The Aesthete

Something to talk about

Political Discourse Rising at Virgo New Moon as Mercury enters Libra

by Shelley L. Ackerman

“Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.”

One wonders if in 1883, when Emma Lazarus wrote those famous lines in her poem, The New Colossus, (engraved in 1903 on a bronze plaque mounted inside the lower level of the Statue of Liberty), she could have imagined that the emerging garment industry would, 125 years later, would balloon into the phenomenon that is Fashion Week in Manhattan? Second only to the Christmas rush at Rockefeller Center, the volume of humanity experienced during Fashion Week is quickly becoming uncomfortably close to the new norm in New York.

Nearly everyone I speak to these days has something to say about the ever-increasing influx of Big Apple dwellers and tourists and the impact that it’s had on the ability to gracefully maneuver on the streets, on buses, subways, in stores and in restaurants. Add to that the number of pets and/or toddlers in SUV-sized strollers on the sidewalks that folks try to manage with one hand and the mobile devices they’re really paying attention to in the other, and the recipe for distracted insanity increases exponentially, leading me to ask the following: “Is anybody fully PRESENT?”

The sign of Virgo is as much about devotion and single-minded concentration — to the exclusion of all else — as it is about health, digestion, service, purity, integrity and process. The current acceptable state of ongoing distractions is an anathema to all that Virgo stands for and possibly a sign that with dwindling headspace and evaporating pockets of peace the whole of NYC could - sooner rather than later - become the place to avoid. Wasn’t it Yogi Berra who said, “Nobody goes there anymore, it’s too crowded?”

Whether we have the sun in Virgo or not, or any key planets in the sign of the virgin or not, we all have a 6th house (Virgo is the 6th sign) and the sign of Virgo represented somewhere in our horoscope. And while we each vary in our need for privacy and down time to decompress, we can all agree that we would benefit from at least a little more of that feeling and less ongoing intrusiveness in our public spaces. I often think about how Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis would have handled cell phones in public. My guess is that in the way she never smoked in public, we would have never caught her texting or speaking loudly on a cell phone either. Jackie, a Leo, had Mars in Virgo at the top of her chart.

That aside, the party vibe of Fashion Week climaxes on Wednesday evening September 12th, with the moon in Leo and Venus in sparkling aspect to Uranus. And on Saturday night (the 15th), the Virgo New Moon provides us all with an opportunity to clean house as we clean up our act. Mercury, Virgo’s ruler, enters Libra, the social sign of law, politics and legalities on the 16th. What new political truths will come to light in the weeks ahead? The official start of autumn is but days away….

HOROSCOPES FOR SEPTEMBER 10TH TO SEPTEMBER 16TH

ARIES: The early bird catches the worm on Monday as communication with coworkers yields results. By midweek, you’re on fire inspiring and entertaining a number of onlookers so choose your words and your outfits with care as those first impressions matter. This weekend’s new moon in your 6th house of work and routine is good for evaluating where you’re at health-wise. Is it time to get off those meds or at least lower the dose? Just asking.

ARIES Go-To: Your social life is on the upswing, so if you’re on the west side and can dart out of work for a couple of hours (or play hooky all together), The Allure Lounge at the Empire Hotel at 44 West 63rd Street is offering free mini makeovers, express manicures, refreshments and plenty of fashion to ogle at through September 13th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

TAURUS: It’s funny (and wonderful) how creative Taurus can be and how easily Bulls are able to parlay their visions into everything from tangible small businesses to tremendous castles on high. Part of that knack comes from Virgo (the sign of process and attention to detail) in your creative 5th house. And there’s plenty of action there all week long culminating with a new moon on Saturday night. So, what new vision would you like to implement during fall 2012? All is possible money wise as Mercury enters your 2nd house of income on Sunday the 16th, encouraging tete-a-tetes with partners who can help.

TAURUS Go-To: Bulls into fine jewelry, clothes, decorative items, an on site café/patisserie AND a full service spa/salon, need look no further: Spa Martier NY on 2nd Ave between 53rd and 54th Streets has it ALL.

GEMINI: Be quick on the uptake midweek as social opportunities with really unusual and interesting types could be comin’ atcha quicker than you can fill in your dance card. Besides being fun, those proverbial horizons are poised to be broadened and for the better. Lots of tedious but necessary and ultimately constructive talk with family members this week could prove to resolve problems at home base once and for all. On this week’s new moon, remember this: Cleanliness is next to Godliness, so whether you’re agnostic, atheist or a devout whatever, do get serious about where you live and what you breathe (and eat) when you’re there. Mercury’s entrance into your 5th house on the 16th at the very least guarantees romantic parlance is on the rise.

GEMINI Go-To: Twins are lovers of two-fers, so as Fashion Week climaxes, why not visit the shop named for your constellation? The Castor and Pollux Store at 238 West 10th Street is chock full o’ bags, clothing, accessories, jewelry, soaps and fragrances for men and women and will feed the most insatiable of Gemini minds, as will a Tuesday or Thursday visit to Sketch Night at The Society of Illustrators (also the new home of the SoHo’s Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art) at 128 East 63rd Street.

CANCER: Keep an open mind to an innovative but crazy-sounding idea from a higher-up as there could be some hidden gold in this one. Much of this week’s focus, including the new moon on Saturday night, is on with neighbors, the 'hood and/or siblings. A new chapter of better understanding and potential ease is on its way so help it along. Perhaps a new vehicle is in order, or some serious reconsidering of transportation methods and routes? Again, remain open to new options. Mercury’s entrance into your 4th house opens up the real estate (and parental) dialogue box.

CANCER Go-To: You don’t have to be Jewish to love JezebelNYC, SoHo’s innovative, stunning, hot and Kosher restaurant at 323 West Broadway. And to work off some of those knishes, every Monday in September, there’s free square-dancing in Bryant Square Park from 6 to 9 p.m.

LEO: Monday, Monday… Do trust that day, especially for fine-tuning financial strategies that succeed where others have not. And the good energy continues midweek when an unexpected or sudden contact from abroad, from a legal type and/or an innovator in higher education appears at the right moment to support you in a cultural or artistic endeavor. Whoever this person is, he or she wants to see you shine. The new moon over the weekend ushers in fresh money mojo and new ways to build on what you have. Mercury enters your 3rd house and sweetens communication across the board while making everything negotiable.

LEO Go-To: Mark your calendar and get thee to one of the greatest theatrical achievements of all time. From September 14th to the 23rd, Einstein on the Beach: An Opera in Four Acts (first presented in 1976 by Robert Wilson, Philip Glass and Lucinda Childs), is at BAM. Don’t miss it! And on September 12th at 8:30 p.m., The Laugh Lounge on Essex Street raises dollars for Social Tees Animal Rescue.

VIRGO: Hit the ground running (and thinking and connecting) on Monday as the merging of the sun with your ruler Mercury in your sign describes you in total dynamo mode. Keep financial developments under wraps or at the very least choose wisely with whom your share your private stock info. Details will continue to emerge and change (this week and next), so settle on nothing just yet. Saturday night’s new moon in your sign provides the renewal you’ve been waiting for and banking on. Don’t blow your wad of energy all at once. And finally, Mercury’s entrance into your 2nd house gives you a better understanding of your worth and new language to ask for what you deserve.

VIRGO Go-To: There’s nothing like starting off the school year with a place for everything and everything in its place. Lovers of organization would do well to take advantage of the expertise and options available at The Container Store on 59th and Lex. And let’s celebrate fellow Virgo and avant-garde composer John Cage (Chance Music) at his centennial exhibit at the National Academy Museum and School at 1083 Fifth Ave starting September 12th.

LIBRA: You’re operating on two distinct levels this week. On the one hand there’s lots going on in your hidden 12th house, known for that which occurs under the radar and in altered states (i.e. sleep and in session with hypnotists and psychotherapists). While on the other hand, someone with pizzazz sparks an exciting chain reaction within your circle of friends. But why fret? Having back-to-back experiences in parallel universes can be a blast. The effects of the new moon this weekend are subtle but powerful. Ponder these two questions: Whom do you follow and why? And might you be ready to shed some of your past stories, the ones you’ve analyzed to death, which should no longer take up any head or ethereal space unless they pay rent? Sure you are.

LIBRA Go-To: Is there anything more romantic than this? France’s award-winning early music group performs a candlelit semi-staged performance of songs by Monteverdi and Manelli set in the streets and canals of 17th century Venice during Carnival. On September 12th and 14th, Le Poeme Harmonique’s Venezia is at Columbia University’s Miller Theater on 116th Street and Broadway.

SCORPIO: It’s rare when both work, routine and teammate mojo all come together at the same time, and boy does it feel good. All the support you need and the excitement you thrive on to make things happen is right here and now. If there’s a screw up, the fault lies not in the stars but in yourself. Please don’t let ego, laziness or a less than admirable attitude mess up a good thing. The new moon on Saturday night could place you amongst a brand new group of folks with whom to form working alliances. Mercury’s entrance in your 12th house ushers in some weeks of soul-searching. Here’s to getting to the bottom of what ails you and fixing it once and for all.

SCORPIO Go-To: As the song goes, “Still waters run deep,” and the depth that is Scorpio is mirrored in black velvet suspenders, velvet loop scarves, black velvet ties and black velvet bowties. Had your fill of Fashion Week? Need a drink? Through September 13th, from 4 p.m.to midnight The Gastro Bar at 345 West 35th Street offers five fashion-inspired cocktails to celebrate Fashion Week (great tapas and chow, too).

SAGITTARIUS: Though summer’s glow still lingers as does the urge to work less and play more, your focus must now be directed to your vocation as your career and all that’s connected to it is where it’s at, and we mean Big TIME! Monday could bring a flurry of communiqués and/or meetings whose effects may not be in evidence until after next weekend’s new moon. Be aware that shifts are underfoot, especially having to do with operations and such, so be clear inside yourself how you might like these to play out. There is, however, a delightful diversion midweek that could derail you if you’re not careful. So indulge and enjoy, but know your limits.

SAGITTARIUS Go-To: If in addition to the November 6th Presidential Race the 2013 NYC mayoral election is on your radar, then check out Connolly’s on West 45th Street any Thursday evening before November’s election. Comic and political activist Randy Credico (who is officially running for mayor) along with WBAI’s John McDonagh present an impressive array of political satirists and comedians.

CAPRICORN: Sifting through legalities, school records and/or paperwork having to do with your religious, philosophical and/or political affiliations could monopolize your energy at the beginning of the week. Are you considering entering politics or going back to university? Nothing is off the table, but any decision of this size should be discussed with those closest to you whom it will impact. A realtor with a taste for upscale properties and/or a female banker type could present an offer that’s hard to refuse. Are you serious about moving? Or can the need for change be satisfied with a use-what-you-own decorator?

CAPRICORN Go-To: Not one to waste a thing, Caps looking to buy and/or recycle will approve of the many finer things – some new, some not, at Roundabout New & Resale Couture at 31 East 72nd Street and in SoHo at 115 Mercer Street. And on Wednesday September 12th, listen to how fellow Capricorn Diane Von Furstenberg built her empire at the 92nd Street Y.

AQUARIUS: Dealing with nitty gritty financial facts and figures is not your idea of fun, nor is it where you necessarily shine. However, if you think about it and look back over time, Virgo month is often when these issues rear their annoying heads and you find yourself immersed in minutia. The thing to remember (as you pay better attention to details across the board), is that you are partially ruled by Saturn, meaning that responsibility to mind the store, keep things in order and on the up and up IS very much a part of your nature. A new accountant or advisor may be on the horizon after next weekend’s new moon. And when Mercury (planet of language and ideas) enters your 9th house on the 16th, your “message,” however big or small, is slated to reach a larger crowd.

AQUARIUS Go-To: In previews now through September 26th (opens the 27th) at the Samuel J. Friedman Theater on West 47th Street, is Henrik Ibsen’s An Enemy of the People, which is as electrifying and perhaps even more meaningful than it was when first presented in 1882. Socially-minded water-bearers will savor this timely revival.

PISCES: One thing’s for sure, you’re not a solo act this week. Attention is on communication with partners, significant other(s) and those you’re under contract with. It’s important to listen between the lines and feel your way into (as only you can), what is implied but not necessarily being articulated clearly. There’s something new brewing with a partner (could be a close friend as well as a spouse), and your input is needed. The conversation could, after Sunday and into the following week, lead into serious talk about where you’re putting shared resources. And lest you feel as if the universe is leaving you out, there are new and creative developments (work-wise) for you as well, and these look like they’re fun and fruitful.

PISCES Go-To: Shoes, glorious shoes, so many new “kids” on the block. Check out Melissa at 102 Greene St. (for cool band-aid motif flats) and at Aldo (all over the city) there’s a precious pair of paisley lace-ups called Foliroli. And honoring those who fell on September 11th, Buglisi Dance Theater returns to Lincoln Center with The Table of Silence Project 9/11.