Virgo Full Moon: A Clarifying Moment

In his book Man’s Search for Meaning, psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor Viktor Frankl writes of an elderly man who came to him two years after the death of his wife. Dr. Frankl sat quietly as the widower poured out his still-fresh grief. When the man was done, Frankl asked him a question: “What would have happened if you had died first, and your wife would have had to survive you?” “Oh,” said the man, “for her this would have been terrible. How she would have suffered!” Frankl responded, “You see, such a suffering has been spared her; and it was you who have spared her this suffering – to be sure, at the price that now you have to survive and mourn her.” The man was so transfigured by this perspective that he simply got up, shook Frankl’s hand and left, never to return.

“In some way,” observed the doctor, “suffering ceases to be suffering at the moment it finds a meaning.”

Isn’t this why we look to the stars – to find some meaning in the madness? Especially when world events are slamming us back to back like giant waves, we deeply yearn for a sense of grounding, a modicum of predictability, a dose of clarity and meaning amidst the chaos.

And if we’re lucky, the upcoming Virgo Full Moon (March 18, 12:17 a.m. PDT) may provide what we seek. At this lunation, the practical, earthy Virgo Moon forms a grand trine with powerful Pluto in Capricorn and the fateful North Node in Taurus. A grand earth trine is the definition of stability – not always on the outside, but in our hearts and minds. Thus, this Virgo Full Moon can help us get us back on our feet and bring a sense of comfort and meaning.

Yet Mercury in watery Pisces rules this Virgo Full Moon, emphasizing the mystical, mutable vibe that’s been so prevalent lately. Jupiter, Neptune and the Sun are also in Pisces, churning up waves of emotion. As the Virgo Moon opposes these changeable planets, it provides an anchor that can help you integrate recent events. This is a good time to tune in to your own deep knowing and tap into wisdom that reveals the next step forward. Or at the very least, you can get grounded by deep cleaning your house or weeding the yard!

The astrological New Year, or Spring Equinox, happens on March 20, two days after this Full Moon. As the Sun jumps into fresh-start Aries, Mercury exactly joins Jupiter in Pisces, an aspect that’s perfect for divination. That’s why I suggest doing this Water Gazing ritual (from my book, Astro Feng Shui: Making Magic in Your Home and Life). You can do it anytime from Thursday March 17 through Sunday, March 20. I recommend performing it at night, starting outside by saluting the Virgo Moon with your feet on the earth. Draw down her radiant light into your body with your hands before going inside.

You will need: A beautiful bowl full of spring water, a fresh-cut twig, two candles, sage or incense, a quartz crystal to add to your water to symbolize grounding and renewal, and a journal and pen for writing.

Make sure all lights are low or off. Light the candles and find a comfortable spot to sit for a half hour or so. Smudge yourself with sage or light the incense. Place the candles near your bowl full of spring water, to illuminate your task. You may wish to play some soft music that helps you enter a meditative mood.

Formulate a question about something that’s been troubling you, for yourself or the world. Ask that the deeper meaning of it be revealed to you. Take a few long, slow breaths to center yourself, then stir the water with your twig. Once it becomes smooth again, stare at the surface, soft-focusing your eyes to help with your scrying. Continue gazing, holding your question in mind, until you see an image or a shape that speaks to you, or receive a strong feeling. Jot it down or draw a picture of it in your journal. Remain in your reverie a while longer to see if any other messages appear. When you feel complete, blow out the candle and give thanks for what you received, however subtle or mysterious. You might wish to journal a bit more. Then watch for upcoming dreams that may provide further clarification.

Happy Virgo Full Moon and Equinox! May you find the meaning you seek.