9.8-9.14.2026: Softness is Strength
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This week’s New Moon offers us the opportunity to hit the reset button on something that just doesn’t quite feel authentic anymore. At 18° Virgo, Thursday night’s New Moon is associated with the Nine of Pentacles—a card often referred to as the “retirement card,” which I lovingly refer to as the Lady of Luxury. But this isn’t a generational wealth situation. Quite the opposite, in fact. This lady has put in the time and effort and is now finally reaping the benefits of her hard work, patience, and dedication. Featured on the original Smith-Rider-Waite version of the Nine of Pentacles is a woman basking in a garden of abundance, wearing a long, flowing gown, a falcon perched on her outstretched hand. Her wealth of Pentacles accumulates in stacks at her sides. So with that Lady of Luxury/Earthen Goddess in mind, I thought it would be appropriate to ask the Tarot:
What seeds can we plant now in order to be able to enjoy the fruits of our labor in the future? How can we set ourselves up for success?
The Tarot’s response? Strength (VIII).
Now if your initial response to the word “strength” is to tense up, grit your teeth, and muscle through it, I want to assure you—that’s not the kind of strength we’re talking about here. We aren’t talking about the type of brute strength stereotypically associated with masculinity. See that crown of flowers surrounding the lioness’s head in place of a mane? That’s a nod to the feminine strength this card represents. Not led by ego, but by instinct. Not informed by intellect and logic alone, but also by heart and intuition. Not considering only what’s best for you as an individual, but also considering what’s best for the entire Pride, the family, the community, the ecosystem as a whole. Strength invites you to step into authenticity (it is ruled by Leo after all). To do it your way. To embrace your softness as strength. To choose kindness, while understanding that kind and nice aren’t always synonymous.
Leadership doesn’t have to look like cruelty. It can be gentle and adaptable and human-centered. Honestly? It’s giving Matriarchy. I’m sure by now most of us have seen the viral video of the Mama lion putting an adult male in his place for messing with her cub. That’s the fierceness we’re channeling here! And there’s nothing weak about that.
As I’m fond of saying in HypnoBirthing® when talking about Birth Goals, “Choose it, then let it go.” I got that phrase from a book called Nurture: A Modern, Caring Guide to Pregnancy, Birth, and Early Motherhood by birth and postpartum doula Erica Chidi Cohen. Cohen encourages birthing people (and I encourage YOU) to have “strong convictions rooted in the utmost flexibility. Know yourself, know your limits, and be open and curious about what's to come.” She is, of course, talking about the birthing experience—but damn if birth isn’t a great metaphor for transformation and the power of feminine strength. So as you set new intentions with the New Moon this week, leave the fixed mindset behind. Allow wiggle room. Leave space for adaptation, for fluidity, for seasonal attunement. No hard deadlines or inflexible parameters here. Because around here we know that softness IS strength.
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Many of you got a kick out of the Spring Cleaning-themed spread I did earlier this year, so I thought a Back to School-themed spread would be fun! But this time, it’s just for you.
Introducing…
✨The Virgo Season Vibe Check✨
I’ll pull three cards just for you around these three questions:
🎒The Jansport backpack / What have you been carrying around with you?
✏️The pack of #2 pencils / What skills want to be sharpened or what thoughts want to be articulated?
📒The shiny new planner / What plans are taking shape now?
You’ll receive a beautiful video presentation sharing the cards I pulled and how their messages apply to your life. Turn-around time for these video readings is 3-5 days.
If you’re feeling called to dig deeper into the energy of Virgo season, I’d love to pull cards just for you! Simply fill out the form below and leave the rest to me.
