“Sitting quietly, doing nothing, spring comes, and the grass grows by itself” — Matsuo Bashō
The New Moon in Virgo on August 30th brings images of patience, growth and waiting for things to come to pass; a cycle which will come to fruition on March 9th 2020, with the Full Moon in Virgo.
This decan is associated with the tarot card of The Eight of Disks, and talks of process. patience and persistence; waiting for matters to unfold in due course, as they most certainly will. The term “Prudence” has long been associated with this particular card, and highlights the necessity of holding back, waiting for the correct time, for the best harvest possible to develop. The emphasis is on maintaining a balance between withholding the appetite or desires, until the time that they can be sated to the highest degree…. the time when the fruit is at its best, and knowing too, that it is also good to enjoy that moment to the full, as well as the anticipatory wait.
“In human terms this contradictory mystery is embodied in the figure of virgin whose image is associated with this Decan, providing initiation into the mysteries of incarnation, teaching the difference between the touched and the untouched and the prudence of postponing delight until the fruit is ripe. It helps to make careful craftsmen, thoughtful merchants and wise farmers, though many other transformers of the Prima Materia are here as well. Though the formula for this face is one of humility it results in works of surprising glory, for creation ripens for those who can hear and heed its voice.”
The six month cycle that begins at this New Moon, and which ends with the Full Moon in Virgo on March 9th 2020, deals with how far we are prepared to get our hands dirty with the business of living, how well we are able to immerse ourselves in the tasks that need to occur, in order for the harvest to be achieved. Much work is involved, and there may be a great deal of sorting out to be done. Beneath the glamour of finally tasting and treasuring the products that we have grown, lies the backbreaking work of tending, of nurturing, of clearing and of weeding. Refinement is a key word when we talk about Virgo… and the beauty of the finished product often disguises the difficult experiences and tasks that necessitate the final scene.
The Astrologers Diary
The New Moon every month offers an opportunity to sow new seeds, and as an Astrologer, I find it to be a useful exercise for myself and in working with others, to use the energy of each particular New Moon, according to the Sabian Symbol that it falls on, together with the position in which it falls in the Natal Chart. Such considerations can be invaluable in steering through ups and downs, and in becoming “easy” with the ebb and flow of what life brings.
This particular New Moon falls in the 7th degree of Virgo, which Dane Rudhyar describes as follows:
The New Moon falls in the 7th degree of Virgo PHASE 157 (VIRGO 7°): A HAREM.
KEYNOTE: A fateful (even if sought after) subservience to the vagaries or desires of the emotional nature.
This particular New Moon falls in my own 3rd house, so the next six months will be in some way, 
defined by the energy described by this particular New Moon. For me, it will be all about communication and my daily interaction with the local community. As this New Moon conjuncts natal Uranus in my own chart, it seems relevant that I have been asked to contribute astrological work to a local publication, which will bring far more attention to my work in the local area. I have also had work published for next year’s Earth Pathways Diary… and it is interesting for me to note that the Full Moon culmination of this cycle, also falls on my Natal Mercury… also in the third house…. so this cycle for me, refers to getting my Astrological (Uranus) work out there in the community (third House) through publications (Mercury) .
So I am choosing to use the energy of this New Moon, to focus on the work that needs to be done in these terms. My children are also, or course “back to school”… and I have always found that this term is the most challenging for them, and also the most productive for myself…. as the Sun tracks through my 4th 5th & 6th houses, I tend to be able to do far more creative and transformative work in the Autumn than at any other time of year.
Knowing which house the New Moon falls in, and whether it is in close aspect with any planets in your chart can be an invaluable tool, along with the wider cycle of the Progressed Moon, for discovering the secret rhythms of your daily life.
A free natal chart wheel can be set up at www.astro.com
My name is Joanna Grant, I am an Astrologer, Tarot Reader and Writer, who lives for now 
in the South West of Ireland. Through my life, I have watched as Jupiter has brought me the desires of my deepest longings, and also suffered as Pluto has torn my life into shreds, and eaten the remains. I have answered the calls of Saturn, as he has brought me to new lands, hardship, and also to deep learning, and have also witnessed that he has never left my side. Uranus has ensured that I have not stayed in any one location for very long, whilst Mars & Venus have led me by the nose on far more occasions than I care to recall, but who have also brought their passionate 
creative spirit to the fore in my life. Neptune has beguiled and confused me, but also entranced and inspired, whilst Mercury has made certain that I have studied the reasons “why” for everything to the “nth” degree. The Moon, my eternal guide on this journey and the lady of my own chart, has given me my deep love of The Stars, steering me ever onwards along the path to seek The Sun.
At this stage in my life, it is time to give back….. and my long knowledge of Astrology leads and informs my practice in offering guidance and empowerment, helping others to lead a more authentic, productive and magical life. You can read more about me here.
Joanna-Kate Grant 