The most exact connections in this New Moon chart are the Sun/Moon very close to the South Node, sextile Saturn; and the double quincunx from Mercury/Jupiter sextile Pluto to Mars, with Venus opposite Mars.

When Sun and Moon are together on the South Node, it means there will be an eclipse of the Sun: the Moon gets in the way of our seeing the Sun from Earth. This time the Moon is far enough from the Earth that it appears smaller than the Sun, so this will be what’s called an ‘annular eclipse,’ which means that a rim of the Sun will show round the dark Moon. That’s the astronomy.

Perhaps we could say that this annular eclipse in Libra is about recognising the effects in our relationships of our unconscious and our smaller personality, without losing sight of the finer purposes of relating. Let’s see if we can do that! So often, the reactions we have to each other have very little to do with the other person, much more to do with ourselves and what we have experienced before. This annular eclipse could be indicating a good time to become aware of when we are reacting from our past, and how to open ourselves again to who the other person really is.

(Saturn in Leo trine North Node in Aries, and sextile the New Moon on the South Node in Libra)

This month, we are likely to be more aware of the socially accepted ways of relating: for instance consideration of others and diplomatic expression, as well as the hypocrisy of ‘niceness’ that hides judgement and criticism – seeming acceptable whilst feeling antagonistic. In opposition to this is the authenticity of feeling how we really feel, and having the courage to be honest about it - while remembering to be kind with our truth. Also we may be realising the extent to which each person in a partnership needs to develop a sense of individuality, rather than remaining half of a couple. As our personal priorities change, we need to adjust the way we come to joint decisions, and this will take some discussion.

(A double quincunx from Mercury/Jupiter in Libra sextile Pluto in Sagittarius, to Mars in Taurus, who is opposed by Venus in Scorpio)

Discussions about issues of relationship, justice, art, and all philosophical and religious ideas, will need to be of practical value, or they are likely to be disrupted or sidelined by circumstances. Where those discussions are motivated by a desire to find what works for the common good, we are likely to see wonderfully lateral solutions to troubled situations. There may well be a certain amount of emotional debriefing necessary, but rather than uselessly crying ‘if only it wasn’t like this!’ the emotional expression can help find what is really needed in the moment.

Every 2 years, Mars appears to move backwards for a period of about 2 months. From 1 October this year, it is retrograding through Taurus. Mars represents our personal energy flow, as well as the energetic conditions we are working with. While Mars transits Taurus, we are particularly aware of our physical bodies and their state of health, as well as conditions in the Earth herself. We are motivated by practical considerations, and anything that doesn’t work for us in the moment can feel quite draining. Mars will be retrograde until 10 December 05, and we need to gird our patience in whatever way we can, because hold-ups and blocks are very likely to accompany any activities. Patience is what we need, because a continued push forward at a sticky time can lead us into unprepared places, and leave us feeling disillusioned.

We need to rein in our energy, consolidating what has been achieved so far, until those moments when the growth is ready to move forward. What works best in Taurus is the acceptance of gentle organic growth. In December, the achievements should be more obvious, and with Mars moving into Gemini mid February 06, life will probably speed up again to the proportion we’ve come to expect these last few years. In fact, this Taurus time could be just what we need to slow down enough to achieve those things that take more deliberate care.

Meditation
for this New Moon in Libra

Check what matters to you most
in each relationship
and act on your choice.