The New Moon takes place at 09.28am GMT, 4 degrees 12′ Aries.
The New Moon is conjunct Chiron, Black Moon Lilith and square the Nodes of the Moon. Saturn has just entered Aquarius, on March 22nd at 03.59am GMT.
Coronavirus pandemic
The global Coronavirus pandemic has dramatically altered the present moment and time ahead for everyone on Earth. Fear and uncertainty has descended, alongside the resulting boundaries and restrictions, the necessity for containment and social distancing to try and control the spread.
The picture in the sky clearly illustrates this, not only the virus and the heartbreak and suffering it is causing, for many the need for medical assistance is a matter of life or death, even so, despite every effort some are unable to be saved – Chiron, the wounded healer – but also the pain and anxiety many are feeling at the enforced separation from others, the sudden suspension of life as all our plans and expectations for the future are put on hold, are in limbo.
Instantaneously masses of people are facing not only fear of the virus, but financial terror as jobs and incomes disappear abruptly and unexpectedly. The overriding, desperate concern for many will be how to survive with no money – how to buy food, pay rent/mortgages and bills. Whilst governments are taking action to provide assistance – so much more needs to be done, and it needs to happen fast.
We are in unprecedented times, all of us individually and collectively are shocked and desperately trying to make sense of what is unfolding. For some the mental anguish and distress they experience may be extreme. This New Moon in Aries, the sign of individual, courageous endeavours speaks about each of us – individually and collectively – trying to determine how to act and conduct ourselves in this new and unfamiliar landscape.
New Moon Meaning
The Sun and Moon are conjunct at the start of a new cycle. A New Moon indicates we could be initiating, putting in place changes – either by commencing something new or refreshing, spicing up a habitual routine. It’s a time seeds are sown – new ideas, goals or approaches in life.
Chart
The New Moon, Chiron and Lilith all square the nodes denotes a karmic turning point – certain conditions and set-ups on Earth could not continue unchecked. With everything on pause, an opportunity has appeared to consider and analyse the reality of what takes place in the world and the effect our collective activities have on the Earth. The time to determine what is truly precious and meaningful in life along with figuring out the best way to proceed forwards from here.
Chiron
Chiron was a centaur, half-man and half-horse, who magically and masterfully united his animal instincts and intuition with his human intellect. Chiron was renowned for his wisdom and skills as both a healer and tutor, and many mythological heroes were mentored by Chiron – Hercules, Asclepius, Achilles and Jason. Chiron’s knowledge of herbs and astrology was extensive, illustrating his connection with both nature and the cosmos – expertise he shared with his pupils and those he healed to help them become more at one, in tune with both. Chiron is symbolic of the shaman, the link between mind, body and spirit, who through his abilities and talents generates healing.
Lilith
Lilith was the first wife of Adam in the Garden of Eden. Adam and Lilith were created equal, but Adam refused to acknowledge this, so Lilith left. As Adam is so lonely he asks God to make Lilith come back, so God sent three angels to Lilith with a message – Lilith is to return or all her immortal children would die as punishment (Lilith had fled to the Red Sea where demons were said to live and freely expressed her desires by engaging in sexual activity with them).
Lilith chose not to return to Adam, preferring a lifetime of exile, rather than domination by Adam and his complete dismissal of her ideas and feelings. Lilith suffers, she mourns and rages at her circumstances, but has to stay true to herself. After this, in myth and folk tales Lilith is portrayed as evil and demonic, a seductress and baby killer.
But before this, if we go back to ancient Sumeria, Lilith was originally the handmaiden to the goddess Inanna.
“A Babylonian terracotta plaque from 2300 BCE depicts Lilith as a Bird Woman and Lady of the Beasts. … Surrounded by lions as her protectors, and owls depicting her nocturnal wisdom, she is the animal soul of the world, who is associated with every living creature that creepeth and all the beasts of the field.” ~ Mysteries of the Dark Moon, Demetra George, page 176
In myth both Chiron and Lilith experienced being wounded and rejected, along with possessing awareness and deep understanding of their connection with the natural world. While Lilith is unrestrained and wild, utterly refusing to deny or rein in her desire to fully express herself, Chiron is civilised and compassionate.
At this New Moon, Chiron and Lilith are symbolic of many differing threads that all relate and merge together. The Virus, and our collective need to halt it, be healed, our disconnection from nature and the Earth herself and how we suffer because of that whether we are aware of it or not, how artificial life can be and how we (have to) suppress our true needs and desires – likely accompanied by mounting rage at how events are unfolding. Here in the UK the government has been slow to act meaning a sudden escalation in deaths from Coronavirus is highly possible, the NHS after years of cuts to funding may find it impossible to cope, combined with escalating anger at the financial implications for so many.
The influence of Chiron and Lilith lays out that we will be acknowledging and trying to cope with feeling wounded and deeply saddened. Healing can perhaps be bought to light by trying to recognise and connect with our inner, instinctive knowledge and wisdom – compassion, love for and value of each other, along with our connection to the spiritual and dependence on the Earth and each other for our existence and survival.
Mars, Jupiter &Pluto in Capricorn
Additionally at this New Moon, Mars, Jupiter and Pluto are all together in Capricorn – a triple conjunction – emphasising the likelihood of more people dying, an increase in aggressiveness and agitation as well as further, more stringent lockdowns. But, Venus is strong in her own sign of Taurus, and will trine Jupiter and then Pluto in Capricorn March 28th/29th – suggesting the possibility of an increase in financial help for individuals in desperate need of it along with more support to prop up businesses and financial markets.
Mars-Saturn Conjunction ~ March 31st
Saturn in Aquarius is sextile the New Moon and Uranus is in aspect to the nodes, both of these influences underline the changes we are experiencing and indicate further, possibly favourable changes ahead. On March 30th Mars enters Aquarius and meets up with Saturn the next day.
Mars is ruler of the New Moon, and his move into Aquarius and conjunction with Saturn suggests directing ourselves into activities that benefit not only ourselves but also others, those close to us along with our local community and society. The coronavirus is making us all mindful about how our actions effect others, perhaps altering how we view and treat each other. Saturn in Aquarius can be seen in the current need for social distancing but simultaneously finding ways to work around this by staying connected and communicating through technology.
Mars conjunct Saturn can be a very stop/go energy, there could be (are) restrictions, obstructions but equally some satisfying accomplishments are possible. What is notable is that the Mars-Saturn conjunction occurs on the same degree that the upcoming Jupiter-Saturn conjunction will take place on December 21st, the day of the Winter Solstice. So, whatever we start to put in place now is likely to be ongoing and see further developments.
With so much of life is on hold, it is important to try and identify an aim or motivation to ease some of the stress and tension we are all experiencing. To establish a new routine, retain some structure in life. It could be starting a DIY project, learning a new language utilising online resources or helping out and supporting others in your local community or via technology.
Everything is odd – out of kilter – and we have to adapt and adjust to this, aiming to do this in a positive manner wherever possible will benefit us as we move ahead. What we do now, influences the future. Keep in mind, change is continually occurring – nothing ever stays static, humanity has faced and overcome many crises before – in time, this too will pass.
Fixed Star ~ Deneb Kaitos
Deneb Kaitos is located in the constellation Cetus, and is a star in the tail of the Whale or Sea Monster.
“Inhibitions and restraints in every way, psychologically and physically.” ~ Fixed Stars and Their Interpretation, Elsbeth Ebertin, page 12
With Sun ~ “Mental disturbance, some loss keenly felt, accidents such as burns, scalds and cuts.” ~ Fixed Stars and Constellations in Astrology, Vivian E. Robson
With Moon ~ “Pioneer, reckless, headstrong, violent temper, many quarrels” ~ Robson
TAROT ~ 2 OF WANDS
The New Moon takes place in the 1st decan of Aries ruled by Mars in both planetary rulership schemes.
Aries Decan I ~ “the image of a black man, with a large and restless body, having red eyes and with an axe in his hand … This is a face of strength, high rank and wealth without shame.” ~ Picatrix
As Mars also rules the whole sign of Aries the 2 of Wands is all about the fiery, bold and courageous energy of Mars – Mars likes to kick start action, be in control and master of his realm. Mars will also instantly spring into action to defend and protect himself or others, whenever he thinks it is necessary. In the tarot Mars is The Tower card and Aries is The Emperor so the 2 of Wands brings themes from both together. Book T calls this card “Dominion”
The Rider Waite Smith card depicts a well dressed man, holding a globe in his right hand looking out to sea. The man holds one wand in his left hand, a second wand is upright to the right of him.
“This card promotes preparation. The two rods represent two different aspects, or views of the situation, and a suggestion to consider other possibilities before taking action. Like other two’s, it calls our attention to the seeming polarity between the mundane or worldly (the globe) and the spiritual (the wand). We must learn to live with both.” ~ Spiritual Tarot by Echols, Mueller and Thomson, page 207
Summary
We are being called to action, to try and discover new ways of being and doing during these confusing, tumultuous times. However the past, old wounds and pain have erupted, bought to awareness by the coronavirus, confronting us with torment, as well as a need for sacrifice that we just can’t ignore or avoid. Whilst the impetus to do something, anything, is strong, it needs shaping and defining first, being especially mindful of the past and the wisdom to be grasped – nevertheless some could certainly be prompted to rash, aggressive action which would be best avoided.
Whilst we may desperately wish for everything to get back to normal – there is no way back, a shift has occurred and too much has changed, both the world and ourselves – there is no return. For now, especially if you are struggling, take one day at a time. Keep in mind, this moment in time will pass, it won’t be like this forever. In due course, life will resume and we will adjust and become accustomed to a new normal.
Image by Nikhil Kumar on Unsplash
2 of Wands from the Aquatic Tarot by Andreas Schroter