Virgo: The Analyst. The Perfectionist. The Holistic Healer. The Provider of Practical Nurturance and Service. The Goddess Who Merges Heaven and Earth.

As you can see from those descriptions, Virgo is so much more than the modern stereotypes would have us believe. She has the reputation of being the prudish one, the chaste and pure physical virgin who cleans and polishes the floors every Saturday morning before 10 AM without fail. But in reality, Virgo is so much more than that. At the most basic level, Virgo is the archetype that represents the mastery of skills, and the perfect clarity of perception and honest self-assessment to know what needs to be done in order to move closer to creating something ideal. At best, she strives for purity of form on all levels. The Virgin is really about the creation of structures that are as clean, streamlined and well-functioning as possible so things flow beautifully - think of having a healthy, grounded physical self so spiritual energies of love, compassion, and intuition can dance through, creating a merger of Heaven and Earth. 

Her deepest longings and motivations, conscious or unconscious, are to create vessels through which Divinity can flow freely: a sublime work of art, a beautiful home, an award-winning stage performance, the truest essence of her own Goddess-self. 

As a lightworker and healer, I believe that we are moving toward a greater sense of Oneness and merger of Heaven and Earth, and the pursuit of ideal form in any endeavor is a respectable one that moves us closer to that goal. We wouldn't achieve anything of quality or lasting value without it. We all want to achieve something great, whatever that happens to be based on our unique gifts and talents. But the darker side of this impulse is the spiral downward into true perfectionism - the perpetual self-judgment and fear of not attaining perfection to the point that we don't achieve what we're fully capable of because we don't even try...or get so far and quit outright because we don't think we can do thing "A" as well as others. It's the sort of brutal self-honesty that renders us prisoners in our own unrealistic perceptions of what is "good enough," and what is not.

Having said all that, enter this full moon's dominant theme: the release of crippling self-criticism and the need to give unconditional love and appreciation to ourselves. It's no surprise that I've read articles by numerous astrologers who have honed in on this issue, and one very candid article by Jessica at Moonkissed Astrology that describes her own struggle with high standards really resonated with me in particular (Jessica, by the way, is a brilliant astrologer that I happen to look up to quite a bit as I continue to hone and refine my abilities as an astrologer!). Sure, we're likely to have a greater focus on health/wellness and focusing on routines now since those issues are connected to Virgo too, but deep struggles with perfectionism seem to dominate this time around.

Jessica's struggles aren't necessarily all that different from my own. On Tuesday night, I found myself in an all-out meltdown in a session with a longtime spiritual mentor, excavating layers of perceived helplessness, shame, and failure. Not surprisingly, we discovered that the root of my suffering was the fact that I was not recognizing and appreciating all that I have accomplished, and trusting in all that I am honing, refining, and creating now. Like others who have strong Virgo energies in the birth chart (mine is a Virgo midheaven, along with heavy Capricorn/Saturn influence on my Mercury), I have battled with crippling perfectionism for years, and am slowly beginning to tunnel out. These tendencies certainly aren't cornered to one part of my life, either: they have dogged me in body image/health and wellness, musical abilities, academics, and so much more.

Maybe by way of the influences of Pluto and Chiron, in combination with the incredibly magical and synchronistic energies that the Jupiter-Uranus trine is bringing into this cathartic full moon, Tuesday's session was a real epiphany for me. I was faced with two choices: indulge in my own Plutonian feelings of darkness and hopelessness, or diligently end the negative self-talk and get real about all the incredible things I've got going. Maybe for the first time ever, I really "got" just how important it is to acknowledge all the things I've accomplished, and the need to clearly see how primed I am for success of all kinds in the future. I'm discovering that real liberation lies in loving me unconditionally - perceived faults and all - and in extending some robust appreciation to myself for all the hard work I've done. I'm slowly learning that it's safe and beneficial for me to let go of harsh self-judgment, if for no other reason than it just doesn't feel good. I'm learning that it's safe and beneficial for me to share my gifts while working to improve my abilities, as humbling and intimidating as that may be sometimes - that's the healthy way to express Virgo's energies. 

If you're feeling like you aren't enough, I'm here to tell you that you are indeed enough - you are exactly who and where you are supposed to be in this moment - and that it's prime time to let all that other stuff go. This full moon is calling us to release the self-imposed restrictions of our own expectations and to do what we can, where we're at, with the resources and skills we have now. If we want to achieve our highest potential and let our Divine gifts shine, it's essential that we build a foundation of self-love in much the same way we would extend love and appreciation to another. 

**What are you experiencing at this full moon time? Are you willing to love and approve of yourself and release unrealistic expectations that hold you back? Wishing you love, light, and blessings this day and always!**

© Jen Howell,  Bright Star Astrology & Healing Arts, 2015. Unauthorized use or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author/owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to this site and writer with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Today's Full Moon in Gemini highlights a complex weave of energies that can provide us with opportunities to integrate facts with belief, knowledge with philosophy, and to allow reflection and discussion to open up new avenues for healing from a higher perspective. Though the full moon occurs at 7:27 AM EST today, we've been in a period of intense build-up of these energies since midweek, and are likely to be feeling these effects until Sunday, when the moon moves into the much quieter territory of Cancer.

Themes that are surfacing now are inextricably linked to the energies of Chiron - the asteroid that represents our deepest wounds and the need for holistic healing - by way of a square between the Sun, Moon, and Mercury. Chiron is closely linked with Sagittarian themes of wisdom and teaching, creating a mutual reception between the philosophical Sagittarius sun and a Gemini moon that craves knowledge. With Chiron in the empathic waters of Pisces, we have an incredible opportunity to swim through any past or current pains that are surfacing and perceive them in profound new ways. If we allow ourselves to feel deeply into our hurts and observe realizations that rise into our consciousness without judgment, we can analyze the roots our pain and attain new levels of awareness. Though Chirotic lessons are traumatic, they offer incredible evolutionary gifts. With so much high-minded and optimistic Sagittarian energy in the mix, we can view situations from a vantage point that allows us to move beyond grief or outdated beliefs while seeing the spiritual truths these lessons have blessed us with.

More on the Gemini Full Moon...

Though the Sun-Chiron square is bringing lower energy levels for many, the Gemini moon ensures that things keep moving within and without! Heightened feelings of nervousness and anxiety are par for the course when luna moves into Gemini. This sign is ruled by Mercury, The Winged Messenger in mythology, which zooms around the sun in a mere 88 days - that's 28.9 miles per second! Those with prominent Gemini/Mercury placements in the birth chart have minds that match that speed. We all get a taste of how it feels to experience typical Gemini traits when luna ingresses here; an upswing in mental activity, phone calls from friends or networking opportunities, and an increase in short trips are heightened anytime the moon travels through this sign. But a Gemini full moon increases this energy dramatically, and many people will be experiencing the "thought tapes" on continuous rerun and much mental restlessness now. Anything that quiets and soothes the mind will be beneficial this weekend!

A refreshing splash of energies is present among the mental/physical exhaustion and emotional pangs. Mercury is trining Uranus, the planet of uncompromising individuality and lightning-quick flashes of genius. This brings the possibility for fresh ways of perceiving situations and brilliant new insights and ideas. Our ability to rise above emotional attachments and approach issues in radically different ways is also supported by Mars in Aquarius (the sign ruled by Uranus). 

This month is jam-packed with significant astrological events. In addition to the ongoing Mercury retrograde cycle that's been stirring up deep feelings and taboo topics related to sex, intimacy, and possible shadow tendencies in relationships, the pair of eclipses - the first on October 8 and the second on October 23 - are bringing the full-on effects of necessary endings and powerful new beginnings. Add in the ongoing fire trine between Mars, Jupiter, and Uranus, amping up the urge for freedom and radical action even further, and we have a climate that is ripe for radical change!

Eclipses come in cycles, and are always periods of great changes both personally and collectively. Some people will experience more change and upheaval at this time than others due to where and how the eclipse is impacting the birth chart. Still, unavoidable change is in the air, and I find it helpful to remember that no matter how chaotic things become, these changes are ultimately for the Highest Good. Eclipses - especially lunar eclipses - have a way of throwing us directly onto the path we're meant to be on, whether we think we're ready or not! If you're resistant to the changes that the Universe is guiding you towards now, be aware that resistance will only make any inevitable endings/new beginnings that much more difficult to move through (I've been on the resisting end of eclipses, and believe me, there's not a shred of grace or ease involved in that!). The seemingly fateful energy of eclipses remind me of the Zen proverb "Let go or be dragged." Change is unavoidable now, and it will serve us in profound ways if we summon the courage to follow through!

The Full Moon Lunar Eclipse on Wednesday is at 15 degrees Aries, and we're fully in the swing of the energy now. This event is bringing back themes from the Full Moon Lunar Eclipse in Libra on April 15, so contemplating the themes that were up for you then will provide deeper insights into how this eclipse is operating in your life. Generally speaking, the April 15 eclipse highlighted themes of self vs. other and the need to take brave action to bring our authentic self forward in relationships of any kind more fully. This month's eclipse in Aries is calling us to revisit those themes one last time to make any final, radical moves necessary toward healthy independence and inter-dependence. Jealousy, possessiveness, and other relationship shadow issues are also likely to surface for healing as Venus (the Goddess of Love) squares Pluto (Lord of the Underworld), and Uranus and the nodes work to liberate us from the past. Whether issues are cropping up for you in intimate relationships, friendships, family, or career, remember that these energies are primarily centered on how we relate to others of any kind, and what needs to shift in order to bring balance therein.

Although the eclipse focus is on partnership, it is important to remember that we are the first half of the partnership equation; our most fundamental relationship is the one we have with ourselves. Our external circumstances only ever mirror the energies within us. If we are living a life that is out of alignment with the core of who we are, we are bound to draw in people and situations/life circumstances that are not an authentic match for us. But when we are brave enough to embrace ourselves fully and make choices that honor ourselves out of self-love, all of life begins to align. We find "our people"; we meet an incredible partner; career opportunities that once seemed like a distant dream begin to take shape. When we give ourselves full and uninhibited permission to be who we are, we begin manifesting the life of our dreams.

As an example of how eclipse cycles work together over the long-term and how they can activate change within us is the story of a close family member of mine who had been stagnating in an unsatisfying and draining job for years. His supervisors never recognized his intelligence or leadership capabilities, and he felt more suppressed and undermined as time went on. He had feared making any radical changes because of the possibility of financial instability, but was sacrificing his emotional, mental, and physical well-being in the process. During April's Full Moon Eclipse in Libra, he hit an emotional breaking point and resolved to get on track to find a way out of that job and to discover his next step in life. He came to me for a LaHo-Chi healing session and to receive another powerful energetic blessing. Within weeks, he had the sudden insight and inspiration to start building his own videography business - a field directly aligned with his greatest talents and passions that he had abandoned earlier in life. He gradually drew resources to him, and after making a few key connections, was hired to work part-time as an emcee at an event center. Synchronistically, his supervisor has acted as a mentor to assist him in his videography pursuits by providing networking opportunities and leading him to potential investors.

Last night I got the call that his event center job had taken off to the point of him being able to leave his unfulfilling full-time job; he resigned today on the spot. It is likely that the connections he is making now will lead to more opportunities to build his videography business while having full financial support via his fun new job! As you can see, the process of living a life in alignment with his true self that began during April's eclipse has now come full-circle for as he embarks on a new career path - the right career path in line with his true passions and calling. 

If you're feeling the urge to make a radical change now, trust your instincts and follow through. Do what you feel called to do in order to stay true to yourself and live in a way that honors your needs and talents. The cosmic atmosphere is supporting you in moving more fully into authentic self-expression, and that may mean releasing people, situations, or emotions/habit patterns that no longer serve you. Remember that by unabashedly living out the totality of who you are, you are shining a light that inspires others to do the same, and assist in creating a more joyful world for us all! Make it a point to take extra care of yourself this week as well, since lunar eclipses are full moons - emotions running raw and high - only on overdrive. Love, light, and many blessings to all!

If you want to know where this eclipse is impacting you, find the house in your birth chart that contains 15 degrees Aries. The area of life represented there will show the area for greatest potential change. 

Want to know more about how the eclipses are impacting you and where your greatest current areas of opportunity lie? I would love to assist you! Please see "Rates, Specials, and Contact Information" for details.