‘How many times do I have to say this,’ whispers Milo Mercury, ‘I don’t like Mercury as the ruler of Virgo. Mercury, like myself, is youthful, fun-loving, rascally and impish. What in the world does that have in common with nitpicky old Virgo? Why does Athena of all people, who I generally respect as a progressive thinker insist on...’

‘Listen,’ protests T.J. Taurus, ‘why can’t you just accept Athena’s lecture at face value. There is a lot of valid information in her interpretation. For eons, brilliant astrologers have assigned Mercury to Virgo. Attention to detail, craftiness, physical dexterity, daily activities are all governed by..’

‘Please, the entire time Vesta transited my 6th house my digestive system was in an uproar. I completely sublimated my sexual energy into work-related service and my cat was in and out of the vet’s office...’

‘Athena is speaking and the least..’

Oh my! Monday’s New Moon in unconventional, rebellious free-thinking Aquarius might raise some eyebrows. The New Moon ruler, Uranus, has been traveling through hot-headed Aries. In Aries, Uranus is shattering convention, hell-bent on forging a new path and fearless future. Having just skirmished with transformative Pluto in staid Capricorn, Uranus is more than ready to bid adieu to outmoded concepts and beliefs.

Adding to the quest for emancipation, Uranus is in a conspiratorial aspect with the traditional ruler of Aquarius, Saturn. Saturn in fire sign Sagittarius, is inviting humanity to take a good, hard look at its philosophy and belief standpoints from a responsible integrated vantage point. Saturn in Sagittarius is asking you to discover your own personal truth, and to use that truth to establish far-ranging goals and plans.

This New Moon in humanitarian and philanthropic Aquarius, while eliciting global involvement, is also very independent. There is a strong inclination to strike out for personal causes. Mars, planet of passion, aggression, and action is currently in the volatile sign of Scorpio. Mars being closely square this New Moon, might have trouble constructively expressing its energy. Buried rage may erupt. Take care to dispassionately examine motivations and objectives.

‘Milo,’ urges T.J., ‘quit questioning ancient wisdom. Athena knows her..’

‘I know what works for me. From now on I’m using Vesta as the ruler of Virgo and Juno as the ruler of Libra.’

To each his own.