Hello, Virgo Season
the astrology of Virgo season, what I'm herbcrafting this month, and my latest hyperfixations
Hello, friends. It’s been nearly a season since I wrote to you. My summer days have been filled with gardening, bike rides, quality time with family and friends, dancing and singing to Chappell Roan and Charli xcx, and wedding festivities! I’m marrying the love of my life this weekend, and I can’t wait for our big day! Our closest family and friends from all seasons of life will soon be in Milwaukee to celebrate our love. My life is bursting at the seams with love and joy, and I’m savoring every moment.
I put this newsletter on the back burner while I’ve been enjoying life. However, I sat at my altar this morning and inspiration flowed! This newsletter has been through many iterations, and the through lines have been astrology and plants. I began this newsletter to practice writing and connect with people who share my fascination with the stars. Then, I sunset my astrology practice to make time for studying herbalism and wedding planning. Now, I’m weaving my love of astrology with my love of plants, and I’m gaining experience in gardening and herbcrafting.
I’m ready to recommit myself to this newsletter, and I have clarity on a new format. Once a month, I’ll write to you as the Sun journeys into a new zodiac sign. This newsletter will be divided into three sections: astrology of the zodiac season, what I’m herbcrafting that month, and my latest hyperfixations.
I hope you enjoy this new format, and I’d love to hear from you! How has your summer been, and what are you looking forward to this Virgo season?
Astrology of Virgo Season
Virgo is the mutable earth sign of the zodiac. Mutable signs come at the end of seasons, and Virgo is the tail end of summer. Earth signs are of the material realm, and Virgo is ruled by Mercury, the psychopomp. Virgo is connected to the Hermit card in tarot. I associate Virgo with the nervous system, harvest season, mycelium, bodywork, and herbalism. Happy birthday season to all the Virgo Suns (including my soon to be husband). Your precise, thoughtful, and process-oriented energy is needed to keep us all on track!
Sun enters Virgo August 22nd 9:56 a.m. CT
Mercury stations direct in Leo August 28th 4:14 p.m. CT
Venus enters Libra August 29th 8:23 a.m. CT
New Moon in Virgo September 2nd 8:56 p.m. CT
Mercury enters Virgo September 9th 1:51 a.m. CT
Lunar Eclipse in Pisces September 17th 9:34 p.m. CT
Sun leaves Virgo September 22nd 7:44 a.m. CT
Herbcrafting
I began my herbcrafting journey in April when I made my first batch of Calendula oil. Since then, I’ve made a small batch of herbal infused oil each month. During Virgo season, I plan to make my second batch of Lavender oil.
I study astroherbalism, a niche that acknowledges the relationship between plants and planets. Lavender is ruled by Mercury. Currently, Mercury is retrograde in Leo. In a couple of weeks, they’ll resume forward motion and become exalted in their home of Virgo. I align my herbcrafting practice with precise times when the planetary ruler of the plant I’m crafting with is in their home zodiac sign.
I handcrafted my first batch of Lavender oil in June when Mercury was in their other home sign, Gemini. I love gifting my oils to family and friends and receiving their feedback. One friend said, “The Lavender oil is so wonderful. The aromatics are super nice, and I recently found it to be very soothing for moon cycle symptoms and cramps.”
As for me, I keep my bottle of Lavender oil on my nightstand. I pour some into my hands and take a deep breath of the calming, relaxing scent before bed. Lavender oil is great massage oil and may soothe the nervous system. The best part about my Lavender oil is that it contains three ingredients: organic Lavender flowers, organic Sunflower oil, and organic vodka. Years ago, my Virgo fiance brought my awareness to all the toxins in our environment, including our food, bath and body products, and cookware. Together, we’ve been on a journey of limiting our exposure to toxins. I love herbcrafting because it deepens my relationship with the Earth and lessens my dependence on store-bought products with harmful ingredients. I am still recipe-testing my oils, and my hope is to release small batches for sale in early 2025.
My Latest Hyperfixations
In June, I had a queer awakening and exited the closet loudly and proudly. Since then, I’ve been battling with my relationship to the male gaze. Drew Afualo’s content and emerging queer icons like Chappell Roan have held my hand through it all.
Here are my latest hyperfixations:
The Comment Section with Drew Afualo
Loud: Accept Nothing Less than the Life you Deserve - the book my teenage self desperately needed!
The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess - Chappell Roan
I am not immune to brat summer, baby
We’re Here - I only want to consume queer media, and this is my new favorite show! Thank you to my friend Kate for the recommendation.
Alok - I’m seeing them live on September 1st, and I cannot wait!!!
Thank you for reading along! I hope you savor these final weeks of summer and ground yourself in the abundance of Virgo season.
Xoxo, Emily
I can't wait to read more of your astro herbalist wisdom!!