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Virgo's Moon:
The Virgo Solar Festival [part 2]
Subtle Meanings of the Full Moon in Pisces 2006

Malvin Artley, our regular esoteric commentator concludes his examination of the subtle meaning of the Full Moon in Pisces for 2006, the Virgo Solar Festival. The full moon of Virgo (full moon in Pisces) takes place on the 7th of September at 06:43 PM GMT, associated with a Lunar Eclipse. In this part of the article , Malvin explores the symbolic meanings of the degrees, the planetary aspects and their links to significant eclipse patterns.

The full moon for the Virgo Solar Festival occurs at 4:43 AM AEST on the 8th of September 2006 (6:43 PM GMT on the 7th). This full moon is also a partial lunar eclipse conjunct the North Node. The particular Saros series from which this eclipse derives is normally associated with sudden losses and separations, so it is not a cheery sort of dynamic. That would be particularly so if the full moon axis conjoins angles in a person's chart. This is an eclipse that will bring fundamental change, especially when it comes to relationships. The figure for this full moon is a contradictory one in many ways as we shall see, because the indicators are that it should bring great benefits to people on the one hand, but that it will also bring change and probable losses on the other. Given that this is the culmination of a month wherein “it is time to address more serious concerns” (from the New Moon article for August), we should be mindful of the fact that there are hidden 'stingers' in what is about to be described and that all things should be approached with caution – especially when it comes to affairs of the heart. With that, let us have a look at the dynamics of this particular full moon and eclipse.

There are actually two charts that need to be addressed here. One is for the exact time of the full moon, and the other is for the time of the eclipse. Ordinarily this wouldn't be a problem, but the symbols for the degrees of the luminaries are different between the two charts. For the exact time of the full moon, the symbol for the degree of the Sun reads:

“A fine lace handkerchief – heirloom from valorous ancestors.” 15 Virgo

This symbol speaks of the 'good karma' that is passed down to us through our ancestral lines. In a sense, we are the end result of our ancestral lineage and karma, aside from our soul-history. The fine lace represents all that is good from the past that is passed down to us. In the words of Dane Rudhyar, it is 'the quintessence of things well done.' So, in terms of the actual full moon, we are to realize all that is good in our lives and to keep it safe for those who follow after us. In essence, we are being called upon to be caretakers of the good in our lives, to add to it and to pass it on. As for the eclipse itself, we get quite a different reading (What a difference a moment can make!). The symbol for the degree of the eclipse Sun reads thus:

“At a zoo, children come face-to-face with an orangutan.” 16 Virgo

In a way, both of these symbols speak to us of ancestry. In the first symbol we have the pinnacle of human artisanship – the finery of human life – the legacy that our human ancestors pass on to us. In the other symbol we are presented with our animal ancestry – the great apes being the supposed predecessors of humanity. There is an implication here of 'caged wildness' and of a confrontation with our karma. It could be that both symbols are valid for this particular full moon. They simply represent two differing aspects of what the full moon energy is seeking to impress upon us. On the one hand we are first asked to remember and honor all that is good from our past. On the other hand we are going to have a direct confrontation with aspects of the baser elements of our collective past. It is the latter that will have the greatest power, being the eclipse symbol. This latter point with which we will have to deal will be the 'more serious concern' from this month.

Eclipse Symbolism

Even in the degree symbols we have seeming contradictions in this full moon. It is added to further by the fact that, although this Saros cycle (8 South) carries the onus of loss and separation, the Sun is at a 'marriage midpoint' between Venus and Mars. As such, this full moon should be a joyous expression, added to by the fact that Jupiter is sextile the Sun in this figure and trine to the Moon. There are many other things to be taken into account here, however. Firstly, Uranus conjoins the Moon, indicating that the changes to come from this eclipse will most likely accompany the lunar point and where that falls in a person's chart. Uranus is retrograde at the moment and that can indicate sudden reversals of fortune. Jupiter is not the happiest in its placement, either. It is at the apex of a t-square with the Saturn/Neptune opposition, which becomes exact this month. This is a very frustrating t-square, because the natural exuberance of Jupiter is 'put on hold' by Saturn on the one side and very much dissipated by Neptune on the other. Therefore the normal benefit the luminaries would ordinarily receive from Jupiter is sullied by the strain under which Jupiter finds itself. In this case, instead of being a help, Jupiter might just be the catalyst for an unwelcome or unexpected change in circumstance, as represented by the eclipse.

The true eclipse, however, is lunar, although the solar degrees apply, so the symbol for the degree of the eclipsed moon carries a lot of weight in this figure. Its symbol reads as follows:

“In the quiet of his study, a creative individual experiences a flow of inspiration.” 16 Pisces

This symbol suggests an injunction to rely on one's own inner strength rather than reliance upon other's. It speaks of a need for solitude in order that the true essence of the eclipse and full moon period can be given. The lunar point is what is being resolved in this eclipse, even though it is a full moon figure, and Uranus is the guiding planet here. Uranus is a planet very much associated with flashes of insight, but in order for us to gain full effect of it we must be in a space wherein we are not distracted by outer concerns. This is quite a meditative full moon-more so than usual.

As for the 'marriage midpoint' with the Sun, we need to look at the aspects formed to Venus and Mars as well to see how that might work out. Venus forms no major aspect with another planet. It falls by essential dignity in Virgo, making it a sort of austere placement. The symbol for the degree of Venus is of interest, too, and it reads thus:

“A large white cross dominates the landscape.” 2 Virgo

The general interpretation of this symbol is that one is to experience a liberating ordeal (if crucifixion can be seen in that light), but only through the experience of isolation and suffering. So, Venus is not a 'happy camper' in the vernacular. Venus does form a quintile with Jupiter, however. Quintiles are a curious sort of aspect, though, and in the Magi tradition they indicate trials and calamities. The gifts that come from quintiles are not activated except through trials of some sort. So, with Jupiter forming the other point of the Venus quintile, might we expect larger-than-life trials or calamities in the realm of the heart? Additionally, Venus forms a little-known aspect with Neptune called a quindecile. It is an aspect of 165 degrees, and its indications are of unrelenting motivation, obsession, determination, upheaval, disruption, even separation. With Neptune forming the other point, look out for self-deception in affairs of the heart or deception by others. Venus in the harder associations with Neptune generally gives great longings for love, disillusionment (but consequent awakening), difficult realization of ideals and wishes, peculiar desires and objectives and changes in occupation. Things are not at all what they might seem on the surface of this eclipse. Look for surprises down the track.

More Planetary Triggers

Mars forms no major aspect with another planet either. It is, however, semisquare to Jupiter, indicating people will take unnecessary risks, caution can be thrown to the wind and that folks will tend to be a bit excessive in their appetites. Mars is conjunct the South Node, though separating – indicating a general sense of grumpiness and karmic outflow. Pluto is squaring the nodes, too, and there has been a lot of subconscious outflow brought out for people to deal with. There has also been a lot of gastric and digestive difficulties with people as well. It seems to be endemic at the moment. Mars forms a quindecile aspect, and it is with the Moon. Mars in difficult association with the Moon gives quarrelsomeness, intolerance, marital difficulties, irritability, rebellion and rashness. However, it can also give just that amount of 'pluck' needed to get a point across or to break through some sort of barrier that otherwise might not be surmounted.

Jupiter is perhaps the great wild card in this figure and throughout the month, as it would appear. Will it bring benefit or will it bring great ruin? It can bring both, and it might, depending upon what is happening in one's chart and the aspects formed. I had mentioned early in this letter that there were actually four eclipses that need to be looked at, and Jupiter is the link between three of them. It is in favorable aspect with the luminaries in the current one, although not in favorable aspect itself. However, two days after this eclipse it triggers another one and then 9 days after that it triggers yet another one. So, let us have a look at these other two eclipses and see what might be in store for us, remembering all the while that as Jupiter triggers each of these eclipses, it is also approaching exactitude of the apex of the t-square with Saturn and Neptune.

We should bear in mind that even though an eclipse occurs at a certain date, it has the 'wait' for a transiting planet to trigger it (i.e. transit across the eclipse point or its opposing point) before the effects of it become activated. So, for the eclipse of the 8th of this month, we will have to wait for the trigger to come in March of next year when Uranus transits over that point. Otherwise, we read the figure as a normal full moon figure. There are two eclipses to be activated this month by Jupiter and one that has just been activated by the retrograde transit of Uranus on the 30th of August. We will look at that eclipse first.

The eclipse just activated by Uranus has yet to occur, but it is still an activation and thus valid, nonetheless. It will occur on the 7th of March next year, so it is well within its 'effect range', if we can call it that. It is a lunar, South Node eclipse at the 13th degree of Virgo. For those who are interested, it is opposite (within 3 degrees) the one just about to take place. Look for falls from grace to come from this. That figure has Uranus conjunct the Sun and square to Jupiter. Since it is a South Node eclipse, it indicates endings or situations coming to a conclusion. The symbol for the degree is revealing and reads:

“A powerful statesman overcomes a state political hysteria.” 13 Virgo

Since this has been triggered by a retrograde Uranus transit, it indicates the opposite, however. It is activated again in December of this year and is finally 'finished off' by Saturn in September 2008. Planets falling within 3 degrees of this eclipse will be powerfully affected.

The next eclipse to be triggered is by Jupiter and occurred on 4 May 2004 at the 15th degree of Scorpio. For those who follow eclipses, the 15th degree of fixed signs are known as powerful trigger points in world events, for good or ill. This one is also a South Node lunar eclipse. It is of particular interest for that very reason, especially since Jupiter is under stress from Saturn and Uranus at the moment. This eclipse had the Sun square to Neptune and was indicative of scandals, mysterious crimes and breach of promises. It is conjunct the fixed star El Genubi, which is not very pleasant in its own right. It brings turbulence, obstructions, unforgiving character, deceit and disgrace. I had stated earlier that there would be 'stings in the tail', around this full moon, and now we are beginning to see why, even though the eclipse being described here has nothing whatsoever to do with the current full moon. Still, it is 'in the flow' of things, so-to-speak, and it bears mention because this full moon will bring a lot of clarity and insight as a result of all these other factors. This eclipse is activated again by Mars in mid-November of this year. It is another eclipse that will bring falls from grace. It should be noted, too, that it opposes the fixed stars Menkar (losses, disgraceful actions, deceitful associates, calamities and anxiety) and Almach (good fortune, success, honors, unexpected gains and good domestic affairs). It depends upon the general trend of one's nativity as to which of these stars is more activated. The symbol for the degree of the eclipse reads:

“Children playing around five mounds of sand.” 15 Scorpio

The symbol is about future-oriented growth and about the power of play and imagination in one's life. The reference of five refers to the development of the lower mind and implies that there is still a lot of work to be done. This eclipse will stimulate that growth-or it may stop one in their tracks and make them take a good look at things. Either way what is represented in the symbol and in the eclipse figure is very dynamic in terms of personal growth.

The next eclipse to be activated occurred on the 8th of November 2003 at the 17th degree of Taurus. The activation takes place on the 18th of this month, close to the new moon, which is a solar South Node eclipse. This activation is out of range of Menkar and Almach, but there would probably still be some sub-influence from those stars. The eclipse was a lunar, North Node eclipse, which generally brings benefits. We will have to wait and see what it actually brings. The symbol for the degree of the eclipse reads:

“A symbolical battle between 'swords' and 'torches.” 17 Taurus

This symbol speaks of a polarization of values. It represents the battle between the Soul and the ego-will. The activation of the 8 November eclipse will highlight this struggle, particularly for people who have planets or angles within 3 degrees of the eclipse point. It is said in spiritual practice that there is nothing like a good crisis to bring out one's Soul and to thus enable one to grow spiritually. The two eclipses just described will be brilliant in that regard. Since this last one is a North Node eclipse, it is about expansion, but it will bring expansion more within the realm of consciousness than in world events.

I mentioned that there were four eclipses of importance in this full moon period, and we have hopefully seen that as being the case. As mentioned, the new moon on the 22nd of this month is also an eclipse, which makes for five eclipses in total. I will not discuss that one here, leaving it instead for the new moon letter. Since it is a South Node eclipse it, too, deals with endings and separations and rounds up the consideration of Virgo for this year. It is very close to the 0 Libra point-one of the 'world view' points-and is activated by the Sun in December this year. It is 'finished' by Saturn in September 2008. Now, that should make for an interesting article!

If all of this seems a little dark and foreboding (perhaps a little medieval), take heart. Jupiter will bring some benefit at this full moon. How much will be the question. It is still trine to Uranus, although separating in aspect, so it still brings a positive energy of organization with it. The 8 September eclipse is a North Node eclipse, so that in itself should bring some expansiveness, even though it is conjunct the retrograde Uranus. As I said, this period is a real mixed bag in terms of influences. All eclipses bring major change, depending upon how they impact upon a person's chart. Conjunctions to angles can bring immediate effects, although most times we need to wait for the triggering transits. On the whole, this period until the new moon on the 22nd will bring catalysts for needed change in everyone's lives.

Healing Dynamics

On a final note relating to the planetary dynamics for the full moon figure, there are two interlaced and sequenced novile triangles involving the Moon, Chiron, Pluto and Jupiter. I have always found regular patterns – and especially interlaced patterns – of lesser-known aspects to be quite powerful in horoscopes. As a dear friend of mine (and master astrologer) has pointed out, noviles are initiatory in their effect. The combination of planets involved (regardless of how the Astronomical Society classifies them) is one of the most powerful for healing I have seen. There is always some sort of health crisis with noviles, though, and that is what brings about the initiatory experience. In initiation the body is rearranged in order to accept the new energies coming in. It really cannot be otherwise. This last point caps off the consideration of this Virgo festival, because Virgo truly is one of the greatest of the signs for healing, if not the greatest. The Christ Light will surely shine brighter within all of us after this period has finished. There is every reason to feel good about what is about to transpire. It will clear the way for a much brighter future, and we could all surely use some of that!

Well, I am looking forward to the great weather to come. I am tired of the cold now and I am ready to get out on my new purchase and feel the wind through my hair once again. As the Sun moves southward and the days get longer and warmer, everyone's thoughts are generally brighter and full of more optimism for the future. We could probably all stand to get out in the open air, especially in this Virgo period, and shake of the cobwebs of the past and enclosed living (if you live in the Southern Hemisphere). Even if you are moving toward cold weather, Virgo is still a time to spend outdoors and in communion with nature. So, if you are in the Adelaide area and you see a blue streak fly by, it is probably me testing my limits once again. Get out your gear and get out in nature. Above all, though, take some quiet reflective time, especially around this full moon. The Christ within each of us beckons and nudges us forward on our way. Virgo really is about movement, you know? It is about quickening ourselves to the task at hand. May you all find new inspiration and impetus in this time of dynamic change. There are great opportunities for those who can stay positive, look within and grasp the messages that are given. May your Light ever increase!

Happy Spring (and Happy Father's Day, too)!
Malvin.
3 Sep 2006

This concludes the article.

Return to Part 1 of The Virgo Solar Festival, 2006.