Virgo has many crisis elements imbedded in its nature because it is stage 6 of a 12-step zodiacal process. Therefore, as this sign eventually morphs into Libra — the halfway point of the zodiacal circle — there is a need to eliminate personal non-essentials across the board as a kind of internal purification before beginning the more collective, universal process symbolized by the last six signs of the zodiac.  Right now the Last Quarter Sun-Moon Phase (energizing 6 degrees of Virgo and Gemini at 2:36AM) arrives with a possible intention to stir up worries and turmoil in your mind — especially concerning dietary and health matters. Nevertheless, the key at any quarter moon cycle is to be strong-willed enough to cut through whatever apparent obstacles appear to be blocking your path ahead. And at the Last Quarter Sun-Moon square of 90-degrees, there can actually be a higher mental and even spiritual adjustment that needs to take place.  Adding to today’s possible crisis environment is the arrival of the largest asteroid — Ceres — in Virgo (3:21AM) for the first time since its last transit here from early November 2008 to early August 2009. Many professional astrology researchers believe that Ceres — the ancient goddess of corn and cereals — shares, with Mercury, a co-rulership of the sign of Virgo. Through enormous amounts of research, this appears to be true and in a very deep, soulful manner.  While Ceres entering Virgo this morning — a cycle lasting until November 3 — can be enormously supportive for mother-daughter relationships, food and nutritional matters, and for increasing production in your main fields of expertise, it can also be a catalyst for the difficulties in these same areas of life.  Reading and research are also top priorities since Mercury trines Pluto (7:53AM) while Mercury also forms an illuminating parallel with the Sun (4:57PM).  The several hours prior to a Moon-Venus trine in air signs (9:46PM) constitute a great boost for love bonds, the creative arts, and social activities. However, this Moon-Venus contact also starts a very long void lunar uncertainty cycle that lasts for 30+ hours until 4:34AM on Friday, August 30. (Note to readers: All times are calculated for Pacific Daylight Time. Be sure to adjust all times according to your own local time so the alignments noted above will be exact for your location.)