This late August through September we enter eclipse season, moving through a series of impactful moon phases that begin with the new moon in Virgo on August 23 and end with a second new moon in Virgo on September 21. Each moon provides a chance to reflect, set intentions, and align with the energy of the season.

The lunar eclipse in Pisces on September 7 and the partial solar eclipse in Virgo on September 21 mark a period of endings and new beginnings. Eclipses often reveal areas of our lives in need of release or transformation, offering a gentle reminder to let go of what no longer serves us and make space for growth.

With the sun entering Virgo on August 23 (and staying in Virgo until September 22), the focus naturally shifts toward wellness, routines, and practical self-care. Virgo energy encourages attention to detail, mindful habits, and small, consistent actions that support both physical and mental health. It’s the perfect time to reflect on your routines, refine your goals, and set intentions for habits that nourish your body, mind, and spirit.

This moon cycle is especially unique with two new moons in Virgo back-to-back. The first sets intentions while the second allows for revisiting, refining, and reinforcing them — offering a rare opportunity to double down on wellness goals and build routines that truly support your well-being.

Below is an overview of each moon phase, complete with journal prompts, affirmations, and self-care activities to help you move through this season and make the most of the lunar energy.

 

New Moon in Virgo – August 23

Theme: Refinement, Devotion, Clarity of Purpose

Focus: Setting wellness intentions, establishing practical routines, committing to mindful habits.

New moons are a time to set intentions and welcome new beginnings. They mark the start of the lunar cycle, making them ideal for planting seeds — whether through writing down goals, crafting a vision board, or choosing a new positive habit that will support your growth. The Virgo new moon encourages setting intentions related to wellness, balance, and daily routines, but ultimately, the goal you choose is yours. Let this be a moment to pause, envision what you want to grow, and commit to one small action that will support it.

Journal Prompts:

• What areas of my wellness (physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual) need adjusting?
• If I imagine my “ideal day,” what would it look like, and how could I bring pieces of that into my reality?
• What small, consistent action can I commit to this month that will support my overall well-being?
  

Affirmations:

• With each new beginning, I grow stronger, clearer, and more aligned.
• Small, consistent actions bring me closer to the life I envision.
• I deserve routines that support my well-being and bring me peace.
  

Self-Care Activities:

• Create a simple wellness vision board with images, words, or symbols that inspire your intentions.
• Start a new daily movement ritual such as stretching, a calming yoga flow, or a morning walk.
• Meal prep or plan nourishing meals for the week to support your body.

 

First Quarter Moon in Sagittarius – August 31

Theme: Action, Exploration, Expansion

Focus: Checking in on goals, taking tangible steps forward, embracing curiosity and learning.

First quarter moons are a time to take action and check in on the intentions set during the new moon. This phase encourages us to notice what steps we’re taking toward our goals and adjust where needed. In Sagittarius, the energy expands to include exploration, curiosity, and growth. This reminds us to not only stay committed to wellness or personal intentions, but also to explore new perspectives and possibilities along the way. Use this moon to ask yourself: Am I actively moving toward my goals, and am I open to learning, adjusting, and expanding as I go?

Journal Prompts:

• What actions have I taken since the new moon to support my intention or goal?
• Where am I seeing progress, and where might I need to adjust or try something new?
• How can I bring more adventure, exploration, or openness into my life?

Affirmations:

• I take bold, intentional steps toward the life I am creating.
• I am courageous enough to explore new paths and perspectives.
• Progress, not perfection, moves me forward.

Self-Care:

• Review the intention you set at the new moon and write down 1–3 steps to take this week.
• Do something outside your usual routine—try a new class, explore a new place, or learn something new.
• Connect with someone who inspires you and talk about your goals or dreams.

 

Full Moon Lunar Eclipse in Pisces – September 7

Theme: Release, Healing, Emotional Clarity

Focus: Letting go of old patterns, celebrating progress, deepening compassion and intuition.

Full moons mark a time of illumination, celebration, and release. They bring our efforts and intentions to light, helping us notice how far we’ve come while also showing us what blockages or patterns we’re ready to let go of. Because this is also a lunar eclipse, the energy is heightened, often bringing sudden realizations or emotional clarity. Eclipses remind us that release is necessary for growth.

In Pisces, this full moon highlights themes of healing, compassion, and trust in the bigger picture. It invites us to celebrate the progress we’ve made while also noticing where old wounds, doubts, or patterns may still hold us back. This is a beautiful moment to honor your growth, let go of what weighs heavy, and open yourself to deeper healing.

Journal Prompts:

• What progress or growth can I celebrate since the start of this moon cycle?
• What habits, fears, or thought patterns feel ready to be released?
• Where in my life do I need deeper healing, forgiveness, or compassion?

Affirmations:

• I honor my progress and celebrate how far I’ve come.
• I release what no longer serves me and open myself to healing.
• I am worthy of rest, renewal, and emotional clarity.

Self-Care Activities:

• Take a salt bath or shower meditation to symbolize cleansing and renewal.
• Spend time journaling about your progress since the new moon, noting both wins and lessons.
• Allow yourself deep rest—schedule a slower evening or a night of extra sleep.

 

Last Quarter Moon in Gemini — September 14

Theme: Reflection, Perspective, Communication

Focus: Evaluating what’s working and what isn’t, releasing outdated thoughts or beliefs, refining clarity in communication.

Last quarter moons are a time of reflection and release. They encourage us to pause, look back on the intentions set at the new moon, and notice what’s working, what’s not, and what we’re ready to let go of before the cycle ends. This phase helps us clear space, both mentally and emotionally, so that the next new moon begins with clarity.

In Gemini, this last quarter moon is also bringing attention to the way we think, communicate, and process information. It’s a chance to release unhelpful thought patterns, outdated beliefs, or conversations left unsaid. Gemini teaches that perspective matters — sometimes a shift in the way we frame things can be a release in itself.

Journal Prompts:

• What lessons have I learned so far during this moon cycle?
• Are there thought patterns, stories, or beliefs I need to release?
• What conversations or communications feel unfinished or need closure?

Affirmations for the Week:

• I release the thoughts and stories that no longer serve me.
• My mind is clear, open, and ready for fresh perspectives.
• I let go of old beliefs and reframe my past with new understanding.

Self-Care Activities:

• Do a brain dump journaling exercise to clear mental clutter.
• Take a short digital detox—unplug from screens to rest your mind.
• Practice mindful breathing or meditation to quiet racing thoughts.

 

New Moon in Virgo (Partial Solar Eclipse) – September 21

Theme: Renewal, Alignment, Balance

Focus: Revisiting intentions, reinforcing wellness routines, integrating self-care with connection as we move into Libra season.

This new moon in Virgo is the second one this season, offering a rare chance to revisit the wellness goals you set at the beginning of the cycle, refine them, and commit with renewed energy. As this new moon closes Virgo season, it also ushers us toward Libra season, a time centered on balance, harmony, and relationships. The intentions you set now will not only support your personal wellness but will also be fueled by Libra’s energy of connection. With this moon coinciding with a partial solar eclipse, it’s a beautiful invitation to pause and reflect on where clarity or release may be needed before you move ahead.

Journal Prompts:

• What intentions around my wellness or daily habits feel important to refine and recommit to now?
• Where in my life do I crave more simplicity, order, or clarity?
• How can I bring more balance between caring for myself and showing up in my relationships?

Affirmations for the Week:

• I plant new seeds of wellness and balance.
• I invite harmony, connection, and renewal into this season of beginnings.
• I create space for both self-care and meaningful connection.

Self-Care Activities:

• Refresh your space: tidy or declutter a small area to invite Virgo clarity into your new beginnings.
• Take a reflective walk in nature, focusing on balance (e.g., steady breath, even pace) to connect Virgo mindfulness with Libra harmony.
• Share one of your intentions with a trusted friend to root your goals in connection and accountability.

 

As you move through this upcoming moon cycle, take the time to reflect, release, and stay committed to your intentions. Your life is as magical as you make it. Each intentional action you take can bring in more balance, clarity, and fulfillment.

For additional moon-guided self-reflection, goal setting, and habit building tools, download Luna Focus on the App Store and Google Play.