The eclipses occurring in August and September will particularly affect Virgos because of the signs that they are in – Virgo and Pisces – which form opposite signs on the zodiac wheel and, rather like colour theory, represent contrasting but complementary views on a range of similar issues, including physical health vs mental health, service/duty to others on the mundane level (eg. work, problem-solving) vs duty to something larger (healing the sick, spiritual life, good causes).

The lunar eclipse, which takes place on August the 28^th, will plant the focus firmly on your one-to-one relationships. The Full Moon in Pisces will be standing in opposition to the Sun in Virgo, so you are likely to experience a clash of wills, opinions, or values at this time with romantic partners, as well as business associates. You may also find yourself reviewing your close relationships, possibly identifying areas where things are no longer working and change is called for. In some cases, you may feel that matters are beyond repair or too one-sided, and possibly choose to end a relationship or take a step backwards, detaching a little and putting your energy into something more equal/balanced.

A word of warning: the atmosphere will be highly charged emotionally at this time, due to the combination of a Full Moon, Pisces ruling the Moon during the lunar eclipse, so you may want to wait a few days just to make sure that you’ve made the right decision. For those who do lose their heads, help is at hand. On the 5^th of September, Venus, ruler of relationships, fairness and diplomacy, moves into Libra, allowing you the opportunity to make peace with your nearest and dearest, or smooth things over with your business partner.

If you are hoping to make others take you more seriously, you’ll be pleased to know that Saturn, planet of responsibility, karma and gravitas, will be changing signs, moving from Leo into Virgo on the 3^rd. This will not only give you more of an air of authority, but will also provide you with the strength and discipline you need to prune your life of all that is unnecessary, wasteful or frivolous.

The 13^th also offers a chance to talk sensibly about the future or moral aspects of your relationships, thanks to a dynamic aspect between Mercury and Jupiter, planet of growth, expansion, morals and philosophical values and beliefs. With Mercury in Libra, and Jupiter in Sagittarius, the signs of what medieval astrologers called the great benefics, this day could be described as rather fortunate. If you’re a romance novelist, relationship councellor or divorce lawyer, this is likely to be a good day where you make considerable progress on current projects.

However, don’t expect things to settle or resolve themselves straight away. This is because of two factors. Firstly, Pluto, turns direct for the first time since April on the 8^th of September. Pluto, together with Jupiter, are both currently in Sagittarius, so you may find yourself arriving at a number of important conclusions early on in the month concerning your beliefs and values, especially as they relate to home, family, property and lifestyle matters. During Pluto’s retrograde period, you spent quite a lot of time reviewing and letting go of old attitudes and viewpoints that no longer empower or serve you, and now that Pluto is coming out hibernation, you feel ready to integrate these into your life.

The second factor is a Solar eclipse in Virgo on the 11th of Sept, which will aid you in this process of transformation. Taking place during a new lunar phase in Virgo, the sun and moon will be working together to help you overcome past issues and hang-ups and emerge a new person. This could be a real crossroads in your life, Virgo. You may also decide to make drastic changes to your physical appearance at this time or hire a personal trainer or assistant to help you get back in shape, improve your dietary habits, or into a more organised work routine. Whatever you do choose to do, you’ll do so independently and, for once, with your own interests at heart. You’re such a selfless, hard-working and devoted person normally that this may seem or feel out of character for you. However, even you need to be selfish every now and again, so make the most of this time to figure out what you really want. If you work hard, are open to change and keep a level head, the planets will aid you in your transformation. Bury your head in the sand and pretend that is fine, and you may find decisions being made for you. My advice? Take the bull by the horns, be true to yourself and reach for the stars.