19 Aug This Same Flower That Smiles Today… ~ August 20th-26th, 2018

To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time

by Robert Herrick

“Gather ye rosebuds while ye may,

Old Time is still a-flying…”

This week, the Sun will leave the sign of Leo and enter into the mutable earth sign of Virgo. The long outstretched days will slowly begin to curl inward. And in the cool blue of twilight you’ll begin to remember that seasons change and nothing gold can stay.

C’est…..la vie. 

The start of Virgo season is the beginning of the end of summer. Thus, the season of the Virgin tempers the frivolity of Leo season with a thoughtful repose, inspiring you to use your time wisely.

“And this same flower that smiles today

Tomorrow will be dying…”

At the end of summer, the beauty of each moment ripens and grows heavy. Sit back and inhale the warm flowers. See the green fruits begin to blush. And feel how your soul embraces the dusk.

Virgo is the Latin name for virgin. Modern sensibilities have destroyed the ancient and sacred purpose of the virgin. This great loss of meaning explains why the sign of Virgo remains the most misunderstood sign in the zodiac.

In the ancient world, the word virgin was defined as “a woman whole unto herself.” To the ancient Greeks, virgins were not sexually naive. Instead, the role of virgin was given to women who remained highly independent and autonomous. Being “whole unto herself”, a virgin answered to no authority outside of her own. Her time was hers to make meaning out of.

Instead of denoting sexual ignorance, the term virgin typically described a priestess who shared the knowledge and blessings of sacred sexuality. In these ancient times, virgins were tasked with the duty to transmit the divine grace and wisdom of the earth.

The season of Virgo inspires a humble awareness of the natural order and rhythms of the universe. Ruled by Mercury, the Sun’s radiance illuminates the mind. Every subtle vibration and shift begins to flower through the elegance of language. And there emerges a word to describe every experience and define every feeling.

Sunset. Warm petals. Blushing cheeks. Ecstasy.

In the Virgin’s mind, life gleams with ritualistic significance, every experience like a thread that pulls the whole tapestry together. Seeing how each thread weaves together is her joy. And keeping the threads from tangling into knots is her labor.

Making the most of the time appreciate the warmth, and joy you are afforded is what the poem, To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time is all about. These lyrics were composed by the English poet Robert Herrick in approximately 1648.

In true Virgoan style the poem is somewhat demure and yet it is composed with great technical proficiency. It also evokes the sign of Virgo because its imagery is sexual, philosophical and purposeful. Herrick’s lyrics sing the Virgin’s song, urging you to enjoy beauty while you can, for even the most precious blooms will one day crumble into dust.

The glorious lamp of heaven, the sun,

The higher he’s a-getting,

The sooner will his race be run,

And nearer he’s to setting.

Sighing, at summer’s end you see how life’s most beautiful blooms are fated to wither, their sweet fragrance faded into nothingness. In the these first days of Virgo you would be wise to gather roses while you still can, relishing every moment of beauty.

Monday/Tuesday: And the Livin’ is Easy

The glorious lamp of heaven, the Sun will be in the last degrees of Leo at the beginning of the week. Do what you can to appreciate the final days of this dignified placement. The Sun in Leo is meant to expand your heart with love and joy. As such, let yourself be lit up by romance, frivolity and warmth.

Wednesday/Thursday: Virgins and Roses

On Thursday, the Sun enters Virgo, bringing the focus from the heart to the mind. The season of Virgo is oriented towards precise work and meaningful service. In Virgo, a pink rose is not just enjoyed for its beauty.

A rose is carefully studied and harvested as medicine. As summer draws nearer to its end, the blooms will fade. But Virgo prepares by distilling flower essences for later use. In Virgo season, the tremendous beauty of life is cultivated along with practical purpose.

Friday/Saturday/Sunday- Think Like a Virgo

Grand Earth Trine = Sun in Virgo trine Saturn in Capricorn trine Uranus in Taurus

The Sun will make a Grand Earth Trine with Saturn and Uranus, bringing an inventive influence (Uranus) that is stabilized by caution.(Saturn). This is an amazing influence to aid you in problem solving, planning and establishing a healthy new routine. If you have been disorganized or scattered over the last few months, this is the time to expect to be able to get a handle on things again.

Practical Virgoan energy will inspire you to work hard to improve your health and improve your skills. Let this weekend be a time to plan and set positive intentions for the foreseeable future.

Think like a Virgo. Now that you can feel the first hint of winter coming, what are you doing to prepare?

On Sunday, the common sense of the Grand Earth Trine will be further emphasized by the Full Moon in Pisces.

Full Moons represent culminations of creative and emotional energies. And this one between the Sun in Virgo and the Moon in Pisces will emphasize the culmination of what was catalyzed at the Solar Eclipse in Leo two weeks prior. Expect this Full Moon’s energy to illuminate the threads that weave between waking life and dreams. Where does one world end and the other begin?

This Full Moon will be contained by the Grand Earth Trine, making this a grounding and supportive influence to enable you to sort out any tangled thoughts that have been impeding your progress.

Make a full assessment of anything (or anyone) that needs to be forgiven or released from your life. As the Moon begins to wane, release this in honor of your future.

Speaking of forgiveness, concurrent with the Full Moon, Venus in Libra will square Pluto in Capricorn, which isa very difficult aspect for romance and socializing. Pluto tends to sharpen the appetites of repressed desires. In relationships, when Venus squares Pluto, conflict, betrayal or manipulation more easily emerges. 

As secrets and unconscious feelings become better understood, the true motivation behind your relationships becomes clarified. Are you acting out of fear or out of love? No matter what you may discover, this knowledge will open you up to the potential for much deeper levels of intimacy and trust in the future. Remember that you are on a journey of evolution and your relationships can only improve by learning from your mistakes.

Forgive yourself and others for their shortcomings to the very best of your ability. 

All images are details from The Roses of Heliogabalus by Sir Lawrence Alma Tadema