The New Moon takes place on October 6th, 12.05 pm BST at 13° 24′ Libra.
The astrology is certainly potent at this New Moon, for a start it is conjunct Mars & Pluto stations direct the same day. It’s feisty, intense and transformative.
The New Moon brings a deep dive into our relationships. A weighing up and evaluation that leads to new beginnings – the start of new relationships or the re-balancing and adjustment of existing ones – in our personal lives and on the world stage.
Libra is ruled by Venus, conjuring up imagery of peace, ease and pleasantness, but somewhat curbing this perception is that Venus is in Scorpio, where she is in detriment. Mars is the traditional ruler of Scorpio – Pluto the modern – and Scorpio depicts all that is hidden beneath the surface. The mysteries of life, death and re-birth and the emotionally charged, eternal connection between spiritual truths and material practicalities. Brings up our ancestors, soul connections and how we acquire and offer emotional and material support.
Libra is symbolised by The Balance or Scales and associated with the principles of truth and justice. Libra is linked with the ancient Egyptian goddess Maat, who presides over the judgement of souls at the time of death. The heart of the deceased would be weighed in the Scales of Justice against one of Maat’s ostrich feathers, and of course the ideal would be for the scales to balance – to have a heart as light as a feather.
Libra is also the sign concerned with partnerships & relationships. How we relate to and interact with others. In a perfect scenario, relationships should be balanced, equal & respectful. However, in reality, (as we all know only too well!) they often fall far short of this state of grace.
Our relationships can accentuate both our best and most undesirable traits and behaviours. And it is through facing the emotional highs and lows, the possibility of encountering feelings from on one hand deep, overwhelming love to on the other hate and repulsion (at times for the same person!) that we learn about and explore ourselves as individuals. We are reflected back to ourselves through our interactions with others.
Adding eloquently to this ambience is that the New Moon fixed star is Algorab on the right wing of the Raven, in the Constellation Corvus.
A star endowed with a tricky nature, connected with antagonism, lying, and finding a way to workaround or evade the truth – and the consequences of this behaviour. Which sort of suggests that we need to dance carefully with any dilemmas, to reconcile ourselves with, and avoid deviating from the truth – no matter how hard that is, or uncomfortable it makes us. On the positive side, there is also resourcefulness here to help us deal with the shadows.
The New Moon illustrates that we may find ourselves wishing to get to the roots of a concern, or perhaps having to contend with the emergence of secrets, gossip, dirt, scandal, the low-down on something significant. Feasibly we could be discovering the truth of a matter – or speaking our truth. Without doubt, it could be an emotionally volatile time.
Affairs of the heart that have been slowly coming to a simmer, could certainly escalate rapidly, become passionate, intense and lead to commitment. Any romantic, family or work relationships touched by underhand behaviour or power struggles could also come to the fore. On a related note, a desire for revenge or to even the score could also be themes – a sense of karma ripening.
Needless to say this is not only about our bonds with those we personally know, but also awareness of our universal energetic connection to each other. It encompasses our responsibilities on a societal level too, highlights social justice, human rights and equality. Jupiter & Saturn are both in Aquarius and about to turn direct. Which will likely turn our attention towards society & the rules put in place to define what is, & is not acceptable conduct.
It’s a spicy, potentially harsh, New Moon that encourages us to scrutinise our relationships. Gives us a new perspective on them, that enables us to identify or initiate relationships that align and resonate with our soul’s purpose and desires. As well as to stand up for ourselves in – or even end – relationships that are unfair or detrimental to us.
Chart
Significantly, Mars is also on the cusp of a new start. On October 8th the Sun and Mars are conjunct, which initiates a new Sun-Mars cycle. This moment when Mars is right at the heart of the Sun (Mars Cazimi), is when Mars is rejuvenated and strengthened by the burning heat of the Sun, ready for the new cycle ahead. At the Sun-Mars conjunction a new 2 year impetus for how & where we take action is put in motion. How we fight for & protect what we love, what dreams and desires to pursue.
Mercury is also currently in Libra and retrograde. The next day on October 9th, the Sun and Mercury are conjunct – Mercury Cazimi – when Mercury, just like Mars is fortified by the Sun. When Mercury is retrograde our thoughts are pulled backwards to the past as well as inwards. By looking back to the past we pick up pieces of the puzzle we may have missed, that could now make sense and clarify something relevant. As our thoughts turn inwards, it is also easier to tune into intuitive messages from the underworld. Inner guidance from our soul and ancestors.
Then, just after Mercury and the Sun, Mercury and Mars meet up.
In essence this means mind (Mercury) and will-power (Mars) are illuminated by life (Sun), and self-expression (Sun) is inspired by wisdom (Mercury) and courage (Mars).
The New Moon, aligned with a new Sun-Mars cycle brings action and change. Along with promise for a powerful – ongoing – new beginning that seeks out balance, truth, justice, harmony, unity, love, creativity and beauty in (all) our relationships and life (Libra).
Where we may have been feeling uncertain, confused, or kept our feelings or frustrations hidden may shift (quite swiftly!) to be replaced with certainty and courage. As we untangle the complexities in our relationships, we can also begin to identify our own personal goals, what is truly important and authentic for us to individually pursue.
In a mundane way, it could be the start of the undoing of those with wealth and power whose deeds have been dishonourable. May well urge people to speak out and unite (rebel) against injustice and unfairness in the world. As well as potentially (hopefully!) encouraging us to collectively consider and apply ourselves to developing diplomatic, peaceful and healing ways forward.
Fixed Star ~ Algorab
Fixed star Algorab is in the Constellation Corvus, on the right wing of the Raven, currently located at 13° 44′ Libra. According to Ptolemy, Algorab is of the nature of Mars and Saturn.
Constellation Corvus ~ Mythology
“Apollo gave a feast to Jupiter and requiring water sent the raven with a cup (constellation crater) to fetch some. On his way the raven noticed a fig tree, and, resting there until the figs became ripe, feasted himself upon them until, remembering his errand and fearing the anger of Apollo, he picked up a snake (constellation hydra) and on his return gave as an excuse that it had prevented him filling the cup. Apollo ordained in punishment that the crow should never drink so long as the figs were not ripe, and placed the crow, cup and snake in the heavens as a memorial.” ~ Fixed Stars and Constellations in Astrology, Vivian E. Robson
Another myth tells how Apollo commanded his divine messenger the white raven to guard his pregnant lover Coronis. The raven reported back that she had been unfaithful; and Apollo was so furious that the raven did nothing to stop this, that he cursed the raven whose feathers changed from white to the present day black.
Influences
“craftiness, greediness, ingenuity, patience, revengefulness, passion, selfishness, lying, aggressiveness, and material instincts, and sometimes causes its natives to become agitators.” ~ Robson
Algorab
“It gives destructiveness, malevolence, fiendishness, repulsiveness and lying, and is connected with scavenging.” ~ Robson
“It is a Mars-Saturn star and can indeed show up the more troublesome side of Libra, a variation on the truth when an excuse looks to be safer, but is not always found to be so – as the Crow discovered. Not a significant star when well aspected, but can be a nuisance if aspects or planets involved are hard ones.” ~ The Living Stars, Dr Eric Morse
“Delays and restraint are indicated to come about by fiascoes, losses, wrong handling of matters and enmity in general. If Algorab is in conjunction with either Sun, Moon or one of the Malefics, it has a reputation for accidents and injuries which are difficult to avoid” ~ Fixed Stars and their Interpretation, Elsbeth Ebertin
Algorab is one of the 15 Behenian Stars which are considered a source of astrological power and utilised in astrological magic. But Christopher Warnock says that “Two possible stars contend for The Wing of Corvus: Algorab in the left wing, and Gienah, in the right wing. They are quite close together, about three degrees apart.”
This mystery or confusion arises as in older star charts Algorab marked the left wing of Corvus, but in modern charts it marks the right wing Nevertheless, one of them is magical!
Agrippa says of the image and effect of a Wing of Corvus talisman that “they made the image of a Raven, or Snake, or of a black Man cloathed in black; this maketh a man cholerick, bold, courageous, full of thoughts, a backbiter, and causeth naughty dreams; also it giveth the power of driving away evil spirits, and of gathering them together; it is profitable against the malice of Men, Devils and Winds.”
Tarot ~ 3 of swords
The Full Moon takes place in the 2nd Decan/Face of Libra ruled by Saturn in both planetary rulership schemes. The corresponding tarot card is the 3 of Swords.
Libra II
“There rises in the second face of Libra a black man, a bridegroom having a joyous journey. This is a face of tranquility, joy, abundance and good living.” ~ Picatrix
“In the second face of Libra ascend two men furious and wrathful and a man in a comely garment, sitting in a chair. And the signification of these is to show indignation against evil, and quietness and security of life with plenty of good things.” ~ Three Books of Occult Philosophy, Agrippa
Libra is ruled by Venus and Saturn is exalted here. Saturn excels at securing, binding us to promises, pledges, what we commit ourselves to – who or what we unite ourselves with. Venus in Libra expects harmony, order and honour in our relationships and endeavours.
Saturn is The World in the tarot, and Libra Justice – a card that features the Scales of Justice that measure and balance all actions. Justice is about weighing up decisions and actions using integrity and remaining impartial. And perhaps most importantly, evaluating the consequences of them.
Saturn expects responsibility and discipline. Hence Saturn will impose limits if rules are broke, so as to assist with the emergence of wisdom and maturity.
The 3 of Swords depicts suffering and strife when promises are broken or actions are disruptive.
Book T refers to this card as “Sorrow”.
The Rider-Waite-Smith card is simply, but eloquently, a red heart pierced by three swords, under a grey, cloudy sky that is pouring out rain. But there is no blood, whilst there is heartbreak, the heart is bright, healthy – and will recover.
The turmoil is only temporary, what is more, valuable lessons that lead to inner growth can be attained by experiencing pain and handling feeling wounded.
“One of the things that the Three of Swords represents is coping with sorrow caused by the loss of something in which we have, or had, an emotional investment. Whether it involves a relationship with another person, an attachment to certain possessions, or a betrayal, this is an experience none of us escapes. When it occurs, we feel “stabbed” in the heart, but ultimately our intellect (symbolised by the piercing swords of reason) helps us make sense of the situation and push the clouds of despair into the background.” ~ Spiritual Tarot, Echols, Mueller and Thomson
Wishing New moon blessings to all. Take care – it could be emotionally volatile!
Images
Top Image from Unsplash by Kasturi Roy
3 of Swords from the Aquatic Tarot by Andreas Schröter
references
Fixed Star, Sign & Constellation Magic ~ Christopher Warnock