Every year, around the end of August into early September there are two things I become obsessed with. One of them is training to run in the NYC Marathon. I say “training” very loosely because my version of preparation is nothing compared to what I’d really have to do for a shot at completing this marathon.

Still, I become fanatical about outrunning everyone at the gym. It’s the comical and ridiculous competitive streak coming out in me, along with a renewed urge to get in better shape - and it always happens in September. But don’t you worry – one of these days I will run that marathon! It’s on my list of things to do.

But let’s talk about YOUR “to do” list since this might be the other obsession you’re more likely to share with me around this time of the year. We can thank our annual New Moon in the efficient and detail oriented sign, Virgo for the urge to get our life in order again. Ahhh it’s time to clean out those closets!

A New Moon in Virgo is the perfect time to launch any new health care routine, make a commitment to break a bad habit or begin a new one that will enhance your wellbeing. And it’s also the single best time of the year to tackle all those little things you’ve put off. Get real crazy and color code your closet, clean your garage floor with a toothbrush, or alphabetize whatever is stored in your pantry. Ok, so maybe I’m exaggerating a little. But yes, I’m guilty of actually doing two out of these three!

It’s no wonder we all get “back to school fever” during this time. You know what I’m talking about. The urge to sharpen pencils and put every single post it and paperclip on your desk in its suitable place. The urge to “get it right” and do better is the underlying theme behind a New Moon in Virgo.

The universe grants all of us this cosmic opportunity to purify ourselves in some way. So, what’s on your list?

There’s a lot more going on in the heavens this month though, so before you and your highlighter go off and have a torrid affair, let me update you on the other cosmic events.

September 3rd is a serious day for everyone so be sure to read my monthly forecasts to know how this could play out for you personally. The Sun will align with Saturn, planet of limitation, delay and hard work. An area of your life will be tested and if you’ve been paying attention to your saturnine lessons in this part of your world you’ll have an easier time dealing with the potential criticism and restriction. If not, you could very well feel as though your back is up against the wall on this day. Ouch.

It’s kind of funny though, because whatever you go through on the 3rd will literally be “yesterday’s news” by the 4th as the Sun then makes a gorgeous trine to expansive Jupiter. Expect a miracle to happen!

Speaking of miracles, there will be a part of everyone’s chart that, after September 7th, seems to go full speed ahead in expansive vision and wonder thanks to lucky Jupiter, finally turning direct in orbit on this day. Jupiter has been napping in the sky, internalizing much of our optimism and ability to act with inspired action. Now is the time to push ahead with plans in whatever area of your life Jupiter is transiting. Details are in the monthly forecasts!

There’s an ultra sexy day for everyone on the 11th thanks to a gorgeous line up between masculine Mars and feminine Venus in relationship oriented Libra. It’s a great time to act in the name of love or to fight for what (or who) you love. And then, just when you’re all wrapped up in romantic bliss, there’s a cosmic nasty on the 12th as the Sun opposes Uranus, the planet that likes to send us surprises. Buckle up; it could be a bumpy ride.

A Full Moon in Pisces on the 15th will be your call to surrender to what’s beyond your control. This lunation has everything to do with faith and reaching out to touch what you can’t possibly see, but what you know is right in front of you. It’ll be an imaginative and psychic Full Moon but one that is full of emotional ups and downs thanks to Uranus so closely aligned. Pisces likes to escape so be sure that you aren’t running away from what’s causing all this sensitive upheaval during this time.

The 17th, 21st and 28th will all be dreamy days thanks to gorgeous links between Neptune and Venus, Mars and Mercury respectively. The arts, theatre and all artistic projects are highlighted.

In between the sweet reverie however, you’ll need to combat in a sensitive power struggle as the Sun squares off with Pluto, planet of willpower and control, on the 20th. Everyone wants to be in the driver’s seat on this day but you know what they say – “too many cooks in the kitchen spoil the soup.”

When Venus, the planet of love, glides into magnetic Scorpio on the 23rd everyone has a chance to infuse their love life with mystery and erotic excitement. This is your time to “bring sexy back”.

On the 24th Mercury, the planet of communication, thought and learning, will turn retrograde for three weeks until October 15th. This is a time you never want to sign new agreements.

Since this retrograde is in the sign Libra you must be especially wary of any legal contracts, business or marriage related paperwork. Double check everything and leave all negotiations for after the retrograde period. It’s a GREAT time however, to go over previous communication in all of your personal relationships. Clear the air!

A New Moon on the 29th in relationship Libra will give you a fresh start in a close partnership. Since Mercury is retrograde it’s possible that communication from the past has something to do with the future direction of this new union. As you strive to relate to others with more diplomacy and grace remember this; it’s the mistakes you’ve made in past relationships that you can learn from as you pursue a new direction in close partnerships. Thank goodness for second chances