The Full Moon takes place on April 27th, 04.31 am BST, at 7° 05′ Scorpio.
This Full Moon is a Supermoon. A term coined by astrologer Richard Nolle in 1979 to describe a New or Full Moon that occurs when the Moon is at or near her closest approach to Earth (as the technical term – a lunar perigree-syzygy – is a bit of a mouthful, and certainly not as catchy!).
At a Supermoon Luna appears bigger and brighter in the sky.
Whilst Supermoons are not unusual – they occur 4-6 times a year on average – they are potent lunations. Astrologically, Supermoons accentuate the lunar energy, both on a personal level and in a mundane way. Supermoons are linked with extreme tidal forces, meaning there is an increased chance of storms, and seismic events such as earthquakes and volcanoes.
Not only is this a Supermoon, the planetary picture combines to enhance the impression that this is likely to be experienced as an especially emotional lunation. Any friction or strife in life may bubble up, perhaps start to simmer, and could unleash powerful, out of the blue, emotional insights and/or outpourings.
Due to this, life may meet with adjustment and change in unforeseen, but ultimately beneficial ways.
Further emphasising and making clear that change is on the horizon is the approach of a new eclipse season. On May 26th a Lunar Eclipse will take place – the Lunar Eclipse will also be a Supermoon – followed by a Solar Eclipse on June 10th. In general – at this moment it’s best to try and flow with, rather than resist change.
Scorpio embraces the mysteries of life, death and rebirth. Welcomes delving deeply into the dark, no matter how painful – to find the truth, the light that leads to healing, transformation and renewal.
The seed for this Full Moon was planted at the Aries New Moon on April 12th, which fired up our enthusiasm and motivation. Bestowed courage and energy to act on plans and launch new initiatives.
The Full Moon in Scorpio will illuminate both what may be proceeding smoothly as well as any potential obstacles or frustrations, as we seek to attain the results we desire.
Accompanying this could also be greater awareness of long-standing, ongoing challenges – particularly in our relationships or finances – that we need to overcome or work around.
The Moon is in her fall in Scorpio, with her precise degree of fall – 3° Scorpio – located in the 1st decan of Scorpio where the Full Moon takes place. In traditional astrology, Luna is considered to be in an unfortunate place here. As, in Scorpio, the Moon may have to face up to plummeting emotional depths that are possibly uncomfortable or even painful.
The Moon in Scorpio can reveal intense emotional desires, and potentially unleash emotional turmoil. However, at this Full Moon with Mars the traditional ruler of Scorpio in Cancer, the Moon and Mars are in mutual reception.
Planets in mutual reception are in signs ruled by the other – what is more, the Moon and Mars are trine each other, thus revealing here a supportive connection between emotion (Moon) and will power (Mars). Fortifying us with emotional strength and courage to navigate through any darkness, towards the light and understanding.
chart
Significantly, Mars is currently out of bounds – and – Pluto, the modern ruler of Scorpio stations retrograde on the exact day of the Full Moon. This indicates a focussed, determined influence emerging around the desire to attain, transform or get to the bottom of something.
Underlining this and bringing it into the open, is the T-square of the Sun, Mercury, Venus and Uranus in Taurus, opposite the Moon in Scorpio, all square Saturn in Aquarius.
This prominent, fixed sign T-square also notably touches upon the potent Saturn-Uranus square which is influential throughout 2021. The 1st of 3 exact squares took place on February 17th with Saturn at 7° Aquarius and Uranus at 7° Taurus – and the Full Moon falls across the Taurus-Scorpio axis at – 7°.
Saturn square Uranus brings us face to face with change. The inevitability that one way or another, the past must be released and the future embraced. Hence – as we may have a strong sense that change is on the horizon – the Full Moon not only bestows a heightened emotional resonance, we could also experience feeling slightly tense or on edge. Indeed for some of us, unexpected or surprising turns of events could even materialise. A link to events in February is also a possibility.
Collectively, we have (and are still) all living through massive change unfolding in the world due to the pandemic. Importantly, and relating to this – in essence – Saturn square Uranus is about establishing an inner freedom and resilience regardless of circumstances.
Which leads the way to Buddha, as this is also Buddha’s birthday Moon – Buddhists believe that Buddha was born, attained enlightenment and left earthly incarnation at the time of the Full Moon in Scorpio opposite the Sun in Taurus.
Buddha’s birthday is celebrated around the world at the Wesak Festival. With this lunation considered to be the most powerful Full Moon of the year, a time that connects humanity with healing and enlightening spiritual energies.
Due to the difference in Tropical and Sidereal zodiac calculations, sometimes, Wesak is celebrated a month later in the East than here in the West. This year, Wesak will be celebrated at both this Full Moon and at the May 26th Lunar Eclipse at 5° 25′ Sagittarius.
This Full Moon radiates Buddha wisdom, will help us to seek mindfulness of, and equilibrium between, spiritual truths and material practicalities.
“Three things cannot be long hidden, the Sun, the Moon and the truth.” ~ Buddha
Meditation, or even just sitting quietly and reflecting on life could certainly be illuminating and rewarding at this Full Moon.
fixed star ~ Khambalia
Fixed star Khambalia at 7° 14′ Scorpio, is in the Virgo Constellation, on the left foot of the Maiden.
According to Ptolemy Khambalia is of the nature of Mercury and Mars.
“It causes swift violence, unreliability, changeability, and an argumentative nature.” ~ Fixed Stars and Constellations in Astrology, Vivian E. Robson
“Khambalia is very much a star of the penetration of secrets. Consequently this star denotes those good at applying intellect to deep research of any kind, to police-type investigation, to espionage, and also to such pursuits as alchemy and the esoteric in general.” ~ The Living Stars, Dr Eric Morse
Tarot ~ 5 of Cups
The Full Moon takes place in the first Decan/Face of Scorpio, ruled by Mars in both rulership schemes. The corresponding tarot card is the 5 of Cups.
Mars is the warrior – fiery, passionate action directed towards whatever is worth fighting for. But Mars also knows that loss, even death, can be a consequence.
Scorpio I ~ “a man with a lance in his right hand and in his left he holds the head of a man. This is a face of settlement, sadness, ill will and hatred.” ~ Picatrix
Book T calls this card “Loss in Pleasure”.
The Rider-Waite-Smith card depicts a man, wearing a black cloak stood beside a river. He is mourning the loss of the three spilt cups before him. The sky is cloudy and dark, blood has split out onto the ground from 2 of the cups.
Behind him, possibly unnoticed, are 2 upright cups. In the distance there is a bridge over the river that leads home.
This card is about loss, regret and sadness. An emotional blow – the end of something. At the present moment there is pain and depression, however, all is not lost – behind him unseen, two cups remain upright. The main fails to see what he still has – his focus is on what he has lost, all the negatives, rather than that the future still promises hope.
The home in the distance, shows that a brighter emotional state, a sense of peace and security is awaiting the man in the future. The bridge symbolises that the way to overcome obstacles is to shift the focus onto what is positive and possible, what can be put into action – now – that offers support and assistance.
“Like all fives, the Five of Cups represents an upset, in this case an emotional one. How will we handle it? Fives test us, sometimes bringing out the worst in us, but also helping us activate the previously untapped strength and resolve found in the two standing cups.
We need to recognise that what seem to be failures in life often offer necessary learning opportunities. Dwelling too much on the past prevents us from seeing the bigger picture. We need to analyse our mistakes, determine what of value remains, and let the rest go. Identify overlooked opportunities and begin anew, this card advises. Turn your back on worry and look to the standing cups for inspiration.” ~ Spiritual Tarot, Echolls, Mueller and Thomson, page 183
all in all
This Full Moon will help to illuminate truths and dislodge fears. Reveal what needs to be released or transformed to move positively into the future.
It may be emotional, involve some soul-searching – but ultimately be valuable and uplifting.
Wishing Full Moon blessings to you all.
Images
Top Image by Abanindranath Tagore ~ Wikimedia Commons
5 of Cups from The Aquatic Tarot by Andreas Schröter