A Full Moon is an opposition. Two bodies stand in full view of one another, polar opposites. On October 1st the Sun and Moon face one another from Libra to Aries, the Moon reflecting the light and truth of the Sun in all its fullness. Last week the Sun entered Libra on the Autumnal Equinox. Not only did we have a change of season, but we entered the second half of the Zodiacal year.
The first six signs reflect the developmental process of individuation. By the time we reach Virgo, we have some experience to reflect upon. We have learned some life lessons and are ready to test them out in the world. When we enter Libra we begin to relate to others not as caregivers, or teachers, or authority figures but as equals. This is where we begin to encounter paradox.
Paradox is an evolutionary booster. It presents a dilemma with no easy answer and sets us off on a quest for truth. When I was growing up, the big debate was fate vs free will. Can we determine the course of our lives, or does life happen to us? The answer is both. It isn’t either/or. We have no control over certain collective events, but we have choice about how we play the hand we’re dealt. This is the enormous question we Americans are facing right now. Will we exercise our free will or let “fate” decide? We have an appalling record of citizenship in this arena and I’m delighted to see more people registering to vote and exercising their #1 democratic right.
On Monday night, Saturn stationed direct, meaning that it slowed down its backwards motion and appeared to stand still as it makes its transition to forward motion again – all of this as seen from our perspective. The Heavens are a reflection of our individual and collective psyche, and so we consult them for insight into self-awareness. When a Planet “stands still,” its message is particularly loud. Remember that Saturn is trying to grow us up, help us evolve by giving us constant feedback from physical reality about the choices we are making.
On Tuesday afternoon retrograde Mars in Aries exactly squared Saturn in Capricorn. You might want to read more about Capricorn because this is the time to harvest its lessons. In brief, Capricorn represents the process of self-actualization through integrating all of the splintered factions within the psyche as well as the institutions that we build in keeping with our paradigm – ie, our government, our churches, our school system, our health-care, etc. Capricorn is the province of integrity, meaning a wholeness that functions optimally. This is a complex subject that I hope to address at some point, but in essence right now we are clearly out of integrity as a nation. Our institutions no longer reflect the will, nor the needs, of the people. They don’t even reflect our original intent. Right now we are in a breaking down phase that ultimately will create the space for something new to emerge. We’re in the midst of transformation and while it can be painful, and feel like loss, or total chaos, triggering our wildest fantasies and darkest emotions, ultimately it’s a good thing because we cannot proceed on this path and hope to survive.
What happens when Mars squares Saturn? It creates tension and adds energy. We experience Saturn’s influence even more. So how do we handle it? Synchronistically within hours of this intense square, we witnessed the first Presidential Debate. Trump has natal Mars on his ascendant and transiting Mars was in trine. Mars in Aries was lending power to Trump’s Martian personality. He could never have performed any other way. I think his head would have exploded if he didn’t release energy by constantly interrupting. It was interesting to watch his skin turn the color of the Martian landscape.
Trump showed his true colors – he’s a bully, he’s a liar, he’s rude, he has no respect nor empathy and he’s willing to threaten our nation with civil war to stay in power! Pretty clear choice. Biden did his best to maintain his dignity, but Trump was a vortex of discord and Joe kept getting sucked into that whirlpool. Poor Chris Wallace saw his career go down the drain. Could anyone have controlled Trump last night? I don’t think so. I went to bed with a smile and a sigh of relief.
Our president lacks the emotional maturity to handle these energies, but we don’t. We can use that Martian energy to enhance our deep dive into self-awareness. This is a priceless opportunity to see ourselves clearly and choose to make adjustments. Mars is one form of our Animus, the masculine energy. How does that energy operate within your psyche? Is it a bully? A judge and critic and tormentor? Or is Mars your ally, defending your authentic Self, empowering with confidence, supporting with encouragement and drive?
The challenge of this season is integration and balance. How do we balance that powerful Mars in Aries energy? We look to Libra. We clear the cobwebs from our eyes – we develop our 2020 vision. We look for paradox, watch for synchronicities, seek those elusive parts of ourselves hiding in the shadows. We ignore or disown those parts because we hold judgments about them, but they only have power when they dwell in the unconscious. So use that Martian determination and draw on his curiosity, rush headlong after the truth. Pay attention to where you are out of balance. What’s the ratio between Doing and Being in your life? Do you take some time for silence, reflection, prayer? Are you having fun? Remember fun?
The good news about this Full Moon is that it is conjunct Chiron. The stage is set for healing, which probably means feeling your chronic wounds. Your issues will come up. Your buttons will be pushed. Be grateful! Don’t take it lying down, as a victim. Actively pursue clarity. Why do you get angry every time such and such happens, or he says thus and so? Why do you withdraw and hide, to lick your wounds, when your feelings get hurt? Unclaimed power lies within each wound You heal it by feeling it completely and letting it go. The insight you gain will set you freer. Your wound won’t vanish from memory but it will no longer disable you.
When Mars roars into your life, remember Venus. When it becomes too much, take a candle-lit bath, listen to soothing music, get out and appreciate the profound gift of beauty from Mother Nature, and breathe. Whenever possible take a few conscious breaths. If you are blessed with spare time, do something creative. You will remember the candlelight and art project because they nurture you. Make some different choices and see where they lead.
On Sunday, Pluto turns direct. Like Saturn – more powerful Capricorn energy. This month will be intense. In a way the current Aries cycle began with the New Moon on March 24, six months ago when I wrote about fear and courage. Take a look at how far you’ve come. If you chronicled your journey, make a point of reading your journal. What have you discovered about yourself? What has changed? What issues remain? Everything comes to a climax in a month. While we don’t know the outcome, we can strengthen our resilience now.
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