The Sarcophagus
Virgo new Moon and Mercury stations direct
On Thursday, September 14th at 8:38 p.m. CDT the Sun and Moon conjoin at 21° Virgo forming a new Moon. New Moons are usually ripe opportunities for rituals, setting intentions, and calling in our heart’s desires. However, this lunation is ruled by an exalted Mercury at 8° Virgo who is retrograde until September 15th at 3:21 p.m. CDT. Although Mercury stations direct during the new Moon (lunar phases last two to three days), the energy feels contemplative and introspective rather than action oriented.
The new Moon forms a trine to Jupiter and Uranus at 15° and 22° Taurus, respectively, a trine to Pluto at 28° Capricorn, and an opposition to Neptune at 26° Pisces. All four of these planets are retrograde. Although retrogrades are common for the planets in the outer reaches of the solar system, their cumulative impact plus Mercury retrograde is a message to slow down and allow things to unfold as they may.
Recently I’ve felt called to study the decans, a division of the zodiac into 10° segments resulting in 36 divisions. Months ago, I received a copy of the book 36 Faces by Austin Coppock, and I’m learning how the decans add mysticism and nuance to the zodiac. To the ancient Egyptians, the decans were heavenly domains ruled by powerful deities. Today, the decans are linked to the Minor Arcana of the Rider Waite tarot.
For insight into the story of the Virgo new Moon let us look to the third decan of Virgo known as Virgo III. Austin Coppock gives each decan an image, and the one given to Virgo III is the sarcophagus. Virgo is mutable earth and the changing of seasons from summer to fall. Fruits and vegetables are harvested and soon the natural world withers as colder, darker days approach. Virgo III shows us the finite reality of the material realm. Seasons change and plants decay affirming death is part of the natural cycle.
“In this face we ponder the ultimate result of material things. The limits of all created works are here considered. This decan thus has the power to break the pride of all created things by showing them their inevitable end. This is a dark vision, though once accepted it grants far reaching sight. One gains the ability to look beyond the present, seeing consequences as clearly as actions.” – Austin Coppock, 36 Faces
How would the world be different if we took the time to contemplate the consequences of our collective actions? We live in a web of interconnectivity. Our fates entwined with the human and more than human world. What if we acknowledged the aliveness of this web? What if we considered the impact of our actions on the web? Virgo III is the sarcophagus because it’s the inevitability of death to come. If we accept all life comes to an end, how do we live? Do we love harder? Do we choose to be more present? Do we live with care and intention?
The tarot card of Virgo III is the Ten of Pentacles. A card representing material wealth. This aligns with the abundance of Virgo season and the bounty of fruits ready for harvest. However, when plants bear fruit, they fulfill the growth part of the cycle. They reach the pinnacle and drop or disperse seeds as decay takes over. Compost and rot are natural parts of the cycle as plant matter breaks down to nourish the soil. Without nutrients new plants cannot be born. The Ten of Pentacles and Virgo III ask us to contemplate; how do we nourish the soil of future cycles and generations?
Virgo as a whole is represented by the Hermit of the Major Arcana. A card signifying solitude in service of connecting with oneself to make meaing of the transformation unfolding. Opposite Neptune in Pisces this new Moon is foggy, unclear, and mystical. It’s a good time to be with oneself journaling, pulling cards, asking for guidance, or meditating. If you’ve overcommitted yourself, it may be a day for staying in and catching up on rest.
I do not recommend manifestation spells or rituals during this new Moon as Austin Coppock offers the following guidance.
“When in this face the Moon is unsuitable for most works of manifestation, for what is brought into being will be fragile and prone to sicknesses of various sorts.”
As we enter the new Moon phase and final hours of Mercury retrograde, I offer these prompts as threads to weave our stories together.
What fruits in my life are ready for harvest?
What have I seen to completion that is ready to compost?
What am I grieving as the seasons change?
What are the future consequences of my present actions and plans?
What has felt stagnant, stale, or stuck in my life?
What processes and systems do I need to move forward?
What is beginning in my life?
This new Moon provides additional timelines to review due to the trines to Jupiter, Uranus, and Pluto and opposition to Neptune. Additional prompts to contemplate.
Since Jupiter entered Taurus on May 16th, how has my relationship to agriculture, food systems, land, or material resources grown?
Since Pluto re-entered Capricorn on June 11th, how have societal structures such as capitalism, governments, schools, or workplaces impacted my life?
Since Neptune stationed retrograde on June 30th, what dreams, illusions, or spiritual beliefs and practices have reemerged in my life?
As you contemplate the cycles you’re moving through, I’m available for in person and virtual astrology readings. I have two 90 minute sessions available Friday, September 22nd from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at Luna Verde. I also have virtual options throughout the month. Visit my website to book an appointment, and check out my refreshed offerings here.
A friendly reminder I am open to trades from artists, creators, practitioners, and service providers. Email me at mysticmagnoliaastro@gmail.com to discuss. I also offer two no-cost readings per month to those who identify as BIPOC, disabled, or trans. Please fill out this form to request.
Wishing you a contemplative and restful Virgo new Moon.