From raging hurricanes and flooding in the Gulf Coast to out-of-control fires in Lake Tahoe’s primeval forests, each day brings more dire warnings from Mother Nature. Despair is rampant. What to do? We can raise our voices about climate change and support alternatives to fossil fuels, but how do we break the patterns that got us in such trouble in the first place (like allowing corporations to place profits above all else?) And, how do we stay grounded in the face of devastation and confusion in our personal and collective lives, so we can actually make progress without being totally overwhelmed?
These are big questions. Yet it’s the small things we do on a daily basis that keep us grounded, as well as take us closer to where we want to be. These include expressing our views to those in power and being mindful of what we’re eating and the trash we’re talking to ourselves and others. We are all creatures of habit; some of them work for us, and some don’t. Each day I practice my French on Duolingo, and three times a week I take water fitness classes at the Y. These habits weren’t hard to form. Yet breaking old habits has proved much harder, especially those related to food and men.
So here’s the good news for all of us: if you long to reform a destructive habit or establish a healthy one, the Virgo New Moon (Sept. 6, 5:51 p.m. PDT) is a great time to begin. Not only will the Sun (willpower) and Moon (emotions) join in that practical, detail-oriented earth sign, but active Mars is also in Virgo, exactly trine powerhouse Pluto. And, the Sun and Moon trine innovative Uranus. Essentially, it’s a grand earth trine, which brings the potential for lasting change. The Virgo planets also oppose Neptune, however – ruler of addictions and illusions. Yet it’s also the planet of dreams and magic, so keeping the faith is essential. Just be realistic about your timeline and let your intuition guide you through any foggy terrain.
As for me, inspired by the writer Anne Lamott, who met her soulmate and married for the first time at age 65, I am determined to do whatever it takes to create a happy marriage. I’m aware that this involves some serious inner work on learning how to protect and cherish myself. So I just started working with Katherine Woodward Thomas’s epic book Calling in the One, and am feeling encouraged by the results so far. It’s wonderful to have a clear roadmap for breaking old habits that have been running my life.
The author reminds us that, “Breaking a pattern is much like breaking any addiction – difficult but not impossible. It will, however, require of you an advanced level of self-awareness regarding the connection between what it is that you are doing and the results that you are getting. Yet the alternative – to continue on in the same unconscious fashion, creating the same disappointing results – is simply unacceptable.”
Establishing a new habit also takes self-awareness and time (some experts say it takes 21 days), but if you’re going that route, give yourself however long it takes. Also, forgive yourself for any backsliding, which could happen as Virgo’s ruler Mercury turns retrograde in Libra (Sept. 26 – Oct. 18). The winged messenger enters its shadow phase on Sept. 7, making the New Moon of the 6th the perfect day to set intentions and begin establishing a new habit – as long as you’re prepared for a few twists and turns along the way. If you begin on the New Moon, you’ll have about two months to work out any bugs and make real progress. (Mercury leaves its shadow on Nov. 2). Adding some luck, Venus in Libra conjuncts benefic fixed star Spica at this lunation, and both trine growth-oriented Jupiter in Aquarius.
At this healing New Moon, please join me to offer up prayers for rainfall in areas besieged by firestorms, and safe, dry conditions in those deluged by floods. Visualize the masses rising up in support of climate action. And never forget that you help the world by helping yourself. So take small steps in the right direction, and forgive yourself when you slip up. May we all make the most of this Earth-loving, good habit-forming Virgo window of opportunity – and create some order and renewed health in our lives!
I’m reading Calling in th One right now too! Thanks in believing we can tackle climate change. We need to do it now! Love reading your posts. Thank you so much!
You’re so welcome, Dawn! Hope you’re getting as much out of the book as I am!!
Simone,
I always look forward to your posts. Your over all tone in this one reflects my own. Weary of what seems to be perpetual turmoil, but knowing there is a lighted path for each of us to follow. Get still, get centered. Listen to that inner knowing. Be easy with ourselves. Thank you for reminding us!
As always, warmest regards,
Christine
We all need reminders, myself included! Blessings to you…
Hi, Simone!
Vic and I had a quiet silver anniversary during COVID. Can you believe it?!! You remember how, after four failed relationships, I was DONE. Done, done, done. Not interested. Very skeptical when the psychic announced someone was coming in my future. (You know my story.) He and I give all credit to (#1) Providence’s guidance and (#2) our wisdom to trust It beyond our capabilities. Capital “P” and capital “I”; we are believers every day.
Needless to say, *YOU* remain precious, whatever your circumstances. I pray you achieve both your highest destiny and heart’s desire in Love and Light.
Judy
Bless you, Judy! Thanks for the prayers – and happy anniversary! You are a shining example of what is possible. 🙂 Here’s to many more…
I recently ordered that book and it’s on it’s way !
Thank you for the positive foundation for stepping out into
a new and more “present” version of ourselves with this Virgo
New Moon. As a Pisces, this lunar New & Full moon are always a
great time to check in on my inner growth chart and celebrate any
progress so I can feel safe about entering deeper in the Winter time.
Thanks so much! Really InJoy & appreciate your posts!
So glad you’re enjoying the posts, Kathleen! And I hope the book is helpful, too. Happy New Moon!
Dear Simone
Your posts are always relevant and I look forward to receiving them each month. This month I have something to add that you and some of your readers may find helpful. I hope so.
For more than 30 years I have used Flower Remedies for myself and others and love their gentle effectiveness. A few days ago an old friend introduced me to the ‘Spirit in Nature’ Essences (previously called the Master’s Essences). They were the first to be made in the US back in the 1970s.
What’s unique about them is that a single remedy can be used in two different ways: it can be used to support us in strengthening the positive aspects of our nature – a single theme that runs throughout our lives – along with other remedies referred to as ‘Plot’ remedies that we take (again singly) when the events in our lives bring out those negative traits that we need to overcome. For anyone interested it would be best to go to the ‘Spirit in Nature’ website to find more accurate information – they seem to fit neatly with this month’s Virgo New Moon post.
My friend, a healer, owns a set and when she came to stay with me recently, she brought them with her and made up four remedies for me (to be taken one at a time) which actually cover the time period that you identified for Mercury in shadow phase and Retrograde. The synchronicity of ‘Reform a destructive habit and Establish a healthy habit’ and my being made aware of the remedies made me decide I should share the information.
I wish you well with addressing those of your own habits that you endearingly outlined.
Sending Love and Light
Em
Hi Em, glad you’re enjoying the posts! Interesting that the Mercury shadow and Rx phase coincides with the flower remedies you’ll be taking. Thanks for sharing that info in case anyone else wants to explore them as an aid to breaking old habits and bringing in new ones! Many blessings, Simone