October 17th ~ 24th
“The Drawing Room in Holland Park” by Anna Alma-Tadema
There are some things within our social order to which I am proud to be maladjusted and to which I call upon you to be maladjusted. I never intend to adjust myself to segregation and discrimination. I never intend to adjust myself to mob rule. I never intend to adjust myself to the tragic effects of the methods of physical violence and to the tragic militarism… God grant that we will be so maladjusted that we will be able to go out and change our world and our civilization… ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.
On Tuesday, October 21st, we have a New Moon at 28º Libra 22’, as sign of equality, justice, fairness and equanimity. The New Moon in Libra comes each year as a reminder to treat others as you would like to be treated; to show respect to others through small gestures of kindness; and to cultivate harmony and peace rather than to destroy the order and harmony of the natural world. Staying at the center of the storm is key to Libra weather, allowing us to let the world wash over us as we attempt to negotiate the disparate parts of our lives. In the current environment this is could prove to be a challenge.
With an opposition to Chiron in Aries and a square to Jupiter in Cancer, the aim here is for greater healing and wholeness. And to do so without judgment, nor fear of being judged by others for being righteous. It may feel like you are going against the tide by trying to do the right thing, that you may be characterized the wrong way, but we are being guided right now to listen to our conscience.
That’s why you should pay attention to your discomfort. That’s why you should speak up when others remain silent. That discomfort, could be your conscience speaking to you. How much have you compromised yourself just to fit in, or for fear that you might be ostracized for your beliefs? Chiron in Aries square Jupiter in Cancer is about us having the courage of our convictions, even if we have to risk standing out and being separate in order to follow what we know to be right and true. One thing that can become apparent with this aspect is that when we are wiling to put ourselves in a position that is a little uncomfortable albeit right, not only are we forced to grow, but we set the trend for others to do so as well.
What are you compromising just for the sake of being comfortable and not rocking the boat? This transit offers us the opportunity to heal old wounds that have to do with rejection and ostracism. Freedom comes when we are willing to let go of what is comfortable in order to reach the farther shore. Know that with Jupiter square Chiron in order to find your own spiritual purpose you may need to step away from what is familiar, conventional and expected of you.
If Chiron in Aries is the birth of the soul’s journey, that includes releasing old soul contracts that are limiting and no longer valid for the person you are now. That includes releasing old patterns such as: putting aside your own destiny for the sake of being accepted; or not listening to your conscience in order to fit in; trying to live your life according to the expectations and needs of others, rather than your own; or going along with the crowd instead of trusting what you know to be right and true.
Vulnerability is the only authentic state. Being vulnerable means being open, for wounding, but also for pleasure. Being open to the wounds of life means also being open to the bounty and beauty. Don’t mask or deny your vulnerability: it is your greatest asset. Be vulnerable: quake and shake in your boots with it. The new goodness that is coming to you, in the form of people, situations, and things can only come to you when you are vulnerable, i.e. open. ~Stephen Russell (Barefoot Doctor's Guide to the Tao: A Spiritual Handbook for the Urban Warrior)
The Sabian Symbol for 29 Libra has to do with transferring truths from generation to generation. These are truths that can only be learned through a deep sense of participation in and commitment to certain social values, manners and mores that need to be consciously cultivated. This allows us to overcome the sorts of fears and prejudices that are seeded by the unfamiliar, the foreign, and the unknown. Do we dare to take part within the community and society by reaching beyond our comfort zones, just enough to meet each other in the middle somewhere?
New Moon in Libra homework: Looking at things from another’s perspective. What does it feel like to be in someone else’s shoes? What might you do to restore moderation, balance and harmony in your life? What compromises can you make in order to achieve greater fairness? Which are the alliances in your life that complete you and allow you to grow? And which are those that are draining you? What are your expectations of others and they of you, and can these be reconciled?
If you wish to make intentions or affirmations with the New Moon in Libra, a good time to do so is within the New Moon phase which begins with the New Moon on October 21st at 8:25 am EDT (5:25 am PDT; 1:25 pm British Time) and until the Waxing Crescent Moon on October 25th:
Moderation is the center wherein all philosophies, both human and divine, meet. ~ Benjamin Disraeli
May I achieve balance by navigating the disparate parts of my life with patience, wisdom and equanimity
The most powerful weapon you can be is an instrument of peace. ~ Carlos Santana
By finding points of agreement with others, I sow balance and harmony in the world.
If justice and perseverance are the basis for action, all goes well. ~ Shih (the Army) (The I Ching)
When I am willing to meet others halfway we understand each other and where we are
The Libra New Moon stands at the balance between Light and Darkness, where we take an assessment of what we have lost and/or gained thus far this year. A year that is now beginning to wane. This is also when we consider what our next steps are going to be. It is a time of acceptance as well as gratitude for our current circumstances, as well as anticipation for what is yet to come.
Mercury enters the shadow: This week Mercury is entering the shadow of its upcoming retrograde phase. It does so with a conjunction to Mars in enigmatic Scorpio while also trine the True North Node in Pisces. Mercury conjunct Mars gives us the courage of our convictions as well as our voices. May we use this transit to speak our truth, and put the right foot forward towards fulfilling our convictions. This is about walking the walk, as well as talking the talk, without fear of being judged for doing so. A plan is beginning to emerge out of all this. Dare to follow it.
For the New Moon for your sign (or natal house placement), click below: