The Full Moon in Libra: FIRE DANCING

“It’s too bad if a heart lacks fire, and is deprived of the light of a heart ablaze.
The day on which you are without passionate love is the most wasted day of your life.”

 Omar Khayyam

Coming up on April 6th is the SEVENTH Full Moon in a series of seven that fall at around 16 degrees of their sign. In the Tarot, card number 16 is that of The Tower, energy which is sometimes necessary to destroy the narrative you have built your life around, often a challenging and disorienting experience. The stories and beliefs we hold about ourselves, our experiences, and our future aspirations provide a sense of coherence and continuity to our lives, help us make sense of the world around us, and when events occur that challenge or contradict our narratives, such as the loss of a loved one, a significant setback in our career, or a sudden change in our life circumstances, it can be difficult to reconcile our expectations and beliefs with the new reality we are faced with. It can feel like the foundation of our lives has been shaken, and we may struggle to find meaning or purpose in the aftermath.

The next Full Moon illuminates the combustion of Jupiter, a yearly event where Jupiter is renewed in the heart of the Sun. This year this is happening in the fire sign of Aries, so I would be expecting fiery events to be happening around this time. As Jupiter, which is associated with justice, laws, freedom and education among other things, we would expect the focus to be on matters concerning the “removal” of these things. As Jupiter disappears in the rays of the Sun, the power of Jupiter is weakened and reduced. The combination of Martial and Jupitarian energy is explosive, and global themes that underscore this energy have been emerging on the world stage. There seem to have been an increasing number of protests, many focusing on Jupitarian themes such as justice, governmental reform and also inflation. In a broad swathe running from Dublin through London, Paris and Tripoli and also affecting Lebanon, Kenya and other neighbouring countries, the Jupiter combustion theme is strong.

Some of the strong Jupitarian themes currently in the news include The Closure of Churches in Ukraine, The Illness of the Pope and my favourite this week, Escaped Hippos Previously Owned by a Drug Lord Have Taken Over an Entire River Basin. In this item, Hippo’s, Lords, Drugs and River Basins would all come under the rulership of Jupiter!!!

The Moon itself will be in the sign of Libra, with ruler Venus in the sign of Taurus and close to the fixed star Algol, the head of the Medusa. Traditionally a malefic fixed star, I see it more as divine feminine rage that has become rightly pissed off; the Chinese name for this star translates as “piled up corpses”…. this gives you an idea of its veracity.

I love using the Sabian Symbols as a focus for the lunar cycle. The wide variety of images seems to marry extraordinarily well with the shifting cycles of the Moon as it weaves itself through the zodiac signs, fulfilling its phases of fertilisation, growth, blossoming, death and decay. Because the Sun and Moon are in opposition at the Full Moon, there are two symbols; this month and we are looking at the following pair:

LIBRA 17°: A RETIRED SEA CAPTAIN WATCHES SHIPS ENTERING AND LEAVING THE HARBOR- The capacity to gain an objective and calm understanding of human experiences in which one was once deeply involved.

and

ARIES 17°: TWO DIGNIFIED SPINSTERS SITTING IN SILENCE- The ability to transform a natural lack of potency into poise and inner serenity.

In the first image, we consider how we can gain objectivity and understanding by reviewing our lives and remembering how we have overcome conflict in the past. This process of contemplation helps us to move forward into the new and previously uncharted waters through which we must now travel.

As we reflect on these past experiences in a detached and rational manner, we have the opportunity to process them in a constructive way and to gain insight into our own perspectives, as well as those of any others that were involved. By achieving this deeper understanding, we gain the wisdom required to make clear decisions regarding the future whilst also allowing any forgiveness of self or others that may be required.

In the second image, we are challenged to transform any feelings of weakness or inadequacy into a state of calmness and confidence, a skill which will help us to develop the inner strength required to meet difficult situations with equanimity and composure. By turning our attention inwards, away from the external world of distractions, we can experience an increased sense of being and are better placed to bridge the divide between the incarnate and the transcendent. The tranquillity that lies beyond the struggles and victories of the ego or personality is where we can connect more fully with the wisdom and guidance of the soul, helping us cope with the stress of our daily lives and respond to change in a positive and constructive way.

Full Moons are the perfect time to shed light on what has been hidden, and this particular lunation calls us to let go of the need to please others and to be unafraid to stand in our personal power whilst, at the same time, honouring and respecting the needs of those whose lives we touch. We may need to ask the question, “Where are my relationships unequal?” “Am I maintaining this relationship out of a selfish need for survival?” or “Why am I afraid to leave?”. Maintaining any kind of relationship that is no longer in our best interests can suffer a hiatus under this Full Moon, so be prepared!

There may well be a sense of sorrow at this Full Moon, but it is also an opportunity to let go of the opportunities that have passed us by, for none of us can accept every offer that dances before our eyes. Through cleansing our perception of lost chances, we open the door wider for further growth, to take advantage of the seeds that travel in the wind. Considering the past with an eye to the future enables us to build new visions in the manner we desire, less beholden to the outdated moulds in which we were cast.

Don’t forget to visit our TIMELORDS magazine full of great articles and regular columns including Joanna’s Horary section to sharpen your agent skills. FEB 2023 Issue NOW OUT  FEB 9th