posted August 22, 2006 02:21 PM            

Are you finding yourself uncharacteristically dusting bookshelves or suddenly alphabetizing all your CDs? The Sun's visit to Virgo will have you feeling particularly particular about organization this month -- be it on your desk or in your life. Indeed, getting things in order will help lure a potential breakthrough in your life path or in your work life. Embrace this rare moment of real objectivity. Make sure to give yourself a much-deserved pat on the back for all you've accomplished thus far, and feel free to tell the world about it!

August 22: The Sun enters Virgo

The energy shifts as the Sun enters Virgo, a sign that is earthy yet quite idealistic. Keeping your feet on the ground and your head in the stars helps you maintain harmony in your life now. Some of you are preparing to go back to school; others are getting down to business dreaming up new ventures. With the Sun shining in this sign, you are interested in doing a great job, in getting your life organized. This is a roll-up-your-shirtsleeves sign, something demonstrated hugely by Virgo Mother Theresa, who was a virtual archetype of both the practical dreamer and service-oriented natures of this sign.

August 22: New Moon in Virgo

A new Moon time is all about a new beginning and a new cycle. As the Moon increases in light it culminates in the full Moon, when you will have a chance to stand back and take stock of what you started at the new Moon. So put your energy into something that is meaningful to you, something you want to grow. With a Virgo new Moon, which is very accomplishment-oriented, you'll notice that you and others want to get involved in something useful, something productive. As you think of a project, dream or goal that you want to infuse with this lunar energy, allow it to help you organize and implement those things that are the most important to you. A Japanese proverb with a Virgo-like bent is, 'If there is no wind, row.'

This new Moon will most affect Virgos born August 22-26, Capricorns born December 21-25, Aries born March 20-24 and Geminis born May 21-25.

August 27: Mercury enters Virgo

Sharpen your pencils! Charge your PDAs! Your fertile mind needs something to do as this communication planet leaves fiery Leo and enters analytical Virgo on September 4. Mercury loves to be in this sign, one of its home signs (the other is Gemini). If you've been waiting to get your creative ideas into a form, the wait is over. Your mind hasn't been this sharp since, well last year when Mercury was in Virgo! Write that proposal, get the finishing touches on your film project done or create the perfect itinerary for your family vacation. Whatever your project is, your focus is at an all-time high. Just make sure you stay off the hamster wheel of turning the same thing over and over in your mind. Give your mind a job to occupy itself.

August 29: Jupiter trines Uranus

Are you ready to spread your wings? The motto for this aspect could be, 'something new; something different.' Your world is opening up and you are likely to reach out for new experiences now. Jupiter represents how you want to expand and improve your life, and in its current placement in Scorpio, the desire is to transform, to go deeper and to live more authentically and passionately. Jupiter's trine to individualistic Uranus gives tremendous support to free yourself from restrictive circumstances and anything that doesn't represent the truth about who you are. So, could it be time to make new friends or change jobs? Stay alert to the opportunities around you. People help give you the lift-off you need.

August 29: Mars squares Pluto

Sometimes what you want is not exactly what others think is best for you. As Mars has been traveling through hard-working, conscientious Virgo, you've been focused on getting your act together -- whether it's a health and fitness plan or getting your desk or countertops more organized. Pluto's placement in Sagittarius intensifies beliefs and so other people may have ideas about what you should do, and it looks like they are weighing in now. This is dictator energy; so watch your own tendencies to be a domineering, and if you know how to sidestep a control freak, now is the time to show off that talent.

August 31: Saturn in Leo opposes Neptune in Aquarius

Saturn represents building; Neptune represents the dream. Some of you are good builders; some of you are good dreamers. Globally and personally, these two energies are having a serious conversation right now. As Saturn and Neptune are conversing, you are in the process of getting clearer about the difference between your fantasies and dreams. Disillusionment occurs when a fantasy remains unfulfilled. But with a dream, the work is different. The question becomes, 'What are the steps I must take to make my dream come true?' You are likely to feel tentative about what you're willing to take on because, timing-wise, the dream is not fully formed or imagined yet -- witness global or national issues. Becoming comfortable with uncertainty can be extremely helpful right now. It will give you the time to swim around in the cosmic soup until you become more certain about where it is you want to go and what it is you want to do.

September 1: Mercury conjuncts the Sun

Have you been thinking of circulating your résumé or volunteering for your favorite cause? This past July 18, Mercury (while it was retrograding) conjuncted the Sun. Back then you received information you were unable to put to good use. Hopefully you used that time to research and gather information. These two come together again, this time in lets-get-to-work Virgo, and finally a plan comes together. Mercury, the traveling ambassador, comes home and it's time to reap the benefits of all of the conversations, agreements and ideas from the last couple of months. This marks a time of new beginnings, new plans and new ideas. Finally you get the go-ahead to do something productive!

September 4: Pluto turns direct

Pluto went retrograde last March 29. This retrograde period comes to an end now as Pluto stations direct on September 4. These last several months have seen power and control issues ratchet up and you may have been feeling that there is a lot at stake. Although this intensity can drive people to extremes, leaving behind beliefs that don't serve you (or the world) have been a part of this long retrograde period. Perhaps you've let go of people or moved on from untenable situations. As Pluto moves forward, you have the opportunity to get in the driver's seat and put into practice everything you've learned about yourself. Take some time to review your options. Over these next weeks, a plan will emerge that feels right to you. Believe in yourself and what you want. Continue to throw out old negative beliefs to take full advantage of this time of adjustment. Here is a quotation by Sylvia Robinson to inspire you: 'Some people think it's holding on that makes one strong; sometimes it's letting go.'

September 6: Venus enters Virgo

As the planet of love and relationship leaves fun-loving Leo and enters service-oriented Virgo, you naturally turn your attention to the more practical aspects of your important relationships. Ask yourself: Are we a good fit? What are we doing for each other? How are we helping each other? Nothing says love like when your spouse remembers to pick up some bread and milk on the way home from work! Use this time to be helpful to those closest to you. Give your honey a back rub, involve your kids in a charitable event or email or call someone who would love to know they are in your thoughts. These are uncertain times for many people. Commit random acts of kindness this month and your thoughtfulness will be returned tenfold.

September 7: Lunar Eclipse in Pisces

Full Moons are known for being times when emotions are super strong. When a full Moon is also in a lunar eclipse, emotions get dialed up even more. Add to that the fact that this eclipse takes place in Pisces, the most sensitive sign of the zodiac, and you can count on yourself and others feeling hypersensitive. This touchy full Moon has the dynamic, high-energy players Mars and Uranus involved. Independence and freedom are a big deal for everyone right now, and anyone feeling trampled upon won't be quiet about it. Help yourself by carving out some alone-time to create emotional tranquility. Watch a beautiful sunset or listen to a beautiful piece of music. The goal here is to put yourself in the state where you feel your connection to everything and to tune into your dreams. Because full Moons, and even lunar eclipses, represent a culmination from what you set in motion during the last new Moon, look back at the new Moon on August 23 for a review. Between now and the next new Moon later this month, which is also a solar eclipse, get a plan together to make changes that will make you feel more comfortable about things.

This full Moon will most affect Virgos born September 6-10, Sagittarians born December 6-10, Pisces born March 4-8 and Geminis born June 4-8.

September 8: Mars enters Libra

When the action planet Mars changes sign approximately every two months, it is time to set a new course. With assertive Mars in Libra, you will naturally want to put time and energy into your relationship life. For you married or seriously hooked-up folks, a visit to a couples counselor may help you sort out some old issues so you can get the air cleared and the unfinished business behind you. If you are single and have been thinking you would like to be involved with someone, now is the time to try Internet dating, ask your best friend to introduce you to someone or even go out on a blind date.

September 12: Mercury enters Libra and conjuncts Mars September 15

On September 12 communicative Mercury enters tactful Libra and the emphasis turns to cooperation. Getting along and being nice goes a long way now. Yet, when Mercury joins with warrior Mars in a conjunction on September 15, the dialogue heats up. There are few aspects that are better for selling an idea if you keep the harmony vibe in play. Can you ask for what you want without getting pushy? Keep the volume down and let your words carry the importance of what you want to say.

September 16: Venus opposes Uranus

Change is good, right? When lovely Venus meets unpredictable Uranus a surprising turn of events in your relationships can occur. This is a relationship shake up time. If you are single, get out of the house and socialize. You just may meet someone -- and it won't be the type of person to whom you are normally attracted. If you are in a committed relationship, spice things up; get out of your normal routines. Meet up for a romantic lunch, get a baby-sitter and go out to the movies and get to know each other again. The main thing is that whatever you are used to doing -- do the opposite.

September 16: The Sun squares Pluto

All you want is to do a good job and have your efforts appreciated, right? Is that too much to ask? Well, as the work-oriented Virgo Sun squares recently stationed Pluto, you are presented with a challenge. People in positions of power, or to whom you have given power, have some strong beliefs about what you should do and how you should show up. You may feel like you are not getting the recognition you deserve, and the tendency is to get involved in a power struggle. Instead, focus on solidifying your own power base, and realize that doing a good job is not necessarily enough to get you the recognition you want. The most important things you may do this week is ask yourself if you are in an appropriate work or life situation. Whenever Pluto in Sagittarius is involved in an aspect, it's about letting go of a belief about something. Ask yourself what you need to let go of. This square is still very operational in next week's solar eclipse.

September 22: Solar eclipse in Virgo

It's time to get out the broom, the vacuum and the dust mop! This is the second new Moon in Virgo; the first was on August 23 and occurred at 0 degrees of Virgo. This second one takes place at 29 degrees, and this one is a big deal since it's also a solar eclipse, which is like an extra intense new Moon. New Moons are a time of new beginnings, and this second one in Virgo is emphasizing the necessity of getting organized and getting your act together. So, ask yourself: Are you running your schedule or is your schedule running you? It is time to get down to the basics of how you are taking care of yourself, how you are getting things done.

Solar eclipses occur at the north or south lunar node with the north node representing the future and the south node, the past. Since this eclipse occurs at the south node, it is clean-up time. It is time to take care of those things you've been meaning to get to that need your attention. Pay special attention to the issue of overwork, which can cause repetitive injuries and stress-related illnesses. What a great time to get an exercise program together and to eat healthfully! Since powerful Pluto squares this new Moon, you'll want to let go of the plans and projects that are clearly putting way too much on your plate.