Wendy Cicchetti
After the autumnal equinox turning point, the Aries Full Moon harks back to spring-like energies of the prior vernal equinox. Memory of once-green leaves, now in fall, reminds us of opposite ends in the normal cycle of life and death in nature’s year, promising new life again in another six months. The Aries Moon conjoins planetoid Chiron, the mythic Wounded Healer, echoing that human births are seldom ideal, and yet we know ourselves better when we are aware of their circumstances. Our mother may have had her own challenges — some improving, others still bearing scars. The Moon and Chiron opposing the Sun and Mercuryspeaks of the need to voice our inherited pain and problems. Maybe our birth was induced, or we arrived without all our needs being met immediately. We may want to kick and scream at early life’s discomforts. Aries impatience reflects a baby’s natural impulses to cry if hungry or in pain, registering the danger of its helpless status. Such primal needs call forth a caring response — the Moon sextiles Mars–South Node in humanitarianAquarius.
While the Aries Moon demands a me first/witness my issuesapproach, the Libra Sun and Mercury emphasis “us and we”, keen on compromises and win–win scenarios. Typical tensions could be offset through well-thought-out words, since Mercury’s rationale can help to cool a fever. But Mercury conjunct the Sun is also “combust,” suggesting more volatility or less verbal and mental power. If a situation becomes explosive, perhaps that is part of the way forward!
Most situations have the potential to be contained, thanks to the Full Moon’s t-square configuration with Saturn and Vesta in Capricorn. The internal tensions of a t-square cannot be denied, with an opposition and two 90° angles, but Saturn, strong in its own sign of Capricorn at the apex, offers rules, protocols, and steadfast qualities. Asteroid Vesta poses the option to retreat, concentrating one’s own energy. If others are creating drama and distraction, then retreating is a route to personal peace. The eternal, living hearth flame is Vesta’s symbol; discipline and centeredness are her tools and aims. Meditation on a candle flame or a lamp can be especially beneficial to bring a strong sense of order and calm.
Saturn often represents an older person: a parent, guardian, elder relative, friend, colleague, mentor, or sponsor to be looked up to and relied on. But needed help can arrive in various ways. In a less personified or alive form, this help could be the wisdom of ancient texts or the continuing voice of a historical figure with worldly experience, sharing knowledge and understanding.
Saturn links with time; Vesta keeps the flame, making the concept of the candle wick or lamp tallow pertinent as a symbol of the life span. None of us can know how long this span is intended to be, but we can aim to make the most of living it out.
Written by Diana McMahon Collis for the Mountain Astrologer Magazine