The Full Moon occurs within the first few degrees of Aquarius, showing a new area of experience opening, even if it relates to the closing of a chapter — which is the usual significance of this point in the lunar cycle. Something may be coming to a premature end. The Moon in Aquarius tends to offer the potential for contradiction, where we have expectations of systems working out in methodical ways, yet we may be faced with situations becoming a little haphazard. The Moon is applying to a conjunction with Saturn — outside of a typical 8° orb, but nonetheless closing in. Various limitations are called forth, with a lesson on how to cope with something getting shut down before it can really begin.
The spirit of Aquarius, a fixed sign, tends to dislike enforced change. Its modern co-rulership by Uranus brings a strong association of freewheeling into the mix; however, given the Moon–Saturn conjunction in Aquarius, Saturn’s traditional rulership stands out in this lunation. So, we may have to give in to the plain practicalities of a given change — like it or not. For example, the absence of hoped-for funds may curtail our ambitions. Any unwelcome “no” we receive is being presented because, under the current circumstances, a positive answer just cannot be offered.
Before we let Saturn’s restrictions sour the mood too much, though, remember that, psychologically, it is easier to deal with a measure of certainty than with the lack of it. The Moon’s separating sextile to Neptune reminds us that dreams float away if we don’t pin them down to reality. Likewise, worry can set in, if we don’t know exactly what we’re facing. Once we have some clarity, we can at least make more positive plans. We get the contours of a situation and, even if it contains unwelcome limitations, we can learn how best to operate within them. Doing so may actually help us become more productive!
It might not be obvious at first glance, but the Moon is also conjunct Pluto, still in Capricorn. This out-of-sign conjunction could be a helpful planetary combination, especially with Pluto retrograde, echoing a theme of getting rid of redundancies. The Moon’s involvement prompts us to assess what our true needs are. If we need physical space, this is the perfect time for that promised clear-out! If we need to shift psychological clutter, instead, that’s also an open option. Perhaps we can finally let go of attitudes to someone, or something, that have been keeping us stuck in an unhelpful holding pattern.
Rather fortuitously, the Moon–Pluto combination could also help something move out of our lives in a natural way, perhaps through the introduction of a new element or person — one way in which the out-of-sign aspect could play itself out. We might be able to “jump ship” to another situation, and thus let go of the past more easily. Alternatively, the retrograde “pull” of Pluto may represent resistance: someone or something with a strong interest in trying to keep a scenario in place. Yet, the Moon’s impending conjunction with Saturn suggests that we let the impetus of the new carry us forward, if we really do want to pull away. The fluid nature of air, wrapped up in the fixed nature of Aquarius, allows for a willful uprooting to take place. The resolve is there for us, should we need to use it!
Another out-of-sign conjunction is involved here: Venus in Virgo and Mars in late Leo (the Sun’s sign) both oppose Jupiter in early Pisces. Planets linked in late and early degrees emphasize the closing of a chapter, referenced above, and the opening of another shortly thereafter.
This article is from the Mountain Astrologer, written by Diana Collis.