*This post is adapted from when Mars last toured Virgo in September / October 2017.
Mars in Virgo from August 18 – October 4 2019
It’s been two years since Mars made an appearance in Virgo.
Over the next 6 weeks, you’re invited to do a cosmic clean up and tackle any projects that have fallen by the wayside. Out of all the Zodiac signs, Virgo is one who can’t stand inefficacy or waste.
Mars who loves action, is going to motivate you to clear the decks or make some steep improvements in a particular area of your life.
Earlier this week, I was anchored to my desk in order to meet a writing project deadline. For some reason I can’t currently remember, I went into a drawer that houses some Winter clothing.
Before I knew it, I had a large garbage bag of clothes that haven’t seen the light of day since I left Sydney in late 2012. For those not familiar with Australian geography, I have been living back in my home town of Brisbane, about 1000km north of Sydney. We get about 6 weeks of extremely mild Winter’s up here, and really had no reason to still hold on to these clothes!
I then went into my kitchen and cleaned out my pantry. As a Cancerian, I can overdo the whole grocery shopping thing. The Mother Hubbard thing just does not apply to me!
So before long, the pantry was clean, re-arranged and organised. The fridge then got the same treatment. I was on a mission.
I made myself a coffee, returned to my work and realised Mars had just entered Virgo and my 4th house, which rules my home and living environment!
Virgo likes to be organised, practical, productive and precise. While energetic Mars is in Virgo’s realm, you might be motivated to attend to details you’d normally overlook.
Mercury is the ruler of Virgo, so this transit may laser in your focus toward your mental prowess or your handiworks.
Over the next several weeks, you may find yourself on a mission of your own. You might not go on a cleaning frenzy like I did, but your efforts, energy or attention may hone in on a particular area for you.
Streamlining, de-cluttering or striving to eliminate waste or general inefficiency is highlighted.
Mars in Virgo is a tempered and thinking Mars and is the master of improvement.
One of my best friends has her Moon in Virgo. Whenever she faces any kind of stress or problem, she looks for ways she can do better, try harder or ‘be more perfect.’ She’ll execute her plan after careful consideration of the facts.
Like all astrological placements, Mars in Virgo does have a few shortcomings. Working with clients, one thing that pops up often is spending too much time, energy or effort in the above mentioned fact consideration process, that action and or progress becomes delayed. Sometimes you’ll hear this referred to as ‘paralysis by analysis.’
One of the keys to success with working with Mars in Virgo is committing to getting started. You may not have all the details you need or the circumstances may not be quite right, but Mars will push for progress anyway.
One of the key factors about Virgo that often gets overlooked is that it’s MUTABLE. This means that Virgo can adapt and change on the fly where necessary. It understands that a different approach may lead to improved, or dare I say, a more perfect outcome.
Personally, I’m quite fond of Mars in Virgo placements. There is a solid and steady approach (Earth) yet with an openness to new insights and a fresh way of doing things (ruled by curious Mercury). My absolute favourite manifestation of Mars in Virgo is the precision they apply to their work. Regardless of their profession or craft, a Mars in Virgo native will deliver the goods with a level of attention to detail above and beyond my expectations, even if that means I have to wait a little longer for it.
One of the biggest tips for working with Mars in Virgo is to strive for progress, not perfection. Regardless of your goal (saving money, losing weight or completing something, for example,) as long as the overall trend is heading in the right direction, you’re well on your way to achieving it.
Where Mars is in your chart (see house descriptions below) and where you might embrace your inner perfectionist over the next 6 weeks.
While in Virgo, Mars will make a few significant aspects;
Mars Trine Uranus
28 August 6 degrees Virgo / Taurus
Forming an Earth trine, Mars and Uranus working together can help you find a solution to what’s been stuck or stagnant. You might discover that by analysing a few facts, you can push through a barrier or blockage with ease, leaving you wondering while you held back so long. Both Mars and Uranus love to take a risk, while Virgo and Taurus don’t, so cautious pursuit of action is advised.
Mars trine Saturn
9 September 13 degrees Virgo / Capricorn
This uber productive aspect can help you tackle a monumental task or finally get cracking on a project you’ve been procrastinating on. Energy and focus is heightened particularly toward long term outcomes. Be sure to make the extra effort with something today that your future self will thank you for.
Mars square Jupiter
12 September 16 degrees Virgo / Sagittarius
This aspect reminds me of the quote that goes something along the lines of, ‘a goal without a plan is just a wish.’ As Mars and Jupiter form a tense square, you might need to attend to your check list or game plan in order to reach a dream or vision for the future. If your not making progress toward a dream or desire, Mars in Virgo can inspire you to focus in on the little steps you need to make before taking a leap of faith.
Mars opposite Neptune
14 September 17 degrees Virgo / Pisces
As these two planets face off with one another, you’re invited to take a break. You’re likely to feel a little scattered as Neptune diffuses the action that Mars is trying to take. Going with the flow may allow room for bubbles of inspiration to rise up. Let the tide within you rise and fall and gently pull you in the direction that feels most meaningful. This aspect may actually provide welcome relief if you need to take a step back or if heightened mental energies have left you feeling frazzled or overwhelmed.
Mars Trine Pluto
19 / 20 September 20 degrees Virgo / Capricorn
This powerful and dynamic planetary combo can help supercharge your energy, helping you work toward your long term ambitions. You might choose to tweak a plan or revise your goals and take concerted action to achieve them. With precise planning, you can strategise a structure that can help you move in a direction of your choosing.
Where is Mars in your chart for the next 6 weeks?
If you know your ascendant sign, read that one. If you’re not sure, read your Sun/Star sign. For some DIY astrology, you can find your ascendant at www.astro.com if you’re not sure.
Aries- 6th house- health, wellbeing, sickness, obligations, daily duties
Taurus- 5th house- fun, creative expression, romance, children
Gemini- 4th house- home zone, domestic scene, family, heritage
Cancer-3rd house- study, writing, learning, short travels, daily rituals
Leo- 2nd house- your money, income, cash flow, possessions
Virgo-1st house- image overhaul, body, attitudes, all about you
Libra- 12th house- private zone, alone time, retreat, seclusion
Scorpio- 11th house- good fortune/luck, friendships, social networks, alliances
Sagittarius- 10th house- career, recognition, public reputation, life direction
Capricorn- 9th house- travel, teaching, academia, meaning of life
Aquarius- 8th house- debt, tax, investments, joint finance, death
Pisces- 7th house- relationships, spouse, business partners