The Moon is about to be reborn in the fires of the Sun amidst Mercury’s pragmatic, industrious, temple of Virgo.

Each new moon gives us an opportunity for rebirth and renewal. As the moon purges and cleanses herself of the energies and tendencies of the previous lunar cycle, we can all be reborn as well.

For this reason, wise people throughout all ages have used new moons as a time for purifying the psyche of unwanted old habits, setting new, uplifting intentions for the next cycle, and reinvigorating ourselves with enthusiasm for life. The optimism and excitement of new beginnings can permeate our entire being so long as we let it.

For our agrarian ancestors, the Virgo period of the year would have coincided with the harvest. The light and fun period of summer is over - now we have work to do. Traditionally, this would be a time of the year in which we would take stock of the food and sustenance we have accumulated thus far - we would be assessing the literal fruits of our labors.

Just as our ancestors assessed the fruits of their labor during the harvest season, this New Moon we will all feel called to assess our own work: how well we are faring in our careers, our relationships, and in our spiritual paths. You will probably find ways in which you are excelling, and can feel grateful for the work you have accomplished and the progress you have made thus far. But you will also find ways in which there is room for improvement, and strides that you have yet to make.

Virgo is ruled by Mercury, the advisor to the Sun and administrator of divine will. Virgo reflects the capacity of an administrator to implement and enact the will of the ruler at a practical level. The Sun determines an intention, and Mercury works as the hands of the king to see it through on a practical level. Leo sets an intention, and Virgo gets it done - and gets it done right. For this reason, Virgo is very practical and earthy, but also rational and intelligent, with the mental aptitude to manage every single aspect of the Sun’s dominion.

In the same way that a vizier administrates the will of the regent, you will have the opportunity to administrate the will of your own spirit. Turn a keen eye towards all the details and aspects of your own domain during this time as well. As Virgo prepares us for the onslaught of winter and the colder months of the year, you can prepare for your own personal winter too.

This new moon impels us to look at our estates - all the physical aspects of our well-being and see how we can better manage them and improve them. The Virgo new moon will impel you to examine the current state of affairs of your life: you will be compelled to give a proper accounting and set your house in order.

What physical aspects of your life could be better? What practical, tangible things can you do to begin making your life a heaven on earth? What intentions can you set - what habits can you form - that will bring more flourishing, ease, and mastery into your life and the lives of those around you?

This is the time to set intentions that will bring more groundedness and stability into your life. Set intentions that will lead to more mastery and control over yourself and your external kingdom. Build habits that ultimately free you because they eliminate chaos and ambiguity and simplify your life. If you want to set more spiritual, esoteric intentions like magical development and more spiritual expereinces, then be sure that you are setting up practical, realistic habits to make those things a reality - there are no shortcuts in this lunar cycle. Itall takes work; there are no shortcuts.

As you commit tto this work, you will be happier because your life is more under your control, and you will feel more empowered because you have mastered the physical aspects of your life that need to function in order for every other aspect of life to flourish. You will leave this lunar cycle with a significantly greater grasp over your material state of affairs and more mastery over your life.