The New Moon takes place on October 16th, 20.31 BST at 23 53′ Libra.
The New Moon is opposite Mars Rx in Aries and square Saturn and Pluto in Capricorn forming a tense, pressured, rebellious, T-Square.
The New Moon is besieged – between a rock and a hard place – separating from an opposition to Mars, and applying to square Saturn – the two traditional malefics, both in domicile. Pluto’s presence enhances the intense, potentially troublesome, nature of the T-Square.
On a brighter note, the two benefics while both are in signs of their fall are in aspect, ruler of Libra Venus – in Virgo – is trine Jupiter in Capricorn. The New Moon is also conjunct favourable fixed stars Spica and Arcturus.
Libra is symbolised by The Scales of Justice, adept at weighing up the advantages and disadvantages to arrive at a fair-minded, honourable outcome. Libra seeks to find harmony and unity in all scenarios. The New Moon is about trying to resolve conflicts, trying to find some respite, a peaceable way forwards through the wild, crazy times of 2020.
This won’t be easy. It may get worse before it gets better. But it’s not impossible.
Chart
Mars is retrograde in his domicile home of Aries. During this time the red planet is closer to earth, smouldering and eye-catching. A visible reminder that our actions – past and present – are surfacing in potent ways. For some, Mars retrograde brings extra sensitivity to frustrations, meaning anger may erupt easily, others may feel physically tired and weary. On October 13th the Sun was opposite Mars marking the halfway point of Mars Rx, illuminating insights into what is holding us back, the challenges to be overcome.
The New Moon opposite Mars could trigger resentment, hostility and aggression towards people/scenarios that are limiting/blocking actions, or failing to listen to the detrimental consequences that arise because of these constraints.
The New Moon/Mars are square Saturn and Pluto. Saturn brings delays, restrictions, tests. Pluto is power and control – as well as power struggles – power v’s powerlessness, control v’s being out of control.
Saturn and Pluto signify any structure or figure that wields power in our life – governments, police, big corporations, our work place, a partner or family member. Saturn and Pluto can also indicate secrets, manipulation, corruption, unscrupulousness and dishonesty.
Without doubt, to one level or another, we are all feeling confined, trapped – powerless – about the circumstances in the world. Accompanied by financial anxiety, worries about our material security, amidst fear of the pandemic, and what lies ahead, the future outlook.
At this stage, we are all longing for some peace and more assurance about the future ahead. But, equally, a critical moment has arrived. As certain things reach a tipping point, can no longer be endured, a stand off with unjust or underhand behaviour is likely.
Venus, ruler of the lunation, is opposite Neptune – exact on October 18th – and trine Jupiter – exact on October 19th – the same day as the second exact square between Mars and Jupiter. So – Venus will also be quincunx Mars on October 19th.
Neptune can bring compassion, empathy, a willingness to make sacrifices. But can also denote deception, where we may have been mislead, as well as disillusionment, a recognition of all that is imperfect, including our own flaws. Jupiter accentuates differing beliefs, conflicted opinions, ethical and legal issues.
Mars square Jupiter alludes to clashes over views and conduct. Jupiter expands everything he touches, so Mars square Jupiter can bring excessive, exaggerated energy – anger could be explosive – tricky, thorny issues are best avoided in the heat of the moment.
Interestingly, fixed star Arcturus has a Jupiter-Mars nature, linking in with the square between them. Elsbeth Ebertin says Arcturus has a reputation of achieving “justice through power” but, if critically aspected – which it is – the good influence will be hampered. Striving to take effective action with vision (Jupiter) and courage (Mars) rather than impulsive or extreme aggression, is pivotal. Arcturus also indicates that laws, lawyers and legal issues may be significant.
Venus emphasises this, as the quincunx to Mars suggests that adjusting our actions, could produce more effective results. Venus trine Jupiter brings an opportunity for some truth, some integrity, a fair-minded way forwards.
Venus is in the 2nd decan of Virgo, a decan she rules, so whilst she is in her fall here, Venus can still be productive. In Virgo, Venus gets a bit fixated on perfection, what needs improving. Venus here focuses on details, is critical of any flaws that will limit results. Venus in Virgo is practical, she will plan ahead and work hard, be peaceful, but firm with others to find equilibrium and accomplish a satisfying outcome.
The route to a fruitful outcome is planning out the best approach. Paying attention to what is reasonable and commonsensical, researching facts and figures, combined with a calm, diplomatic, determination to achieve understanding and liberation. A fiery, antagonistic, showdown will likely only be responded to in kind, or worse.
Additionally – Mercury is currently retrograde (October 14th-November 3rd), so as yet, we don’t have all the information we need. Investigate and check details, be alert for anything that has been overlooked or unrecognised, and be open to inner intuition or insightful ideas that could ease the way forwards.
The next lunation – the Full Moon on October 31st – is conjunct Uranus (change/rebellion/liberation) and fixed star Hamal, a star with a potentially harsh, violent, influence. Suggesting that the possibility for mass protests and unrest is elevated. The lie of the land is changing, shifting – be resolute about principles, but avoid nastiness or force.
Fixed Stars ~ Spica & Arcturus
Spica is of the nature of Venus and Mars. “It gives success, renown, riches, a sweet disposition, love of art and science, unscrupulousness, unfruitfulness and injustice to innocence.” ~ Fixed Stars and Constellations in Astrology, Vivian E. Robson
With Sun ~ “Great and lasting preferment, eminent dignity, immense wealth, great happiness to native’s parents and children, help from friends among clergy, favorable for public and legal affairs.” ~ Robson
With Moon ~ “Gain through inventions, success, wealth and honour from Mercury, Venus or Jupiter people.” ~ Robson
Arcturus ~ ” “Bear leader-guardian” meaning observer of the “Great Bear” or “The Saucepan” or “Big Dipper” respectively. Main star of the constellation Bootes, has a Jupiter-Mars nature, and a reputation of achieving justice through power. It therefore makes the native belligerent and quarrelsome, especially if attached to Mars and Jupiter by conjunction. A really go-ahead and enterprising spirit is here the rule, as indicated by Jupiter-Mars. Lasting success is promised if further good aspects are present. If critically aspected, the good aspect will be hampered or made into a real handicap. If involved in legal action, such a native may lose all.” ~ Fixed Stars and Their Interpretation, Elsbeth Ebertin
With Sun ~ “Success through slow and patient plodding, friends among clergy, favourable for gain and for dealing with the public and lawyers.” ~ Robson
With Moon ~ “New friends, business success, good judgment, domestic harmony.” ~ Robson
TAROT ~ 4 OF SWORDS
The New Moon takes place in the third Decan of Libra ruled by Jupiter (Mercury by triplicity). The corresponding tarot card is the 4 of Swords.
Book T refers to this card as “Rest from Strife”
Libra Decan III ~ “a man riding a donkey with a wolf in front of him. This is a face of evil works, sodomy, adultery, singing, joy and flavours.” ~ PICATRIX
“The Four of Swords reflects withdrawal for contemplation and healing. It suggests a period of voluntary seclusion, and the letting go of regular duties and obligations for the purpose of reflecting on the direction and goals of your life. Previous judgments and attitudes are suspended, possibly leading to the death of old ways.” ~ Spiritual Tarot, Echols, Mueller & Thomson
Top Image by Maria Oswalt on Unsplash
4 of Swords from the Aquatic Tarot by Andreas Schroter
References
Fixed Stars ~ www.constellationofwords.com
The Complete Picatrix, translated by John Michael Greer and Christopher Warnock