You would think that with so many objects still moving through Virgo, that sign and its qualities might be the only thing to focus on. But here’s the thing: all of those Virgo planets are gradually making contact with a slightly slower aspect that is characterizing the entire month of September: Jupiter in Sagittarius square Neptune in Pisces.

Figure emerging from the fog; photo by Amanda Painter.

Technically, Jupiter square Neptune won’t be precisely exact until Sept. 21. But they are currently within three degrees of each other; even without Neptune’s wide and permeable orb of influence, that would be close enough to count.

Eric has noted that, “With Neptune you have to see what you’re not usually noticing. The invisible is at work. Perception cannot be fully trusted; it takes time to verify your experience. You can’t just guess how fast you’re driving — you have to look at the speedometer. You can’t guess how drunk you are; buzzed is drunk enough.

“This is a challenge to not take anything on its face, no matter how beautiful it may seem, how great the promise. Not pessimism but ‘show me’ and ‘time will tell’. Along the way there may be many dreamy, fantasy-like experiences that vanish like smoke. Have fun while they last. Push your imagination and see where you go, but nobody is superman.”

To put this in more specific terms, consider that the first of the Virgo planets to pass directly through the Jupiter-Neptune square is Venus. On Monday it squares Jupiter and on Wednesday opposes Neptune.

If you’re working rather than enjoying a long holiday, it may be helpful to build little breaks and rewards into your day, or to take time to do something relaxing, fun or otherwise indulgent before you get down to business. The idea is to reduce distractions to your imagination as you try to focus on necessary tasks, since self-discipline could be low. Food, alcohol and shopping are areas where you could easily overdo it.

Relationship-wise, remember to take off the rose-colored glasses periodically. Know when you’re fantasizing about someone, and filling in holes about their character and experience with wishful thinking; this goes for established partnerships as much as for new encounters. Invoking the ‘time will tell’ mantra is essential: enjoy the fun and beauty for what it is in this moment, with the understanding that the shape of things — or your perception and awareness of them — might very well morph as the weeks and months go by.

Rob Hand also describes Jupiter square Neptune as a test of whether you can translate your ideals into reality (applied to any realm of life: career and vocation, creativity, activism and worldview, spiritual growth, etc.). There will be challenges to doing so — and that does not necessarily mean you will fail. But you could discover your grasp on reality was not as great as you thought it was.

By the same token, don’t assume that what you want or would like to offer is “impossible” or “too impractical.” Paralysis is never the answer; and as we all know, every invention and innovation came as an answer to many people who thought it could never be done.

Not ‘The’ Light, just headlights in the fog; photo by Amanda Painter.

What we’re looking at with this current astrology is a need for gentle, steady persistence. There are other factors in Gemini and Sagittarius that describe a sense of pushing for an ‘all or nothing’ approach.

Your challenge may be to use that leverage to get going without going for broke. Tapping into the earthy grounded-ness of Virgo — along with Saturn in Capricorn (which is in aspect to Neptune, and also Venus currently) — appears key here.

This might look like making a plan and then actually following it (for the most part — all plans are subject to adjustment as progress is made). Or maybe try identifying a structure to work within — such as a particular modality, protocol of steps, or historical tradition.

Saturn also brings an additional emphasis on time, and your awareness of it. Long-range, you may have more time than it feels like you do; this works with the ‘time will tell’ side of Neptune. Yet on a daily basis, using time efficiently and staying aware of how quickly it can slip away can mean the difference between working toward a goal and spinning your wheels in a fantasy.

Water may not be solid, but it is persistent. Nothing is waterproof forever; just ask the Grand Canyon. You may not have several million (or billion) years to do your thing like the Colorado River has had. But then, chances are you don’t need that much time; you just need to gently use what you have.