How To Amp Up Your Self-Care Sunday Routine For Tonight's New Moon In Virgo

Back to life, back to reality: On Sunday, September 9, the year's only Virgo new moon puts us in a "back-to-school" head space. As the sign symbolized by the Virgin or Maiden carrying a shaft of wheat, Virgo is the zodiac's purist and green thumb. Seeds planted at the potency of this earthy lunation can be harvested in six months' time at the corresponding full moon in Virgo, which will arrive on February 19, 2019.

Ready to add some new cachet to your resume? Analytical Virgo is ruled by messenger planet Mercury, which is traveling alongside the Virgo Sun until September 21—and helping us all become more meticulous and methodical during this systematic cycle. Look for growth opportunities within your company or sign up for specialized training that can bump you to a new pay grade. Want to make a difference in the world—or at least your corner of it? Virgo is the sign of selfless service. Seek volunteer opportunities where you can earn your Earth Angel halo and wings. But whatever you do, make sure you have a solid plan in place for how to actually accomplish it!

Let's face it, poor Virgo can sometimes get a bad rap: the stereotype that Virgos are pencil-pushing and protocol-enforcing tightwads. And while there may be a little truth to that, the zodiac's Virgin is also a master in the power of seduction. Beyoncé, Prince Harry, Idris Elba, and Blake Lively are but a few of the Virgos who have graced the planet with their sultry sex appeal.

The Buddhist philosophy of "beginner's mind" was made for overanalytical Virgo. The idea is to approach every person, experience, and action as if it's for the first time. That goes for your partner of 20 years, your job of 10 years, all the people and things you take for granted. (Do we detect a gratitude list coming on?)

Mercury-ruled Virgo evokes our tendency to talk, think, and #obsess. Yikes! Buddhist thought and mindfulness are all about quieting the "monkey chatter" and being in the moment. It's the antidote to Virgo's overcritical and perfectionistic shadow side.

When Ophi's daughter was born almost eight years ago, the first visitors to rush to the hospital were our Virgo friends, some of whom we hadn't seen for months. And our magical Virgo friend Contessa god-mothered/dog-mothered Tali's tiny new dachshund puppy Lux in New York for two weeks until he was old enough to be allowed to travel on a plane. Funny enough, none of these women have kids of their own, but they're all enchanted by newborns—not to mention experts in soothing and swaddling. Our Virgo friends feel most identified with this newborn state, the fragility, fleetingness, and innocence of it all. The newborn state is the most Virgo-like, when all is pure, unspoiled, and utterly sacred. If someone you know has a new baby, visit and hold the little guy or girl (and she'll love you for it, trust us).

Bike to the market instead of driving, or find a trail (urban or woodsy) and go for a spin after a long day at the office. Buy yourself flowers as a ritual every Friday. Wear shoes that actually support your feet, and take a long solo stroll on a Sunday afternoon. Virgo rules the intestines and digestive system, which makes this new moon perfect for improving your gut health. Probiotics, anyone? Or, improve your mental health by making sure you get an adequate amount of sleep each night (harder than it sounds for many in these stressed-out times!). Feeling adventurous? Swig a collagen-boosting smoothie, a newer trend that will help you get glowing skin and healthy bones.