The Virgo vibes are extra-strong this year—so get ready for that back-to-school feeling

As we transition from good-time Leo season into the uber-practical (and productive!) season of Virgo, there’s always a distinct back-to-school feeling. With Mars and Venus also moving into the sign of the virgin, expect that feeling to be amplified, says astrologer Jennifer Racioppi—who has some specific suggestions for getting the most out of this get-‘er-done period.

With Mars, the planet of action, now in the sign of Virgo (it moved from Leo into Virgo on Sunday, August 18) the back-to-school mentality that Virgo season brings begins. Over the next few days, Venus and the sun will follow suit, leaving the sign of fun and play (aka Leo) and heading into the sign of structure, order, and service.

Venus moves into Virgo on Wednesday, and the sun follows on Friday. Even more to the point: On Saturday, Venus and Mars will conjoin in the sign of the virgin, igniting practical, goal-driven passions. (And, yes, love too.)

Virgo season signals the end of rosé all day and beckons the return back to the basics of health.

Virgo, a mutable earth sign, sets transformation into motion. With summer quickly coming to an end, and daylight waning, Virgo season asks you to get organized. It signals the end of rosé all day and beckons the return back to the basics of health. Yes, I am talking about eating a low-glycemic diet complete with complex carbohydrates, locally sourced, organically produced foods inclusive of high-quality protein. Drinking plenty of water also will support you to clear your body out, making room for what’s around the corner.

Prepare your body as you get clear on what you most want to accomplish in Q4. From a physical health perspective, supporting your liver’s detox function can help to reduce estrogen dominance. Focus on your hormonal balance. Consider reducing your sugar intake, eliminating alcohol, getting deep rest, and making sure your bowel movements are on track. And for certain, drinking enough water helps, too.

Focus on your hormonal balance. Consider reducing your sugar intake, eliminating alcohol, getting deep rest, and making sure your bowel movements are on track.

So, take care of the basics. Get to your yoga mat (or fill in the blank on your preferred style of movement) and sweat your prayers, too. Purify yourself for the seasonal transition ahead. With work coming into stronger focus, sleep also becomes more relevant. Getting adequate rest helps you access peak-performance states so you can meet your goals.

Virgo season asks for tenacity, but it also suggests taking a minimalist approach to your schedule. Specifically, now’s the time to avoid overscheduling yourself. Stay mindful about what you say yes to, so you can create space on your calendar and in your life for you! After the abundance of social activity that summer provides, Virgo season brings a winding-down phase that commands more introspection and alone time. Look at your schedule. Where does your “me” time go? Block it out first.

Virgo season asks for tenacity, but it also suggests taking a minimalist approach to your schedule.

Additionally, with the sun moving into an earth sign, now’s the time to think about financial goals, too. Yes, your budget. Consider where you want to focus your financial energy over the next few months. What are your biggest goals for the remainder of the year as it applies to your finances? Do you want to make more money? Reduce your expenses? Finally, decide where and how to invest in a retirement fund? Get clear. Virgo pushes for practicality. So, assess what you most desire, formulate a practical vision, and commit to your goals.

Aside from the shift from Mars, Venus and the sun shifting from Leo to Virgo over the week ahead, Mercury digs its heels further into Leo. Mercury, in Leo, is bold, blunt, optimistic, and persuasive. And, this week, this messenger likely delivers some good news. Pay close attention to what unfolds this week, particularly as Mercury finds itself in an ideal position to Jupiter, a fire trine, on Wednesday. This is a fabulous time to ask for what you want. Mercury trining Jupiter while both planets travel in fire signs unleashes a positivity. However, task-master Saturn forms a harsh angle to Mercury, known as an inconjunct or a quincunx—meaning that while Jupiter offers expansion, Saturn commands you to streamline, too. This becomes more pronounced as Mercury continues to intensify its connection to Pluto and the south node in Capricorn; and, Neptune in Pisces also. Known as a yod, this configuration brings an element of fate to the week. Whatever comes through has a purpose. Stay conscious, attuned, and ready. If something (or someone) leaves your life now, let it (or them) go. It’s over.

This configuration brings an element of fate to the week. Whatever comes through has a purpose. If something (or someone) leaves your life now, let it (or them) go. It’s over.

Coming back to Venus and Mars in Virgo, as they conjoin Saturday, stellar cosmic vibes ensue. Use them to your advantage. Allow yourself time to socialize. Say yes to that date. And if possible, please do allow yourself the benefits of vitamin O. Orgasm remains one of the best possible ways to relieve stress and foster serenity. While having fulfilling sex with a well-suited partner is beautiful, it’s not required. You can have exhilarating orgasms alone. So, don’t let anything stop you from enjoying the benefits of this transit. Embody your ferocity.

Jennifer Racioppi is the creator of Lunar Logic—a philosophy that integrates the deep wisdom of both science and spirituality, and blends her expertise in astrology, positive psychology, and women’s health—to coach high-achieving female entrepreneurs to reach their next level of success.