life's great mystery.

Saturn In Virgo Gets Personal and Demands Improvements

On September 2, Saturn, the planet that brings our greatest, and most difficult lessons in life, enters Virgo for approximately the next two and one-half years. While it is true that Saturn is the "great taskmaster" and "lord of karma", Saturn's many gifts are rarely recognized. Through the phenomena of karma, or cause-and-effect, Saturn provides the limits of the physical universe, and holds the laws of operation in human form. It is our greatest teacher, allowing us to progress in our evolution, intelligence, and wisdom. While Saturn is in Virgo, we develop the qualities of discernment, critical perception, service, precision, and mastery of details. The area of your birth chart where Saturn is transiting will determine the area of your life in which you will need to apply these qualities.

Venus Review Of Values and Relationships Comes To Completion

On July 27, Venus, the planet symbolizing love, values and relationships, turned retrograde (apparent backwards motion) in Virgo for a six-week period during which it re-entered Leo on August 8. As Venus retrograded through Leo for the month of August, we experienced a review of our values, finances, and relationships in terms of how well attuned they are with what is truly important to us in life now. The Venus retrograde continues through the first week of September, forming a "station" on September 8, where it appears to stand still for a day before it resumes direct motion. The station period is very powerful, as it is a point of maximum impact, and can thus act to catalyze important realizations. This is underscored by the fact that Pluto also does a station, returning to direct motion in Sagittarius on the day before the Venus station, September 7.

Decision Time Arrives Forcefully

Saturn's entry into Virgo and the double planetary stations at the end of the first week of September are sandwiched mid-point between two powerful eclipses that also catalyze significant changes in our lives. The solar eclipse in Virgo on September 11 forms a grand square pattern (interlinked 90 and 180 degree angles) that adds thrust to an already incredibly dynamic line up of planets pushing for significant changes. What will change? That is up to each one of us, but the planets reflect revolutionary changes in our work and business dealings as a result of deep, inner changes of consciousness. We are awakening, en mass, to a better way of living and interacting. In the first one-half of September, decision time arrives. If you have been on the fence about anything in your life, now is the time to land firmly on one side or the other; continuing to straddle will become increasingly painful. It is time to declare what is important to you, stand up for your values and beliefs, allow your relationships to reveal their true essence, and make important choices that will influence the future course of your life for many years. Positive aspects between Venus, Mercury, Mars, Neptune and Pluto provide the context that supports making excellent choices that will move our lives forward in a very positive way.

The Sun In Libra Restores Peace and Brings Balance

The sun completes its sojourn through Virgo, entering Libra on September 23 and ushering in the Autumnal Equinox. After having had our important realizations, the climate of multiple positive planetary aspects helps us to move our lives forward, and the equinox gives us a level playing field in which to re-create our lives. The last week of September will be decidedly more peaceful, as the sun in Libra seeks balance, beauty and harmony. A full moon in Aries, opposite the sun in Libra on September 26 illuminates the path ahead with clear direction to transform the way we conduct business and gather resources for our mutual benefit. When we act from the highest inspiration at the centre of our being, we come into harmony with universal principles and forces that help to manifest our dreams.

S U N   S I G N S
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	The lunar eclipse signals the completion of something in your life experience. It could be as simple as letting go of an old idea, or as profound as the end of a career or relationship, nevertheless, it requires surrender on your part. Thinking about it too much will just make you crazy, just trust, and do it. The mid-month solar eclipse reveals your need to make substantial changes in the health habits and daily routines of your life.
	John Lennon said, "Life is what happens to you while you are busy making other plans..." it must feel that way to you this month following the August 28 solar eclipse, as your long-term plans undergo some rather profound shifts. Taurus doesn't like change, but hold on to your hat because there is more, stimulated by the September 11 solar eclipse which takes you deeper into an exploration of what in life truly has meaning and lasting value.
	The solar eclipse brings those career breakthroughs you have been waiting for, prompting you to make changes in your daily routines and calling for greater cooperation from partners. Educational or spiritual pursuits, or both, will serve you well this month. The solar eclipse brings changes in your home life, requiring you to be more present, organized and efficient with your time.
	This is your month to ponder the mysteries of life. The late-August lunar eclipse stimulates travel or educational pursuits that enhance your spiritual understanding. You may need to let go of old philosophies and values so that a new, clearer understanding can be born in your soul. The September 11 solar eclipse catalyzes an intellectual review of your deepest beliefs that could be experienced as an existential crisis if you fail to let go of the old and make room for the new.
	Realizations derived from last month's review of your financial realities can now be implemented as changes in your spending and investment strategies. New agreements in a partnership require you to make adjustments in your plans and goals, but, because you see the long-term value, you make changes willingly. The solar eclipse on September 11 reveals underlying self-worth issues that are ready to be released, making it easier for prosperity to flow in your life.
	Stimulated by the August 28 lunar eclipse, partners have made significant, and even radical changes that effect the foundation of your life. Saturn, the bringer of life's lessons, has moved into your sign for a two and one-half year transit in which you will be restructuring your life on many levels, especially in how you relate to your world. The solar eclipse in your sign on September 11 underscores this theme, giving you the necessary push to transform areas of your life in need of change.
	New health practices and routines are on the horizon following the August 28 eclipse that revealed your need for a health "make-over". The mid-month solar eclipse takes you deep into your innermost spiritual heart to reveal essential truths that will help you navigate through the current complexities of life. September is full of changes that have their origin in deep soul-searching for a new sense of meaning and purpose in your life.
	The late August lunar eclipse stimulated changes with children, or in your creative activities and projects. Greater financial flow and easier exchange of ideas facilitates moving toward fulfilling your creative aspirations. The September 11 solar eclipse brings changes in your long-term goals, and Saturn requires that you develop the discipline necessary to achieve your dreams.
	As Jupiter moves forward in your sign, plans for future improvement and expansion can now develop. The recent lunar eclipse rocked your home and family life, awakening you to the need for fairly radical change, and now you are prepared to make those changes. The solar eclipse in Virgo on September 11 brings changes in your career life, and may be signaling that it is time for a change of direction with your work.
	This month of fairly important changes will hopefully prepare you for the more deep-seated transformation that Pluto will bring as it enters your sign early next year. While the lunar eclipse brought changes in your communication style, the upcoming solar eclipse on September 11 takes you into the deeper, internal landscape of your soul. Through travel, study and philosophical inquiry, you seek answers to life's mysteries.
	New monetary commitments are necessary following the August 28 lunar eclipse in the financial area of your chart. Loved ones and partners contribute in positive ways, and your creativity flows well this month, helping you to resolve money issues from the past. The solar eclipse on September 11 prompts you to structure partnership investments and/ or loans that help you achieve your objectives.
	The lunar eclipse in your sign on August 28 set the stage for important changes in your outlook on life and in the way you present yourself to the world. Recent career advancements have given you more time or money to indulge in the health and recreational activities you have long wished for. The solar eclipse on September 11 activates the primary relationship part of your chart, calling for changes in the quality of exchange with loved ones.

© Carola Eastwood, 2007

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Carola Eastwood is a professional astrological consultant, counselor, and teacher with over 22 years experience providing insight and guidance for clients throughout the world. Carola has appeared on national TV, hosted radio shows, spoken at national conventions, and presented classes and workshops to numerous audiences.

Your astrological chart is your "blueprint" for this lifetime. A personal session with Carola is a journey deep into the heart of your being, a look at your entire lifetime, and a remembrance of your spiritual purpose. For more information, or to schedule a session with Carola, call Earth Star Consulting Services 1 858 - 259-1590, or email to estar@greencafe.com.

You can also visit Carola's website at www.earthstarconsulting.