Dear NightFall Astrology readers,
This week opens with a sense of frustration and blockages, as the New Moon in Virgo signals a fresh start that might not go as smoothly as you’d like. Setbacks, delays, and unexpected redirections may leave you questioning your path. As Mars enters Cancer, action slows down, becoming more emotionally driven, and Mercury’s clash with Uranus brings a few surprises into communication and planning. It’s a time to embrace adaptability and rethink your approach.
While the energy may feel scattered and challenging, there’s room for growth if you stay patient. Dive into the details of this week’s transits and discover what the stars have in store for you!
I. New Moon in Virgo:
This upcoming new moon presents a rather frustrating astrological climate. Unfortunately, you’re likely to encounter numerous setbacks—many “nos” and blockages. Even if things don’t go completely awry, there’s a strong possibility of being rerouted or redirected towards something that isn’t in line with your original intentions. To be frank, this is perhaps one of the most challenging new moons of the year.
The new moon in Virgo takes place on the 3rd of September, at 3:55 AM (CET). As always, new moons mark the beginning of the lunar cycle, when the Sun and the Moon conjoin in a particular sign. This alignment signifies a fresh start, the initiation of a new endeavour within a specific area of our chart and lives.
Virgo is a mutable Earth sign. The mutable quality reflects its transitional nature between seasons, making it adaptable, flexible, and prone to change. Yet, Virgo’s essence is rooted in hard work, diligence, and a meticulous ability to adapt to its environment by fulfilling the role required of it. As an Earth sign, Virgo carries a grounded, dependable energy. However, its mutable nature means it must constantly mould itself to meet the standards of competence. It’s about flexibility within structure.
Virgo is ruled by Mercury, the planet of quick thinking and logical communication. This new moon, therefore, points towards a structured, task-oriented beginning, with an emphasis on logic, intelligence, and communication.
At 11 degrees of Virgo, the Sun and Moon align in the second decan of the sign, an area ruled by Venus. Venus, the planet of harmony, beauty, and relationships, brings an element of refinement and balance to this part of Virgo. Under Venus’s influence, the energy of this decan focuses on creating a stable, well-organised environment through a meticulous and deliberate approach. Venus governs not only aesthetic appeal but also values and practical comforts, emphasising the importance of maintaining quality and harmony in one’s efforts.
During this new moon, Venus will be in Libra, one of the signs she rules, placing her in a dignified and strong position. Venus in Libra favours diplomacy, fairness, and cooperation, which helps mitigate some of the challenges this new moon may bring. Although this new moon is not characterised by excitement or emotional fulfilment, Venus’s influence ensures that success can be achieved through thoughtful planning, patience, and the willingness to work steadily towards a goal. The presence of Venus adds a certain grace to an otherwise challenging astrological moment, suggesting that even in the face of obstacles, there is the potential for balance, efficiency, and eventual achievement through diligence and care.
The most significant challenge of this new moon arises from the close opposition to Saturn, which is retrograde in Pisces. Saturn, associated with blockages, delays, and limitations, becomes particularly challenging in retrograde. In opposition, it signals external hurdles and constraints that may seem difficult to overcome. The retrograde motion of Saturn adds to the theme of delay and reassessment, suggesting that progress might be slower than expected. This could manifest as material setbacks, logistical problems, or timing issues beyond your control, as Saturn’s nature prompts a cautious and methodical approach, requiring patience and persistence. New beginnings may feel stalled, with the path ahead filled with obstacles that require careful navigation.
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Additionally, the sign-based opposition to Neptune, also retrograde in Pisces, brings further complexity. Neptune, associated with dreams, illusions, and confusion, in its retrograde phase tends to reveal the truth by stripping away illusions. This opposition can make it hard to see clearly what you’re attempting to initiate, leading to a sense of disillusionment or confusion about the direction you are heading. The combination of Saturn’s restrictive energy and Neptune’s clouded vision creates an environment where it’s difficult to gain clarity or push ahead with confidence.
Together, Saturn and Neptune retrograde in Pisces suggest a period of reflection and reevaluation. Saturn’s influence points to the necessity of structured and realistic planning, while Neptune encourages an honest reassessment of what is truly achievable. This is a time for caution, patience, and a willingness to adjust your plans in the face of obstacles and uncertainty. Rather than rushing forward, it’s prudent to step back and reassess the practical limitations and uncertainties that accompany this new beginning.
On top of this, there’s a sign-based square to Jupiter and Mars in Gemini. While this square to Jupiter brings some optimism and support, the square to Mars indicates frustration. Together, these planetary aspects create a T-square, involving the Sun, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, and Neptune, all in mutable signs. This T-square amplifies the sense of confusion, especially as Mars is applying to square Neptune. Mars square Neptune suggests feeling lost about the next step to take, unable to find a clear direction. You may feel overwhelmed, unsure of how to proceed.
My advice? Wait it out. This is a new moon that won’t immediately gather momentum—perhaps not for a while. It will take time for the fog to clear and for a path to emerge. So, don’t rush ahead, and don’t be discouraged if things feel stuck. These delays will pass, although not quickly.
In addition, there’s a sign-based trine to both Uranus in Taurus and Pluto in Capricorn, though neither are particularly close. Both Uranus and Pluto are retrograde, adding a layer of introspection to these otherwise supportive aspects. Despite the challenges presented, these trines suggest that there is still potential for growth and transformation. Retrograde Uranus encourages a review of unconventional approaches and a reassessment of how you seek change or innovation, while Pluto’s retrograde period calls for deep reflection on power dynamics, personal transformation, and letting go of what no longer serves you.
Amidst the obstacles, there remains a sense of underlying abundance. You might feel grounded in your awareness of the situation, even if the next step is not immediately clear. The retrogrades of Uranus and Pluto invite a more thoughtful, inward-looking approach to progress, focusing on adapting to change in a way that is steady and deliberate. Although the redirection you’re experiencing introduces uncertainty, this period allows for a deeper, more considered approach to the decisions and transformations ahead.
Fortunately, as previously mentioned, Venus is in its own sign of Libra, bringing some social harmony. You may find that, while this period is logistically frustrating, it won’t be fraught with interpersonal conflicts or dramatic tensions. This is more about practical issues failing to align, not emotional or social breakdowns.
In conclusion, this new moon suggests a rather lonely and confusing beginning, with numerous frustrations and delays. You may be lacking support or simply feel isolated in your attempts to push forward. Don’t worry if things aren’t going to plan—there will be an opportunity to refocus and realign with your true motivations once the fog lifts.
If you already have thoughts or expectations for this new moon, feel free to share them below.
This new moon will be felt most intensely by Virgo, Pisces, Sagittarius, and Gemini placements, particularly if you have planets and/or important chart points around 11 degrees of these signs (give or take 1-5 degrees).
II. Mars enters Cancer & Mercury squares Uranus:
This week continues with a significant shift as Mars enters Cancer on September 4th, remaining there until November 4th. However, the story doesn’t end there. Mars will undergo a retrograde phase later this year, and it’s important to understand the broader implications. Mars will station retrograde in Leo on December 6th before re-entering Cancer on January 6th, 2025. It will then station direct in Cancer on February 24th, 2025, and finally re-enter Leo on April 18th, 2025. This extended back-and-forth motion shows a lengthy period of reassessment and frustration, particularly in the areas governed by Mars: action, decision-making, and assertiveness.
Mars in Cancer is considered in fall, which refers to a planet being in a sign opposite its exaltation. For Mars, its exaltation is in Capricorn, where its disciplined, assertive qualities are at their best. In Capricorn, Mars excels in strategic action, determination, and achieving long-term goals. Cancer, being the opposite sign, softens Mars’ usual vigour. Rather than direct and forceful, Mars in Cancer signals action that’s emotional, cautious, and often hesitant. Decisions are likely to be driven by feelings rather than logic, and assertiveness may feel compromised by concerns over security, home, and family.
Mars in Cancer suggests a more reflective time, where the focus shifts from bold initiatives to protecting what matters on a personal level. Actions may feel slowed or indirect, as emotional considerations cloud what would usually be a straightforward path. The retrograde phase adds to this, signalling a long period of revisiting past actions, rethinking strategies, and dealing with delays. While Mars retrograde typically suggests a time of internal frustration, with the planet moving between the emotionally charged waters of Cancer and the more dramatic fire of Leo, this back-and-forth dance could create a feeling of instability. Expect any actions initiated now to go through multiple revisions as Mars moves in and out of these two very different signs over the next six months.
From September 5th to the 9th (with the exact aspect occurring on the 7th), another significant astrological configuration takes place. Mercury in Leo forms a square with Uranus retrograde in Taurus, signalling disruptions in communication and unexpected developments. Mercury in Leo is expressive, bold, and thrives on drama. Communication is flamboyant, confident, and seeks attention. But Uranus retrograde in Taurus suggests that things are not going to unfold according to plan. Uranus, the planet of sudden changes and the unexpected, signals shifts that challenge established routines or thought patterns. Taurus, a fixed Earth sign, resists change, preferring stability, but Uranus in this sign indicates that the ground you thought was solid may not be so firm after all.
The square between Mercury and Uranus shows tension between what you want to express and the unforeseen consequences that arise. This is the kind of energy where bold statements or decisions may be met with immediate and surprising reactions—often in ways you hadn’t anticipated. Mercury in Leo enjoys the spotlight, but Uranus retrograde in Taurus signals that attempts to take control of the narrative might be disrupted by forces outside your control. It’s like preparing a grand speech only to have the microphone cut out at the most crucial moment.
This aspect also suggests potential technological issues, miscommunications, and unexpected changes in plans. It’s the type of energy where you’ll need to stay flexible, especially if you’ve been clinging to rigid ideas or refusing to adapt to changing circumstances. The key here is to recognise that the disruptions are revealing areas where your thinking or approach might need adjustment. While it’s frustrating to deal with sudden obstacles, there’s a chance to rethink and recalibrate if you remain open to change.
All in all, this week marks the beginning of a longer, more drawn-out period of emotional reflection and reconsideration, especially around issues of assertiveness and action, with Mars moving into Cancer. The upcoming retrograde period, stretching well into 2025, suggests that you’ll be revisiting decisions and strategies multiple times, so be prepared for delays. Meanwhile, the Mercury-Uranus square indicates that communication will be anything but smooth this week, with surprises and disruptions likely forcing you to adapt on the fly. If things don’t go according to plan, take it as a sign to review your approach—just don’t expect everything to fall into place easily. Flexibility is the name of the game, so try to keep your sense of humour intact amidst the chaos.
The Mercury/Uranus square will be most challenging for Leo, Taurus, Scorpio, and Aquarius placements.
Thank you for reading. Let me know your thoughts about this week’s astrological weather in the comments down below!
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Your Astrologer – Theodora NightFall ~
Remember that this is a general horoscope and is NOT your personal one. If you’d like to know what your birth chart says about your personality and your life’s purpose or discover what the upcoming astrological alignments mean specifically for you, you can:
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