We are having a New Moon in Virgo on September 3rd, 2024, at 1:56 am Universal Time, marking the beginning of a fresh 29.5-day lunar cycle. This New Moon is a powerful time to set intentions that align with Virgo’s meticulous energy and to prepare for the month ahead. The astrological influences described in this article will be especially pertinent during the two weeks following this lunation. This cycle will culminate with a Full Moon Lunar Eclipse in Pisces on September 17th/18th, 2024.
Virgo season, which began on August 22nd/23rd, now receives an extra boost from this New Moon. Virgo, the sign of meticulousness, organization, and service, is associated with health, daily routines, work, and the fine-tuning of details. The essence of Virgo emphasizes logic, precision, analytical thinking, and a strong desire to enhance and refine all aspects of life. It’s about attending to the details, serving others, and striving for excellence in every endeavor.
This period is ideal for focusing on self-improvement, efficiency, and cultivating habits that support long-term well-being. Virgo encourages us to assess what is working in our lives and what requires adjustment. It’s a time for clearing out what is unnecessary, whether it’s physical clutter or unproductive patterns in our daily lives.
Ruled by Mercury, Virgo thrives on analysis and critical thinking, channeling its energy into perfecting processes, honing skills, and making meaningful contributions. This influence fosters a sense of duty, practicality, and a strong work ethic, urging us to get organized, care for our bodies, and approach life with a mindset geared toward growth and service.
On the flip side, Virgo can become overly critical, anxious, and perfectionistic, struggling with an obsession over minutiae that may obscure the bigger picture. This can lead to worry, self-criticism, or getting bogged down in details to the point of paralysis. However, when balanced, Virgo’s energy is invaluable for making tangible progress and achieving mastery in our chosen areas.
New Moon in a T-Square, Opposing Saturn & Squaring Jupiter
This New Moon in Virgo is forming a powerful T-square with Saturn in Pisces and Jupiter in Gemini. This configuration ties into the ongoing tension between Jupiter and Saturn, a dynamic that was particularly strong from August 15th to 24th and continues to influence the early September period.
The New Moon’s closest aspect is the opposition to Saturn, which is a call to confront our responsibilities. It can manifest as struggles and limitations yet can also emphasize the need for discipline, structure, and a realistic approach to our goals. Saturn in Pisces, with its blend of idealism and realism, may highlight areas where we need to be more accountable or where boundaries need to be enforced.
The energy of this opposition will be strong on September 7th/8th/9th when the Sun opposes Saturn. During this time, we may feel a heightened sense of pressure, delays, challenges, and the need to be more diligent. However, this aspect also offers an opportunity to embrace our commitments and make necessary adjustments to ensure long-term success.
In contrast, the square to Jupiter in Gemini brings an expansive, optimistic, and sometimes scattered energy into the mix. Jupiter in Gemini encourages exploration, learning, and the exchange of ideas, but when in a challenging square to the New Moon, it can also lead to overextension, scatteredness, or difficulty focusing.
The influence of this square will be most pronounced on September 11th/12th/13th when the Sun squares Jupiter. During this time, we may feel a strong pull to push our limits, take risks, or explore new avenues, particularly in education or communication. However, the tension between the desire to expand and the need for caution requires careful balancing.
As this New Moon activates the ongoing Jupiter-Saturn square, it invites us to find a middle ground between expansion and restraint. The key to navigating this energy is to remain adaptable while also staying grounded in reality. By integrating the lessons of Saturn’s discipline with Jupiter’s optimism, we can make meaningful progress while avoiding the pitfalls of overextending ourselves or missing critical details.
Mercury Is Now Direct & Trine Chiron
Mercury, the ruling planet of Virgo, stationed direct on August 28th/29th following a retrograde phase that began on August 4th/5th, primarily moving through the sign of Leo and partially in Virgo. The developments of this retrograde, and the current post-retrograde shadow period happening until September 11th/12th, are contributing to adjustments and recalibrations pertaining to the energies of Leo and Virgo.
In Leo, many of us were called to reassess how we express ourselves, our leadership qualities, and the ways in which we seek recognition and validation. As a sign associated with creativity, self-expression, love/romance, as well as our ego and persona, this retrograde may have highlighted issues related to these areas. We might have faced delays, misunderstandings, or a need to revisit old projects or relationships linked to these themes. This period could be a time to reconnect with our true passions, refine how we present ourselves, and address any ego-driven behaviors that needed adjustment.
In Virgo, this part of the retrograde highlighted how we manage our daily lives and could have brought issues related to our routines, productivity, service, organization, and health into focus. This period may have uncovered inefficiencies or flaws in our systems and processes, ultimately helping us make necessary corrections. It was (and still is) a time to revisit old tasks or projects, refine our approaches, and ensure that our day-to-day activities and work are more efficient, smooth, and aligned.
Mercury retrograde (and the current post-retrograde shadow) in Virgo could also highlight the need to approach life with a more analytical and discerning mindset. This can encourage us to pay closer attention to details, find ways to be more productive/efficient, and take a more practical approach. For some, this phase may have brought up anxieties or perfectionistic tendencies, but it also offered a chance to streamline our lives and focus on what truly matters. You can learn more about this recent Mercury Retrograde here.
As Mercury gradually picks up speed in its post-retrograde forward momentum, it forms an exact trine with Chiron in Aries on September 1st/2nd/3rd, which will also be part of the backdrop over the following few weeks. This harmonious aspect provides an opportunity for healing, overcoming challenges, problem-solving, realizations, and approaching or perceiving things from a holistic perspective, especially in areas that were affected by the retrograde.
This trine supports open, honest communication, making it ideal for resolving problems or issues that have come up in previous weeks. As Mercury continues to clear its post-retrograde shadow until September 11th/12th, this period will bring some concluding developments and allow us to move forward with greater clarity.
Uranus Stationary Retrograde, Eclipse Season Approaching
At the time of this New Moon, Uranus in Taurus has recently gone stationary retrograde on September 1st/2nd. When a planet stations, its energy is intensified, and this is especially true for Uranus, the planet of surprises, instability, sudden change, innovation, and rebellion. The effects of Uranus stationing retrograde were potent in the week leading up to this New Moon and will continue to be strong in the week following.
During this time, we may experience unexpected shifts, disruptions, or breakthroughs, particularly in areas where we have become too rigid or resistant to change. Uranus challenges us to shake things up and embrace new possibilities. While this can be unsettling, it also offers an opportunity for positive changes, and it’s encouraged to stay open-minded, adaptable, and ready to pivot as needed.
In addition to the influence of Uranus stationary, we are also approaching eclipse season. The first eclipse will be a Lunar Eclipse in Pisces on September 17th/18th, followed by a Solar Eclipse in Libra on October 2nd/3rd. Eclipses often bring about evolutionary developments, and their energies can start to manifest before they even happen—up to 4-6 weeks prior—and also influence events over the following 5-6 months. These events are catalysts for pushing us forward, aligning more closely with our true path, and turning away from aspects of our lives that no longer serve us.
I will be writing separate articles on these eclipses as we get closer to these dates, but I wanted to mention them in this article as we are already in the window in which we may be affected by them. I encourage you to join my mailing list here to receive notifications when these articles are published.
Venus & Black Moon Lilith Conjunct South Node
Since August 23rd and continuing until September 6th, 2024, Black Moon Lilith has been in a conjunction with the South Node, potentially creating a period of reflection, release, or karmic process pertaining to its energies. For those unfamiliar, Black Moon Lilith is the Moon’s apogee—the point in the Moon’s orbit furthest from Earth—and it represents the darker, more mysterious aspects of the self that are often considered taboo or untamed. These are the parts of our psyche that we may try to suppress, but they can play a role in our journey toward achieving wholeness and personal empowerment.
The conjunction with the South Node, which is associated with our past, karmic lessons, and what we need to let go of, can be a call to release or transmute negative expressions of these hidden or shadowy aspects of ourselves that have been creating obstructions in our lives. During this time, you may feel a deep urge to confront and liberate yourself from old patterns, behaviors, or wounds that have been holding you back. Alternatively, this can also be a time in which we acknowledge, integrate, or explore these shadowy parts, ultimately playing a role in a journey toward eventual release and/or positive transformation in how we work with these energies.
Adding to this dynamic, Venus—the planet of love, relationships, friends, pleasure, beauty, and values—aligns with the South Node on September 3rd/4th, with the Moon also activating it on September 4th/5th, joining Black Moon Lilith in this process. Venus’s conjunction with the South Node often signals a time for revisitation of the past or release of old relationships, values, or other Venus-ruled areas that no longer serve us in the same way they once did. You may find that past lovers, unresolved relationship issues, or negative pleasure-seeking patterns resurface, become more apparent, or are brought to light, providing you with an opportunity to understand, forgive, recalibrate, or let go. This can happen during the timeframe of this transit, or this period can bring people or situations into your life that will play a role in this process, potentially playing out over a longer-term period. If it’s the latter, then this will be less obvious and may not initially feel like a release.
Mars Square Neptune & Quincunx Pluto
From September 1st to 4th, Mars in Gemini forms a square with Neptune in Pisces. Neptune’s influence can soften Mars’s usual directness, making it difficult to take decisive action. Instead of the assertiveness that Mars typically offers, we might find ourselves feeling scattered, indecisive, or confused about how to apply ourselves. Alternatively, this can also be a good time for actions oriented around compassion, creativity, spirituality, imagination, or activities involving water.
Overlapping with this square to Neptune, Mars will be in a quincunx aspect with Pluto from September 3rd to 6th, as Mars transitions from the mentally driven sign of Gemini to the emotionally charged sign of Cancer. The quincunx aspect often brings a sense of irritation, discomfort, or disharmony, which may require some sort of adjustments.
We may find ourselves grappling with situations where the need for emotional security conflicts with the deep changes Pluto demands. The energies of Mars—such as action, drive, aggression, and desire—are affected by Pluto’s energies of power, control, compulsion, obsession, and hidden matters in a way that doesn’t easily align and can be frustrating. During this period, it’s important to approach situations with a willingness to adapt and recognize where adjustments are necessary.
Mercury Square Uranus, Then in Yod Pattern with Neptune & Pluto
As Mercury moves forward after its recent retrograde, it now makes its third and concluding aspects to Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto, tied into themes that have been playing out since the pre-retrograde shadow. From September 6th to 8th, Mercury forms a square with Uranus, reactivating the potentially unpredictable and disruptive energies we encountered in recent weeks.
Uranus, known for sudden changes and unexpected developments, challenges Mercury’s logical and communicative nature, creating an environment ripe for surprises, breakthroughs, and shaking things up. This square may bring about sudden shifts in perspective, unexpected news, or changes in plans. This energy will be overlapping with the Sun opposite Saturn influence that was covered earlier in this article, which can bring themes of limitations, struggles, responsibilities, and discipline.
Following the square with Uranus, Mercury, now aligned with the star Regulus, moves into a quincunx with Neptune (September 7th-9th) and Pluto (September 8th-9th), forming a Yod pattern. Mercury’s alignment with Regulus, a star associated with leadership, recognition, honor, and integrity, adds another layer of significance to this Yod. Regulus’s influence can bring themes of leadership, power, recognition, influence, honor, integrity, nobility, fame, and success—either pertaining to our own lives or in our interactions with others.
The Yod pattern involving Pluto, Neptune, and Mercury brings a blend of transformative and spiritual energies. Pluto’s influence may bring deep introspection, confrontation with hidden truths, shadow qualities, obsessions, or inner changes. Neptune’s influence adds spirituality, imagination, dreams, compassion, illusions, or escapism. This Yod supports tapping into our inner wisdom, looking at things in a more meaningful way, and embracing the transformative power of spiritual growth.
Venus Quincunx Saturn & Mercury Sextile Mars
From September 10th to 12th, Venus forms a quincunx with Saturn, creating a period where we may feel tension between our desire for social activities, affection, or pleasures, and the demands or restrictions imposed by Saturn. This aspect could manifest as the need to address issues around relationships, finances, or aesthetic matters. The quincunx aspect may indicate a need for compromise or re-evaluation.
At the same time, from September 10th to 13th, Mercury forms a harmonious sextile with Mars, infusing our communication and mental processes with energy, assertiveness, and a sense of purpose. Mercury governs our thoughts, communication, and decision-making, while Mars represents action, drive, and courage. This sextile aspect enhances our ability to express ourselves clearly and confidently, making it an ideal time for negotiations, initiating projects, or taking decisive action on plans that have been in the works.
The energy of this sextile can help counterbalance the tension brought on by the Venus-Saturn quincunx, as it encourages direct, clear communication and the ability to take action based on thoughtful consideration. It’s a time when you can harness mental sharpness and assertiveness to overcome obstacles or to make important decisions that require both clarity and courage. All of this occurs while the Sun forms a square with Jupiter, as discussed earlier in the article. The Sun-Jupiter square brings themes of excess, overconfidence, and the challenge of managing expansion. It is beneficial for learning but can also lead to overextension and scatteredness.
Venus Trine Jupiter Leading Into the Eclipse
We are experiencing a Venus-Jupiter trine from September 14th to 16th as Venus in Libra and Jupiter in Gemini come together in a harmonious alignment. This aspect highlights a time of growth, abundance, and optimism in areas governed by Venus, such as love, relationships, beauty, and personal values. Venus in Libra, a sign where it feels particularly comfortable, emphasizes balance, harmony, and fairness, making this an ideal time for nurturing relationships and seeking out pleasure in our interactions with others.
Jupiter, the planet of expansion, wisdom, and higher learning, in the communicative and curious sign of Gemini, amplifies the joy of exploring new ideas and connecting with others. Together, these energies foster an atmosphere where generosity, optimism, and good fortune can flourish. This trine creates opportunities for social connections, creative projects, and an overall sense of well-being. It’s a time to embrace the possibilities that come your way, as this alignment supports growth through our relationships.
Adding to this harmonious alignment, the Moon in Aquarius will enhance this aspect by forming a grand trine with Venus and Jupiter during part of this period on September 14th/15th. A grand trine, particularly in air signs, promotes ease and flow, especially in intellectual and social pursuits. The Moon in Aquarius brings themes around innovation and collective matters. This grand trine encourages us to think outside the box, engage in group activities, and collaborate with others. The synergy of Venus, Jupiter, and the Moon can elevate your emotional state, making this a period of both personal joy and collective upliftment.
As we enjoy the benefits of these trines, it’s important to note that this period is also leading up to the lunar eclipse in Pisces on September 17th/18th. Eclipses are known for bringing about evolutionary changes in our lives. Although their energies play out over a longer-term period (part of a six-month backdrop), it is possible that the developments around the time of the Venus-Jupiter trine may be connected to the eclipse due to its close proximity and considering that Jupiter is the traditional ruler of Pisces.
Making Intentions & Things To Consider
What areas of your life could benefit from greater organization and structure? Do you need to fine-tune your daily routines, work processes, or health practices to better support your productivity and well-being? Is there any clutter in your life or obstructing patterns/habits that you need to address? How can you use your skills and talents to better serve 
others? Is there anything that you can apply in your life to better tackle problem solving or coming up with solutions to challenges? Where do you need to set boundaries, and where can you allow more flexibility? What has come up for in recent weeks during Mercury’s retrograde and post retrograde? How do you need to proceed based on that? Are there any relationships, pleasures, values, or friendships, or approaches to these things, that you need to release from your life
These are just some examples of what to consider or focus your intentions on at this time. However, it’s also advised to reflect on anything else not mentioned here that is coming up for you right now. The exact moment of this New Moon is at 1:56 am Universal Time on September 3rd, 2024. You can click here to see what that is in your time zone. It’s generally best to make your intentions within the first 24 hours following a New Moon to best harness the seeding period.
Carmen Di Luccio is a practicing astrologer who has been studying astrology for 17 years and working with clients for 12 years. His forecast articles were featured in Collective-Evolution.com from 2015 until 2021 and were among the most read astrology content on the internet. Carmen has been a guest on many podcasts and other media throughout the years. He specializes in readings and consultations for individuals, businesses, and entrepreneurs to help them navigate the astrological influences and achieve greater alignment with the best version of themselves.