Awakening the Spiritual Warrior ~ Equinox Full Moon March'19

Awakening the Spiritual Warrior

Equinox Full SuperMoon 0° 09’Libra @1:43am GMT

“Nothing glows brighter than the heart awakened to the light of love that lives within it.” —Guy Finley

The air positively crackles with the buzz of activity, all-the-while streaming elemental winds zap up to speed as the centre of our solar system, the Sun, reaches its’ all-important turning point, 0° Aries. At the same time, the ‘Full Awakening SuperMoon’ creates a powerful interaction between Sun, Moon and Earth, opening the way for the ‘Light of Life’ itself to energise our heart-mind and body, and quickly fire-up our own stamina and strength, too.

The sign of the highly-charged Ram is the first sign of the zodiac, kick starting the Astrological year at Vernal Equinox, equal-day and equal-night, as the Sun enters Aries. On Wednesday 20th March, at 21:58gmt, this Aries Equinox is also extra deLIGHTful, primarily because it takes place just a few hours before the hyperactive ‘Awakening Full Moon’ – making this a doubly illuminating and (spiritually) rousing Full Libra Moon, Thursday 21st March @1:43am. At just 0°degress and 9 seconds, ‘The Lights’ align perfectly along the ‘world point’ axis of equinoctial balance of light, meaning everyone senses the need for harmony, peace and love, as well as personal healing space.

☆ Taking care of oneself is mega pertinent now, as it is the first time an exalted Aries Sun has shone consciousness raising rays upon Shamanic Chiron for over fifty years. At 1° Aries, Chiron’s conjunction with Spirit Sun is tight. It has, in fact, been since May ‘68 that a glorious Spiritual Warrior shared the celestial spotlight with the Wounded Healer, Chiron.

Chiron is the astral alchemist to also accent how we are prepared to do our best in whatever circumstance, and how we are now prepared to soldier forward and carry on regardless of any (self-inflicted) suffering. This is the Awakening Moon, after all. So it is time now to be aware of our innate Buddha nature and enlightened activity. Indeed Buddha's name means the Awakened One.

For some, it might be a quick access to the healing found within, for others might be a slow awakening, as Chiron is in Aries for the next seven years. It isn’t easy coming to terms with some wounds; generate courage to stay on track and know there is always a way to come out of painful periods in our lives and loves. Some may see how fault lines in relationship or cracks in personality are, in actual fact, where the light gets in – and some wounds are positively character forming, as they give a person a chance to develop personal insight and humility, as well as empathy and compassion for others.

☆ An awakened Libra Supermoon reminds us loving kindness (to self and others) coupled with gentle but sustained enthusiasm is a key to personal growth and success. Because everywhere we go, this modern world still wants a piece of who we are, and any merry dance into the realms of illusion and chaos can be both physically and mentally exhausting and exasperating; not to mention confusing – as indicated by the long (and sleepy) sojourn of the Mercury Retrograde conjunction between the planet of communication and Neptune in Pisces, planet of dreams and illusion, forgiveness and faith (see last months’ Full Miracle Moon’ astro report for more detail).

Suffice to say that while Sun and Chiron are movement orientated and all about staying alive, Mercury and Neptune in Pisces are meditative by nature. Diving deep into the heartmind to recognise the sacredness of reality and the nature of impermanence; aware and mindful of how each moment is full of wonder to be cherished, one can let go of past hurt, or expectations that keep us clinging to an untenable future. This lingering conjunction of Mercury with Neptune suggests such realisation is not an overnight revelation. Nonetheless, Mercury will be conjunct Neptune for another few weeks to have many a mindful and ‘awakened’ perceptiveness; or just continue having the wool pulled over one’s eyes. 

☆ Interestingly before the moon culminates in Libra, Luna is Queen of the Heavens in Virgo, the larger than ordinary Moon of the Sacred Goddess. At this point the Moon is also perigee syzygy, and so we have the last Full SuperMoon of the year*. Remember how the Moon always works in three’s. Just as we have had January, February and now March as SuperMoons; with February’s Moon closest, this moon is still bigger than normal! Also thrice bound we have the three-night Lunar influence,starting before the Full Moon, which often ‘feels’ the strongest, i.e. an dynamic Equinox Aries Sun with a Virgo Moon reflecting the need for personal organisation, for instance. On the actual nigh nearest the time of culmination we can experience result and realisation: and with the Libra Moon a chance to becalm and show fairness and goodwill. The third night of the Full Moon is followed by further release with a dissemination of light, already shifting into Moon’s darker and more feminine cycle, with a few days more of strong tidal flows that are higher than usual – especially with a supermoon.

☽☼☾But before we head-bang Aries Sun style into all the planetary aspects constellating at this time, it is also good to know how this is actually the first of two Full Moon in Libra. The second Full Moon April 19^th is when Sun and Moon will be at 29 ° Aries and Libra respectively; and the divine ‘Light of Life’ again stimulates the Sacred Shamanic Warrior to balance head AND heart with certain familiarisation and mirror-like wisdom. A second Full Moon in a zodiacal sign is called a ‘Zodiacal Blue Moon’ – a ‘Krishna Moon’ or ‘Christ Moon’, radiating consciousness and love for all, including self (Indeed, this may well be the origination of the ‘Blue Moon’ concept, due to Vedic Krishna’s royal blue colour.).

Also there are two reasons Easter is so late this year. On reason is that the Church stipulates Spring Equinox to be on 21st March (when this year it is on the 20th); the second reason is because of this second Aries-Libra Moon. Generally the first Sunday after the Aries-Libra Full Moon after the Spring Equinox is Easter, but as this is the Zodiacal Blue Moon, Easter will be late, but fertility will be heightened over the whole period.

☆ At this very first Full Libra SuperMoon, it has to be noted how there are many exciting astrological aspects within this Awakened Moon horoscope, with Luna featuring in a myriad of different celestial signatures that can make our emotional world a place of sanctuary and beauty. Reflecting the light of the Equinox Sun, Luna is so dominant it features in almost every major aspect within this Full Libra SuperMoon horoscope. This is also the last of five moons at 0°; but the 4^th of 5 moons as ‘Singleton’**; this time the initiating Libra Moon is in a partnership orientated sign, working harmoniously as the driver of a locomotive shaped chart, meaning as a singleton, the Moon has enormous sway.

In a world full of emotion, the smart feminine influence of the Moon in Libra indicates that just law, peace and love, can carry us as through choppy situations, as a mother would her child. Beauty and poise keep everything together in relationships – a feat in these interesting times, and quite something to behold. As least we get another Libra Moon in a moonth’s time to measure our personal smarts, style and class. Our next Libra Moon is also the last of the ‘Singletons’ and after that we won’t be able to blame mass hysteria or populism for our own emotional distractions.

☆ Also at this Equinox Full Moon, the Libra Moon, as a glamourous mother swings the handle of a cosmic cradle that heads a stabilising ‘Grand Trine’; two fantastic ‘Kite formations’ that indicate high-flying ambitions; a ‘Mystic Rectangle’ to enhance practical magic in the areas of justice, peace and love; Luna is also challenged by the out-of-sign T-Square with Sun, Moon and Jupiter: time now to have faith, and go beyond ordinary confines when aiming for major reconciliation and restoration. Being urged to think big is not only because Jupiter is in the T-Square, but Zeus is also coming up to the Galactic Centre, demanding we stay on course and air high; as well as Jupiter is also currently conjunct ‘Fixed Star’ Ras Alhague, the star which only compounds the desire to successfully heal wounds.

Basically, the influence of the cool and poised Libra Moon is everywhere, promoting just law, creative (healing) art, and harmonious relationships.

☆ Opposite the Moon is the Equinox Sun, exalted in Aries. And as Spirit Sun gains in strength and brilliance so does ‘the physical self’.  This is a heartfelt Full Moon that facilitates cures and concern, and long thoughtful moments which enable one to confront any fears, working patiently and with care within a seemingly dark but collective psyche by transforming its karmic inheritance.

Be aware how there is now a particularly powerful mass soul consciousness currently stabilising and transmuting a heavy legacy left by pollutocrats. By 2020 it will be even more obvious how governing bodies work – or not – with the collective tide which is converting obsolete consumerism to a more sustainable lifestyle. #Trashtag is brilliant – thank you to everyone! Astro note: Saturn conjunct Pluto is part of a long cycle which began 1982, with a half way point 2001, and completing-starting again 2020. Both are now conjunct the South Node, Ketu, the Dragon’s Tail, in Capricorn sea goat (!). Pluto has a habit of completing karma, while Saturn is the Lord of Karma, and the Capricorn South Node represents clinging to a materialistic past karma. This powerful trio is in for the long haul, transiting together until October, with July being the concentration of collective karmic transformation coming about from a gentle and more caring approach to life and resources.

☆ Lastly, this Full Libra Moon also marks the ‘International day of Happiness’ AND ‘Holi’, the Hindu ‘Festival of Colour’, plus No Roz, the ancient Persian New Year, and the start of the Tibetan Kalachakra Time Wheel. Wowee: that’s spinning a smiley, bright and mindful, new-start astro circle. For reference points in time, we had a similar Equinox Full Moon combination, i.e. a collective ‘Happiness Colour Awakening’ back at the turn of the century, 2000, before that 1981, and the next is 2038.  Those who think orange, green, pink or blue is the new black could well be riding the rainbow this Full Moon: it has that shiny, happy, people kind of feel. Yes, it really is that promising. For others, however, black will always be the new black.

Have a great Lunar awakening y’all!

“Awakening is dynamic,
Constantly evolving in accordance with life’s realities ~
Unfolding from ego-self to compassionate self,
From enclosed self to open self,
From foolish self to enlightened self.”
~ Taitetsu Unno

* The next set of three perigee moons will be New Moons; thus New SuperMoons July, August, Sept, peaking August with gravitational tides, geomagnetic storms, solar activity, etc.

2nd Blue Moon 2018 Sat 31st March

~ Patience is the Mark of True Love ~
✰~ Thich Nat Hahn~✰

The timing of this Full Moon closest to the Spring/Autumn Equinox (depending upon which hemisphere you are) with Universal Time, @10°44 Libra, 12:36UT Saturday 31^st March, means this Full ‘Peace & Love’ Libra Moon becomes a rare second Blue Moon of the year. To have two Blue Moons in the same year is exceptional, in as much as a Blue Moon usually occurs every 2-3 years. With two Full Moon’s in January and again two in March, it appears the year of the Earth Dog is shaping up to be rather unusual.

A Blue Moon officially happens when there are two Full Moons in a calendar month, making four Full Moons in a Season - instead of the usual three. From the astronomical point of view, the last time we had two Blue Moons was 1999, the next is 2037 (whereas the next blue moon is October 2020). Looking back further in my ephemeris I discovered 1980 and 99 – were also the double Jan March/April 1st double Moons, extending the season: so this is actually a uniquely recurring two sets of Moon pattern, which takes place every 19-years. It also happens when Spirit Sun passes through the last three Universal signs of the zodiac: Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces – and lastly into Aires, the first sign of zodiac (where we are now), with the glorious Light of Life, the Sun, exalted in Aries – which is the best possible place for Sol to be, due to its warm, life-affirming properties.

✰To put this cycle into perspective, and at the risk of overloading astro-info plus a little history, a 19-year cycle consisting of 235 Moons is known astronomically as the ‘Metonic Cycle’. It includes years when there are thirteen Full Moons (as opposed to 12 in a Solar year), which makes this an equalising cycle for the Solar male and Lunar female as they course the heavens, only to return back to the same spot they were 19 years ago. Up until 46BC, the ancient Greeks even used this measurement for their calendars - when Sun and Moon revist the exact same position, so the the cycles of Sol and Luna effectively complete their celestial journey together, to start again anew in Aries.  The theme of renewal is so very Easter as for the Christians, Christ is risen! ;) 

Numerologists also consider the number 19 to have karmic implications: 1 represents beginnings; and 9 with endings. Together 1 and 9 unify beginning and end and the never-ending circle. 1+9 also equal 10, which then becomes 1 = a self-starter, a confident person who can operate alone in Oneness, who understands natures longer rhythms. 

Anyone can use this repeating 19-year measurement for personal evaluation, even from your own birthday. For instance now, if you are either 76’s years old, 57, 38, or 19 or 95, and have a birthday towards the end of January (note in ’99 there was also an eclipse to contend with), you might hear destiny calling through what appears to be celestial pattern of bringing about conclusions before commencing something new. The current astrological advice is also based upon other planets in this 2^nd Blue Moon chart, i.e. from Saturn and Mars, to heed the call, but heed it with caution, patience and wisdom.

✰This dynamic Aries Sun shining upon a complementary Libra Full Moon, on the eve of an April 1^st Easter, also marks the ‘Crow Moon’ and a ‘Moon of Winds’; so true: a cold wind is enough could turn one blue (At the time of writing, parts of Great Britain have snow forecast for Easter weekend!). The Element of Wind is also strongly associated with the Moon in the sign of the scales in both of Earth’s hemispheres, due to intellectual Libra being a Cardinal Air sign. Wind whips-up ideas and projects to pick-up speed, as well as bring sharp-edged clarity to fuzzy minds. Wind can also twitch a lot of people out; seek shelter if you need to. Shooting the breeze with loved ones under the beams of a romantic Libra Full Moon could be fulfilling in more ways than the obvious closeness: two heads together could swiftly assess to overcome obstacles and assuage any nerves. In the North, Wind is also spring’s element, accenting the need to detox winter sludge and become much more active.  With the Libra Moon’s ruler, Venus, now in her fellow home sign of foodie-loving Taurus, gourmands might easily see fit to postpone that all-important change in diet and lifestyle until mid-April, but when Venus opposes Jupiter on the 17^th, any overindulgence could be another way of saying ‘fat chance’, and once again there may be a need to postpone until later in April when the night star Venus moves into Gemini and life and love get really buzzy.  (Good to have a goal!). 

With a mighty strong ‘T ’ square dominating this Full Moon chart, the heavy-duty squares from Mars and Saturn to the Sun/Mercury opposite the Moon are currently making it feel as though events-situations-people are intermittently speeding then slowing right down. It could also feel so slow sometimes like we are wading knee-high through mud (Have you ever had a welly/galosh stuck into the earth?). 

According to present astral activity, quite apart from the Full Moon, two serious aspects indicate the need to take time implementing new ideas, projects or contracts, and even with established works there is a need to determine the wisest way forward so the turgid, pompous and dull are dealt with fairly, but squarely

.

1)    First to consider within the ‘T’ Square is how the initiating, self-motivating, but retrograde Aries Mercury conjuncts the exalted ‘Risen’ Sun exactly on Easter Sunday. With the heavenly messenger in reverse motion until the end of this lunation, only stationing to go forward at the Dark Moon, April 15^st, one has to constantly be on the ball, open and receptive and in perfect equanimity. Even so, when a new lunation starts April 16^th, it may pay to restrain passing verdict about certain situations, holding back until at least the 25^th April, when most - if not all - hurdles and hitches are known, if not entirely overcome. 

This Full Moon is most certainly a time to re-do, re-form and re-structure. Those in competition, or dealing with authority or important paper work, could come up against several brick walls before finding a key, or even the door to a way in to the place/thing/idea/action that actually needs working upon. Whatever is going on in your life, be aware perseverance is called for with extra sticky moments around this Full Moon, particularly in the sphere of communication where patience gives the greatest hope, and love the most powerful protection.

2)    Secondly, fiery Mars, the Aries ruler, is currently conjunct earthy task-master Saturn, the planet in which Libra is exalted. Make no mistake: this is a mighty combo, as marshal Mars, exalted in masterful Capricorn, combines forces with a karmic Saturn that is also bolstered by being in his home sign of the Sea Goat. Together Mars and Saturn in Capricorn can devise and perform with chess-like precision military adventure as well as big business, with the aim of protecting tradition and building great and lasting monuments to the pinnacle of empire. But to confirm authority and power, this combination can also take enormous risks and be carelessly ruthless and victimise the less able. From the other, weaker side, any (accidental) blindness towards sentient beings is not a pretty sight. When the hard-working, sombre and serious Capricorn Mars and Saturn unite, respectively the lesser and greater malefic, the bullies and fear mongers come out in force. Yet these are the very people who often secretly yearn to be nurtured,  held, and loved, and be told everything is going to be all right – but, hey, not too close now… ;) 

However we perceive the somewhat judgemental Mars and Saturn, and the thankfully soon-to-over, one-time-only perfected conjunction on April 2^nd, it’s still a good time to also erect personal (emotional-psychological-psychic-physical) boundaries between that which tries to control through force, anger or manipulation. 

Mars with Saturn also addresses limits and limitations, within which the creative can form and perform veritable wonders. So while this aspect is great for diligently polishing the roughest diamond, or shaping and solidifying the more malleable, like clay into a fired pot, one must also be aware that if the mind stiffens ego cannot transform or learn from challenging or difficult experiences. 

While you have been forewarned to the potential severity of the often fiery and karmic Mars-Saturn conjunction, there’s more to consider:  but as always how we react and co-create with universe can provide peace and stability. To continue with Mars and Saturn: because while Mars will soon whizz off to spend an inordinately long time in altruistic Aquarius, Saturn is slowing down. And just after the New Moon which closes this lunation, April 18^th to be precise, the karmic taskmaster will grind to a halt to retrograde on exactly the same day unpredictable Uranus conjoins the exalted Aries Sun for the last time in 84 years, highlighting and rewarding heroic individuals.  Students and clients reading this might remember that I use extra wide orbs only for both Sun and Moon, and consider the unpredictable and sometimes delightfully chaotic, free-range influence of Uranus upon this ‘Blue Crow Wind Moon’ still with strong effect.   

✰A penultimate Moon observation for this Full Moon report is how the Libra Moon leads all the planets around this moment in time in what is known as a locomotive formation, indicating how emotions need to be brought into balance in order to direct others helpfully. And as the Libra Moon’s ruler the deeply feminine Venus, as previously mentioned is now at home in earthy Taurus, it signals a receptivity to harmony, peace, beauty and art -  as well as being open to fairness in all kinds of contracts and deals.  
The last point to note is how both Sun and Moon make helpful trines and sextiles to the North and South Nodes, to activate a mystic rectangle that will last a few hours, when caring selflessness unlocks the magic of the unseen, through incredibly practical organisational skills.  Nice!

Enjoy!

Thanks to unknown photographer for pretty blue leaf-pink lotus