Reflections and a Ritual for the New Moon in Virgo
Virgo is well known for being the sign of diligence, discipline, and detail. As we begin to draw closer to Autumn, the feeling of needing to prepare for the upcoming season is almost palpable. This combination, particularly on the New Moon, a time for reinvention, creativity, and manifestation, creates the perfect moment for envisioning your goals in glittering detail and bringing them into the warm light of Summer’s End, preparing them for the inertia of Autumn.
Often when we think about Manifestation we assume we need a clear goal, something we are bringing to life in the physical realm. But I sometimes find that approach to be intimidating, like I have to come up with a Goal on the spot. What if it’s not a fully formed idea? What if it’s not “Good Enough”? What if it’s the same goal I’ve been working toward for the last six months or longer? How do I move forward?
This feeling can be especially present as we move deeper into Virgo season, when we feel the pressure to be perfect weighing down on us. But it doesn’t have to be this way. I would encourage you not to shy away from this New Moon for the sake of avoiding failure. Instead, approach it gently. Begin by thinking of things you’ve accomplished within the last moon cycle.
Moving from the confident and playful sign of Leo into the hardworking and organized sign of Virgo might feel like a rough transition, but it’s ok to bring some of that sumptuous Leo energy with you! Use it to remind yourself of your strength and your ability to move into this season with decisiveness. Use Leo to banish the insecurity that Virgo can bring, so that the details of your goals, however abstract, can come through and guide you into clarity.
So as the moon catapults us forward into this season of diligence and detail, don’t miss the chance to use that energy to gain clarity on your journey. Here is one of my favorite ways to do that.
First, start a fire. Use a cauldron on your altar, or a fire pit in your back yard, or a bonfire on the beach, or simply light a candle. I love to include loose incense and herbs in my ritual fires; Fennel, Lavender, and Peppermint are all herbs associated with Virgo. As the fire burns and the scents envelop me in my space, I journal for a few minutes on what I’ve accomplished through this moon cycle, and then what I’m manifesting. This might look like a full blown journal entry or a simple list, depending on my energy levels at the time. But as I write about what I’m manifesting, I try to be a bit more detailed than I would normally. This is Virgo, remember, and Virgo likes detail.
Once I’m satisfied with my reflections, I’ll pull out two bay leaves; one on which to write the things I want to move past, the things I want to let go of, and one on which to write the things I’m embracing, working toward, and manifesting.
The first to drop into the fire is the Releasing leaf. As the leaf burns in the fire, I use my altar whisk to fan the smoke away, preferably out a window if I’m indoors, or into the East if I’m outdoors, so the Elements and Guardians of Air can carry them away. As the smoke drifts away and the leaf burns into ash, I say the words “these traits are no longer needed. I release them into the East.”
The next to drop into the fire is the Embracing leaf. As the leaf burns away I use my alar whisk to fan the smoke, this time allowing the smoke to linger with my person, and then guide it to the South, so that the Elements and Guardians of Fire might help me bring these goals to fruition. As the smoke blows away I say “I claim these traits as mine, may the Fire of the South bring them into the light.”
Then I might do a tarot reading, or simply sit and drink some tea as I watch the fire burn down.
Not feeling very Virgo-like? Me either! Virgo has never been a sign that I particularly relate to, so I tend to use this time personally to manifest the qualities of Virgo itself (hello Virgo, can I please be more organized like yourself?) rather than use Virgo’s qualities for manifestation. I’m sure there’s a way to blend them together somehow, and that’s what I hope to achieve tonight.
I hope you’ve found this ritual somewhat useful or insightful! Feel free to let me know what you think or if you try this kind of ritual this evening or any other time.
Gratitude and Blessings,
Alyssa
