27 Sept, exact at 10.50pm EDT / 28 Sept, exact at 3.50am BST.

This is certainly not your regular, run of the mill Full Moon, that’s for sure! It is a Supermoon and a Total Lunar Eclipse. Supermoons are closer to earth than normal moons, meaning that they have a much stronger effect on us. Lunar Eclipse herald change, especially in the realm of our relationships, and none more so than this one, as it is occurring on the relationship axis of Aries and Libra. The is an element of crisis attached to Lunar Eclipses, whereby we become aware of a great need or want, as well as a strong realisation of what might need to change in our lives. Whatever area of our life where we might be experiencing a feeling of discontent, or lack, is likely to come to the forefront of our consciousness at this time, and probably with a considerable sense of urgency. It will be hard to ignore. This is a time when one chapter is ending and another beginning, although it may take a while for it to become apparent what exactly it is. Change can of course be unsettling for us humans, but it is also absolutely necessary for growth. We have a chance here to let go of old patterns and take a massive step forward in our evolution, so it is important to be brave and not resist the tides of change!

During this Full Moon the Moon is in brave, instinctual and assertive Aries sitting directly opposite the Sun in fair-minded, diplomatic and peaceful Libra. As I said, this is the relationship axis. The Nodes of the Moon have been in Aries and Libra for the past couple of years, signifying a collective need to focus on finding balance and equality within our relationships. This Full Moon Eclipse will make it glaringly obvious where any problems lie within our relationships and where there might be an imbalance of the masculine and feminine principles in general. Aries is concerned with Self, while Libra is concerned with Other. On the positive side of things this brings a healthy dose of self-love (Aries), whereby each partner takes care of their own needs as well as listening to the needs of the other (Libra). On the other side of things it can mean only thinking of self (Aries) at the expense of the relationship (Libra). Relationships need to be a healthy balance between healthy assertion of our own needs and a consideration of what is needed to maintain a healthy relationship.

The Nodes of the Moon are being activated by this Eclipse, which means that we have the opportunity to take a giant step forward in our evolution, specifically in the realm of our relationships. Aries brings up a strong need for us to understand who we are and what we are here for, while Libra wants us to find a way to relate so that both partners are truly equal in every way. Obviously we all have our individual paths and calling in life, but when we enter into relationship we have signed an invisible contract that means that we now have another person walking along the path with us, so we need to make sure we bear them in mind before we make decisions that might affect them. Aries doesn’t hold back what he’s thinking or feeling and can be quite aggressive in the extreme, so don’t be surprised if this Full Moon brings up some quite heated, instinctual and even primal emotions. Any grievances we may have been holding onto could come spilling out in a somewhat irrational manner, which could upset the apple basket somewhat! Better out than in, however. It really is best to express what might be bothering us rather than letting it fester and create a divide that will only grow with time. Ideally it is best to find a way to say what we need to in a peaceful, open hearted way, because “attack and defend” is never really the way to go!

Mercury is also retrograde in Libra at the moment, adding to the mix. I will list the dates at the end of this post. Obviously the usual rules apply and we should be aware that miscommunications and misunderstandings can easily occur as well as travel plans and technology failing us in dramatic ways! Remember to maintain a sense of humour! However, there is more to the picture, as Mercury’s retrospective action gives us a chance to go back over things and rethink, or review. Libra rules relationships, equality, justice, harmony and peace. As such, we may find ourselves thinking about past relationships and realising things that we hadn’t considered before. We may be able to see our patterns more clearly; how the past has shaped them and how they repeat themselves. History is a great teacher! As Libra likes things to be fair and just, we may have a rethink about our current situation and become more aware of what isn’t fair somehow. This could apply to our relationships, our work, our living situation or the state of the world even. The Full Moon could well bring any feelings of injustice to a head, as this eclipse does make us all the more aware of what areas of our lives are out of whack and need to change.

The good news is that Saturn is forming a positive aspect to this Moon, which should help us stay grounded and a bit more in control. Saturn just left Scorpio and the last couple of weeks that he spent in the final degree of Scorpio brought a lot up for many. It was Saturn in Scorpio at its most intense and would have brought up fear, darkness and anything that we might prefer to brush under the carpet because it’s too painful to face. Our shadows came up to meet us and it was a difficult time for many. On the 17th of September, however, Saturn moved into Sagittarius, and so we are entering a new chapter, just to compound the sense of beginnings and endings that Eclipse season brings. Sagittarius is the sign of growth and expansion and Saturn in this optimistic and forward moving sign will make us think before we leap and make some realistic decisions based on common sense. If we find ourselves being held back or limited in any way it is probably for good reason that will reveal itself in good time.

Saturn could teach us that there is actually a certain freedom (Sagittarius) to responsibility and commitment (Saturn), although it wouldn’t necessarily seem so! Our beliefs and faith could become more defined and concrete during this time and we could gain a greater understanding of where we fit in to this universe of ours.  This combination could have us questioning organised religion more than ever, while at the same time being drawn back to the more ancient, traditional forms of spirituality, such as the old religions and their rituals. We might find ourselves taking a take a more disciplined approach to spirituality and working hard to develop a more concrete relationship with our higher selves.  With commitment and discipline we can develop our intuition even further. This is a great time to seek a mentor or enter into some form of higher learning. This energy is very different to Saturn in Scorpio, that’s for sure! The focus has shifted.

The Sabian symbol for the Moon at 5° Aries is “A triangle with wings”. This holds the promise of us being able to transcend our current limitations and rise up to a new level of existence, both individually and collectively. The triangle is a symbol of the divine, showing how the union of male and female can create another entity in the form of the relationship itself, or indeed another being. Also, what might be possible if we manage to truly find a balance between the masculine and feminine; what beautiful third entity might that create? This Eclipse certainly has the potential to take us onto a new dimension, which is very exciting indeed! The Sabian Symbol for the midpoint between the Sun and Moon is very interesting and pertinent on a global level. “Indians on the warpath. While some men row a well-filled canoe, others in it perform a war dance.” Dane Rudyar says that this symbol “suggests that AGGRESSIVENESS may be a necessary ingredient in the activation of the potential of growth inherent in any social group.” It is quite possible that this Full Moon Eclipse could bring things to a head, but with good reason, as things most definitely need to change in this world of ours, including people’s attitudes. The Aries aggressiveness can be used to shift things in the right direction and help us rise up to a new level. Sometimes we have to fight (Aries) for peace (Libra).

The Symbol for the Sun at 5° Libra is “A man revealing to his students the foundation of an inner knowledge upon which a “New World” could be built”. This also brings the promise of a new way of being. These Eclipses certainly bring the sense of a major shift in consciousness and the beginning of a new chapter, which is very much needed at the moment, given the state of the world. It feels very much like we are at a turning point, when the principles of love and compassion need to lead the way and we let go of our patterns of greed and fear. A new way of being is being born and we really need to embrace it. Let’s find that beautiful balance between our inner Masculine and Feminine and honour our needs (Aries) as well as the needs of others (Libra).  I will end with one last Sabian symbol, as they are really speaking to me for this particular Moon! It is the symbol of Mars, the ruler of this Full Moon Eclipse, at 2° Virgo. “A large white cross dominates the landscape.” Hmmmm. This is a reminder that we must rise above our “ego-subjectivity” so that “compassion and understanding may rise from the depth of the innermost being”. These symbols are telling a story. This is a time to put ourselves in the shoes of others and truly open our hearts. Then we will be able to rise up to the next level.

Much love

Amy

xoxo

MERCURY RETROGRADE

• Enters Shadow: 0° Libra, August 18th
• Turns Retrograde: 15° Libra, September 17th
• Stations direct: 0° Libra, October 9th
• Release from shadow: 15° Libra, October 25th

Photo:  Vesica Piscis – Unknown

Exact at 1.06pm BST, 8.06am EDT!

Well, this Full Moon/Total Lunar Eclipse is quite an event, that’s for sure! We are in the midst of Eclipse season, which is a time of major shifts in consciousness and transformation when there is the potential for major endings and beginnings. This total Lunar Eclipse is the third in a series of four which started last April, all occurring in the Aries/Libra axis. As such, the way we relate with one another is up for review and we are being encouraged to become more conscious of the way we interact with those close to us, especially our intimate partners. This is the axis of the Divine Feminine and Divine Masculine and these eclipses will make it all too apparent where there is a lack of balance between the two principles, both in the world and on a personal level. This Eclipse is linked to the Total Lunar Eclipse on 8 October 2014, so it is important to look back and contemplate what might be being repeated now. It is also linked to the Lunar Eclipse 19 years ago, on April 4th 1996, which is the last time there was an eclipse in exactly the same degree of Libra. We may now experience something similar in energy to whatever was going on for us at that time, which could have been an ending, a beginning, a shift or some kind of culmination within the realm of our relationships.

The Sun, Mercury, Uranus and the South Node of the Moon are all bunched together in independent, assertive and courageous Aries, while the Moon and the North Node are sitting opposite in balanced, peace loving and harmonious Libra. A Full Moon represents the time in the month when the Sun and Moon directly oppose each other and bring to the surface whatever may be out of balance in our lives between the energy of the two signs. Often whatever has been bubbling below the surface comes to a head as the Moon becomes full, bringing any underlying tension out into the open for us to face full on. It is important to be aware that the moon is not rational and represents our unconscious emotional patterns, so whatever comes up might come from a very emotional place which doesn’t make an awful lot of sense! It is far better to get things out into the open, however, rather than having it simmering below the surface, as that is far more destructive. In the case of Aries and Libra, it is quite simply the way we relate to others that will come into focus.

Aries is ruled by Mars, the warrior, the pioneer, the Divine Masculine. Libra is ruled by Venus, the goddess of love and beauty, the Divine Feminine. As our relationships come into focus this week we are being asked to find a healthy balance between the energy of the two signs. Aries is adept at the art of self-love and tends to put his own needs first. In the extreme he is selfish, inconsiderate and ego driven. His is the sign is “I am”. Libra is adept at the art of compromise and tends to put the needs of others, and the relationship, before her own. In the extreme she is a doormat and overly dependent on other. Hers is the sign of “I balance”. Somewhere in the middle is the key to a healthy relationship; knowing when to be a bit selfish and when to focus on the other’s needs. It is a fine balance that takes consciousness and awareness!

Aries is very independent and assertive and can be a bit pushy or aggressive in the extreme. Libra is relationship oriented and likes to keep the peace at all costs, which means that she can be guilty of giving way too much for the sake of harmony. She can always see both points of view, while Aries has a tendency to think he knows best. Again, it is important to make sure we assert ourselves, but in the spirit of love and not simply because we want to get our own way. This axis brings up the issue of co-dependency, reminding us that a healthy relationship involves us having our own independent life and identity while at the same time having a genuine desire to do whatever we can to make sure the relationship itself and our partner both flourish. Two independent (but not too independent!) people who know how to make themselves happy and fulfilled is ideal, for we all should know by now that another person is not ultimately going to do it for us, as much as they may try.

The infamous Pluto Uranus square is a huge part of this Full Moon, as Uranus is sitting right next to the Sun in Aries, while Pluto is forming a T-square to both the Sun and Moon, creating dynamic tension. We had the last of the seven squares on the 17th of March, but the energy lingers on and is very much brought back into focus for this Eclipse. The Square has been breaking down the structures of our lives and forcing us to let go of anything which is no longer serving us so that we can be more aligned with our soul’s purpose. Old, entrenched patterns have had to be released so that we are free to be more completely who we truly are rather than who we have been conditioned to think we should be. What does this mean for our relationships, however? Here we are, standing in our truth and authenticity, more resolute and empowered than we have ever been and becoming more aligned with our true purpose. Now we have to navigate our way through our relationships with conscious awareness, because two people standing in their truth and power are not as likely to simply acquiesce for the sake of peace and quiet! This Moon is going to highlight this question, and the answer is, I believe, to remain as self-aware as possible and to always listen to our hearts. We are learning a new way of being and relating and each day involves yet another step into uncharted territory.

During this Full Moon/Eclipse, there is definitely a predominance of planets in fiery, independent, assertive Aries. This includes Mercury, the planet of the mind and communication, who entered Aries on Monday and who will be making our minds race somewhat and will bring a tendency to talk first and think later! Just something to be aware of during this Moon, as Aries is quite impulsive and so it will be hard not to speak our minds and assert our point of view during this time. Aries is very honest and forthright and so this could be a really good time to get everything out into the open. We just have to remember that sometimes the truth hurts and be aware that we might be a bit more pushy with our thoughts and opinions than usual. Aries isn’t exactly known for being sensitive in his delivery, as he prefers the direct approach.

Uranus is also in Aries, sitting right next to the Sun, so we could find ourselves a bit more wilful and reactive than at other times. Uranus in Aries demands the right to have the absolute freedom and to be utterly and unapologetically ourselves! What might this bode in the arena of our relationships?! His energy can be quite erratic and even shocking at times and he will not tolerate restriction or stagnation of any kind. This Moon could make us all too aware of where we might be in a rut or lacking the freedom to be ourselves and we could potentially experience some upsets or a bit of a shake-up in the realm of our relationships. Ultimately it will bring a breath of much needed fresh air and we could find ourselves breaking through to some kind of next phase of our relationships. They could potentially break up altogether, but only if they are already on unstable ground. Again, it is important to remain conscious, aware and heart centred during this time of shifts and change.

Pluto is bearing down on both the Sun and Moon during this whole affair, which could make things quite intense! He is getting ready to turn retrograde at the moment, so his energy will be much stronger, more apparent and obvious than usual. Pluto is the planet of the Soul, Power, Transformation and he has a tendency to break down or take away anything which is not serving us on a soul level so that something healthier can be built in its place. He digs deep and finds the rot, making us all too aware of the not too pretty parts of ourselves. Our relationships, intimate ones in particular, can provide us with quite an uncomfortable mirror to look in at times, because the closer we get to someone the more of our guard comes down and the more we show of ourselves, warts and all.  Methinks that this could be one of those times! Pluto in tense aspect to the moon could bring up some very intense emotions which could cut very deep. We have the potential for some emotional honesty that could leave us feeling quite raw and exposed but which will ultimately allow for some deep cleaning to occur on a soul level.

Our shadows, fears, destructive habits and unconscious patterns could be much more apparent than at other times, as we get a good long look in the ugly mirror! As we are forced to face our fears, vulnerabilities and the darker parts of ourselves we also have an opportunity to find some buried treasure! Pluto’s presence could also help us see our tendency to control or be controlled and the role that power, persuasiveness and manipulation play in our relationships. There is a big difference between being empowered from within and making ourselves feel more powerful by making someone else feel small. We may also gain real insight into how we keep ourselves small. There is amazing potential for some deep healing here, as whatever we see in the mirror is then able to come into the light of our awareness instead of eroding our relationships in the form of unconscious emotional patterns. We have an opportunity to move past our fears, bringing the darkness out into the light. While the process could be quite uncomfortable, ultimately it has the potential to free us from old entrenched patterns, beliefs or habits which quite simply have no place in our lives anymore.

The good news is that Jupiter in Leo is on hand to help us through any stickiness we may experience! The planet of hope, wisdom, expansion and growth is forming a positive aspect to the Sun, Moon and Mercury, helping us to see the bigger picture and remain in our heart’s centre. Jupiter in Leo is very joyful, optimistic, confident and playful, so his presence should help us to maintain a sense of humour and, above all, approach whatever comes up with genuine kindness and generosity of spirit. He reminds us to be true to the calling of our heart and to do what brings us joy. We should be able to embrace whatever comes up during this Eclipse as a learning experience which will ultimately help us grow and shine more brightly. He will also help us understand the deeper meaning underlying anything that may come bubbling up, ensuring that we have a philosophical attitude towards the whole process. Above all else, however, he will help us stay connected to our hearts.

So, this is quite a moon! It has the potential to bring a lot out into the open in the realm of our relationships, especially anything that may be holding us back from soul growth or unconsciously sabotaging the relationship. If you like drama then this could be the Moon for you, as it certainly brings the possibility of some intense emotions, catharsis, power struggles or battles of will! It could, however, be quite a powerful detox of our relationships, highlighting where we are out of balance in the way we relate and making us all too aware of any destructive tendencies we may have. We have been through a series of significant shifts in consciousness, breakdowns and breakthroughs in the past few years and we are not the same as we were before. As such, our relationships are a whole other ballgame now and we are learning how to navigate through them as the empowered, authentic beings that we are becoming. As long as we keep our hearts open and are willing to look at ourselves honestly then this process has the potential to be incredibly healing and opening.

As we go through the shifts and changes that a Lunar Eclipse combined with the Pluto Uranus Square will inevitably bring, we must remember to go with the flow and be as adaptable as possible. To resist the tides of change will only make it harder, because change is only necessary when we are out of alignment somehow and something is preventing us from truly blossoming. To resist change is to prevent necessary growth. There is a sense that we are completing a process which began six months ago, during the last Lunar Eclipse in October of last year. In the same token, the effects of this Eclipse will last for another six months, until the next Lunar Eclipse in October of this year.

Stay heart centred everyone!

Much Love

Amy

xoxo

http://www.amybirdartandastrology.com/

Picture - Balancing the Divine Masculine and Feminine by Lisa Hoffman - https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/503769908291199115/