Full Moon in Aries
The initiating and innovating energy of the Aries Full Moon brings a reminder of spring, and we may recall a particular project, journey, or relationship we began and consider whether we are satisfied with our progress. A Full Moon can coincide with a situation coming to fruition, but it can also mean that something has run its course and we are ready to move on — or at least recognizes if this will happen in the near future.
The Full Moon is conjunct Chiron, and with its theme of healing wounds, we may be prepared to make reparation for something that has gone awry, or at least for our part in it. The biggest problem may be finding forgiveness in our heart for what another has done. With the Moon square Pallas, we may contend with strong feelings over a sense of injustice, and sense that forgiveness is the best way forward to finally find a route to peace — even if we cannot condone what happened. With Chiron in Aries, a new beginning truly is possible. With a broader perspective, we are reminded that people don’t always get it right the first time — and may even mess up repeatedly! Sometimes it’s unrealistic to ask so much of ourselves and others — where there has been an error or clumsiness, we might decide to accept simple human frailty and let go of any need for ourselves or others to appear perfect.
The Moon also opposes Venus in Libra, and in traditional astrology, the Moon and Venus represent feminine energies — which might manifest in a variety of ways but with quite different focuses. In archetypal terms, the Moon relates to the “mother” archetype, representing maternal instincts, offering nurturing and providing for basic needs, such as hunger for food. We might define archetypal behaviors as instinctive and inbuilt. In the case of Venus, we become the lover, embrace a natural ability to attract others, and enjoy the sensual side of life in all its forms. Venus takes us from merely satiating hunger to selecting foods we absolutely love to enjoy. Our nurturing side is more than just loving and providing protection; it is also about enjoying the feeling of courting attention and, indeed, being in love.
Venus opposite the Moon pits these archetypal urges against one another, and we notice where we are unsatisfied by a set of circumstances or offerings. For example, in some way it may be welcomed when a partner is acting like a kind parent, but a deeper desire to feel attractive and adored by them then goes unacknowledged. A common core of being valued offers us a catalyst for reconciliation, which may be reached through a simple, generous gesture — such as being presented flowers unexpectedly.
On the contrary, a relationship could have devolved into only giving and receiving sex, whilst other needs are ignored. In this case, too, some facet of peace can be reached if we find the common factor to help. Saturn in Aquarius gives us a clue because this planet both sextiles the Moon and trines Venus, offering an olive branch to each planet, as it were. Saturn could be described as the consummate “grown up,” attending to responsibilities and laying down the law.
Traditionally, Saturn represents masculine energy, embodied in the “father” archetype, but we can also see it more neutrally as authority in action. This means we can look at our own responsibility in any situation or relationship, and establish how we want to express our authority. It might be as simple as suggesting sound ground rules for going forward, which sits well with the Aries energy of initiation and renewal, as well as the Libra theme of working out a harmonious balance. As Saturn is retrograde, we may bring forth a reminder of an old arrangement or agreement that has slipped.
This article is from the Mountain Astrologer by Diana McMahon Collis