Two shifts happen tonight, one now and one before dawn. These two complement each other, shifting from flamboyant certainty into something quieter, more vulnerable, and closer to home.
The Sun enters Virgo, the mutable Earth sign ruled by Mercury. Already in Virgo, Mercury has entered their retrograde shadow, slowing down, preparing for an inward turn.
Pop astrology tells us Virgo is anxious, fussy, and obsessed with details. While this can be true, it’s far from the heart of this sign of humility and service.
Virgo is craft work, of knowing how important the basics are. Here we tend to daily tasks, simple things. This is how lives are made.
Before dawn, we’ll enter the Balsamic phase with the Moon at 15 Cancer. Here, too, we focus on home, caring for family, however we define that. Virgo bakes the bread. Cancer serves it warm from the oven, in thick slices slathered with butter and jam.
This focus on home does not separate us from the world.
The Sun squares Mars. The Moon sextiles the North Node and Uranus, and trines the South Node. The Moon will soon oppose Pluto. Venus trines Chiron and moves to oppose Saturn. The world is very much with us.
The shift to simple things is timely.
First, the basics of life are building blocks. A secure home. Decent clothes. Good food. These keep us going. They’re also the backbone of social justice.
Second, this Moon in Cancer is way out of bounds, well beyond the limits of the Sun. Our emotions and vulnerabilities are off the charts. With Venus connecting to Chiron the wounded healer, and Mercury preparing for a retrograde, we may find it especially challenging to stay grounded.
When coping feels difficult, getting back to basics helps. Make the bed. Sweep the floor. Weed the garden. This is how lives are made.
We’re entering the dark Moon phase and a time of letting go. Cut back on social media. Avoid unnecessary stressors. Find a routine that works for you. One step at a time is enough.