New Moon on Labor Day: A Better Way Forward

Rashida Renae self describes as a cosmic witch that never misses a chance to fall in love with the beauty of the moon. If you appreciate this content, consider donating to Rashida's charity of choice NAACP Legal Defense Fund.

With today being Labor Day and tonight’s new moon in Virgo, it is a great time to manifest, set intentions, and lay the groundwork for what we want the next few months to look like. This is an especially auspicious time for setting these intentions in terms of labor, the workplace and where we are in late-stage capitalism amid a global pandemic.

Brief History of Labor Day

Before President Cleveland made Labor Day a federal holiday in 1894 as the result of nationwide demonstrations for recognition of workers, the nature of work environments was abysmal.

Workers, including children, were made to work long shifts, seven days a week with meager pay. It was not until unions began to form and became more vocal about their rights and workplace protections that changes were made. Now, most workers have weekends (or at least two days off a week) from a single job, as well as workplace protections such as OSHA, child labor laws, among other things. However, despite the progress that has been made, there is still a long way to go.

Pluto Return and other planetary influences

Today’s workforce is unique in that it is comprised of several generations, from Boomers all the way down to Gen Z. In addition to the fact that some workers are merely from a different time and the workplace they entered is nothing like the nature of the workplace today, there are generational planets that also guide and influence their attitudes toward work and other societal aspects.

Pluto is what is known as a generational planet. Generational planets are the outermost planets that are slow moving and stay in the same sign for years thus affecting generations of people. In addition to Pluto, generational planets include Neptune and Uranus. Pluto represents transformations, death, rebirth, the underworld, destruction; things that are buried and hidden, as well as control.

We mainly see this stark reality play out in terms of how Millennials, with Pluto in Scorpio, and Gen Z, with Pluto in Sagittarius, shape their philosophy towards work and society (among other things) compared to that of Gen X and Boomers, with Pluto in Libra and Virgo respectively.

Millennials and Gen Z are constantly pushing back at the supposed traditional workplace norms. Between realizing that there is no real need for an eight hour workday, to reimagining and creating entirely new careers and fields that were unheard of only a decade ago, to demanding a better work life balance, younger generations are forging their own path forward and ensuring that their labor rights and the rights of others are protected. This is especially true in terms of identity and accessibility.

Another major change in workplace norms that can be credited to younger generations is the normalization of self-care and the need for a living wage as critical components to be included when discussing any aspect of labor and the nature of society as a whole.

Additionally, the United States is currently undergoing its Pluto return. Planetary returns occur when a planet goes back to the same sign and degree that is in the natal chart.

Taking into account the United States’ natal chart, which some astrologers base on a July 4, 1776 birthday, the natal Pluto is in Capricorn at 27 degree. Pluto is set to return to the same position in February 2022, the effects of which we are all currently undergoing. One prominent way this return has made itself known is through the death of the American Dream, economic downturn, as well as collective decision to no longer buy into the mythos of American exceptionalism, trickle-down economics and the capitalism is viable and sustainable.

New Moon in Virgo

While full moons are the perfect time to release and let go, new moons are the perfect time for new beginnings and embarking on new journeys. The fact that the moon is in Virgo, during Virgo season, might also serve as an extra kick to get things in gear.

Whether it is in the form of stocking up on journals, highlighters and pens to feel more in control of things, making to do lists, organizing your home and creating better systems such as meal prepping or reimagining your chore chart, or simply making those doctor appointments that you might have been putting off over the last few months, Virgo energy will make its presence known.

With this moon in particular, especially in terms of where we are in the labor struggle and being forced to still be productive while it feels as if society is burning, now is a great time to reflect and set intentions for your future. Reflect on where you are, where you would like to be in a few months and think of the steps that are needed to get you there.

Is there a promotion you’re hoping to get? Perhaps you find that you’re always on the go and deeply desire more opportunities to meditate and check in with your spirit? Are you hoping for a career change or just want to be recognized for all that you’re currently doing?

Now is the time to really set those intentions, put in the work (even shadow work if needed), and be ready to reap the rewards of all your efforts over the next few months.